Touch panel and display device including the same

Abstract

The invention provides a touch panel and a display device including the same. The touch panel includes a base substrate including an active area and a non-active area other than the active area, a plurality of touch sensing films disposed on the active area of the base substrate and disposed to correspond to touch sensing areas, a plurality of touch lines disposed on the active area of the base substrate and at least partially overlapping the plurality of touch sensing films, a plurality of routing wires disposed on the non-active area of the base substrate and connected to the plurality of touch lines, and a plurality of link lines disposed on the non-active area of the base substrate and connecting the plurality of routing wires and the touch circuit unit. An end portion of each of the plurality of link lines includes a recessed portion that is at least partially recessed.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0129204, filed on September 24, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel, and more particularly, to a stretchable touch panel and a display device including the touch panel. Background Technology

[0004] As display devices used as monitors for computers, televisions, or mobile phones, there are organic light-emitting display devices (OLEDs) that are self-emissive and liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0005] The applications of display devices are being diversified to include personal digital assistants and monitors for computers and televisions, and research is underway on display devices with large display areas and reduced size and weight.

[0006] Recently, as a next-generation display device, display devices manufactured by forming display units and wiring on a flexible substrate, such as plastic, a flexible material, so that they can be stretched in a specific direction and changed in various forms are attracting attention.

[0007] Meanwhile, the touch panel is an input device with multiple touch electrodes. Therefore, when a hand or object touches the touch panel, the touch panel identifies the location. With the development of smart devices, the application scope and requirements of touch panels are expanding. For example, when touch panels are used in stretchable display devices, which are attracting attention as next-generation display devices, it is necessary to ensure the stretchability reliability of the touch panel. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a touch panel with improved tensile reliability and a display device including the touch panel.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a touch panel that is stretchable in all directions and a display device including the touch panel.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a touch panel may include: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area other than the effective area; a plurality of touch sensing films disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; a plurality of touch lines disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlapping the plurality of touch sensing films; a plurality of routing wirings disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connected to the plurality of touch lines; and a plurality of link lines disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connecting the plurality of routing wirings to touch circuit units, wherein the end of each of the plurality of link lines may include at least a partially recessed recess.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a touch panel may include: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area other than the effective area; a plurality of touch sensing films disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; a plurality of touch lines disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlapping the plurality of touch sensing films; a plurality of routing wires disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connected to the plurality of touch lines; a plurality of link lines disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connecting the plurality of routing wires and touch circuit units; and a line connection unit connecting one end of each of the plurality of link lines to each of the plurality of routing wires. The line connection unit may include: a main connection unit connected to each of the plurality of routing wires; and at least one sub-connection unit connecting the main connection unit to one end of each of the plurality of link lines.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel comprising a flexible lower substrate and a plurality of board patterns, the plurality of board patterns having higher rigidity than the lower substrate and disposed on the lower substrate and spaced apart from each other; and a touch panel disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of touch lines, a plurality of routing wirings connected to the plurality of touch lines, and a plurality of link lines connecting the plurality of routing wirings to touch circuit units, wherein the end of each of the plurality of link lines may include at least a partially recessed recess.

[0014] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel, routing wiring and link lines arranged in non-active areas of the touch panel to transmit touch signals to touch circuit units can be connected by line connection units. A line connection unit includes a main connection unit connected to the routing wiring and having a planar structure, and at least one sub-connection unit connecting the main connection unit and the link lines and having a curved structure. Therefore, when the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel are stretched, the tensile stress applied to the routing wiring and link lines and / or the connection units of the routing wiring can be distributed or reduced. Thus, the tensile reliability of the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, in the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel, routing wiring and link lines can be connected via line connection units. The line connection unit includes a main connection unit connected to the routing wiring and having a planar structure, and a plurality of sub-connection units connecting the main connection unit and the link lines, having a curved structure and extending in different directions. Therefore, even if the touch panel is stretched in various directions rather than a specific one, the tensile stress applied to the routing wiring and link lines and / or the connection units of the routing wiring can be distributed, thereby ensuring the tensile reliability of the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel.

[0017] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0018] The purpose to be achieved by this disclosure, the means for achieving the purpose, and the aforementioned effects of this disclosure do not specify the essential features of the claims, and therefore the scope of the claims is not limited to the disclosure of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A plan view of an example display panel in a display device;

[0022] Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example touch panel in a display device;

[0023] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 Enlarged plan view of part B of the example;

[0024] Figure 5 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of another example of a touch panel in a display device;

[0025] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 Enlarged plan view of part C of the example;

[0026] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 Enlarged plan view of part D of the example;

[0027] Figure 8 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 A view of an example of a line-connected unit in a touch panel;

[0028] Figure 9 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line connection unit in the touch panel;

[0029] Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A view of yet another example of the line-connecting units included in the touch panel;

[0030] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A view of yet another example of the line-connecting units included in the touch panel;

[0031] Figure 12 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A view of yet another example of the line-connecting units included in the touch panel;

[0032] Figure 13 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A view of yet another example of the wire connection unit included in the touch panel; and

[0033] Figures 14A to 14G This is a view used to illustrate an example of tensile stress applied to routing wiring included in a touch panel when a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is stretched. Detailed Implementation

[0034] When using terms such as “after,” “continuously,” “next,” and “before” to describe a temporal sequence, the sequence may not be continuous unless the terms are used with the terms “immediately” or “directly.”

[0035] When describing components in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another, but the nature, order, or number of components is not limited by the terms. When a component is "linked," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly linked or connected to the other component. However, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that a third component may be inserted between components that may be indirectly linked or connected.

[0036] It should be understood that "at least one" includes all combinations of one or more related components. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third components" means not only including the first, second, or third component, but also all combinations of two or more of the first, second, and third components.

[0037] In this specification, "display device" can include, in a narrow sense, a display device comprising a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel, such as a liquid crystal module (LCM), an organic light-emitting module (OLED module), and a quantum dot module. Furthermore, "display device" can also include assemblies of electronic equipment or assemblies (or assemblies) as complete products or end products, including LCMs, OLED modules, QD modules, etc., such as notebook computers, televisions or computer monitors, automotive display devices or equipment display devices including another type of vehicle, and mobile electronic devices including smartphones or electronic boards.

[0038] Therefore, the display device disclosed herein may include not only the display device itself in the narrow sense, such as LCM, OLED module, QD module, etc., but also application products or complete sets of equipment as end consumer devices including LCD, OLED module, QD module, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, in some cases, an LCM, OLED module, or QD module configured with a display panel and driver can be narrowly defined as a "display device," and an electronic device comprising an LCM, OLED module, and QD module as a complete product can be defined as an "equipment assembly." For example, a display device in the narrow sense includes a liquid crystal (LCD) display panel, an OLED display panel, or a quantum dot display panel, and a source PCB serving as a controller for driving the display panel. In contrast, an equipment assembly can further include the concept of an assembly PCB, which is a complete controller electrically connected to the source PCB to control the entire equipment assembly.

[0040] As the display panel used in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, any type of display panel can be used, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a quantum dot (QD) display panel, and an electroluminescent display panel. The display panel of this exemplary embodiment is not limited to a specific display panel in which a flexible substrate is used to bend the frame for the OLED display panel and the backplane support structure beneath it. Furthermore, the display panel for a display device according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the shape or size of the display panel.

[0041] For example, when the display panel is an OLED display panel, the display panel may include multiple gate lines, data lines, and pixels formed at the intersection areas of the gate lines and / or data lines. Furthermore, the display panel may be configured to include an array, a light-emitting diode (LED) layer on the array, an encapsulation substrate or encapsulation layer disposed on the array to cover the LED layer, etc., wherein the array includes thin-film transistors (TFTs), which are elements for selectively applying voltage to each pixel. The encapsulation layer can protect the TFTs, LED layer, etc., from external impacts and can suppress moisture or oxygen penetration into the LED layer. Additionally, the layers formed on the array may include inorganic light-emitting layers, such as nanoscale material layers like quantum dots.

[0042] Features of various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or completely linked or combined with each other, and may be interlocked and operated in various technical ways, and exemplary embodiments may be performed independently or in association with each other.

[0043] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following exemplary embodiments. For purposes of description, the proportions of the components shown in the drawings differ from actual proportions, such that the proportions are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

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

[0045] The display device according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is a display device capable of displaying images even in a bent or extended state, and may also be referred to as a stretchable display device, a flexible display device, and an expandable display device. Compared to general display devices of the prior art, this display device not only has high flexibility but also stretchability. Therefore, the user can bend or extend the display device and freely change the shape of the display device according to the user's manipulation. For example, when the user pulls the display device by holding its end, the display device can extend in the direction of the user's pull. Alternatively, when the user places the display device on an uneven outer surface, the display device can be configured to bend according to the shape of the outer surface of the wall. Furthermore, when the force applied by the user is removed, the display device can return to its original shape.

[0046] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100 and a touch panel 200.

[0048] The display panel 100 can extend along either the first direction X or the second direction Y, which is different from the first direction X, or it can extend in two dimensions along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0049] For ease of description, in the following text, a first length direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) on the plane is referred to as the first direction X, and a second length direction (e.g., a vertical direction) on the plane is referred to as the second direction Y. For example, the plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y may be parallel to the plane of the display device 1000, and the second direction Y may be perpendicular to the first direction X. Furthermore, for example, the normal direction of the plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y, such as the thickness direction of the display device 1000, may be defined as the third direction Z.

[0050] The touch panel 200 can be positioned above the display panel 100. For example, even Figure 1 As not shown, the touch panel 200 can also be bonded to the display panel 100 via an adhesive layer.

[0051] The touch panel 200 can extend along either the first direction X or the second direction Y, or it can extend in two dimensions along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0052] At the same time, even Figure 1In the present disclosure, the display panel 100 and the touch panel 200 are shown as rectangular shapes with angular corners, but exemplary embodiments thereof are not limited thereto.

[0053] For example, display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 may have a chamfered shape with beveled edges. Typically, a stretchable display device is stretched by holding the outermost upper and lower edges or the outermost left and right edges. In this case, the amount of deformation at the outermost edge of display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 may differ from the amount of deformation at the center. For example, the deformation occurring at the outermost upper and lower edges or the left and right edges of display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 may be greater or less than the deformation occurring at the upper and lower edges or the left and right edges of the center. That is, when display device 1000 is stretched, the vertical ratio of the outermost and center portions of display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 may be different. Therefore, if display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 has a chamfered shape with beveled edges, when display panel 100 and / or touch panel 200 is stretched, there is almost no difference between the lengths of the outermost upper and lower edges or the left and right edges and the lengths of the center portions. Therefore, the display panel 100 can provide uniform image quality in any area, and the touch panel 200 can sense clearer touch signals without distortion.

[0054] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The display panel 100 of the display device 1000 described above will be described in more detail, and reference will be made to... Figures 7 to 14G The touch panel 200 of the display device 1000 is described in more detail.

[0055] Figure 2 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A plan view of an example display panel in a display device.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 The display panel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower substrate 111, a pattern layer 120, a plurality of pixels PX, a gate driver GD, a data driver DD, and a power supply PS. In one exemplary embodiment, even Figure 2 As not shown in the figure, the display panel 100 may further include an upper substrate opposite to the lower substrate 111 and disposed on the top of the display panel 100.

[0057] The lower substrate 111 can support various components of the display panel 100, and the upper substrate can cover various components of the display panel 100.

[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate, which are flexible substrates, may include flexible or stretchable insulating materials.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ductile fracture rate of each of the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate may be 100% or higher. Here, the ductile fracture rate refers to the rate of stretching when the object to be stretched breaks or fractures.

[0060] The lower substrate 111 may include an effective area AA (or display area) for displaying an image and an ineffective area NA (or non-display area) other than the effective area AA. For example, multiple pixels PX are provided on the effective area AA, each pixel including a display element and a circuit element, and a gate driver GD and a power supply PS for driving the multiple pixels PX provided in the effective area AA may be provided on the ineffective area NA.

[0061] Pattern layers 120 can be disposed on the lower substrate 111 and spaced apart from each other.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the pattern layer 120 may include a plurality of first plate patterns 121 and a plurality of first line patterns 122 disposed in an effective region AA, and a plurality of second plate patterns 123 and a plurality of second line patterns 124 disposed in an ineffective region NA. For example, the plurality of first plate patterns 121 and the plurality of second plate patterns 123 described above are formed in the form of individual islands. The plurality of first line patterns 122 may connect adjacent first plate patterns 121, and the plurality of second line patterns 124 may connect adjacent first plate patterns 121 and second plate patterns 123, or adjacent plurality of second plate patterns 123.

[0063] Multiple pixels (PX) can be formed on multiple first board patterns 121, and gate drivers (GD) and power supplies (PS) can be formed on multiple second board patterns 123. Furthermore, multiple connecting lines can be provided on multiple first line patterns 122 and multiple second line patterns 124.

[0064] At the same time, even Figure 2 The image shows multiple first plate patterns 121 and multiple second plate patterns 123 having quadrilateral shapes, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The plurality of first line patterns 122 and second line patterns 124 may have curved shapes (e.g., sine wave shapes), but are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first line patterns 122 and second line patterns 124 may extend in a zigzag pattern, or may be formed in various shapes, such as shapes that extend by connecting a plurality of rhomboid substrates at the vertices.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first plate patterns 121, the plurality of first line patterns 122, the plurality of second plate patterns 123, and the plurality of second line patterns 124 may be rigid patterns. For example, the plurality of first plate patterns 121, the plurality of first line patterns 122, the plurality of second plate patterns 123, and the plurality of second line patterns 124 may have higher rigidity than the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate. Therefore, the elastic modulus and hardness of the plurality of first plate patterns 121, the plurality of first line patterns 122, the plurality of second plate patterns 123, and the plurality of second line patterns 124 may be higher than the elastic modulus and hardness of the lower substrate 111. For example, the elastic modulus of the plurality of first plate patterns 121, the plurality of first line patterns 122, the plurality of second plate patterns 123, and the plurality of second line patterns 124 may be 1000 times higher than the elastic modulus of the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] Multiple first plate patterns 121, multiple first line patterns 122, multiple second plate patterns 123 and multiple second line patterns 124 can be formed from a plastic material with lower flexibility than the lower substrate 111 and the upper substrate.

[0068] The gate driver GD can supply gate signals to multiple pixels PX disposed in the effective area AA. The gate driver GD can include multiple stages formed on multiple second plate patterns 123, and each stage of the gate driver GD can be electrically connected to each other through multiple gate connection lines. Therefore, the gate signal output from any stage can be transmitted to another stage. Each stage can sequentially supply gate signals to multiple pixels PX connected to each stage.

[0069] The power supply PS is connected to the gate driver GD to provide the gate drive voltage and the gate clock voltage. Additionally, the power supply PS is connected to multiple pixels PX to provide a pixel drive voltage to each of the pixels PX.

[0070] A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a controller, such as an IC chip or circuit unit and / or memory or processor, for transmitting signals and voltages used to drive display elements from the controller to the display elements. The PCB may include stretchable and non-stretchable areas to ensure stretchability. For example, IC chips, circuit units, memory, and processors can be mounted in the non-stretchable areas, while routing wiring electrically connected to the IC chips, circuit units, memory, and processors can be provided in the stretchable areas.

[0071] The data driver DD can provide data voltage to multiple pixels PX located in the active area AA. The data driver DD can be configured as an IC chip, so it can also be called a data integrated circuit D-IC.

[0072] Figure 3 It is shown that it includes Figure 1A perspective view of an example touch panel in a display device.

[0073] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A magnified plan view of part B of the example.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The touch panel 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a material resistant to stretching of the display device 1000. The touch panel 200 is disposed on the display panel 100 and may have a shape corresponding to the display panel 100, such as a shape corresponding to the lower substrate 111 of the display panel 100.

[0075] The touch panel 200 may include a substrate 210 (or a touch substrate), a plurality of touch sensing films 220 disposed on the substrate 210, a plurality of touch lines 230, a plurality of routing wirings 270, and a plurality of connecting lines 280. The plurality of touch lines 230 are arranged on the substrate 210 and the plurality of touch sensing films 220 in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The plurality of routing wirings 270 are connected to the plurality of touch lines 230 to transmit touch signals detected by the plurality of touch lines 230, and the plurality of connecting lines 280 connect the plurality of routing wirings 270 and the touch circuit unit FPC.

[0076] The substrate 210 can support multiple touch sensing films 220, multiple touch lines 230, multiple routing lines 270, and multiple link lines 280. The substrate 210 can include an active area AA and an inactive area NA excluding the active area AA. For example, the inactive area NA can surround the active area AA. The active area AA of the substrate 210 can be an area where multiple touch sensing films 220 and multiple touch lines 230 (described below) are configured to detect touch input from an external source (e.g., user touch). Furthermore, the inactive area NA is an area where no user touch is detected, and the multiple routing lines 270 and multiple link lines 280 are configured to transmit touch sensing signals sensed in the active area AA to the touch circuit unit FPC. According to an exemplary embodiment, the active area AA and the inactive area NA of the substrate 210 can be respectively associated with... Figure 2 The effective area AA and ineffective area NA of the described display panel 100 overlap.

[0077] The substrate 210 is a flexible substrate so that it can be reversibly expanded and contracted. For example, the substrate 210 may include a stretchable flexible material. For example, the substrate 210 may include the same material as the lower substrate 111 of the display panel 100.

[0078] In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate 210 may include a flexible or stretchable insulating material. For example, the substrate 210 may include silicone rubber, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and elastomers, such as polyurethane. Thus, the substrate 210 may have flexible properties. However, the material of the substrate 210 is not limited thereto.

[0079] Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the substrate 210 can be from a few MPa to several hundred MPa. According to an exemplary embodiment, the ductile fracture rate of the substrate 210 can be 100% or higher.

[0080] Multiple touch sensing films 220 may be disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate 210, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of each of the multiple touch sensing films 220 may correspond to a previously referenced dimension. Figure 2 The dimensions of each of the plurality of first plate patterns 121 set on the display panel 100 are described. For example, the dimensions of each of the plurality of touch sensing films 220 may be equal to the dimensions of each of the plurality of first plate patterns 121.

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of touch sensing films 220 may include touch sensing materials. For example, the plurality of touch sensing films 220 may include a touch base film formed of a flexible or stretchable insulating material and touch sensing materials dispersed in the touch base film in the form of particles.

[0082] The touch base film of the touch sensing film 220 may include the same material as the substrate 210 and / or the lower substrate 111 of the display panel 100. For example, the touch base film of the touch sensing film 220 may include silicone rubber (such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) and elastomers (such as polyurethane), but is not limited thereto. For example, the touch base film of the touch sensing film 220 may be formed of a plastic material with a lower flexibility than the substrate 210 and / or the lower substrate 111 of the display panel 100. For example, the touch base film of the touch sensing film 220 may include materials that have been referenced. Figure 2 The plurality of first plate patterns 121, plurality of first line patterns 122, plurality of second plate patterns 123, and plurality of second line patterns 124 described are made of the same material. For example, the touch base film of the touch sensing film 220 may include at least one material of polyimide (PI), polyacrylate, and polyacetate.

[0083] The touch sensing material of the touch sensing film 220 may include at least one of piezoelectric metal and piezoelectric polymer.

[0084] Meanwhile, as described above, the touch sensing film 220 includes a touch base film and a touch sensing material dispersed in the touch base film in the form of particles. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and the touch sensing film 220 may be formed solely from a stretchable piezoelectric film.

[0085] Multiple touch lines 230 can be positioned below and above the touch sensing film 220 to sense touch.

[0086] Multiple touch lines 230 extend in each of the first direction X and the second direction Y on the effective area AA of the substrate 210. For example, the multiple touch lines 230 may include multiple first touch lines 231 disposed along the first direction X and multiple second touch lines 232 disposed along the second direction Y on the effective area AA of the substrate 210. For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple first touch lines 231 and multiple second touch lines 232 can be configured to intersect each other.

[0087] The touch sensing film 220 can be inserted between multiple first touch lines 231 and multiple second touch lines 232. For example, the multiple touch sensing films 220 can be disposed in the region where multiple first touch lines 231 disposed along a first direction X intersect with multiple second touch lines 232 disposed along a second direction Y. That is, the multiple first touch lines 231 and multiple second touch lines 232 can overlap with the multiple touch sensing films 220 in at least a portion (e.g., the region where the first touch lines 231 and the second touch lines 232 intersect).

[0088] At this time, the intersection area of ​​the multiple first touch lines 231 and the multiple second touch lines 232 is defined as the touch sensing area TSA, and the multiple touch sensing films 220 can be configured to correspond to the touch sensing area TSA, for example, to overlap with the touch sensing area TSA. Therefore, the touch panel 200 can use the resistance change of the touch sensing films 220 relative to the touch input to sense the touch coordinates and the touch input.

[0089] In one exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing area TSA may correspond to the area where the first panel pattern 121 of the display panel 100 is disposed. For example, the touch sensing area TSA may overlap with the first panel pattern 121, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The multiple touch lines 230 may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the multiple touch lines 230 may include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), a conductive polymer, or carbon nanotubes.

[0091] In one exemplary embodiment, the multiple touch lines 230 may have a curved shape in a first region of the substrate 210 and a straight shape in a second region of the substrate 210. Therefore, the first region can be defined as the region where only the substrate 210 is disposed without the multiple touch sensing films 220, and the second region can be defined as the region where the touch sensing films 220 are disposed on the substrate 210. For example, the second region may correspond to the touch sensing region TSA. That is, the multiple touch lines 230 may have a straight shape in the region overlapping with the multiple touch sensing films 220 (e.g., the touch sensing region TSA) and a curved shape in another region.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment, the curvature of the plurality of touch lines 230 disposed in the first region can be configured to have fine intervals. For example, the curvature of the plurality of touch lines 230 disposed in the first region can have fine spacing. Therefore, the amount of curvature of the plurality of touch lines 230 disposed in the first region of the touch panel 200 can be greater than the amount of curvature of the plurality of connecting lines disposed on the lower substrate 111 of the display panel 100. For example, when referring to Figure 2 When the multiple connecting lines described are bent n times, the multiple touch lines 230 can be bent 2n times (n is a positive integer). Therefore, the touch sensing area TSA of the touch panel 200 can be sufficiently ensured. More specifically, when the number of bends of the touch lines 230 provided in the first area is greater than the number of bends of the connecting lines provided in the display panel 100, the number of linearly arranged second areas (i.e., touch sensing areas TSA) of the touch panel 200 can be increased. Alternatively, when the number of bends of the touch lines 230 provided in the first area of ​​the touch panel 200 is greater than the number of bends of the connecting lines provided in the display panel 100, the linearly arranged second area (i.e., touch sensing area TSA) of the touch panel 200 is set to be larger. Therefore, the touch sensing area TSA can be significantly increased. Therefore, if the bending amount of the multiple touch lines 230 provided in the first area is large, many touch sensing areas TSA can be formed, or the touch sensing area TSA can be formed to be very large, so that clearer touch sensing can be achieved.

[0093] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first plate pattern 121 of the display panel 100 and the second region of the touch panel 200 can be more easily aligned. As described, the touch line 230 is configured to have a curved shape in the first region of the substrate 210 in response to stretching of the touch panel 200. The touch line 230 is configured to have a straight shape in the second region because when the touch line has a curved shape even in the second region, errors in the touch sensing signal may occur due to interference between the first touch line 231 and the second touch line 232. For example, in the second region (i.e., the touch sensing region TSA), the first touch line 231 and the second touch line 232 intersect, and a touch is sensed at the intersection. When the first touch line 231 and the second touch line 232 are curved, more intersections of the first touch line 231 and the second touch line 232 can be provided than when they are straight, and the intersections can be arranged adjacently to cause signal interference. However, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Multiple touch lines 230 can have curved shapes in all regions to have curvatures that do not cause signal interference in the touch sensing region TSA. If the touch line 230 is formed of a material that responds to stretching in the first region, the touch line can also be configured to have a straight shape in all regions.

[0094] As described above, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of touch sensing films 220 of the touch panel 200 of the display device 1000 are spaced apart from each other on a substrate 210, which is a flexible substrate and is disposed in an area overlapping with the first plate pattern 121 of the display panel 100. By doing so, when the display panel 100 is stretched in two directions, the touch panel 200 can also be stretched in two directions.

[0095] In addition, the touch sensing film 220 of the touch panel 200 can be located in the area between the first plate patterns 121 of the display panel 100 to improve the sensing sensitivity of the touch position.

[0096] At the same time, despite Figure 3 Not shown, but in the non-active area NA of the touch panel 200, a plastic substrate formed of a flexible material can be further disposed above or below the base substrate 210. This is because a flexible connecting film (e.g., a touch circuit unit FPC) for external electrical connection can be disposed in the non-active area NA, and the process of electrical connection with the touch circuit unit FPC mainly consists of a high-temperature process, making it necessary to withstand it.

[0097] Multiple routing lines 270 can be disposed on the inactive area NA of the substrate 210. For example, multiple routing lines 270 can be disposed on the first side (e.g., the left side of the touch panel 200) of the inactive area NA of the substrate 210 and on the second side (e.g., the right side of the touch panel 200) opposite to the first side in the first direction X.

[0098] Multiple routing cables 270 can be connected to multiple touch lines 230 located in the active area AA. Therefore, touch signals detected by the multiple touch lines 230 can be transmitted to the multiple routing cables 270.

[0099] The multiple routing lines 270 can be formed of a transparent conductive material, which is the same material as, but not limited to, the material forming the multiple touch lines 230 disposed in the effective area AA. Therefore, the multiple routing lines can include opaque materials with low resistance, such as molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al).

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment, the multiple routing cables 270 may have a curved shape. Therefore, the stretchability of the touch panel 200 can be ensured.

[0101] Multiple link lines 280 can be disposed on the inactive area NA of the substrate 210. For example, the multiple link lines 280 can be disposed on the third side of the inactive area NA of the substrate 210, between the first and second sides of the active area AA (e.g., above or below the touch panel 200), where multiple routing lines 270 are disposed. For example, the multiple link lines 280 can be disposed in the area corresponding to the inactive area NA where the touch circuit unit FPC is disposed.

[0102] Multiple link lines 280 can electrically connect multiple routing lines 270 to the touch circuit unit FPC. Therefore, touch signals detected from multiple touch lines 230 and intended for transmission to multiple routing lines 270 can be transmitted to the touch circuit unit FPC via multiple link lines 280. Thus, the touch circuit unit FPC can detect touch inputs from external sources (e.g., user touch).

[0103] The multiple connecting lines 280 can be formed of a transparent conductive material, which is the same as, but not limited to, the material forming the multiple touch lines 230 disposed in the effective area AA. Therefore, the multiple connecting lines can include opaque materials with low resistance, such as molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al).

[0104] In one exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of routing lines 270 and each of the plurality of link lines 280 may be electrically connected via a line connection unit. For example, one end of each of the plurality of link lines 280 includes a recess (or groove, recess, or trench) that is at least partially recessed, and the routing lines 270 and link lines 280 may be electrically connected via line connection units configured to overlap with the recess. This will be referred to Figures 7 to 13 To describe in more detail.

[0105] Figure 5 It is shown that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of another example of a touch panel in a display device.

[0106] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A magnified plan view of part C of the example.

[0107] In addition to the placement of the touch sensing film 920 and the touch line 930, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The touch panel 200' shown is the same as the one that has been referenced. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The described touch panel 200 is essentially the same or similar, so redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0108] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a touch panel 200' may include a substrate 210, a plurality of touch sensing films 920 disposed on the substrate 210, a plurality of touch lines 930, a plurality of routing wirings 270, and a plurality of connecting lines 280. The plurality of touch lines 930 are disposed on the substrate 210 and the plurality of touch sensing films 920 in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The plurality of routing wirings 270 are connected to the plurality of touch lines 930 to transmit touch signals detected by the plurality of touch lines 930, and the plurality of connecting lines 280 connect the plurality of routing wirings 270 and a touch circuit unit (FPC).

[0109] Multiple touch-sensing films 920 extend on a substrate 210 along a second direction Y (e.g., the extension direction of multiple second touch lines 932) and, for example, may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in a first direction X (e.g., the extension direction of multiple first touch lines 931). For example, the multiple touch-sensing films 920 may have a stripe shape extending in the second direction Y. For example, regions where touch-sensing films 920 are disposed and regions where touch-sensing films 920 are not disposed may be alternately disposed on the substrate 210 along the second direction Y. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the multiple touch-sensing films 920 may have a stripe shape extending along the first direction X (e.g., the extension direction of multiple first touch lines 931 on the substrate 210) and, for example, may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the second direction Y (e.g., the extension direction of multiple second touch lines 932).

[0110] As described above, when the touch sensing film 920 is configured in a stripe shape, the intersection area of ​​the first touch line 931 and the second touch line 932 on the area where the touch sensing film 920 is disposed can be defined as a touch sensing area (TSA). Here, the first touch line 931 and the second touch line 932 can have a straight shape to correspond to the touch sensing area (TSA) and a curved shape to correspond to areas that are not touch sensing areas (TSA). That is, the second touch line 932 disposed on the strip-shaped touch sensing film 920 can have a shape that combines curved and straight shapes.

[0111] As described above, when the touch sensing film 920 is set in a stripe shape, the touch panel 200' can extend only in a specific direction (e.g., the second direction Y in which the touch sensing film 920 extends). As described above, the touch sensing film 920 of the touch panel 200' can be set in different shapes to achieve various designs of the touch panel 200' according to the purpose of the user or designer.

[0112] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 A magnified plan view of part D of the example.

[0113] refer to Figure 3 , 5 and Figure 7 Multiple routing lines 270 and multiple link lines 280 are disposed on the inactive area NA of the substrate 210 of the touch panel 200 and 200', and multiple line connection units 290 for connecting each routing line in the multiple routing lines 270 and each link line in the multiple link lines 280 can be provided.

[0114] For reference Figure 3 and 5As described, the multiple routing lines 270 can have a curved shape. For example, the multiple routing lines 270 can have a sine wave shape. However, the shape of the multiple routing lines 270 is not limited to this. For example, the multiple routing lines 270 can extend in a zigzag pattern. Alternatively, the multiple routing lines 270 can have various shapes, such as multiple diamond-shaped substrates connected and extending at the vertices. Meanwhile, Figure 7 The number and shape of the multiple routing cabling 270 shown are illustrative, and the number and shape of the multiple routing cabling 270 can vary according to the design.

[0115] In other words, the multiple link lines 280 can have an elongated straight line shape. According to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the width (e.g., line width) of multiple link lines 280 can be greater than the width (e.g., line width) of multiple routing cabling 270, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] In one exemplary embodiment, one end of each of the plurality of link lines 280 may include a recess (or groove, recess, or trench) that is at least partially recessed. For example, the recess of each of the plurality of link lines 280 may have a concave shape. However, this is not a limitation, and the recess of each of the plurality of link lines 280 may have various shapes, such as polygonal shapes including rectangular, triangular, circular, or fan-shaped shapes.

[0117] Each of the multiple link lines 280 and each of the multiple routing cabling 270 can be electrically connected via the line connection unit 290. In one exemplary embodiment, the line connection unit 290 may include a main connection unit connected to the routing cabling 270 and having a planar structure, and at least one sub-connection unit connected to the main connection unit and the link line 280 and having a curved structure.

[0118] Therefore, when the touch panels 200 and 200' (or the display device 1000) extend, the tensile stress applied to the connection units of the routing wiring 270 and the link lines 280 disposed in the inactive areas NA of the touch panels 200 and 200' to transmit touch signals to the touch circuit unit FPC and / or the routing wiring 270 can be dispersed or reduced. Thus, the tensile reliability of the touch panels 200 and 200' and the display device 1000 including the touch panels according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be improved.

[0119] Furthermore, as mentioned above, unlike the routing wiring 270 which has a curved shape, the link line 280 can have a straight shape. For example, as Figure 7As shown, in the region adjacent to the area where the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 are connected, the link line 280 may have a straight shape extending along one direction (e.g., a second direction Y). Therefore, when, unlike the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the routing wiring 270 is directly connected to the link line 280 disposed in the inactive area NA of the touch panel without a separate line connection unit, if the touch panel extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the link line 280 (e.g., the second direction Y) (e.g., the first direction X) in the region adjacent to the area where the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 are connected, the tensile stress applied to the connection unit of the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 and / or the routing wiring 270 may increase. In contrast, in the touch panels 200 and 200' and the display device 1000 including the touch panel according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 can be connected via the line connection unit 290. The line connection unit 290 includes a main connection unit connected to the routing wiring 270 and having a planar shape, and multiple sub-connection units connecting the main connection unit and the link line 280, having a curved structure and extending in different directions. Therefore, even if the touch panels 200 and 200' extend in various directions, rather than in a particular direction, the tensile stress applied to the connection units of the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 and / or the routing wiring 270 can be dispersed, thereby ensuring the tensile reliability of the touch panels 200 and 200' (or the display device 1000).

[0120] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 13 Various exemplary embodiments of the line connection unit 290 will be described in more detail.

[0121] Figure 8 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 A view of an example of a line-connected unit in a touch panel.

[0122] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The routing wiring 270 may extend along the second direction Y and have a curved shape, and the linking line 280 may extend along the second direction Y and have a straight shape. According to an exemplary embodiment, as referenced... Figure 7 The width (e.g., line width) of the link line 280 can be greater than the width (e.g., line width) of the routing cabling 270.

[0123] In one exemplary embodiment, one end of the link 280 (e.g., one end of the link 280 corresponding to the side where the link 280 connects to the routing wiring 270) may include at least a partially recessed recess 281 (or groove, recess, or trench). For example, the recess 281 of the link 280 may have a concave shape or a semi-circular shape.

[0124] The wire connection unit 290 can electrically connect the routing cable 270 and the link cable 280. For example, the wire connection unit 290 is configured to correspond to the recess 281 of the link cable 280, for example, to overlap with the recess 281 to electrically connect the ends of the routing cable 270 and the link cable 280.

[0125] Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, the line connection unit 290 may include a main connection unit 291 connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 292 for connecting the main connection unit 291 to the link line 280.

[0126] The main connection unit 291 and at least one sub-connection unit 292 may include a conductive material. For example, the main connection unit 291 and at least one sub-connection unit 292 may be formed of the same transparent conductive material as the material of the multiple routing lines 270 and the multiple link lines 280. However, the material is not limited to this, and the main connection unit 291 and at least one sub-connection unit 292 may include an opaque conductive material with low resistance, such as molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al).

[0127] The main connection unit 291 may have a planar structure. For example, the main connection unit 291 is a pattern connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 292, and may have a circular shape. However, the shape of the main connection unit 291 is not limited to this, and may have various shapes, such as semicircular, arched, fan-shaped, or polygonal.

[0128] According to an exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit 291 may be configured as the central portion corresponding to the recess 281 of the link line 280. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, when the recess 281 has a semi-circular shape, the main connection unit 291 can be configured to correspond to the center point of the semi-circular recess 281. Therefore, the line connection unit 290 can be more stably connected to the routing cabling 270 and the link line 280.

[0129] At least one sub-connection unit 292 may have a curved structure. For example, at least one sub-connection unit 292 may have a sine wave shape. However, the shape of at least one sub-connection unit 292 is not limited to this. For example, at least one sub-connection unit 292 may extend in a sawtooth pattern. Alternatively, at least one sub-connection unit 292 may have various shapes, such as multiple rhomboid substrates connected and extending at the vertices.

[0130] In one exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit 291 can be connected to the link line 280 via a plurality of sub-connection units 292. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the main connection unit 291 can be connected by multiple sub-connection units 292 extending in different directions.

[0131] For example, sub-connection unit 292 may include three sub-connection units 292a, 292b, and 292c. More specifically, sub-connection unit 292 may include a first sub-connection unit 292a extending along the extension direction of routing cabling 270 (e.g., the second direction Y), and a second sub-connection unit 292b and a third sub-connection unit 292c extending substantially along the first direction X. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-connection unit 292b and the third sub-connection unit 292c may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the second direction Y (i.e., the first sub-connection unit 292a).

[0132] As described above, the main connection unit 291 connected to the routing cabling 270 is connected to the link line 280 through a plurality of sub-connection units 292a, 292b and 292c extending in different directions, so that the routing cabling 270 and the link line 280 can be connected more stably through the line connection unit 290.

[0133] However, the number of sub-connection units 292 is merely illustrative, and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a sub-connection unit 292 may have two sub-connection units 292 or four or more sub-connection units 292.

[0134] In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the sub-connection unit 292 (e.g., the first line width CD1) may be smaller than the width of the routing wiring 270 (e.g., the second line width CD2). For example, the second line width CD2 of multiple routing wirings 270 may be approximately 11.6 μm, and the first line width CD1 of multiple sub-connection units 292 may be approximately 7 μm, but is not limited thereto. As described above, when the sub-connection unit 292 has a relatively small width (e.g., line width), the stretchability of the sub-connection unit 292 can be improved. Therefore, when the touch panels 200 and 200' (or the display device 1000) extend, the tensile stress applied to the connection portions of the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 can be more effectively dispersed.

[0135] In one exemplary embodiment, the length ratio of the sub-connection units 292 may be less than the length ratio of the routing cabling 270. Here, the length ratio may be defined by the ratio of the length of the cabling having a curved shape in a non-stretched state (e.g., the distance between the two ends of the corresponding cabling in a non-stretched state with a curved shape when no force is applied to it) to the length of the cabling in a maximum stretched state (e.g., the distance between the two ends of the cabling that deforms into a straight shape according to maximum stretching when a force is applied to the corresponding cabling to be extended). For example, the smaller the length ratio, the fewer bends the cabling undergoes. For example, the length ratio of the multiple routing cablings 270 may be approximately 2.33, and the length ratio of the multiple sub-connection units 292 may be approximately 1.86, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] Simultaneously, the larger the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 292, the better its tensile strength. In this case, when the touch panels 200 and 200' (or display device 1000) extend, the tensile stress applied to the connection portions of the routing wiring 270 and the link line 280 can be more effectively dispersed. Therefore, the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 292 is smaller than the length ratio of the routing wiring 270, and the sub-connection unit 292 can be manufactured to allow the sub-connection unit 292 to have the maximum length ratio allowed by the design.

[0137] However, the length ratio is not limited to this, and the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 292 can be designed in various forms. For example, the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 292 can be designed to be greater than the length ratio of the routing cabling 270.

[0138] Therefore, the main connecting unit 291 and the sub-connecting unit 292 can be integrally formed. For example, the main connecting unit 291 and the sub-connecting unit 292 comprise the same material to be integrally formed.

[0139] Figure 9 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line connection unit in the touch panel.

[0140] at the same time, Figure 9 The line connection unit 1390 is a reference. Figure 8 The described exemplary embodiment of the line connection unit 290 is modified in terms of the number of sub-connection units 1392 included in the line connection unit 1390. Therefore, redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0141] refer to Figure 9 In one exemplary embodiment, the line connection unit 1390 may include a main connection unit 1391 connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 1392 for connecting the main connection unit 1391 to the link line 280.

[0142] In one exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit 1391 can be connected to the link line 280 via a plurality of sub-connection units 1392. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the main connection unit 1391 can be connected by multiple sub-connection units 1392 extending in different directions.

[0143] For example, sub-connection unit 1392 may include five sub-connection units 1392a, 1392b, 1392c, 1392d, and 1392e. More specifically, sub-connection unit 1392 may include a first sub-connection unit 1392a extending along the extension direction of routing cabling 270 (e.g., the second direction Y), a second sub-connection unit 1392b and a third sub-connection unit 1392c extending entirely along the first direction X, a fourth sub-connection unit 1392d disposed between the first sub-connection unit 1392a and the second sub-connection unit 1392b, and a fifth sub-connection unit 1392e disposed between the first sub-connection unit 1392a and the third sub-connection unit 1392c.

[0144] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-connection unit 1392b and the third sub-connection unit 1392c may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the second direction Y (i.e., the first sub-connection unit 1392a).

[0145] Furthermore, the fourth sub-connecting unit 1392d may extend along a diagonal direction between the extension direction of the first sub-connecting unit 1392a (e.g., the second direction Y) and the extension direction of the second sub-connecting unit 1392b (e.g., the direction opposite to the first direction X). Similarly, the fifth sub-connecting unit 1392e may extend along a diagonal direction between the extension direction of the first sub-connecting unit 1392a (e.g., the second direction Y) and the extension direction of the third sub-connecting unit 1392c (e.g., the first direction X).

[0146] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fourth sub-connection unit 1392d and the fifth sub-connection unit 1392e can be symmetrical to each other with respect to the second direction Y (i.e., the first sub-connection unit 1392a).

[0147] As described above, the main connection unit 1391 connected to the routing cabling 270 is connected to the link line 280 through a plurality of sub-connection units 1392a, 1392b, 1392c, 1392d and 1392e extending in different directions, so that the routing cabling 270 and the link line 280 can be connected more stably through the line connection unit 1390.

[0148] Figure 10 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line-connected unit in the touch panel.

[0149] at the same time, Figure 10 The line connection unit 1490 is a reference. Figure 8 The described embodiment of the line connection unit 290 is a modification in shape of the main connection unit 1491 included in the line connection unit 1490. Therefore, redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0150] refer to Figure 10 In one exemplary embodiment, the wire connection unit 1490 may include a main connection unit 1491 connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 1492 for connecting the main connection unit 1491 to the link line 280. Meanwhile, as described above, the sub-connection unit 1492 may include a plurality of sub-connection units 1492a, 1492b, and 1492c extending in different directions.

[0151] The main connection unit 1491 may have a planar structure. For example, the main connection unit 1491 may be a pattern connecting the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 1492, and may have an arched shape. However, the shape of the main connection unit 1491 is not limited to this, and the shape of the main connection unit 1491 may vary in various forms.

[0152] At the same time, Figure 10 In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the main connection unit 1491 can be designed to be larger than that of the previously referenced unit. Figure 8 The dimensions of the main connection unit 291 are described. In this case, the main connection unit 1491 and the routing cabling 270 can be connected more stably.

[0153] Figure 11 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line-connected unit in the touch panel.

[0154] at the same time, Figure 11 An exemplary embodiment is referenced Figure 8 The described embodiment is a modification of the shape of the recess 1581 in the link line 1580. Therefore, redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0155] refer to Figure 11 One end of the link 1580 (e.g., one end of the link 1580 corresponding to the side where the link 1580 and the routing cabling 270 connect) may include at least a partially recessed recess 1581 (or groove, recess, or trench). For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the recess 1581 of the connecting line 1580 can have a quadrilateral shape. However, the shape of the recess 1581 is not limited to this and can vary in various forms.

[0156] Figure 12 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line-connected unit in the touch panel.

[0157] at the same time, Figure 12 The line connection unit 1690 is a reference. Figure 8 The described embodiment of the line connection unit 290 is modified in terms of the length ratio of the sub-connection units 1692 included in the line connection unit 1690. Therefore, redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0158] refer to Figure 12 In one exemplary embodiment, the line connection unit 1690 may include a main connection unit 1691 connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 1692 for connecting the main connection unit 1691 to the link line 280.

[0159] As described above, at least one sub-connecting unit 1692 may have a curved structure, and the main connecting unit 1691 may be connected to the link line 280 through multiple sub-connecting units 1692. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the main connection unit 1691 can be connected by a plurality of sub-connection units 1692a, 1692b and 1692c extending in different directions.

[0160] In one exemplary embodiment, the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 1692 is less than the length ratio of the routing cabling 270, and as referenced above... Figure 8 The sub-connecting unit 1692 can be manufactured to allow the sub-connecting unit 1692 to have the maximum length ratio allowed by the design. For example, in Figure 12 In an exemplary embodiment, the length ratio of the sub-connection unit 1692 may be greater than that of the reference unit. Figure 8 The length ratio of the described sub-connection unit 292. For example, when Figure 8 and Figure 12 When the curved sub-connecting units 292 and 1692 have a sinusoidal shape, Figure 12 The amplitude of the sinusoidal shape of the sub-connector unit 1692 can be greater than Figure 8 The amplitude of the sub-connection unit 292 is sinusoidal. For example, the length ratio of the multiple routing lines 270 can be approximately 2.33, and the length ratio of the multiple sub-connection units 1692 can be approximately 2.26. As described above, when the multiple sub-connection units 1692 have the maximum length ratio allowed by the design, the tensile strength of the sub-connection units 1692 is improved, so that the tensile stress applied to the connection portions of the routing lines 270 and the link lines 280 can be more effectively dispersed when the touch panels 200 and 200' (or the display device 1000) extend.

[0161] Figure 13 It is used to illustrate that it includes Figure 3 Another example view of the line-connected unit in the touch panel.

[0162] at the same time, Figure 13 The line connection unit 1790 is a reference. Figure 8 The described embodiment of the line connection unit 290 is modified in terms of the width (e.g., the third line width CD3) of the sub-connection unit 1792 included in the line connection unit 1790. Therefore, redundant descriptions will not be repeated.

[0163] refer to Figure 13 In one exemplary embodiment, the wire connection unit 1790 may include a main connection unit 1791 connected to the routing cabling 270 and at least one sub-connection unit 1792 for connecting the main connection unit 1791 and the link line 280. Meanwhile, as described above, the sub-connection unit 1792 may include a plurality of sub-connection units 1792a, 1792b, and 1792c extending in different directions.

[0164] In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the sub-connection unit 1792 (e.g., the third line width CD3) can be greater than the width of the routing cabling 270 (e.g., the second line width CD2). For example, the second line width CD2 of multiple routing cablings 270 can be approximately 11.6 μm, and the third line width CD3 of multiple sub-connection units 1792 can be approximately 15 μm, but is not limited thereto. As described above, when the sub-connection unit 1792 has a relatively large width (e.g., line width), the durability of the sub-connection unit 1792 can be improved. Therefore, the line connection unit 1790 can be more stably connected to the routing cabling 270 and the link line 280.

[0165] Figures 14A to 14G This is a view used to illustrate an example of tensile stress applied to routing wiring included in a touch panel when a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is stretched.

[0166] at the same time, Figure 14A The maximum tensile stress MSF1 applied to routing 270_C and the tensile stress (represented by “S, Mises”) applied to routing 270_C and link lines 280_C included in the touch panel are shown when the touch panel of a comparative embodiment according to this disclosure is stretched (e.g., tension is applied to routing 270_C in the second direction Y).

[0167] at the same time, Figures 14B to 14GThe maximum tensile stresses MSF2 to MSF7 applied to routing wiring 270 and the tensile stresses (represented by "S, Mises") applied to routing wiring 270 and link lines 280 included in touch panels 200 and 200' according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown when the touch panels 200 and 200' are stretched (e.g., tension is applied to routing wiring 270 in the second direction Y). For example, Figures 14B to 14G It shows when already referenced Figures 8 to 13 The description includes the tensile stress of touch panels 200 and 200' when the line connection units 290, 1390, 1490, 1690 and 1790 are stretched.

[0168] First, refer to Figure 14A The present disclosure will describe a touch panel according to a comparative embodiment, wherein routing wiring 270_C and linking wire 280_C are directly connected without including references. Figures 7 to 13 The individual line connection unit is described. When tension is applied to routing wiring 270_C along the second direction Y to stretch the touch panel, the maximum tensile stress MSF1 applied to routing wiring 270_C can be approximately 626.7.

[0169] In comparison, reference Figures 14B to 14G When routing cabling 270 and link cables 280 and 1580 pass through reference Figures 7 to 13 When the described line connection units 290, 1390, 1490, 1690 and 1790 are connected, the maximum tensile stress MSF2 to MSF7 applied to the route 270 can have relatively small values ​​compared to a comparative embodiment of this disclosure in which the route 270_C and the link 280_C are directly connected without separate connection units.

[0170] For example, refer to Figure 14B When routing cable 270 and link cable 280 pass through reference Figure 8 When the described wire connection unit 290 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF2 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 501.

[0171] For example, refer to Figure 14C When routing cable 270 and link cable 280 pass through reference Figure 9 When the described wire connection unit 1390 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF3 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 553.

[0172] For example, refer to Figure 14D When routing cable 270 and link cable 280 pass through as referenced Figure 10 When the described wire connection unit 1490 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF4 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 552.

[0173] For example, refer to Figure 14E When routing cable 270 and link cable 1580 pass through as referenced Figure 11 When the described wire connection unit 290 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF5 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 501.

[0174] For example, refer to Figure 14F When routing cable 270 and link cable 280 pass through reference Figure 12 When the described wire connection unit 1690 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF6 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 484.

[0175] For example, refer to Figure 14G When routing cable 270 and link cable 280 pass through as referenced Figure 13 When the described wire connection unit 1790 is connected, when tension along the second direction Y is applied to the routing wiring 270 to stretch the touch panels 200 and 200', the maximum tensile stress MSF7 applied to the routing wiring 270 can be approximately 612.

[0176] At the same time, such as Figures 14B to 14G As shown, the greater the tensile strength of the sub-connection units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792 included in the line connection units 290, 1390, 1490, 1690, and 1790, the more effective the tensile stress applied to the connection portion of the routing cabling 270 and the link line 280. Therefore, the maximum tensile stress applied to the routing cabling 270 can be reduced.

[0177] For example, as referenced Figures 8 to 13The smaller the number of sub-connecting units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792, the longer the length of sub-connecting units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792, the larger the length ratio of sub-connecting units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792, and / or the smaller the width of sub-connecting units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792, and the better the tensile strength of sub-connecting units 292, 1392, 1492, 1692, and 1792. Therefore, as... Figures 14B to 14G As shown, the maximum tensile stresses MSF2 to MSF7 have small values, which allows the tensile reliability of touch panels 200 and 200' (or display device 1000) to be further improved.

[0178] As described above, in the touch panel and display device including the touch panel according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, routing wiring and link lines arranged in the non-active area of ​​the touch panel to send touch signals to the touch circuit unit are connected by a line connection unit including a main connection unit and at least one sub-connection unit. The main connection unit is connected to the routing wiring and has a planar structure, and the sub-connection unit connects the main connection unit and the link line and has a curved structure. Therefore, when the touch panel and the display device including it are stretched, the tensile stress applied to the routing wiring and link lines and / or the connection units of the routing wiring can be distributed or reduced. Therefore, the tensile reliability of the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be improved.

[0179] Furthermore, in the touch panel and display device including the touch panel according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, routing wiring and link lines can be connected by line connection units. The line connection unit includes a main connection unit and a plurality of sub-connection units. The main connection unit is connected to the routing wiring and has a planar structure, while the plurality of sub-connection units connect the main connection unit and the link lines and have curved structures, extending in different directions. Therefore, even if the touch panel is stretched in various directions rather than a specific direction, the tensile stress applied to the routing wiring and link lines and / or the connection units of the routing wiring can be distributed, thereby ensuring the tensile reliability of the touch panel and the display device including the touch panel.

[0180] Touch panels according to various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described as follows:

[0181] To achieve the above objectives, a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area other than the effective area; a plurality of touch sensing films disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; a plurality of touch lines disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlapping the plurality of touch sensing films; a plurality of routing wirings disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connected to the plurality of touch lines; and a plurality of link lines disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connecting the plurality of routing wirings to the touch circuit unit, wherein the end of each of the plurality of link lines may include at least a partially recessed recess.

[0182] In one exemplary embodiment, the touch panel may further include a wire connection unit that overlaps with the recess and connects one end of each of the plurality of link lines to each of the plurality of routing wirings.

[0183] In one exemplary embodiment, the wire connection unit may include a main connection unit connected to each of the multiple routing cablings and at least one sub-connection unit connecting the main connection unit to one end of each of the multiple link lines.

[0184] In one exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit may have a planar structure, and at least one sub-connection unit may have a curved structure.

[0185] In one exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit may have a circular shape.

[0186] In one exemplary embodiment, the main connection unit may have an arched shape.

[0187] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one sub-connection unit may include a first sub-connection unit extending along a second direction, a second sub-connection unit extending along a first direction different from the second direction, and a third sub-connection unit symmetrical to the second sub-connection unit relative to the second direction, wherein multiple routing cablings extend along the second direction.

[0188] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one sub-connecting unit may further include a fourth sub-connecting unit disposed between the first sub-connecting unit and the second sub-connecting unit, and a fifth sub-connecting unit symmetrical to the fourth sub-connecting unit relative to the second direction.

[0189] In one exemplary embodiment, the length ratio of at least one sub-connection unit is less than the length ratio of each of the multiple routing cablings, and the length ratio may be defined by the ratio of the length in the unstretched state to the length in the maximum stretched state.

[0190] In one exemplary embodiment, the width of at least one sub-connection unit may be less than the width of each of the multiple routing cablings.

[0191] In one exemplary embodiment, the width of at least one sub-connection unit may be greater than the width of each of the multiple routing cablings.

[0192] In one exemplary embodiment, the recess may have a concave shape.

[0193] In one exemplary embodiment, the recess may have a quadrilateral shape.

[0194] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of touch lines may include a first touch line disposed on an effective area of ​​the substrate in a first direction and a second touch line disposed on an effective area of ​​the substrate in a second direction different from the first direction, and each of the plurality of touch sensing films may be inserted between the first touch line and the second touch line.

[0195] In one exemplary embodiment, multiple routing lines may be arranged in an ineffective area and located on a first side and a second side opposite to the first side of the effective area, and multiple link lines may be arranged in an ineffective area and located on a third side between the first and second sides of the effective area.

[0196] To achieve the above objectives, a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area other than the effective area; a plurality of touch sensing films disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; a plurality of touch lines disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlapping the plurality of touch sensing films; a plurality of routing wires disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connected to the plurality of touch lines; a plurality of link lines disposed on the ineffective area of ​​the substrate and connecting the plurality of routing wires to a touch circuit unit; and a line connection unit connecting one end of each of the plurality of link lines to each of the plurality of routing wires. The line connection unit may include a main connection unit connected to each of the plurality of routing wires, and at least one sub-connection unit connecting the main connection unit to one end of each of the plurality of link lines.

[0197] To achieve the above objectives, a display device includes: a display panel including a flexible lower substrate and a plurality of board patterns, the plurality of board patterns being more rigid than the lower substrate and disposed on the lower substrate and spaced apart from each other; and a touch panel disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of touch lines, a plurality of routing wirings connected to the plurality of touch lines, and a plurality of link lines connecting the plurality of routing wirings to touch circuit units. Each of the plurality of link lines has an end including at least a partially recessed recess.

[0198] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A touch panel, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising an effective region and a non-effective region other than the effective region; A plurality of touch sensing films are disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; Multiple touch lines are disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlap with the multiple touch sensing films; Multiple routing lines are disposed on the non-active area of ​​the substrate and connected to the multiple touch lines; as well as Multiple connection lines are disposed on the non-active area of ​​the substrate and connect the multiple routing lines to the touch circuit unit. The end of each of the plurality of link lines includes at least a partially recessed recess.

2. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising: A wire connection unit overlaps with the recess and connects one end of each of the plurality of link lines to each of the plurality of routing cablings.

3. The touch panel according to claim 2, wherein the wire connection unit comprises: A main connection unit connected to each of the multiple routing cablings; as well as At least one sub-connecting unit connects the main connecting unit to one end of each of the plurality of connecting lines.

4. The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the main connecting unit has a planar structure and the at least one sub-connecting unit has a curved structure.

5. The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the main connection unit has a circular shape.

6. The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the main connection unit has an arched shape.

7. The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sub-connection unit comprises: A first sub-connection unit extending along a second direction, wherein the plurality of routing cables extend along the second direction; A second sub-connecting unit extending along a first direction different from the second direction; as well as The third sub-connecting unit is symmetrical to the second sub-connecting unit in the second direction.

8. The touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the at least one sub-connection unit further comprises: A fourth sub-connection unit is disposed between the first sub-connection unit and the second sub-connection unit; as well as The fifth sub-connecting unit is symmetrical to the fourth sub-connecting unit in the second direction.

9. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the length ratio of the at least one sub-connection unit is less than the length ratio of each of the plurality of routing wires, and the length ratio is defined by the ratio of the length in the unstretched state to the length in the maximum stretched state.

10. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the width of the at least one sub-connection unit is less than the width of each of the plurality of routing wires.

11. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the width of the at least one sub-connection unit is greater than the width of each of the plurality of routing wires.

12. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a concave shape.

13. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a quadrilateral shape.

14. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of touch lines comprises: A first touch line is disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate in a first direction; A second touch line is disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate in a second direction different from the first direction, and Each of the plurality of touch sensing films is inserted between the first touch line and the second touch line.

15. The touch panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of routing wires are disposed in the non-effective area and located on a first side and a second side opposite to the first side of the effective area, and the plurality of link wires are disposed in the non-effective area and located on a third side between the first side and the second side of the effective area.

16. A touch panel, comprising: A substrate, the substrate comprising an effective region and a non-effective region other than the effective region; A plurality of touch sensing films are disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and configured to correspond to the touch sensing area; Multiple touch lines are disposed on the effective area of ​​the substrate and at least partially overlap with the multiple touch sensing films; Multiple routing lines are disposed on the non-active area of ​​the substrate and connected to the multiple touch lines; Multiple connecting lines are disposed on the non-effective area of ​​the substrate and connect the multiple routing lines to the touch circuit unit; as well as A wire connection unit connects one end of each of the plurality of link lines to each of the plurality of routing cablings. The line connection unit includes: A main connection unit, which is connected to each of the plurality of routing cablings; as well as At least one sub-connecting unit, the at least one sub-connecting unit connecting the main connecting unit to one end of each of the plurality of connecting lines.

17. A display device, comprising: The display panel includes a flexible lower substrate and a plurality of plate patterns, the plurality of plate patterns having higher rigidity than the lower substrate and being disposed on the lower substrate and spaced apart from each other; as well as A touch panel is disposed on the display panel and includes multiple touch lines, multiple routing wires connected to the multiple touch lines, and multiple connecting wires connecting the multiple routing wires to the touch circuit unit. The end of each of the plurality of link lines includes at least a partially recessed recess.

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