Display device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to display devices. An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; a touch sensor metal disposed in the first display area and located outside the plurality of transmissive areas; a first signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping a portion of the touch sensor metal; and a second signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping another portion of the touch sensor metal. Therefore, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can provide a display device having a light transmission structure that allows photoelectric devices disposed below the display panel to normally receive light while maintaining touch performance in the optical area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images has increased in various forms. In recent years, various types of display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs), have been widely used.

[0003] Such display devices include touch display devices that provide touch-based input methods, allowing users to conveniently and intuitively input information or commands. To implement touch-based input methods, the touch display device should be able to detect whether the user is touching the screen and accurately identify the touch coordinates.

[0004] In addition to image display, display devices can also provide camera functionality and various sensing capabilities. To achieve this, display devices can be equipped with optoelectronic devices (also known as light-receiving devices or sensors) such as cameras and sensing sensors.

[0005] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device including a transmissive region that achieves touch performance equivalent to or substantially equivalent to a non-transmissive region.

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device having a light transmission structure that allows optoelectronic devices disposed below a display panel to receive light normally while maintaining touch performance in the optical area.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that has improved visibility by preventing brightness differences between areas with touch sensor metal and areas without touch sensor metal.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that has improved touch performance by reducing the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increasing the capacitance.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that arranges signal lines required for display driving in an optical region while enhancing transmittance in an optical region where light transmission is required.

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device that enhances the transmittance in the optical region where light transmission is required, even while arranging signal lines required for display driving and touch sensor metal required for touch sensing in the optical region.

[0012] The objectives addressed by the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly stated, and other objectives not specified herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; a touch sensor metal disposed in the first display area and located outside the plurality of transmissive areas; a first signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping a portion of the touch sensor metal; and a second signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping another portion of the touch sensor metal.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; a first touch sensor metal disposed in the first display area and having a plurality of openings; and at least one signal line disposed in the first display area, wherein the first touch sensor metal includes: a first portion surrounding a first light-emitting area; a second portion surrounding a second light-emitting area spaced apart from the first light-emitting area in a first direction; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and arranged in a linear shape, wherein the at least one signal line includes a wiring portion disposed parallel to the third portion and at least partially overlapping the third portion.

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area for not displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having multiple transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area, the non-display area including a first non-display area and a second non-display area; a touch electrode disposed in an optical area within the first and second display areas and having multiple openings; at least one signal line disposed in the first display area; and at least one power line.

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided that includes a transmissive region that achieves touch performance equivalent to or substantially equivalent to a non-transmissive region.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided, which includes a light transmission structure that allows photoelectric devices disposed below a display panel to receive light normally while maintaining touch performance in an optical area.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that has improved visibility by preventing brightness differences between areas with touch sensor metal and areas without touch sensor metal.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that has improved touch performance by reducing the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increasing the capacitance.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that enables normal touch functionality in an optical region included in a display panel and overlapping with an optoelectronic device.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that, while arranging the signal lines required for display driving, enhances the transmittance in an optical region that requires light transmission, thereby allowing optoelectronic devices located in the optical region to normally receive light transmitted through the optical region.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may be provided that enhances the transmittance in an optical region where light transmission is required by overlapping the vertical / vertical positions of the signal lines required for display driving and the touch sensor metal required for touch sensing, even when both the signal lines and the touch sensor metal are arranged in the optical region.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a display device can be provided that improves charge mobility by reducing the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increasing the capacitance to achieve low-power operation.

[0024] The effects of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description any additional effects not specified herein.

[0025] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and are used to explain the principles of this disclosure together with the description. This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and drawings. The detailed description and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a system configuration diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 A display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of pixels that may be included in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 A first optical region, a second optical region, and a second display region in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a first display area in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a second display area in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between grid-type touch electrodes and sub-pixels arranged in the display panel of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 It is a plan view of the touch sensor metal disposed in the optical region and the second display region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an enlarged plan view of the touch sensor metal disposed in the optical region and the second display region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 and Figure 12This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission region and the low transmittance region in the optical region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 The resistance change of the touch electrode is shown before and after placing the touch sensor metal in an optical region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 The capacitance change of the touch electrode is shown before and after placing the touch sensor metal in an optical region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 15 A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 16 This is an enlarged plan view of a second non-display area in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 17 This is an enlarged plan view of the second non-display area and the first optical area in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and descriptions of these elements may be exaggerated.

[0044] Figure label description

[0045] 100: Display device

[0046] 110: Display panel

[0047] 10: Electronic Components

[0048] 11: First Electronic Device

[0049] 12: Second electronic device

[0050] 220: Data drive circuit

[0051] 230: Gating drive circuit

[0052] 240: Display controller

[0053] 250: Host System

[0054] 260: Touch driver circuit

[0055] 270: Touch controller

[0056] 800: Opening area Detailed Implementation

[0057] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented, and in which the same reference numerals can be used to denote the same or similar components, even when they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein may render the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure considerably unclear, such detailed descriptions will be omitted. The progression of the described processing steps and / or operations is merely illustrative; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order described herein and can be changed as is known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a particular order. The names of the various elements used in the following description may be chosen solely for ease of writing the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed by” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] The shapes (e.g., dimensions, lengths, widths, heights, thicknesses, positions, radii, diameters, and areas), ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are given by way of example only. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrations in the drawings. The word "exemplary" is used to indicate that something is used as an example or illustration. An aspect is an exemplary aspect. "Implementation," "example," "aspect," etc., should not be construed as being more preferred or more advantageous than other implementations. Unless otherwise stated, implementation, example, exemplary implementation, aspect, etc., may refer to one or more implementations, one or more examples, one or more exemplary implementations, one or more aspects, etc.

[0059] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used herein to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not intended to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0060] When referring to the first element and the second element as "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., it should be interpreted as meaning that not only can the first element be "directly connected or joined" or "directly in contact or overlapping" with the second element, but also that a third element can be "inserted" between the first element and the second element, or that the first element and the second element can be "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other.

[0061] Terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationships between elements as shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these terms are spatially relative and based on the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0062] When time-relative terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., are used to describe the process or operation of an element or configuration, or the flow or steps in an operating method, processing method, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential processes or operations unless used together with the terms “directly” or “immediately.”

[0063] The term “at least one of” should be interpreted as any and all combinations including one or more of the associated listed items. For example, “at least one of the first element, the second element, and the third element” means combinations of all three listed elements, combinations of any two of the three elements, and each individual element (i.e., the first element, the second element, or the third element).

[0064] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., even without a specific description, it should be assumed that the numerical values ​​or corresponding information of the component or feature (e.g., level, range, etc.) include tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.). Additionally, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0065] As will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, the features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be linked or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may interoperate with each other and be technically driven in various ways. The embodiments of this disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should also be understood that terms (e.g., terms as defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. For example, as one of ordinary skill in the art should understand, the terms “component” or “unit” can be applied to, for example, a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit arrangement, or any structure configured to perform the described functions.

[0067] In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying images and electronic devices 10.

[0070] In a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device 10 can receive light transmitted through a display panel 110 and perform a predetermined operation using the received light.

[0071] As an example, electronic device 10 may include a first electronic device 11 and a second electronic device 12. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, electronic device 10 may include only one electronic device, or it may include three or more electronic devices.

[0072] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA that can display images (pictures) and a non-display area NDA that does not display images.

[0073] In the display area DA, multiple sub-pixels and various signal lines SL1 and SL2 used to drive the multiple sub-pixels can be arranged.

[0074] The non-display area NDA can be an area outside the display area DA. Various signal lines SL1, SL2 can be arranged within the non-display area NDA, and various drive circuits can be mounted on and connected to it. As an example, the non-display area NDA can be bent to be invisible from the front, or it can be covered by a housing (not shown), but is not limited to these. The non-display area NDA can also be referred to as a border or border area. As an example, the non-display area NDA can extend from the display area DA. As an example, the non-display area NDA can partially or completely surround the display area DA, but is not limited to these.

[0075] The optical region OA can be included in the first display region DA1, which is capable of transmitting light, and the normal region NA can correspond to or be included in the second display region DA2, which is opaque.

[0076] In the following text, the normal area NA may be referred to as the second display area DA2.

[0077] The display area DA may include a normal area NA and at least one optical area OA1 and OA2. At least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first electronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical area OA2 may overlap with the second electronic device 12. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, a single optical area may overlap with both the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12, or at least one of the first electronic device 11 and the second electronic device 12 may overlap with two or more optical areas, but this is not a limitation.

[0078] One or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are electronic components that are separately disposed and mounted from the display panel 110 and are located below the display panel 110 (on the opposite side of the viewing surface).

[0079] One or more electronic devices 11 and 12 need to receive light, but are located behind the display panel 110 (on the opposite side of the viewing surface of the display panel 110) to receive light transmitted through the display panel 110. One or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are not exposed on the front side (viewing surface) of the display panel 110. Therefore, one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are not visible to the user when the user views the front side of the display panel 110.

[0080] Light can enter through the front (viewing surface) of the display panel 110, pass through the display panel 110, and be transmitted to one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 located below the display panel 110 (on the opposite side of the viewing surface). For example, the light passing through the display panel 110 may include visible light or infrared light.

[0081] As an example, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 may have both image display structures and light transmission structures, but are not limited thereto. As an example, since one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 are part of the display area DA, light-emitting areas for sub-pixels used for image display can be arranged therein. Furthermore, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 may have light transmission structures for transmitting light to one or more electronic devices 11 and 12. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the light-emitting areas for sub-pixels used for image display may not be arranged in one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2.

[0082] For example, the first electronic device 11 can be a sensing sensor, and the second electronic device 12 can be a camera. For example, the sensing sensor can be an infrared sensor that detects infrared light. Conversely, the first electronic device 11 can be a camera, and the second electronic device 12 can be a sensing sensor such as a proximity sensor or an ambient light sensor.

[0083] For ease of explanation, an example will be given below in which the first electronic device 11 is an infrared sensing sensor and the second electronic device 12 is a camera. Here, the camera can be a camera lens or an image sensor.

[0084] As an example, the normal region NA and one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 can be regions where an image can be displayed, but are not limited thereto. However, the normal region NA is a region that does not need to form a light transmission structure, while one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 are regions that must form a light transmission structure.

[0085] As an example, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, even if one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are hidden behind the display panel 110 and overlap with the display area DA, normal image display can still be performed in one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 that overlap with one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 within the display area DA.

[0086] Therefore, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 can have transmittance above a certain level, while the normal region NA can have no transmittance or can have low transmittance below a certain level.

[0087] For example, one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 may differ from the normal region NA in terms of resolution, subpixel arrangement, number of subpixels per unit area, electrode structure, circuit structure, electrode arrangement, or circuit arrangement, but are not limited thereto.

[0088] For example, the number of subpixels per unit area in one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 can be less than the number of subpixels in the normal region NA. As an example, the resolution of one or more optical regions OA1 and OA2 can be lower than the resolution of the normal region NA. Here, the number of subpixels per unit area can have the same meaning as resolution, pixel density, or pixel integration density. For example, the unit for the number of subpixels per unit area can be expressed as PPI (pixels per inch), which represents the number of pixels per inch.

[0089] For example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1 can be less than the number of sub-pixels in the normal region NA. The number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical region OA2 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the number of sub-pixels in the first optical region OA1 and less than the number of sub-pixels in the normal region NA.

[0090] The first optical region OA1 can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal, but is not limited to these. The second optical region OA2 can also have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal, but is not limited to these. The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can have the same shape or different shapes. The dimensions of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be the same or different. For example, the size of the first optical region OA1, where the camera is located, can be larger than the size of the second optical region OA2, where the sensor is located, but is not limited to this. In another example, the size of the first optical region OA1 can be smaller than the size of the second optical region OA2.

[0091] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first electronic device 11 hidden under the display panel 110 and not exposed to the outside is an infrared sensing sensor, the display device 100 may be a display that applies under-display infrared (UDIR) technology.

[0092] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second electronic device 12 hidden under the display panel 110 and not exposed to the outside is a camera, then the display device 100 may be a display using under-display camera (UDC) technology.

[0093] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to form a notch or hole in the display panel 110 for exposing sensors or cameras. As a result, the area of ​​the display area DA is not reduced. Therefore, the size of the bezel area can be reduced and design constraints can be eliminated, thereby increasing design freedom.

[0094] The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an image display function for displaying images and a touch sensing function for detecting the presence or absence of a touch and / or touch coordinates in response to touch manipulation by a touch object such as a user's finger or pen.

[0095] As an example, these functions also apply to the optical area OA, but are not limited thereto. A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can provide touch sensing functionality for detecting the presence or absence of a touch and / or touch coordinates, while simultaneously displaying an image normally even in the optical area OA, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] Figure 2 This is a system configuration diagram of a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 The display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for image display.

[0098] The display driving circuit can be a circuit for driving the display panel 110, and may include a data driving circuit 220, a gating driving circuit 230, and a display controller 240.

[0099] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images. The non-display area NDA may be an outer area of ​​the display area DA and may also be referred to as a border area. All or part of the non-display area NDA may be an area visible from the front of the display device 100, or it may be curved to be invisible from the front of the display device 100.

[0100] The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed on the substrate SUB. In addition, the display panel 110 may also include various types of signal lines SL1, SL2 to drive the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0101] The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a self-emissive display device in which the display panel 110 emits its own light, but is not limited thereto. When the display device 100 is a self-emissive display device, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP may include a light-emitting device. For example, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting device is implemented as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In another example, the display device 100 may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting device is implemented as an inorganic light-emitting diode. In yet another example, the display device 100 may be a quantum dot display device in which the light-emitting device is implemented as a quantum dot, which is a self-emissive semiconductor crystal.

[0102] The structure of each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP can vary depending on the type of display device 100. For example, when the display device 100 is a self-emissive display device in which each sub-pixel SP emits its own light, each sub-pixel SP may include a self-emissive light-emitting device, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0103] For example, various types of signal lines SL1, SL2 may include multiple data lines DL that transmit data signals (also known as data voltage or image signals) and multiple gating lines GL that transmit gating signals (also known as scan signals).

[0104] Multiple data lines DL and multiple gate lines GL can intersect each other. Each of the multiple data lines DL can be arranged to extend in a first direction, and each of the multiple gate lines GL can be arranged to extend in a second direction. Here, the first direction can be a column direction, and the second direction can be a row direction. Alternatively, the first direction can be a row direction, and the second direction can be a column direction. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the first direction and / or the second direction can be directions different from the row and column directions.

[0105] The data driving circuit 220 can be a circuit for driving multiple data lines DL, and can output data signals to the multiple data lines DL. The gating driving circuit 230 can be a circuit for driving multiple gating lines GL, and can output gating signals to the multiple gating lines GL.

[0106] The display controller 240 can be a device for controlling the data drive circuit 220 and the gating drive circuit 230, and can control the driving timing of multiple data lines DL and multiple gating lines GL.

[0107] The display controller 240 can provide a data drive control signal DCS to the data drive circuit 220 to control the data drive circuit 220, and can provide a gating drive control signal GCS to the gating drive circuit 230 to control the gating drive circuit 230.

[0108] The display controller 240 may, for example, receive input image data from the host system 250 and provide digital image data Data to the data drive circuit 220 based on the input image data.

[0109] The data drive circuit 220 can receive digital image data Data from the display controller 240, convert the received digital image data Data into analog data signals, and output the analog data signals to multiple data lines DL.

[0110] The gating drive circuit 230 can generate a gating signal by receiving a first gating voltage corresponding to the on-level voltage and a second gating voltage corresponding to the off-level voltage, as well as various gating drive control signals GCS, and can provide the generated gating signal to multiple gating lines GL.

[0111] For example, the data driving circuit 220 can be connected to the display panel 110 via tape automatic bonding (TAB) technology, or it can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 using chip-on-glass (COG) or chip-on-panel (COP) technology. Alternatively, the data driving circuit 220 can be implemented using chip-on-film (COF) technology and connected to the display panel 110.

[0112] The gating drive circuit 230 can be connected to the display panel 110 via tape-on-absence (TAB) technology, or to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 using chip-on-glass (COG) or chip-on-panel (COP) technology. Alternatively, the gating drive circuit 230 can be connected to the display panel 110 using chip-on-film (COF) technology. The gating drive circuit 230 can be disposed on or connected to the substrate. As an example, if the gating drive circuit 230 is of the GIP type, it can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the substrate. If the gating drive circuit 230 is of the COG or COF type, it can be connected to the substrate.

[0113] Meanwhile, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gating driving circuit 230 can be disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gating driving circuit 230 can be configured not to overlap with the sub-pixel SP, or can partially or completely overlap with the sub-pixel SP.

[0114] The data driving circuit 220 can be connected to one side of the display panel 110 (e.g., the top or bottom side). Depending on the driving method or panel design method, the data driving circuit 220 can be connected to both sides of the display panel 110 (e.g., the top and bottom sides), or to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110.

[0115] The gating drive circuit 230 can be connected to one side of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left or right side). Depending on the driving method or panel design method, the gating drive circuit 230 can be connected to both sides of the display panel 110 (e.g., the left and right sides), or to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110.

[0116] The display controller 240 can be implemented as a component separate from the data drive circuit 220, or it can be integrated with the data drive circuit 220 as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0117] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor TS and a touch sensing circuit TSC to provide not only image display functionality but also touch sensing functionality. The touch sensing circuit TSC can detect whether a touch object such as a finger or pen has been touched, or determine the touch location.

[0118] The touch sensing circuit TSC may include a touch driving circuit 260 and a touch controller 270. The touch driving circuit 260 drives and senses the touch sensor to generate and output touch sensing data, while the touch controller 270 detects touch events or determines touch positions based on the touch sensing data.

[0119] The touch sensor may include multiple touch electrodes. The touch sensor may also include multiple touch lines that electrically connect the multiple touch electrodes to the touch driving circuit 260.

[0120] The touch sensor can exist as a touch panel outside the display panel 110, or it can be integrated inside the display panel 110.

[0121] When the touch sensor is integrated inside the display panel 110, the touch sensor, along with signal lines SL1, SL2 and electrodes related to display driving, can be formed on the substrate SUB during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, even when the touch sensor is integrated inside the display panel 110, the touch sensor can still be formed on the substrate SUB during a manufacturing process separate from the manufacturing process of the display panel 110.

[0122] The touch driving circuit 260 can provide a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes to generate touch sensing data.

[0123] In the display panel 110, the display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2.

[0124] The first display area DA1 may include one or more optical areas OA1, OA2, and the second display area DA2 may include a normal area NA. As an example, both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are areas capable of displaying images, but are not limited thereto. However, the second display area DA2 is an area where a light transmission structure and transmission area are not required to be formed, while the first display area DA1 is an area where a light transmission structure and transmission area should be formed.

[0125] Figure 3 A display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0126] Reference Figure 3 Multiple subpixels SP can be arranged in the display area DA of the display panel 110. The multiple subpixels SP can be set in the normal area NA and the optical area OA included in the display area DA.

[0127] The display panel 110 may also include a plurality of touch pads TP electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 260 and a plurality of touch wirings TL electrically connecting a plurality of sensor electrodes included in the touch sensor layer TSL to the plurality of touch pads TP connected to the touch driving circuit 260.

[0128] The touch sensing circuit TSC may include a touch driving circuit 260 that provides driving signals and receives sensing signals, and a touch controller 270 that calculates the presence or absence of a touch and / or the touch position (touch coordinates).

[0129] Meanwhile, the touch sensing circuit TSC of the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can sense touch based on the capacitance formed in the touch electrode TE.

[0130] In this scenario, the touch sensing circuit (TSC) can obtain the touch presence and / or touch coordinates based on changes in its own capacitance, or it can obtain the touch presence and / or touch coordinates based on changes in the mutual capacitance of the touch sensors. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, an example of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure sensing touch based on mutual capacitance will be described.

[0131] In a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing method, the touch sensing circuit applies a driving signal to one or more driving touch electrode lines, receives a sensing signal from one or more sensing touch electrode lines, and detects the presence of a touch and / or touch coordinates based on the change in capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the driving touch electrode lines and the sensing touch electrode lines (which depends on the presence of an indicator such as a finger or pen).

[0132] The touch sensor layer TSL can be embedded in the display panel 110.

[0133] For example, the touch sensor layer TSL can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP in the display panel 110. As an example, in a touch display device, the touch sensor can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. This is called a touch sensor on encapsulation layer (TOE) structure.

[0134] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. For example, when the encapsulation layer ENCAP consists of multiple layers, it may include one or more inorganic encapsulation layers and one or more organic encapsulation layers. Specifically, as an example, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer, but is not limited thereto. Here, the organic encapsulation layer may be located between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] The first inorganic encapsulation layer can be formed on the common electrode (e.g., the cathode) to be closest to the light-emitting device (ED). This first inorganic encapsulation layer can be formed from, but is not limited to, inorganic insulating materials capable of deposition at low temperatures (e.g., silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3)). Therefore, because the first inorganic encapsulation layer is deposited at a low temperature, damage to the light-emitting layer (organic light-emitting layer), which is susceptible to high-temperature conditions during the deposition process of the first inorganic encapsulation layer, can be reduced or prevented.

[0136] The organic encapsulation layer can be formed to have a smaller area than the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and can be formed to expose both ends of the first inorganic encapsulation layer, but is not limited thereto. This organic encapsulation layer acts as a buffer layer, which alleviates interlayer stress caused, for example, by bending of the touch display device, and enhances planarization performance. The organic encapsulation layer can be formed from organic insulating materials (e.g., acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC)), but is not limited thereto.

[0137] The second inorganic encapsulation layer may be formed on the organic encapsulation layer to cover the upper and side surfaces of both the organic and first inorganic encapsulation layers, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the second inorganic encapsulation layer can reduce, minimize, or prevent the penetration of external moisture or oxygen into the first inorganic and organic encapsulation layers. The second inorganic encapsulation layer may include, but is not limited to, inorganic insulating materials (e.g., silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3)).

[0138] Figure 4 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of pixels that may be included in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Reference Figure 4 Each sub-pixel SP includes a sub-pixel circuit SPC that may include a driving transistor DT for driving the light-emitting device ED, a scanning transistor ST for transmitting a data voltage VDATA to the driving transistor DT, and a storage capacitor Cst for maintaining a constant voltage over a certain period of time (e.g., one frame).

[0140] The driving transistor DT may include a first node N1, a second node N2, and a third node N3.

[0141] The first node N1 can be connected to the light-emitting device ED. The second node N2 can be connected to the scanning transistor ST. The third node N3 can be connected to the drive voltage line VDDL.

[0142] The first node N1 can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode PE of the light-emitting device ED. The data voltage VDATA can be applied to the second node N2 via the scan transistor ST. The drive voltage VDD can be applied to the third node N3.

[0143] The first node N1 can be either a source node or a drain node, the second node N2 can be a gate node, and the third node N3 can be either a drain node or a source node. For ease of explanation, the following example uses the first node N1 of the driving transistor DT as the source node, the second node N2 as the gate node, and the third node N3 as the drain node.

[0144] The light-emitting device (ED) may include a pixel electrode (PE), an intermediate layer (EL), and a common electrode (CE).

[0145] The pixel electrode PE can be an electrode disposed in each sub-pixel SP. For example, the pixel electrode PE can be directly electrically connected to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DT of each sub-pixel SP, or indirectly electrically connected to the first node N1 of the driving transistor DT of each sub-pixel SP, for example, through another transistor.

[0146] The common electrode CE can be an electrode commonly disposed across multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, the common electrode CE can receive a reference voltage VSS as a common driving voltage via a reference voltage line VSSL. Implementations are not limited to this. As an example, the pixel electrode PE can be an electrode commonly disposed across at least some or all of multiple sub-pixels SP, and / or the common electrode CE can be an electrode disposed in each sub-pixel SP or an electrode commonly disposed across some sub-pixels SP.

[0147] For example, the pixel electrode PE can be the anode, and the common electrode CE can be the cathode. Conversely, the pixel electrode PE can be the cathode, and the common electrode CE can be the anode. In the following text, for ease of explanation, it will be assumed that the pixel electrode PE is the anode and the common electrode CE is the cathode.

[0148] The intermediate layer EL can include the emissive layer EML and the common intermediate layer EL_COM.

[0149] The emissive layer EML can be set in the emissive region of each sub-pixel SP. For example, the emissive layer EML can be set only in each of multiple sub-pixels SP. Alternatively, the emissive layer EML can be set publicly in multiple sub-pixels SP. In another example, the emissive layer EML can be set only in the emissive region. In yet another example, the emissive layer EML can be set in both the emissive and non-emissive regions.

[0150] As an example, the common intermediate layer EL_COM can be set publicly across multiple subpixels SP, but is not limited to this. As an example, the common intermediate layer EL_COM can be set publicly across multiple luminous regions EA and non-luminous regions.

[0151] The common intermediate layer EL_COM may include a first common intermediate layer COM1 and a second common intermediate layer COM2. The first common intermediate layer COM1 may be disposed between the pixel electrode PE and the emissive layer EML, and may include at least one layer such as an organic layer. The second common intermediate layer COM2 may be disposed between the emissive layer EML and the common electrode CE, and may include at least one layer such as an organic layer. For example, the first common intermediate layer COM1 may include a hole injection layer HIL and a hole transport layer HTL. The second common intermediate layer COM2 may include an electron transport layer ETL and an electron injection layer EIL. As an example, at least one or all of the hole injection layer HIL, hole transport layer HTL, electron transport layer ETL, and electron injection layer EIL may be omitted, and / or at least one additional layer may be further included in the common intermediate layer EL_COM.

[0152] The hole injection layer (HIL) injects holes from the pixel electrode (PE) to the hole transport layer (HTL), which then transports the holes to the light-emitting layer (EML). The electron injection layer (EIL) injects electrons from the common electrode (CE) to the electron transport layer (ETL), which in turn transports the electrons to the light-emitting layer (EML). Each light-emitting device (ED) can be disposed in the overlapping portion of the pixel electrode (PE), the light-emitting layer (EML) in the intermediate layer (EL), and the common electrode (CE). Each light-emitting device (ED) can define a predetermined light-emitting region (EA). For example, the light-emitting region (EA) can be defined as the overlapping area of ​​the pixel electrode (PE), the light-emitting layer (EML) in the intermediate layer (EL), and the common electrode (CE).

[0153] For example, the light-emitting device (ED) can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light-emitting diode, or a quantum dot light-emitting device, but is not limited to these. When the light-emitting device (ED) is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), the intermediate layer (EL) in the light-emitting device (ED) may include an organic layer containing organic materials.

[0154] The scanning transistor ST can be turned on or off by the scanning signal SC, and can be electrically connected between the second node N2 of the driving transistor DT and the data line DL. The scanning signal SC is a gating signal applied by the scanning signal line SCL, which serves as a gating line GL.

[0155] The storage capacitor Cst can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DT.

[0156] like Figure 3As shown, the sub-pixel circuit SPC can have a 2T1C structure including two transistors DT(T1) and ST(T2) and a capacitor Cst, and may additionally include one or more transistors or one or more capacitors as needed.

[0157] The storage capacitor Cst can be an external capacitor intentionally designed to be outside the driving transistor DT, rather than an internal capacitor such as a parasitic capacitor that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DT. The driving transistor DT and the scan transistor ST can each be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0158] Each sub-pixel SP includes circuit elements susceptible to external moisture or oxygen (specifically, implemented as light-emitting devices (EDs) of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) comprising organic materials). Therefore, an encapsulation layer ENCAP can be provided in the display panel 110 to reduce or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the circuit elements (specifically, the EDs). The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be configured to cover the EDs.

[0159] Figure 5 The structure of a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 in a display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0160] Reference Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images. The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The first display area DA1 may include at least one of a first optical area OA1 and a second optical area OA2. For example, the first display area DA1 may include both the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2.

[0161] In the following description, the case in which the first display area DA1 includes the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 will be used as an example.

[0162] The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be regions capable of light transmission, and the second display region DA2 can be a region with reduced or minimal light transmission.

[0163] Here, light transmission means that light entering through the front of the display panel 110 passes through the display panel 110 and exits from the rear of the display panel 110.

[0164] The second display area DA2 can be any area other than the first display area DA1.

[0165] At least a portion of the first optical region OA1 may be an area overlapping with the first electronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical region OA2 may be an area overlapping with the second electronic device 12.

[0166] Each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have a light-transmitting structure. However, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have the same or different structural characteristics. For example, the optical transmittance of the first optical region OA1 may be lower than that of the second optical region OA2. Furthermore, the resolution of the first optical region OA1 may be higher than that of the second optical region OA2. In another example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical region OA1 may be greater than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical region OA2. In yet another example, the sub-pixel size of the first optical region OA1 may be larger than the sub-pixel size of the second optical region OA2.

[0167] The first electronic device 11 can perform a predetermined operation using light of a first wavelength in the light transmitted through the first optical region OA1. The second electronic device 12 can perform a predetermined operation using light of a second wavelength in the light transmitted through the second optical region OA2. As an example, the second wavelength may be the same as or different from the first wavelength, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] The first band may include one or more bands of visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. The second band may include one or more bands of visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light, but may differ from the first band.

[0169] For example, the first electronic device 11 may be a sensing sensor, and the second electronic device 12 may be a camera.

[0170] As an example, the first electronic device 11 can use light in the infrared band corresponding to the first band in the light transmitted through the first optical region OA1 to perform sensing operations, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the second electronic device 12 can use light in the visible light band corresponding to the second band in the light transmitted through the second optical region OA2 to perform camera operations, but is not limited thereto.

[0171] Reference Figure 5 Each of the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 can be circular or octagonal. However, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 are not limited to this and can have various shapes such as elliptical, polygonal or irregular shapes.

[0172] The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have the same shape. Alternatively, the first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 may have different shapes.

[0173] Reference Figure 5 The display area DA can include multiple light-emitting areas EA. Since the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are included in the display area DA, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 can include multiple light-emitting areas EA.

[0174] The plurality of light-emitting regions EA disposed in the display area DA may include a first-color light-emitting region EA1 emitting a first-color light, a second-color light-emitting region EA2 emitting a second-color light, and a third-color light-emitting region EA3 emitting a third-color light. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the plurality of light-emitting regions EA disposed in the display area DA may also include one or more additional-color light-emitting regions emitting one or more additional-color light.

[0175] As an example, at least one of the first color emitting region EA1, the second color emitting region EA2, and the third color emitting region EA3 may have an area different from the other color emitting regions, but is not limited thereto. The first color, the second color, and the third color may be different colors, and may be various colors. For example, the first color, the second color, and the third color may include red, green, and blue. Alternatively or additionally, one or more emitting regions emitting other colors of light may be included.

[0176] Reference Figure 5 The first optical region OA1 and the second optical region OA2 in the first display region DA1 may include multiple light-emitting regions EA and at least one transmissive region TA. The second display region DA2 may include multiple light-emitting regions EA. As an example, the second display region DA2 may not include the transmissive region TA, or it may include at least one transmissive region TA.

[0177] The first display area DA1 may include a low-transmittance area LTA and multiple transmissive areas TA. The low-transmittance area LTA may be any area of ​​the first display area DA1 other than the multiple transmissive areas TA. The low-transmittance area LTA may include multiple luminescent areas EA.

[0178] The first optical region OA1 may include multiple first transmission regions TA1 and a low-transmittance region LTA including multiple light-emitting regions EA. The low-transmittance region LTA included in the first optical region OA1 may be a region that transmits light with a lower transmittance than the first transmission regions TA1.

[0179] For example, each of the plurality of first transmission regions TA1 can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular. In one example, the plurality of first transmission regions TA1 can have the same shape. In another example, some of the plurality of first transmission regions TA1 can have different shapes from the others. The plurality of first transmission regions TA1 can be separate regions or connected regions.

[0180] The second optical region OA2 may include multiple second transmission regions TA2 and a low-transmittance region LTA including multiple light-emitting regions EA. The low-transmittance region LTA included in the second optical region OA2 may be a region that transmits light with a lower transmittance than the second transmission regions TA2.

[0181] For example, each of the plurality of second transmission regions TA2 can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular. In one example, the plurality of second transmission regions TA2 can have the same shape. In another example, some of the plurality of second transmission regions TA2 can have different shapes from the others. The plurality of second transmission regions TA2 can be separate regions or connected regions.

[0182] In one example, the first transmission region TA1 and the second transmission region TA2 can have the same shape. In another example, the first transmission region TA1 and the second transmission region TA2 can have different shapes. In one example, the first transmission region TA1 and the second transmission region TA2 can have the same size. In another example, the first transmission region TA1 and the second transmission region TA2 can have different sizes. For example, the area of ​​the first transmission region TA1 can be smaller than the area of ​​the second transmission region TA2.

[0183] Reference Figure 5 The second display area DA2 can be a low-transmittance region LTA. The second display area DA2 may include a low-transmittance region LTA comprising multiple light-emitting regions EA. As an example, the entire second display area DA2 may be a low-transmittance region LTA, and the second display area DA2 may not include a transmissive region TA. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the second display area DA2 may include at least one transmissive region TA. As an example, the size of the transmissive region TA in the second display area DA2 may be smaller than the size of the transmissive region TA in the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the density of the transmissive region TA in the second display area DA2 may be smaller than the density of the transmissive region TA in the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2, but is not limited thereto.

[0184] Furthermore, in order to enable touch functionality across the entire display area DA, multiple touch electrodes TE can be disposed not only in the second display area DA2, but also in the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 within the first display area DA1. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the multiple touch electrodes TE may not be disposed in the first optical area OA1 and / or the second optical area OA2, but this is not a limitation.

[0185] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device 100 in which a plurality of touch electrodes TE are arranged in a specific pattern and stacking structure in a first optical region OA1 and a second optical region OA2, thereby enabling touch sensing in the optical region while allowing a first electronic device 11 and / or a second electronic device 12 disposed below the display panel to receive light normally.

[0186] As an example, in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a plurality of touch electrodes TE may be disposed in at least one or both of a first optical region OA1 and a second optical region OA2 within a first display area DA1.

[0187] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first display area DA1 in a display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] The first display area DA1 may include a first optical area OA1 and a second optical area OA2.

[0189] The first optical region OA1 may include a plurality of first transmission regions TA1 and a low transmittance region LTA including a plurality of light emission regions EA. The low transmittance region LTA included in the first optical region OA1 may be a region that transmits light with a lower transmittance than the plurality of first transmission regions TA1.

[0190] The second optical region OA2 may include a plurality of second transmission regions TA2 and a low-transmittance region LTA including a plurality of light-emitting regions EA. The low-transmittance region LTA included in the second optical region OA2 may be a region that transmits light with a lower transmittance than the plurality of second transmission regions TA2. The second transmission regions TA2 included in the second optical region OA2 may be regions that transmit light with a higher transmittance than the first transmission region TA1 included in the first optical region OA1, but are not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the insulating layer included in the second transmission region TA2 may differ from the structure of the insulating layer included in the first transmission region TA1, but is not limited thereto. For example, by removing some of the multiple insulating layers, the insulating layer structure in the second transmission region TA2 may be configured to have a higher transmittance than the insulating layer structure in the first transmission region TA1.

[0191] The display panel 110 may include a transistor forming section, a light-emitting device forming section, a packaging section, and a touch sensor.

[0192] The transistor forming section may include a substrate SUB, a first buffer layer BUF1 located on the substrate SUB, various transistors TFT1 and TFT2, a storage capacitor Cst, and various electrodes and signal lines formed on the first buffer layer BUF1.

[0193] As an example, the substrate SUB may include a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and an intermediate layer INTL located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Here, for example, the intermediate layer INTL may be an inorganic layer capable of blocking moisture penetration. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the substrate SUB may include a single substrate or three or more substrates, but is not limited thereto.

[0194] The bottom shielding metal (BSM) can be disposed on the substrate SUB. The bottom shielding metal (BSM) can be located below the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1. As an example, the bottom shielding metal (BSM) can at least partially overlap with the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the bottom shielding metal (BSM) can be omitted depending on the design.

[0195] The first buffer layer BUF1 can be a single layer or multiple layers. If the first buffer layer BUF1 is multiple layers, it can include a multi-buffer layer MBUF and an active buffer layer ABUF.

[0196] Various transistors TFT1 and TFT2, storage capacitor Cst, and various electrodes and signal lines can be formed on the first buffer layer BUF1.

[0197] For example, transistors TFT1 and TFT2 formed on the first buffer layer BUF1 can be made of the same material and located on the same layer. Alternatively, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first transistor TFT1 and the second transistor TFT2 can be composed of different materials and located on different layers.

[0198] The first transistor TFT1 may include a first active layer ACT1, a first gate G1, a first source S1, and a first drain D1. The second transistor TFT2 may include a second active layer ACT2, a second gate G2, a second source S2, and a second drain D2.

[0199] As an example, the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be positioned higher than the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] As an example, the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 and the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 may include, but are not limited to, different semiconductor materials. For example, the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 may include a semiconductor material different from the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2. For example, the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 may include a silicon-based semiconductor material, but is not limited to. For example, the silicon-based semiconductor material may include low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS), but is not limited to. The second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 may include an oxide semiconductor material, but is not limited to. For example, the oxide semiconductor material may include indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium gallium zinc tin oxide (IGZTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium oxide (CdO), indium oxide (InO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), or zinc indium tin oxide (ZITO), but is not limited to.

[0201] The first buffer layer BUF1 can be disposed below the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1, and the second buffer layer BUF2 can be disposed below the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2.

[0202] As an example, the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 can be located on the first buffer layer BUF1, and the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be located on the second buffer layer BUF2. Here, the second buffer layer BUF2 can be positioned higher than the first buffer layer BUF1.

[0203] The first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 can be disposed on the first buffer layer BUF1, and the first gate insulating layer GI1 can be disposed on the first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1. The first gate G1 of the first transistor TFT1 can be disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1, and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 can be disposed on the first gate G1 of the first transistor TFT1.

[0204] The first active layer ACT1 of the first transistor TFT1 may include a first channel region overlapping with the first gate G1, a first source connection region located on one side of the first channel region, and a first drain connection region located on the opposite side of the channel region.

[0205] The second buffer layer BUF2 can be placed on the first interlayer insulation layer ILD1.

[0206] The second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be disposed on the second buffer layer BUF2, and the second gate insulating layer GI2 can be disposed on the second active layer ACT2. The second gate G2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2, and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 can be disposed on the second gate G2.

[0207] The second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2 may include a second channel region overlapping with the second gate G2, a second source connection region located on one side of the second channel region, and a second drain connection region located on the opposite side of the second channel region.

[0208] The first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first transistor TFT1 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. Furthermore, the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2.

[0209] The first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first transistor TFT1 can be electrically connected to the first source connection region and the first drain connection region of the first active layer ACT1 through vias in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the second gate insulating layer GI2, the second buffer layer BUF2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the first gate insulating layer GI1, respectively.

[0210] The second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second transistor TFT2 can be electrically connected to the second source connection region and the second drain connection region of the second active layer ACT2 through through-holes in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 and the second gate insulating layer GI2, respectively.

[0211] As an example, the storage capacitor Cst may include a first capacitor electrode PLT1 and a second capacitor electrode PLT2, but is not limited thereto.

[0212] The first capacitor electrode PLT1 can be electrically connected to the first gate G1 of the first transistor TFT1, and the second capacitor electrode PLT2 can be electrically connected to the first source S1 of the first transistor TFT1.

[0213] The lower metal layer BML can be disposed below the second active layer ACT2 of the second transistor TFT2. The lower metal layer BML can overlap with at least a portion or entirely of the second active layer ACT2.

[0214] For example, the lower metal BML can be electrically connected to the second gate G2, but is not limited to this. In another example, the lower metal BML can be used as a light shield to block light incident from below. In this case, as an example, the lower metal BML can be electrically connected to the second source S2, but is not limited to this. As an example, the lower metal BML can be omitted depending on the design.

[0215] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first transistor TFT1 can be a driving transistor for driving the light-emitting device ED, and the second transistor TFT2 can be a scanning transistor or a light-emitting control transistor. However, the first transistor TFT1 can be a scanning transistor or a light-emitting control transistor, and the second transistor TFT2 can be a driving transistor for driving the light-emitting device ED. Here, the light-emitting control transistor can be a transistor that controls whether the light-emitting device emits light by controlling the connection between the driving transistor and the light-emitting device according to a light-emitting control signal.

[0216] The display panel 110 may include a planarization layer PLN disposed on the first transistor TFT1 and the second transistor TFT2.

[0217] For example, the planarization layer PLN may include a first planarization layer PLN1. The first planarization layer PLN1 may be disposed on the first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first transistor TFT1, and on the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second transistor TFT2.

[0218] The relay electrode RE can be disposed on the first planarization layer PLN1. As an example, the relay electrode RE can electrically connect the second source S2 of the second transistor TFT2 and the pixel electrode PE of the light-emitting device ED. In another example, the relay electrode RE can be electrically connected to the first drain D1 or the first source S1 of the first transistor TFT1 through a hole in the first planarization layer PLN1. In yet another example, the relay electrode RE can be electrically connected to the second source S2 or the second drain D2 of the second transistor TFT2 through a hole in the first planarization layer PLN1. As an example, the relay electrode RE can be omitted depending on the design.

[0219] The planarization layer PLN disposed in the display panel 110 may further include a second planarization layer PLN2 located on the first planarization layer PLN1. For example, the second planarization layer PLN2 may be configured to cover the relay electrode RE located on the first planarization layer PLN1.

[0220] Reference Figure 6 The light-emitting device forming unit may be located on the second planarization layer PLN2 and may include a pixel electrode PE, an intermediate layer EL, and a common electrode CE for forming the light-emitting device ED.

[0221] The light-emitting device (ED) can be configured in the area where the pixel electrode (PE), intermediate layer (EL), and common electrode (CE) overlap.

[0222] The pixel electrode PE can be disposed on the second planarization layer PLN2. The pixel electrode PE can be connected to the relay electrode RE through a hole in the second planarization layer PLN2.

[0223] The dam BK can be set on the pixel electrode PE.

[0224] The dam BK may include a dam aperture through which a portion of the pixel electrode PE is exposed. As an example, the dam aperture formed in the dam BK may overlap with a portion of the pixel electrode PE. The dam BK may include a black pigment. For example, the dam BK may include an organic material containing a black pigment.

[0225] The intermediate layer EL can be disposed on the dam BK. The intermediate layer EL can contact a portion of the pixel electrode PE through the dam aperture.

[0226] As an example, at least one spacer SPCR may exist between the intermediate layer EL and the embankment BK. Implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the spacer may be omitted depending on the design.

[0227] A common electrode CE can be disposed on the intermediate layer EL. The common electrode CE may include a common electrode aperture CH. The common electrode aperture CH formed in the common electrode CE can be disposed in the first display area DA1. As an example, a single common electrode aperture CH may be located between two adjacent light-emitting areas EA, but is not limited thereto.

[0228] The common electrode CE can be disposed in the light-emitting area EA included in the normal area NA and the first display area DA1. However, the common electrode CE may not be disposed in the transmission area TA within the first display area DA1. As an example, the transmission area TA within the first display area DA1 may correspond to the common electrode hole CH, which serves as the opening of the common electrode CE.

[0229] When the transmittance of the first optical region OA1 is the same as that of the second optical region OA2, the stacking structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be exactly the same as the stacking structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2, but is not limited thereto.

[0230] When the transmittance of the first optical region OA1 and the transmittance of the second optical region OA2 are different, the stacking structure of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be partially different from the stacking structure of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2. For example, at least one of the encapsulation layer ENCAP, the touch sensor layer TSL, and the planarization layer PLN (described later) can be removed from the first transmission region TA1 of the first optical region OA1. For example, the distance from the substrate SUB to the top surface of the first transmission region TA1 in the first optical region OA1 can be less than the distance from the substrate SUB to the top surface of the second transmission region TA2 in the second optical region OA2.

[0231] Reference Figure 6 The encapsulation unit may be located on the common electrode CE. The encapsulation unit may include an encapsulation layer ENCAP formed on the common electrode CE.

[0232] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can reduce or prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting device (ED). Specifically, the encapsulation layer ENCAP can reduce or prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the intermediate layer EL, which may include an organic layer. Here, the encapsulation layer ENCAP can be formed as a single layer or multiple layers.

[0233] The encapsulation layer ENCAP may include a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2. For example, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 may be inorganic layers (inorganic encapsulation layers), and the second encapsulation layer PCL may be an organic layer (organic encapsulation layer). Since the second encapsulation layer PCL is formed as an organic layer, it can also be used as a planarization layer.

[0234] Reference Figure 6 When the touch sensor TS is embedded in the display panel 110, the touch sensor layer TSL can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The structure of the touch sensor layer TSL and the touch sensor TS will be described in detail below.

[0235] The touch sensor layer (TSL) may include a touch sensor metal (TSM) and a bridging metal (BRG), and may also include insulating layer structures such as a sensor buffer layer (S-BUF), an interlayer insulating layer (S-ILD), and a sensor protective layer (S-PAC). Here, the interlayer insulating layer (S-ILD) may include one or more insulating layers.

[0236] The sensor buffer layer S-BUF can be placed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The bridging metal BRG can be placed on the sensor buffer layer S-BUF, and the interlayer insulating layer S-ILD can be placed on the bridging metal BRG. Here, the sensor buffer layer S-BUF can be omitted.

[0237] The touch sensor TS can include a touch sensor metal TSM and a bridging metal BRG located on different layers.

[0238] As an example, the touch sensor metal TSM can be set on the interlayer insulating layer S-ILD of the sensor, but is not limited to this.

[0239] Multiple touch sensor metal TSMs can be formed into a single touch electrode (or a single touch electrode line) and can be arranged in a grid structure while being electrically connected.

[0240] One part of the touch sensor metal TSM and another part of the touch sensor metal TSM can be electrically connected via a bridging metal BRG to form a single touch electrode (or a single touch electrode line).

[0241] For example, a touch sensor metal TSM may include a first touch sensor metal TSM, a second touch sensor metal TSM, and a third touch sensor metal TSM arranged adjacent to each other. If the third touch sensor metal TSM is located between the first and second touch sensor metal TSMs, and the first and second touch sensor metal TSMs need to be electrically connected, they can be electrically connected via a bridging metal BRG located on different layers. The bridging metal BRG can be insulated from the third touch sensor metal TSM through a sensor interlayer insulating layer (S-ILD). As an example, the bridging metal BRG can overlap with the third touch sensor metal TSM, with the sensor interlayer insulating layer (S-ILD) interposed between them.

[0242] When the touch sensor TS is formed in the display panel 110, chemicals used in the manufacturing process (e.g., developers or etchants) or moisture from external sources may be present. By placing the touch sensor TS on the sensor buffer layer S-BUF, the penetration of chemicals or moisture into the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials, during the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS can be reduced or prevented. Therefore, the sensor buffer layer S-BUF can reduce or prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which is susceptible to chemicals or moisture.

[0243] The sensor buffer layer S-BUF can be formed from an organic insulating material with a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3, and can be formed at a low temperature (e.g., 100°C) or lower to reduce or prevent damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials that are susceptible to high temperatures.

[0244] For example, the sensor buffer layer S-BUF can be formed from materials derived from acrylic, epoxy, or siloxane families. Due to bending of the display device 100, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may be damaged, and the touch sensor metal on the sensor buffer layer S-BUF may crack. Even when the display device 100 is bent, the sensor buffer layer S-BUF, due to its planarization properties formed from an organic insulating material, can reduce or prevent damage to the encapsulation layer ENCAP and / or cracking of the metal TSM and BRG forming the touch sensor TS. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor buffer layer S-BUF can be formed from inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx).

[0245] A sensor protective layer S-PAC can be applied to cover the touch sensor TS. The sensor protective layer S-PAC can be an organic insulating film.

[0246] The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG can be disposed in the low-transmittance region LTA of the first display area DA1. The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG may not be disposed in the transmissive region TA of the first display area DA1. The touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG can be arranged so as not to overlap with the light-emitting region EA in the low-transmittance region LTA. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG can be arranged to partially overlap with the light-emitting region EA in the low-transmittance region LTA. As an example, the touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG can also be disposed in the transmissive region TA of the first display area DA1. As an example, the touch sensor metal TSM and bridging metal BRG can be formed of a transparent conductive material, but are not limited to this.

[0247] In the display area DA, at least a portion of the touch sensor metal TSM located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP can extend along the outer inclined surface of the encapsulation layer ENCAP and be electrically connected to a pad positioned further outward than the outer inclined surface of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. Here, the pad can be located in the non-display area NDA and can be a metal pattern electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 260, but is not limited thereto.

[0248] In the transmission region TA, the common electrode CE may include a common electrode aperture CH. The common electrode aperture CH may overlap with the transmission region TA.

[0249] Furthermore, holes can be formed in the embankment BK within the transmission region TA. As an example, the embankment BK can have holes overlapping with the transmission region TA.

[0250] At least a portion of the first display area DA1 may overlap with the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 may be a first electronic device 11 and / or a second electronic device 12.

[0251] The first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12 can receive light transmitted through the optical region OA and perform a predetermined operation.

[0252] As an example, the touch sensor metal TSM can be set in the light-emitting area EA of the first display area DA1, while the touch sensor metal TSM can be set in the transmission area TA of the optical area OA, but is not limited thereto.

[0253] Since all or part of the optical region OA overlaps with the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12, in order to ensure correct touch recognition in the optical region OA and normal operation of the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12, it is desirable to place the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical region OA without reducing the light transmittance in the optical region OA.

[0254] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the second display area DA2 of a display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The stacking structure of the second display area DA2 can be the same as the stacking structure of the low-transmittance area LTA in the first display area DA1. Therefore, the description of the same layer can be omitted.

[0256] The first display area DA1 is the area where a light transmission structure and a transmission area TA can be formed, while the second display area DA2 is the area where a light transmission structure and a transmission area TA do not need to be formed.

[0257] As an example, the entire second display area DA2 can be the low transmittance area LTA, and the second display area DA2 may not include the transmittance area TA.

[0258] Therefore, the second display area DA2 may not overlap with the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12 that receive light transmitted through the display panel 110 and perform a predetermined operation using the received light.

[0259] Conversely, since the first display area DA1 can overlap with the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12 that receive light transmitted through the display panel 110 and use the received light to perform a predetermined operation, a light transmission structure can be formed.

[0260] As an example, in at least one of the optical regions OA1 and OA2 included in the first display region DA1, both an image display structure and a light transmission structure can be formed.

[0261] Since all or part of the optical region OA overlaps with the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12, in order to ensure correct touch recognition in the optical region OA and normal operation of the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12, it is desirable to place the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical region OA without reducing the light transmittance in the optical region OA.

[0262] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device 100 in which a touch sensor metal TSM is placed in an optical region OA of a first display region DA1 to achieve the same or substantially the same touch performance as a second display region DA2, which is a normal region NA, while improving the disadvantages that may be caused by such placement.

[0263] The touch electrodes TE and touch sensor metal TSM arranged in the display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0264] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a touch electrode TE arranged in a display panel 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0265] Reference Figure 8 A single touch electrode TE can be a grid-type electrode with multiple opening areas 800. As an example, a single touch electrode TE can be a grid-type patterned touch sensor metal TSM, thus having multiple opening areas 800.

[0266] Each of the plurality of opening regions 800 in a single touch electrode TE may correspond to the light-emitting region of at least one sub-pixel SP. As an example, the plurality of opening regions 800 may form a path for light emitted from the plurality of sub-pixels SP arranged below to pass upward.

[0267] Reference Figure 8 Each opening region 800 of the touch sensor metal TSM, which is a grid-patterned touch sensor metal TSM, may correspond to the light-emitting region EA of at least one sub-pixel SP in the area of ​​the touch electrode TE.

[0268] For example, each of the multiple opening regions 800 present in the area of ​​a single touch electrode TE may correspond to at least one light-emitting region EA of a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, or a blue sub-pixel.

[0269] In another example, each of the multiple opening regions 800 present in the area of ​​a single touch electrode TE may correspond to at least one light-emitting region EA of a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, or a white sub-pixel.

[0270] When viewed in a plane, touch sensing is achieved because at least one light-emitting area EA of the sub-pixel exists in each opening area 800 of each touch electrode TE, while also increasing the aperture ratio and luminous efficiency of the display panel 110.

[0271] As described above, the general outer contour of a single touch electrode TE can be rhomboid or rectangular, and the opening region 800 of the touch electrode TE can also be rhomboid or rectangular. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the general outer contour of a single touch electrode TE can be various shapes other than rhomboid or rectangular, such as triangle, square, polygon, trapezoid, circle, ellipse, etc. As an example, the shape of the opening region 800 of the touch electrode TE can be the same as or similar to the shape of the general outer contour of the single touch electrode TE, or it can be different from the shape of the general outer contour of the single touch electrode TE, but is not limited thereto.

[0272] In the touch electrode TE, the actual touch sensor metal TSM, in addition to the multiple opening areas 800, can be located on and overlap with the embankment BK.

[0273] As an example, this arrangement can be applied to the second display area DA2, while in the first optical area OA1 and / or the second optical area OA2 of the first display area DA1, the touch sensor metal TSM can be omitted to improve transmittance.

[0274] This is because a light transmission structure can be formed in the first optical region OA1 to transmit light to the first electronic device 11, and a light transmission structure can be formed in the second optical region OA2 to transmit light to the second electronic device 12.

[0275] However, if the touch sensor metal TSM is not placed in the first optical region OA1 and / or the second optical region OA2, there may be a difference in visibility between the areas with and without the touch sensor metal TSM, and there may be a change in brightness depending on the viewing angle.

[0276] Furthermore, if there are areas where the touch sensor metal TSM is not placed at all, the resistance of the touch sensor metal TSM may increase and the capacitance may decrease, resulting in a deterioration of the overall touch performance in the display area DA.

[0277] Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the inventors designed a display device 100, which includes a touch sensor metal TSM located in a first optical region OA1 and / or a second optical region OA2 to maintain the touch performance in the optical region OA, and also has a light transmission structure that allows a first electronic device 11 and / or a second electronic device 12 arranged below the display panel 110 to receive light normally.

[0278] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 12 The arrangement structure of a touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0279] Figure 9 This is a plan view showing the arrangement of a touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0280] In the following text, the first optical region OA1 and / or the second optical region OA2 may be referred to as optical region OA.

[0281] In the following text, the first electronic device 11 and / or the second electronic device 12 may be referred to as electronic device 10.

[0282] The second display area DA2, excluding the optical area OA, can be the low-transmittance area LTA, excluding the transmission area TA.

[0283] Conversely, the optical region OA can include both the transmissive region TA and the low-transmittance region LTA.

[0284] The low transmittance region (LTA) can be any region within the optical region OA other than the multiple transmittance regions (TA). The low transmittance region (LTA) can include multiple luminescent regions (EA).

[0285] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a specifically patterned touch sensor metal TSM in an optical region OA to provide touch sensing functionality, thereby detecting the presence of a touch and / or touch coordinates while maintaining the transmission region TA of the light transmission structure.

[0286] In this case, a touch sensor metal TSM with a specific pattern can have an opening that overlaps with the transmission region TA in the optical region OA.

[0287] In the transmission region TA, a common electrode aperture CH can be formed in the common electrode CE. As an example, the common electrode aperture CH can overlap with the transmission region TA.

[0288] In this case, the common electrode hole CH can be of various shapes such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal, but is not limited to these.

[0289] The arrangement of the common electrode hole CH can be either regular or irregular.

[0290] In one example, when the common electrode holes CH are arranged in a regular pattern, the spacing between adjacent first common electrode holes CH and second common electrode holes CH can be the same as or substantially the same as the spacing between adjacent second common electrode holes CH and third common electrode holes CH.

[0291] In another example, when the arrangement of the common electrode holes CH is irregular, the spacing between adjacent first common electrode holes CH and second common electrode holes CH can be different from the spacing between adjacent second common electrode holes CH and third common electrode holes CH.

[0292] To pattern the common electrode CE, a metal patterning layer MPL can be disposed in the common electrode hole CH.

[0293] In the region overlapping with the transmission region TA, the metal patterned layer MPL can be used as the electron injection layer EIL. The metal patterned layer MPL used as the electron injection layer EIL in the common electrode hole CH and the layer used as the electron injection layer EIL in the region where the common electrode hole CH is not formed (e.g., the electron injection layer EIL of the intermediate layer EL) can be made of different materials.

[0294] On the other hand, the metal patterned layer MPL may include a common electrode patterning material.

[0295] For example, when the common electrode CE is a cathode, the common electrode patterning material included in the metal patterned layer MPL can be the cathode patterning material CPM. For example, the metal patterned layer MPL can include, but is not limited to, fluorine-based compounds or organic materials. The process of forming the common electrode hole CH involves first forming the metal patterned layer MPL. The metal patterned layer MPL can have various shapes such as circular, elliptical, or octagonal, but is not limited to. After forming the metal patterned layer MPL, the common electrode CE can be deposited. The common electrode CE can be deposited on the entire front / rear surface of the display device 100. During this deposition process, the common electrode CE may not be deposited in areas overlapping with the metal patterned layer MPL. Therefore, in areas where the metal patterned layer MPL is formed, the common electrode CE may not be present, indicating that these areas correspond to the common electrode hole CH. Therefore, the common electrode CE can include the common electrode hole CH.

[0296] If the touch sensor metal TSM is placed on the transmissive region TA that overlaps with the common electrode hole CH, it may block light transmission in the transmissive region TA. To ensure that the electronic device 10 located below the substrate can properly receive light, it is advantageous to provide an opening in the touch sensor metal TSM on the transmissive region TA.

[0297] Conversely, in the second display area DA2 where the transmission area TA is absent, the touch sensor metal TSM may not have an opening overlapping with the transmission area TA.

[0298] The following provides a detailed description of the touch sensor metal TSM arranged in a specific pattern in the optical area OA of the first display area DA1.

[0299] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged plan view of region 900 shows a touch sensor metal TSM (e.g., a first touch sensor metal) arranged in optical region OA and a touch sensor metal TSM (e.g., a second touch sensor metal) in second display region DA2.

[0300] Touch sensor metal TSM can be arranged in the optical area OA included in the first display area DA1 and in the second display area DA2 set outside the first display area DA1, so that touch function can be realized on the entire display area DA.

[0301] In this case, the low transmittance region LTA within the optical region OA may include: a first low transmittance region LTA1, wherein a plurality of first light-emitting regions EAa are arranged therein; a second low transmittance region LTA2, which is spaced apart from the first low transmittance region LTA1 and wherein a plurality of second light-emitting regions EAb are arranged therein; and a third low transmittance region LTA3, which is spaced apart from the second low transmittance region LTA2 and wherein a plurality of third light-emitting regions EAc are arranged therein.

[0302] The optical region OA may also include an intermediate region MA disposed between the first low-transmittance region LTA1 and the second low-transmittance region LTA2, and between the second low-transmittance region LTA2 and the third low-transmittance region LTA3. The intermediate region MA may include at least one transmission region TA.

[0303] The low transmittance region LTA can include the luminescent region EA.

[0304] As an example, multiple light-emitting regions EA may include a first-color light-emitting region EA1 that emits a first-color light, a second-color light-emitting region EA2 that emits a second-color light, and a third-color light-emitting region EA3 that emits a third-color light, but are not limited thereto.

[0305] At least one of the first color emitting region EA1, the second color emitting region EA2, and the third color emitting region EA3 may have an area different from the other color emitting regions. The first color, the second color, and the third color may be different and may include various colors. For example, the first color, the second color, and the third color may include red, green, and blue. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, the first color emitting region EA1, the second color emitting region EA2, and the third color emitting region EA3 may have the same area. As an example, emitting regions of colors other than red, green, and blue (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.) may be additionally or alternatively included.

[0306] If the touch sensor metal TSM is placed on the light-emitting area EA, it may block the light emitted from the light-emitting area, resulting in visibility problems. Therefore, it is preferable not to place the touch sensor metal TSM on the light-emitting area EA.

[0307] Therefore, the touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have an opening that overlaps with the first color emitting region EA1, the second color emitting region EA2 and the third color emitting region EA3 or further overlaps with the transmission region TA, wherein at least one of the first opening, the second opening and the third opening may have a different size from the other openings (for example, the first opening may have a different size from the second opening).

[0308] As an example, when viewed in a plan view, each opening area 800 of the touch sensor metal TSM has at least one sub-pixel light-emitting area, thereby enabling touch sensing while also improving the luminous efficiency of the display panel 110.

[0309] Furthermore, if the touch sensor metal TSM is placed on the transmissive region TA, it may block light transmission in the transmissive region TA. To ensure that the electronic device 10 located below the substrate SUB can properly receive light, it is preferable not to place the touch sensor metal TSM on the transmissive region TA.

[0310] Therefore, the touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may have a first opening overlapping a first color emitting region EA1, a second opening overlapping a second color emitting region EA2, a third opening overlapping a third color emitting region EA3, and another third opening overlapping a transmission region TA. As an example, the third opening may overlap with both the third color emitting region EA3 and the transmission region TA, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the third opening may overlap with the third color emitting region EA3, but may not overlap with the transmission region TA. As an example, in addition to the first to third openings, the touch sensor metal TSM may also have a fourth opening overlapping the transmission region TA. As an example, in addition to the first to third openings, the touch sensor metal TSM may also have one or more additional openings, but is not limited thereto. As an example, one or more additional openings may overlap with a dam, but is not limited thereto.

[0311] In this case, one part of the touch sensor metal TSM can be connected to another part of the touch sensor metal TSM.

[0312] Furthermore, as an example, the width of the touch sensor metal TSM surrounding each opening can be different from each other or can be the same as each other.

[0313] In one example, the width of the portion of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed at the boundary between the first and third openings may be different from the width of the portion disposed at the boundary between the third openings.

[0314] In another example, the width of the portion of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed at the boundary between the second and third openings may differ from the width of the portion disposed at the boundary between the third openings. In yet another example, the width of the touch sensor metal TSM within the optical region OA adjacent to the transmission region TA may be narrower than the width of the touch sensor metal TSM farther from the transmission region TA. The implementation is not limited to these. As an example, the width of the portion of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed at the boundary between the first and third openings or between the second and third openings may be equal to, greater than, or less than the width of the portion of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed at the boundary between the third openings.

[0315] The width of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed in the second display area DA2 can be different from or the same as the width of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed in the optical area OA. For example, the width of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed in the second display area DA2 can be smaller than the width of the touch sensor metal TSM disposed in the optical area OA, but is not limited thereto. Since the density of the touch sensor metal TSM placed in the optical area OA is lower than that in the second display area DA2, the width of the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical area OA can be larger than the width of the touch sensor metal TSM in the second display area DA2, thereby improving the performance of the touch sensor TS, but is not limited thereto.

[0316] In addition, a portion of the touch sensor metal TSM can be spaced apart from another portion of the touch sensor metal TSM through a third opening.

[0317] A touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first portion disposed in a first low transmittance region LTA1 and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a plurality of first light-emitting regions EAa; a second portion disposed in a second low transmittance region LTA2 and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a plurality of second light-emitting regions EAb; and a third portion disposed in an intermediate region MA, connecting the first portion and the second portion and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a transmissive region TA and / or a third color light-emitting region EA3. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be connected in a grid structure. As an example, the plurality of first light-emitting regions EAa may be arranged in a row in a first direction, the plurality of second light-emitting regions EAb may be arranged in a row in the first direction, and the plurality of first light-emitting regions EAa and the plurality of second light-emitting regions EAb may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction different from the first direction, with a transmissive region TA interspersed therebetween, but not limited thereto. As an example, the plurality of first light-emitting regions EAa and the plurality of second light-emitting regions EAb may include a first color light-emitting region EA1 and a second color light-emitting region EA2, but not limited thereto.

[0318] As an example, in the optical area OA, the touch sensor metal TSM can be patterned into a grid to connect each section.

[0319] In this scenario, as an example, the first and second portions of the touch sensor metal TSM can be linearly connected. Furthermore, at least one signal line SL1, SL2 may include wiring portions disposed parallel to the linear touch sensor metal TSM, and may at least partially overlap with the linear touch sensor metal TSM, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least one signal line SL1, SL2 may include wiring portions disposed parallel to and at least partially overlapping with the third portion.

[0320] Since no transmissive region TA is formed in the second display area DA2, the touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have an opening that overlaps with the light-emitting region EA in the second display area DA2, but may not have an opening that overlaps with the transmissive region TA.

[0321] As an example, the opening of the touch sensor metal TSM (e.g., the second touch sensor metal) disposed in the second display area DA2 may include at least one opening with a different size from the opening of the touch sensor metal TSM (e.g., the first touch sensor metal) disposed in the optical area OA, but is not limited thereto.

[0322] By arranging the touch sensor metal TSM in this way, normal touch operation can be performed even in the optical area OA, which is included in the display area DA of the display panel 110 and overlaps with the optoelectronics.

[0323] Furthermore, because the touch sensor metal TSM is also arranged in the optical area OA, there is no brightness variation between areas with and without the touch sensor metal TSM, thereby improving visibility.

[0324] In the following, a vertical structure of a touch sensor metal TSM arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0325] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the display panel 110 taken along line A-A' corresponding to the optical region OA.

[0326] because Figure 11 and Figure 12 Layer structure and Figure 6 The layer structures are basically the same, so redundant descriptions will be omitted or briefly given.

[0327] The optical region OA can include the transmission region TA and the low-transmittance region LTA.

[0328] As an example, a low-transmittance region (LTA) can allow light to pass through with a lower transmittance than a transmissive region (TA). As an example, a low-transmittance region (LTA) does not have to be a region that completely blocks light, but is not limited to this.

[0329] Various insulating layers can be disposed on the substrate SUB. These insulating layers can form the transistors and capacitors included in the sub-pixels SP, and can also serve as insulating layers for forming various signal lines SL1, SL2.

[0330] For example, the insulating layer may include a first buffer layer BUF1, a first gate insulating layer GI1, a first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, a second buffer layer BUF2, a second gate insulating layer GI2, a second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, a first planarization layer PLN1, a second planarization layer PLN2, and a dam BK. The implementation is not limited thereto. As an example, at least one of the above layers may be omitted depending on the design, or one or more additional insulating layers may be included.

[0331] For example, signal lines SL1 and SL2 may include data lines DL, strobe lines GL, and / or power lines, but are not limited to these.

[0332] Various metal layers can be disposed between insulating layers on the substrate SUB, and these metal layers can be used to form various signal lines SL1, SL2. In this case, multiple signal lines SL1, SL2 may include a first signal line SL1 and a second signal line SL2.

[0333] Signal lines SL1 and SL2 can be set on the first planarization layer PLN1, but are not limited to this.

[0334] As an example, signal lines SL1 and SL2 may include, but are not limited to, the same material as the relay electrode RE that electrically connects the source or drain to the pixel electrode PE. As an example, signal lines SL may be disposed on a different layer than the relay electrode RE, or may include, but are not limited to, the same material as the relay electrode RE.

[0335] The common electrode CE can be placed in the low transmittance region LTA.

[0336] However, a common electrode CE may not be provided in the transmission region TA, and a common electrode hole CH may be formed.

[0337] Similarly, in order to improve the light transmittance in the transmission region TA, the signal lines SL1, SL2, pixel electrode PE, transistor TFT and touch sensor metal TSM can be placed in the low transmittance region LTA instead of the transmission region TA.

[0338] However, light transmission may still occur in the low-transmittance region LTA, and this light transmission may be blocked by metals such as the touch sensor metal TSM and signal lines SL1, SL2.

[0339] For example, when light transmission occurs in the low-transmittance region of the LTA, diffraction may occur due to the gaps between the metals within the insulating layer. Diffraction refers to the propagation of light waves as they pass through obstacles or slits.

[0340] For example, when light emitted from the light-emitting device ED in the optical region OA for image display is emitted to the front of the display panel 110, if the touch sensor metal TSMs in the optical region OA are spaced apart, the gap between the touch sensor metal TSMs may cause the light transmitted through the optical region OA to the front of the display panel 110 to diffract.

[0341] However, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in the optical region OA, the touch sensor metal TSM is arranged to surround the light-emitting device ED without overlapping it, thereby reducing light diffraction, while still forming a touch sensor structure in the optical region OA.

[0342] In another example, when light incident on the upper surface of the display panel 110 (e.g., infrared light or light used for a camera) passes through the optical region OA and exits from the back of the display panel 110, the gaps between metals such as signal lines SL1, SL2, can cause light diffraction as the light passes through the optical region OA.

[0343] However, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, by arranging the touch sensor metal TSM in the low transmittance region LTA to overlap with the spacing between the signal lines SL1, SL2, possible light diffraction between the signal lines SL1, SL2 can be reduced or prevented.

[0344] As an example, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 By arranging the touch sensor metal TSM in an overlapping manner with the signal lines SL and / or SL1, SL2, interference caused by the metal can be reduced or minimized when light passes through the low transmittance region LTA.

[0345] Reference Figure 11 The display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce or prevent light diffraction caused by gaps between multiple signal lines SL1, SL2 in a low transmittance region LTA. In this case, the display device 100 may include a touch sensor metal TSM that overlaps with at least a portion or all of the first signal line SL1 and at least a portion or all of the second signal line SL2 in the low transmittance region LTA and / or overlaps with the gap between the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2.

[0346] Since light transmission in the low-transmittance region LTA may be blocked by metals such as the touch sensor metal TSM and signal lines SL1, SL2, therefore, reference Figure 12In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by arranging the touch sensor metal TSM to overlap with the signal lines SL1, SL2, interference with light transmission caused by the metal can be reduced or minimized. As an example, the width of each of the plurality of signal lines SL1, SL2 may be smaller than the width of the touch sensor metal TSM, but is not limited thereto.

[0347] Reference Figure 12 The touch sensor metal TSM can be arranged such that its center overlaps with the centers of signal lines SL1 and SL2. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, the center of the touch sensor metal TSM can be offset from the centers of signal lines SL1 and SL2.

[0348] In this case, at least one signal line SL1, SL2 may include a data line DL.

[0349] Furthermore, the dam BK can be disposed on the pixel electrode PE, and signal lines such as the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2 can overlap with the dam BK.

[0350] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electronic device 10 located below a substrate SUB, overlapping with an optical region OA, and performing a predetermined operation using light.

[0351] For example, a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first electronic device 11 located below a substrate SUB, overlapping an optical region OA, and performing a predetermined operation using light in a band including light emitted from a light-emitting region EA in the display region DA or in a band different from light emitted from the light-emitting region EA in the display region DA.

[0352] In another example, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second electronic device 12 located below the substrate SUB, overlapping the optical region OA, and performing a predetermined operation using light in a band including light emitted from the light-emitting region EA in the display region DA or light in a band different from light emitted from the light-emitting region EA in the display region DA.

[0353] In this case, the first electronic device 11 may be an infrared sensor, and the second electronic device 12 may be a camera, but is not limited thereto.

[0354] The optical region OA may include a first optical region and a second optical region. In this case, the size of the first optical region may differ from, but is not limited to, the size of the second optical region. For example, when an infrared sensor overlaps with the first optical region and a camera overlaps with the second optical region, the size of the first optical region may be smaller than the size of the second optical region. The implementation is not limited to this. As an example, the size of the first optical region may be equal to or larger than the size of the second optical region.

[0355] Figure 13 The resistance change of the touch electrode TE is shown before and after the touch sensor metal TSM is arranged in the optical region OA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0356] Since resistance is directly proportional to the length of a conductor and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area, increasing the arrangement of the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical area OA increases the cross-sectional area, which can lead to a reduction in resistance.

[0357] Reference Figure 13 Experimental results show that when the touch sensor metal TSM is arranged in the optical region OA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a significant reduction in resistance is observed compared to before arrangement.

[0358] Figure 14 The capacitance change of the touch electrode TE is shown before and after the touch sensor metal TSM is arranged in the optical region OA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0359] Because capacitance is inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric and directly proportional to the area of ​​the dielectric, increasing the arrangement of the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical area OA increases the area, which in turn can lead to an increase in capacitance.

[0360] Reference Figure 14 Experimental results show that when the touch sensor metal TSM is arranged in the optical region OA according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an increase in capacitance is observed compared to before arrangement.

[0361] Therefore, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that improves touch performance by reducing the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increasing the capacitance.

[0362] Furthermore, by reducing the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increasing the capacitance, the mobility can be improved, thereby enabling low-power operation of the display device.

[0363] The aforementioned arrangement of the touch sensor metal can be applied to a first optical region OA1 and a second optical region OA2 capable of displaying images. As an example, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can provide a display device that improves the transmittance in the first optical region OA1 and / or the second optical region OA2, while arranging signal lines required for display driving in the optical regions where light transmission is required, thereby allowing optical electronics overlapping with the optical regions to normally receive light transmitted through the optical regions.

[0364] Another example will be described in detail below, in which a touch sensor metal arrangement is applied to a display device having a hole formed in an area where optical electronics are arranged.

[0365] Figure 15 This is a plan view of a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0366] Reference Figure 15 The display panel 110 of the display device 100 may include a display area DA capable of displaying images and a non-display area NDA that does not display images.

[0367] One or more electronic devices 11, 12 may be separately disposed and installed from the display panel 110, and may be electronic components located at the lower part of the display panel 110 (opposite to the viewing side).

[0368] Light can enter in front of the display panel 110 (viewing side), pass through the display panel 110, and be transmitted to one or more electronic devices 11, 12 located below the display panel 110 (opposite to the viewing side). For example, the light passing through the display panel 110 may include visible light or infrared light.

[0369] The display area DA, which is the area capable of displaying images, may include a first optical area OA1 and a normal area NA. The normal area NA may be referred to as the second display area DA2, and the first optical area OA1 may have a light transmission structure.

[0370] The non-display area NDA, which is the area where no image is displayed, may include a first non-display area NDA1 (e.g., a border area) and a second non-display area NDA2.

[0371] The second non-display area NDA2 can be arranged to be surrounded by the display area DA.

[0372] The second non-display area NDA2 may include a portion of the structure of the display panel 110 that is at least partially omitted. As an example, a portion of the second non-display area NDA2 may be penetrated in the thickness direction to form a sensor hole. In this case, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may be a display device 100 employing Hole in Active Area (HiAA) technology. That is, HiAA can be implemented as an area including a sensor hole.

[0373] At least a portion of the first optical region OA1 may overlap with the first electronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second non-display region NDA2 may overlap with the second electronic device 12.

[0374] For example, the first electronic device 11 may be a sensing sensor, and the second electronic device 12 may be a camera, but is not limited thereto. The sensing sensor may be an infrared sensor that detects infrared light. Conversely, the first electronic device 11 may be a camera, and the second electronic device 12 may be a sensing sensor such as a proximity sensor or an ambient light sensor. As an example, the electronic device arranged in the area forming the sensor aperture may be an infrared sensor or a camera.

[0375] like Figure 15 As shown, the first optical region OA1 and the sensor hole can be arranged in the upper part of the display area, but are not limited thereto, and can be arranged in various positions such as the lower part, the edge part, the center part, etc.

[0376] The first optical region OA1 can have various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal. The sensor aperture can also have various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal. The first optical region OA1 and the sensor aperture can have the same or different shapes.

[0377] Figure 16 This is a plan view of the second non-display area NDA2, which is... Figure 15 A magnified view of the central region Q1.

[0378] The second non-display area NDA2 can be surrounded by the display area DA. For example, the second non-display area NDA2 can be surrounded by the normal area NA within the display area DA.

[0379] As an example, the second non-display area NDA2 may include an outer separation region OSP located between the sensor aperture SH and the normal region NA, a first dam region DMP1 located between the outer separation region OSP and the normal region NA, an inner separation region ISP located between the first dam region DMP1 and the normal region NA, and a second dam region DMP2 located between the outer separation region OSP and the sensor aperture SH. The second non-display area NDA2 may completely surround the sensor aperture SH.

[0380] However, in the sensor hole SH formed along the thickness direction, the end of the organic layer extending from the display area DA to the second non-display area NDA2 can be exposed. Here, the organic layer can refer to the portion of the intermediate layer EL of the light-emitting device ED in the display area DA extending to the second non-display area NDA2, which can include any one of the electron injection layer EIL, electron transport layer ETL, hole transport layer HTL, and hole injection layer HIL. In other words, the organic layer here can be the portion disposed in the display area DA where the light-emitting device ED extends to the second non-display area NDA2 and is disposed on the outer separation area OSP, the first dam area DMP1, the inner separation area ISP, and the second dam area DMP2.

[0381] Therefore, the path from the end of the organic layer exposed through the sensor hole SH in the second non-display area NDA2 through the light-emitting layer EL in the display area DA to the light-emitting device ED may form a permeation path, causing moisture, oxygen, and foreign matter to permeate into the light-emitting device ED through this path, thereby causing damage to the display device 100.

[0382] In order to delay and block the penetration of moisture, oxygen or foreign matter introduced from the outside, in the second non-display area NDA2, at least one pendant structure may be provided on at least one of the outer separation area OSP and the inner separation area ISP, an organic layer may be provided on at least one pendant structure, and the organic layer may be cut at both ends of the pendant structure to form a discontinuous pattern.

[0383] For example, multiple overhang structures can be configured to be spaced apart from each other.

[0384] The overhang structure can have a predetermined thickness, allowing the organic layer in the second non-display area NDA2 to be effectively broken.

[0385] Furthermore, in the second non-display area NDA2, an organic layer can also be disposed on the first dam area DMP1 and the second dam area DMP2, which also have protruding shapes, to increase the length of the seepage path and thus prevent seepage more effectively.

[0386] At least one overhang structure may include at least one of a planar overhang (planar tip, PT) structure and a metallic overhang (metal tip, MT) structure. The PT structure may be formed of an organic material, and the MT structure may be formed of a metallic material such as a conductor, circuit, metal layer, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0387] Specifically, the PT structure can be a portion of the planarization layer PLN (e.g., the second planarization layer PLN2) in the display area DA extending into the second non-display area NDA2. That is, the PT structure in the second non-display area NDA2 and the planarization layer PLN in the display area DA can be formed in the same layer and made of the same material (e.g., planarization material). Then, the planarization material layer formed on at least one of the outer separation area OSP and the inner separation area ISP of the second non-display area NDA2 is patterned into a discontinuous structure to form the PT structure.

[0388] On the other hand, the MT structure can be a portion of the relay electrode RE in the display area DA extending into the second non-display area NDA2. That is, the MT structure in the second non-display area NDA2 and the relay electrode RE in the display area DA can be formed in the same layer and made of the same material (e.g., a metallic material), and then the metallic material layer formed on at least one of the outer separation area OSP and the inner separation area ISP of the second non-display area NDA2 is patterned into a discontinuous structure to form the MT structure.

[0389] The sides of the overhang structure can be vertical, or they can be tapered or inverted tapered, and the upper surface of the MT structure can be curved.

[0390] Subsequently, an organic layer can be placed on the PT structure or MT structure, and the organic layer can be cut at both ends of the PT structure or MT structure by a patterning method to form a discontinuous organic pattern, thereby preventing penetration and delaying penetration by the overhang height of the PT structure or MT structure.

[0391] In another embodiment, at least one overhang structure may include both a PT structure and an MT structure. For example, in the second non-display area NDA2, the PT structure may be formed on the MT structure, and an organic layer may be formed on the PT structure, such that the organic layer can be more effectively separated by the total thickness of the PT and MT structures.

[0392] The second electronic device 12, arranged in the area overlapping with the sensor aperture SH, can be an infrared sensor or a camera.

[0393] The sensor hole SH may be an area of ​​the display panel 110 that is omitted. As an example, the display panel 110 may be penetrated along the thickness direction at the sensor hole SH.

[0394] When the display panel 110 includes such a hole, the touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may not be arranged in the area overlapping with the sensor hole SH, but may be arranged in an area other than the sensor hole SH.

[0395] As an example, such as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the arrangement of the touch sensor metal TSM in the optical region OA can be applied to the first optical region OA1 in the display device 100, but may not be applied to the second non-display region NDA2, which includes the sensor hole SH. Referring to this below... Figures 10 to 12 .

[0396] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the first optical region OA1, the touch sensor metal TSM can be arranged to surround the light-emitting element ED and the transmission region TA without overlapping with them, thereby reducing light diffraction while forming a touch sensor structure in the first optical region OA1.

[0397] From a vertical perspective, by arranging the touch sensor metal TSM to overlap with the gap between signal lines SL1 and SL2 in the low-transmittance region LTA of the first optical region OA1, possible light diffraction between signal lines SL1 and SL2 can be reduced. As an example, by arranging the touch sensor metal TSM to overlap with signal lines SL1 and SL2, interference caused by the metal can be reduced or minimized when light passes through the low-transmittance region LTA.

[0398] Figure 17 This is an enlarged plan view of the second non-display area NDA2 and the first optical area OA1 in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0399] Similarly, when light passes through the second non-display area NDA2, the opening of the sensor aperture SH must remain transparent. Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown, in order to avoid interference caused by metal, the signal lines SL1, SL2 and / or power lines (not shown) that bypass, pass through or are located in the first optical area OA1 (UDIR) can be extended to the second non-display area NDA2 by bypassing the sensor hole SH located in the second non-display area NDA2.

[0400] In this case, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor metal TSM that overlaps with a portion of the first signal line SL1 and a portion of the second signal line SL2 in the low transmittance region LTA of the first optical region OA1, but is not limited thereto.

[0401] Furthermore, no transmissive region TA is formed in the normal region NA, which can also be referred to as the second display region. Therefore, the touch sensor metal TSM according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may include an opening overlapping with the light-emitting region EA in the normal region NA, but may not include an opening overlapping with the transmissive region TA.

[0402] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described above can provide a display device that maintains touch performance in the optical region while having a light transmission structure that allows optical electronics arranged below the display panel to receive light normally.

[0403] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be described as follows.

[0404] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, wherein the display area includes a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; a touch sensor metal disposed in the first display area and located outside the plurality of transmissive areas; a first signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping a portion of the touch sensor metal; and a second signal line disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlapping another portion of the touch sensor metal.

[0405] In this case, at least one of the first signal line and the second signal line can be a data line to which the image signal is applied.

[0406] Furthermore, the first signal line and the second signal line may include the same material as the relay electrode and may overlap with the embankment.

[0407] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a portion of the touch sensor metal and another portion of the touch sensor metal can be connected to each other or spaced apart by an opening.

[0408] Furthermore, the first display area may include: a first low transmittance area, in which a plurality of first light-emitting areas are arranged; a second low transmittance area, which is spaced apart from the first low transmittance area and in which a plurality of second light-emitting areas are arranged; and an intermediate area, which is disposed between the first low transmittance area and the second low transmittance area and includes at least one of the plurality of transmittance areas.

[0409] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may provide a display device including a touch sensor metal, the touch sensor metal comprising: a first portion disposed in a first low transmittance region and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a plurality of first light-emitting regions; a second portion disposed in a second low transmittance region and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a plurality of second light-emitting regions; and a third portion disposed in an intermediate region, connecting the first portion and the second portion, and having a plurality of openings overlapping with a plurality of light-emitting regions, wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion are interconnected to form a mesh structure.

[0410] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which the touch sensor metal does not overlap with a common electrode aperture. In this case, a metal patterning layer may be included in the common electrode aperture.

[0411] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which a metal patterned layer can be used as an electron injection layer, wherein the metal patterned layer used as an electron injection layer in a common electrode hole and the layer used as an electron injection layer in a region where no common electrode hole is formed may be formed of different materials.

[0412] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which a touch sensor metal includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, wherein at least one of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening has a different size than the other openings.

[0413] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a first color emitting region disposed in a display region and emitting a first color light; a second color emitting region disposed in the display region and emitting a second color light; and a third color emitting region disposed in the display region and emitting a third color light, wherein a first opening of a touch sensor metal overlaps with the first color emitting region, a second opening of the touch sensor metal overlaps with the second color emitting region, and a third opening overlaps with both the third color emitting region and the transmissive region.

[0414] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which the width of a portion of a touch sensor metal disposed at the boundary between a first opening and a third opening is different from the width of a portion disposed at the boundary between the third openings.

[0415] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device including an infrared sensor and a camera disposed below a substrate and overlapping a first display area.

[0416] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device, wherein a first display area includes a first optical area and a second optical area, wherein an infrared sensor overlaps with the first optical area, a camera overlaps with the second optical area, and the size of the first optical area is smaller than the size of the second optical area.

[0417] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, wherein the display area includes a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; a first touch sensor metal disposed in the first display area and having a plurality of openings; and at least one signal line disposed in the first display area, wherein the first touch sensor metal includes: a first portion surrounding a first light-emitting area; a second portion surrounding a second light-emitting area spaced apart from the first light-emitting area in a first direction; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion and arranged in a linear shape, wherein the at least one signal line includes a wiring portion disposed parallel to the third portion and at least partially overlapping the third portion. In this case, the at least one signal line may be a data line to which an image signal is applied.

[0418] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device comprising: a substrate including a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area for not displaying an image; the display area including a first display area having multiple transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; the non-display area including a first non-display area and a second non-display area; a touch electrode disposed in an optical area within the first and second display areas and having multiple openings; at least one signal line disposed in the first display area; and at least one power line, wherein the touch electrode comprises a grid-patterned touch sensor metal; wherein the width of the touch sensor metal disposed in the second display area is different from the width of the touch sensor metal disposed in the optical area; and wherein the width of the touch sensor metal disposed in the second display area is smaller than the width of the touch sensor metal disposed in the optical area.

[0419] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which a second non-display area is surrounded by a display area, and at least a portion of the second non-display area is penetrated in the thickness direction to form a sensor hole, wherein at least one signal line and / or at least one power line bypasses, passes through, or is disposed in an optical area and extends to the second non-display area by bypassing the sensor hole; and wherein the second non-display area further includes: an outer separation area located between the sensor hole and the display area; a first dam area located between the outer separation area and the display area; an inner separation area located between the first dam area and the display area; and a second dam area located between the outer separation area and the sensor hole.

[0420] Embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device in which, in a second non-display region, at least one overhang structure is disposed in at least one of an outer separation region and an inner separation region, and an organic layer is disposed on the at least one overhang structure, wherein the at least one overhang structure is configured to be spaced apart from each other; wherein the organic layer is cut off at both ends of the overhang structure; and wherein the organic layer is a portion of a light-emitting device disposed in the display region extending into the second non-display region. In this case, the organic layer includes any one of an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, a hole transport layer, and a hole injection layer.

[0421] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which at least one suspension structure includes at least one of a planarization suspension structure and a metal suspension structure, wherein the planarization suspension structure is formed of an organic material and the metal suspension structure is formed of a metallic material. In this case, the planarization suspension structure in the second non-display area and the planarization layer in the display area are formed in the same layer and are formed of the same material, and the metal suspension structure in the second non-display area and the relay electrode in the display area are formed in the same layer and are formed of the same material.

[0422] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which at least one suspension structure includes a planarization suspension structure and a metal suspension structure, wherein the planarization suspension structure is formed on the metal suspension structure and an organic layer is formed on the planarization suspension structure, wherein the planarization suspension structure is formed of an organic material and the metal suspension structure is formed of a metallic material.

[0423] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device, which further includes a second touch sensor metal disposed in a second display area and having a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings of the second touch sensor metal includes at least one opening having a different size from the plurality of openings of the first touch sensor metal.

[0424] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that includes a transmissive region having the same or substantially the same touch performance as a portion without a light-transmitting structure.

[0425] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device having a light transmission structure that allows optical electronics disposed below a display panel to receive light normally while maintaining touch performance in the optical area.

[0426] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which brightness differences do not occur between areas due to the presence or absence of a touch sensor metal, thereby improving visibility.

[0427] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that reduces the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increases the capacitance, thereby improving touch performance.

[0428] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which normal touch is possible even in an optical region included in the display area of ​​a display panel and overlapping with optical electronics.

[0429] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device in which signal lines required for display driving are arranged in an optical region where light transmission is required, thereby increasing the transmittance of the optical region so that the optical electronics located in the optical region can normally receive the light transmitted through the optical region.

[0430] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can provide a display device in which signal lines required for display driving and touch sensor metal required for touch sensing are arranged in an optical region where light transmission is required, and the transmittance of the optical region can be improved by overlapping the vertical / vertical positions of the signal lines and touch sensor metal.

[0431] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a display device that reduces the resistance of the touch sensor metal and increases the capacitance, thereby improving mobility and enabling low-power operation.

[0432] The above description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to understand and use the technical ideas of this disclosure, and has been provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The above description and figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, illustrating examples of the technical ideas of this disclosure. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure.

[0433] Cross-references to related applications

[0434] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0176558, filed on December 2, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; A touch sensor metal, wherein the touch sensor metal is disposed in the first display area and located outside the plurality of transmissive areas; A first signal line is disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlaps with a portion of the metal of the touch sensor; as well as A second signal line is disposed in the first display area and at least partially overlaps with another portion of the metal of the touch sensor.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first display area includes: A first low transmittance region, wherein a plurality of first light-emitting regions are arranged in the first low transmittance region; A second low-transmittance region, spaced apart from the first low-transmittance region, and having a plurality of second light-emitting regions arranged therein; and An intermediate region is disposed between the first low transmittance region and the second low transmittance region, and the intermediate region includes at least one of the plurality of transmittance regions.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The touch sensor metal comprises: The first part is disposed in the first low transmittance region and has a plurality of openings overlapping with the plurality of first light-emitting regions; The second part, disposed in the second low transmittance region, and having a plurality of openings overlapping the plurality of second light-emitting regions; and The third part, disposed in the intermediate region, connects the first part and the second part, and has multiple openings overlapping the plurality of transmission regions. The first part, the second part, and the third part are connected to form a grid structure.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of first light-emitting regions include a first-color light-emitting region that emits a first-color light and a second-color light-emitting region that emits a second-color light. The plurality of second light-emitting regions also include the first color light-emitting region and the second color light-emitting region, and The plurality of first luminescent regions and the plurality of second luminescent regions do not include the transmission region.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The intermediate region includes a third-color emitting region that emits third-color light, and The plurality of openings in the third part overlap with the transmission region and the third color emitting region.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, At least one of the plurality of openings in the third part overlaps with both the transmission region and the third color emitting region.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is disposed on the substrate and located in the first display area; A light-emitting layer is disposed on the pixel electrode; as well as A common electrode, wherein the common electrode is disposed on the light-emitting layer and has a plurality of holes disposed in the first display area. The touch sensor metal is disposed above the common electrode and does not overlap with the plurality of holes of the common electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: A transistor, the transistor including a source or drain electrically connected to the pixel electrode; as well as A relay electrode, which electrically connects the source or the drain to the pixel electrode. The first signal line and the second signal line are made of the same material as the relay electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch sensor metal includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and at least one of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening has a different size from the other openings.

10. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: A first color emitting region is disposed in the display area and emits first color light; as well as A second color emitting area is disposed in the display area and emits a second color of light. The first opening of the touch sensor metal overlaps with the first color emitting area, the second opening of the touch sensor metal overlaps with the second color emitting area, and the first opening and the second opening have different sizes.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising a third color emitting region, the third color emitting region being disposed in the display region and emitting third color light. in, The third opening of the touch sensor metal overlaps with the third color emitting area and the transmission area.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch sensor metal is configured to overlap with the spacing between the first signal line and the second signal line.

13. The display device of claim 1, further comprising electronic components overlapping the first display area and configured to perform a predetermined operation using light in a wavelength band including light emitted from a light-emitting region in the first display area or light in a wavelength band different from light emitted from the light-emitting region in the first display area.

14. A display device, the display device comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area capable of displaying an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area; A first touch sensor metal, disposed in the first display area and having multiple openings; as well as At least one signal line is disposed in the first display area. The first touch sensor metal includes: The first part surrounds the first luminescent region; The second portion surrounds a second light-emitting region spaced apart from the first light-emitting region in a first direction; and The third part connects the first part and the second part and is arranged in a linear shape. The at least one signal line includes a wiring portion that is disposed parallel to the third portion and at least partially overlaps with the third portion.

15. The display device of claim 14, further comprising a second touch sensor metal disposed in the second display area and having a plurality of openings, in, The plurality of openings in the second touch sensor metal include at least one opening with a different size from the plurality of openings in the first touch sensor metal.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one signal line includes a data line to which an image signal is applied.

17. A display device, the display device comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a non-display area and a display area configured to display an image, the display area including a first display area having a plurality of transmissive areas and a second display area located outside the first display area, the non-display area including a first non-display area and a second non-display area, the second non-display area being surrounded by the display area; A touch electrode is disposed in an optical region within the first display area and the second display area, and has multiple openings; At least one signal line is disposed in the first display area; as well as At least one power cord, At least a portion of the second non-display area includes a sensor hole in the thickness direction.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The touch electrodes comprise a grid-patterned touch sensor metal.

19. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, The second non-display area also includes: An external separation region is located between the sensor aperture and the display area; The first dam area is located between the external separation area and the display area; An internal separation region, located between the first dam region and the display region; and The second dam area is located between the external separation area and the sensor hole.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein, In the second non-display area, at least one overhanging structure is disposed in at least one of the outer separation area and the inner separation area, and an organic layer is disposed on the at least one overhanging structure. The at least one overhang structure includes at least one of a planar overhang structure and a metal overhang structure.

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