Display device

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present application, a display device includes a substrate including a display area in which a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed, and a non-display area disposed to surround the display area and including a bending area and a pad area; a plurality of light emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels; an encapsulation part disposed to cover the plurality of light emitting elements; a touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridge electrodes disposed on the encapsulation part, and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on or under the plurality of bridge electrodes; a plurality of pads disposed in the pad area; and a plurality of touch routing lines disposed in the non-display area and electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of pads, the plurality of touch routing lines including a plurality of first layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of bridge electrodes, and a plurality of second layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of touch electrodes and alternately disposed with the plurality of first layers.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0055731, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 28, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device capable of compensating for the resistance of multiple touch routing lines. Background Technology

[0004] With the advent of the information age, the field of display devices that visually display electrical information signals is developing rapidly, and research is underway to develop the performance of various display devices, such as thinning, weight reduction, and low power consumption.

[0005] Representative display devices include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field-emitting diode displays (FEDs), electrowetting displays (EWDs), and organic light-emitting diode displays (OLEDs).

[0006] In order to provide users with a wider range of functions, such display devices provide the ability to recognize the user's touch on the display panel and perform input processing based on the recognized touch.

[0007] A touch-recognition-enabled display device includes multiple touch electrodes disposed on or embedded in the display panel, and by driving the touch electrodes, it can detect whether a user has touched the display panel and the touch coordinates. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One objective of this invention is to provide a display device capable of compensating for the resistance of multiple touch routing lines.

[0009] Another objective of this invention is to provide a display device capable of minimizing the border area.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a display device that compensates for RC (resistance-capacitance) deviations in multiple touch routing lines.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area, the non-display area being configured to surround the display area and including a curved area and a pad area; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels; an encapsulation portion configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; a touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the encapsulation portion and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on or below the plurality of bridging electrodes; a plurality of pads disposed in the pad area; and a plurality of touch routing lines disposed in the non-display area and electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of pads, wherein the plurality of touch routing lines include: a plurality of first layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of bridging electrodes; and a plurality of second layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of touch electrodes and alternately disposed with the plurality of first layers.

[0013] A display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area, the non-display area being configured to surround the display area and including a curved area and a pad area; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels; an encapsulation portion configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; and a touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the encapsulation portion, a touch interlayer insulating layer covering the plurality of bridging electrodes, a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer and disposed in a first direction, and... The system comprises: a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of pads disposed in the pad area; a plurality of first touch routing lines electrically connecting the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of pads in the non-display area; and a plurality of second touch routing lines electrically connecting the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of pads, wherein the plurality of second touch routing lines include: a first layer disposed on the same layer as the bridging electrode; and a second layer disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, wherein the first layer and the second layer are alternately disposed thereon.

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

[0015] In the display device of the present invention, a single alternating line that alternately connects a plurality of first layers disposed on the same layer with a plurality of bridging electrodes and a plurality of second layers disposed on the same layer with a plurality of touch electrodes is used as a plurality of touch routing lines to reduce the area of ​​the touch routing lines disposed in the bezel area, thereby minimizing the bezel area of ​​the display device.

[0016] In the display device of the present invention, the resistance of the touch sensing unit can be reduced by arranging multiple auxiliary electrodes in the display area and electrically connecting the multiple auxiliary electrodes to multiple touch electrodes, thereby compensating for the resistance of multiple touch routing lines in the display area.

[0017] In the display device of the present invention, the number of connections between the multiple touch electrodes and the multiple auxiliary electrodes varies according to the length or position of the multiple touch routing lines in order to improve the resistance deviation and RC deviation of the multiple touch routing lines.

[0018] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those illustrated above, and many more effects are included in the present invention. Attached Figure Description

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

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a plan view schematically illustrating the structure of a touch sensing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic plan view of region A.

[0023] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle.

[0024] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The sectional view taken from line II-II' in the middle.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a plan view schematically illustrating the structure of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7A It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken from line III-III' in the figure.

[0027] Figure 7B It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line IV-IV' in the middle.

[0028] Figure 7C It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line V-V' in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, are described below with reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The exemplary embodiments described in detail will make it clear. However, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only, so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of the invention.

[0030] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in the following description of the present invention, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the invention. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “including” 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.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0031] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are interpreted as including the normal error range.

[0032] When using terms such as “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “next” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately” or “directly.”

[0033] When one element or layer is disposed "on" another element or layer, other layers or other elements may be inserted therebetween, or the element or layer may be disposed directly on another element or layer.

[0034] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, within the scope of the inventive concept, the first component mentioned below can be the second component.

[0035] Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals generally denote similar elements.

[0036] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, but the invention is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the components shown.

[0037] Features of various embodiments of the present invention may be partially or completely coupled or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways. The embodiments may be implemented independently or in conjunction with each other.

[0038] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of sub-pixels SP arranged in a matrix in a display area of ​​a substrate 110; an encapsulation portion 117 disposed on the plurality of sub-pixels SP; and a plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on the encapsulation portion 117.

[0041] The substrate 110 is a component for supporting various components included in the display device 100 and may be made of an insulating material. The substrate 110 may be made of a transparent insulating material such as glass or resin. Alternatively, the substrate 110 may comprise a polymer or plastic, or may be made of a flexible material.

[0042] Although not shown, multiple gate lines and multiple data lines are arranged to intersect each other on the substrate 110. Multiple sub-pixels SP are defined at the intersections of the multiple gate lines and multiple data lines. The area where the multiple sub-pixels SP implementing the image are disposed can be represented as a display area, and the area outside the display area where the multiple sub-pixels SP are not disposed can be represented as a non-display area.

[0043] The display area is the area in the display device 100 where an image is displayed. Within the display area, multiple subpixels SP constituting multiple pixels and a pixel driving circuit for driving the multiple subpixels SP can be provided. The multiple subpixels SP are the smallest unit constituting the display area; n subpixels SP can form one pixel. A transistor for driving multiple light-emitting elements is provided in each of the multiple subpixels SP, allowing the multiple subpixels SP to emit light independently. For example, the multiple subpixels SP may include red subpixels, green subpixels, and blue subpixels, but is not limited to these, and may include red subpixels, green subpixels, blue subpixels, and white subpixels.

[0044] The non-display area is the region where no image is displayed and can be defined as an area extending from the display area. Within the non-display area, the following can be provided: connection lines for transmitting signals to multiple sub-pixels (SPs) of the display area; various driving units such as pad electrodes, gate driving units, and data driving units; and COP (chip-on-plastic) and FPCB (flexible printed circuit boards) in which driving circuitry is disposed. Furthermore, a gate driving circuit, known as the gate in-panel (GIP), can be provided within the non-display area.

[0045] In a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device 100 having a plurality of touch electrodes TE senses the presence and touch position of a touch by sensing the amount of change in mutual capacitance (Cm; touch sensor) caused by a user's touch via the plurality of touch electrodes TE during a touch period.

[0046] Each of the multiple sub-pixels SP disposed in the display area of ​​the substrate includes a pixel driving circuit and a light-emitting element connected to the pixel driving circuit.

[0047] The pixel driving circuit may include a first transistor TR1, a second transistor TR2, a capacitor Cst, and a light-emitting element ED.

[0048] For example, the first transistor TR1 is operable to cause a drive current to flow between the high-potential power line VDD and the low-potential power line VSS according to the data voltage stored in the capacitor Cst. Additionally, the light-emitting element ED is operable to emit light according to the drive current generated by the first transistor TR1. For example, the first transistor TR1 may be referred to as a drive transistor. Furthermore, for example, the second transistor TR2 can perform a switching operation in response to a scan signal provided via the scan line SL, such that a data signal provided via the data line DL is stored as a data voltage in the capacitor Cst. For example, the second transistor TR2 may be referred to as a switching transistor.

[0049] Figure 1 The sub-pixel shown is configured with a 2T (transistor) 1C (capacitor) structure, including a first transistor TR1, a second transistor TR2, a capacitor Cst, and a light-emitting element ED. When a compensation circuit is added, the sub-pixel can be configured in various forms such as 3T1C, 4T2C, 5T2C, 6T1C, 6T2C, 7T1C, and 7T2C.

[0050] Since the light-emitting element ED in each sub-pixel SP is susceptible to external moisture or oxygen, a package 117 for preventing external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting element ED can be provided on the substrate 110. The package 117 can be configured to cover the light-emitting element ED.

[0051] Figure 2This is a plan view schematically illustrating the structure of a touch sensing unit TS that can be applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The touch sensing unit TS senses the user's touch input.

[0053] The display device 100 may further include a touch driver configured to supply a touch driving signal to a touch sensing unit TS and detect a touch sensing signal from the touch sensing unit TS.

[0054] The touch driver determines whether a user has made a touch and the location of the touch. That is, when a user touches a portion of the touch sensing unit TS, the touch driver senses the touch signal to determine whether the user has touched the touch sensing unit TS and the location of the touch.

[0055] Specifically, the touch driver can supply touch driving signals to each touch sensing unit TS. The touch driver can receive touch sensing signals from the touch sensing unit TS. The touch driving unit can detect touch in the touch sensing unit TS through the touch sensing signals.

[0056] The touch sensing unit TS includes multiple first touch electrodes TE1, multiple second touch electrodes TE2, multiple bridging electrodes BE, multiple touch routing lines TL, and multiple touch pads PAD.

[0057] Multiple first touch electrodes TE1 can be touch driving electrodes, and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 can be touch sensing electrodes. The multiple first touch electrodes TE1 extend in a first direction D1 and are connected by a bridging electrode BE to form multiple electrode rows, and the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 are connected in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1 to form multiple electrode columns.

[0058] Multiple first touch electrodes TE1 and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 can be disposed on the same layer. However, in the area where the multiple first touch electrodes TE1 and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 intersect, the multiple first touch electrodes TE1 can be configured to be separated, and the multiple separated first touch electrodes TE1 can be connected by a bridging electrode BE.

[0059] In this case, a plurality of first touch electrodes TE1, a plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 and a plurality of bridging electrodes BE are disposed in the area corresponding to the display area AA of the substrate 110.

[0060] A display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE. The plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE are disposed on the same layer as a plurality of bridging electrodes BE in a display area AA, disposed in a second direction D2, and configured to overlap with a plurality of touch electrodes TE. The plurality of touch electrodes TE may be disposed above or below the plurality of bridging electrodes BE. For example, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE may be configured to overlap with a plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 among the plurality of touch electrodes TE. Referring later... Figure 3 and Figure 5 This describes the relationship between multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple auxiliary electrodes AE.

[0061] The external shapes of the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 can correspond to specific shapes. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the external shapes of the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 may have a grid pattern including multiple rhomboid shapes. For example, one of the grid patterns of the plurality of touch electrodes TE may be set in a sub-pixel, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 may be formed of a metal including at least one of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), molybdenum-titanium (MoTi), copper (Cu), and tantalum (Ta), and may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but are not limited thereto. Light emitted from the display device 100 can pass through the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 made of transparent conductive material and be emitted to the outside. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Light emitted from the display device 100 can be emitted to the outside through a plurality of openings included in the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2.

[0063] Multiple touch routing lines TL and multiple touch pads PAD are located in the area corresponding to the non-display area NA. The non-display area NA may surround the display area AA and include a curved area BA and a pad area PA in which multiple touch pads PAD are located.

[0064] Each of the multiple touch routing lines TL electrically connects each of the multiple touch electrodes TE located in the display area AA to a touch pad PAD in the non-display area NA. For example, touch drive signals can be applied to the multiple first touch electrodes TE1 via multiple first touch routing lines TL1 connected to the multiple first touch electrodes TE1, and touch sensing signals can be transmitted to the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 via multiple second touch routing lines TL2 connected to the multiple second touch electrodes TE2. The multiple first touch routing lines TL1 can electrically connect the multiple first touch electrodes TE1 and the multiple pads PAD in the non-display area NA, and the multiple second touch routing lines TL2 can electrically connect the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 and the multiple pads PAD.

[0065] Multiple touch routing lines (TLs) can be formed from low-resistance metallic materials or from transparent conductive materials such as ITO or IZO, but are not limited to these. For example, when multiple touch routing lines (TLs) are made from low-resistance metallic materials, the resistance is reduced and the RC (resistance-capacitance) delay can be reduced.

[0066] Multiple touch pads (PADs) can be electrically connected to external circuitry, such as multiple touch routing lines (TLs) and touch drivers, to receive touch signals from or transmit touch sensing signals to external circuitry.

[0067] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 5 The multiple touch routing lines TL of the display device 100 and the display area AA are described in more detail.

[0068] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified schematic plan view of region A. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line I-I' in the middle. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The sectional view taken from line II-II' in the middle. Figure 3 This is an enlarged plan view of the area where multiple first touch electrodes TE1 and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 intersect, and the area where multiple touch routing lines TL are set. Figure 4 In the diagram, the I-I' line indicates that multiple routing lines have been cut, but for ease of illustration, the I-I' line is displayed next to the multiple touch routing lines.

[0069] First, refer to Figure 4 and 5The substrate 110 is a component for supporting various components included in the display device 100 and may be made of an insulating material. The substrate 110 may include a first substrate 110a, a second substrate 110b, and an interlayer insulating layer 110c. The interlayer insulating layer 110c may be disposed between the first substrate 110a and the second substrate 110b. As described above, the substrate 110 is configured with the first substrate 110a, the second substrate 110b, and the interlayer insulating layer 110c to suppress moisture penetration. For example, the first substrate 110a and the second substrate 110b may be polyimide (PI) substrates, and the interlayer insulating layer 110c may be formed from a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or multiple layers thereof.

[0070] The light shielding layer LS can be disposed on the substrate 110.

[0071] The first buffer layer 111 can be disposed on the substrate 110 while covering the light shielding layer LS. Specifically, the first buffer layer 111 can be disposed on the substrate 110 while covering the light shielding layer LS.

[0072] The first buffer layer 111 may delay the diffusion of moisture or oxygen into the substrate 110, and may include at least one of silicon nitride (SiNx) and silicon oxide (SiOx).

[0073] In addition, the first buffer layer 111 can protect the first active layer A1 and block various types of defects introduced from the substrate 110.

[0074] The first thin-film transistor TR1 may be disposed on the first buffer layer 111. The first thin-film transistor TR1 may include a first active layer A1, a first gate G1, a first source S1, and a first drain D1. Here, depending on the design of the pixel circuit, the first source S1 may be the first drain, and the first drain D1 may be the first source.

[0075] The first active layer A1 may be disposed on the first buffer layer 111 and overlap with the light shielding layer LS. The first active layer A1 may include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon. For example, the first active layer A1 may include low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS). For example, polycrystalline silicon materials have high mobility (100 cm⁻¹). 2( / Vs or higher), low power consumption, and excellent reliability. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, polycrystalline silicon material can be applied to the gate driver and / or multiplexer (MUX) of the driving element (which drives the thin film transistor for the display element) and used as the active layer A1 for driving the thin film transistor, but is not limited thereto. For example, it can be applied to the active layer A2 for switching the thin film transistor, depending on the characteristics of the display device 100. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) material is deposited on the first buffer layer 111, polycrystalline silicon is formed by performing a dehydrogenation process and a crystallization process, and the polycrystalline silicon is patterned to form the first active layer A1. Here, the first active layer A1 may include: a first channel region forming a channel when driving the first thin film transistor TR1; and a first source region and a first drain region on both sides of the first channel region. The first source region refers to a portion of the first active layer A1 connected to the first source S1, and the first drain region refers to a portion of the first active layer A1 connected to the first drain D1. For example, the first source region and the first drain region can be configured by ion doping (impurity doping) of the first active layer A1. The first source region and the first drain region can be generated by doping ions into the polycrystalline silicon material, and the first channel region can refer to the portion therein that is not doped with ions but is retained by the polycrystalline silicon material.

[0076] A first gate insulating layer 112a may be disposed on the first active layer A1. The first gate insulating layer 112a may be configured as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or multiple layers thereof. Contact holes may be formed in the first gate insulating layer 112a, and the first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first thin film transistor TR1 are respectively connected to the first source region and the first drain region of the first active layer A1 of the first thin film transistor TR1 through the contact holes.

[0077] The first gate G1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 and the first capacitor electrode C1 of the storage capacitor Cst can be disposed on the first gate insulating layer 112a.

[0078] In this case, the first gate G1 and the first capacitor electrode C1 can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys. The first gate G1 can be formed on the first gate insulating layer 112a and overlap with the first channel region of the first active layer A1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1.

[0079] Based on the driving characteristics of the display device 100 and the structure and type of the thin-film transistor, the first capacitor electrode C1 can be omitted. The first gate G1 and the first capacitor electrode C1 can be formed using the same process. Furthermore, the first gate G1 and the first capacitor electrode C1 can be formed from the same material and can be formed on the same layer.

[0080] A first interlayer insulating layer 113a may be disposed on the first gate insulating layer 112a, the first gate G1, and the first capacitor electrode C1. The first interlayer insulating layer 113a may be configured as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or multiple layers thereof. Furthermore, contact holes for exposing the first source region and the first drain region of the first active layer A1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 may be formed in the first interlayer insulating layer 113a.

[0081] The second capacitor electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst can be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer 113a. The second capacitor electrode C2 can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys. The second capacitor electrode C2 can be formed on the first interlayer insulating layer 113a and overlap with the first capacitor electrode C1. Furthermore, the second capacitor electrode C2 can be formed from the same material as the first capacitor electrode C1. Based on the driving characteristics of the display device 100 and the structure and type of the thin-film transistor, the second capacitor electrode C2 can be omitted.

[0082] Meanwhile, when the gate driver provided in the non-display area NA of the substrate 110 is applied in the form of gate in panel (GIP), a gate drive circuit 140 including multiple transistors can be formed in the non-display area NA.

[0083] The gate drive circuit 140 may be made of the same material as the components of the first transistor TR1 and / or the second transistor TR2 on the same layer. For example, the gate drive circuit 140 may include: a first gate drive circuit 141 formed of the same material on the same layer as the first gate G1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 and the first capacitor electrode C1 of the storage capacitor Cst; and a second gate drive circuit 142 formed of the same material on the same layer as the second capacitor electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0084] A second buffer layer 114 may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer 113a, the second capacitor electrode C2, and the second gate driving circuit 142. The second buffer layer 114 may be a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a multilayer configuration thereof. Contact holes for exposing the first source region and the first drain region of the first active layer A1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 may be formed in the second buffer layer 114. In addition, contact holes for exposing the second capacitor electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst may be formed in the second buffer layer 114.

[0085] The second buffer layer 114 may be formed by multiple layers, but is not limited to this.

[0086] The second active layer A2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 can be disposed on the second buffer layer 114. Here, the second thin-film transistor TR2 may include the second active layer A2, the second gate insulating layer 112b, the second gate G2, the second source S2, and the second drain D2. Here, depending on the design of the pixel circuit, the second source S2 can be the drain, and the second drain D2 can be the source.

[0087] Furthermore, the second active layer A2 may include: a second channel region forming a channel when the second thin-film transistor TR2 is driven; and a second source region and a second drain region on both sides of the second channel region. The second source region may refer to a portion of the second active layer A2 connected to the second source S2, and the second drain region may refer to a portion of the second active layer A2 connected to the second drain D2.

[0088] The second active layer A2 can be formed of oxide semiconductor. Since oxide semiconductor materials have a larger band gap than silicon, electrons cannot cross the band gap in the off-state, resulting in a lower cutoff current. Therefore, thin-film transistors including an active layer made of oxide semiconductor are suitable for switching thin-film transistors that maintain short on-time and long off-time, but are not limited to this. Depending on the characteristics of the display device 100, it can be used as a driving thin-film transistor. Due to the lower cutoff current, the size of the auxiliary capacitor can be reduced, thus making it suitable for high-resolution display elements. For example, the second active layer A2 can be made of metal oxide, and for example, it can be made of various metal oxides such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). Here, it is assumed and described that the second active layer A2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 is formed of IGZO among various metal oxides, but it is not limited to this; it can be formed of other metal oxides such as indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium tin oxide (IGTO), or indium gallium oxide (IGO) instead of IGZO.

[0089] The second active layer A2 can be formed by depositing a metal oxide on the second buffer layer 114, performing a heat treatment for stabilization, and then patterning the metal oxide.

[0090] The second gate insulating layer 112b may be disposed on the entire substrate 110 including the second active layer A2. For example, the second gate insulating layer 112b may be a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or a multilayer thereof.

[0091] The second gate G2 may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 112b.

[0092] The second gate G2 may be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni) and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys.

[0093] For example, a metal material is formed on the second gate insulating layer 112b, a photoresist pattern is formed on the metal material, and then the metal material is wet-etched using the photoresist pattern as a mask to form the second gate G2. The wet etchant used to etch the metal material can be a material that selectively etches molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) or alloys thereof and does not etch the insulating material.

[0094] The second interlayer insulating layer 113b may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 112b and the second gate G2. Contact holes for exposing the first active layer A1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 and the second active layer A2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 may be formed in the second interlayer insulating layer 113b. For example, contact holes for exposing the first source region and the first drain region of the first active layer A1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1 may be formed in the second interlayer insulating layer 113b. Contact holes for exposing the second source region and the second drain region of the second active layer A2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 may be formed in the second interlayer insulating layer 113b.

[0095] The second interlayer insulating layer 113b may be configured as a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or multiple layers thereof.

[0096] The first connection electrode CE1, the first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first thin film transistor TR1, and the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin film transistor TR2 can be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer 113b.

[0097] The first connection electrode CE1 can be electrically connected to the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2. Furthermore, the first connection electrode CE1 can be electrically connected to the second capacitor electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst through contact holes formed in the second buffer layer 114 and the second interlayer insulating layer 113b. In other words, the first connection electrode CE1 can be used to electrically connect the second capacitor electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2.

[0098] Here, the first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first thin film transistor TR1 can be connected to the first active layer A1 of the first thin film transistor TR1 through contact holes formed in the first gate insulating layer 112a, the first interlayer insulating layer 113a, the second buffer layer 114 and the second interlayer insulating layer 113b.

[0099] The second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 can be connected to the second active layer A2 through contact holes formed in the second interlayer insulating layer 112b.

[0100] The first connection electrode CE1, the first source S1, and the first drain D1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1, as well as the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2, can be formed from the same material using the same process.

[0101] For example, the first connection electrode CE1, the first source S1, and the first drain D1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1, and the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2, can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys. For example, the first connection electrode CE1, the first source S1, and the first drain D1 of the first thin-film transistor TR1, and the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 can have a titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) three-layer structure, but are not limited thereto.

[0102] The first connection electrode CE1 may be integrally connected to the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] The first planarization layer 115a may be disposed above the first connection electrode CE1, the first source S1 and the first drain D1 of the first thin film transistor TR1, the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin film transistor TR2, and the second interlayer insulating layer 113b.

[0104] The first planarization layer 115a may be an organic film used to planarize and protect the upper parts of the first thin-film transistor TR1 and the second thin-film transistor TR2. For example, the first planarization layer 115a may be formed of an organic material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin.

[0105] The second connection electrode CE2 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 115a. The second connection electrode CE2 may be connected to the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2 through the contact holes of the first planarization layer 115a. The second connection electrode CE2 may be used to electrically connect the second thin-film transistor TR2 and the anode E1. Furthermore, the second connection electrode CE2 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys. The second connection electrode CE2 may be formed of the same material as the second source S2 and the second drain D2 of the second thin-film transistor TR2.

[0106] The second planarization layer 115b may be disposed on the second connecting electrode CE2 and the first planarization layer 115a. For example, the second planarization layer 115b may be formed of an organic material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin.

[0107] The light-emitting element ED can be disposed on the second planarization layer 115b.

[0108] The anode E1 may be disposed on the second planarization layer 115b. In this case, the anode E1 can be electrically connected to the second connecting electrode CE2 through a contact hole disposed in the second planarization layer 115b. The anode E1 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0109] When the display device 100 is a top-emitting type in which light emitted from the light-emitting element ED is emitted onto a substrate 110 on which the light-emitting element ED is disposed, the anode E1 may further include a transparent conductive layer and a reflective layer on the transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive layer may be made of a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO or IZO, and the reflective layer may be made of, for example, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), or alloys thereof.

[0110] The dam 116a can be provided while covering the anode E1. A portion of the dam 116a corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel can be opened. A portion of the anode E1 can be exposed through the opening portion of the dam 116a (hereinafter referred to as the opening area). In this case, the dam 116a can be made of inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or organic insulating materials such as benzocyclobutene resin, acrylic resin or imide resin, but is not limited thereto. A spacer 116b can be further provided on the dam 116a.

[0111] The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed in the opening area of ​​the dam 116a and near the opening area of ​​the dam. Therefore, the light-emitting layer EL can be disposed on the anode E1 exposed through the opening area of ​​the dam 116a.

[0112] The light-emitting layer (EL) may include multiple organic layers. For example, the EL is used for emitting light and may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL). However, depending on the structure or characteristics of the display device, some components may be omitted. Here, electroluminescent layers and inorganic light-emitting layers can be applied as the EL.

[0113] The cathode E2 may be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The cathode E2 is used to supply electrons to the light-emitting layer EL. Since the cathode E2 needs to supply electrons, it may be made of a metallic material such as magnesium (Mg) or silver magnesium, which are conductive materials with low work function, but is not limited to this. For example, when the display device 100 is a top-emitting type, the cathode E2 may include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and tin oxide (TO).

[0114] Cathode E2 can be electrically connected to connection line 120 and common line 130. Common line 130 supplies common voltage VSS to connection line 120, and connection line 120 is connected to common line 130 and cathode E2 to supply common voltage to cathode E2.

[0115] For example, the connecting wire 120 may be made of the same material as the anode E1 on the same layer.

[0116] The connecting wire 120 can be electrically connected to the cathode E2 by forming a contact hole in the embankment 116a.

[0117] The common line 130 may include a first common line 131 formed of the same material on the same layer as the first connecting electrode CE1 and a second common line 132 formed of the same material on the same layer as the second connecting electrode CE2. For example, the common line 130 may be formed by stacking the first common line 131 and the second common line 132.

[0118] The connection line 120 and the common line 130 can be made to contact by forming contact holes in the first planarization layer 115a and the second planarization layer 115b.

[0119] The package 117 may be located on the light-emitting element ED.

[0120] The encapsulation portion 117 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation portion 117 may include a first encapsulation layer 117a, a second encapsulation layer 117b, and a third encapsulation layer 117c.

[0121] In this configuration, the first encapsulation layer 117a and the third encapsulation layer 117c may be configured as inorganic layers, and the second encapsulation layer 117b may be configured as an organic layer. Among the first encapsulation layer 117a, the second encapsulation layer 117b, and the third encapsulation layer 117c, the second encapsulation layer 117b is the thickest and can be used as a planarization layer.

[0122] The first encapsulation layer 117a is disposed on the cathode E2 and can be positioned closest to the light-emitting element ED. The first encapsulation layer 117a can be formed of an inorganic insulating material on which low-temperature deposition can be performed. For example, the first encapsulation layer 117a can be made of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride oxide (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Because the first encapsulation layer 117a is deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, damage to the light-emitting layer EL, which includes organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres, can be prevented during the deposition process.

[0123] The second encapsulation layer 117b may be formed to have an area smaller than that of the first encapsulation layer 117a. In this case, the second encapsulation layer 117b may be formed to expose both ends of the first encapsulation layer 117a. The second encapsulation layer 117b can serve as a buffer to alleviate interlayer stress caused by bending of the flexible display device and to enhance planarization performance.

[0124] For example, the second encapsulation layer 117b may be made of organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon carbide oxide (SiOC). For instance, the second encapsulation layer 117b may be formed by an inkjet printing method, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] A third encapsulation layer 117c may be formed above a substrate 110 on which a second encapsulation layer 117b is formed, so as to cover the upper and side surfaces of the second encapsulation layer 117b and the first encapsulation layer 117a. In this case, the third encapsulation layer 117c can minimize or block the penetration of external moisture or oxygen into the first encapsulation layer 117a and the second encapsulation layer 117b. For example, the third encapsulation layer 117c may be made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride oxide (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0126] The touch sensing unit TS may be disposed on the third encapsulation layer 117c. Specifically, the touch sensing unit TS may include: a touch buffer layer 118a disposed on the third encapsulation layer 117c; a plurality of bridging electrodes BE disposed on the touch buffer layer 118a; a touch interlayer insulating layer 118b disposed on the plurality of bridging electrodes BE; a plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer 118b and including a plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second touch electrodes TE2; and a plurality of touch routing lines TL (e.g., the aforementioned second touch routing lines TL2) disposed in the non-display area NA and including a plurality of first layers L1 and a plurality of second layers L2.

[0127] The touch buffer layer 118a can block liquid chemicals such as developers or etchants used in the manufacturing process of the multiple touch electrodes TE formed on the touch buffer layer 118a, or prevent external moisture or impurities from penetrating into the light-emitting element ED. For example, the touch buffer layer 118a can be a single layer of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or a multilayer configuration thereof.

[0128] The touch buffer layer 118a can be formed to extend to the non-display area NA and the display area AA.

[0129] Multiple bridging electrodes BE and multiple touch routing lines TL are disposed on a touch buffer layer 118a. Multiple bridging electrodes BE are disposed in the display area AA and electrically connect multiple first touch electrodes TE1 on the inter-layer insulating layer 118b. In this case, contact holes can be formed through the inter-layer insulating layer 118b. The multiple bridging electrodes BE are disposed below the inter-layer insulating layer 118b so that a portion of the upper part of the multiple bridging electrodes BE is exposed through the contact holes.

[0130] Multiple first layers L1 in multiple touch routing lines TL are set in the non-display area NA, and can be formed on the same layer with multiple bridging electrodes BE made of the same material.

[0131] Furthermore, multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be disposed on multiple touch buffer layers 118a and spaced apart from multiple bridging electrodes BE and multiple first layers L1. The multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be disposed in the display area AA and can be formed on the same layer of the same material as the multiple bridging electrodes BE.

[0132] For example, each of the plurality of bridging electrodes BE, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE, and the plurality of first layers L1 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys, but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of bridging electrodes BE, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE, and the plurality of first layers L1 may have a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti).

[0133] The interlayer insulation layer 118b is disposed on the touch buffer layer 118a to cover multiple bridging electrodes BE, multiple auxiliary electrodes AE and multiple first layers L1, so that the multiple bridging electrodes BE and multiple touch electrodes TE, multiple auxiliary electrodes AE and multiple touch electrodes TE, and multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 of multiple touch routing lines TL can be insulated from each other.

[0134] The touch interlayer insulating layer 118b may be formed to extend to the non-display area NA and the display area AA. For example, the touch interlayer insulating layer 118b may be formed of acrylic, epoxy, or siloxane organic materials, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, when a layer made of inorganic material is used as an interlayer insulating layer for touch, it is difficult to form the thickness of multiple bridging electrodes to be greater than or equal to the thickness of multiple touch electrodes.

[0136] However, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of touch interlayer insulating layers 118b are formed by layers made of organic materials to set the thicknesses of a plurality of bridging electrodes BE, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a plurality of first layers L1 to be equal to or greater than the thicknesses of a plurality of touch electrodes TE and / or greater than the thicknesses of a plurality of second layers L2, respectively.

[0137] A second layer L2, comprising multiple touch electrodes TE1 and multiple touch electrodes TE2, and multiple touch routing lines TL, is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 118b. The second layer L2 may be disposed on the same layer as the multiple touch electrodes TE and may alternate with the multiple first layers L1.

[0138] Multiple first touch electrodes TE1 can be disposed in the display area AA to overlap with multiple bridging electrodes BE, and the multiple first touch electrodes TE1 can be electrically connected to the multiple bridging electrodes BE through contact holes present in the interlayer insulating layer 118b.

[0139] Multiple second touch electrodes TE2 are disposed in the display area AA, overlapping with multiple auxiliary electrodes AE. The multiple second touch electrodes TE2 are electrically connected to the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE disposed overlapping with the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 through contact holes present in the touch interlayer insulating layer 118b. Since the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE are electrically connected to the multiple second touch electrodes TE2, the resistance of the touch sensing unit TS can be reduced. In this case, when the thickness of the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE electrically connected to the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 becomes greater than the thickness of the multiple touch electrodes TE, the resistance of the touch sensing unit TS can be further reduced.

[0140] In the non-display area NA, multiple second layers L2 of multiple touch routing lines TL are configured to at least partially overlap with each of multiple first layers L1 of multiple touch routing lines TL. The multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 can be electrically connected to each other through contact holes present in the interlayer insulation layer 118b. For example, the multiple touch routing lines TL can be a single alternating line, wherein the multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 are alternately connected to each other.

[0141] Multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple second layers L2 can be formed, but are not limited to, single or multiple layers of any one or more of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) and their alloys. For example, each of the multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple second layers L2 can have a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti).

[0142] Although not shown, the organic layer may be further configured to cover multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple second layers L2. For example, the organic layer may be formed of organic materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin. The organic layer prevents steps from forming on the components of the display device 100 disposed below, thereby improving the visibility of the display device and protecting the components disposed below it.

[0143] Typically, a single layer of touch routing lines is used as multiple touch routing lines. However, considering manufacturing tolerances, space is required between adjacent touch routing lines in a multi-layered system, depending on the pitch of each line. This results in an increased size of the border area where multiple touch routing lines are located.

[0144] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a single alternating line is used as multiple touch routing lines TL, wherein multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 located on different layers are alternately connected to each other.

[0145] Therefore, in multiple touch routing lines TL, multiple first-layer L1 and multiple second-layer L2 of adjacent touch routing lines can be set alternately.

[0146] In other words, adjacent touch routing lines TL are designed such that different layers (e.g., the first layer L1 of an adjacent touch routing line TL and the second layer L2 of another adjacent touch routing line TL) are placed adjacent to each other, allowing the second layer L2 to be positioned between spacings based on the spacing of the first layer L1. Therefore, the distance between multiple touch routing lines TL can be reduced, and the size of the bezel area containing multiple touch routing lines TL can be reduced by approximately half.

[0147] In this scenario, the unit lengths of the multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 of the multiple touch routing lines TL can be identical. Therefore, process variations can be mitigated when forming the multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2. For example, process variations may occur when the unit lengths of the multiple first layers and multiple second layers are different. In this case, the length of each touch routing line can vary, and resistance variations may occur.

[0148] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first layers L1 and the plurality of second layers L2 may each be formed in an even number. For example, when the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers are formed in an odd number, there is a problem that resistance deviation occurs in a zigzag shape due to process variations, thereby degrading touch performance. However, when the plurality of first layers L1 and the plurality of second layers L2 are formed in an even number, the resistance increases sequentially towards the left and right sides of the channel, resulting in a linear resistance change, thereby minimizing the occurrence of resistance deviation due to process variations.

[0149] Meanwhile, when alternating single alternating lines connecting multiple first-layer and multiple second-layer lines located on different layers are used as multiple touch routing lines, the distance between multiple touch routing lines can be reduced, but there may be a problem of increased resistance of multiple touch routing lines.

[0150] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE are electrically connected to a plurality of touch electrodes TE in the display area AA, such as a plurality of second touch electrodes TE2. Consequently, the resistance of the touch sensing unit TS in the display area AA is reduced to compensate for the resistance of the plurality of touch routing lines TL electrically connected to the touch sensing unit TS.

[0151] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by applying a single alternating line as multiple touch routing lines (where multiple first layers L1 and multiple second layers L2 located on different layers are alternately connected to each other), the distance between adjacent touch routing lines TL among the multiple touch routing lines TL can be reduced, so that the size of the bezel area where the multiple touch routing lines TL are located can be reduced by about half.

[0152] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE are electrically connected to a plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 in the display area AA to improve the resistance of the touch sensing unit TS in the display area AA, thereby compensating for the resistance of the plurality of touch routing lines TL electrically connected to the touch sensing unit TS.

[0153] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the unit lengths of the plurality of first layers L1 and the plurality of second layers L2 are adjusted, and the number of the plurality of first layers L1 and the plurality of second layers L2 is adjusted to an even number, thereby improving process deviation and minimizing the occurrence of resistance deviation of the touch sensing unit TS.

[0154] Figure 6 This is a plan view schematically illustrating the structure of a touch sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7A It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken from line III-III'. Figure 7B It is along Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line IV-IV' in the middle. Figure 7C It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line V-V'. Besides multiple auxiliary electrodes. Figures 6 to 7C The display device 200 has a similar Figures 1 to 5 The configuration is basically the same as that of the display device 100. Therefore, for ease of description, redundant descriptions other than the multiple auxiliary electrodes will be omitted.

[0155] Reference Figure 6 In a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of overlapping second touch electrodes TE2 and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE are electrically connected. At least some of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE overlapping with the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 are electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2. For example, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE may include a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes AE1 electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes AE2 insulated from the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2.

[0156] From the center of the display area AA toward the edge, the number of multiple auxiliary electrodes AE connected to each of the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 (i.e., the number of multiple first auxiliary electrodes AE1) can be increased, and the number of multiple auxiliary electrodes AE insulated from each of the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 (i.e., the number of multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2) can be decreased.

[0157] Typically, the length of multiple touch routing lines varies depending on their position, which can lead to resistance and RC deviations between the multiple touch routing lines.

[0158] Therefore, in a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number of multiple auxiliary electrodes AE connected to multiple second touch electrodes TE2 changes according to the position of multiple second touch electrodes TE2 electrically connected to multiple touch routing lines TL, thereby improving resistance deviation and RC deviation according to the position of multiple touch routing lines TL.

[0159] For example, at the edge of the display area AA, as multiple touch route lines TL are formed to be relatively long, resistance and RC delay increase. Therefore, as... Figure 7A As shown, multiple first auxiliary electrodes AE1 and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 are electrically connected at the edge of the display area AA to compensate for the resistance of the touch sensing unit TS and reduce RC delay, thereby compensating for the resistance and RC delay generated in the multiple touch routing lines TL. Furthermore, in the central portion of the display area AA, the multiple touch routing lines TL are formed to be relatively short, resulting in a smaller resistance. Therefore, as... Figure 7C As shown, multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2, insulated from multiple second touch electrodes TE2, are positioned at the center of the display area AA to maintain RC delay without compensating for the resistance in the display area AA. Additionally, as... Figure 7B As shown, in the area between the center and the edge of the display area AA, multiple first auxiliary electrodes AE1 and multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 are disposed together in the display area AA to compensate for a portion of the resistance generated by the multiple touch routing lines TL, and the RC delay can be reduced. Therefore, the resistance and RC delay deviations based on the positions of the multiple touch routing lines TL are compensated in the display area AA, thereby improving the resistance and RC deviations of the multiple touch routing lines TL.

[0160] In this case, the number of auxiliary electrodes AE electrically connected to each of the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 and the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be the same as that of the multiple second touch electrodes TE2 positioned along the same line on the second direction D2 from the bottom to the top of the display area AA.

[0161] Simultaneously, multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 can be disposed on the same layer as multiple bridging electrodes BE while being insulated from multiple second touch electrodes TE2. For example, when multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 are removed, the pattern of the area from which multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 are removed can be altered, thus the altered pattern can be visually recognized by the user. Therefore, when multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 remain insulated from multiple second touch electrodes TE2, visibility can be improved because they are perceived by the user as the same pattern. However, the invention is not limited to this, and multiple second auxiliary electrodes AE2 can be removed.

[0162] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be described below.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, wherein a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed in the display area, and the non-display area is configured to surround the display area and include a curved area and a pad area; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels; an encapsulation portion configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; a touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the encapsulation portion and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on or below the plurality of bridging electrodes; a plurality of pads disposed in the pad area; and a plurality of touch routing lines disposed in the non-display area and electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of pads, wherein the plurality of touch routing lines include: a plurality of first layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of bridging electrodes; and a plurality of second layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of touch electrodes and alternately disposed with the plurality of first layers.

[0164] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a plurality of auxiliary electrodes, which are disposed on the same layer as a plurality of bridging electrodes in the display area and are configured to overlap with the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0165] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of touch electrodes include a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed along a first direction and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes may overlap with the plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0166] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of overlapping second touch electrodes and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes may be electrically connected.

[0167] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes overlapping with the plurality of second touch electrodes may be electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the number of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes connected to each of the plurality of second touch electrodes may increase from the center portion of the display area toward the edge of the display area.

[0168] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number of auxiliary electrodes connected to each of the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes located along the same line from the bottom to the top of the display area may be the same.

[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a touch interlayer insulating layer disposed between the plurality of bridging electrodes and the plurality of touch electrodes, the touch interlayer insulating layer being formed of an organic material, and the plurality of bridging electrodes, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of first layers each having a thickness greater than the respective thickness of the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of second layers.

[0170] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers may each be an even number.

[0171] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple first layers and multiple second layers may be alternately provided in multiple touch routing lines that are adjacent to each other.

[0172] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area, the non-display area being configured to surround the display area and including a curved area and a pad area; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels; an encapsulation portion configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; and a touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the encapsulation portion, a touch interlayer insulating layer covering the plurality of bridging electrodes, a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer and disposed in a first direction, and a... A plurality of second touch electrodes in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of pads disposed in the pad area; a plurality of first touch routing lines electrically connecting the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of pads in the non-display area; and a plurality of second touch routing lines electrically connecting the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of pads, wherein the plurality of second touch routing lines include: a first layer disposed on the same layer as the bridging electrode; and a second layer disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the first layer and the second layer are alternately disposed on each other.

[0173] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display device may further include a plurality of auxiliary electrodes, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes being disposed on the same layer as a plurality of bridging electrodes in the display area and disposed in the second direction so as to overlap with the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the bridging electrodes being electrically connected to the plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0174] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of overlapping second touch electrodes and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes may be electrically connected.

[0175] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes may include: a plurality of first auxiliary electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes; and a plurality of second auxiliary electrodes electrically insulated from the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the number of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes may increase from the center portion of the display area toward the edge of the display area, and the number of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes may decrease.

[0176] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, among the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, the number of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes positioned along the same line in the second direction and the number of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes may be the same.

[0177] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers may each be an even number.

[0178] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and do not limit the present invention. All technical concepts within the equivalent scope of the present invention should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, wherein a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed in the display area, and the non-display area is configured to surround the display area and include a curved area and a pad area; Multiple light-emitting elements are disposed in the multiple sub-pixels; Encapsulation section, the encapsulation section being configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; A touch sensing unit, the touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the package portion and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on or below the plurality of bridging electrodes; Multiple pads are disposed in the pad area; as well as Multiple touch routing lines are disposed in the non-display area and electrically connect the multiple touch electrodes and the multiple pads. The multiple touch routing lines mentioned above include: Multiple first layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of bridging electrodes; as well as A plurality of second layers disposed on the same layer as the plurality of touch electrodes and alternately disposed with the plurality of first layers.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple auxiliary electrodes are disposed on the same layer as multiple bridging electrodes in the display area and are configured to overlap with the multiple touch electrodes.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes includes a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed along a first direction and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of auxiliary electrodes overlap with the plurality of second touch electrodes.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of overlapping second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected.

5. The display device of claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes overlapping with the plurality of second touch electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes. The number of auxiliary electrodes connected to each of the plurality of second touch electrodes increases from the center of the display area toward the edge of the display area.

6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the number of auxiliary electrodes connected to each of the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes is the same as that connected to each of the plurality of second touch electrodes positioned along the same line from the bottom to the top of the display area.

7. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: A touch interlayer insulating layer is disposed between the plurality of bridging electrodes and the plurality of touch electrodes. The interlayer insulating layer of the touch panel is formed of an organic material. The plurality of bridging electrodes, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of first layers each have a thickness greater than the respective thickness of the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of second layers.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers are each an even number.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers are alternately arranged among the plurality of touch routing lines that are adjacent to each other.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the unit length of the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers of the plurality of touch routing lines is the same.

11. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of auxiliary electrodes comprises: A plurality of first auxiliary electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes; as well as A plurality of second auxiliary electrodes electrically insulated from the plurality of second touch electrodes.

12. The display device of claim 11, wherein the number of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes increases from the center portion of the display area toward the edge of the display area, and the number of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes decreases.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers located on different layers are alternately connected to each other.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the touch sensing unit further comprises a touch buffer layer disposed on the encapsulation portion. The plurality of bridging electrodes and the plurality of first layers of the plurality of touch routing lines are disposed on the touch buffer layer.

15. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, wherein a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed in the display area, and the non-display area is configured to surround the display area and include a curved area and a pad area; Multiple light-emitting elements are disposed in the multiple sub-pixels; Encapsulation section, the encapsulation section being configured to cover the plurality of light-emitting elements; A touch sensing unit, the touch sensing unit including a plurality of bridging electrodes disposed on the package portion, a touch interlayer insulating layer covering the plurality of bridging electrodes, a plurality of first touch electrodes disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer and disposed in a first direction, and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Multiple pads are disposed in the pad area; Multiple first touch routing lines, wherein the multiple first touch routing lines are electrically connected to the multiple first touch electrodes and multiple pads in the non-display area; as well as Multiple second touch routing lines are provided, which electrically connect the multiple second touch electrodes and the multiple pads. The plurality of second touch routing lines include: a first layer disposed on the same layer as the bridging electrode; And a second layer disposed on the same layer as the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, wherein the first layer and the second layer are disposed alternately on each other.

16. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: Multiple auxiliary electrodes are disposed on the same layer as multiple bridging electrodes in the display area, and the multiple auxiliary electrodes are arranged in the second direction to overlap with the multiple second touch electrodes. The bridging electrode is electrically connected to the plurality of first touch electrodes.

17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of overlapping second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected.

18. The display device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of auxiliary electrodes comprises: A plurality of first auxiliary electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of second touch electrodes; as well as Multiple second auxiliary electrodes that are electrically insulated from the plurality of second touch electrodes The number of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes increases from the center of the display area toward the edge of the display area, while the number of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes decreases.

19. The display device of claim 18, wherein among the plurality of second touch electrodes and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, the number of the plurality of first auxiliary electrodes positioned along the same line in the second direction is the same as the number of the plurality of second auxiliary electrodes.

20. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers are each an even number.

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