Display device

Abstract

The display device includes a display layer disposed on a substrate. The display layer includes a light emitting element. The sensor is disposed on the display layer. A sensing line of the sensor is disposed outside a touch electrode of the sensor, and is electrically connected to the touch electrode. Gesture sensor electrodes of the sensor are disposed outside the sensing lines. In a plan view, the gesture sensor electrode does not overlap with a conductor that supplies a constant voltage to the light emitting element.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0060553, filed on May 10, 2023, and all rights arising therefrom, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0003] The display device may include a display unit for displaying an image and a sensor unit for sensing a touch position. The sensor unit may be used to measure the coordinates of the touch position of the object and may be used to detect the proximity and movement of the object. Utility Model Content

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device capable of accurately sensing the approach and / or movement of an object.

[0005] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and other technical objects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display layer disposed on a substrate, the display layer including a light-emitting element; and a sensor disposed on the display layer. The sensor includes: a touch electrode; a sensing line disposed outside the touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch electrode; and a gesture sensor electrode disposed outside the sensing line. In a plan view, the gesture sensor electrode does not overlap with a conductor that provides a constant voltage to the light-emitting element.

[0007] In a plan view, the touch electrode and the sensing line may overlap a conductor that supplies a constant voltage to the light emitting element.

[0008] The conductor that supplies the constant voltage to the light emitting element may be a cathode electrode of the light emitting element or a power supply line electrically connected to the cathode electrode.

[0009] The touch electrodes, sensing lines and gesture sensor electrodes may be arranged on the same layer.

[0010] The display layer may further include transistors, and at least one of the transistors may be electrically connected to the light emitting element, and a cathode electrode and a power supply line may be provided between the transistor and the sensor to cover the transistor.

[0011] In a plan view, the gesture sensor electrodes may not overlap with the transistors.

[0012] In a plan view, the gesture sensor electrodes may be respectively disposed on an upper side, a lower side, a left side, and a right side of a sensing region where the touch electrode is disposed.

[0013] The display device may further include: a sensing driver, and the sensing driver may sense the approach or movement of the object based on a change in a first capacitance between at least one of the touch electrodes and the gesture sensor electrode.

[0014] The gesture sensor electrode may include a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode disposed on the first sensor electrode to overlap the first sensor electrode in a plan view.

[0015] In a plan view, the second sensor electrode may completely overlap the first sensor electrode.

[0016] The display device may further include: a sensing driver, and the sensing driver may sense the approach or movement of the object based on a change in the second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode.

[0017] The sensing driver may apply the same signal to at least one of the touch electrodes and the first sensor electrode, and the sensing driver senses the approach or movement of the object based on a total change in the second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode and the first capacitance between at least one of the touch electrodes and the second sensor electrode.

[0018] The sensor may further include an auxiliary electrode disposed under the touch electrode and spaced apart from the first sensor electrode, and the same signal may be applied to the auxiliary electrode and the first sensor electrode.

[0019] The display device may further include a sensing driver, and the sensing driver may sense the approach or movement of the object based on a total change of a second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode and a third capacitance between the auxiliary electrode and the second sensor electrode.

[0020] The auxiliary electrode may be disposed on the substrate as a whole as one electrode, and may overlap all the touch electrodes in a plan view.

[0021] At least some of the touch electrodes may be connected by a bridge, and the auxiliary electrode may be disposed at the same layer as the bridge.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display layer disposed on a substrate and including a transistor, a light emitting element, and a power supply line connected to a cathode electrode of the light emitting element; and a sensor disposed on the display layer. The sensor includes a gesture sensor electrode for sensing the approach or movement of an object. In a plan view, the gesture sensor electrode does not overlap with the transistor, the cathode electrode, and the power supply line.

[0023] The gesture sensor electrode may include a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode disposed on the first sensor electrode to overlap the first sensor electrode in a plan view.

[0024] In a plan view, the second sensor electrode may completely overlap the first sensor electrode.

[0025] The sensor may further include an auxiliary electrode spaced apart from the first sensor electrode and overlapping the cathode electrode in a plan view, and the same signal may be applied to the auxiliary electrode and the first sensor electrode.

[0026] Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] The display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor and a gesture sensor disposed on a display layer, the touch sensor may overlap with a cathode electrode in the display layer, and the gesture sensor may not overlap with the cathode electrode in the display layer. The cathode electrode may improve the touch sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor by shielding the structure under the cathode electrode. The gesture sensor that does not overlap with the cathode electrode may have a relatively small capacitance (or base capacitance), may more accurately sense the approach and movement of an object, and may sense an object that is located farther away from the display device.

[0028] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A plan view of an embodiment of a display unit included in a display device;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a graphic Figure 1 A plan view of an embodiment of a sensor unit included in a display device;

[0034] Figure 5 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II';

[0035] Figure 6 The diagram is along Figure 4The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a comparative example of a display device taken along line II';

[0036] Figure 7 It is a graphic Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an operation of a sensor unit included in a display device;

[0037] Figure 8 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II';

[0038] Fig. 9 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a display device taken along line II';

[0039] Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is a graphic Fig. 9 A plan view of an embodiment of a sensor unit included in a display device;

[0040] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 An enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of EA;

[0041] Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'; and

[0042] Fig.14 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, parts not related to the description are omitted, and the same or similar elements are represented by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. Therefore, the above reference numerals may be used in other drawings.

[0045] In addition, for the convenience of description, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, and therefore, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness may be exaggerated to clearly indicate various layers and regions.

[0046] Some embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings about functional blocks, units and / or modules. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuits, separate components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, storage elements, line connections and other electronic circuits. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Blocks, units and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware can be programmed and controlled using software to perform various functions discussed herein, optionally driven by firmware and / or software. In addition, each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware or dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits) that performs functions different from the functions of the dedicated hardware. In addition, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention, blocks, units and / or modules can be physically separated into two or more interacting, separate blocks, units and / or modules. In addition, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention, blocks, units and / or modules can be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules.

[0047] The term "connection" between two structures may mean both electrical connection and physical connection inclusively, but is not limited thereto. For example, "connection" used based on a circuit diagram may mean electrical connection, and "connection" used based on a cross-sectional view and a plan view may mean physical connection.

[0048] Although 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 another component. Therefore, within the technical spirit of the present disclosure, the first component described below may be the second component. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0049] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be modified and implemented in various forms. In addition, each of the embodiments disclosed below can be implemented alone or in combination with at least one of the other embodiments.

[0050] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] refer to Figure 1The display device 1 can be applied to electronic devices such as computers, laptop computers, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), digital TVs, digital cameras, portable game consoles, navigation devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IOT) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, e-books, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, vehicle navigation devices, video phones, surveillance systems, autofocus systems, tracking systems, or motion sensing systems.

[0052] The display device 1 may include a panel 10 and a driving circuit unit 20 for driving the panel 10. In addition, the display device 1 may further include a processor 30 or may be connected to the processor 30.

[0053] The panel 10 may include a display unit 110 (or display panel) and a sensor unit 120 (sensor panel or sensor). The display unit 110 may display an image. The sensor unit 120 may sense (or detect) external inputs such as touch, pressure, fingerprint, hovering, proximity, and motion. For example, the panel 10 may include pixels PX, touch sensors SC (or first sensors) positioned to overlap at least some of the pixels PX, and gesture sensors JE (proximity sensors, motion sensors, or second sensors) that do not overlap the pixels PX. In an embodiment, the touch sensor SC may include a first touch sensor TX (or touch drive electrode) and a second touch sensor RX (or touch sensing electrode). In another embodiment (e.g., a self-capacitance method), the touch sensor SC may be configured as a type of sensor without distinguishing between the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX.

[0054] The driving circuit unit 20 may include a display driver 210 for driving the display unit 110 and a sensor driver 220 for driving the sensor unit 120. The pixel PX may display an image in units of a display frame period. The touch sensor SC may sense a touch input of an object (e.g., a user's finger or a stylus) in units of a touch sensing frame period. The gesture sensor JE may sense the proximity or motion of an object in units of a proximity sensing frame period, etc. In an embodiment, the touch sensing frame period and the proximity sensing frame period may be independent of each other or may be different from each other. For example, touch sensing using the touch sensor SC and proximity sensing using at least the gesture sensor JE may be performed in a time-division manner. In another embodiment, the touch sensing frame period and the proximity sensing frame period may overlap with each other. For example, touch sensing using the touch sensor SC and proximity sensing (or motion sensing) using the gesture sensor JE may be performed simultaneously. The touch sensing frame period and the proximity sensing frame period may be included in one sensing frame period, but are not limited thereto. The sensing frame period and the display frame period may be independent of each other or may be different from each other. The sensing frame period and the display frame period may be synchronous or asynchronous with each other.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the display unit 110 and the sensor unit 120 may be manufactured separately and then arranged and / or combined so that at least one area overlaps each other. In another embodiment, the display unit 110 and the sensor unit 120 may be manufactured integrally. For example, the sensor unit 120 may be formed directly on the display unit 110 (e.g., on an upper substrate and / or a lower substrate of a display panel, or on a thin film encapsulation layer), or on other insulating layers or on various functional layers (e.g., an optical layer or a protective layer).

[0056] At the same time, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the sensor unit 120 is disposed on the front surface (e.g., the upper surface on which an image is displayed) of the display unit 110, but the position of the sensor unit 120 is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor unit 120 may be disposed on the rear surface or both surfaces of the display unit 110. As another example, the sensor unit 120 may be disposed on at least one edge region of the display unit 110.

[0057] The display unit 110 may include a display substrate 111 (or substrate) and a plurality of pixels PX formed on the display substrate 111. The pixels PX may be disposed in a display area DA of the display substrate 111.

[0058] The display substrate 111 may include a display area DA displaying an image and a non-display area NDA outside the display area DA. According to an embodiment, the display area DA may be disposed in a central area of ​​the display unit 110, and the non-display area NDA may be disposed in an edge area of ​​the display unit 110 to surround the display area DA.

[0059] The display substrate 111 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and its material or physical properties are not particularly limited. For example, the display substrate 111 may be a rigid substrate formed of glass or tempered glass or a flexible substrate formed of a thin film of plastic or metal material.

[0060] Scan lines GL and data lines DL and pixels PX connected to the scan lines GL and data lines DL may be arranged in a display area DA. The pixels PX may be selected by a scan signal of a conduction level supplied from the scan lines GL, receive a data signal from the data lines DL, and emit light of a brightness corresponding to the data signal. Thus, an image corresponding to the data signal may be displayed in the display area DA. In the present disclosure, the structure and driving method of the pixels PX are not particularly limited. For example, each of the pixels PX may be implemented as a pixel using various currently known structures and driving methods.

[0061] In the non-display area NDA, various lines and / or built-in circuit units connected to the pixels PX of the display area DA may be disposed. For example, a plurality of lines for supplying various power supplies and control signals to the display area DA may be disposed in the non-display area NDA, and a scan driver and the like may be further disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the type of the display unit 110 is not particularly limited. For example, the display unit 110 may be implemented as a self-emissive display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel. However, when the display unit 110 is implemented as a self-emissive type, each of the pixels PX is not limited to the case where only organic light-emitting elements are included. For example, the light-emitting element of each of the pixels PX may include an organic light-emitting diode, an inorganic light-emitting diode, or a quantum dot / well light-emitting diode, etc. According to an embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting elements may be provided in each of the pixels PX. A plurality of light-emitting elements may be connected in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel, etc. Alternatively, the display unit 110 may be implemented as a non-emissive display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel. When the display unit 110 is implemented as a non-emissive type, the display device 1 may additionally include a light source such as a backlight unit.

[0063] The sensor unit 120 may include a sensor substrate 121, and a touch sensor SC and a gesture sensor JE formed on the sensor substrate 121. The touch sensor SC may be disposed in a touch sensing area SA (or sensing area) on the sensor substrate 121. The gesture sensor JE may be disposed in a peripheral area NSA.

[0064] The sensor substrate 121 may include a touch sensing area SA capable of sensing a touch input or the like and a peripheral area NSA outside the touch sensing area SA. According to an embodiment, the touch sensing area SA may be set to overlap with at least one area of ​​the display area DA. For example, the touch sensing area SA may be set to an area corresponding to the display area DA (e.g., an area overlapping the display area DA), and the peripheral area NSA may be set to an area corresponding to the non-display area NDA (e.g., an area overlapping the non-display area NDA). In this case, when a touch input or the like is provided on the display area DA, the touch input may be detected by the sensor unit 120.

[0065] The sensor substrate 121 may be a rigid or flexible substrate, and may include at least one insulating layer. In addition, the sensor substrate 121 may be a transparent or translucent light-transmitting substrate, but is not limited thereto. That is, in the present disclosure, the material and physical properties of the sensor substrate 121 are not particularly limited. In addition, according to an embodiment, at least one substrate constituting the display unit 110 (e.g., a display substrate 111, an encapsulation substrate, and / or a thin film encapsulation layer), at least one insulating layer or functional layer disposed in the interior and / or on the outer surface of the display unit 110, and the like may be used as the sensor substrate 121.

[0066] The touch sensing area SA is set as an area that can respond to touch input (ie, an effective area of ​​the touch sensor). To this end, a touch sensor SC for sensing touch input, etc. may be provided in the touch sensing area SA. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor SC may include a first touch sensor TX and a second touch sensor RX.

[0067] For example, each of the first touch sensors TX may extend in a first direction DR1. The first touch sensors TX may be arranged in a second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 may be different from the first direction DR1. For example, the second direction DR2 may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1. In another embodiment, the extension direction and arrangement direction of the first touch sensors TX may follow another conventional configuration. Each of the first touch sensors TX may have a form in which a first unit (or driving electrode) of a relatively large area and a first bridge of a relatively small area are connected. Figure 1In the embodiment, each of the first units is shown as a diamond shape, but can be configured as various conventional shapes such as a circle, a quadrilateral, a triangle, and a mesh shape. For example, the first bridge can be formed integrally with the first unit on the same layer. In another embodiment, the first bridge can be formed on a different layer from the layer of the first unit and can electrically connect adjacent first units.

[0068] For example, each of the second touch sensors RX may extend in the second direction DR2. The second touch sensors RX may be arranged in the first direction DR1. In another embodiment, the extending direction and the arrangement direction of the second touch sensors RX may follow another conventional configuration. Each of the second touch sensors RX may have a form in which a second unit (or touch sensing electrode) of a relatively large area and a second bridge of a relatively small area are connected. Figure 1 In the embodiment, each of the second units is shown as a diamond shape, but can be configured as various conventional shapes such as a circle, a quadrilateral, a triangle, and a mesh shape. For example, the second bridge can be formed integrally with the second unit on the same layer. In another embodiment, the second bridge can be formed on a different layer from the layer of the second unit and can electrically connect adjacent second units.

[0069] According to an embodiment, each of the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may include at least one of various metal materials including gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof. The first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may be configured in a mesh shape including conductive thin wires. In addition, the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may include a conductive material including silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), carbon nanotubes, graphene, and the like. In addition, the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may have conductivity by including at least one of the various conductive materials. In addition, each of the first touch sensor TX and the second touch sensor RX may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers, and the cross-sectional structure thereof is not particularly limited.

[0070] Meanwhile, a gesture sensor JE for sensing the approach or motion of an object, etc. may be provided in the peripheral area NSA of the sensor unit 120 .

[0071] The gesture sensor JE may extend in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 along one side of the display device 1. For example, the gesture sensors JE may be disposed adjacent to each other on the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the touch sensing area SA. In this case, the gesture sensor JE may sense an object (or movement of an object) moving in four directions (and all directions according to a combination thereof) of up, down, left, and right on the display device 1.

[0072] The gesture sensor JE may have conductivity by including at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. According to an embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may have a mesh shape. In addition, the gesture sensor JE may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers, and its cross-sectional structure is not particularly limited.

[0073] In addition, sensor lines for electrically connecting the first touch sensors TX and the second touch sensors RX to the sensor driver 220 and the like may be centrally disposed in the peripheral area NSA of the sensor unit 120 .

[0074] The driving circuit unit 20 may include a display driver 210 for driving the display unit 110 and a sensor driver 220 for driving the sensor unit 120. In an embodiment, each of the display driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) (e.g., a display integrated circuit (D-IC) and a sensor integrated circuit (T-IC)). In another embodiment, at least a portion of the display driver 210 and the sensor driver 220 may be embedded in one IC.

[0075] The display driver 210 may be electrically connected to the display unit 110 to drive the pixel PX. For example, the display driver 210 may provide a data signal to the pixel PX. In an embodiment, the display driver 210 may include a data driver and a timing controller, and a scan driver may be separately installed in the non-display area NDA of the display unit 110. In another embodiment, the display driver 210 may include all or at least a portion of the data driver, the timing controller, and the scan driver.

[0076] The sensor driver 220 may be electrically connected to the sensor unit 120 to drive the sensor unit 120. The sensor driver 220 may include a sensor transmitter and a sensor receiver. The sensor transmitter may provide a driving signal to the first touch sensor TX, and the sensor receiver may receive a sensing signal from the second touch sensor RX and the gesture sensor JE. According to an embodiment, the sensor transmitter may also provide a driving signal to some of the gesture sensors JE. The sensor transmitter and the sensor receiver may be integrated into one IC, but are not limited thereto.

[0077] The processor 30 may be electrically connected to the display driver 210, and may provide the grayscale and timing signals for displaying the frame period to the display driver 210. In addition, the processor 30 may be electrically connected to the sensor driver 220, and may receive a sensing signal or receive input information (e.g., an input of an object and its position) from the sensor driver 220. For example, the processor 30 may determine the input of the object (e.g., a touch input, its coordinates, proximity, and motion) based on the sensing signal. As another example, the sensor driver 220 may determine the input of the object based on the sensing signal, and the processor 30 may receive input information corresponding to the determination result from the sensor driver 220.

[0078] The processor 30 may correspond to at least one of a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), and the like.

[0079] Figure 2 It is a graphic Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device.

[0080] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the sensor unit 120 may be stacked on the display unit 110. According to an embodiment, the window WIN may be stacked on the sensor unit 120.

[0081] The display unit 110 may include a display substrate 111 and a display layer BPL formed on the display substrate 111. The display layer BPL may include a light emitting element LD. The display layer BPL may include a pixel circuit (e.g., a transistor and a capacitor) for driving the light emitting element LD of the pixel PX, a scan line GL (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) and data line DL (reference Figure 1 )wait.

[0082] The sensor unit 120 may include a sensor substrate 121, and a touch sensor SC, a gesture sensor JE, and a protective layer 122 formed on the sensor substrate 121. The protective layer 122 may cover the touch sensor SC and the gesture sensor JE.

[0083] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the sensor substrate 121 is shown as an encapsulation layer covering the pixels PX. In another embodiment, the sensor substrate 121 may exist separately from the encapsulation layer covering the pixels PX.

[0084] In an embodiment, the touch sensor SC may overlap the second electrode CE (or cathode electrode, i.e., a common electrode provided on the light emitting element LD and commonly connected to the light emitting element LD) of the light emitting element LD in the third direction DR3, and the gesture sensor JE may not overlap the second electrode CE in the third direction DR3. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described, the second electrode CE may overlap with the touch sensor SC, and therefore, may prevent the influence from the light emitting element LD disposed under the touch sensor SC (for example, a signal applied to the structure under the light emitting element LD operates as noise, and therefore, reduces the touch sensing sensitivity). That is, the second electrode CE may function as a shielding electrode. At the same time, since the second electrode CE does not overlap with the gesture sensor JE, the second electrode CE may reduce the capacitance (or base capacitance) of the gesture sensor JE, and may more accurately sense changes in the capacitance of the gesture sensor JE (for example, a small change in capacitance due to the approach of an object) and the approach and movement based thereon, etc.

[0085] The window WIN may be a protective member disposed at the uppermost end of the module of the display device 1, and may be a substantially transparent light-transmitting substrate. The window WIN may have a multilayer structure selected from a glass substrate, a plastic film, and a plastic substrate. The window WIN may include a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and the construction material of the window WIN is not particularly limited.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the display device 1 may further include a polarizing plate (or another type of anti-reflection layer) for preventing reflection of external light between the window WIN and the sensor unit 120 .

[0087] Figure 3 It is a graphic Figure 1 A plan view of an embodiment of a display unit included in a display device.

[0088] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The display unit 110 may include a substrate SUB, pixels PX provided on the substrate SUB, a driver provided on the substrate SUB and driving the pixels PX, and a signal line unit (not shown) connecting the pixels PX and the driving unit (not shown). The substrate SUB may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display substrate 111 may correspond thereto.

[0089] The substrate SUB may include one region in an approximately rectangular shape. However, the number of regions provided on the substrate SUB may be different from this, and the shape of the substrate SUB may have different shapes according to the regions provided on the substrate SUB.

[0090] The substrate SUB may be formed of an insulating material such as glass or resin. In addition, the substrate SUB may be formed of a flexible material to be bent or folded, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the flexible material may include at least one of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, polyether sulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate SUB may be formed of a flexible polyimide. However, the material constituting the substrate SUB is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0091] The substrate SUB may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be an area in which pixels PX are provided to display an image, and the non-display area NDA may be an area in which pixels PX are not provided and may be an area in which an image is not displayed. For ease of description, Figure 3 Only one pixel PX is shown in FIG. 1 , but a plurality of pixels PX may be disposed in the display area DA of the substrate SUB.

[0092] The pixels PX may be provided in the display area DA of the substrate SUB. Each of the pixels PX may be a minimum unit for displaying an image. The pixel PX may include a light emitting element that emits white light and / or color light. Each of the pixels PX may emit light of any color among red, green, and blue, but is not limited thereto and may emit light of cyan, magenta, or yellow, etc.

[0093] The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix form along rows extending in a first direction DR1 and columns extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. However, the arrangement form of the pixels PX is not particularly limited, and the pixels PX may be arranged in various forms. The pixels PX may have a rectangular shape in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pixels PX may be modified into various shapes. In addition, when a plurality of pixels PX are provided, the plurality of pixels PX may be provided to have different areas (or sizes). For example, in the case where the pixels PX have emitted light of different colors, for each color, the pixels PX may be provided with different areas (or sizes) or in different shapes from each other.

[0094] Figure 4 It is a graphic Figure 1A plan view of an embodiment of a sensor unit included in a display device.

[0095] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the sensor unit 120 may include a base layer BSL. The base layer BSL may be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base layer BSL may include a touch sensing area SA and a peripheral area NSA.

[0096] Touch sensor electrodes for sensing a touch input may be provided and / or formed in the touch sensing area SA.

[0097] A sensing line SL (or touch sensing line) electrically connected to the touch sensor electrode to receive and transmit a touch sensing signal may be provided and / or formed in the peripheral area NSA. In addition, in the peripheral area NSA, a gesture sensor JE (or gesture sensor electrode) for sensing the proximity and movement of an object, etc. and a gesture sensing line JL electrically connected to the gesture sensor JE to receive and transmit a proximity sensing signal may be provided and / or formed. A pad unit PDA electrically connected to the sensing line SL and the gesture sensing line JL may be provided in the peripheral area NSA. The pad unit PDA may include a plurality of pads PD.

[0098] The touch sensor electrode may include a plurality of sensor patterns SP (or cells) and first and second bridges BRP1 and BRP2.

[0099] The sensor patterns SP may include a plurality of first sensor patterns SP1 and a plurality of second sensor patterns SP2 electrically insulated from the first sensor patterns SP1 .

[0100] The first sensor patterns SP1 may be arranged in a first direction DR1 and may be electrically connected to adjacent first sensor patterns SP1 through a first bridge BRP1 to configure at least one sensor row. The second sensor patterns SP2 may be arranged in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 and may be electrically connected to adjacent second sensor patterns SP2 through a second bridge BRP2 to configure at least one sensor column.

[0101] Each of the first sensor patterns SP1 and the second sensor patterns SP2 may be electrically connected to one pad PD through a corresponding sensing line SL. For example, each of the first sensor patterns SP1 may be electrically connected to one pad PD through each first sensing line SL1, and each of the second sensor patterns SP2 may be electrically connected to one pad PD through each second sensing line SL2.

[0102] The above-mentioned first sensor pattern SP1 may be a touch driving electrode that receives a driving signal for detecting a touch position in the touch sensing area SA, and the second sensor pattern SP2 may be a touch sensing electrode that receives a sensing signal for detecting a touch position in the touch sensing area SA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first sensor pattern SP1 may be a touch sensing electrode and the second sensor pattern SP2 may be a touch driving electrode.

[0103] Sensor driver 220 (reference Figure 1 ) can recognize the touch of the object by sensing the change amount of the mutual capacitance formed between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2.

[0104] The gesture sensor JE may extend in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2 along the edge of the sensor unit 120. The gesture sensor JE may not overlap with the sensing line SL, but is not limited thereto. The gesture sensors JE may be disposed adjacent to the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the touch sensing area SA, respectively. Each of the gesture sensors JE may be electrically connected to one pad PD through a corresponding gesture sensing line JL.

[0105] In an embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may be a gesture sensing electrode that outputs a sensing signal for detecting the approach and movement of an object, etc. In this case, at least some of the touch sensor electrodes (e.g., the sensor pattern SP) may be used as a gesture driving electrode that receives a driving signal for detecting the approach and movement of an object, etc., and the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can recognize the approach and movement of an object, etc. by sensing the change in the capacitance formed between the gesture sensor JE and the touch sensor electrode (e.g., the sensor pattern SP).

[0106] In another embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may include a gesture driving electrode that receives a driving signal for detecting the proximity and movement of an object, and a gesture sensing electrode that outputs a sensing signal corresponding to the driving signal. In this case, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can identify the approach and movement of an object by sensing the change in capacitance of the gesture sensor JE itself (or between the gesture driving electrode and the gesture sensing electrode in the gesture sensor JE).

[0107] Figure 5 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II'.

[0108] exist Figure 5, the structure of the display device 1 (or pixel PX) is simplified, such as each electrode is shown as a single electrode layer and each insulating layer is shown as only a single insulating layer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] In embodiments of the present disclosure, “formed and / or provided in the same layer” may mean formed in the same process (and using the same material), and “formed and / or provided in different layers” may mean formed in different processes (and using different materials).

[0110] refer to Figures 1 to 5 , the display device 1 may include sensing lines SL, gesture sensors JE (or gesture sensor electrodes), pixels PX and sensor patterns SP provided in the display area DA, and dams DAM1 and DAM2 provided in the non-display area NDA. Hereinafter, a stacking structure of the display device 1 in the display area DA is first described, and then a stacking structure of the display device 1 in the non-display area NDA is described.

[0111] The display device 1 may include a pixel circuit layer PCL, a display element layer DPL, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and a sensor unit 120 sequentially stacked on a substrate SUB. In the display area DA, the pixel circuit layer PCL may include a buffer layer BFL, a driving transistor Tdr, and a protective layer PSV. The driving transistor Tdr is a transistor that controls a driving current provided to the light emitting element LD, and since the structures of the transistors T included in the pixel PX are substantially equal or similar to each other, only the driving transistor Tdr is shown as an example.

[0112] A buffer layer BFL may be provided and / or formed on one surface UF (or upper surface) of the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may prevent impurities from diffusing into the driving transistor Tdr. The buffer layer BFL may be an insulating layer and may include an inorganic material. For example, the inorganic material may include silicon nitride (SiN x ) or metal nitrides such as silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON) and aluminum oxide (AlO x ) of a metal oxide. The buffer layer BFL may be provided as a single layer, or may be provided as a plurality of layers of at least a double layer. When the buffer layer BFL is provided as a plurality of layers, each layer may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials. Depending on the material and process conditions of the substrate SUB, etc., the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

[0113] The driving transistor Tdr may be provided on the buffer layer BFL (or substrate SUB). The driving transistor Tdr may include a semiconductor pattern SCL, a gate electrode GE, a first terminal SE, and a second terminal DE. The first terminal SE may be any one of a source electrode and a drain electrode, and the second terminal DE may be another electrode. For example, when the first terminal SE is a source electrode, the second terminal DE may be a drain electrode.

[0114] A semiconductor pattern SCL may be provided and / or formed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern SCL may include a first contact region contacting the first terminal SE and a second contact region contacting the second terminal DE. The region between the first contact region and the second contact region and overlapping the gate electrode GE may be a channel region of the driving transistor Tdr. The semiconductor pattern SCL may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. The channel region may be a semiconductor pattern that is not doped with impurities and may be an intrinsic semiconductor. The first contact region and the second contact region may be semiconductor patterns that are heavily doped with impurities.

[0115] A gate insulating layer GI may be provided and / or formed on the semiconductor pattern SCL. The gate insulating layer GI may be an insulating layer and may include an inorganic material. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, the gate insulating layer GI may include an organic material. The gate insulating layer GI may be provided as a single layer, but may also be provided as a plurality of layers of at least a double layer.

[0116] The gate electrode GE may be provided and / or formed on the semiconductor pattern SCL with the gate insulating layer GI interposed between the semiconductor pattern SCL and the gate electrode GE. For example, the gate electrode GE may be provided and / or formed on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material. For example, the conductive material may include metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu). In addition, the gate electrode GE may be formed as a single layer, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed as a plurality of layers in which at least two or more materials are stacked.

[0117] An interlayer insulating layer ILD may be provided and / or formed on the gate electrode GE. The interlayer insulating layer ILD may be an insulating layer and may include an inorganic material. The interlayer insulating layer ILD may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers. According to an embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer ILD may include an organic material.

[0118] The corresponding first terminal SE and the second terminal DE may contact the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the semiconductor pattern SCL through the contact hole formed through the interlayer insulating layer ILD and the gate insulating layer GI. For example, the first terminal SE may contact one of the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the semiconductor pattern SCL, and the second terminal DE may contact the remaining contact area of ​​the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the semiconductor pattern SCL. The first terminal SE and the second terminal DE may include a conductive material. The first terminal SE and the second terminal DE may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the first terminal SE and the second terminal DE of the driving transistor Tdr are separate electrodes electrically connected to different portions of the semiconductor pattern SCL through contact holes formed through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer ILD, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the first terminal SE of the driving transistor Tdr may be one of the first contact region and the second contact region adjacent to the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL, and the second terminal DE of the driving transistor Tdr may be the other of the first contact region and the second contact region adjacent to the channel region of the semiconductor pattern SCL. In this case, the second terminal DE of the driving transistor Tdr may be electrically connected to the light emitting element LD of each pixel PX through a separate connection device including a bridge electrode or a contact electrode.

[0120] According to an embodiment, a sub-interlayer insulating layer may be provided and / or formed on the first terminal SE and the second terminal DE of the driving transistor Tdr. In this case, a first additional electrode (or a first connection electrode) corresponding to the first terminal SE and a second additional electrode (or a second connection electrode) corresponding to the second terminal DE may be provided and / or formed on the sub-interlayer insulating layer. The first additional electrode (or the first connection electrode) may be electrically connected to the first terminal SE disposed thereunder through a contact hole formed through the sub-interlayer insulating layer, and the second additional electrode (or the second connection electrode) may be electrically connected to the second terminal DE disposed thereunder through a contact hole formed through the sub-interlayer insulating layer.

[0121] exist Figure 5 In the figure, the driving transistor Tdr is shown as a thin film transistor of a top gate structure, but is not limited thereto. For example, the driving transistor Tdr may be a thin film transistor of a bottom gate structure.

[0122] A protection layer PSV may be provided and / or formed on the driving transistor Tdr.

[0123] The protective layer PSV may be an insulating layer, and may be an organic layer, an inorganic layer, or an organic layer disposed on an inorganic layer. The inorganic layer may include an inorganic material. The organic layer may include an organic material. For example, the organic material may include an acrylic resin (polyacrylate resin), an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and a benzocyclobutene resin.

[0124] The display element layer DPL may be provided and / or formed on the protection layer PSV.

[0125] A display element layer DPL may be provided on the protective layer PSV, and the display element layer DPL may include a light-emitting element LD that emits light. The light-emitting element LD may include a first electrode AE ​​and a second electrode CE and an emission layer EML provided between the two electrodes AE and CE. One of the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE may be an anode electrode, and the remaining electrode may be a cathode electrode. For example, the first electrode AE ​​may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode CE may be a cathode electrode. When the light-emitting element LD is a front surface emission type organic light-emitting diode, the first electrode AE ​​may be a reflective electrode and the second electrode CE may be a transmissive electrode.

[0126] The first electrode AE ​​may be electrically connected to the second terminal DE of the driving transistor Tdr through a contact hole formed through the protective layer PSV. The first electrode AE ​​may include a reflective layer capable of reflecting light or a transparent conductive layer disposed on or under the reflective layer. For example, the transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive material, and the transparent conductive material may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO, IGZO, and ITZO, and a conductive polymer such as PEDOT. The reflective layer may include a metal material such as silver (Ag).

[0127] The display element layer DPL may further include a pixel defining layer PDL having an opening exposing a portion of the first electrode AE ​​(eg, an upper surface of the first electrode AE). The pixel defining layer PDL may be an insulating layer and may include an organic material.

[0128] The emission layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL. That is, the emission layer EML may be disposed on one surface of the exposed first electrode AE. The emission layer EML may have a multilayer thin film structure including at least one light generating layer. The emission layer EML may include a hole injection layer for injecting holes, a hole transport layer having excellent hole transport performance, an electron blocking layer for suppressing the movement of electrons not combined in the light generating layer to increase the chance of recombination of holes and electrons by suppressing the movement of electrons not combined in the light generating layer, a light generating layer that emits light by recombination of injected electrons and holes, a hole blocking layer for suppressing the movement of holes not combined in the light generating layer, an electron transport layer for smoothly transporting electrons to the light generating layer, and an electron injection layer for injecting electrons.

[0129] The color of the light generated in the light generating layer may be one of red, green, blue and white, but is not limited thereto. For example, the color of the light generated in the light generating layer of the emission layer EML may be one of magenta, cyan and yellow. The hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the hole blocking layer, the electron transport layer and the electron injection layer may be common layers connected in the emission regions adjacent to each other.

[0130] The second electrode CE may be provided and / or formed on the emission layer EML. The second electrode CE may be a common layer commonly provided to the pixel PX and another pixel. The second electrode CE may be a transmissive electrode and may include a transparent conductive material.

[0131] A thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be provided and / or formed on the second electrode CE.

[0132] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be formed of a single layer, but may also be formed of a plurality of layers. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of insulating layers covering the light emitting element LD. Specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a structure in which inorganic layers and organic layers are alternately stacked. According to an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be an encapsulation substrate disposed on the light emitting element LD and bonded to the substrate SUB through a sealant.

[0133] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first encapsulation layer ENC1, a second encapsulation layer ENC2, and a third encapsulation layer ENC3. The first encapsulation layer ENC1 may be provided and / or formed on the display element layer DPL, and the first encapsulation layer ENC1 may be located on at least a portion of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The second encapsulation layer ENC2 may be provided and / or formed on the first encapsulation layer ENC1, and the second encapsulation layer ENC2 may be located on at least a portion of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The third encapsulation layer ENC3 may be provided and / or formed on the second encapsulation layer ENC2, and the third encapsulation layer ENC3 may be located on at least a portion of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. According to an embodiment, the third encapsulation layer ENC3 may be positioned throughout the entire display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The first encapsulation layer ENC1 and the third encapsulation layer ENC3 may be formed of an inorganic layer including an inorganic material, and the second encapsulation layer ENC2 may be formed of an organic layer including an organic material.

[0134] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the display element layer DPL includes a light emitting element LD including an organic light emitting diode having a first electrode AE, an emission layer EML, and a second electrode CE, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the display element layer DPL may include an ultra-small inorganic light emitting element LD as small as a micrometer or nanometer level formed in a structure in which a nitride-based semiconductor is grown.

[0135] The sensor unit 120 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. Using the thin film encapsulation layer TFE as a base layer, the sensor unit 120 may be directly disposed or formed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. In other words, the sensor unit 120 may be directly formed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE by a process subsequent to a process of forming the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0136] The sensor unit 120 may include insulating layers sequentially stacked on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, that is, a base layer YILD, a first sensor insulating layer YCNT, and a second sensor insulating layer YPVX. In addition, the sensor unit 120 may include a sensor pattern SP (or a touch sensor electrode), a sensing line SL, an electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and a gesture sensor JE (or a gesture sensor electrode) disposed between the insulating layers (that is, between the base layer YILD, the first sensor insulating layer YCNT, and the second sensor insulating layer YPVX). The sensor pattern SP may be provided in the display area DA, and the sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE may be provided in the non-display area NDA. The sensor pattern SP in the display area DA is first described, and the sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE are described later together with other configurations of the non-display area NDA.

[0137] The base layer YILD is a buffer layer and may include an inorganic material, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the base layer YILD may be omitted.

[0138] The first sensor insulating layer YCNT may be disposed on the base layer YILD. The base layer YILD may be an insulating layer and may include an inorganic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The sensor pattern SP may be disposed on the first sensor insulating layer YCNT. The sensor pattern SP may be disposed on the light emitting element LD (or pixel PX) and may not overlap the light emitting element LD in the third direction DR3. For example, the sensor pattern SP may have a mesh structure including a plurality of conductive thin lines and may include an opening corresponding to the light emitting element LD.

[0140] The driver and signal line unit included in the pixel circuit layer PCL may be located in the non-display area NDA. The driver may include at least one driver transistor SDV_T formed by the same process as the driving transistor Tdr of the pixel PX. The driver transistor SDV_T may include a semiconductor pattern SCL, a gate electrode GE, a first terminal SE, and a second terminal DE. The signal line unit may include a signal line SDV_SL connecting the driver and the pixel PX. Here, the signal line SDV_SL may be a fan-out line.

[0141] In addition, a power electrode PWE receiving driving power (eg, a constant voltage) from the outside and a connection electrode E_CNT connected to the power electrode PWE may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The power electrode PWE may be disposed outside the signal line SDV_SL (ie, outside the display device 1). Figure 5 As shown in , the connection electrode E_CNT can electrically connect the power electrode PWE and the second electrode CE of the light emitting element LD. Figure 5 As shown in , the connection electrode E_CNT may be formed by the same process as the first electrode AE ​​constituting the light emitting element LD, and may include the same material as the first electrode AE. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, within the range in which the connection electrode E_CNT electrically connects the power electrode PWE and the second electrode CE, the connection electrode E_CNT may be provided at the same layer as one of the conductive layers in the pixel circuit layer PCL.

[0142] Dams DAM1 and DAM2 may be provided at the edge of the display device 1. For example, in a plan view, the dams DAM1 and DAM2 may be disposed along the edge of the outside of the gesture sensor JE of the display device 1. The second dam DAM2 may be disposed outside the first dam DAM1. The first dam DAM1 may be formed simultaneously with the protective layer PSV included in the pixel circuit layer PCL. The second dam DAM2 may include a lower DAMP1 formed simultaneously with the protective layer PSV included in the pixel circuit layer PCL and an upper DAMP2 formed simultaneously with the pixel defining layer PDL included in the display element layer DPL. According to an embodiment, the dams DAM1 and DAM2 may be formed simultaneously with at least one insulating layer among the insulating layers included in the pixel circuit layer PCL. In the process of forming an organic layer (e.g., a second encapsulation layer ENC2) included in the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, the dams DAM1 and DAM2 may prevent the liquid organic material from overflowing to the outer area of ​​the substrate SUB.

[0143] The sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE may be disposed in the same layer in the non-display area NDA. In the non-display area NDA, the sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE may be disposed on the base layer YILD (or the thin film encapsulation layer TFE). The sensing line SL may be disposed outside the sensor pattern SP (i.e., outside the display device 1), the electrostatic discharge line ESDL may be disposed outside the sensing line SL, and the gesture sensor JE may be disposed outside the electrostatic discharge line ESDL (or the sensing line SL). The electrostatic discharge line ESDL may be a line for discharging static electricity flowing into the sensor unit 120. For example, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL may be electrically connected to a power line such as a ground, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] Each of the sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE may be formed in a plurality of layers.

[0145] For example, each of the sensing line SL, the electrostatic discharge line ESDL, and the gesture sensor JE may include a first conductive pattern disposed on the base layer YILD and a second conductive pattern disposed on the first sensor insulating layer YCNT. The second conductive pattern may overlap the first conductive pattern in the third direction DR3, and the second conductive pattern may be electrically connected to the second conductive pattern through a contact hole formed through the first sensor insulating layer YCNT.

[0146] Each of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may include at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may include at least one of various metal materials including gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt), or an alloy thereof. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may have a mesh shape including conductive fine wires. In addition, the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may include silver nanowires (AgNW), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), carbon nanotubes (Carbon Nano Tube), graphene, etc. In addition, the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may have conductivity by including at least one of the various conductive materials.

[0147] In an embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may be a gesture sensing electrode JE_RX that outputs a sensing signal for detecting the proximity and movement of an object, etc. For example, a driving signal (i.e., a driving signal for detecting the proximity and movement of an object, etc.) may be applied to at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP, and the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can recognize the approach and movement of an object, etc. by sensing the change in capacitance (or the change in electric field) between the gesture sensor JE and at least the portion of the sensor pattern SP.

[0148] In an embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may be located in a gesture sensor area JSA in the non-display area NDA. In a plan view, the gesture sensor area JSA may be located between the dams DAM1 and DAM2 and the power electrode PWE. In this case, the gesture sensor JE may not overlap with the power electrode PWE and the signal line (i.e., the connection electrode E_CNT and the second electrode CE) electrically connected to the power electrode PWE in the third direction DR3. In addition, the gesture sensor JE may also not overlap with the driver transistor SDV_T and the signal line SDV_SL in the third direction DR3. At the same time, the sensing line SL (and all sensor patterns SP) may overlap with the power electrode PWE, the connection electrode E_CNT and the second electrode CE in the third direction DR3.

[0149] The second electrode CE may cover or shield the driving circuit (such as the signal line SDV_SL and the driver transistor SDV_T of the driver and the driving transistor Tdr of the pixel PX) to prevent the signal applied to the driving circuit from affecting the sensor pattern SP and the sensing line SL as noise. In this case, the touch sensing sensitivity of the sensor unit 120 may be improved.

[0150] When the second electrode CE does not overlap the gesture sensor JE in the third direction DR3, the capacitance (or base capacitance) of the gesture sensor JE may be reduced. Figure 1 ) can more accurately sense changes in capacitance of the gesture sensor JE (for example, small changes in capacitance due to the approach of an object) and proximity and movement based thereon, etc.

[0151] Figure 6 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a comparative example of a display device taken along line II'.

[0152] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , in addition to the location of the gesture sensor JE_C, Figure 6 The display device 1_C and Figure 5 The display device 1 is substantially the same or similar, and therefore, the overlapping description will not be repeated.

[0153] The gesture sensor JE_C may overlap the second electrode CE in the third direction DR3. In this case, the second electrode CE may prevent a signal applied to a driving circuit such as the driver transistor SDV_T from affecting the sensor pattern SP and the sensing line SL as noise. However, the capacitance (or base capacitance) of the gesture sensor JE_C may increase.

[0154] Meanwhile, the gesture sensor JE_C may be a sensor for sensing the approach (and movement) of an object that is not in contact with the display device 1, and the change in capacitance caused by the approach (and movement) of the object may be very small (e.g., 1 / 20 times level) compared to the change in capacitance of the sensor pattern SP caused by the touch of the object. The gesture sensor JE_C having a relatively large capacitance (or base capacitance) may not correctly sense a relatively small capacitance change. That is, the proximity sensing sensitivity of the sensor unit 120_C may be reduced.

[0155] Figure 5The gesture sensor JE of the sensor unit 120 may not overlap with the second electrode CE, the connection electrode E_CNT, and the power electrode PWE in the third direction DR3, and may have a relatively small capacitance (or basic capacitance). Accordingly, the Figure 5 Specifically, Figure 6 Compared with the sensor unit 120_C, Figure 5 The sensor unit 120 may sense the approach and movement of an object more accurately, and may sense the approach and movement of an object located farther away from the display apparatus 1 .

[0156] Figure 7 It is a graphic Figure 1 A diagram of an embodiment of an operation of a sensor unit included in a display device.

[0157] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 ,because Figure 7 The sensor unit 120 and Figure 4 The sensor units 120 are substantially the same, and thus the overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0158] In an embodiment, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) may use at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP as a gesture driving electrode for detecting the proximity and movement of an object, etc. For example, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) A driving signal for detecting the approach and movement of an object, etc., may be applied to at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP.

[0159] refer to Figure 7 For example, the driving signal may be applied to the sensor pattern SP that is most adjacent to the gesture sensor JE, that is, the sensor pattern SP located in the sub-area SA_S adjacent to the edge of the touch sensing area SA. In this case, an electric field may be formed between the sensor pattern SP of the sub-area SA_S and the gesture sensor JE, and the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can sense a change in the electric field generated when an object approaches (ie, a change in capacitance between the sensor pattern SP of the sub-area SA_S and the gesture sensor JE), and can sense the approach of the object and / or the movement of the object.

[0160] As another example, the driving signal may be applied to sensor patterns SP other than the sensor pattern SP closest to the gesture sensor JE, for example, sensor patterns SP corresponding to the remaining areas other than the touch sensing area SA. As yet another example, the driving signal may be applied to all sensor patterns SP in the touch sensing area SA.

[0161] The sensor pattern SP used as a gesture driving electrode (i.e., the sensor pattern SP to which a driving signal for detecting proximity and motion, etc. is applied) may be variously changed considering a possible distance (load, etc.) of proximity sensing according to an electric field formed between the sensor pattern SP and the gesture sensor JE.

[0162] Meanwhile, a proximity sensing frame period for detecting the proximity and motion of an object, etc., may be set independently of a touch sensing frame period for detecting a touch input, a touch driving signal for detecting a touch input is applied to at least a portion of the sensing pattern SP during the touch sensing frame period, and a gesture driving signal for sensing proximity and motion, etc. may be applied to at least a portion of the sensing pattern SP during the proximity sensing frame period. For example, the waveform (e.g., amplitude and frequency) of the gesture driving signal may be different from the waveform of the touch driving signal.

[0163] Figure 8 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II'.

[0164] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 , in addition to the gesture sensor JE, Figure 8 The display device 1_1 can be connected with Figure 5 The display device 1 is substantially the same or similar. Therefore, the repeated description will not be repeated.

[0165] In an embodiment, the gesture sensor JE may include a first sensor electrode JE1 (or a driving electrode) and a second sensor electrode JE2 (or a sensing electrode) disposed on the first sensor electrode JE1.

[0166] In the gesture sensor area JSA, the first sensor electrode JE1 may be disposed on the base layer YILD, and the second sensor electrode JE2 may be disposed on the first sensor insulating layer YCNT and may overlap the first sensor electrode JE1 in the third direction DR3. Each of the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 may include at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials.

[0167] In an embodiment, one of the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 may be a driving electrode to which a driving signal is applied, and the other of the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 may be a sensing electrode that outputs a sensing signal. For example, the first sensor electrode JE1 may be a driving electrode, and the second sensor electrode JE2 may be a sensing electrode. In this case, an electric field may be formed between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2, and the sensor driver 220 (reference Figure 1 ) can sense the change of the electric field generated when an object approaches (ie, the change of the capacitance between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2) and can sense the approach of the object and / or the movement of the object.

[0168] In an embodiment, in a plan view, a size or width W1 of the first sensor electrode JE1 may be larger than a size or width W2 of the second sensor electrode JE2. In this case, an electric field formed between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 may be strongly formed in the third direction DR3, compared to a case where the size of the first sensor electrode JE1 is smaller than or equal to the size of the second sensor electrode JE2. Accordingly, an object approaching in the front surface direction of the display device 1 (for example, in the third direction DR3) may be more easily sensed.

[0169] at the same time, Figure 7 The embodiments can also be applied to Figure 8 For example, in addition to the first sensor electrode JE1, the sensor unit 120 may use at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP as a gesture driving electrode for detecting the proximity and movement of an object, etc. In other words, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) may apply a driving signal for detecting the approach and movement of an object, etc. to at least the portion of the sensor pattern SP and the first sensor electrode JE1. In this case, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can sense the approach and movement of an object, etc. based on the total change of the capacitance between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 and the capacitance between at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP and the second sensor electrode JE2.

[0170] Fig. 9 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a display device taken along line II'. Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is a graphic Fig. 9 A plan view of an embodiment of a sensor unit included in a display device.

[0171] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Different embodiments are shown in relation to the arrangement of the third sensor electrode JE3. Fig.12 yes Fig.10 An enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of EA. Fig.13 It is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0172] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , except for the third sensor electrode JE3, Fig. 9 The display device 1_2 can be connected with Figure 8 The display device 1_1 is substantially the same or similar. Figure 4 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , except for the third sensor electrode JE3, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The sensor unit 120_1 and Figure 4 Therefore, the repeated description will not be repeated.

[0173] In an embodiment, in addition to the first sensor electrode JE1 (or the first drive electrode) and the second sensor electrode JE2 (or the sensing electrode), the gesture sensor JE may further include a third sensor electrode JE3 (a second drive electrode or an auxiliary electrode). The third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed in the display area DA (or the touch sensing area SA), and may be spaced apart from the first sensor electrode JE1 located in the non-display area DA. The third sensor electrode JE3 may overlap the sensor pattern SP in the third direction DR3. For example, the third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed under the sensor pattern SP. The third sensor electrode JE3 may prevent a capacitance from being formed between the sensor pattern SP and the second electrode CE. In other words, the third sensor electrode JE3 disposed under the sensor pattern SP may shield a lower structure including the second electrode CE and prevent the lower structure from affecting the sensor pattern SP.

[0174] In an embodiment, in a plan view, the third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed on at least a portion of the touch sensing area SA. Fig.10 As shown in , the third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed as one electrode in the entire touch sensing area SA and may overlap with all sensor patterns SP. As another example, Fig.11As shown in , the third sensor electrode JE3 may be provided only at the edge of the touch sensing area SA. As another example, the third sensor electrode JE3 may be provided in at least a portion of the remaining area except for the edge of the touch sensing area SA. Considering the possible distance (load, etc.) of proximity sensing according to the electric field formed between the third sensor electrode JE3 and the second sensor electrode JE2, the provision of the third sensor electrode JE3 (or the area where the third sensor electrode JE3 is provided) may be variously changed.

[0175] The third sensor electrode JE3 may be electrically connected to one pad PD through a corresponding signal line. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the third sensor electrode JE3 may be electrically connected to a gesture sensor JE (e.g., the first sensor electrode JE1) of the non-display area through a corresponding line. The same signal may be applied to the third sensor electrode JE3 and the first sensor electrode JE1.

[0176] The third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed on the base layer YILD. For example, the third sensor electrode JE3 may be formed by the same process as the first sensor electrode JE1 and may include the same material as the first sensor electrode JE1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, Fig.13 As shown in , the third sensor electrode JE3 may be disposed in the same layer as the first bridge BRP1, may be formed by the same process as the first bridge BRP1, and may include the same material as the first bridge BRP1. For example, the third sensor electrode JE3 may include at least one of a metal material, a transparent conductive material, and various other conductive materials. For example, when the third sensor electrode JE3 includes a metal material, as Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third sensor electrode JE3 may have a mesh structure including a plurality of conductive thin wires. In this case, the third sensor electrode JE3 may not be aligned with the light emitting element LD (reference Fig. 9 ) and may include an opening corresponding to the light emitting element LD. When the third sensor electrode JE3 includes a transparent conductive material, the third sensor electrode JE3 may overlap with the light emitting element LD in the third direction DR3. Hereinafter, the third sensor electrode JE3 is described as having a mesh structure including a plurality of conductive thin lines.

[0177] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13, in a plan view, the third sensor electrode JE3 may overlap with the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2, and may not be disposed in the region between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2. Portions of the third sensor electrode JE3 that overlap with the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2, respectively, may be connected to each other by a thin line disposed around the first bridge BRP1 and the second bridge BRP2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the third sensor electrode JE3 may also be disposed in the region between the first sensor pattern SP1 and the second sensor pattern SP2.

[0178] In an embodiment, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can convert the driving signal PLS (reference Fig.11 ) is applied to the first sensor electrode JE1 and the third sensor electrode JE3. In this case, an electric field may be formed between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 and between the third sensor electrode JE3 and the second sensor electrode JE2, and the sensor driver 220 (reference Figure 1 ) can sense the approach of an object and / or the movement of an object based on the change in the electric field generated when the object approaches (i.e., the total change in the capacitance between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2 and the capacitance between the third sensor electrode JE3 and the second sensor electrode JE2).

[0179] In another embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. , the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) may apply the driving signal PLS to the third sensor electrode JE3 and at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP. In this case, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can sense the approach of an object and / or the movement of an object based on the total change of the capacitance between the first sensor electrode JE1 and the second sensor electrode JE2, the capacitance between the third sensor electrode JE3 and the second sensor electrode JE2, and the capacitance between at least the portion of the sensor pattern SP and the second sensor electrode JE2.

[0180] Fig.14 The diagram is along Figure 4 The line II-II' and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a display device taken along line II'.

[0181] refer to Figure 5 and Fig.14 , except for the third sensor electrode JE3, Fig.14 The display device 1_3 can be connected with Figure 5 The display device 1 is substantially the same or similar. Figures 9 to 14 , Fig.14 The third sensor electrode JE3 can be connected to the reference Figures 9 to 13 The third sensor electrode JE3 described is the same or similar. Therefore, the repeated description will not be repeated.

[0182] In an embodiment, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can convert the driving signal PLS (reference Fig.11 ) is applied to the third sensor electrode JE3. In this case, the sensor driver 220 (reference Figure 1 ) can sense the approach of an object and / or the movement of an object based on a change in capacitance between the third sensor electrode JE3 and the gesture sensing electrode JE_RX.

[0183] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As described above, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) may apply the driving signal PLS to the third sensor electrode JE3 and at least a portion of the sensor pattern SP. In this case, the sensor driver 220 (refer to Figure 1 ) can sense the approach of an object and / or the movement of the object based on the total change of the capacitance between the gesture sensing electrode JE_RX and the third sensor electrode JE3 and the capacitance between the gesture sensing electrode JE_RX and at least the portion of the sensor pattern SP.

[0184] Although the technical spirit of the present disclosure has been described in detail according to the above embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for the purpose of description rather than limitation. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0185] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the details described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims. In addition, it should be understood that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display layer, disposed on the substrate, wherein the display layer includes a light-emitting element; as well as A sensor is disposed on the display layer, Wherein, the sensor comprises: Touch the electrodes; a sensing line disposed outside the touch electrode and electrically connected to the touch electrode; and A gesture sensor electrode is arranged outside the sensing line, Wherein, in a plan view, the gesture sensor electrode does not overlap with a conductor that provides a constant voltage to the light emitting element.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: In the plan view, the touch electrode and the sensing line overlap with the conductor that supplies the constant voltage to the light emitting element, and The conductor that supplies the constant voltage to the light emitting element is a cathode electrode of the light emitting element or a power supply line electrically connected to the cathode electrode.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The touch electrodes, the sensing lines, and the gesture sensor electrodes are disposed on the same layer.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The display layer further includes a transistor, wherein at least one of the transistors is electrically connected to the light emitting element, wherein the cathode electrode and the power line are arranged between the transistor and the sensor to cover the transistor, and Wherein, in the plan view, the gesture sensor electrode does not overlap with the transistor.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: In the plan view, the gesture sensor electrodes are respectively disposed on an upper side, a lower side, a left side, and a right side of a sensing region where the touch electrode is disposed.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: Sense driver, The sensing driver senses the approach or movement of the object based on a change in a first capacitance between at least one of the touch electrodes and the gesture sensor electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The gesture sensor electrode includes a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode disposed on the first sensor electrode to overlap with the first sensor electrode in the plan view, and Wherein, in the plan view, the second sensor electrode completely overlaps with the first sensor electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising: Sense driver, wherein the sensing driver senses the approach or movement of the object based on a change in a second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode, or wherein the sensing driver applies the same signal to at least one of the touch electrodes and the first sensor electrode, and the sensing driver senses the approach or the movement of the object based on a total change in the second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode and a first capacitance between the at least one of the touch electrodes and the second sensor electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The sensor further includes an auxiliary electrode disposed under the touch electrode and spaced apart from the first sensor electrode, and Therein, the same signal is applied to the auxiliary electrode and the first sensor electrode.

10. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: Sense driver, wherein the sensing driver senses the approach or movement of the object based on a total change of a second capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode and a third capacitance between the auxiliary electrode and the second sensor electrode, The auxiliary electrode is disposed on the substrate as a whole as an electrode and overlaps with all the touch electrodes in the plan view. wherein at least some of the touch electrodes are connected via bridges, and Wherein, the auxiliary electrode and the bridge are arranged on the same layer.

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