Touch sensing unit and display apparatus having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device comprising: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes includes first sensing portions arranged in the first direction and first connecting portions connecting two adjacent first sensing portions; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes includes second connecting portions connecting two adjacent second sensing portions arranged in the second direction; first signal lines each connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes; and second signal lines each connected to the other end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input detection unit and a display device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] A touch panel is an input device mounted on the surface of a display panel that converts physical contact, such as a user's finger, into electrical signals to operate the product. It can be widely applied to various display devices, and recently, following the trend of seeking intuitive interfaces, it has established itself as the dominant input method for various mobile devices such as flat-panel displays, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

[0003] While touch input via touch panels offers the advantages of being intuitive and convenient, there are limitations to inputting text or graphics in a manner similar to real-life situations, as users typically perform input using their fingers. Consequently, there is a growing demand for digitizer input devices capable of performing text and graphic input more smoothly and precisely.

[0004] However, equipping a separate digitizer sensor on the touch panel increases the thickness of the display device and adds a process for attaching the digitizer sensor, which can lead to a decrease in yield due to defects occurring during the attachment process. The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a digitizer-integrated input detection unit capable of simultaneously performing touch and digitizer functions.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a display device having the above-described input detection unit. means of solving the problem

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes includes a first sensing portion arranged in the first direction and a first connecting portion connecting two adjacent first sensing portions; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes includes a second connecting portion connecting two adjacent second sensing portions arranged in the second direction; first signal lines each connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes; and second signal lines each connected to the other end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

[0008] At least some of the plurality of first sensing electrodes can be electrically connected to each other.

[0009] The first sensing parts and the first connecting parts may be placed on different layers.

[0010] It may further include third signal lines connected to the other ends of each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes.

[0011] The second sensing parts and the second connecting parts may be placed on the same layer.

[0012] The first sensing units and the second sensing units may be placed on the same layer.

[0013] Each of the first sensing parts and each of the second sensing parts may have a polygonal shape.

[0014] The first sensing parts and the second sensing parts may have different polygonal shapes.

[0015] The above display device may be configured to simultaneously detect input by the user's body and input by a digitizer pen.

[0016] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one electronic module; a display device; and a bracket for housing the at least one electronic module and the display device. The display device comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes including first connecting portions connecting first sensing portions arranged in the first direction and two adjacent first sensing portions; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes including second connecting portions connecting second sensing portions arranged in the second direction and two adjacent second sensing portions; first signal lines each connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes; and second signal lines each connected to the other end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes. Effects of the invention

[0017] The touch panel according to the present invention and the display device including the same enable the thickness and weight of the display device to be reduced through the touch panel formed integrally with the digitizer.

[0018] In addition, the touch panel according to the present invention and the display device including it do not require a separate PCB attachment process for a digitizer, so the process defect rate and material costs can be reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2a to 2f are cross-sectional views of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of an input detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5a is a plan view of the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5b is a plan view of the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6a is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6c is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6d shows an example of a cross-section along the line I-I' of Figure 6a. Figure 6e shows an example of a cross-section along the line II-II' of Figure 6a. FIG. 7a is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7b is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7c is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7d shows an example of a cross-section along the line III-III' of Figure 7a. Figure 7e shows an example of a cross-section along the line IV-IV' of Figure 7a. Figure 7f shows an example of a cross-section along the line V-V' of Figure 7a. FIG. 8a is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8b is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8c is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8d shows an example of a cross-section along the line VI-VI' of Figure 8a. Figure 8e shows an example of a cross-section along the line Ⅶ-Ⅶ' of Figure 8a. FIG. 9a is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9b is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9c is a plan view illustrating the intersection area of ​​the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10a is a plan view of an input detection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10b is an enlarged view of the FF area of ​​Figure 10a. FIG. 11a is a plan view illustrating a detection line according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11b is a plan view illustrating a detection line according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used for similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are depicted enlarged from their actual size for clarity of the invention. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Additionally, in this specification, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being formed "on" another part, the direction in which it is formed is not limited to the upward direction only, but includes cases where it is formed in the lateral or downward direction. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device (DD) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device (DD) can display an image (IM) through a display surface (DD-IS). The display surface (DD-IS) is parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis (DR1) and the second direction axis (DR2). The normal direction of the display surface (DD-IS), that is, the thickness direction of the display device (DD), is indicated by the third direction axis (DR3).

[0025] The front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of each member or unit described below are distinguished by a third directional axis (DR3). However, the first to third directional axes (DR1, DR2, DR3) illustrated in this embodiment are merely examples, and the directions indicated by the first to third directional axes (DR1, DR2, DR3) are relative concepts and can be converted to other directions. Hereinafter, the first to third directions refer to the same reference numerals as the directions indicated by each of the first to third directional axes (DR1, DR2, DR3).

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, a display device (DD) having a planar display surface is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. The display device (DD) may include a curved display surface or a three-dimensional display surface. The three-dimensional display surface includes a plurality of display areas indicating different directions, and, for example, may include a polygonal columnar display surface.

[0027] The display device (DD) according to the present embodiment may be a rigid display device. However, it is not limited thereto, and the display device (DD) according to the present invention may be a flexible display device (DD). In the present embodiment, a display device (DD) that can be applied to a mobile phone terminal is illustrated as an example. Although not illustrated, electronic modules mounted on a main board, a camera module, a power module, etc., may be arranged together with the display device (DD) in a bracket / case, etc., to form a mobile phone terminal. The display device (DD) according to the present invention may be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as tablets, car navigation systems, game consoles, and smartwatches.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display surface (DD-IS) includes a display area (DD-DA) where an image (IM) is displayed and a non-display area (DD-NDA) adjacent to the display area (DD-DA). The non-display area (DD-NDA) is an area where the image is not displayed. In FIG. 1, icon images are illustrated as an example of an image (IM).

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the display area (DD-DA) may be rectangular. The non-display area (DD-NDA) may surround the display area (DD-DA). However, not limited thereto, the shape of the display area (DD-DA) and the shape of the non-display area (DD-NDA) may be designed relative to each other.

[0031] FIGS. 2a to 2f are cross-sectional views of a display device (DD) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2a to 2f illustrate a cross-section defined by a second directional axis (DR2) and a third directional axis (DR3). FIGS. 2a to 2f are simply illustrated to explain the stacking relationship of functional panels and / or functional units constituting the display device (DD).

[0032] A display device (DD) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel, an input detection unit (input detection panel, touch detection unit, touch panel, touch sensor), an anti-reflection unit, and a window unit. At least some of the components of the display panel, input detection unit, anti-reflection unit, and window unit may be formed by a continuous process, or at least some of the components may be joined together through an adhesive member. An optically transparent adhesive member (OCA) is exemplarily illustrated as an adhesive member in FIGS. 2a to 2f. The adhesive member described below may include a conventional adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection unit and the window unit may be replaced with other components or omitted.

[0033] In FIGS. 2a to 2f, the corresponding components formed through a continuous process with other components among the input sensing unit, the anti-reflection unit, and the window unit are represented as a "layer." The components combined with other components among the input sensing unit, the anti-reflection unit, and the window unit through an adhesive member are represented as a "panel." The panel includes a base layer providing a base surface, such as a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glass substrate, etc., but the base layer may be omitted from the "layer." In other words, the units represented as "layers" are disposed on a base surface provided by other units.

[0034] The input detection unit, anti-reflection unit, and window unit may be referred to as an input detection panel (ISP), anti-reflection panel (RPP), window panel (WP), or an input detection layer (ISL), anti-reflection layer (RPL), and window layer (WL) depending on the presence or absence of a base layer.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), an input sensing layer (ISL), an anti-reflective panel (RPP), and a window panel (WP). The input sensing layer (ISL) is placed directly on the display panel (DP). In this specification, "the configuration of B is placed directly on the configuration of A" means that no separate adhesive layer / adhesive member is placed between the configuration of A and the configuration of B. The configuration of B is formed through a continuous process on the base surface provided by the configuration of A after the configuration of A is formed.

[0036] It can be defined as a display module (DM) including a display panel (DP) and an input sensing layer (ISL) placed directly on the display panel (DP). An optically transparent adhesive member (OCA) is placed between the display module (DM) and the anti-reflection panel (RPP), and between the anti-reflection panel (RPP) and the window panel (WP), respectively.

[0037] The display panel (DP) displays an image, and the input detection layer (ISL) acquires coordinate information of an external input (e.g., a touch event). Although not separately illustrated, a display module (DM) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a protective member disposed on the lower surface of the display panel (DP). The protective member and the display panel (DP) may be joined through an adhesive member. The display devices (DD) of FIGS. 2b to 2f described below may also further include a protective member.

[0038] A display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel (DP) may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, the display panel (DP) is described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0039] An anti-reflective panel (RPP) reduces the reflectance of external light incident from the upper side of a window panel (WP). An anti-reflective panel (RPP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be of a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be of a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The phase retarder and the polarizer may further include a protective film. The phase retarder and the polarizer themselves, or the protective film, may be defined as the base layer of the anti-reflective panel (RPP).

[0040] An anti-reflection panel (RPP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include color filters. The color filters have a predetermined arrangement. The arrangement of the color filters may be determined by considering the light emission colors of the pixels included in the display panel (DP). The anti-reflection panel (RPP) may further include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.

[0041] An anti-reflection panel (RPP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a destructive interference structure. For example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. A first reflected light and a second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, may undergo destructive interference, and accordingly, the external light reflectance is reduced.

[0042] A window panel (WP) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base film (WP-BS) and a light-blocking pattern (WP-BZ). The base film (WP-BS) may include a glass substrate and / or a synthetic resin film, etc. The base film (WP-BS) is not limited to a single layer. The base film (WP-BS) may include two or more films joined by an adhesive member.

[0043] The light-blocking pattern (WP-BZ) partially overlaps the base film (WP-BS). The light-blocking pattern (WP-BZ) is placed on the back surface of the base film (WP-BS) to define the bezel area of ​​the display device (DD), i.e., the non-display area (DD-NDA, see FIG. 1).

[0044] The light-blocking pattern (WP-BZ) can be formed as a colored organic film, for example, by a coating method. Although not separately illustrated, the window panel (WP) may further include a functional coating layer disposed on the front surface of the base film (WP-BS). The functional coating layer may include an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflective layer, and a hard coating layer, etc. In FIGS. 2b to 2f, the window panel (WP) and the window layer (WL) are briefly illustrated without distinction between the base film (WP-BS) and the light-blocking pattern (WP-BZ).

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 2c, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), an input detection panel (ISP), an anti-reflection panel (RPP), and a window panel (WP). The stacking order of the input detection panel (ISP) and the anti-reflection panel (RPP) may be changed.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), an input sensing layer (ISL), an anti-reflective layer (RPL), and a window layer (WL). Adhesive members may be omitted from the display device (DD), and the input sensing layer (ISL), the anti-reflective layer (RPL), and the window layer (WL) may be formed in a continuous process on a base surface provided to the display panel (DP). The stacking order of the input sensing layer (ISL) and the anti-reflective layer (RPL) may be changed.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2e and 2f, the display device (DD) may not include a separate anti-reflection unit.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2e, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), an input sensing layer (ISL-1), and a window panel (WP). Unlike the input sensing panel (ISP) or input sensing layer (ISL) illustrated in FIG. 2a to 2d, the input sensing layer (ISL-1) according to the present embodiment may further have an anti-reflection function.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2f, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP-1), an input sensing layer (ISL), and a window panel (WP). Unlike the display panel (DP) illustrated in FIG. 2a to 2e, the display panel (DP-1) according to the present embodiment may further have an anti-reflection function.

[0050] A detailed description of the input sensing layer (ISL-1) and the display panel (DP-1) having an anti-reflection function will be provided later. The input sensing panel (ISP) provided in one embodiment of the present invention may also have an anti-reflection function for the same reason as the input sensing layer (ISL-1), and a description thereof will also be provided later.

[0051] In FIGS. 2a to 2f, the input detection unit is shown as being entirely superimposed on the display panel. As shown in FIG. 2a, the input detection unit can be entirely superimposed on the display area (DD-DA).

[0052] However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the input detection unit may overlap only a part of the display area (DD-DA) or only the non-display area (DD-NDA). The input detection unit may be a touch detection panel that detects a user's touch or a fingerprint detection panel that detects fingerprint information of a user's finger. Additionally, the input detection unit may be a digitizer detection panel that detects a digitizer pen. The pitch of the detection electrodes and the width of the detection electrodes described below may be changed according to the application of the input detection unit. The detection electrodes of the touch detection panel may have a width of several mm to several tens of mm, and the detection electrodes of the fingerprint detection panel may have a width of several tens of μm to several hundred μm.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] A display device (DD) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel (DP) and an input detection unit (ISU). The display panel (DP) and the input detection unit (ISU) may be formed by a continuous process or may be joined to each other through an adhesive member. An optically transparent adhesive member (OCA) may be used as the adhesive member.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display panel (DP) includes a base layer (BL), a circuit element layer (DP-CL) disposed on the base layer (BL), a display element layer (DP-OLED), and a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). Although FIG. 3 is simply illustrated to explain the stacking relationship of the input sensing unit (ISU), the display panel (DP) may further include functional layers such as an anti-reflective layer and a refractive index adjustment layer.

[0057] The base layer (BL) may include a synthetic resin film. A synthetic resin layer is formed on a working substrate used during the manufacture of a display panel (DP). Subsequently, a conductive layer and an insulating layer, etc., are formed on the synthetic resin layer. When the working substrate is removed, the synthetic resin layer corresponds to the base layer (BL). The synthetic resin layer may be a polyimide-based resin layer, and the material is not particularly limited. In addition, the base layer (BL) may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, etc.

[0058] The circuit element layer (DP-CL) includes at least one insulating layer and a circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in the circuit element layer (DP-CL) is referred to as an intermediate insulating layer. The intermediate insulating layer includes at least one intermediate inorganic film and at least one intermediate organic film. The circuit element includes a signal line, a pixel driving circuit, etc. The circuit element layer (DP-CL) can be formed through a process of forming an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by coating, deposition, etc., and a patterning process of an insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer by photolithography.

[0059] The display element layer (DP-OLED) includes a light-emitting element. The display element layer (DP-OLED) may include organic light-emitting diodes. The display element layer (DP-OLED) may further include an organic film, such as a pixel defining film.

[0060] A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) seals a display element layer (DP-OLED). The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) includes at least one insulating layer. A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter, encapsulating inorganic film). A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one organic film (hereinafter, encapsulating organic film) and at least one encapsulating inorganic film.

[0061] The encapsulation inorganic film protects the display device layer (DP-OLED) from moisture / oxygen, and the encapsulation organic film protects the display device layer (DP-OLED) from foreign substances such as dust particles. The encapsulation inorganic film may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, but is not particularly limited thereto. The encapsulation organic film may include an acrylic-based organic film, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0062] In FIG. 3, a layer-type input sensing unit (ISU) is illustrated as an example. Since the layer-type input sensing unit (ISU) is placed directly on the base surface provided by the display panel (DP), the base layer is omitted, unlike the panel-type input sensing unit (ISU), thereby reducing the thickness of the display module (DM). In this embodiment, the base surface may be the upper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE).

[0063] However, in another embodiment, the input sensing unit (ISU) may be configured in the form of a panel. The panel may include a base layer providing a base surface, such as a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glass substrate, etc.

[0064] Whether in the form of a panel or a layer, the input sensing unit (ISU) may have a multilayer structure. The input sensing unit (ISU) includes a sensing electrode, a signal line connected to the sensing electrode, and at least one insulating layer. The input sensing unit (ISU) may detect external input, for example, by a capacitive method. In the present invention, the operation method of the input sensing unit (ISU) is not particularly limited, and in one embodiment of the present invention, the input sensing unit (ISU) may detect external input by an electromagnetic induction method or a pressure sensing method. In various embodiments of the present invention, the input sensing unit (ISU) may detect a user's touch and simultaneously detect a touch of a digitizer pen.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 3, an input sensing unit (ISU) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first conductive layer (IS-CL1), a first insulating layer (IS-IL1), a second conductive layer (IS-CL2), and a second insulating layer (IS-IL2). Each of the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) and the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked along a third direction (DR3).

[0066] The single-layer conductive layer may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. Additionally, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0067] The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include multiple metal layers. The multiple metal layers may have a three-layer structure, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0068] Each of the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) and the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) includes a plurality of patterns. Hereinafter, the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) is described as including first conductive patterns, and the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) is described as including second conductive patterns. Each of the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns may include sensing electrodes, sensing lines, and signal lines.

[0069] The stacked structure and materials of the sensing electrodes can be determined considering the sensing sensitivity. RC delay can affect sensing sensitivity; since sensing electrodes containing a metal layer have lower resistance compared to a transparent conductive layer, the RC value decreases, and consequently, the charging time of the capacitor defined between the sensing electrodes is reduced. Sensing electrodes containing a transparent conductive layer are not visible to the user compared to a metal layer, and the increased input area increases the capacitance.

[0070] The sensing electrodes including the metal layer may have a mesh shape as described below to prevent them from being visible to the user. Meanwhile, the thickness of the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) can be adjusted so that noise generated by the components of the display element layer (DP-OLED) does not affect the input sensing unit (ISU).

[0071] Each of the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) and the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. Each of the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) and the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may include an inorganic material, an organic material, or a composite material.

[0072] At least one of the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) and the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0073] At least one of the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) and the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an input detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the input sensing unit (ISU) may include first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5), first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5) connected to the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5), second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4), and second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) and fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-2) connected to the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4). Although not illustrated, the input sensing unit (ISU) may further include an optical dummy electrode disposed in the boundary region between the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4).

[0077] The first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) intersect each other. The first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) are arranged in a first direction (DR1), and each has a shape that extends in a second direction (DR2). The second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) are arranged in a second direction (DR2), and each has a shape that extends in the first direction (DR1).

[0078] The first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) can detect external input using a mutual capping method and / or a self capping method. Alternatively, the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) may calculate the coordinates of the external input using the mutual capping method during a first period and then recalculate the coordinates of the external input using the self capping method during a second period. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) can detect a touch input (first touch input) by a user's finger, etc.

[0079] Each of the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) includes a first sensor section (SP1) and a first connection section (CP1). Each of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) includes a second sensor section (SP2) and a second connection section (CP2). Among the first sensor sections (SP1), two first sensor sections positioned at both ends of the first electrode may have a smaller size, for example, half the size, compared to the first sensor section positioned in the center. Among the second sensor sections (SP2), two second sensor sections positioned at both ends of the second electrode may have a smaller size, for example, half the size, compared to the second sensor section positioned in the center.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting portions (CP1) may include a plurality of first connecting portions (CP1-1, CP1-2). Two first connecting portions (CP1-1, CP1-2) are illustrated as an example. The two first connecting portions (CP1-1, CP1-2) do not intersect with the second connecting portion (CP2). Additionally, the first connecting portions (CP1-1, CP1-2) and the second connecting portion (CP2) are disposed on different layers.

[0081] The two first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) can reduce the resistance of the corresponding sensing electrode. Even if either of the two first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) is disconnected (e.g., disconnected due to static electricity), the disconnection of the corresponding sensing electrode can be prevented. The parasitic capacitance between the two first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) is reduced by not crossing the second sensor part (SP2).

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting parts (CP2) may be composed of a plurality of second connecting parts, and the first connecting parts (CP1) may be composed of a single first connecting part (CP1).

[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) according to one embodiment, but their shapes are not limited. Although the first sensor parts (SP1) and second sensor parts (SP2) are illustrated as illustrative examples of rhombus shapes, they are not limited thereto, and the first sensor parts (SP1) and second sensor parts (SP2) may have other polygonal shapes.

[0084] Within one first sensing electrode, the first sensor units (SP1) are arranged along the second direction (DR2), and within one second sensing electrode, the second sensor units (SP2) are arranged along the first direction (DR1). Each of the first connection units (CP1) connects adjacent first sensor units (SP1), and each of the second connection units (CP2) connects adjacent second sensor units (SP2).

[0085] The first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5) are each connected to one end of the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5). The second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) are connected to one end of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4). In one embodiment of the present invention, fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) may be further connected to the other end of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4). Additionally, although not illustrated, in one embodiment of the present invention, signal lines may also be further connected to the other end of the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5).

[0086] According to the present embodiment, when second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) are connected to one end of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) and fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) are further connected to the other end, the sensing sensitivity may be improved compared to the case where only the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) are connected. Since the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) have a longer length than the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5), a voltage drop in the detection signal (or transmission signal) occurs, and accordingly, the sensing sensitivity may be reduced. According to the present embodiment, a detection signal (or transmission signal) is provided through the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) and the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) connected to both ends of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4), thereby preventing a voltage drop of the detection signal (or transmission signal) and preventing a decrease in sensing sensitivity.

[0087] The first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), and the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) may include a line portion (SL-L) and a pad portion (SL-P). The pad portion (SL-P) may be aligned with the pad area (NDA-PD).

[0088] The input detection unit (ISU) may include signal pads (DP-PD). The signal pads (DP-PD) may be aligned with the pad area (NDA-PD).

[0089] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), and the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) may be replaced by a circuit board, etc., that is manufactured separately and combined.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pad portions (SL-P) of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), and the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) may be arranged in different areas with the signal pads (DP-PD) in between. By arranging the two groups of pad portions (SL-P) apart from each other, the connection of the circuit board can be facilitated, and the configuration of the circuit board can be simplified.

[0091] Since the configuration and function of the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) and the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4) are virtually identical, the following description will use the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) as a representative example. However, it should be noted that the descriptions related to the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) in the following embodiments may also apply to the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-2).

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5) and the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) may be interchanged. Unlike as shown in FIG. 4, the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5) may be positioned on the left and the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4) may be positioned on the right.

[0093] In various embodiments of the present invention, the input sensing unit (ISU) may further include first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5), third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) connected to the first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5), second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4), and fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) connected to the second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4).

[0094] The first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) are arranged in a first direction (DR1) and each has a shape extending in a second direction (DR2). The second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) are arranged in a second direction (DR2) and each has a shape extending in the first direction (DR1). In one embodiment, the first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) are extended to be stacked with the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5), and the second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) are extended to be stacked with the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4).

[0095] The first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) and the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) are arranged on the same layer. However, the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) and the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) intersect. The first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) may include first detection line sections (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and second detection line sections (IL1-12 to IL1-52) separated near the intersection with the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4). The first detection line sections (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second detection line sections (IL1-12 to IL1-52) may be connected through a third connection section (CP3).

[0096] In another embodiment, the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) may be composed of first detection line sections and second detection line sections separated near the intersection.

[0097] The first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) and the second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) can detect external input by means of electromagnetic induction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) and the second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4) can detect touch input (second touch input) by means of a digitizer pen, etc.

[0098] The third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) are connected to the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5). The fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) are connected to the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4). At least some pairs of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) may be connected to each other via at least two first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5). Likewise, at least some pairs of the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) may be connected to each other via at least two second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4).

[0099] The third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) and the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) may include a line section (SL-L) and a pad section (SL-P). In one embodiment of the present invention, the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) and the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) may be connected to each other at the line section (SL-L) and connected to the same pad section (SL-P).

[0100] In FIG. 4, an example is shown in which the pad portions (SL-P) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) and the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) are separated on both sides, but the pad portions (SL-P) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6) and the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4) can be arranged together on one side.

[0102] FIG. 5a is a plan view of the first conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) includes first connection portions (CP1). Additionally, the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) may include first line portions (SL1-11 to SL1-51) of first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), first line portions (SL2-11 to SL2-41) of second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), and first line portions (SL5-11 to SL5-41) of fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4). Additionally, the first conductive layer (IS-CL1) may include first line portions (SL3-11 to SL3-61) of first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5), second sensing lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4), third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6), and first line portions (SL4-11 to SL4-41) of fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4).

[0104] In FIG. 5a, the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) may include first detection line sections (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and second detection line sections (IL1-12 to IL1-52) that are separated near the intersection with the second detection lines (IL2-1 to IL2-4).

[0105] Although not shown in FIG. 5a, the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) covers at least the first connection portions (CP1). In this embodiment, the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) may overlap at least a portion of the display area (DD-DA) and the non-display area (DD-NDA). The first insulating layer (IS-IL1) can cover the first line portions (SL1-11 to SL1-51) of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the first line portions (SL2-11 to SL2-41) of the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), the first line portions (SL3-11 to SL3-61) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6), the first line portions (SL4-11 to SL4-41) of the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4), and the first line portions (SL5-11 to SL5-41) of the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4).

[0106] In this embodiment, the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) can be superimposed on the display area (DD-DA) and the pad area (NDA-PD). The first insulating layer (IS-IL1) can be superimposed on the display area (DD-DA) and the non-display area (DD-NDA) in its entirety.

[0107] In the first insulating layer (IS-IL1), first connection contact holes (CNT-I) that partially expose the first connection portions (CP1) and in the first insulating layer (IS-IL1), second connection contact holes (CNT-II) that partially expose both ends of the first detection line portions (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second detection line portions (IL1-12 to IL1-52) of the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) may be defined. Additionally, the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) may have connection contact holes (CNT-S) that partially expose the first line portions (SL1-11 to SL1-51) of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the first line portions (SL2-11 to SL2-41) of the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), the first line portions (SL3-11 to SL3-61) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6), the first line portions (SL4-11 to SL4-41) of the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4), and the first line portions (SL5-11 to SL5-41) of the fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4).

[0109] FIG. 5b is a plan view of the second conductive layer of an input sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 5b, the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) includes first sensor parts (SP1), second sensor parts (SP2), and second connection parts (CP2). Each of the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) may have a single shape. The first sensor parts (SP1) are spaced apart from the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4). The first sensor parts (SP1) may be electrically connected to the first connection part (CP1) through first connection contact holes (CNT-I). The first connection part (CP1) may include a material having lower resistance than the first sensor parts (SP1). In one embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) may further include a portion of the first connection part (CP1).

[0111] The second conductive layer (IS-CL2) may further include third connecting portions (CP3) that electrically connect the first sensing line portions (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second sensing line portions (IL1-12 to IL1-52) of the first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5). The third connecting portions (CP3) may electrically connect the first sensing line portions (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second sensing line portions (IL1-12 to IL1-52) of the first sensing lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) through the second connecting contact holes (CNT-II).

[0112] The second conductive layer (IS-CL2) comprises the second line portions (SL1-12 to SL1-52) of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the pad portions (SL-P) of the first signal lines (SL1-1 to SL1-5), the second line portions (SL2-12 to SL2-42) of the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), the pad portions (SL-P) of the second signal lines (SL2-1 to SL2-4), the second line portions (SL3-12 to SL3-62) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6), the pad portions (SL-P) of the third signal lines (SL3-1 to SL3-6), the second line portions (SL4-12 to SL4-42) of the fourth signal lines (SL4-1 to SL4-4), and the fourth It may include pad portions (SL-P) of signal lines (SL4-12 to SL4-42), second line portions (SL5-12 to SL5-42) of fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4), and pad portions (SL-P) of fifth signal lines (SL5-1 to SL5-4). The second conductive layer (IS-CL2) may include signal pads (DP-PD).

[0113] Although not shown in FIG. 5b, the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may overlap at least a portion of the display area (DD-DA) and the non-display area (DD-NDA). In this embodiment, the second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may expose the pad area (NDA-PD).

[0114] In this embodiment, the first insulating layer (IS-IL1) may be a polymer layer, for example, an acrylic polymer layer. The second insulating layer (IS-IL2) may also be a polymer layer, for example, an acrylic polymer layer. The polymer layer can improve the flexibility of the display device (DD) even if the input sensing unit (ISU) is placed directly on the display panel (DP). To improve flexibility, the first sensor parts (SP1) and the second sensor parts (SP2) may have a mesh shape composed of metal lines and may include metal. These first sensor parts (SP1) and the second sensor parts (SP2) may be referred to as a metal mesh pattern. This embodiment is described in more detail below.

[0116] FIG. 6a is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a first conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6c is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a second conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6d shows an example of a cross-section along the line I-I' of FIG. 6a. FIG. 6e shows an example of a cross-section along the line II-II' of FIG. 6a.

[0117] FIGS. 6a to 6e illustrate an intersection area of ​​the same shape as the intersection area shown in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the configuration identical to the display device (DD) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is omitted.

[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 6e, the input sensing unit (ISU) may include a first sensor part (SP1), a second sensor part (SP2), a plurality of first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) and a second connection part (CP2) disposed in a single intersection area. Two first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) constitute a first conductive layer (IS-CL1), and the first sensor part (SP1), the second sensor part (SP2), and the second connection part (CP2) constitute a second conductive layer (IS-CL2). Two first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) may be electrically connected to the first sensor part (SP1) through first connection contact holes (CNT-I) formed in the first insulating layer (IS-IL1). The two first connecting parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) do not intersect with the second connecting part (CP2).

[0119] Additionally, the intersection area of ​​the input detection unit (ISU) may include a first detection line (IL1) and a second detection line (IL2). The first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) constitute a first conductive layer (IS-CL1). The first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) intersect each other. The first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) do not intersect with the first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2).

[0120] The second detection line (IL2) may include a plurality of patterns (P1, P2, P3). The first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) extend in a diagonal direction that intersects the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The third pattern (P3) extends in the first direction (D1) and connects the first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2). Accordingly, the third pattern (P3) is positioned at the bottom of the first sensor unit (SP1). Here, the third pattern (P3) intersects the first detection line (IL1).

[0121] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first detection line (IL1) may be composed of the plurality of patterns (P1, P2, P3) described above.

[0122] The first detection line (IL1) includes a first detection line section (IL1-1) and a second detection line section (IL1-2) separated near the third pattern (P3).

[0123] An opening (SP1-OP) is defined in the first sensor section (SP1). A third connection section (CP3) is disposed inside the opening (SP1-OP). The third connection section (CP3) and the first and second sensor sections (SP1, SP2) can be formed by the same process and, accordingly, may include the same stacked structure and the same material. The third connection section (CP3) is formed on the third pattern (P3) within the second conductive layer (IS-CL2) and can electrically connect the first detection line sections (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second detection line sections (IL1-12 to IL1-52) of the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) through the second connection contact holes (CNT-II).

[0125] FIG. 7a is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7b is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a first conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7c is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a second conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7d shows an example of a cross-section along the line III-III' of FIG. 7a. FIG. 7e shows an example of a cross-section along the line IV-IV' of FIG. 7a. FIG. 7f shows an example of a cross-section along the line V-V' of FIG. 7a.

[0126] FIGS. 7a to 7f illustrate an intersection area with a shape different from the intersection area shown in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the configuration identical to the display device (DD) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is omitted.

[0127] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a through 7f, the input sensing unit (ISU) includes a plurality of first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) disposed in a single intersection area. The first connection parts (CP1-1, CP1-2) may include a plurality of patterns (P1, P2, P3).

[0128] The first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) can be formed from the first conductive layer (IS-CL1), and the third pattern (P3) can be formed from the second conductive layer (IS-CL2). Each of the first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) can electrically connect the third pattern (P3) and the first sensor part (SP1) through the first connecting contact holes (CNT-I).

[0129] An opening (SP2-OP) is defined in the second sensor part (SP2). A third pattern (P3) is disposed inside the opening (SP2-OP). The first pattern (P1) and the second pattern (P2) may include a material having lower resistance than the third pattern (P3). The third pattern (P3) and the first and second sensor parts (SP1, SP2) may be formed by the same process and, accordingly, may include the same stacked structure and the same material.

[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a through 7f, in contrast to FIG. 6, the first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) are each configured as a single pattern extending in the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). By this structure, the linear characteristics of the first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) can be enhanced.

[0131] As described above, the first detection line (IL1) and the second detection line (IL2) are crossed by the structure described in FIG. 6.

[0132] An opening (CP2-OP) is defined in the second connection part (CP2). A third connection part (CP3) is disposed inside the opening (SP2-OP). The third connection part (CP3) and the second connection part (CP2) can be formed by the same process and, accordingly, may include the same laminated structure and the same material. The third connection part (CP3) can electrically connect the first detection line parts (IL1-11 to IL1-51) and the second detection line parts (IL1-12 to IL1-52) of the first detection lines (IL1-1 to IL1-5) through the second connection contact holes (CNT-II).

[0134] FIG. 8a is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8b is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a first conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8c is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a second conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8d shows an example of a cross-section along the line VI-VI' of FIG. 8a. FIG. 8e shows an example of a cross-section along the line VII-VII' of FIG. 8a.

[0135] FIGS. 8a to 8f illustrate an intersection area similar in form to the intersection area illustrated in FIG. 7. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the same configuration as described with reference to FIG. 7 is omitted.

[0136] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a through 8f, the input detection unit (ISU) may include a first sensor section (SP1) and a second sensor section (SP2) disposed in a single intersection area. A first opening (SP1-OP1) and a second opening (SP2-OP2) are further defined in the first sensor section (SP1) and the second sensor section (SP2), respectively. A third detection line (IL3) and a fourth detection line (IL4) are disposed inside the first opening (SP1-OP1) and the second opening (SP2-OP2). The third detection line (IL3) and the fourth detection line (IL4) may be formed by the same process as the first sensor section (SP1) and the second sensor section (SP2), and accordingly may include the same stacked structure and the same material.

[0137] The third detection line (IL3) performs substantially the same function as the first detection line (IL1) by being electrically connected to the first detection line (IL1) through at least one third connection contact hole (CNT-III). Additionally, the fourth detection line (IL4) performs substantially the same function as the second detection line (IL2) by being electrically connected to the second detection line (IL2) through at least one fourth connection contact hole (CNT-IV). The line resistance of the detection lines is reduced through the multilayered first detection line (IL1), third detection line (IL3), second detection line (IL2), and fourth detection line (IL4).

[0139] FIG. 9a is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​an input detection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9b is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a first conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9c is a plan view illustrating an intersection area of ​​a second conductive layer of an input detection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] FIGS. 9a to 9c illustrate an intersection area similar in form to the intersection area illustrated in FIG. 8. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the same configuration as described with reference to FIG. 8 is omitted.

[0141] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8f, the input detection unit (ISU) may include a first sensor section (SP1) and a second sensor section (SP2) disposed in a single intersection area. A third opening (SP1-OP3) and a fourth opening (SP2-OP4) are defined in the first sensor section (SP1) and the second sensor section (SP2), respectively. An optical dummy electrode (DMP-L) may be formed on the inside of the third opening (SP1-OP3) and the fourth opening (SP2-OP4).

[0142] The optical dummy electrode (DMP-L) is a floating electrode and is not electrically connected to the first sensor unit (SP1) and the second sensor unit (SP2). By placing the optical dummy electrode (DMP-L), the visibility of the boundary area between the first sensor unit (SP1) and the second sensor unit (SP2) may be reduced. Although not separately illustrated, the optical dummy electrode (DMP-L) may also be applied to input detection units according to other embodiments described above.

[0143] FIG. 10a is a plan view of an input detection unit (ISU) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10b is an enlarged view of the FF area of ​​FIG. 10a. FIG. 10 is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 4. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the same configuration as the display device (DD) described with reference to FIG. 4 is omitted.

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) may have a mesh shape. By having the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) have a mesh shape, the parasitic capacitance with the electrodes of the display panel (DP, see FIG. 3) can be reduced.

[0145] The mesh-shaped first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) may include silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, nickel, titanium, etc., which are capable of low-temperature processing, but are not limited thereto.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first sensing lines (IL1 to IL4) may extend in a second direction (DR2) and may extend along the shape of the metal lines. Additionally, the second sensing lines (IL2 to IL4) may extend in a first direction (DR1) and may extend along the shape of the metal lines.

[0148] FIG. 11a is a plan view illustrating a detection line according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11b is a plan view illustrating a detection line according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate various forms of the third sensing line (IL3) and the fourth sensing line (IL4) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the first sensing electrodes (IE1-1 to IE1-5) and the second sensing electrodes (IE2-1 to IE2-4) having a mesh shape as in FIG. 10.

[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 11a, a rod-shaped floating electrode extending along a second direction (DR2) may be formed on the first sensing electrode (IE1). The floating electrode may include at least two metal lines directly connected at a plurality of intersection points (P). The floating electrode may form a third sensing line (IL3) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The floating electrode performs substantially the same function as the first sensing line (IL1) by being electrically connected to the first sensing line (IL1) through at least one third connecting contact hole (CNT-III).

[0151] Similarly, a rod-shaped floating electrode extending along the first direction (DR1) may be formed on the second sensing electrode (IE2). The floating electrode may include two metal lines directly connected at a plurality of intersection points (P). The floating electrode may form a fourth sensing line (IL4) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The floating electrode performs substantially the same function as the second sensing line (IL2) by being electrically connected to the second sensing line (IL2) through at least one fourth connecting contact hole (CNT-IV).

[0152] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11b, a rod-shaped floating electrode extending along a second direction (DR2) may be formed on the first sensing electrode (IE1). The floating electrode may include at least two metal lines spaced apart at a plurality of intersection points (P). The at least two metal lines are indirectly connected through at least one connecting metal line (LL). The floating electrode may form a third sensing line (IL3) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. The floating electrode performs substantially the same function as the first sensing line (IL1) by being electrically connected to the first sensing line (IL1) through at least one third connecting contact hole (CNT-III).

[0153] Similarly, a rod-shaped floating electrode extending along the first direction (DR1) may be formed on the second sensing electrode (IE2). The floating electrode may include at least two metal lines spaced apart at a plurality of intersection points (P). The at least two metal lines are indirectly connected through at least one connecting metal line (LL). The floating electrode may form a fourth sensing line (IL4) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The floating electrode performs substantially the same function as the second sensing line (IL2) by being electrically connected to the second sensing line (IL2) through at least one fourth connecting contact hole (CNT-IV).

[0155] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0156] ISU: Input Detection Unit DP: Display panel OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode SGL: Signal line TFE: Thin film encapsulation layer

Claims

Claim 1 A display device comprising: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes includes first sensing portions arranged in the first direction and first connecting portions connecting two adjacent first sensing portions; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes includes second connecting portions connecting two adjacent second sensing portions arranged in the second direction; first signal lines each connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes; and second signal lines each connected to the other end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of at least some of the plurality of first sensing electrodes is electrically connected to one another. Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensing parts and the first connecting parts are disposed on different layers. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising third signal lines connected to the other ends of each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensing parts and the second connecting parts are disposed on the same layer. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensing parts and the second sensing parts are disposed on the same layer. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first sensing parts and each of the second sensing parts has a polygonal shape. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 7, wherein the first sensing parts and the second sensing parts have different polygonal shapes. Claim 9 In claim 1, the display device is configured to simultaneously detect input by the user's body and input by a digitizer pen. Claim 10 An electronic device comprising at least one electronic module; a display device; and a bracket for housing the at least one electronic module and the display device, wherein the display device comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes including first connecting portions connecting first sensing portions arranged in the first direction and two adjacent first sensing portions; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes including second connecting portions connecting second sensing portions arranged in the second direction and two adjacent second sensing portions; first signal lines each connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes; and second signal lines each connected to the other end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes.

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