Display panel and display device comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device in which an optical electronic device may be disposed within a display area. In order to solve the problem of reduced sensitivity of a touch panel disposed in a first sub-display area among the display areas in which the optical electronic device is placed, the sensing sensitivity of the touch electrode can be increased by forming a finger portion at the edge of the touch electrode disposed in the first sub-display area, configuring the size of the touch electrode disposed in the first sub-display area to be small, or configuring a sub-touch electrode connected to the touch electrode disposed in the first sub-display area.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present specification relates to a display panel and a display device including the same, and more specifically, to a display panel including an under-display camera (UDC) area in which an optical device such as a camera or various sensors is disposed on the back surface of a display area, and to provide a display panel having a touch panel structure that increases the touch sensitivity of a touch panel corresponding to the under-display camera (UDC) area when the display panel includes a touch panel. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, display devices may provide, in addition to image display functions, shooting elements using cameras, three-dimensional (3D) sensing elements, and various sensing elements using Lidar or Time of Flight. To this end, the display device must be equipped with optical electronic devices (also called light receiving devices or sensors), such as cameras and sensing sensors.

[0003] Since optoelectronic devices must receive light entering from the front of the display device, they must be installed in a location advantageous for light reception. Therefore, conventionally, cameras (camera lenses) and detection sensors were often installed so that they were exposed to the front of the display device. Consequently, to install cameras or various detection elements, methods were attempted such as widening the bezel of the display panel, forming a notch in the display area, or creating a physical hole. The problem to be solved

[0004] To improve this, research is being conducted on a technology that allows for the provision of optical electronic devices, such as cameras and detection sensors, without reducing the area of ​​the display region within the display panel. Accordingly, the inventors of this specification have invented a display panel and a display device having a light-transmitting structure in which an optical electronic device is provided on the back surface of the display region of the display panel, so that the optical electronic device is not exposed to the front of the display device, while allowing the optical electronic device to receive light normally.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel and a display device in which the area of ​​the non-display area of ​​the display panel can be reduced by providing an optical electronic device on the back surface of the display area of ​​the display panel, and the optical electronic device is not exposed to the front of the display device.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a display panel and a display device having a touch panel on the front of a display area of ​​a display panel, while ensuring that touch sensitivity is not reduced across the entire display area including an under-display camera (UDC) area. means of solving the problem

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present specification comprises a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area includes a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; and a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display panel and comprising a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area, wherein the mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area, and the area corresponding between each touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is larger than the area corresponding between each touch electrode disposed in the second touch area.

[0008] The touch panel includes a capacitive touch electrode of a mutual capacitance sensing method that detects the capacitance occurring between a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode.

[0009] The sizes of the touch electrodes placed in the first touch area and the second touch area, respectively, can be substantially the same as each other.

[0010] Each touch electrode placed in the first touch area includes a first finger portion extending toward adjacent neighboring touch electrodes at the edge of the touch electrode, and each touch electrode placed in the second touch area includes a second finger portion extending toward adjacent neighboring touch electrodes at the edge of the touch electrode, provided that the corresponding area between the first finger portions may be larger than the corresponding area between the second finger portions.

[0011] The first finger part may be longer than the second finger part.

[0012] Additionally, the display device of the present specification includes a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area comprises a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; and a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display panel and comprising a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area, wherein the mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area, and the size of each touch electrode disposed in the first touch area may be smaller than the size of each touch electrode disposed in the second touch area.

[0013] The touch panel includes a capacitive touch electrode of a mutual capacitance sensing method that detects the capacitance occurring between a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode.

[0014] At least one driving touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is indirectly connected to a driving touch line, and at least one sensing touch electrode disposed in the first touch area can be indirectly connected to a sensing touch line.

[0015] The number of bridge electrodes connecting touch electrodes placed within the first touch area may be greater than the number of bridge electrodes connecting touch electrodes placed within the second touch area, which has the same area as the first touch area.

[0016] The touch electrodes placed in the first touch area are of the same size as each other, and the touch electrodes placed in the second touch area may be of the same size as each other.

[0017] The touch panel may further include mesh-shaped sub-touch electrodes disposed on an inter-touch insulating layer and disposed in a first touch area on the back surface of the inter-touch insulating layer, and electrically connected to the touch electrodes constituting the touch panel.

[0018] Among the touch electrodes, touch electrodes separated from neighboring touch electrodes can be electrically connected to each other by sub-touch electrodes.

[0019] Additionally, the display device of the present specification includes a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area comprises a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; an inter-touch layer insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the display panel; and a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on one surface of the inter-touch layer insulating layer and comprising a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area.

[0020] The mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area and may include a mesh-shaped sub-touch panel disposed on the other side of the inter-touch layer insulating layer and electrically connected to the touch panel disposed in the first touch area.

[0021] The touch panel includes a mesh-shaped driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode, and the sub-touch panel includes a mesh-shaped sub-driving touch electrode and a sub-sensing touch electrode, and either of the driving touch electrode and the sensing touch electrode may be connected to each other by either of the sub-driving touch electrode and the sub-sensing touch electrode disposed on the other side of the inter-touch layer insulating layer.

[0022] When the driving touch electrodes are arranged along the driving touch line and connected to each other, the sensing touch electrodes are arranged along the sensing touch line that intersects the driving touch line, separated from each other at the intersection of the driving touch line and the sensing touch line, and the sensing touch electrodes can be electrically connected to each other by sub-sensing electrodes.

[0023] The mesh of the first touch area can be an integer multiple larger than the mesh of the second touch area.

[0024] The sensing touch electrode and the sub-sensing electrode can be connected to each other through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer between the touch layers.

[0025] Sub-drive touch electrodes arranged along a drive touch line can be physically separated from each other and electrically connected to their corresponding drive touch electrodes.

[0026] Sensing touch electrodes arranged along a sensing touch line can be physically separated from each other and electrically connected to corresponding sub-sensing touch electrodes. Effects of the invention

[0027] The present specification provides a touch panel that can not only secure a large area of ​​the display area by arranging optical electronic devices such as a camera and a sensing sensor on the back surface of the display area, but also increase touch sensitivity while lowering the density of touch electrodes in the touch area where the optical electronic devices are arranged when a touch panel is embedded or added on the upper surface of the display panel. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 1b are plan views of a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit of a subpixel in a display panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of subpixels in a first sub-display area included in a display area of ​​a display panel according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area of ​​a display panel according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a touch electrode and a pixel in a display area according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram showing the relationship in which touch electrodes are separated in a portion corresponding to a display area of ​​a touch panel according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a touch panel according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 7 and is an enlarged view of a first sub-display area and a second sub-display area around it according to embodiments of the present specification. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the structure of a touch electrode in an area corresponding to a first sub-display area among a touch panel according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 10a shows a part of the cutting line of the touch panel in area B, which is the second sub-display area in FIG. 9. FIG. 11a shows a part of the cutting line of the touch panel in area B', which is the first sub-display area in FIG. 9. Figure 11b is a detailed structural diagram of Figure 11a. FIG. 12a is a plan view of another embodiment showing a part of the cutting line of the touch panel in area B', which is the first sub-display area in FIG. 9. Fig. 12b is a detailed structural diagram of Fig. 12a. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the structure of a touch electrode in an area corresponding to a first sub-display area among a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of a touch electrode in an area corresponding to a first sub-display area among a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present specification. FIGS. 15a, 15b, and 15c are perspective views illustrating the relationship between touch electrodes of an embodiment of the present invention disclosed in FIG. 14. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The advantages and features of this specification and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms; these embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of this specification is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and this specification is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0030] Shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of this specification are exemplary and are not limited to the depicted items. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in describing this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it is included in the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0031] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0032] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0033] In the case of an explanation of a temporal relationship, for example, when a temporal sequence is explained using 'after', 'following', 'next', 'before', etc., it may include cases where the sequence is not continuous unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0034] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of this specification.

[0035] The features of each of the various embodiments of this specification may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and may technically enable various interlocking and operation. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in an interlocking relationship.

[0036] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] FIGS. 1a and FIGS. 1b are plan views of a display device (100) according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, a display device (100) according to embodiments of the present specification may include a display panel (110) for displaying an image and one or more optical electronic devices (11).

[0039] The display panel (110) may include a display area (DA) where an image is displayed and a non-display area (NDA) where an image is not displayed.

[0040] A number of subpixels are arranged in the display area (DA), and various signal lines for driving the number of subpixels can be arranged.

[0041] The non-display area (NDA) may be the area outside the display area (DA). Various signal lines may be placed in the non-display area (NDA), and various driving circuits may be connected. The non-display area (NDA) may be bent so that it is not visible from the front, or it may be covered by a case (not shown). The non-display area (NDA) is also referred to as the bezel or bezel area.

[0042] In the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification, one or more optical electronic devices (11) are electronic components located on the back side (opposite side of the viewing side) of the display panel (110).

[0043] Light can enter the front (viewing side) of the display panel (110), pass through the display panel (110), and be transmitted to one or more optical electronic devices (11) located on the back (opposite side of the viewing side) of the display panel (110).

[0044] The optical electronic device (11) may be a sensing sensor such as a camera, a proximity sensor, or an illuminance sensor, a three-dimensional (3D) sensing element, a Lidar, or various sensing elements using the Time of Flight method.

[0045] In the display panel (110), the display area (DA) may include a general area (NA) and one or more optical areas (OA1). Here, the general area (NA) is a second sub-display area that does not have a separate structure for improving light transmittance to increase the sensitivity of the optical electronic device (11). The first sub-display area (OA1) is a first sub-display area that has a separate structure for improving light transmittance to increase the sensitivity of the optical electronic device (11). Thus, the display area (DA) includes the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, the first sub-display area (OA1) may be an area that overlaps with one or more scientific electronic devices (11).

[0047] Although FIG. 1a illustrates a structure in which the first sub-display area (OA1) is circular, the shape of the first sub-display area (OA1) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIG. 1b, the shape of the first sub-display area (OA1) can be an octagon, and can also be a various polygonal shape.

[0049] The first sub-display area (OA1) must have both an image display structure and a light transmission structure formed therein. That is, since the first sub-display area (OA1) is a part of the display area (DA), subpixels for image display must be arranged in the first sub-display area (OA1). In addition, a light transmission structure for transmitting light to one or more optical electronic devices (11) must be formed in the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0050] The optical electronic device (11) is a device that requires light reception, but is located on the back side (below, opposite the viewing side) of the display panel (110) to receive light transmitted through the display panel (110).

[0051] The optical electronic device (11) is not exposed on the front (viewing side) of the display panel (110). Therefore, when the user views the screen of the display device (110), the optical electronic device (11) is not visible.

[0052] The first sub-display area (OA1) may be divided into multiple areas. For example, when multiple optical electronic devices (11), such as a camera, an illuminance sensor, or a lidar, are arranged, they may be divided into smaller sub-display areas corresponding to each optical electronic device (11). However, for convenience of explanation, one optical electronic device (11) and the corresponding first sub-display area (OA1) will be described.

[0053] The second sub-display area (NA) and the first sub-display area (OA1) included in the display area (DA) are both areas capable of displaying images, but the second sub-display area (NA) is an area that does not require a light-transmitting structure, and the first sub-display area (OA1) is an area that requires a light-transmitting structure. Therefore, the first sub-display area (OA1) must have a light transmittance of at least a certain level, and the second sub-display area (NA) may not transmit light at all or may have a low light transmittance of less than a certain level.

[0054] For example, the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA) may differ from each other in resolution, sub-pixel arrangement structure, number of sub-pixels per unit area, electrode structure, wiring structure, electrode arrangement structure, or wiring arrangement structure.

[0055] For example, the number of subpixels per unit area in the first sub-display area (OA1) may be smaller than the number of subpixels per unit area in the second sub-display area (NA). That is, the resolution of the first sub-display area (OA1) may be lower than the resolution of the second sub-display area (NA). Here, the number of subpixels per unit area is a unit for measuring resolution and can also be referred to as PPI (Pixels Per Inch), which means the number of pixels within one inch.

[0056] In other words, the first sub-display area (OA1) may have a lower PPI than the second sub-display area (NA).

[0057] The first sub-display area (OA1) can have various shapes, such as a circle, ellipse, square, hexagon, or octagon. For convenience of explanation, the first sub-display area (OA1) is described as being elliptical.

[0058] If the first optical electronic device (11) hidden at the bottom of the panel (100) is a camera, the display device (100) according to the embodiments of this specification may be referred to as a display with Under Display Camera (UDC) technology applied in commercial terms. For the detailed description of this specification, C in UDC does not mean only a camera but includes all various optical electronic devices. Additionally, the first sub-display area (0A1) may be named the UDC area.

[0059] According to this, in the case of the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification, since a notch or camera hole for camera exposure does not need to be formed in the display panel (110), a reduction in the area of ​​the display area (DA) may not occur, the size of the bezel area may be reduced, and there is an advantage of being able to freely design the screen without design constraints.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a display device (100) according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (100) may include a display panel (110) and a display driving circuit as components for displaying images.

[0062] The display driving circuit is a circuit for driving a display panel (110) and may include a data driving circuit (220), a gate driving circuit (230), and a display controller (240), etc.

[0063] The display panel (110) may include a display area (DA) where an image is displayed and a non-display area (NDA) where an image is not displayed. The non-display area (NDA) may be an outer area of ​​the display area (DA) and may also be referred to as a bezel area. All or part of the non-display area (NDA) may be an area visible from the front of the display device (100), or it may be an area that is bent and not visible from the front of the display device (100).

[0064] The display panel (110) may include a substrate (SUB) and a plurality of subpixels (SP) disposed on the substrate (SUB). Additionally, the display panel (110) may further include various types of signal lines to drive the plurality of subpixels (SP).

[0065] The display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification may be a liquid crystal display device, etc., or the display panel (110) may be a self-emissive display device in which it emits light. In the case where the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification is a self-emissive display device, each of the plurality of subpixels (SP) may include a light-emitting element.

[0066] For example, the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification may be an organic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). As another example, the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification may be an inorganic light-emitting display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as an inorganic-based light-emitting diode. As yet another example, the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification may be a quantum dot display device in which the light-emitting element is implemented as a quantum dot, which is a semiconductor crystal that emits light on its own.

[0067] Depending on the type of display device (100), the structure of each of the multiple subpixels (SP) may vary. For example, if the display device (100) is a self-emissive display device in which the subpixels (SP) emit light themselves, each subpixel (SP) may include a light-emitting element that emits light itself, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors.

[0068] For example, various types of signal lines may include a number of data lines (DL) that transmit data signals (also called data voltages or image signals) and a number of gate lines (GL) that transmit gate signals (also called scan signals).

[0069] A plurality of data lines (DL) and a plurality of gate lines (GL) may intersect each other. Each of the plurality of data lines (DL) may be arranged while extending in a first direction. Each of the plurality of gate lines (GL) may be arranged while extending in a second direction.

[0070] Here, the first direction may be the column direction and the second direction may be the row direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be the row direction and the second direction may be the column direction.

[0071] The data driving circuit (220) is a circuit for driving a plurality of data lines (DL) and can output data signals to a plurality of data lines (DL). The gate driving circuit (230) is a circuit for driving a plurality of gate lines (GL) and can output gate signals to a plurality of gate lines (GL).

[0072] The display controller (240) is a device for controlling the data driving circuit (220) and the gate driving circuit (230), and can control the driving timing for a plurality of data lines (DL) and the driving timing for a plurality of gate lines (GL).

[0073] The display controller (240) can supply a data driving control signal (DCS) to the data driving circuit (220) to control the data driving circuit (220), and can supply a gate driving control signal (GCS) to the gate driving circuit (230) to control the gate driving circuit (230).

[0074] The display controller (240) receives input image data from the host system (250) and can supply image data (Data) to the data driving circuit (220) based on the input image data.

[0075] The data driving circuit (220) can supply data signals to a plurality of data lines (DL) according to the driving timing control of the display controller (240).

[0076] The data driving circuit (220) receives digital image data (Data) from the display controller (240) and converts the received image data (Data) into analog data signals and outputs them to multiple data lines (DL).

[0077] The gate driving circuit (230) can supply gate signals to a plurality of gate lines (GL) according to the timing control of the display controller (240). The gate driving circuit (230) receives a first gate voltage corresponding to a turn-on level voltage and a second gate voltage corresponding to a turn-off level voltage along with various gate driving control signals (GCS), generates gate signals, and can supply the generated gate signals to a plurality of gate lines (GL).

[0078] For example, the data driving circuit (220) may be connected to the display panel (110) by a Tape Automated Bonding (TAB) method, connected to the bonding pads of the display panel (110) by a Chip On Glass (COG) or Chip On Panel (COP) method, or implemented by a Chip On Film (COF) method and connected to the display panel (110).

[0079] The gate driving circuit (230) may be connected to the display panel (110) via tape automatic bonding (TAB), connected to the bonding pad of the display panel (110) via chip-on-glass (COG) or chip-on-panel (COP) methods, or connected to the display panel (110) via chip-on-film (COF) methods. Alternatively, the gate driving circuit (230) may be formed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (110) in the form of a Gate In Panel (GIP) type. The gate driving circuit (230) may be placed on a substrate or connected to a substrate. That is, if the gate driving circuit (230) is of the GIP type, it may be placed in the non-display area (NDA) of the substrate. If the gate driving circuit (230) is of the chip-on-glass (COG) type, chip-on-film (COF) type, etc., it may be connected to a substrate.

[0080] Meanwhile, at least one of the data driving circuit (220) and the gate driving circuit (230) may be placed in the display area (DA) of the display panel (110). For example, at least one of the data driving circuit (220) and the gate driving circuit (230) may be placed so as not to overlap with the subpixels (SP), or may be placed so as to partially or entirely overlap with the subpixels (SP).

[0081] The data driving circuit (220) may be connected to one side (e.g., the upper side or the lower side) of the display panel (110). Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the data driving circuit (220) may be connected to both sides (e.g., the upper side and the lower side) of the display panel (110), or to two or more sides of the four sides of the display panel (110).

[0082] The gate driving circuit (230) may be connected to one side (e.g., left or right) of the display panel (110). Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the gate driving circuit (230) may be connected to both sides (e.g., left and right) of the display panel (110), or to two or more of the four sides of the display panel (110).

[0083] The display controller (240) may be implemented as a separate component from the data driving circuit (220), or it may be implemented as an integrated circuit integrated with the data driving circuit (220).

[0084] The display controller (240) may be a timing controller used in conventional display technology, or a control device capable of performing other control functions including a timing controller, or a control device different from a timing controller, or a circuit within a control device. The display controller (240) may be implemented as various circuits or electronic components such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or processor.

[0085] The display controller (240) is mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, etc., and can be electrically connected to a data driving circuit (220) and a gate driving circuit (230) through the printed circuit board, the flexible printed circuit, etc.

[0086] The display controller (240) can transmit and receive signals to and from the data driving circuit (220) according to one or more predetermined interfaces. Here, for example, the interface may include an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) interface, an EPI interface, an SP (Serial Peripheral Interface), etc.

[0087] A display device (100) according to embodiments of the present specification may include a touch sensor and a touch sensing circuit that senses the touch sensor to detect whether a touch has occurred by a touch object such as a finger or a pen, or detects the touch location, in order to further provide a touch sensing function in addition to an image display function.

[0088] The touch sensing circuit may include a touch driving circuit (260) that drives and senses a touch sensor to generate and output touch sensing data, and a touch controller (270) that can detect the occurrence of a touch or detect a touch location using the touch sensing data.

[0089] The touch sensor may include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch sensor may further include a plurality of touch lines for electrically connecting the plurality of touch electrodes and the touch driving circuit (260).

[0090] The touch sensor may exist outside the display panel (110) in the form of a touch panel or inside the display panel (110). When the touch sensor exists outside the display panel (110) in the form of a touch panel, the touch sensor is referred to as an external type. When the touch sensor is an external type, the touch panel and the display panel (110) may be manufactured separately and combined during the assembly process. The external touch panel may include a substrate for the touch panel and a plurality of touch electrodes on the substrate for the touch panel.

[0091] When a touch sensor is present inside a display panel (110), the touch sensor may be formed on a substrate (SUB) along with signal lines and electrodes related to display driving during the manufacturing process of the display panel (110).

[0092] The touch driving circuit (260) can supply a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of touch electrodes and sense at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes to generate touch sensing data.

[0093] The touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method or a mutual-capacitance sensing method.

[0094] When a touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between each touch electrode and a touch object (e.g., finger, pen, etc.).

[0095] According to the self-capacitance sensing method, each of the plurality of touch electrodes can act as both a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch driving circuit (260) can drive all or part of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense all or part of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0096] When a touch sensing circuit performs touch sensing using a mutual-capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit can perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between touch electrodes.

[0097] According to the mutual-capacitance sensing method, multiple touch electrodes are divided into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit (260) can drive the driving touch electrodes and sense the sensing touch electrodes.

[0098] The touch driving circuit (260) and touch controller (270) included in the touch sensing circuit may be implemented as separate devices or as a single device. Additionally, the touch driving circuit (260) and the data driving circuit (220) may be implemented as separate devices or as a single device.

[0099] The display device (100) may further include a power supply circuit, etc., that supplies various power to a display driving circuit and / or a touch sensing circuit.

[0100] The display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a monitor or television (TV) of various sizes, but is not limited thereto, and may be a display of various types and sizes capable of displaying information or images.

[0101] FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit of a subpixel (SP) in a display panel (110) according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0102] Each of the subpixels (SP) placed in the second sub-display area (NA) and the first sub-display area (OA1) included in the display area (DA) of the display panel (110) may include a light-emitting element (ED), a driving transistor (DRT) for driving the light-emitting element (ED), a scan transistor (SCT) for transmitting a data voltage (VDATA) to the first node (N1) of the driving transistor (DRT), and a storage capacitor (Cst) for maintaining a constant voltage for one frame.

[0103] The driving transistor (DRT) may include a first node (N1) to which a data voltage can be applied, a second node (N2) electrically connected to a light-emitting element (ED), and a third node (N3) to which a driving voltage (ELVDD) is applied from a driving voltage line (DVL). In the driving transistor (DRT), the first node (N1) may be a gate node, the second node (N2) may be a source node or a drain node, and the third node (N3) may be a drain node or a source node.

[0104] The light-emitting element (ED) may include an anode electrode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a cathode electrode (CE). The anode electrode (AE) may be a pixel electrode placed in each subpixel (SP) and may be electrically connected to a second node (N2) of a driving transistor (DRT) of each subpixel (SP). The cathode electrode (CE) may be a common electrode placed in common across a plurality of subpixels (SP) and may have a base voltage (ELVSS) applied to it.

[0105] For example, the anode electrode (AE) may be a pixel electrode and the cathode electrode (CE) may be a common electrode. Conversely, the anode electrode (AE) may be a common electrode and the cathode electrode (CE) may be a pixel electrode. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the anode electrode (AE) is a pixel electrode and the cathode electrode (CE) is a common electrode.

[0106] For example, the light-emitting element (ED) may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light-emitting diode, or a quantum dot light-emitting element. In this case, if the light-emitting element (ED) is an organic light-emitting diode, the light-emitting layer (EL) in the light-emitting element (ED) may include an organic light-emitting layer containing organic material.

[0107] The scan transistor (SCT) is turned on and off by a scan signal (SCAN), which is a gate signal applied through the gate line (GL), and can be electrically connected between the first node (N1) of the driving transistor (DRT) and the data line (DL).

[0108] The storage capacitor (Cst) can be electrically connected between the first node (N1) and the second node (N2) of the driving transistor (DRT).

[0109] Each subpixel (SP) may have a 2T (Transistor) 1C (Capacitor) structure including two transistors (DRT, SCT) and one capacitor (Cst) as shown in FIG. 3, and in some cases, may include one or more additional transistors or one or more additional capacitors.

[0110] The storage capacitor (Cst) may be an external capacitor intentionally designed outside the driving transistor (DRT), rather than a parasitic capacitor (e.g., Cgs, Cgd) which is an internal capacitor that may exist between the first node (N1) and the second node (N2) of the driving transistor (DRT).

[0111] The driving transistor (DRT) and the scan transistor (SCT) can each be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0112] Since circuit elements (particularly light-emitting elements (ED)) within each subpixel (SP) are vulnerable to external moisture or oxygen, an encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may be placed on the display panel (110) to prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the circuit elements (particularly light-emitting elements (ED)). The encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may be placed in a manner that covers the light-emitting elements (ED).

[0113] Additionally, in the embodiments of this specification, a touch panel (TP) may be further added on top of the encapsulation layer (ENCAP). The touch panel (TP) may be embedded in the surface of the encapsulation layer (ENCAP), or an independent touch panel (TP) may be added on top of the encapsulation layer (ENCAP).

[0114] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of subpixels (SP) in a first sub-display area (OA1) and a second sub-display area (NA) included in a display area (DA) of a display panel (110) according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of subpixels (SP) may be arranged in each of the second sub-display area (NA) and the first sub-display area (OA1) included in the display area (DA).

[0116] For example, a plurality of subpixels (SP) may include a red subpixel (Red SP) that emits red light, a green subpixel (Green SP) that emits green light, and a blue subpixel (Blue SP) that emits blue light.

[0117] Accordingly, each of the second sub-display area (NA) and the first sub-display area (OA1) may include light-emitting areas (EA) of red sub-pixels (Red SP), light-emitting areas (EA) of green sub-pixels (Green SP), and light-emitting areas (EA) of blue sub-pixels (Blue SP).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 4, the second sub-display area (NA) may not include a light-transmitting structure and may include light-emitting areas (EA).

[0119] However, the first sub-display area (OA1) must not only include light-emitting areas (EA), but also include a light-transmitting structure.

[0120] Accordingly, the first sub-display area (OA1) may include light-emitting areas (EA) and first transmission areas (TA1).

[0121] The light-emitting regions (EA) and the transmission regions (TA1) can be distinguished based on whether light is transmitted. That is, the light-emitting regions (EA) may be regions where light is not transmitted, and the transmission regions (TA1) may be regions where light is transmitted.

[0122] Additionally, the light-emitting regions (EA) and the transmission regions (TA1) can be distinguished based on whether a specific metal layer (CE) is formed. For example, a cathode electrode (CE) may be formed in the light-emitting regions (EA), and a cathode electrode (CE) may not be formed in the transmission regions (TA1). A light shield layer may be formed in the light-emitting regions (EA), and a light shield layer may not be formed in the transmission regions (TA1).

[0123] Since the first sub-display area (OA1) includes transmission areas (TA1), the first sub-display area (OA1) is an area through which light can pass.

[0124] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the transparent area (TA1) of the first sub-display area (OA1) may have a circular planar shape, but the planar structure of the first sub-display area (TA1) of the embodiments of the present specification is not limited thereto.

[0125] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the embodiments of the present specification, it is assumed that the first sub-display area (OA1) is located at the top of the display area (DA).

[0126] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of each of the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA) included in the display area (DA) of the display panel (110) according to embodiments of the present specification.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 5, the stacking structure of the second sub-display area (NA) is described. For reference, the light-emitting area (EA) included in the first sub-display area (OA1) may have the same stacking structure as the light-emitting area (EA) within the second sub-display area (NA).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 5, the substrate (SUB) may include a first substrate (SUB1), an interlayer insulating film (IPD), and a second substrate (SUB2). The interlayer insulating film (IPD) may be located between the first substrate (SUB1) and the second substrate (SUB2). By configuring the substrate (SUB) with the first substrate (SUB1), the interlayer insulating film (IPD), and the second substrate (SUB2), moisture penetration can be prevented. For example, the first substrate (SUB1) and the second substrate (SUB2) may be polyimide (PI) substrates. The first substrate (SUB1) may be referred to as a primary PI substrate, and the second substrate (SUB2) may be referred to as a secondary PI substrate.

[0129] Various patterns (ACT, SD1, GATE), various insulating films (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0), and various metal patterns (TM, GM, ML1, ML2) for forming transistors such as driving transistors (DRT) may be disposed on the substrate (SUB).

[0130] A multi-buffer layer (MBUF) may be disposed on the second substrate (SUB2), and a first active buffer layer (ABUF1) may be disposed on the multi-buffer layer (MBUF).

[0131] A first metal layer (ML1) and a second metal layer (ML2) may be disposed on a first active buffer layer (ABUF1). Here, the first metal layer (ML1) and the second metal layer (ML2) may be a light shield layer (LS) that shields light.

[0132] A second active buffer layer (ABUF2) may be disposed on the first metal layer (ML1) and the second metal layer (ML2). An active layer (ACT) of a driving transistor (DRT) may be disposed on the second active buffer layer (ABUF2).

[0133] A gate insulating film (GI) can be placed over the active layer (ACT).

[0134] A gate electrode (GATE) of a driving transistor (DRT) may be disposed on a gate insulating film (GI). At this time, a gate material layer (GM) may be disposed on the gate insulating film (GI) together with the gate electrode (GATE) of the driving transistor (DRT) at a location different from the formation location of the driving transistor (DRT).

[0135] A first interlayer insulating film (ILD1) may be disposed covering a gate electrode (GATE) and a gate material layer (GM). A metal pattern (TM) may be disposed on the first interlayer insulating film (ILD1). The metal pattern (TM) may be located at a different location from the formation site of the driving transistor (DRT). A second interlayer insulating film (ILD2) may be disposed covering the metal pattern (TM) on the first interlayer insulating film (ILD1).

[0136] Two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) may be placed on the second interlayer insulating film (ILD2). One of the two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) is the source node of the driving transistor (DRT), and the other is the drain node of the driving transistor (DRT).

[0137] Two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) can be electrically connected to one side and the other side of the active layer (ACT) through contact holes of the second interlayer insulating film (ILD2), the first interlayer insulating film (ILD1), and the gate insulating film (GI).

[0138] The portion overlapping with the gate electrode (GATE) in the active layer (ACT) is the channel region. One of the two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) can be connected to one side of the channel region in the active layer (ACT), and the other of the two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) can be connected to the other side of the channel region in the active layer (ACT).

[0139] A passivation layer (PAS0) is disposed over two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1). A planarization layer (PLN) may be disposed on the passivation layer (PAS0). The planarization layer (PLN) may include a first planarization layer (PLN1) and a second planarization layer (PLN2).

[0140] A first flattening layer (PLN1) can be disposed on a passivation layer (PAS0).

[0141] A second source-drain electrode pattern (SD2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (PLN1). The second source-drain electrode pattern (SD2) may be connected to one of two first source-drain electrode patterns (SD1) through a contact hole of the first flattening layer (PLN1).

[0142] The second planarization layer (PLN2) can be disposed over the second source-drain electrode pattern (SD2). A light-emitting element (ED) can be disposed on the second planarization layer (PLN2).

[0143] Looking at the stacked structure of the light-emitting device (ED), an anode electrode (AE) can be placed on the second planarization layer (PLN2). The anode electrode (AE) can be electrically connected to the second source-drain electrode pattern (SD2) through the contact hole of the second planarization layer (PLN2).

[0144] A bank can be positioned to cover a portion of the anode electrode (AE). A portion of the bank corresponding to the light-emitting region (EA) of the subpixel (SP) can be left open.

[0145] A portion of the anode electrode (AE) may be exposed to an opening (open portion) of the bank. The light-emitting layer (EL) may be located on the side of the bank and at an opening (open portion) of the bank. All or part of the light-emitting layer (EL) may be located between adjacent banks.

[0146] At the opening of the bank, the light-emitting layer (EL) can come into contact with the anode electrode (AE). A cathode electrode (CE) can be placed on the light-emitting layer (EL).

[0147] A light-emitting device (ED) can be formed by an anode electrode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a cathode electrode (CE). The light-emitting layer (EL) may include an organic film.

[0148] An encapsulation layer (ENCAP) can be disposed on the aforementioned light-emitting element (ED).

[0149] The encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may include a first encapsulation layer (PAS1), a second encapsulation layer (PCL), and a third encapsulation layer (PAS2).

[0150] For example, the first encapsulation layer (PAS1) and the third encapsulation layer (PAS2) may be inorganic membranes, and the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be an organic membrane. Among the first encapsulation layer (PAS1), the second encapsulation layer (PCL), and the third encapsulation layer (PAS2), the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be the thickest and serve as a leveling layer.

[0151] The first encapsulation layer (PAS1) is placed on the cathode electrode (CE) and can be positioned closest to the light-emitting element (ED). The first encapsulation layer (PAS1) can be formed from an inorganic insulating material capable of low-temperature deposition. For example, the first encapsulation layer (PAS1) may be silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Since the first encapsulation layer (PAS1) is deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, during the deposition process, the first encapsulation layer (PAS1) can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer (EL), which contains organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres.

[0152] The second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be formed with a smaller area than the first encapsulation layer (PAS1). In this case, the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be formed to expose both ends of the first encapsulation layer (PAS1). The second encapsulation layer (PCL) acts as a buffer to relieve stress between each layer due to bending of the display device (100) and may also serve to enhance flattening performance. For example, the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbon (SiOC), and may be formed from an organic insulating material. For example, the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be formed using an inkjet method.

[0153] A third inorganic encapsulation layer (PAS2) may be formed on a substrate (SUB) on which a second encapsulation layer (PCL) is formed, to cover the upper surface and side surface of the second encapsulation layer (PCL) and the first encapsulation layer (PAS1), respectively. The third encapsulation layer (PAS2) can minimize or block external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first inorganic encapsulation layer (PAS1) and the organic encapsulation layer (PCL). For example, the third encapsulation layer (PAS2) may be formed from an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride oxide (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0154] A touch sensor (TS) may be placed on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP). The structure of the touch sensor is described in detail as follows.

[0155] A touch buffer layer (610) may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP). A touch sensor (TS) may be disposed on the touch buffer layer (610).

[0156] The touch sensor (TS) may include touch sensor metals (TSM) and a bridge electrode (BRG) located on different layers.

[0157] A touch layer insulating film (620) may be disposed between the touch sensor metals (TSM) and the bridge electrode (BRG). The touch sensor metals (TSM) may include driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes.

[0158] For example, touch sensor metals (TSMs) may include a first touch sensor metal (TSM), a second touch sensor metal (TSM), and a third touch sensor metal (TSM) that are arranged adjacent to each other. When a third touch sensor metal (TSM) is located between the first touch sensor metal (TSM) and the second touch sensor metal (TSM), and the first touch sensor metal (TSM) and the second touch sensor metal (TSM) need to be electrically connected to each other, the first touch sensor metal (TSM) and the second touch sensor metal (TSM) may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode (BRG) located in another layer. The bridge electrode (BRG) may be insulated from the third touch sensor metal (TSM) by a touch layer inter-layer insulating film (620).

[0159] When a touch sensor (TS) is formed on a display panel (110), chemicals used in the process (developer or etching solution, etc.) or moisture from the outside may be generated. By placing the touch sensor (TS) on the touch buffer layer (610), the chemicals or moisture can be prevented from penetrating into the light-emitting layer (EL) containing organic material during the manufacturing process of the touch sensor (TS). Accordingly, the touch buffer layer (610) can prevent damage to the light-emitting layer (EL), which is vulnerable to chemicals or moisture.

[0160] The touch buffer layer (610) is formed from an organic insulating material having a low dielectric constant of 1 to 3 and capable of being formed at a low temperature (e.g., 100°C) or lower to prevent damage to the light-emitting layer (EL) containing organic material that is vulnerable to high temperatures. For example, the touch buffer layer (610) can be formed from an acrylic-based, epoxy-based, or siloxane-based material. As the display device (100) bends, the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may be damaged and the touch sensor metal located on the touch buffer layer (610) may break. Even if the display device (100) bends, the touch buffer layer (610), which has flattening performance as an organic insulating material, can prevent damage to the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) or breakage of the metal (TSM, BRG) constituting the touch sensor (TS).

[0161] A protective layer (PAC) can be placed over the touch sensor (TS). The protective layer (PAC) may be an organic insulating film.

[0162] Next, the stacking structure for the first sub-display area (OA1) is described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0163] The light-emitting region (EA) within the first sub-display region (OA1) may have the same stacking structure as the stacking structure of the second sub-display region (NA). Accordingly, the stacking structure of the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1) is described in detail below.

[0164] A cathode electrode (CE) is disposed in the light-emitting region (EA) included in the first sub-display region (OA1) and the second sub-display region (NA), but a cathode electrode (CE) may not be disposed in the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1). That is, the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1) may correspond to the opening of the cathode electrode (CE).

[0165] Additionally, a light shield layer (LS) comprising at least one of a first metal layer (ML1) and a second metal layer (ML2) is disposed in the light-emitting region (EA) included in the second sub-display region (NA) and the first sub-display region (OA1), but the light shield layer (LS) may not be disposed in the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1). That is, the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1) may correspond to an opening of the light shield layer (LS).

[0166] The substrate (SUB) and various insulating films (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2, GI, ILD1, ILD2, PAS0, PLN(PLN1, PLN2), BANK, ENCAP(PAS1, PCL, PAS2), 610, 620, PAC) placed in the light-emitting region (EA) included in the second sub-display region (NA) and the first sub-display region (OA1) can also be placed in the same way in the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1).

[0167] However, in addition to insulating materials in the light-emitting region (EA) included in the second sub-display region (NA) and the first sub-display region (OA1), a material layer having electrical properties (e.g., a metal material layer, a semiconductor layer, etc.) may not be placed in the first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1).

[0168] For example, referring to FIG. 5, the metal material layers (ML1, ML2, GATE, GM, TM, SD1, SD2) and semiconductor layer (ACT) associated with the transistor may not be placed in the first transmission region (TA1).

[0169] Additionally, the anode electrode (AE) and cathode electrode (CE) included in the light-emitting element (ED) may not be placed in the first transmission region (TA1). However, the light-emitting layer (EL) may or may not be placed in the first transmission region (TA1).

[0170] Accordingly, by not placing a material layer having electrical properties (e.g., a metal material layer, a semiconductor layer, etc.) in the first transmission area (TA1) within the first sub-display area (OA1), the light transmittance of the first transmission area (TA1) within the first sub-display area (OA1) can be improved. Accordingly, the optical electronic device (11) can receive light transmitted through the first transmission area (TA1) and perform the corresponding function (e.g., image sensing).

[0171] Since all or part of the first transmission area (TA1) within the first sub-display area (OA1) overlaps with the optical electronic device (11), the transmittance of the first transmission area (TA1) within the first sub-display area (OA1) needs to be higher for the normal operation of the optical electronic device (11).

[0172] To this end, in the display panel (110) of the display device (100) according to the embodiments of the present specification, the first transmission area (TA1) within the first sub-display area (OA1) may have a transmittance improvement structure (TIS).

[0173] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of insulating films included in the display panel (110) may include a buffer layer (MBUF, ABUF1, ABUF2) between a substrate (SUB1, SUB2) and a transistor (DRT, SCT), a planarization layer (PLN1, PLN2) between a transistor (DRT) and a light-emitting element (ED), and an encapsulation layer (ENCAP) on the light-emitting element (ED).

[0174] A plurality of insulating films included in the display panel (110) may include a touch buffer layer (610) on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) and an insulating film (620) between touch layers.

[0175] The first transmission region (TA1) within the first sub-display region (OA1) may have a structure in which the first flattening layer (PLN1) and the passivation layer (PAS0) are recessed downwards as a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS).

[0176] Among a plurality of insulating films, the first planarization layer (PLN1) may include at least one uneven portion (or depression). Here, the first planarization layer (PLN1) may be an organic insulating film.

[0177] If the first flattening layer (PLN1) is sunken downward, the second flattening layer (PLN2) can perform the role of substantial flattening. Meanwhile, the second flattening layer (PLN2) may also be sunken downward. In this case, the second encapsulation layer (PCL) can perform the role of substantial flattening.

[0178] The recessed portion of the first planarization layer (PLN1) and the passivation layer (PAS0) can penetrate the insulating layers (ILD2, IDL1, GI) for forming the transistor (DRT) and the buffer layers (ABUF1, ABUF2, MBUF) located underneath, and extend down to the top of the second substrate (SUB2).

[0179] The substrate (SUB) may include at least one concave portion as a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS). For example, in the first transmission region (TA1), the upper surface of the second substrate (SUB1) may be sunken downward or perforated.

[0180] The first encapsulation layer (PAS1) and the second encapsulation layer (PCL) constituting the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may also have a transmittance enhancement structure (TIS) in a downwardly recessed form. Here, the second encapsulation layer (PCL) may be an organic insulating film.

[0181] In some cases, the substrate (SUB) in the first transmission region (TA1) may not include a concave portion, and the first encapsulation layer (PAS1) and the second encapsulation layer (PCL) constituting the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may also have flat surfaces.

[0182] The protective layer (PAC) is positioned to cover the touch sensor (TS) on the encapsulation layer (ENCAP), thereby protecting the touch sensor (TS).

[0183] The touch sensor (TS) may be composed of a mesh-shaped touch sensor metal (TSM). That is, when the touch sensor (TS) is placed in a first sub-display area (OA1), it includes a plurality of first touch sensor lines (TSL1) arranged at regular intervals in a first direction and parallel to each other to improve light transmittance in the first sub-display area (OA1), and a plurality of second touch sensor lines (TSL2) arranged in a direction intersecting the first touch sensor lines (TSL1).

[0184] Referring to Fig. 6a, the structure of the touch sensor (TS) and the relationship between sub-pixels will be explained in detail.

[0185] In a display panel (110) having a first sub-display area (OA1), a mesh-shaped touch sensor (TS) is configured to improve light transmittance in the first sub-display area (OA1) and not reduce touch sensitivity.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 6a, the mesh-shaped touch sensor (TS) is formed by a plurality of first touch sensor lines (TSL1) arranged at regular intervals parallel to each other in a first direction which may be the X-axis direction, and a plurality of second touch sensor lines (TSL2) arranged at regular intervals parallel to each other in a second direction which may be the Y-axis direction and intersects the first touch sensor lines (TSL1).

[0187] A grid partitioned by the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) forms a mesh. The mesh can be called a mesh.

[0188] One sub-pixel (SPX) is placed corresponding to each mesh. Therefore, the light-emitting layer placed in the sub-pixel is not obscured by the touch sensor metal.

[0189] Additionally, the touch sensor (TS) forms a touch sensor metal (TSM) in which the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) are cut in a specific pattern relative to each other.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 6a, we will examine in detail the configuration of the touch sensor metal (TSM) of the mesh-shaped touch sensor (TS).

[0191] The touch sensor metal (TSM) more specifically includes a driving touch electrode (TXE) and a sensing touch electrode (RXE) adjacent to each other. The driving touch electrodes (TXE) adjacent to each other are electrically connected to form a touch driving line (TXL). When a sensing touch electrode (RXE) is located between driving touch electrodes (TXE), the driving touch electrodes (TXE) can be connected to each other by a bridge electrode (BRG). Conversely, when a driving touch electrode (TXE) is located between sensing touch electrodes (RXE), the sensing touch electrodes (RXE) can be connected to each other by a bridge electrode (BRG).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 6b, since the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) constituting the mesh-shaped touch sensor (TS) are both located on the inter-touch layer insulating layer, the mesh-shaped touch sensor (TS) can be separated from each other by the touch sensor metal (TSM) by cutting the cutting line (CL) to be separated into a driving touch electrode (TXE) and a sensing touch electrode (RXE).

[0193] As a result, referring to Fig. 8, the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) can be diamond-shaped when viewed from a distance.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 6b, the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) can be separated by two cutting lines (CL) spaced apart at regular intervals to prevent the problem of short circuits between them.

[0195] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a touch panel. The touch panel (TP) includes driving touch electrodes (TXE) and sensing touch electrodes (RXE) arranged in a matrix form.

[0196] Driving touch electrodes (TXE) are connected between adjacent driving touch electrodes (TXE) by a first bridge electrode (BRG1) to form a driving touch line (TXL). In FIG. 7, the driving touch line (TXL) may be wiring arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0197] Sensing touch electrodes (RXE) are connected to adjacent sensing touch electrodes (RXE) by a second bridge electrode (BRG2) to form a sensing touch electrode (RXL).

[0198] Since a short circuit may occur if the first bridge electrode (BRG1) and the second bridge electrode (BRG2) are located on the same plane, one of the bridge electrodes (BRG) can be located below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) and connect adjacent touch electrodes to each other. For example, the first bridge electrode (BRG1) can be located below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) and connect driving touch electrodes (TXE) to each other. At this time, the second bridge electrode (BRG2) can be located above the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) and formed integrally with adjacent sensing touch electrodes (RXE) to connect the sensing touch electrodes (RXE). Also, the first bridge electrode (BRG1) can be connected to the driving touch electrode (TXE) formed on the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) through a contact hole (CH-T) formed in the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620).

[0199] The driving touch line (TXL) is connected to the touchpad (TP1) via a driving touch link line (TXLL) that can be placed in the non-display area (NDA), and the sensing touch line (RXL) can be connected to the touchpad (TP2) via a sensing touch link line (RXLL).

[0200] Referring to FIG. 8, we examine an enlarged view of area A, which is part of the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA) of FIG. 7.

[0201] FIG. 8 illustrates an example where the driving touch electrode (TXE) is arranged in the X-axis direction and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) is arranged in the Y-axis direction. However, the opposite case is also possible.

[0202] The touch panel (TP) corresponding to the display area (DA) is formed in a mesh shape by a grid consisting of a first touch sensor line (TSL1) arranged at a first interval and a second touch sensor line (TSL2) arranged at a first interval while intersecting the first touch sensor line (TSL1). The intervals between the first touch sensor lines (TSL1) and the intervals between the second touch sensor lines (TSL2) may differ. However, for the convenience of explanation in this example, they are described as being the same.

[0203] For reference, the touch panel placed in the display area (DA) can be divided into a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area (OA) and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area (NA).

[0204] The spacing between the first touch sensor lines (TSL1) and the spacing between the second touch sensor lines (TSL2) are the same throughout the second sub-display area (NA), except for the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0205] However, in the first sub-display area (OA1), the spacing between the first touch sensor lines (TSL1) and the spacing between the second touch sensor lines (TLS2) can be arranged with a second spacing that is larger than the first spacing. This is to ensure that the touch panel placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) does not block the inflow of light. That is, the more closely the first touch sensor lines (TSL1) and the second touch sensor lines (TSL2) placed in the second sub-display area (OA1) are arranged to each other, the greater the amount of light blocking the inflow of light from the outside into the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0206] The second interval may be an integer multiple of the first interval. That is, the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) arranged in the first sub-display area (OA1) may be arranged such that one is deleted for every two of the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) of the first interval arranged in the second sub-display area (NA), or two are deleted for every three. Therefore, the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) are arranged at a lower density than the first and second touch sensor lines placed in the second sub-display area (NA), so that the second interval becomes an integer multiple of the first interval.

[0207] By varying the arrangement density of touch sensor lines corresponding to the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA) in this way, the touch sensitivity of the touch sensor metal placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) can be reduced.

[0208] Accordingly, in the first embodiment of this specification, a method is proposed to increase the corresponding area between neighboring touch sensor metals to compensate for the decrease in touch sensitivity caused by the low density of touch sensor lines placed in the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0209] To explain this in detail, with reference to FIG. 8, area C, which is the interior of the touch sensor metal placed in the second sub-display area, and area C', which is the interior of the touch sensor metal placed in the first sub-display area, are compared, and area B, which indicates the boundary between the touch sensor metals placed in the second sub-display area, and area B', which indicates the boundary between the touch sensor metals placed in the first sub-display area, are compared.

[0210] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an actual structure in which a touch sensor metal to which the first embodiment of the present specification is applied is placed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and a second sub-display area (NA).

[0211] Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the density of touch sensor lines is low in the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0212] On the other hand, when comparing region B, which is a boundary portion between touch sensor metals placed in the second sub-display area, with region B', which is a boundary portion between touch sensor metals placed in the first sub-display area with reference to FIG. 9, region B', which is a boundary portion between touch sensor metals placed in the first sub-display area, includes a finger structure for the touch sensor metal.

[0213] That is, when adopting a mutual capacitance method as a touch sensor, the capacitance increases as the corresponding area between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the adjacent sensing touch electrode (RXE) increases. Therefore, in the first embodiment of this specification, the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) electrodes can have their edges formed into a finger structure.

[0214] This is explained with reference to FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 11a. FIG. 10a illustrates the structure of a cutting line formed at the boundary between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) in the second sub-display area (NA) in FIGS. 8 and 9. Referring to FIG. 10a, the cutting line (CL) has a first length finger that enters into the interior of the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) while cutting between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) in a zigzag shape. The total length of the finger is indicated as K.

[0215] In contrast, a cutting line (CL) is formed between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) in the first sub-display area (OA1), having a zigzag shape as it penetrates deeper into the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE). That is, the edges of the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) in the first sub-display area (OA1) are provided with a finger that penetrates deeper into the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE). If the length of the finger formed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is expressed as K', K' is greater than K.

[0216] As a result, the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) adjacent to each other in the first sub-display area (OA1) may have an increased mutual capacitance by increasing the area of ​​the edges facing each other.

[0217] All driving touch electrodes (TXE) and all sensing touch electrodes (RXE) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) have fingers at the boundary between adjacent driving touch electrodes (TXE) and sensing touch electrodes (RXE), and these fingers may have a longer length than the fingers formed in the second sub-display area (NA).

[0218] In the first embodiment of the present specification, the sizes of the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) may be substantially the same within the first sub-display area (OA1) and the second sub-display area (NA).

[0219] FIG. 11b shows the configuration of a finger (FG) formed by a cutting line cutting the first touch sensing line (TSL1) and the second touch sensing line (TSL2) in the B' region of the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0220] In the first embodiment of the present specification, the shape of the finger may have a different configuration. Referring to FIG. 12a, the finger may enter the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) in a villi shape. As a result, the area can be further increased when the edges of the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) face each other.

[0221] FIG. 12b shows the configuration of a finger (FG) formed in the B' region of the first sub-display area (OA1) by a cutting line cutting the first touch sensing line (TSL1) and the second touch sensing line (TSL2).

[0222] FIG. 13 proposes another structure in which the capacitance between touch electrodes disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) can be increased as a second embodiment of the present specification.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 13, the arrangement density of the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is the same as that of the first embodiment of FIG. 7. Further description is omitted.

[0224] However, in the second embodiment, the size of the touch sensor metal placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) may be smaller than the size of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the second sub-display area (NA).

[0225] All touch sensor metals (TSMs) placed in the second sub-display area (NA) may have substantially the same size. Additionally, the sizes of the touch sensor metals (TSMs) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) may also all have substantially the same size. However, the size of the touch sensor metals (TSMs) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is smaller than the size of the touch sensor metals (TSMs) placed in the second sub-display area (NA).

[0226] As a result, more touch sensor metals (TSM) can be placed per unit area in the first sub-display area (OA1), thereby including more bridge electrodes (BRG) per unit area.

[0227] In practice, the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) are spaced apart by several hundred micrometers (um), whereas the size of the bridge electrode (BRG) is several micrometers (um), so the fact that there are many bridge electrodes (BRG) per unit area means that the mutual capacitance can be that large.

[0228] Accordingly, in the second embodiment of the present specification, the capacitance can be increased by reducing the size of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) to increase the number of bridge electrodes (BRG) placed per unit area.

[0229] In addition, if the size of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is made smaller than the size of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the second sub-display area (NA), the corresponding area between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) within the contact area of ​​the finger with the touch panel can be increased when the finger touches the first sub-display area (OA1) compared to when the finger touches the second sub-display area (NA).

[0230] Meanwhile, the touch sensor metals (TSM) are connected in a single row to form the driving touch line (TXL) and the sensing touch line (RXL). In other words, the touch sensor metals (TSM) can be seen as being directly connected to the driving touch line (TXL) and the sensing touch line (RXL).

[0231] However, in the second embodiment of the present specification, since the size of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is smaller than the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the second sub-display area (NA), a portion of the touch sensor metal (TSM) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) may not be directly connected to the driving touch line (TXL) or the sensing touch line (RXL) and may be connected indirectly.

[0232] That is, referring to FIG. 13, a driving touch electrode (TXE-f) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) can be connected to a driving touch line (TXL) through a driving touch electrode (TXE-g) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1). Likewise, a sensing touch electrode (RXE-h) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) can be connected to a sensing touch line (RXL) through a sensing touch electrode (RXE-i) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0233] Of course, it is obvious that a portion of the touch sensing metal (TSM) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) can be directly connected to the driving touch line (TXL) or the sensing touch line (RXL).

[0234] In the second embodiment of the present specification, the touch sensor metal (TSM) can also be defined by cutting the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) respectively in a mesh shape formed by the first touch sensor line (TSL1) and the second touch sensor line (TSL2) intersecting each other.

[0235] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0236] In the third embodiment, the touch panel (TP) includes a touch panel (TP) formed on the inter-touch insulating layer (620) and a sub-touch panel (STP) disposed below the inter-touch insulating layer (620) corresponding to the first sub-display area (OA1). The touch panel (TP) may have the same structure as the touch panel (TP) of the first embodiment described above.

[0237] That is, the touch panel (TP) includes a first touch area corresponding to a first sub-display area (OA1) and a second touch area corresponding to a second sub-display area (NA), and the size of the mesh placed in the first touch area may be larger than the size of the mesh placed in the second touch area. And either the driving touch electrode (TXE) or the sensing touch electrode (RXE) may be directly connected to each other, and the other may be connected to each other by a bridge electrode (BRG).

[0238] At this time, the bridge electrode (BRG) can be placed below the inter-layer insulating layer (620).

[0239] A third embodiment of the present specification further forms a sub-touch panel (STP) below the touch interlayer insulating layer (620) in the first sub-display area (OA1) to increase the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensing metal disposed in the first sub-display area (0A1). The touch sensing metal (TSM) disposed on the touch interlayer insulating layer (620) in the first sub-display area (OA1) and the touch sensing metals within the sub-touch panel (STP) can be electrically connected to each other.

[0240] The configuration of the sub-touch panel (STP) may be the same as the configuration of the touch sensing metal disposed on the upper surface of the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) of the first sub-display area (OA1). However, the connection relationship between the touch sensing metals may be different to avoid a short circuit between the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sensing touch electrode (RXE) formed on the same plane.

[0241] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15a to 15c, the connection relationship between a touch sensing metal (TSM) located in the first sub-display area (OA1) and a sub-touch sensing metal located below the touch layer insulation layer (620) and disposed in the first sub-display area (OA1) will be explained.

[0242] A touch sensing metal (TSM) disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) includes a driving touch electrode (TXE) and a sensing touch electrode (RXE). Additionally, a sub-touch sensing metal under a touch interlayer insulating layer (620) disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) includes a sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE) and a sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE).

[0243] An example is described with reference to Fig. 15a.

[0244] A first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and a second driving touch electrode (TXE2) are disposed along a driving touch line (TXL) that is disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and on an inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), and they can be electrically connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15a, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) can be integrally connected.

[0245] Meanwhile, the touch sensing metal (TSM) positioned in the first sub-display area (OA1) and positioned below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) has a first sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE1) and a second sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE2) positioned along the drive touch line (TXL), and these are electrically separated from each other.

[0246] Meanwhile, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the first sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE1) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Additionally, the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) and the second sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE2) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Therefore, when a finger touches the first sub-display area (OA1), the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE) located above and below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) can function as a single unit.

[0247] Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 15b, the connection relationship of the sensing touch electrode (RXE) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is explained.

[0248] A first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and a second driving touch electrode (TXE2) are disposed along a driving touch line (TXL) that is disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and on an inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), and they can be electrically connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15a, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) can be integrally connected.

[0249] Meanwhile, the touch sensing metal (TSM) positioned in the first sub-display area (OA1) and positioned below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) has a first sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE1) and a second sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE2) positioned along the drive touch line (TXL), and these are electrically separated from each other.

[0250] A first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and a second driving touch electrode (TXE2) are disposed along a driving touch line (TXL) that is disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and on an inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), and they can be electrically connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15a, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) can be integrally connected.

[0251] Meanwhile, the touch sensing metal (TSM) positioned in the first sub-display area (OA1) and positioned below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) has a first sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE1) and a second sub-drive touch electrode (S-TXE2) positioned along the drive touch line (TXL), and these are electrically separated from each other.

[0252] Meanwhile, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the first sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE1) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Additionally, the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) and the second sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE2) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Accordingly, when a finger touches the first sub-display area (OA1), the driving touch electrode (TXE) and the sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE), located above and below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), can operate as a single unit.

[0253] Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 15b, the connection relationship of the sensing touch electrode (RXE) placed in the first sub-display area (OA1) is explained.

[0254] A first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and a second driving touch electrode (TXE2) are disposed along a driving touch line (TXL) that is disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and on an inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), and they can be electrically connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15a, the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the second driving touch electrode (TXE2) can be integrally connected.

[0255] A first sensing touch electrode (RXE1) and a second touch sensing electrode (RXE2) are disposed along a sensing touch line (RXL) disposed in a first sub-display area (OA1) and on an inter-touch layer insulating layer (620), and they can be electrically separated from each other.

[0256] Meanwhile, the first sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE1) and the second sub-touch sensing electrode (S-RXE2), which are positioned in the first sub-display area (OA1) and below the inter-touch insulating layer (620), can be electrically connected to each other while being positioned along the sensing touch line (RXL).

[0257] Additionally, the first sensing touch electrode (RXE1) and the first sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE1) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Additionally, the second sensing touch electrode (RXE2) and the second sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE2) can be connected to each other at at least one point through a contact hole (not shown) penetrating the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620). Thus, when a finger touches the first sub-display area (OA1), the sensing touch electrode (TXE) and the sub-sensing touch electrode (S-TXE) located above and below the inter-touch layer insulating layer (620) can operate as a single unit.

[0258] FIG. 15c illustrates a configuration in which the aforementioned driving touch electrode (TXE) and sensing touch electrode (RXE) are combined.

[0259] Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 15c, the first sensing touch electrode (RXE1) and the second sensing touch electrode (RXE2), which are separated from each other, can be electrically connected to each other by being respectively connected to the first sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE1) and the second sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE2). Likewise, the first sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE1) and the second sub-driving touch electrode (S-TXE2), which are separated from each other, can be electrically connected to each other by being respectively connected to the first driving touch electrode (TXE1) and the second driving touch electrode (TXE2).

[0260] In the third embodiment, the sub-driving touch electrodes (S-TXE1, S-TXE2) and sub-sensing touch electrodes (S-RXE1, S-RXE2) disposed below the inter-touch insulating layer (620) may be composed of a metal layer such as the bridge electrode provided in the first and second embodiments. That is, in the third embodiment, the first sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE1) and the second sub-sensing touch electrode (S-RXE2) disposed below the inter-touch insulating layer (620) may be said to serve as a bridge electrode substantially connecting the first sensing touch electrode (RXE1) and the second sensing touch electrode (RXE2).

[0261] Meanwhile, although the first, second, and third embodiments are described separately in this specification, it is also possible to add the configuration of the third embodiment to the first and second embodiments to increase the touch sensing sensitivity in the first sub-display area (OA1).

[0262] That is, in the configuration of the first embodiment having a finger structure, it is also possible to configure a sub-touch sensing metal connected to a touch sensing metal placed above the touch layer insulation layer (620) below the touch layer insulation layer (620) as in the third embodiment.

[0263] In addition, in the configuration of the second embodiment, which has a touch sensing metal smaller than that of the second sub-display area (NA) in the first sub-display area (OA1), the touch sensing sensitivity may be increased by having a sub-touch sensing metal similar to that of the third embodiment.

[0264] Although embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical concept of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of this specification, and the scope of the technical concept of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this specification shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this specification. Explanation of the symbols

[0265] OA1: 1st Sub-display Area NA: 3rd sub-display area 11: Optoelectronic devices TSL1, TSL2: Touch sensor lines CL: Cutting line TXE: Driving touch electrode RXE: Sensing touch electrode BRG: Bridge electrode TXL: Driving touch line RXL: Sensing touch line FG: Finger section 620: Touch interlayer insulation layer

Claims

Claim 1 A display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area comprises a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; and an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; A display device comprising a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display panel and including a first touch area corresponding to a first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to a second sub-display area, wherein the mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area, and the corresponding area between each touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is larger than the corresponding area between each touch electrode disposed in the second touch area, and the touch panel includes a capacitance touch electrode of a mutual capacitance sensing method that detects capacitance occurring between a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode, wherein each touch electrode disposed in the first touch area includes a first finger portion extending toward adjacent neighboring touch electrodes at the edge of the touch electrode, and each touch electrode disposed in the second touch area includes a second finger portion extending toward adjacent neighboring touch electrodes at the edge of the touch electrode, and the corresponding area between the first finger portions is larger than the corresponding area between the second finger portions. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the sizes of the touch electrodes disposed in the first touch area and the second touch area, respectively, are substantially the same. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In claim 1, the first finger portion is a display device that is longer than the second finger portion. Claim 6 A display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area includes a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; and a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on the front surface of the display panel and comprising a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area, wherein the mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area, the size of each touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is smaller than the size of each touch electrode disposed in the second touch area, and the number of bridge electrodes connecting the touch electrodes disposed within the first touch area is greater than the number of bridge electrodes connecting the touch electrodes disposed within the second touch area that has the same area as the first touch area. Claim 7 In claim 6, the touch panel is a display device comprising a capacitive touch electrode of a mutual capacitance sensing method that detects capacitance occurring between a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 7, wherein at least one driving touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is indirectly connected to a driving touch line, and at least one sensing touch electrode disposed in the first touch area is indirectly connected to a sensing touch line. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 In paragraph 6, the touch electrodes disposed in the first touch area are of the same size as each other, and the touch electrodes disposed in the second touch area are of the same size as each other. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the touch panel is disposed on an inter-touch insulating layer, and further comprises mesh-shaped sub-touch electrodes disposed on the back surface of the inter-touch insulating layer, which are disposed in the first touch area and electrically connected to the touch electrodes constituting the touch panel. Claim 12 In claim 11, a display device wherein a touch electrode separated from an adjacent touch electrode among the touch electrodes is electrically connected to each other by the sub-touch electrode. Claim 13 A display device comprising: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, wherein the display area includes a first sub-display area comprising a plurality of light-transmitting areas and a second sub-display area around the first sub-display area; an optical electronic device disposed on the back surface of the display area and overlapping with the first sub-display area; an inter-touch insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the display panel; and a mesh-shaped touch panel disposed on one surface of the inter-touch insulating layer and including a first touch area corresponding to the first sub-display area and a second touch area corresponding to the second sub-display area, wherein the mesh of the first touch area is larger than the mesh of the second touch area, and a mesh-shaped sub-touch panel disposed on the other surface of the inter-touch insulating layer and electrically connected to the touch panel disposed in the first touch area. Claim 14 In claim 13, the touch panel comprises a mesh-shaped driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode, and the sub-touch panel comprises a mesh-shaped sub-driving touch electrode and a sub-sensing touch electrode, wherein either of the driving touch electrode and the sensing touch electrode is connected to one another by either of the sub-driving touch electrode and the sub-sensing touch electrode disposed on the other side of the inter-touch layer insulating layer. Claim 15 A display device according to claim 14, wherein the driving touch electrodes are arranged along a driving touch line and connected to each other, the sensing touch electrodes are arranged along a sensing touch line that intersects the driving touch line and are separated from each other at the intersection of the driving touch line and the sensing touch line, and the sensing touch electrodes are electrically connected to each other by the sub-sensing touch electrodes. Claim 16 A display device in which, in any one of claims 1, 6 and 13, the mesh of the first touch area is an integer multiple larger than the mesh of the second touch area. Claim 17 In claim 15, the above-mentioned sensing touch electrode and the above-mentioned sub-sensing touch electrode are connected to each other through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer between the touch layers, in a display device. Claim 18 In paragraph 15, a display device in which sub-drive touch electrodes arranged along the driving touch line are physically separated from each other and electrically connected to corresponding driving touch electrodes. Claim 19 In paragraph 15, a display device wherein sensing touch electrodes arranged along the sensing touch line are physically separated from one another and electrically connected to corresponding sub-sensing touch electrodes.

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