Electronic devices include dummy contact holes.

Abstract

The invention proposes an electronic device comprising a display layer and a sensor layer arranged on top of the display layer. The sensor layer comprises a first electrode, a second electrode comprising a sensor sample and a bridge sample, and a dummy sample arranged on the same layer as the bridge sample and positioned away from the bridge sample. Multiple contact holes are defined through the sensor layer, multiple contact holes including an effective contact hole through which a portion of the bridge sample is exposed and a dummy contact hole through which a portion of the dummy sample is exposed. The sensor sample is electrically connected to the bridge sample through the effective contact hole, and the first electrode or sensor sample is connected to the dummy sample through the dummy contact hole.

Description

Electronic device including dummy contact holes

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device including a dummy contact hole.

[0002] Multimedia electronic devices, such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, portable game consoles, and in-vehicle displays, display images and, in addition to conventional input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice, may provide a touch-based input method that allows users to intuitively and conveniently input information or commands. The electronic devices may include conductive patterns for detecting touch, and the conductive patterns may reflect external light to be visible to the user.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device with improved visibility by reducing the visibility of a pattern due to external light reflection.

[0004] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display layer for displaying an image, and a sensor layer disposed on the display layer, wherein the sensor layer includes a first electrode, a second electrode intersecting the first electrode and including a sensing pattern and a bridge pattern, an insulating layer disposed between the sensing pattern and the bridge pattern, and a dummy pattern disposed on the same layer as the bridge pattern and spaced apart from the bridge pattern, wherein a plurality of contact holes are provided in the insulating layer, and the plurality of contact holes include an effective contact hole exposing a portion of the bridge pattern and a dummy contact hole exposing a portion of the dummy pattern, and the sensing pattern is electrically connected to the bridge pattern through the effective contact hole, and the first electrode or the sensing pattern can be connected to the dummy pattern through the dummy contact hole.

[0005] The first electrode may include a first mesh line extending along a first direction and a second mesh line extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the sensing pattern may include a third mesh line extending along the first direction and a fourth mesh line extending along the second direction.

[0006] The dummy contact holes are provided in plurality, and the plurality of dummy contact holes are provided at a first intersection where the first mesh line and the second mesh line intersect or meet, and a second intersection where the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet, and the effective contact hole may be provided at a portion where the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet and overlaps with the bridge pattern.

[0007] The first electrode may further include a first non-opening region having a width greater than the width of the first mesh line, and the sensing pattern may further include a second non-opening region having a width greater than the width of the third mesh line.

[0008] The above effective contact hole may be provided overlapping the second non-open area.

[0009] The above plurality of dummy contact holes may be provided to overlap the first non-open area.

[0010] The plurality of dummy contact holes may be provided at a first intersection where the first mesh line and the second mesh line intersect or meet, a second intersection where the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet, and the first non-open area.

[0011] The display layer includes a plurality of first light-emitting regions, a plurality of second light-emitting regions, and a plurality of third light-emitting regions, wherein the plurality of first light-emitting regions and the plurality of second light-emitting regions are arranged alternately and repeatedly one by one along the second direction, the plurality of third light-emitting regions are arranged along the second direction, and one third light-emitting region among the plurality of third light-emitting regions can be spaced apart from one first light-emitting region among the plurality of first light-emitting regions and one second light-emitting region among the plurality of second light-emitting regions in the first direction.

[0012] The above effective contact hole is provided between two third light-emitting regions adjacent in the second direction among the plurality of third light-emitting regions, and the bridge pattern can overlap with the region between the two third light-emitting regions.

[0013] The dummy contact hole is provided between two other third light-emitting regions adjacent in the second direction among the plurality of third light-emitting regions, and the dummy pattern can overlap with the region between the other two third light-emitting regions.

[0014] The bridge pattern may extend along a first direction, and the dummy pattern may be spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0015] The above bridge pattern may include a curved portion that faces the dummy pattern and is curved to bypass the dummy pattern.

[0016] The effective contact hole and the dummy contact hole are spaced apart in the first direction, and the effective contact hole and the dummy contact hole can be aligned with each other.

[0017] The bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and the dummy contact hole can be spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0018] The above bridge pattern extends from the above line portion and further includes a curved curved portion, and the dummy contact hole can be spaced apart from the curved portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0019] The above bridge pattern further includes a connecting portion connected to the line portion, and the effective contact hole can overlap with the connecting portion.

[0020] The above bridge pattern further includes a protruding portion protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the effective contact hole can overlap with the protruding portion.

[0021] The sensor layer may further include a plurality of dummy bridge patterns arranged on the same layer as the bridge pattern and spaced apart from the bridge pattern.

[0022] The plurality of dummy bridge patterns may include a first dummy bridge pattern electrically floating and overlapping the first electrode and the sensing pattern, a second dummy bridge pattern overlapping the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a third dummy bridge pattern overlapping the sensing pattern and electrically connected to the sensing pattern.

[0023] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display layer for displaying an image, and a sensor layer disposed on the display layer, wherein the sensor layer includes a first electrode, a second electrode intersecting the first electrode and including a sensing pattern and a bridge pattern, an insulating layer disposed between the sensing pattern and the bridge pattern, and a dummy pattern disposed on the same layer as the bridge pattern and spaced apart from the bridge pattern, wherein a plurality of contact holes are provided in the insulating layer, and the plurality of contact holes include an effective contact hole overlapping the bridge pattern and a dummy contact hole non-overlapping with the bridge pattern and overlapping with the dummy pattern, wherein the bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and the dummy contact hole can be spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0024] The above bridge pattern extends from the line portion and further includes a curved curved portion, and the dummy contact hole can be spaced apart from the curved portion in the second direction.

[0025] The above bridge pattern further includes a connecting portion connected to the line portion, and the effective contact hole can overlap with the connecting portion.

[0026] The above bridge pattern further includes a protruding portion protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the effective contact hole can overlap with the protruding portion.

[0027] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conductive layer including a bridge pattern and a plurality of dummy patterns, a second conductive layer including a plurality of conductive patterns having a mesh structure, and an insulating layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein a plurality of effective contact holes and a plurality of dummy contact holes are defined, wherein the plurality of effective contact holes overlap the bridge pattern, and the plurality of dummy contact holes overlap the plurality of dummy patterns, respectively.

[0028] The above mesh structure includes a plurality of intersections, and each of the plurality of intersections can overlap with at least one contact hole among the plurality of effective contact holes and the plurality of dummy contact holes.

[0029] The mesh structure includes a plurality of mesh lines and a plurality of non-open areas having a width greater than a width of the plurality of mesh lines, and each of the plurality of non-open areas can overlap at least one effective contact hole among the plurality of effective contact holes or at least one dummy contact hole among the plurality of dummy contact holes.

[0030] The bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and a plurality of dummy contact holes can be spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0031] The above bridge pattern extends from the line portion and further includes a plurality of curved portions, and the plurality of dummy contact holes can be spaced apart from the plurality of curved portions in the second direction.

[0032] The above bridge pattern further includes a plurality of connecting portions larger than the width of the line portion, and the plurality of effective contact holes can overlap with each of the plurality of connecting portions.

[0033] The above bridge pattern further includes a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of effective contact holes can overlap with the plurality of protruding portions.

[0034] As described above, the sensor layer may include effective contact holes and dummy contact holes. By including the dummy contact holes, the arrangement of all contact holes within the sensor layer can be substantially uniform. As a result, the variation in the amount of reflection depending on the arrangement of effective contact holes within the sensor layer can be reduced. Accordingly, the visibility of the pattern due to external light reflection can be reduced, thereby providing an electronic device with improved visibility.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a block diagram briefly illustrating an example of use of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is a plan view of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 13 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 15 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 17 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In this specification, when it is said that a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another component, it means that it can be directly disposed / connected / coupled to the other component, or a third component may be disposed between them.

[0054] Throughout the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to the same elements. Although each drawing may depict one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure, drawn to scale so that relative lengths, thicknesses, and angles may be inferred therefrom, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the relative lengths, thicknesses, and angles shown, even if drawn to scale so that relative lengths, thicknesses, and angles may be inferred therefrom. Variations in these values ​​may be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, for example, to accommodate manufacturing limitations. “And / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated elements that may be defined therefrom.

[0055] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a "first component." Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0056] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" are used to describe the relationships between components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0057] It should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly idealistic or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0059] The terms "part" and "unit" refer to a software component or hardware component that performs a specific function. A hardware component may include, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A software component may refer to executable code and / or data used by the executable code within an addressable storage medium. Accordingly, software components may be, for example, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and may include processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcodes, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device (1000-1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic device (1000 or 1000-1) may be a device activated by an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device (1000 or 1000-1) may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a foldable mobile phone, a laptop, a television, a tablet, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device. FIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example, that the electronic device (1000) is a tablet, and FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example, that the electronic device (1000-1) is a laptop.

[0063] An electronic device (1000) may be provided (defined or formed) with an active area (1000A) and a peripheral area (1000NA). The electronic device (1000) may display an image through the active area (1000A). The active area (1000A) may include surfaces defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2). The peripheral area (1000NA) may surround the periphery of the active area (1000A). In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral area (1000NA) may be omitted. In this specification, the phrase "surrounds at least a portion" may be understood to mean that a peripheral element contacts the surrounded element on at least one side or a portion thereof, and may contact the surrounded element on two sides, regardless of whether the two sides are opposite or adjacent. The side may contact the surrounded element on two or more sides, and may even completely surround the surrounded element.

[0064] The thickness direction of the electronic device (1000) can be measured in a third direction (DR3) that intersects the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). Accordingly, the front (or upper surface) and the back (or lower surface) of the components constituting the electronic device (1000) can be defined based on the third direction (DR3).

[0065] The electronic device (1000) may include a display panel (DP). The display panel (DP) displays an image and may sense external inputs. The external input may be a user input. The user input may include various forms of external inputs, such as a part of the user's body, a stylus, a pen, light, heat, or pressure.

[0066] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a bar-type electronic device (1000) as an example, the present invention described below is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the descriptions described below can be applied to various electronic devices, such as a rollable type electronic device, a slideable type electronic device, and a stretchable type electronic device.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram briefly illustrating an example of use of an electronic device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (1000) may include a display layer (100), a sensor layer (200), a display driver (100C), a sensor driver (200C), a main driver (1000C), and a power circuit (1000P).

[0069] The display layer (100) may be a configuration that actually generates an image. The display layer (100) may be an emissive display layer, and for example, the display layer (100) may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display layer, an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

[0070] The sensor layer (200) may be placed on the display layer (100). The sensor layer (200) may detect external input. The sensor layer (200) may be an integrated sensor continuously formed during the manufacturing process of the display layer (100), or the sensor layer (200) may be an external sensor attached to the display layer (100).

[0071] The main driving unit (1000C) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (1000). For example, the main driving unit (1000C) can control the operation of the display driving unit (100C) and the sensor driving unit (200C). The main driving unit (1000C) can include at least one microprocessor, and the main driving unit (1000C) can also be referred to as a host. The main driving unit (1000C) can further include a graphics controller.

[0072] The display driving unit (100C) can drive the display layer (100). The display driving unit (100C) can receive image data and control signals from the main driving unit (1000C). The control signals can include various signals. For example, the control signals can include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal.

[0073] The sensor driving unit (200C) can drive the sensor layer (200). The sensor driving unit (200C) can receive a control signal from the main driving unit (1000C). The control signal can include a clock signal of the sensor driving unit (200C).

[0074] The power circuit (1000P) may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The power circuit (1000P) may generate a plurality of driving voltages for driving the display layer (100), the sensor layer (200), the display driver (100C), and the sensor driver (200C). For example, the plurality of driving voltages may include a gate high voltage, a gate low voltage, an ELVSS voltage, an ELVDD voltage, an initialization voltage, etc., but are not particularly limited to the above examples.

[0075] The electronic device (1000) can detect inputs applied from the outside. For example, the electronic device (1000) can detect passive input by touch (2000). Touch (2000) can include any input means capable of providing a change in electrostatic capacity, such as a user's body or an input device (e.g., a pen or stylus).

[0076] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4a, the display panel (DP) may include a display layer (100) and a sensor layer (200).

[0078] The display layer (100) may be a configuration that generates an image. The display layer (100) may be an emissive display layer, and for example, the display layer (100) may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display layer, an inorganic light-emitting display layer, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer. The display layer (100) may include a base layer (110), a circuit layer (120), a light-emitting element layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (140).

[0079] The base layer (110) may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer (120) is arranged. The base layer (110) may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. The base layer (110) may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a silicon substrate, a polymer substrate, or the like, but is not particularly limited thereto. The circuit layer (120) may be arranged on the base layer (110). The circuit layer (120) may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, or the like. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer (110) by a method such as coating or deposition, and the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through multiple photolithography processes.

[0080] The light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on the circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. The encapsulation layer (140) may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulation layer (140) may protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0081] At least one buffer layer (BFL) is formed on the upper surface of the base layer (110). The buffer layer (BFL) can improve the bonding strength between the base layer (110) and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer (BFL) can be formed as a multilayer. Alternatively, the display layer (100) may further include a barrier layer. The buffer layer (BFL) may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer (BFL) may include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately laminated.

[0082] The semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be disposed on a buffer layer (BFL). The semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may include polysilicon. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may also include amorphous silicon, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

[0083] FIG. 4a illustrates some semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL), and more semiconductor patterns may be arranged in other areas. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be arranged in a specific pattern across pixels. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may have different electrical properties depending on doping. The semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may include a first region (SC, DR, SCL) with high conductivity and a second region (AL) with low conductivity. The first region (SC, DR, SCL) may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region (AL) may be an undoped region or a region doped at a lower concentration than the first region.

[0084] The conductivity of the first region (SC, DR, SCL) is greater than that of the second region (AL), and can substantially function as an electrode or a signal line. The second region (AL) may substantially correspond to an active region (AL) (or channel) of the transistor (100PC). For example, a part (AL) of the semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL) may be the active region (AL) of the transistor (100PC), another part (SC, DR) may be the source region (SC) or drain region (DR) of the transistor (100PC), and another part (SCL) may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line (SCL).

[0085] In Fig. 4a, one transistor (100PC) and a light-emitting element (100PE) included in a pixel are illustrated as an example.

[0086] A source region (SC), an active region (AL), and a drain region (DR) of a transistor (100PC) can be formed from semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). The source region (SC) and the drain region (DR) can extend in opposite directions from the active region (AL) in a cross-sectional view. Fig. 4a illustrates a portion of a connection signal line (SCL) formed from the semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). When viewed in plan view, the connection signal line (SCL) can be connected to the drain region (DR) of the transistor (100PC).

[0087] The first insulating layer (10) may be disposed on a buffer layer (BFL). The first insulating layer (10) may overlap a plurality of pixels in common and cover semiconductor patterns (SC, AL, DR, SCL). The first insulating layer (10) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer (10) may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and / or hafnium oxide. In the present embodiment, the first insulating layer (10) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer (10), but also the insulating layer of the circuit layer (120) described below may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above-described materials, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0088] The gate (GT) of the transistor (100PC) is disposed on the first insulating layer (10). The gate (GT) may be a part of a metal pattern. The gate (GT) overlaps the active area (AL). In a process of doping or reducing a semiconductor pattern (SC, AL, DR, SCL), the gate (GT) may function as a mask.

[0089] The second insulating layer (20) is disposed on the first insulating layer (10) and can cover the gate (GT). The second insulating layer (20) can be commonly overlapped with pixels. The second insulating layer (20) can be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer, and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer (20) can include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride. In the present embodiment, the second insulating layer (20) can have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0090] The third insulating layer (30) may be disposed on the second insulating layer (20). The third insulating layer (30) may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer (30) may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0091] The first connection electrode (CNE1) may be placed on the third insulating layer (30). The first connection electrode (CNE1) may be connected to the connection signal line (SCL) through a contact hole (CNT-1) penetrating the first, second, and third insulating layers (10, 20, 30).

[0092] The fourth insulating layer (40) may be disposed on the third insulating layer (30). The fourth insulating layer (40) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. The fifth insulating layer (50) may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer (40). The fifth insulating layer (50) may be an organic layer.

[0093] The second connection electrode (CNE2) may be placed on the fifth insulating layer (50). The second connection electrode (CNE2) may be connected to the first connection electrode (CNE1) through a contact hole (CNT-2) penetrating the fourth insulating layer (40) and the fifth insulating layer (50).

[0094] The sixth insulating layer (60) is placed on the fifth insulating layer (50) and can cover the second connection electrode (CNE2). The sixth insulating layer (60) may be an organic layer.

[0095] The light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on the circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element (100PE). For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. Hereinafter, the light-emitting element (100PE) is described as an example of an organic light-emitting element, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0096] The light-emitting element (100PE) may include a first electrode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a second electrode (CE).

[0097] The first electrode (AE) may be placed on the sixth insulating layer (60). The first electrode (AE) may be connected to the second connection electrode (CNE2) through a contact hole (CNT-3) penetrating the sixth insulating layer (60).

[0098] The pixel defining film (70) is disposed on the sixth insulating layer (60) and can cover a portion of the first electrode (AE). An opening (70-OP) is defined in the pixel defining film (70). The opening (70-OP) of the pixel defining film (70) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode (AE).

[0099] The display layer (100) may include a light-emitting area (PXA) and a non-light-emitting area (NPXA) adjacent to the light-emitting area (PXA). The non-light-emitting area (NPXA) may at least partially surround the light-emitting area (PXA). In the present embodiment, the light-emitting area (PXA) is defined to correspond to a portion of the first electrode (AE) exposed by the opening (70-OP).

[0100] The light-emitting layer (EL) may be disposed on the first electrode (AE). The light-emitting layer (EL) may be disposed in an area corresponding to the opening (70-OP). For example, the light-emitting layer (EL) may be formed separately for each pixel. When the light-emitting layer (EL) is formed separately for each pixel, each of the light-emitting layers (EL) may emit blue, red, and / or green light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer (EL) may be connected to the pixels and included in common. In this case, the light-emitting layer (EL) may provide blue light or white light.

[0101] The second electrode (CE) may be disposed on the light-emitting layer (EL). The second electrode (CE) may have an integral shape (e.g., a single, continuous structure without any breaks) and may be commonly included in a plurality of pixels.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode (AE) and the light emitting layer (EL). The hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light emitting area (PXA) and the non-light emitting area (NPXA). The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed between the light emitting layer (EL) and the second electrode (CE). The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in a plurality of pixels using an open mask or inkjet process.

[0103] The encapsulating layer (140) may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulating layer (140) may include sequentially laminated inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers, but the layers constituting the encapsulating layer (140) are not necessarily limited thereto. The inorganic layers may protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layers may protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as dust particles. The inorganic layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include an acrylic-based organic layer, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0104] The sensor layer (200) may include a base layer (201), a first conductive layer (202), an intermediate insulating layer (203), a second conductive layer (204), and a cover insulating layer (205).

[0105] The base layer (201) may be an inorganic layer including silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and / or silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base layer (201) may be an organic layer including epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide-based resin. The base layer (201) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure laminated along the third direction (DR3).

[0106] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure laminated along the third direction (DR3).

[0107] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) of the single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowires, graphene, or the like.

[0108] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) of the multilayer structure may include metal layers. The metal layers may have a three-layer structure of, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0109] The intermediate insulating layer (203) and / or the cover insulating layer (205) may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and / or hafnium oxide.

[0110] The intermediate insulating layer (203) and / or the cover insulating layer (205) may include an organic film. The organic film may include an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and / or a perylene resin.

[0111] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer (200, see FIG. 4a) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the second width (204wt) of the second mesh line (MS2) included in the second conductive layer (204) may be greater than or equal to the first width (202wt) of the first mesh line (MS1) included in the first conductive layer (202). When the user (USR) views the first mesh line (MS1) and the second mesh line (MS2) from the side, the first mesh line (MS1) has a smaller width than the second mesh line (MS2), so the probability that the first mesh line (MS1) is visible to the user (USR) may be reduced.

[0113] Each of the first mesh line (MS1) and the second mesh line (MS2) may include first metal layers (M1) and a second metal layer (M2) disposed between the first metal layers (M1). For example, the first metal layers (M1) may include titanium (Ti), and the second metal layer (M2) may include aluminum (Al). However, this is merely an example and is not particularly limited thereto.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first thickness (TK1) of the second metal layer (M2) of the first mesh line (MS1) and the second thickness (TK2) of the second metal layer (M2) of the second mesh line (MS2) may be substantially the same, but are not particularly limited thereto. For example, the second thickness (TK2) may be thicker than the first thickness (TK1). In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first thickness (TK1) and the second thickness (TK2) may be 1000 angstroms or more, for example, 6000 angstroms.

[0115] Figure 5 is a plan view of a sensor layer (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, a sensor layer (200) may be defined with a sensing area (200A) and a peripheral area (200NA) adjacent to the sensing area (200A).

[0117] The sensor layer (200) may include a plurality of first electrodes (210) and a plurality of second electrodes (220) arranged in a sensing area (200A). The first electrodes (210) may be arranged along a first direction (DR1), and the second electrodes (220) may be arranged along a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1). Each of the first electrodes (210) extends along the second direction (DR2), and each of the first electrodes (210) may intersect the second electrodes (220). Each of the second electrodes (220) extends along the first direction (DR1), and each of the second electrodes (220) may intersect the first electrodes (210).

[0118] In FIG. 5, eight first electrodes (210) and twelve second electrodes (220) are illustrated as examples, but the number of each of the first electrodes (210) and the second electrodes (220) is not particularly limited thereto. For example, depending on the screen ratio of the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1), the number of the first electrodes (210) and the number of the second electrodes (220) may vary.

[0119] The sensor layer (200) may include a plurality of first trace lines (210t) each electrically connected to the first electrodes (210) and a plurality of second trace lines (220t) each electrically connected to the second electrodes (220).

[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first trace lines (210t) and the second trace lines (220t) may be arranged in the peripheral area (200NA), but are not particularly limited thereto. For example, the second trace lines (220t) may be extended to be arranged in the sensing area (200A). In this case, the area of ​​the peripheral area (200NA) may be reduced. As a result, the area occupied by the peripheral area (1000NA, see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) may be reduced, and a narrow bezel may be implemented.

[0121] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 5, and 6, the display layer (100) of the display panel (DP) may include a light-emitting area (PXA), and the light-emitting areas (PXAs) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of light-emitting areas (PXAs) may include a first light-emitting area (PXA-R), a second light-emitting area (PXA-G), and a third light-emitting area (PXA-B). For example, the first light-emitting area (PXA-R) may be a red light-emitting area, the second light-emitting area (PXA-G) may be a green light-emitting area, and the third light-emitting area (PXA-B) may be a blue light-emitting area.

[0123] The first light-emitting region (PXA-R) and the second light-emitting region (PXA-G) may be arranged alternately and repeatedly one by one along the second direction (DR2). The third light-emitting region (PXA-B) may be arranged along the second direction (DR2). The third light-emitting region (PXA-B) may be spaced apart from the first and second light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G) in the first direction (DR1). The arrangement relationship of the first to third light-emitting regions (PXA-R, PXA-G, PXA-B) illustrated in FIG. 6 is an example and is not particularly limited thereto.

[0124] The first electrodes (210) may have a first mesh structure (MSS1). For example, the first mesh structure (MSS1) may include a plurality of first mesh lines (MS11) extending along a first direction (DR1) and a plurality of second mesh lines (MS12) extending along a second direction (DR2). A portion where one first mesh line (MS11) and one second mesh line (MS12) intersect or meet may be referred to as a first intersection point (MCP1).

[0125] Each of the second electrodes (220) may include sensing patterns (221) and bridge patterns (222) arranged on a different layer from the sensing patterns (221). The sensing patterns (221) are spaced apart in a first direction (DR1), and the bridge patterns (222) may electrically connect adjacent sensing patterns (221) to each other. Each of the sensing patterns (221) may have a second mesh structure (MSS2). For example, the second mesh structure (MSS2) may include a plurality of third mesh lines (MS21) extending along the first direction (DR1) and a plurality of fourth mesh lines (MS22) extending along the second direction (DR2). A portion where one third mesh line (MS21) and one fourth mesh line (MS22) intersect or meet may be referred to as a second intersection point (MCP2).

[0126] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrodes (210) and the sensing pattern (221) may be disposed on the same layer. The bridge patterns (222) may be disposed on a different layer from the first electrodes (210) and the sensing pattern (221). For example, the first electrodes (210) and the sensing pattern (221) may be configured to be included in the second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 4A), and the bridge patterns (222) may be configured to be included in the first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 4A). In this case, the sensor layer (200) has a structure in which the bridge patterns (222) are disposed closer to the display layer (100) than the sensing patterns (221). Accordingly, the sensor layer (200) may have a bottom bridge structure. However, this is an example and is not necessarily limited thereto. The first electrodes (210) and the sensing pattern (221) may be configured to be included in the first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 4a), and the bridge patterns (222) may be configured to be included in the second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 4a). In this case, the sensor layer (200) may have a top bridge structure.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of contact holes (CN-R, CN-D1, CN-D2) may be provided (defined, or formed) in the sensor layer (200). For example, the contact holes (CN-R, CN-D1, CN-D2) may be provided in the intermediate insulating layer (203, see FIG. 4a). The intermediate insulating layer (203) is a layer disposed between the first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 4a) and the second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 4a), and may be referred to as an insulating layer.

[0128] The contact holes (CN-R, CN-D1, CN-D2) may include a valid contact hole (CN-R), a first dummy contact hole (CN-D1), and a second dummy contact hole (CN-D2). Each of the valid contact hole (CN-R), the first dummy contact hole (CN-D1), and the second dummy contact hole (CN-D2) may be provided at the first intersection point (MCP1) or the second intersection point (MCP2).

[0129] The effective contact hole (CN-R) may be a point where the sensing pattern (221) and the bridge pattern (222) are electrically connected. For example, the effective contact hole (CN-R) may be provided in the intermediate insulating layer (203) disposed between the sensing pattern (221) and the bridge pattern (222) to expose a portion of the bridge pattern (222). The sensing pattern (221) may be electrically connected to a portion of the bridge pattern (222) exposed by the effective contact hole (CN-R).

[0130] The effective contact hole (CN-R) may overlap with the bridge pattern (222). The bridge pattern (222) may be electrically connected to two sensing patterns (221) that are spaced apart from each other through the effective contact holes (CN-R). For example, the effective contact hole (CN-R) is provided for signal transmission, and a signal provided to a conductive pattern included in a second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 4A) may be transmitted to a conductive pattern included in a first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 4A) through the effective contact hole (CN-R). The first dummy contact hole (CN-D1) and the second dummy contact hole (CN-D2) are not connected to the bridge pattern (222) and do not overlap with the bridge pattern (222).

[0131] The entire first and second intersection points (MCP1, MCP2) defined in the first and second mesh structures (MSS1, MSS2) may overlap with the effective contact hole (CN-R), the first dummy contact hole (CN-D1), or the second dummy contact hole (CN-D2) in a one-to-one correspondence. In this case, the arrangement of the contact holes (CN-R, CN-D1, CN-D2) in the sensor layer (200) may become substantially uniform. As a result, the deviation in the amount of reflection depending on the arrangement of the effective contact holes (CN-R) in the sensor layer (200) may be reduced. Accordingly, the pattern visibility in which a specific pattern is recognized due to the deviation in the amount of reflection may be reduced, so that the visibility of the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) may be increased (improved). The increased visibility of the electronic device (1000) may mean that unnecessary patterns for viewing an image, for example, contact holes, are not recognized. An electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) with improved visibility can be provided, where the visibility of a pattern is reduced due to external light reflection.

[0132] FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor layer (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' shown in FIG. 7.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the sensor layer (200) may further include a first dummy pattern (DMP1) overlapping a first dummy contact hole (CN-D1) and a second dummy pattern (DMP2) overlapping a second dummy contact hole (CN-D2). The first dummy pattern (DMP1) and the second dummy pattern (DMP2) may be arranged on the same layer as the bridge pattern (222).

[0134] The first dummy pattern (DMP1) and the second dummy pattern (DMP2) may be spaced apart from the bridge pattern (222). The bridge pattern (222) extends along the first direction (DR1), and the first dummy pattern (DMP1) and the second dummy pattern (DMP2) may be spaced apart from the bridge pattern (222) in the second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1).

[0135] The bridge pattern (222) may include a connecting portion (222cn) overlapping with the effective contact hole (CN-R), a line portion (222ln) extending from the connecting portion (222cn) in a first direction (DR1), and a curved portion (222rw) extending from the line portion (222ln) and being curved. The width of the connecting portion (222cn) may be greater than the width of the line portion (222ln). The curved portion (222rw) may have a curved shape to bypass the first dummy pattern (DMP1). For example, the first dummy pattern (DMP1) may be spaced apart from the curved portion (222rw) in a second direction (DR2).

[0136] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bridge pattern (222) and a sensing pattern (221) may be connected to each other in an effective contact hole (CN-R). A first dummy pattern (DMP1) and a first electrode (210) may be connected to each other in a first dummy contact hole (CN-D1), and a second dummy pattern (DMP2) and a first electrode (210) may be connected to each other in a second dummy contact hole (CN-D2). For example, in each of the contact holes (CN-R, CN-D1, CN-D2), patterns included in two conductive layers, for example, conductive patterns included in a first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 4A) and a second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 4A), may be connected. Since the first and second dummy patterns (DMP1, DMP2) are electrically connected to the first electrode (210), they may also be referred to as first and second auxiliary patterns.

[0137] Since the first and second dummy patterns (DMP1, DMP2) are provided having a shape that is floated and overlapped with the first and second dummy contact holes (CN-D1, CN-D2), the cross-sectional structure including the effective contact hole (CN-R) and the cross-sectional structures including the first and second dummy contact holes (CN-D1, CN-D2) can have similar shapes. Accordingly, the difference between the amount of external light reflected in the effective contact hole (CN-R) and the amount of external light reflected in each of the first and second dummy contact holes (CN-D1, CN-D2) can be reduced. Accordingly, the visibility of the pattern due to the external light reflection is reduced, and an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) with increased (improved) visibility can be provided.

[0138] Fig. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer (200-1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 4a, 5, 11, and 12, the first electrodes (210a) may have a first mesh structure (MSS1a). For example, the first mesh structure (MSS1a) may include a plurality of first mesh lines (MS11) extending along a first direction (DR1), a plurality of second mesh lines (MS12) extending along a second direction (DR2), and a first non-open area (WRA-b).

[0140] Each of the sensing patterns (221a) may have a second mesh structure (MSS2a). For example, the second mesh structure (MSS2a) may include a plurality of third mesh lines (MS21) extending along a first direction (DR1), a plurality of fourth mesh lines (MS22) extending along a second direction (DR2), and a second non-open area (WRA-a).

[0141] The width (WT1) of each of the first non-opening region (WRA-b) and the second non-opening region (WRA-a) may be greater than the width (WT2) of the mesh lines. For example, the width (WT1) of the second non-opening region (WRA-a) may be greater than the width (WT2) of the third mesh line (MS21). In addition, the width of the first non-opening region (WRA-b) may be greater than the width of the first mesh line (MS11).

[0142] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second non-open area (WRA-a) may be provided between two third light-emitting areas (PXA-B) that are adjacent in the second direction (DR2) among the third light-emitting areas (PXA-B). The bridge pattern (222a) may overlap with the area between the two adjacent third light-emitting areas (PXA-B). In this case, the effective contact holes (CN-Ra) may be provided to overlap the second non-open area (WRA-a).

[0143] The first non-aperture region (WRA-b) may be provided between two other third light-emitting regions (PXA-B) adjacent in the second direction (DR2) among the third light-emitting regions (PXA-B). The plurality of dummy contact holes (CN-Da) may overlap the region between the other two adjacent third light-emitting regions (PXA-B), i.e., the first non-aperture region (WRA-b).

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer (200-1) may further include a plurality of dummy patterns (DMPa) that overlap with dummy contact holes (CN-Da) and are spaced apart from the bridge pattern (222a). The dummy patterns (DMPa) may overlap with the dummy contact holes (CN-Da) in a one-to-one correspondence. Accordingly, the dummy patterns (DMPa) may also overlap with the first non-opening area (WRA-b).

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of non-aperture areas (WRA-a, WRA-b) may overlap with at least one effective contact hole among the effective contact holes (CN-Ra) or at least one dummy contact hole among the dummy contact holes (CN-Da). In this case, the arrangement of the contact holes (CN-Ra, CN-Da) in the sensor layer (200-1) may become substantially uniform. As a result, the deviation in the amount of reflection depending on the arrangement of the effective contact holes (CN-Ra) in the sensor layer (200-1) may be reduced. Accordingly, the visibility of the pattern due to external light reflection may be reduced, and an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) with increased (improved) visibility may be provided.

[0146] FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer (200-2) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 13, the bridge pattern (222a-1) may include a connecting portion (222cn) overlapping with an effective contact hole (CN-Ra), a line portion (222ln) extending from the connecting portion (222cn) in a first direction (DR1), and a curved portion (222a-rw) extending from the line portion (222ln) and being curved. The curved portion (222a-rw) may have a curved shape to bypass the dummy patterns (DMPa). For example, the dummy patterns (DMPa) may be spaced apart from the curved portion (222a-rw) in a second direction (DR2).

[0148] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dummy patterns (DMPa) and the dummy contact holes (CN-Da) may be arranged or provided in an area closer to the curved portion (222a-rw) than shown. In this case, the effective contact hole (CN-Ra) and the dummy contact hole (CN-Da) may be aligned with each other.

[0149] Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer (200-3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 14, the bridge pattern (222a-2) may include a line portion (222ln) extending in a first direction (DR1) and a protruding portion (222a-pt) protruding from the line portion (222ln) in a second direction (DR2). An effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) overlaps with the protruding portion (222a-pt), and the sensing pattern (221a) may be electrically connected to the bridge pattern (222a-2) through the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1).

[0151] In one embodiment of the present invention, the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) and the dummy contact hole (CN-Da) are spaced apart in the first direction (DR1), and the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) and the dummy contact hole (CN-Da) can be aligned with each other.

[0152] FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a sensor layer (200-4) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 15, the bridge pattern (222a-3) may include a line portion (222ln) extending in a first direction (DR1), a protruding portion (222a-pt) protruding from the line portion (222ln) in a second direction (DR2), and a curved portion (222a-rw) extending from the line portion (222ln) and being curved. An effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) overlaps with the protruding portion (222a-pt), and the sensing pattern (221a) may be electrically connected to the bridge pattern (222a-3) through the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1). The dummy patterns (DMPa) may be spaced apart from the curved portion (222a-rw) in the second direction (DR2).

[0154] In one embodiment of the present invention, the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) and the dummy contact hole (CN-Da) are spaced apart in the first direction (DR1), and the effective contact hole (CN-Ra1) and the dummy contact hole (CN-Da) can be aligned with each other.

[0155] Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 4a, 5, 11, and 16, the first electrodes (210a) of the sensor layer (200-5) may have a first mesh structure (MSS1a). For example, the first mesh structure (MSS1a) may include a plurality of first mesh lines (MS11) extending along a first direction (DR1), a plurality of second mesh lines (MS12) extending along a second direction (DR2), and a first non-open area (WRA-b).

[0157] Each of the detection patterns (221a) of the sensor layer (200-5) may have a second mesh structure (MSS2a). For example, the second mesh structure (MSS2a) may include a plurality of third mesh lines (MS21) extending along a first direction (DR1), a plurality of fourth mesh lines (MS22) extending along a second direction (DR2), and a second non-open area (WRA-a).

[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of contact holes (CN-Ra, CN-Da, CN-Db) may be provided (defined, or formed) in the sensor layer (200-5). The contact holes (CN-Ra, CN-Da, CN-Db) may be provided in the intermediate insulating layer (203). The contact holes (CN-Ra, CN-Da, CN-Db) may include an effective contact hole (CN-Ra), a first dummy contact hole (CN-Da), and a second dummy contact hole (CN-Db).

[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second non-opening areas (WRA-a, WRA-b) may overlap at least one effective contact hole among the effective contact holes (CN-Ra) or at least one first dummy contact hole among the first dummy contact holes (CN-Da). In addition, the second dummy contact holes (CN-Db) may overlap each of the first intersection points (MCP1) and the second intersection points (MCP2). In this case, the arrangement of the contact holes (CN-Ra, CN-Da, CN-Db) in the sensor layer (200-5) may become substantially uniform. As a result, the deviation in the amount of reflection depending on the arrangement of the effective contact holes (CN-Ra) in the sensor layer (200-5) may be reduced. Accordingly, the visibility of the pattern due to external light reflection may be reduced, and an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) with increased (improved) visibility may be provided.

[0160] Fig. 17 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] In Fig. 17, one detection pattern (221b1, hereinafter referred to as the first detection pattern) of the second electrode (220), another detection pattern (221b2, hereinafter referred to as the second detection pattern) of the second electrode (220), and the first electrode (210a) are exemplarily illustrated.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 17, the first sensing pattern (221b1) and the second sensing pattern (221b2) may be spaced apart from each other with the first electrode (210a) therebetween. Accordingly, the first sensing pattern (221b1) and the second sensing pattern (221b2) may be electrically connected by the bridge pattern (222b) of the second electrode (220). For example, the first sensing pattern (221b1) may be connected to the bridge pattern (222b) through the effective contact hole (CN-Rb1), and the second sensing pattern (221b2) may be connected to the bridge pattern (222b) through the effective contact hole (CN-Rb2). In Fig. 17, the first detection pattern (221b1) and the second detection pattern (221b2) are electrically connected to each other by two bridge patterns (222b) as an example, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer (200-6) may further include dummy bridge patterns (222dm1, 222dm2, 222dm3) arranged on the same layer as the bridge patterns (222b). For example, when only the bridge patterns (222b) are arranged, the bridge patterns (222b) may be regularly arranged in a specific area where the first electrode (210a) and the second electrode (220) intersect. In this case, a difference in the amount of reflection may occur between an area where the bridge patterns (222b) are arranged and an area where the bridge patterns (222b) are not arranged. As in the embodiment of the present invention, when dummy bridge patterns (222dm1, 222dm2, 222dm3) are added to an area other than a specific area where the first electrode (210a) and the second electrode (220) intersect, the deviation in the amount of reflection depending on the arrangement of the bridge patterns (222b) within the sensor layer (200-6) can be reduced by the dummy bridge patterns (222dm1, 222dm2, 222dm3). Accordingly, the visibility of the pattern due to external light reflection is reduced, and an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) with increased (improved) visibility can be provided.

[0164] Each of the dummy bridge patterns (222dm1, 222dm2, 222dm3) may be electrically floated or connected to the same electrode. The dummy bridge patterns (222dm1, 222dm2, 222dm3) may include a first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1), a second dummy bridge pattern (222dm2), and a third dummy bridge pattern (222dm3). The first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1) may overlap both the first electrode (210a) and the second electrode (220). For example, the first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1) may overlap the first sensing pattern (221b1) and the first electrode (210a). The second dummy bridge pattern (222dm2) may overlap only the first electrode (210a). The third dummy bridge pattern (222dm3) can only overlap with the second electrode (220).

[0165] The sensor layer (200-6) further includes a first dummy pattern (DMP1a) and a second dummy pattern (DMP2a) arranged on the same layer as the first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1). The first electrode (210a) may be connected to the first dummy pattern (DMP1a) through the first dummy contact hole (CN-Dm1), and the first sensing pattern (221b1) may be connected to the second dummy pattern (DMP2a) through the second dummy contact hole (CN-Dm2). The first dummy pattern (DMP1a) and the second dummy pattern (DMP2a) may be spaced apart from each other with the first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1) therebetween. In addition, the first dummy contact hole (CN-Dm1) and the second dummy contact hole (CN-Dm2) may not overlap with the first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1). Therefore, the first dummy bridge pattern (222dm1) can be electrically floated.

[0166] The first electrode (210a) can be connected to both ends of the second dummy bridge pattern (222dm2) through the third dummy contact holes (CN-Dm3). Therefore, the second dummy bridge pattern (222dm2) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (210a). Since the second dummy bridge pattern (222dm2) is electrically connected to the first electrode (210a), it can be referred to as an auxiliary bridge or an auxiliary pattern.

[0167] The first sensing pattern (221b1) can be connected to both ends of the third dummy bridge pattern (222dm3) through the fourth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm4). Therefore, the third dummy bridge pattern (222dm3) can be electrically connected to the second electrode (220). Since the third dummy bridge pattern (222dm3) is electrically connected to the second electrode (220), it can be referred to as an auxiliary bridge or an auxiliary pattern.

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer (200-6) may further include fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) that are further defined and third dummy patterns (DMP3a) arranged correspondingly thereto. The third dummy patterns (DMP3a) may be arranged on the same layer as the bridge patterns (222b) and may be spaced apart from the bridge patterns (222b). For example, the third dummy patterns (DMP3a) may be insulated from the bridge patterns (222b).

[0169] The first electrode (210a) may be connected to the third dummy patterns (DMP3a) through the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5). In particular, some of the third dummy patterns (DMP3a) may be adjacent to the bridge pattern (222b). Accordingly, the bridge pattern (222b) may have a curved portion having a shape that bypasses the third dummy patterns (DMP3a). For example, the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) may also be provided in the non-opening area (WRA) overlapping with the bridge pattern (222b).

[0170] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) may be spaced apart from the effective contact holes (CN-Rb1, CN-Rb2) in the first direction (DR1). Since the bridge pattern (222b) includes a curved portion, the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) may be provided at a position aligned with the effective contact holes (CN-Rb1, CN-Rb2) in the first direction (DR1).

[0171] The shape of the bridge pattern (222b) and the arrangement relationship of the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) are not particularly limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the shape of the bridge pattern (222b) or the arrangement relationship of the fifth dummy contact holes (CN-Dm5) may be replaced with the shape or arrangement relationship illustrated in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, or FIG. 15, respectively, or may be variously combined in a form in which multiple embodiments are applied.

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two contact holes may be arranged in each of the non-opening areas (WRA) of the sensor layer (200-6). One of the at least two contact holes may be an effective contact hole (CN-Rb1 or CN-Rb2), and the other may be a dummy contact hole (CN-Dm4 or CN-Dm5). Alternatively, both of the at least two contact holes may be dummy contact holes (CN-Dm1, CN-Dm2, CN-Dm4, CN-Dm5). Alternatively, both of the at least two contact holes may be effective contact holes (CN-Ra). In this case, the arrangement of the contact holes in the sensor layer (200-6) may become substantially uniform. As a result, the deviation in the amount of reflection depending on the presence or absence of the effective contact holes (CN-Rb1, CN-Rb2) in the sensor layer (200-6) may be reduced. Accordingly, an electronic device (1000, see Fig. 1) with increased (improved) visibility can be provided by reducing the visibility of the pattern due to external light reflection.

[0173] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or possessing common knowledge in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the details set forth in the detailed description of the specification.

[0174] Electronic devices may include conductive patterns for detecting touch, and these conductive patterns may reflect external light and be visible to the user. Therefore, research is being conducted to prevent conductive patterns from being visible due to the reflection of external light. Therefore, inventions that reduce the variation in reflectivity within the sensor layer of an electronic device and reduce the visibility of patterns due to external light reflection, thereby improving visibility, have high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A display layer that displays images; and Including a sensor layer arranged on the above display layer, The above sensor layer, First electrode; A second electrode intersecting the first electrode and including a sensing pattern and a bridge pattern; An insulating layer disposed between the sensing pattern and the bridge pattern; and A dummy pattern is disposed on the same layer as the bridge pattern and is spaced apart from the bridge pattern. The insulating layer is provided with a plurality of contact holes, and the plurality of contact holes include an effective contact hole exposing a portion of the bridge pattern and a dummy contact hole exposing a portion of the dummy pattern. An electronic device wherein the sensing pattern is electrically connected to the bridge pattern through the effective contact hole, and the first electrode or the sensing pattern is connected to the dummy pattern through the dummy contact hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The first electrode includes a first mesh line extending along a first direction and a second mesh line extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, An electronic device wherein the detection pattern includes a third mesh line extending along the first direction and a fourth mesh line extending along the second direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above dummy contact holes are provided in multiples, The above plurality of dummy contact holes are provided at a first intersection where the first mesh line and the second mesh line intersect or meet, and a second intersection where the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet, The above effective contact hole is an electronic device in which the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet and overlap with the bridge pattern.

4. In paragraph 2, The first electrode further includes a first non-open region having a width greater than the width of the first mesh line, An electronic device wherein the sensing pattern further includes a second non-open area having a width greater than a width of the third mesh line.

5. In paragraph 4, An electronic device in which the above effective contact hole is provided overlapping the second non-open area.

6. In paragraph 4, The above dummy contact holes are provided in multiples, An electronic device wherein the above plurality of dummy contact holes are provided overlapping the first non-open area.

7. In paragraph 4, The above dummy contact holes are provided in multiples, An electronic device wherein the plurality of dummy contact holes are provided at a first intersection where the first mesh line and the second mesh line intersect or meet, a second intersection where the third mesh line and the fourth mesh line intersect or meet, and the first non-open area.

8. In paragraph 2, The above display layer includes a plurality of first light-emitting regions, a plurality of second light-emitting regions, and a plurality of third light-emitting regions, An electronic device wherein the plurality of first light-emitting regions and the plurality of second light-emitting regions are arranged alternately and repeatedly one by one along the second direction, the plurality of third light-emitting regions are arranged along the second direction, and one third light-emitting region of the plurality of third light-emitting regions is spaced apart from one first light-emitting region of the plurality of first light-emitting regions and one second light-emitting region of the plurality of second light-emitting regions in the first direction.

9. In paragraph 8, An electronic device in which the effective contact hole is provided between two third light-emitting regions adjacent in the second direction among the plurality of third light-emitting regions, and the bridge pattern overlaps an area between the two third light-emitting regions.

10. In paragraph 9, An electronic device in which the dummy contact hole is provided between two other third light-emitting regions adjacent in the second direction among the plurality of third light-emitting regions, and the dummy pattern overlaps an area between the other two third light-emitting regions.

11. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the bridge pattern extends along a first direction, and the dummy pattern is spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

12. In paragraph 11, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern includes a curved portion that faces the dummy pattern and is curved to bypass the dummy pattern.

13. In paragraph 11, An electronic device wherein the effective contact hole and the dummy contact hole are spaced apart in the first direction, and the effective contact hole and the dummy contact hole are aligned with each other.

14. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and the dummy contact hole is spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

15. In paragraph 14, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern further includes a curved portion extending from the line portion, and the dummy contact hole is spaced apart from the curved portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

16. In paragraph 14, The above bridge pattern further includes a connecting portion connected to the above line portion, An electronic device in which the above effective contact hole overlaps the above connecting portion.

17. In paragraph 14, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern further includes a protruding portion protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the effective contact hole overlaps the protruding portion.

18. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the sensor layer is arranged on the same layer as the bridge pattern and further includes a plurality of dummy bridge patterns spaced apart from the bridge pattern.

19. In paragraph 18, The above multiple dummy bridge patterns are: A first dummy bridge pattern electrically floating and overlapping the first electrode and the sensing pattern; A second dummy bridge pattern overlapping the first electrode and electrically connected to the first electrode; and An electronic device comprising a third dummy bridge pattern overlapping the above detection pattern and electrically connected to the above detection pattern.

20. A display layer configured to display an image; and Including a sensor layer arranged on the above display layer, The above sensor layer, First electrode; A second electrode intersecting the first electrode and including a sensing pattern and a bridge pattern; An insulating layer disposed between the sensing pattern and the bridge pattern; and A dummy pattern is disposed on the same layer as the bridge pattern and is spaced apart from the bridge pattern. The insulating layer is provided with a plurality of contact holes, and the plurality of contact holes include an effective contact hole overlapping the bridge pattern and a dummy contact hole that does not overlap the bridge pattern and overlaps the dummy pattern. An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and the dummy contact hole is spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

21. In paragraph 20, An electronic device in which the bridge pattern extends from the line portion and further includes a curved bend portion, and the dummy contact hole is spaced apart from the bend portion in the second direction.

22. In paragraph 20, The above bridge pattern further includes a connecting portion connected to the above line portion, An electronic device in which the above effective contact hole overlaps the above connecting portion.

23. In paragraph 20, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern further includes a protruding portion protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the effective contact hole overlaps the protruding portion.

24. A first challenge layer comprising a bridge pattern and a plurality of dummy patterns; a second conductive layer comprising a plurality of conductive patterns having a mesh structure; and An insulating layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and includes a plurality of effective contact holes and a plurality of dummy contact holes defined therein. An electronic device wherein the plurality of valid contact holes overlap with the bridge pattern, and the plurality of dummy contact holes overlap with the plurality of dummy patterns, respectively.

25. In paragraph 24, An electronic device wherein the mesh structure includes a plurality of intersections, each of the plurality of intersections overlapping at least one contact hole among the plurality of effective contact holes and the plurality of dummy contact holes.

26. In paragraph 24, The above mesh structure includes a plurality of mesh lines and a plurality of non-open regions having a width greater than the width of the plurality of mesh lines, An electronic device wherein each of the plurality of non-open areas overlaps at least one effective contact hole among the plurality of effective contact holes or at least one dummy contact hole among the plurality of dummy contact holes.

27. In paragraph 24, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern includes a line portion extending along a first direction, and the plurality of dummy contact holes are spaced apart from the bridge pattern in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

28. In paragraph 27, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern further includes a plurality of curved portions extending from the line portion, and the plurality of dummy contact holes are spaced apart from the plurality of curved portions in the second direction.

29. In paragraph 27, The above bridge pattern further includes a plurality of connecting portions larger than the width of the line portion, An electronic device wherein the plurality of effective contact holes overlap with the plurality of connecting portions, respectively.

30. In paragraph 27, An electronic device wherein the bridge pattern further includes a plurality of protruding portions protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of effective contact holes overlap with the plurality of protruding portions.

Images