Patent Description:
A touch sensing part is an input device to which a user inputs a command by touching the touch sensing part with the user's finger or a tool. Since the touch sensing part may obviate the need of a separate input device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc., the touch sensing part is generally used in mobile devices.

As the touch sensing part, a resistive type touch sensing part, a light sensing type touch sensing part, and a capacitive type touch sensing part are widely used. Among them, the capacitive type touch sensing part includes a plurality of touch electrodes, which may detect a touch position by sensing a position with a varied capacitance in accordance with the touch of the user's finger or the tool.

The touch electrodes included in the capacitive type touch sensing part may have various shapes. The shapes of the touch electrodes are generally designed to be less perceivable to a user.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

<CIT> discloses a display apparatus with the features as summarized in the preamble of claim <NUM>. <CIT> discloses a flexible display device with a touch panel disposed on a display panel, wherein at least a portion of each of the display panel and the touch panel is bendable such that centers of curvature of the display panel and the touch panel are positioned outside a second surface of the display panel opposite to the side with the touch panel.

The present invention provides a display apparatus with the features of claim <NUM> capable of reducing cracks in touch electrodes from bending the display apparatus.

Additional aspects will be set forth in the dependent claims and the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be apparent from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

The display apparatus may further include a second touch electrode disposed on the display panel, the second touch electrode extending in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and electrically insulated from the first touch electrode, in which the second touch electrode includes second touch patterns, and a bridge pattern connecting adjacent second touch patterns in the third direction.

The display apparatus may further include a protective layer disposed between the display panel and the first touch electrode, in which the first and second touch electrodes are disposed between the polarizing member and the protective layer.

The display apparatus may further include a protective layer disposed between the display panel and the first touch electrode, in which the polarizing member is disposed between the protective layer and the display panel.

The first directional angle and the second directional angle may be about <NUM> degrees.

The display apparatus includes a bending area, in which the display apparatus is configured to be bent in the bending area with respect to a reference axis substantially parallel to the third direction.

The bending area may be configured to be bent to have a convex shape.

An angle between the first direction and the absorption axis in the counter-clockwise direction may be of about <NUM> degrees.

An angle between the first direction and the absorption axis direction in the clockwise direction may be about <NUM> degrees. The display apparatus may further include a second touch electrode disposed on the display panel, the second touch electrode extending in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and electrically insulated from the first touch electrode, in which the second touch electrode includes second touch patterns, and a bridge pattern connecting adjacent second touch patterns, and a portion of an edge of the second touch patterns has a curved shape.

The display apparatus may further include dummy patterns disposed between and electrically insulated from the first touch patterns and the second touch patterns, in which a portion of an edge of each of the dummy patterns has a curved shape.

A side of the first touch patterns and a side of the second touch patterns may each have a zigzag shape.

Edges of the zigzag shape may each have a minimum radius of curvature equal to or greater than about <NUM>.

The first touch patterns may have a rhombus shape, and each side of the rhombus shape may have a zigzag shape having rounded corners.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the inventive concept.

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

In the accompanying figures, the size and relative sizes of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, and/or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, and/or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. The regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting.

Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a display apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The display apparatus <NUM> includes a touch sensing part <NUM> and a display panel <NUM>. The touch sensing part <NUM> is disposed on the display panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes a first bending area BA1 bent with respect to a first reference axis Ax1 substantially parallel to a third direction DR3, a second bending area BA2 bent with respect to a second reference axis Ax2 substantially parallel to the third direction DR3, and a flat area NBA. The third direction DR3 is perpendicular to a first direction DR1. The first bending area BA1, the flat area NBA, and the second bending area BA2 of the display apparatus <NUM> are sequentially arranged in the first direction DR1.

The display apparatus <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a curved display apparatus having a curvature. When the first bending area BA1 and the second bending area BA2 are bent, a stress may be applied to the first bending area BA1 and the second bending area BA2, but the stress may not be applied to the flat area NBA, since the flat area NBA is not bent. Although <FIG> shows that the display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> includes the flat area NBA, it is contemplated that, however, the display apparatus <NUM> may alternatively be a curved display apparatus including the first and second bending areas BA1 and BA2 without the flat area NBA therebetween. In addition, in <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> is shown to be convex-curved to a direction to which an image is displayed. However, the display apparatus <NUM> may alternatively be concave-curved with respect to the direction to which an image is displayed.

The display apparatus <NUM> is a flexible display apparatus that may be folded or unfolded. The display apparatus <NUM> may be bent with respect to one reference axis. The display apparatus <NUM> may alternatively be a flexible display apparatus that includes the first and second bending areas BA1 and BA2 without the flat area NBA therebetween.

When the display apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is flexible, the display apparatus <NUM> may be in an out-folding state, such that the touch sensing part <NUM> is bent facing outward with respect to the first and second reference axes Ax1 and Ax2 substantially parallel to the third direction DR3, but it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus <NUM> may alternatively be in an in-folding state, such that the touch sensing part is bent facing inward with respect to the first and second reference axes Ax1 and Ax2.

The display apparatus <NUM> may include an active area AR and a non-active area NAR surrounding the active area AR.

The active area AR may be, but is not limited to, an area where the touch sensing part <NUM> is activated. The active area AR may be an overlapping area between a display area, a portion of which the display panel <NUM> may be activated, and a touch area, a portion of which the touch sensing part <NUM> may be activated. Accordingly, a user may input a touch signal to the display apparatus <NUM> and simultaneously receive information through the image displayed in the display area.

The touch sensing part <NUM> may not be activated in the non-active area NAR. The non-active area NAR includes wirings that may transmit electrical signals for activating the active area AR.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a touch sensing part <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing touch electrodes <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view showing a touch sensing part <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows touch electrodes disposed on a base member BP, and <FIG> shows the touch sensing part <NUM> including an insulating layer <NUM> disposed on the touch electrodes <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing part <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment includes touch electrodes <NUM>, touch lines <NUM>, and touch pads <NUM>.

The touch electrodes <NUM> include first touch electrodes <NUM>, second touch electrodes <NUM>, and dummy patterns DU. The first touch electrodes <NUM> extend in the first direction DR1, and the second touch electrodes <NUM> extend in the third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

The touch electrodes <NUM> may include a conductive material. For instance, the touch electrodes <NUM> may include a conductive oxide material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), etc., but the touch electrodes <NUM> may alternatively include a metal or conductive polymer. The touch electrodes <NUM> may include a nanowire including Ag, Cu, Au, etc. The touch electrode <NUM> may have a mesh shape.

The first touch electrodes <NUM> are disposed on the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first touch electrodes <NUM> include first touch patterns TP1 and connection patterns CN, which are further described below with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first touch patterns TP1 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each first touch pattern TP1 has a rhombus shape, but the shape of the first touch patterns TP1 may be varied. A side of each of the first touch patterns TP1 may have a zigzag shape. Accordingly, even though the display area is disposed to overlap the first touch patterns TP1, the image displayed on the display area may be less affected by the first touch patterns TP1. In detail, the zigzag shape in the first touch patterns TP1 may prevent the occurrence of a moiré phenomenon, which may be caused by the repeated arrangement of the first touch patterns TP1.

Each connection pattern CN connects two first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1. The connection patterns CN extend in the second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. Referring to <FIG>, an extending direction of the first touch patterns TP1 is different from an extending direction of the connection patterns CN. The connection patterns CN have a minimum width W1 in a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2. More particularly, the second direction DR2 is defined in a direction perpendicular to the minimum width W1. For example, the connection patterns CN may be defined by a length of about two and half times of the minimum width W1 and a width of the minimum width W1. However, the connection pattern CN may be defined in various ways.

The second touch electrodes <NUM> are disposed on the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second touch electrodes <NUM> are electrically insulated from the first touch electrodes <NUM>. The second touch electrodes <NUM> include second touch patterns TP2 and bridge patterns BR.

The second touch patterns TP2 are spaced apart from each other in the third direction DR3 perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Each second touch pattern TP2 has a rhombus shape, but the shape of the second touch patterns TP2 may be varied. A side of each of the second touch patterns TP2 may have a zigzag shape. The zigzag shape may prevent the occurrence of a moiré phenomenon, which may be caused by the repeated arrangement of the second touch patterns TP2.

Each bridge pattern BR connects two second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> adjacent to each other in the third direction DR3. The bridge patterns BR extend in a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2, but it should not be limited thereto or thereby.

The second touch patterns TP2 may be disposed on the same layer as the first touch patterns TP1, and the bridge patterns BR may be disposed on the connection patterns CN. The bridge patterns BR may be electrically insulated from the connection patterns CN.

The dummy patterns DU may be electrically floated. The dummy patterns DU may prevent the patterns of the first touch electrodes <NUM> and the second touch electrodes <NUM> from being perceived by a user.

Referring back to <FIG>, the touch lines <NUM> include first lines <NUM> and second lines <NUM>. The touch lines <NUM> are disposed on the base member BP.

The first lines <NUM> are connected to the first touch electrodes <NUM>. The first lines <NUM> may be disposed on the same layer as the first touch electrodes <NUM>. The first lines <NUM> are arranged in the non-active area NAR of the display panel <NUM>. One end of each of the first lines <NUM> is connected to one end of a corresponding first touch electrode of the first touch electrodes <NUM>, and the other end of each of the first lines <NUM> is connected to a corresponding pad of the first pads <NUM>.

The second lines <NUM> are connected to the second touch electrodes <NUM>. The second lines <NUM> may be disposed on the same layer as the first touch electrodes <NUM>. The second lines <NUM> are arranged in the non-active area NAR of the display panel <NUM>. One end of each of the second lines <NUM> is connected to one end of a corresponding second touch electrode of the second touch electrodes <NUM>, and the other end of each of the second lines <NUM> is connected to a corresponding pad of the second pads <NUM>.

The touch pads <NUM> include first pads <NUM> and second pads <NUM>. The touch pads <NUM> are disposed on the base member BP. The touch pads <NUM> may be disposed on the same layer as the first and second lines <NUM> and <NUM>. The touch pads <NUM> are arranged in the non-active area NAR. The first pads <NUM> are connected to the first lines <NUM>, and the second pads <NUM> are connected to the second lines <NUM>.

The touch sensing part <NUM> calculates a touch coordinate through the first and second pads <NUM> and <NUM> based on a variation in capacitance of a capacitor between the first touch electrodes <NUM> and the second touch electrodes <NUM>, in accordance with a touch event.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing part <NUM> further includes an insulating layer <NUM>.

The insulating layer <NUM> is disposed on the display panel <NUM> (see <FIG>). The insulating layer <NUM> is disposed on the first touch electrodes <NUM>. In addition, the insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed on the touch lines <NUM> and the second touch patterns TP2, and cover the bridge patterns BR.

The insulating layer <NUM> may cover the entire surface of the display panel <NUM> except for a portion of the touch pads <NUM>, but it should not be limited thereto or thereby. The insulating layer <NUM> may include various insulating materials, such as SiOx, SiNx, etc. The insulating layer <NUM> may be provided in a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a polarizing member POL according to an exemplary embodiment.

The polarizing member POL is disposed on the display panel <NUM> to prevent an external light from being reflected. The polarizing member POL may be disposed on the touch electrodes <NUM>. The polarizing member POL may alternatively be disposed between the touch electrodes <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

The polarizing member POL controls an amount of light transmitted thereby based on a polarization degree of light incident thereto. The polarizing member POL has an absorption axis and a transmission axis. The absorption axis is substantially perpendicular to the transmission axis. The polarizing member POL transmits light traveling in a direction substantially parallel to the transmission axis. The polarizing member POL absorbs light traveling in a direction substantially parallel to the absorption axis. The display apparatus <NUM> may have a different color scheme depending on the absorption axis direction when the display apparatus <NUM> is in an off state.

Referring to <FIG>, a direction substantially parallel to the absorption axis of the polarizing member POL will be hereinafter referred to as a fourth direction DR4. The polarizing member POL is formed by elongating polymer films. In this case, the molecular arrangement of the polarizing member POL has a directional characteristic in the elongated direction (e.g., the absorption axis direction). More particularly, since polymers are aligned in the fourth direction DR4, an adhesive force between the polymers in the transmission axis perpendicular to the fourth direction DR4 is weaker than that between the polymers in the absorption axis. A length of the polarizing member POL in the transmission axis direction may be easily longer than a length of the polarizing member POL in the absorption axis direction by heat or pressure. In detail, in a high temperature or a high humidity environment, the polarizing member POL may shrink in the absorption axis direction. In the case that a shrink force occurs on the polarizing member POL in the fourth direction DR4, an expansive force may occur in the direction perpendicular to the fourth direction DR4 for maintaining the internal balance of the polarizing member POL.

The first to fourth directions DR1 to DR4 cross each other in different directions to prevent the touch electrodes <NUM> from being susceptible to cracking when the display apparatus <NUM> is bent. Relations between the first to fourth directions DR1 to DR4 are described in detail later.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views taken along line I-I' of <FIG>, which respectively illustrate display apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. <FIG> are cross-sectional views showing the display apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> each having a polarizing member POL disposed on the touch electrodes <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views showing the display apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> each having a polarizing member POL disposed between touch electrodes <NUM> and a display panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> includes a touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM>, a display panel <NUM>, and a base member BP. The touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed on the display panel <NUM>. The base member BP is disposed between the touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

The touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> includes the touch electrodes <NUM>, an insulating layer <NUM>, and a protective layer <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> includes a first insulating layer <NUM> and a second insulating layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> is disposed on the base member BP, and the touch electrodes <NUM> and the insulating layer <NUM> are disposed on the protective layer <NUM>. The polarizing member POL is disposed on the insulating layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the touch sensing parts <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> according to exemplary embodiments, the protective layer <NUM> is formed on a base (not shown), and the touch electrodes <NUM>, the insulating layer <NUM>, and the polarizing member POL are formed on the protective layer <NUM>. Then, the protective layer <NUM> is separated from the base (not shown). <FIG> shows the protective layer <NUM> attached to the base member BP by an adhesive <NUM> therebetween, and <FIG> shows the protective layer <NUM> attached to the display panel <NUM> by the adhesive <NUM>.

According to the touch sensing parts <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, the first touch electrodes <NUM> and second touch patterns TP2 may be formed on the protective layer <NUM>, and the first insulating layer <NUM> may be formed on the first touch electrodes <NUM> and second touch patterns TP2. Then, a contact hole may be formed in a portion where the first insulating layer <NUM> overlaps the second touch patterns TP2. Bridge patterns BR may be formed on the first insulating layer <NUM> and in the contact hole and connect two second touch patterns TP2 adjacent to each other. The second insulating layer <NUM> may be formed on the bridge patterns BR and the first insulating layer <NUM>. The polarizing member POL may be attached to the second insulating layer <NUM> after forming the second insulating layer <NUM>.

The first and second insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> may include various materials, such as SiOx, SiNx, etc., and may share the same materials. The insulating layer <NUM> may have a thickness in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The protective layer <NUM> may include various polymer organic layers, such as polyethylene etherphthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyimide, etc., but it should not be limited thereto or thereby. For instance, the protective layer <NUM> may be formed of an inorganic layer. The protective layer <NUM> may have a thickness in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The protective layer <NUM> separated from the base (not shown) is attached to the base member BP to insulate the touch electrodes <NUM> from the display panel <NUM>, and to protect the touch electrodes <NUM> from external impacts.

The base member BP may include a transparent insulating material, e.g., glass, polymer resin, etc., and may include the same material as that of the protective layer <NUM>. For example, the base member BP may have a film shape including an organic material or an inorganic material. The base member BP may include a flexible material that is easily bent or folded.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> and the base member BP are attached to each other by the adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, a transparent adhesive film or a liquid adhesive, such as an optically clear resin.

The display panel <NUM> displays an image in response to image data provided thereto. The display panel <NUM> may be an organic light emitting display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, or a liquid crystal display panel, but is not limited thereto or thereby. Hereinafter, the display panel <NUM> will be described with reference to an organic light emitting display panel.

The display panel <NUM> includes a substrate BS, a pixel layer EL, and an encapsulation layer ECL.

The substrate BS may be, but is not limited to, a flexible substrate, and may include a plastic material having superior thermal resistance and durability, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), etc., but the substrate BS may alternatively include various other materials, such as metal, glass, etc..

The pixel layer EL is disposed between the substrate BS and the encapsulation layer ECL. The pixel layer EL includes organic light emitting diodes (not shown) and driving devices (not shown) driving the organic light emitting diodes. The driving devices (not shown) include thin-film transistors and various lines. Each organic light emitting diode (not shown) includes an anode, an organic light emitting layer, and a cathode. Holes and electrons are injected into the organic light emitting layer from the anode and the cathode, and the holes are recombined with the electrons in the organic light emitting layer to generate excitons. The excitons may be shifted from an excited state to a ground state, and discharges energy during the shift, which is emitted as light.

The encapsulation layer ECL is disposed on the pixel layer EL. The encapsulation layer ECL prevents the organic light emitting diodes included in the pixel layer EL from being exposed to external moisture and oxygen. The encapsulation layer ECL may have a film shape, in which an organic layer and an inorganic layer are stacked one on another, however, the encapsulation layer ECL may be provided in a substrate of glass or plastic.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> may be directly attached to the display panel <NUM>. In detail, the protective layer <NUM> may be directly attached to the encapsulation layer ECL of the display panel <NUM>. In this case, the thickness of the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may be reduced, and thus, the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may be easily bent or folded. Other components of the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may have the same structure and function as those of the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing part <NUM>-<NUM> includes touch electrodes <NUM> and an insulating layer <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> includes a first insulating layer <NUM> and a second insulating layer <NUM>. The touch electrodes <NUM> and the insulating layer <NUM> are directly disposed on the display panel <NUM> without the protective layer <NUM> therebetween.

In detail, the touch electrodes <NUM> and the insulating layer <NUM> may be directly formed on the encapsulation layer ECL without the protective layer <NUM> and the adhesive <NUM>. The encapsulation layer ECL may include substantially the same material as the protective layer <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a polarizing member POL is disposed between a protective layer <NUM> and a display panel <NUM>. According to the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>, the polarizing member POL is attached to the encapsulation layer ECL, and the polarizing member POL and the protective layer <NUM> are attached to each other by the adhesive <NUM> therebetween. According to the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>, a base member BP is disposed on the polarizing member POL, and the base member BP and the protective layer <NUM> are attached to each other by the adhesive <NUM> therebetween.

<FIG> is an enlarged plan view showing portion "AA" of a touch sensing part <NUM> of <FIG> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged plan view showing portion "BB" of a touch sensing part <NUM> of <FIG> according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> extend in the first direction DR1, and the second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> extend in the third direction DR3. This means, that the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> respective the second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> are arranged one behind another in the respective direction DR1 respectively DR3. Sides of the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> and sides of the second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> have a zigzag shape. The dummy patterns DU may be disposed between the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> and the second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM>, and have a zigzag shape corresponding to the edges of the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> and the second touch patterns TP2-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each connection pattern CN connects adjacent first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM> in the first direction DR1. The connection patterns CN extend in the second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1 to connect the first touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP1-<NUM>. In detail, the connection patterns CN have the minimum width W1 in a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2.

In <FIG>, the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> disposed at an upper side includes a first side TP2-L extending at a lowermost end thereof, in plan view. The second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> disposed at a lower side includes a second side TP2-H extending at an uppermost end thereof, in plan view. The connection pattern CN includes an upper side CN-H disposed at a lower side of the first side TP2-L opposing the first side TP2-L. The connection pattern CN includes a lower side CN-L disposed at an upper side of the second side TP2-H opposing the second side TP2-H. The connection pattern CN is disposed between the first side TP2-L and the second side TP2-H. The minimum width W1 may be substantially equal to a distance between the upper side CN-H and the lower side CN-L.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection patterns CN may have a minimum width W1 in more than one direction. That is, unlike the connection patterns CN illustrated with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection patterns CN may have a minimum width W1 not only in the direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2, but also in a direction perpendicular to another direction. In this case, another direction other than the second direction DR2 may be equated with the second direction DR2 described later, and thus, may be provided to meet a relation with the first and third directions DR1 and DR3 in the following description.

<FIG> are graphs showing a force applied to the connection patterns CN according to the first to fourth directions DR1 to DR4. <FIG> and <FIG> show a force applied to comparative embodiments, and <FIG> and <FIG> show a force applied to exemplary embodiment that may reduce cracking, but without the first directional angle and the second directional angle being equal according to the present invention.

The first direction DR1 corresponds to the bending direction of the display apparatus <NUM> and corresponds to a direction to which a tensile force Fb is applied to the first touch electrodes <NUM>, when the display apparatus <NUM> is outwardly folded as shown in <FIG>. When the display apparatus <NUM> is inwardly folded, a compressive force occurs on the first touch electrodes <NUM>. When the touch electrodes <NUM> includes a conductive oxide, e.g., indium tin oxide, a tensile strength of the touch electrodes <NUM> is low, and thus, the tensile force Fb may have a greater influence on the crack than the compressive force. The tensile force Fb may be applied to the display apparatus <NUM> in the first direction DR1 by the out-folding of the display apparatus <NUM>.

The second direction DR2 corresponds to the extension direction of the connection patterns CN. Since the touch electrodes <NUM> includes the connection patterns CN that have the minimum width W1, the connection patterns CN are vulnerable to cracks as compared to the first touch patterns TP1 and the second touch patterns TP2. A tensile force Fc (hereinafter, referred to as a "connection pattern tensile force") applied in the second direction DR2 may have the greatest influence on the occurrence of the cracking on the connection pattern CN.

The third direction DR3 is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The touch electrodes <NUM> may be bent with respect to a reference axis substantially parallel to the third direction DR3.

The fourth direction DR4 is substantially parallel to the absorption axis of the polarizing member POL. As described above, the adhesive force between molecules is relatively weak in the direction perpendicular to the absorption axis of the polarizing member POL. In a high temperature or a high humidity environment, a shrink force may occur on the polarizing member POL. In a high temperature or a high humidity, the polarizing member POL may have high shrinkage in the absorption axis direction. More particularly, a shrink force may occur on the polarizing member POL in the fourth direction DR4 when the display apparatus <NUM> is manufactured or operated in a high temperature or a high humidity. An expansive force Fp occurs on the polarizing member POL in a direction perpendicular to the fourth direction DR4 based on the internal balance of the polarizing member POL corresponding to the shrink force in the fourth direction DR4.

Referring to <FIG>, a first directional angle a1, a second directional angle a2, and a third directional angle a3 are defined as follows.

The first directional angle a1 represents an angle between the first direction DR1 and the fourth direction DR4. The tensile force Fb caused by the bending may be applied to opposite directions with respect to a reference point, and the extension direction of the absorption axis may be opposite directions substantially parallel to the absorption axis. An angle between two straight lines may be defined as an acute angle or an obtuse angle as long as the two straight lines are not perpendicular or parallel to each other. Herein, the first directional angle a1 corresponds to the acute angle between the first direction DR1 and the fourth direction DR4 as the two straight lines thereof are not perpendicular or parallel to each other. That is, the first directional angle a1 is less than <NUM> degrees. In <FIG>, the first directional angle a1 is about <NUM> degrees.

The second directional angle a2 may be referred to as an angle between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. A direction perpendicular to the minimum width W1 may be an opposite direction substantially parallel to a reference axis, which is perpendicular to the minimum width W1. The second directional angle a2 corresponds to the acute angle between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. That is, the second directional angle a2 is less than <NUM> degrees.

The third directional angle a3 may be an angle between the second direction DR2 and the fourth direction DR4. The third directional angle a3 corresponds to the acute angle between the second direction DR2 and the fourth direction DR4. That is, the third directional angle a3 is less than <NUM> degrees.

In the graphs shown in <FIG>, the first direction DR1 corresponds to a horizontal axis, and the third direction DR3 corresponds to a vertical axis. As used herein, a point where the horizontal axis meets the vertical axis is referred to as an "origin point". In general, bending may cause the tensile force Fb and the expansive force Fp of the polarizing member be each applied in opposite directions with respect to the origin point. Since the force applied to the connection patterns CN is substantially point-symmetrical with respect to the origin point, the magnitude of the forces and directions thereof applied to Quadrant <NUM> and Quadrant <NUM> are substantially the same as those applied to Quadrant <NUM> and Quadrant <NUM>. Accordingly, hereinafter, the forces applied to Quadrant <NUM> and Quadrant <NUM> will be mainly described.

The force applied to the connection patterns CN may be the tensile force Fb caused by the bending and the expansive force Fp of the polarizing member. The connection pattern tensile force Fc may be obtained by determining a resultant force Fsum of the tensile force Fb and the expansive force Fp, and then extracting a vector component with respect to the second direction DR2, to which the connection patterns CN extend, from the resultant force Fsum.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a comparative embodiment, when the first direction DR1 corresponding to the bending direction of the display apparatus <NUM> is defined as the horizontal axis, the fourth direction DR4 is defined in Quadrant <NUM>, and the second direction DR2 is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. The first directional angle a1 is about <NUM> degrees, and the second directional angle a2 may be more than <NUM> degrees and less than <NUM> degrees.

A direction to which the expansive force Fp is applied and the second direction DR2 are defined in Quadrant <NUM>. A vector direction of the resultant force Fsum is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. In this case, a difference in the angle between the direction of the resultant force Fsum and the extension direction DR2 of the connection patterns CN becomes relatively small, and a second direction component of the resultant force Fsum may become relatively large. That is, as the connection pattern tensile force Fc increases, the connection patterns CN may be vulnerable to crack.

Referring to <FIG>, when the first direction DR1 corresponding to the bending direction of the display apparatus <NUM> is defined as the horizontal axis, the second and fourth directions DR2 and DR4 are defined in Quadrant <NUM>. The first directional angle a1 is about <NUM> degrees, and the second directional angle a2 may be more than <NUM> degrees and less than <NUM> degrees.

The direction to which the expansive force Fp of the polarizing member is applied to is defined in Quadrant <NUM>, and the second direction DR2 is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. The vector direction of the resultant force Fsum is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. In this case, the difference in angle between the direction of the resultant force Fsum and the extension direction DR2 of the connection patterns CN becomes relatively large, and the second direction component of the resultant force Fsum may become relatively small. That is, as the connection pattern tensile force Fc is reduced, the occurrence of cracking in the connection patterns CN may be reduced.

When the second directional angle a2 is defined between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees, the connection patterns CN are less affected by the tensile force Fb. However, the connection patterns CN may be greatly affected by an expansive force Fp' of the polarizing member, which is applied to a direction of Quadrant <NUM>.

The direction to which the expansive force Fp of the polarizing member is applied is defined in Quadrant <NUM>, and the second direction DR2 is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. The vector direction of the resultant force Fsum is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. In this case, the difference in the angle between the direction of the resultant force Fsum and the extension direction DR2 of the connection patterns CN becomes relatively large, and the second direction component of the resultant force Fsum may become relatively small. That is, as the connection pattern tensile force Fc is reduced, the occurrence of cracking in the connection patterns CN may be reduced.

In the case that the second directional angle a2 is defined between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees, the connection patterns CN are less affected by the tensile force Fb. However, the connection patterns CN may be greatly affected by the expansive force Fp' of the polarizing member, which is applied to the direction of Quadrant <NUM>.

The direction to which the expansive force Fp of the polarizing member is applied and the second direction DR2 are defined in Quadrant <NUM>. The vector direction of the resultant force Fsum is defined in Quadrant <NUM>. In this case, the difference in angle between the direction of the resultant force Fsum and the extension direction of the connection patterns CN becomes relatively small, and the second direction component of the resultant force Fsum may become relatively large. That is, as the connection pattern tensile force Fc may be relatively increased, the connection patterns CN may be vulnerable to the crack.

As lower connection pattern tensile force Fc may prevent or reduce the occurrence of cracking, the touch electrodes <NUM> and the polarizing member POL illustrated with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may prevent or reduce the occurrence of crack. When the absorption axis of the polarizing member POL is defined at about <NUM> degrees from the first direction DR1 in a clockwise direction, the second direction DR2 corresponding to the extension direction of the connection patterns CN may be defined more than <NUM> degree and equal to or less than about <NUM> degrees from the first direction DR1 along the clockwise direction. When the absorption axis of the polarizing member POL is defined at about <NUM> degrees from the first direction DR1 in a counter clockwise direction, the second direction DR2 corresponding to the extension direction of the connection patterns CN may be defined more than <NUM> degree and equal to or less than about <NUM> degrees from the first direction DR1 along the counter-clockwise direction. That is, the first directional angle a1 may be defined to correspond to a sum of the second directional angle a2 and the third directional angle a3.

<FIG> are enlarged plan views showing portion "CC" of a touch sensing part of <FIG> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing edges between first touch patterns TP1, second touch patterns TP2, and dummy patterns DU according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing edges between first touch patterns TP1, second touch patterns TP2, and dummy patterns DU according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, each edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and each edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> have a zigzag shape. The dummy patterns DU are disposed between the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>. The dummy patterns DU are spaced apart from the edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>. The dummy patterns DU have a zigzag shape corresponding to the zigzag shape of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>. As described above, the zigzag shape may prevent the occurrence of moiré phenomenon, which may be caused from repeated arrangement of the first touch patterns TP1 and the second touch patterns TP2.

The edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM>, the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>, and an edge DU-E of the dummy patterns DU each includes a plurality of straight lines and vertices V1, V2, and V3. The first touch pattern TP1-<NUM>, the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>, and the dummy patterns DU are applied with the tensile force caused by the bending and the expansive force of the polarizing member POL. In this case, the tensile force and the expansive force may be concentrated on the vertices V1, V2, and V3. Accordingly, the crack may be easily generated at the vertices V1, V2, and V3 of the touch electrodes <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM>, the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>, and the edge DU-E of the dummy patterns DU include curved lines C1, C2, and C3, respectively. In detail, the vertices V1, V2, and V3 shown in <FIG> respectively correspond to the curved lines C1, C2, and C3 shown in <FIG>.

When the vertices V1, V2, and V3 of the zigzag shape are modified to have the curved shape as shown in <FIG>, the external force from the tensile force and the expansive force are distributed. In this manner, when the touch sensing part <NUM> is bent, an intensity of the tensile force applied to each of the curved lines C1, C2, and C3 is affected by a radius of curvature of each of the curved lines C1, C2, and C3. In detail, as the radius of curvature of each of the curved lines C1, C2, and C3 increases, the intensity of the tensile force acting on each of the curved lines C1, C2, and C3 may be decreased.

Table <NUM> shows experimental examples representing the intensity of stress according to the radius of curvature of the curved line C1 of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the curved line C2 of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>, when a constant force is applied to the touch electrodes <NUM>.

Referring to Table <NUM>, when the radius of curvature is zero, such as when the edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> respectively include the vertices V1 and V2, the intensity of the stress is about 170MPa. When the radius of curvature is <NUM>, the intensity of the stress is about 161MPa. When the radius of curvature is <NUM>, the intensity of the stress is about 160MPa. When the radius of curvature is infinite, such as when the edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> have the straight line shape, the intensity of the stress is about 158MPa.

As the radius of curvature of the curved lines C1 and C2 of the first and second touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> increases, the intensity of the stress applied to the first and second touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> may be decreased. In this manner, as the radius of curvature of the curved lines C1 and C2 of the first and second touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> increases, the occurrence of crack in the first and second touch patterns TP1-<NUM> and TP2-<NUM> may be reduced. When the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM> have the straight line shape, the intensity of the stress may be the smallest, but the moiré phenomenon may occur.

Similar to the edge TP1-E of the first touch pattern TP1-<NUM> and the edge TP2-E of the second touch pattern TP2-<NUM>, when the edge of the connection patterns CN has the curved line, the stress applied to the connection patterns CN may be distributed. Accordingly, the edge of the connection patterns CN may be formed to have the curved shape. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, radius of curvature of each edge of the first touch patterns and second touch patterns may be at least greater than about <NUM>, so as to reduce the intensity of the stress and prevent the occurrence of the moiré phenomenon.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views taken along line II-II' of <FIG> showing display apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> includes touch pads <NUM>, an insulating layer <NUM>, a protective layer <NUM>, an adhesive <NUM>, a base member BP, and a display panel <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> includes a first insulating layer <NUM> and a second insulating layer <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> may be disposed to cover the entire surface of the display panel <NUM> except for an area in which the touch pads <NUM> are arranged in plan view. Referring to <FIG> again, the insulating layer <NUM> is disposed to cover the edge area of the touch pads <NUM>. A circuit board (not shown) is disposed on and electrically connected to the exposed touch pads <NUM>.

To form the insulating layer <NUM> that exposes the touch pads <NUM>, the first insulating layer <NUM> and the second insulating layer <NUM> are coated to cover the touch electrodes <NUM>, the touch lines <NUM>, and the touch pads <NUM>, and are patterned. As another example, the first and second insulating layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be coated to cover only the edge area of the touch pads <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the insulating layer <NUM> includes the first insulating layer <NUM> and the second insulating layer <NUM> disposed on the first insulating layer <NUM>, however, the insulating layer <NUM> may alternatively be formed to have only one layer.

As a step of forming the touch sensing part <NUM>, the touch electrodes <NUM>, the touch lines <NUM>, the touch pads <NUM>, and the insulating layer <NUM> are formed on the protective layer <NUM>, and then the base member BP and the protective layer <NUM> are attached to each other using the adhesive <NUM>. A pressure is applied to the insulating layer <NUM> to attach the base member BP and the protective layer <NUM>. When viewed in plan view, as the area coated with the insulating layer <NUM> increases, the area applied with the pressure may be increased. In this case, the force applied to the adhesive <NUM> may become uniform, and thus, an adhesive effect between the protective layer <NUM> and the base member BP may be improved.

The insulating layer <NUM> may be coated only the edge area of the touch pads <NUM>, but the adhesive <NUM> may move to the area where the insulating layer <NUM> is not coated, when the pressure is applied to the insulating layer <NUM>. As such, a thickness of the adhesive <NUM> disposed under the area where the insulating layer <NUM> is disposed may be reduced, and thus, the adhesive effect between the protective layer <NUM> disposed under the insulating layer <NUM> and the base member BP may be reduced.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> includes touch pads <NUM>, an insulating layer <NUM>, a protective layer <NUM>, an adhesive <NUM>, a base member BP, and a display panel <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> includes a third insulating layer <NUM> and a fourth insulating layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fourth insulating layer <NUM> is disposed on the touch pad <NUM>. The fourth insulating layer <NUM> may function as to apply a uniform pressure to the adhesive <NUM> disposed under the touch pads <NUM> when the pressure is applied to attach the protective layer <NUM> and the base member BP.

The fourth insulating layer <NUM> may have various shapes, but a sum of the thickness of the protective layer <NUM> and the thickness of the third insulating layer <NUM> may be substantially equal to a sum of the thickness of the protective layer <NUM>, the thickness of the touch pads <NUM>, and the thickness of the fourth insulating layer <NUM>, to apply uniform pressure on the display apparatus <NUM>-<NUM>.

In <FIG>, the touch pad <NUM> is shown as a single-layer structure, but the touch pads <NUM> may have a plurality of conductive layers including a conductive material according to an exemplary embodiment. In this case, an insulating material may be disposed between the conductive layers to apply the uniform pressure to elements disposed under the touch pads <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The thickness of the touch pads <NUM> including the insulating material may be substantially the same as the thickness of the insulating layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the protective layer <NUM> is attached to the base member BP by the adhesive <NUM>. However, the protective layer <NUM> may be directly attached to the display panel <NUM> by the adhesive <NUM> without the base member BP.

<FIG> are perspective views showing a display apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> shows the display apparatus <NUM> in an out-folding state, and <FIG> shows the display apparatus <NUM> in an unfolding state.

The display apparatus <NUM> includes a touch sensing part <NUM> and a display panel <NUM>. The touch sensing part <NUM> is disposed on the display panel <NUM>. The touch sensing part <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> shown in <FIG> are respectively the same as the touch sensing part <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> illustrated with reference to <FIG>, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> includes a bending area BA bent with respect to a third reference axis Ax3 substantially parallel to a third direction DR3, and a flat area NBA disposed adjacent to the bending area BA. The third direction DR3 is perpendicular to a first direction DR1. The display apparatus <NUM> includes the flat area NBA, the bending area BA, and the flat area NBA, which are sequentially arranged in the first direction DR1.

When the bending area BA is bent, a stress occurs in the bending area BA, but the stress may not occur in the flat area NBA, since the flat area NBA is not bent. The display apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> is outwardly bent, i.e., the out-folding state, with respect to the third reference axis Ax3 substantially parallel to the third direction DR3, such that the touch sensing part <NUM> faces the outside. It is contemplated that, however, the display apparatus <NUM> may be in the in-folding state.

The display apparatus <NUM> may be, but not limited to, a flexible display apparatus that may maintain the unfolding or folding state. While <FIG> shows that the display apparatus <NUM> is folded in the third reference axis Ax3, it is contemplated that, however, the display apparatus <NUM> may be folded with respect to two or more reference axes. The display apparatus <NUM> may alternatively include only the bending area BA without including the flat area NBA.

Referring to <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> in the unfolding state may include an active area AR and a non-active area NAR on a flat surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the third direction DR3.

According to exemplary embodiments, controlling the extension direction of the connection patterns of the touch electrode and the angle of the absorption axis may prevent or reduce cracks in the touch electrode from bending. In addition, sides of the touch electrode have a curved shape, which may prevent or reduce forming cracks therein from bending.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description.

Claim 1:
A display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a bending area (BA, BA1, BA2);
a polarizing member (POL) disposed on the display panel (<NUM>) and having an absorption axis and a transmission axis perpendicular to the absorption axis; and
a first touch electrode (<NUM>) disposed on the display panel (<NUM>) and overlapping the polarizing member (POL), the first touch electrode (<NUM>) extending in a first direction (DR1) crossing an absorption axis direction,
the absorption axis direction is parallel to the absorption axis,
wherein:
the first touch electrode (<NUM>) comprises:
first touch patterns (TP1-<NUM>, TP1-<NUM>); and
a connection pattern (CN) connecting adjacent first touch patterns (TP1-<NUM>, TP1-<NUM>) in the first direction (DR1);
the connection pattern (CN) has a minimum width (W1) in a direction perpendicular to a second direction (DR2);
the first direction (DR1) and the absorption axis direction form a first directional angle (a1) equal to or less than substantially <NUM> degrees; and
the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) form a second directional angle (a2) equal to or less than substantially <NUM> degrees;
the second direction (DR2) crossing the first direction (DR1), characterized in that
the first directional angle (a1) being equal to the second directional angle (a2), and
the second direction (DR2) being parallel to the absorption axis direction,
wherein the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to be bent in the bending area (BA, BA1, BA2) with respect to a reference axis (Ax1, Ax2, Ax3) substantially parallel to a third direction (DR3) perpendicular to the first direction (DR1).