Touch Display Apparatus
By integrating guard lines to block interference from touch routing signals, the touch display device achieves precise touch detection by isolating touch driving and sensing signals, addressing signal distortion issues.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG DISPLAY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-15
AI Technical Summary
Touch display devices experience signal distortion due to touch driving and sensing signals affecting touch electrodes near routing lines, leading to inaccurate touch detection.
Incorporating driving and sensing guard lines between routing lines and power supply voltage lines, with the same signal applied to these guard lines to block interference from touch routing signals, ensuring accurate touch detection.
The implementation of guard lines in touch display devices enhances the accuracy of detecting touch by a user and/or tool, minimizing signal interference and improving touch detection precision.
Smart Images

Figure 112021153577072-PAT00002_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a touch display device in which a touch sensor is positioned on an encapsulation unit covering light-emitting elements. Background Technology
[0002] Generally, a display device provides an image to a user. For example, the display device may include a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each light-emitting element may emit light that represents a specific color. For example, each light-emitting element may include a light-emitting layer located between a first light-emitting electrode and a second light-emitting electrode.
[0003] The display device may perform a specific program or apply a specific signal by touch of a user and / or tool. For example, the display device may be a touch display device including a touch sensor. The touch sensor may be located on an encapsulation unit covering the light-emitting elements. For example, the touch sensor may include touch electrodes located on the encapsulation unit and bridge electrodes electrically connecting the touch electrodes.
[0004] Each touch electrode may be electrically connected to the corresponding touchpad through one of the touch routing lines. A touch from a user and / or tool may be transmitted through the touch routing line electrically connected to the corresponding touch electrode. For example, a touch driving signal or a touch sensing signal may be applied to each touch routing line.
[0005] The touch routing lines may extend along the edge of the display area where the light-emitting elements are located. The touch electrodes may be positioned side by side on the encapsulation unit of the display area. Accordingly, in the touch display device, the touch electrodes located close to the touch routing lines may be affected by the touch driving signal or the touch sensing signal applied through the touch routing lines. Therefore, in the touch display device, the signal caused by the touch of a user and / or tool may be distorted by the touch driving signal and / or the touch sensing signal applied through each touch routing line. The problem to be solved
[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a touch display device capable of accurately detecting touch by a user and / or a tool.
[0007] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above. Problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem
[0008] A touch display device according to the technical concept of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned problem includes a device substrate. The device substrate includes a display area and a pad area. Light-emitting elements are located on the display area of the device substrate. An encapsulation unit is located on the device substrate. The encapsulation unit covers the light-emitting elements. A touch sensor is located on the encapsulation unit. The touch sensor includes driving touch lines and sensing touch lines. The driving touch lines extend in a first direction. The sensing touch lines extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each driving touch line is electrically connected to a corresponding touch pad located on the pad area through one of the driving routing lines. Each sensing touch line is electrically connected to a corresponding touch pad through one of the sensing routing lines. A first driving guard line is located between the display area and the driving routing lines. The same signal as the sensing touch lines is applied to the first driving guard line. A first sensing guard line is located between the display area and the sensing routing lines. The same signal as the driving touch lines is applied to the first sensing guard line.
[0009] The first driving guard line may intersect with driving routing lines. The first sensing guard line may intersect with sensing routing lines.
[0010] A power supply voltage line may be located on the outer side of the driving touch lines and the sensing touch lines. A second driving guard line may be located between the driving touch lines and the power supply voltage line. A second sensing guard line may be located between the sensing touch lines and the power supply voltage line.
[0011] The same signal as the driving touch lines can be applied to the second driving guard line. The same signal as the sensing touch lines can be applied to the second sensing guard line.
[0012] The first sensing guard line may have the same structure as the first driving guard line.
[0013] The driving routing lines and the sensing routing lines may have the same structure as the first driving guard line and the first sensing guard line.
[0014] The first driving guard line and the first sensing guard line may have a laminated structure of a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The second conductive layer may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer.
[0015] The driving touch lines and the sensing touch lines may each include touch electrodes and bridge electrodes. The bridge electrodes may electrically connect the touch electrodes. The second conductive layer may include the same material as the touch electrodes. Effects of the invention
[0016] A touch display device according to the technical concept of the present invention includes a driving guard line located between a display area and driving routing lines and a sensing guard line located between the display area and sensing routing lines, wherein the same signal as the sensing routing lines is applied to the driving guard line and the same signal as the driving routing lines can be applied to the sensing guard line. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to the technical concept of the present invention, the influence of a touch driving signal applied through the driving routing lines and a touch sensing signal applied through the sensing routing lines on touch electrodes can be blocked by the driving guard line and the sensing guard line. Therefore, in a touch display device according to the technical concept of the present invention, a touch by a user and / or a tool can be accurately detected. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic drawings illustrating a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the K region of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along the line I-I' of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along the line II-II' of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along the line III-III' of Figure 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0018] Detailed information regarding the above-mentioned objectives, technical configuration, and resulting effects of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention. Here, since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to ensure that the technical concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other forms so as not to be limited to the embodiments described below.
[0019] Additionally, parts indicated by the same reference number throughout the specification refer to the same components, and the length and thickness of layers or regions in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience. Furthermore, where it is stated that a first component is "on" a second component, this includes not only the case where the first component is located on the upper side in direct contact with the second component, but also the case where a third component is located between the first component and the second component.
[0020] Here, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various components and to distinguish one component from another. However, within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, the first component and the second component may be named arbitrarily for the convenience of those skilled in the art.
[0021] The terms used in the specification of the present invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, a component expressed in the singular includes a plurality of components unless the context clearly implies only the singular. Furthermore, in the specification of the present invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0022] And, where described as being 'connected' or 'connected,' it may include being 'connected' or 'connected' through one or more other components located between the two components, unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.
[0023] Additionally, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the specification of the present invention.
[0024] (Example)
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic drawings illustrating a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the K region of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III' of FIG. 3.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a device substrate (110). The device substrate (110) may include an insulating material. For example, the device substrate (110) may include glass or plastic. The device substrate (110) may include a display area (AA) and a bezel area (BZ) located outside the display area (AA). For example, the bezel area (BZ) may surround the display area (AA).
[0027] The display area (AA) of the above-described device substrate (110) can implement an image provided to a user. For example, a plurality of pixel areas (PA) may be located within the display area (AA) of the above-described device substrate (110). The pixel areas (PA) may be located side by side in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Two pixel areas (PA) adjacent in the first direction may be arranged in an alternating manner. Two pixel areas (PA) adjacent in the second direction may be arranged in an alternating manner. Each pixel area (PA) may implement a color different from that of adjacent pixel areas (PA). For example, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a pentile structure in which a first row in which red pixel areas (R) and blue pixel areas (B) are alternately located and a second row in which green pixel areas (G) are located are repeated in an alternating manner.
[0028] In each pixel area (PA), light exhibiting a specific color may be emitted. For example, within each pixel area (PA), a pixel driving circuit and a light-emitting element (130) electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit may be located.
[0029] The pixel driving circuit may be connected to one of the gate lines (GL) that apply a gate signal and one of the data lines (DL) that apply a data signal. For example, the pixel driving circuit may generate a driving current corresponding to the data signal according to the gate signal. The driving current generated by the pixel driving circuit may be supplied to the light-emitting element (130) for one frame. For example, the pixel driving circuit may include a switching thin-film transistor (T1), a driving thin-film transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst).
[0030] The switching thin-film transistor (T1) can transmit the data signal to the driving thin-film transistor (T2) according to the gate signal. The driving thin-film transistor (T2) can generate the driving current. For example, the driving thin-film transistor (T2) may include a semiconductor pattern (121), a gate insulating film (122), a gate electrode (123), a source electrode (124), and a drain electrode (125).
[0031] The semiconductor pattern (121) may include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor pattern (121) may include at least one of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor pattern (121) may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region. The channel region may be located between the source region and the drain region. The source region and the drain region may have lower resistance than the channel region. For example, the source region and the drain region may include a conductive region of the oxide semiconductor.
[0032] The gate insulating film (122) may be located on the semiconductor pattern (121). For example, the gate insulating film (122) may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern (121). The source region and the drain region of the semiconductor pattern (121) may be located outside the gate insulating film (122). The gate insulating film (122) may include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating film (122) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0033] The gate electrode (123) may be located on the gate insulating film (122). For example, the gate electrode (123) may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern (121). The gate electrode (123) may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern (121) by the gate insulating film (122). For example, the side of the gate insulating film (122) may be continuous with the side of the semiconductor pattern (123). The gate electrode (123) may include a conductive material. For example, the gate electrode (123) may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W). The channel region of the semiconductor pattern (121) may have electrical conductivity corresponding to the voltage applied to the gate electrode (123).
[0034] The source electrode (124) may include the conductive material. For example, the source electrode (124) may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W). The source electrode (124) may be insulated from the gate electrode (123). The source electrode (124) may be located on a different layer from the gate electrode (123). For example, an interlayer insulating film (112) covering the gate electrode (123) may be located on the device substrate (110), and the source electrode (124) may be located on the interlayer insulating film (112). The interlayer insulating film (112) may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating film (112) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0035] The source electrode (124) may be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern (121). For example, the interlayer insulating film (112) may include a source contact hole that partially exposes the source region of the semiconductor pattern (121). The source electrode (124) may come into direct contact with the source region of the semiconductor pattern (121) through the source contact hole.
[0036] The drain electrode (125) may include a conductive material. For example, the drain electrode (125) may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W). The drain electrode (125) may be insulated from the gate electrode (123). The drain electrode (125) may be located on a different layer from the gate electrode (123). For example, the drain electrode (125) may be located on the interlayer insulating film (112). The drain electrode (125) may be located on the same layer as the source electrode (124). The drain electrode (125) may include the same material as the source electrode (124). For example, the drain electrode (125) may be formed simultaneously with the source electrode (124).
[0037] The drain electrode (125) may be electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor pattern (121). For example, the interlayer insulating film (112) may include a drain contact hole that partially exposes the drain region of the semiconductor pattern (121). The drain electrode (125) may come into direct contact with the drain region of the semiconductor pattern (121) through the drain contact hole.
[0038] The switching thin-film transistor (T1) may have the same structure as the driving thin-film transistor (T2). For example, the switching thin-film transistor (T1) may include a gate electrode electrically connected to the corresponding gate line (GL), a source electrode electrically connected to the corresponding data line (DL), and a drain electrode electrically connected to the gate electrode (123) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2). The source electrode (124) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2) may be connected to a first power supply voltage supply line (VDD) that supplies a positive power supply voltage. The storage capacitor (Cst) may maintain the voltage applied to the gate electrode (123) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2) for one frame. For example, the storage capacitor (Cst) may be connected between the gate electrode (123) and the drain electrode (125) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2).
[0039] The light-emitting element (130) can emit light using the driving current supplied from the pixel driving circuit. For example, the light-emitting element (130) may include a first light-emitting electrode (131), a light-emitting stack (132), and a second light-emitting electrode (133) stacked in order on the element substrate (110).
[0040] The first light-emitting electrode (131) may be electrically connected to the drain electrode (125) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2). For example, the driving current generated by the pixel driving circuit may be supplied to the first light-emitting electrode (131) of the light-emitting element (130). The first light-emitting electrode (131) may include a conductive material. The first light-emitting electrode (131) may include a material having high reflectivity. For example, the first light-emitting electrode (131) may include metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W). The first light-emitting electrode (131) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first light-emitting electrode (131) may have a structure in which a reflective electrode made of metal is positioned between transparent conductive layers made of transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO.
[0041] The light-emitting stack (132) can generate light of brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the first light-emitting electrode (131) and the second light-emitting electrode (133). For example, the light-emitting stack (132) may include an emission material layer (EML) containing a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a hybrid material. For example, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an organic light-emitting display device containing an organic light-emitting material.
[0042] The light-emitting stack (132) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the light-emitting stack (132) may further include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (HTL), and an electron injection layer (HIL). The light-emitting stack (132) may include a plurality of light-emitting material layers. For example, the light-emitting stack (132) may include a charge generation layer (CGL) located between a first light-emitting material layer and a second light-emitting material layer. The second light-emitting material layer may include a material different from the first light-emitting material layer.
[0043] The second light-emitting electrode (133) may include a conductive material. The second light-emitting electrode (133) may have a higher transmittance than the first light-emitting electrode (131). For example, the second light-emitting electrode (133) may be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material. The second light-emitting electrode (133) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO, IZO, and AZO. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, light generated by the light-emitting stack (132) of each pixel area (PA) may be emitted to the outside through the second light-emitting electrode (133) of the corresponding pixel area (PA).
[0044] A device buffer film (111) may be positioned between the device substrate (110) and the pixel driving circuit of each pixel area (PA). The device buffer film (111) can prevent contamination by the device substrate (110) during the formation process of the pixel driving circuits. The device buffer film (111) may extend onto the non-display area (NA) of the device substrate (110). For example, the upper surface of the device substrate (110) facing the pixel driving circuit of each pixel area (PA) may be completely covered by the device buffer film (111). The device buffer film (111) may include an insulating material. For example, the device buffer film (111) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN). The device buffer film (111) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the above-mentioned device buffer film (111) may have a stacked structure of an inorganic insulating film made of silicon oxide (SiO) and an inorganic insulating film made of silicon nitride (SiN).
[0045] A planarization film (113) may be positioned between the pixel driving circuit of each pixel area (PA) and the light-emitting element (130). The planarization film (113) may eliminate the step difference caused by the pixel driving circuit of each pixel area (PA). For example, the upper surface of the planarization film (113) facing the element substrate (110) may be a flat plane. The switching thin-film transistor (T1), the driving thin-film transistor (T2), and the storage capacitor (Cst) located within each pixel area (PA) may be covered by the planarization film (113). The planarization film (113) may include an insulating material. The planarization film (113) may include a material different from the interlayer insulating film (112). For example, the planarization film (113) may include an organic insulating material.
[0046] The first light-emitting electrode (131) of each pixel region (PA) can penetrate the planarization film (113) and be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit of the corresponding pixel region (PA). For example, the planarization film (113) may include pixel contact holes that partially expose the drain electrode (125) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2) located within each pixel region (PA). The first light-emitting electrode (131) of each pixel region (PA) can come into direct contact with the drain electrode (125) of the driving thin-film transistor (T2) located within the corresponding pixel region (PA) through one of the pixel contact holes.
[0047] The first light-emitting electrode (131) of each pixel area (PA) may be insulated from the first light-emitting electrode (131) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). The first light-emitting electrode (131) of each pixel area (PA) may be spaced apart from the first light-emitting electrode (131) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). For example, a bank insulating film (114) may be located between the first light-emitting electrodes (131) of adjacent pixel areas (PA). The bank insulating film (114) may include an insulating material. For example, the bank insulating film (114) may include an organic insulating material. The bank insulating film (114) may cover the edges of the first light-emitting electrode (131) located within each pixel area (PA). The light-emitting stack (132) and the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) may be laminated on a portion of the corresponding first light-emitting electrode (131) exposed by the bank insulating film (114). For example, the bank insulating film (114) may define light-emitting regions (BEA, GEA, REA) within each pixel area (PA).
[0048] The light-emitting element (130) of each pixel area (PA) may have the same structure as the light-emitting element (130) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). For example, the light-emitting stack (132) of each pixel area (PA) may be connected to the light-emitting stack (132) of an adjacent pixel area (PA) by extending along the surface of the bank insulating film (114). The light emitted from the light-emitting element (130) of each pixel area (PA) may exhibit the same color as the light emitted from the light-emitting element (130) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). For example, the light-emitting stack (132) of each pixel area (PA) may emit white light. The light-emitting stack (132) of each pixel area (PA) may be formed simultaneously with the light-emitting stack (132) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the process of forming the light-emitting stack (132) on each pixel area (PA) may be simplified.
[0049] The voltage applied to the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) may be the same as the voltage applied to the second light-emitting electrode (133) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). For example, the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) may be electrically connected to a second power supply voltage supply line (VSS) that supplies a negative power supply voltage. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the brightness of light emitted from the light-emitting element (130) of the corresponding pixel area (PA) can be controlled through the data signal applied to each pixel area (PA). The second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) may be electrically connected to the second light-emitting electrode (133) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). For example, the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) may be in direct contact with the second light-emitting electrode (133) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). The second light-emitting electrode (133) of each pixel area (PA) can be formed simultaneously with the second light-emitting electrode (133) of an adjacent pixel area (PA). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the process of forming the second light-emitting electrode (133) on each pixel area (PA) can be simplified.
[0050] An encapsulation unit (140) may be positioned on the light-emitting element (130) of each pixel area (PA). The encapsulation unit (140) may prevent damage to the light-emitting elements (130) by external moisture and / or oxygen. The light-emitting element (130) of each pixel area (PA) may be completely covered by the encapsulation unit (140). For example, the encapsulation unit (140) may extend onto the bezel area (BZ) of the element substrate (110).
[0051] The above-described sealing unit (140) may include at least one inorganic sealing layer (141, 143) and at least one organic sealing layer (142). For example, the sealing unit (140) may have a structure in which at least one organic sealing layer (142) is located between the inorganic sealing layers (141, 143). The top layer of the sealing unit (140) may be the inorganic sealing layer (141, 143). For example, the top surface and side surface of the organic sealing layer (142) may be covered by the inorganic sealing layer (141, 143). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the penetration of external moisture and oxygen can be effectively blocked.
[0052] The inorganic encapsulation layer (141, 143) may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the inorganic encapsulation layer (141, 143) may include an inorganic insulating material capable of low-temperature deposition, such as silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxide (SiO), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, damage to the light-emitting stacks (132) caused by the formation process of the inorganic encapsulation layer (141, 143) can be prevented.
[0053] The organic encapsulation layer (142) can relieve stress caused by the inorganic encapsulation layer (141, 143). For example, the organic encapsulation layer (142) may include organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, and silicon oxycarbon (SiOC). Steps caused by the light-emitting elements (130) can be eliminated by the organic encapsulation layer (142). For example, the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer (142) facing the element substrate (110) may be a flat plane.
[0054] The organic encapsulation layer (142) may be formed using an ink-jet method. For example, a dam (106) may be located on the bezel area (NA) of the device substrate (110). The dam (106) may block the flow of the organic encapsulation layer (142). The dam (106) may extend along the edge of the display area (AA). For example, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the organic encapsulation layer (142) may be formed within an area defined by the dam (106). The dam (106) may be formed using a formation process of at least one of the insulating films located between the device substrate (110) and the encapsulation unit (140). For example, the dam (106) may be formed simultaneously with the planarization layer (113). The dam (106) may include the same material as the flattening layer (113). For example, the dam (106) may include an organic insulating material. The interlayer insulating film (112) may extend onto the bezel region (BZ) of the device substrate (110). For example, the dam (106) may be located on the interlayer insulating film (112). The thickness of the dam (106) may be the same as the thickness of the flattening layer (112).
[0055] A touch sensor (Cm) may be positioned on the above-mentioned bag unit (140). The touch sensor (Cm) may detect a touch by a user and / or a tool. For example, the touch sensor (Cm) may detect the presence or absence of a touch and the location of the touch through a change in mutual capacitance. The touch sensor (Cm) may include a plurality of touch lines (310, 320). For example, the touch sensor (Cm) may include driving touch lines (310) to which a touch driving signal is applied and touch lines (320) to which a touch sensing signal is applied.
[0056] Each driving touch line (310) may include first touch electrodes (311) and first bridge electrodes (312). The first touch electrodes (311) may be positioned side by side on the encapsulation unit (140). The first bridge electrodes (312) may electrically connect the first touch electrodes (311). Each first bridge electrode (312) may extend in a first direction. For example, each driving touch line (310) may include the first touch electrodes (311) connected in the first direction by the first bridge electrodes (312).
[0057] The first touch electrodes (311) may include a conductive material. The first touch electrodes (311) may include a material having relatively low resistance. For example, the first touch electrodes (311) may include metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta). Each first touch electrode (311) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first touch electrodes (311) may have a triple layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo. However, they are not limited thereto, and the first touch electrodes (311) may have a double layer structure.
[0058] The first bridge electrodes (312) may include a conductive material. The first bridge electrodes (312) may include a material having relatively low resistance. For example, the first bridge electrodes (312) may include metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta). The first bridge electrodes (312) may include the same material as the first touch electrodes (311). Each first bridge electrode (312) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first bridge electrodes (312) may have a triple layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo. However, they are not limited thereto, and the first bridge electrodes (312) may have a double layer structure. The first bridge electrodes (312) may have the same structure as the first touch electrodes (311). The first bridge electrodes (312) may be located on the same layer as the first touch electrodes (31). For example, each first bridge electrode (312) may be in direct contact with the corresponding first touch electrodes (311).
[0059] Each sensing touch line (320) may include second touch electrodes (321) and second bridge electrodes (322). The second touch electrodes (321) may be positioned side by side on the encapsulation unit (140). The second touch electrodes (321) may be positioned on the same layer as the first touch electrodes (311). The second touch electrodes (321) may be insulated from the first touch electrodes (311). For example, the second touch electrodes (321) may be positioned between the first touch electrodes (311). The second touch electrodes (321) may have the same shape as the first touch electrodes (311). For example, the first touch electrodes (311) and the second touch electrodes (312) may be arranged alternately on the encapsulation unit (140). Accordingly, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect a touch of a user and / or tool using the driving touch lines (310) and the sensing touch lines (320) of the touch sensor (Cm).
[0060] The second touch electrodes (321) may include a conductive material. The second touch electrodes (321) may include a material having relatively low resistance. For example, the second touch electrodes (321) may include metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta). The second touch electrodes (321) may include the same material as the first touch electrodes (311). Each second touch electrode (321) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the second touch electrodes (321) may have a triple layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo. However, they are not limited thereto, and the second touch electrodes (321) may have a double layer structure. The second touch electrodes (321) may have the same structure as the first touch electrodes (311). The second touch electrodes (321) may be located on the same layer as the first touch electrodes (311) and the first bridge electrodes (312). The second touch electrodes (321) may be insulated from the first bridge electrodes (312). The second touch electrodes (321) may be spaced apart from the first bridge electrodes (312). For example, the first bridge electrodes (312) may cross between the second touch electrodes (321).
[0061] The second bridge electrodes (322) can electrically connect the second touch electrodes (321). Each second bridge electrode (322) can extend in a second direction. For example, each sensing touch line (320) may include the second touch electrodes (321) connected in the second direction by the second bridge electrodes (322). The second direction may be different from the first direction. For example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. The second bridge electrodes (322) can cross between the first touch electrodes (311). For example, each second bridge electrode (322) may intersect with one of the first bridge electrodes (312). The second bridge electrodes (322) may be insulated from the first bridge electrodes (312). The second bridge electrodes (321) may be located on a different layer from the first bridge electrodes (312). For example, the touch sensor (Cm) includes a touch insulating film (350) located on the second bridge electrodes (322), and the first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), and the second touch electrodes (321) may be located on the touch insulating film (350).
[0062] The touch insulating film (350) may include an insulating material. For example, the touch insulating film (350) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN). However, it is not limited thereto, and the touch insulating film (350) may include an inorganic insulating material. Alternatively, the touch insulating film (350) may be formed in a structure in which an inorganic insulating material layer and an organic insulating material layer are laminated. The touch insulating film (350) may include touch contact holes that partially expose each second bridge electrode (322). Each second touch electrode (321) may be connected to the corresponding second bridge electrode (322) through one of the touch contact holes.
[0063] The second bridge electrodes (322) may include a conductive material. The second bridge electrodes (322) may include a material having relatively low resistance. For example, the second bridge electrodes (322) may include metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta). Each second bridge electrode (322) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the second bridge electrodes (322) may have a triple layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo. However, they are not limited thereto, and the second bridge electrodes (322) may have a double layer structure.
[0064] The first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), the second touch electrodes (321), and the second bridge electrodes (322) of the touch sensor (Cm) may be located within the display area (AA) of the device substrate (110). The light-emitting area (BEA, GEA, REA) of each pixel area (PA) may be located between the first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), the second touch electrodes (321), and the second bridge electrodes (322b). The driving touch lines (310) and the sensing touch lines (320) may be located outside the light-emitting elements (130). For example, the first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), the second touch electrodes (321), and the second bridge electrodes (322) may overlap with the bank insulating film (114). The plane of each first touch electrode (311) and the plane of each second touch electrode (321) may have a mesh shape including openings that overlap with the light-emitting regions (BEA, GEA, REA) of each pixel region (PA). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of touch detection using the touch sensor (Cm) is improved, and the reduction in light extraction efficiency by the touch sensor (Cm) can be minimized.
[0065] A touch buffer film (200) may be positioned between the above-mentioned encapsulation unit (140) and the touch sensor (Cm). For example, the second bridge electrodes (322) may be positioned between the touch buffer film (200) and the touch insulating film (350). The touch buffer film (200) may reduce parasitic capacitance occurring between the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each light-emitting element (130) and the touch sensor (Cm). For example, the distance between each driving touch line (310) of the touch sensor (Cm) and the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each light-emitting element (130), and the distance between each sensing touch line (320) of the touch sensor (Cm) and the second light-emitting electrode (133) of each light-emitting element (130) may be increased by the touch buffer film (200). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of touch detection by the touch sensor (Cm) can be improved. The touch buffer film (200) may include an insulating material. For example, the touch buffer film (200) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0066] A device protective film (700) may be positioned on the touch sensor (Cm). The device protective film (700) can prevent damage to the touch sensor (Cm) caused by external impact. For example, the driving touch lines (310) and the sensing touch lines (320) may be covered by the device protective film (700). The device protective film (700) may be in direct contact with the touch insulating film (350) on the outside of the first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), and the second touch electrodes (321). The device protective film (700) may include an insulating material. The device protective film (700) may include a material different from the touch insulating film (350). For example, the device protective film (700) may include an organic insulating material.
[0067] Various signals for implementing an image can be applied to each pixel area (PA) through the bezel area (BZ) of the device substrate (110). For example, the bezel area (BZ) of the device substrate (110) may include a pad area (PD) where display pads (104) and touch pads (314, 324) are located. The dam (106) may be located between the display area (AA) and the pad area (PD). For example, the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324) may be spaced apart from the encapsulation unit (140). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is prevented that some of the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324) are unintentionally obscured by the organic encapsulation layer (142). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, distortion of the signal transmitted through the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324) can be prevented.
[0068] The gate lines (GL) and / or the data lines (DL) may be electrically connected to the display pads (104). For example, the data signal applied to each pixel area (PA) may be transmitted through one of the display pads (104) and one of the data lines (DL). The touch pads (314, 324) may be located side by side with the display pads (104). For example, the pad area (PD) may be located on one side of the display area (AA).
[0069] Each touch pad (314, 324) may include a lower pad electrode (314, 324a) and an upper pad electrode (314, 324b) located on the lower pad electrode (314, 324a). The touch pads (314, 324) may be formed using the forming process of the pixel driving circuits, the light-emitting elements (130), and the touch sensor (Cm). For example, the lower pad electrode (314, 324a) may include the same material as the source electrode (124) and the drain electrode (125) of each pixel driving circuit, and the upper pad electrode (314, 324b) may include the same material as the first touch electrodes (311), the first bridge electrodes (312), and the second touch electrodes (322). The display pads (104) may have the same structure as the touch pads (314, 324). For example, each display pad (104) may include a lower pad electrode and an upper pad electrode located on the lower pad electrode. The lower pad electrode of each display pad (104) may include the same material as the lower pad electrode (314, 324a) of each touch pad (314, 324), and the upper pad electrode of each display pad (104) may include the same material as the upper pad electrode (314, 324b) of each touch pad (314, 324). For example, the display pads (104) may be formed simultaneously with the touch pads (314, 324).
[0070] The driving touch lines (310) and the sensing touch lines (320) may be electrically connected to the touch pads (314, 324) through touch routing lines (331, 332). For example, the touch routing lines (331, 332) may include driving routing lines (331) that electrically connect each driving touch line (310) to one of the touch pads (314, 324), and sensing routing lines (332) that electrically connect each sensing touch line (320) to one of the touch pads (314, 324). The driving routing lines (331) and the sensing routing lines (332) may extend along the edge of the display area (AA). The sensing routing lines (332) may be insulated from the driving routing lines (331). For example, each driving routing line (331) is connected to one of the driving touch lines (310) on two opposing sides of the display area (A), and each sensing routing line (332) is connected to one of the sensing touch lines (320) on one of the other two sides of the display area (AA), but some of the driving routing lines (331) may extend along one side of the display area (AA) where the sensing routing lines (332) are not placed.
[0071] The driving routing lines (331) and the sensing routing lines (332) may be formed using the forming process of the touch sensor (Cm). For example, each sensing routing line (332) may have a stacked structure of a lower routing line (332a) containing the same material as the second bridge electrodes (322) and an upper routing line (332b) containing the same material as the first bridge electrodes (312). The upper routing line (332b) of each sensing routing line (332) may be electrically connected to the lower routing line (332a) of the corresponding sensing routing line (332). For example, the touch insulating film (350) may include routing contact holes that partially expose the lower routing line (332a) of each sensing routing line (332). The upper routing line (332b) of each sensing routing line (332) may directly contact the lower routing line (332a) of the corresponding sensing routing line (332) through the routing contact holes. The driving routing lines (331) may have the same structure as the sensing routing lines (332). For example, each driving routing line (331) may include a lower routing line and an upper routing line that is electrically connected to the lower routing line by penetrating the touch insulating film. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving touch lines (310) and the sensing touch lines (320) may be reliably connected to the corresponding touch pad (314, 324) through one of the touch routing lines (331, 332). Additionally, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the resistance of each touch routing line (331, 332) may be reduced. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, signal delay caused by the touch routing lines (331, 332) can be minimized.
[0072] An inner guard line (410, 420) may be located between the display area (AA) and the touch routing lines (331, 332). For example, a first driving guard line (410) may be located between the display area (AA) and the driving routing lines (331), and a first sensing guard line (420) may be located between the display area (AA) and the sensing routing lines (332). A signal different from that of the adjacent touch routing lines (331, 332) may be applied to the first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420). For example, a touch sensing signal may be applied to the first driving guard line (410) through a first guard pad (414) positioned alongside the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324), and a touch driving signal may be applied to the first sensing guard line (420) through a second guard pad (424) positioned alongside the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second touch electrodes (321) positioned adjacent to the driving routing lines (331) may not be affected by the touch driving signal applied to the driving routing lines (331). In addition, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first touch electrodes (311) located adjacent to the sensing routing lines (332) may not be affected by the touch sensing signal applied to the sensing routing lines (332). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of touch detection may be improved by the first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420).
[0073] The first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420) can be formed using the forming process of the touch sensor (Cm). The first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420) may have the same structure as the touch routing lines (331, 332). For example, the first sensing guard line (420) may have a stacked structure of a first conductive layer (420a) containing the same material as the second bridge electrodes (322) and a second conductive layer (420b) containing the same material as the first bridge electrodes (312). The second conductive layer (420b) may be electrically connected to the first conductive layer (420a). For example, the touch insulating film (350) may include guard contact holes that partially expose the first conductive layer (420a). The second conductive layer (420b) can come into direct contact with the first conductive layer (420a) through the guard contact holes. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the influence of a touch sensing signal applied through the lower routing line (332a) and the upper routing line (332b) of each sensing routing line (332) can be blocked by the first conductive layer (420a) and the second conductive layer (420b) of the first sensing guard line (420). The first driving guard line (410) may have the same structure as the first sensing guard line (420). For example, the first driving guard line (410) may have a stacked structure of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a decrease in touch sensitivity caused by the touch routing lines (331, 332) can be effectively prevented.
[0074] The first driving guard line (410) may intersect with the driving routing lines (331). The first sensing guard line (420) may intersect with the sensing routing lines (332). For example, the second conductive layer (332b) of the first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420) may be partially separated, and the lower routing line (332a) of each driving routing line (331) and each sensing routing line (332) may be partially separated. The first driving guard line (410) and the first sensing guard line (420) may intersect with the driving routing lines (331) or the sensing routing lines (332) through a region where the second conductive layer (332b) is broken.
[0075] Consequently, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes inner guard lines (410, 420) located between the display area (AA) and the touch routing lines (331, 332), wherein a signal applied to each inner guard line (410, 420) may differ from a signal applied through an adjacent touch routing line (331, 332). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, malfunction of touch electrodes (311, 321) adjacent to the touch routing lines (331, 332) can be prevented by a signal applied to the touch routing lines (331, 332). Therefore, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can accurately detect a touch by a user and / or a tool.
[0076] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving routing lines (331) electrically connected to the driving touch lines (310) on one side of the display area (AA) are shown / described as being connected to another touch pad (304) and the driving routing lines (331) electrically connected to the driving touch lines (310) on the other side of the display area (AA). However, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the driving routing lines (331) electrically connected to the same driving touch line (310) may be connected to one touch pad (314, 324).
[0077] In a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a power voltage supply line (500) electrically connected to power pads (504) may be located outside the touch routing lines (331, 332). The power voltage supply line (500) may extend along the edge of the display area (AA). An outer guard line (610, 620) may be located between the touch routing lines (331, 332) and the power voltage supply line (500). For example, a second driving guard line (610) may be located between the driving routing lines (331) and the power voltage supply line (500), and a second sensing guard line (620) may be located between the sensing routing lines (332) and the power voltage supply line (500). The same signal as that of the adjacent touch routing lines (331, 332) can be applied to the second driving guard line (610) and the second sensing guard line (620). For example, a touch driving signal can be applied to the second driving guard line (610) through a third guard pad (614) located alongside the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324), and a touch sensing signal can be applied to the second sensing guard line (620) through a fourth guard pad (624) located alongside the display pads (104) and the touch pads (314, 324). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the same signal can be applied to the surrounding wiring of each touch routing line (331, 332). That is, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, distortion of the signal applied through the driving routing line (331) or the sensing routing line (332) located closest to the power supply voltage line (500) by the power supply voltage line (500) can be prevented.Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of touch detection can be improved by the second driving guard line (610) and the second sensing guard line (620).
[0078] The power supply voltage line (500) may be partially separated. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, the power supply voltage line (500) may include a separation groove (500g). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, noise caused by an external signal is blocked by the power supply voltage line (500), and the influence of a signal applied through the power supply voltage line (500) on a signal applied through surrounding wiring, e.g., touch routing lines (331, 332), can be minimized. Therefore, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy of touch by a user and / or tool can be improved.
[0079] A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described such that the driving routing line (331) applies the touch driving signal through two opposing sides of the display area (AA), and the sensing driving routing line (332) applies the touch sensing signal through one of the other two sides of the display area (AA). However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, each sensing routing line (332) may be connected to one of the sensing touch lines (320) on two opposing sides of the display area (A), and each driving routing line (331) may be connected to one of the driving touch lines (310) on one of the other two sides of the display area (AA). Additionally, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, each driving routing line (331) may supply the touch driving signal through one of the sides of the display area (A), and each sensing routing line (332) may supply the touch sensing signal through one of the remaining three sides of the display area (AA). Accordingly, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the degree of freedom regarding the arrangement of the driving routing lines (331) and the sensing routing lines (332) may be improved. Explanation of the symbols
[0080] 110: Device substrate 130: Light-emitting element 140: Bag unit 310: Driving touch line 320: Sensing touch line 331: Driving routing line 332: Sensing Routing 410: 1st Drive Guard Line 420: 1st Sensing Guard Line
Claims
Claim 1 A touch display device comprising: a device substrate including a display area and a pad area; light-emitting elements located on the display area of the device substrate; an encapsulation unit located on the device substrate and covering the light-emitting elements; a touch sensor located on the encapsulation unit and including driving touch lines extending in a first direction and sensing touch lines extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; driving routing lines electrically connecting each driving touch line to one of the touch pads located on the pad area; sensing routing lines electrically connecting each sensing touch line to one of the touch pads; a first driving guard line located between the display area and the driving routing lines and to which the same signal as the sensing touch lines is applied; and a first sensing guard line located between the display area and the sensing routing lines and to which the same signal as the driving touch lines is applied, wherein the end of each driving routing line located near the display area crosses the first driving guard line and the end of each sensing routing line located near the display area crosses the first sensing guard line. Claim 2 In claim 1, the first driving guard line and the first sensing guard line are a touch display device located outside the display area. Claim 3 A touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply voltage line located outside the driving touch lines and the sensing touch lines; a second driving guard line located between the driving touch lines and the power supply voltage line; and a second sensing guard line located between the sensing touch lines and the power supply voltage line. Claim 4 A touch display device according to claim 3, wherein the same signal as the driving touch lines is applied to the second driving guard line, and the same signal as the sensing touch lines is applied to the second sensing guard line. Claim 5 In claim 1, the first sensing guard line is a touch display device having the same structure as the first driving guard line. Claim 6 In claim 5, the driving routing lines and the sensing routing lines are a touch display device having the same structure as the first driving guard line and the first sensing guard line. Claim 7 In claim 5, the first driving guard line and the first sensing guard line have a laminated structure of a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein the second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer, a touch display device. Claim 8 A touch display device according to claim 7, wherein the driving touch lines and the sensing touch lines each include touch electrodes and bridge electrodes electrically connecting the touch electrodes, and the second conductive layer includes the same material as the touch electrodes.