Display Devices

Abstract

The display device includes a display panel and a touch sensor located on the display panel. The display panel includes: a substrate layer; a light-emitting element having a first electrode located on the substrate layer; a pixel defining layer including an opening area exposing a portion of the first electrode of the light-emitting element; and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting element and the pixel defining layer. The touch sensor has: a first conductive pattern located on the encapsulation layer; a color filter located on the encapsulation layer to cover the first conductive pattern, the color filter including a first area having a lens portion and overlapping with the opening area of ​​the pixel defining layer and a second area overlapping with the pixel defining layer; a second conductive pattern located in the second area on the color filter; and a black matrix located on the second conductive pattern.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0098045, filed on August 22, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to display devices, and more particularly, to a touch sensor, a display device including the touch sensor, and a method of manufacturing the display device including the touch sensor. Background Art

[0004] Recently, display devices have been developed to have information input functions in addition to image display functions. The information input function of the display device can generally be implemented using a touch sensor for receiving touch input from a user or a predetermined tool (e.g., such as a stylus pen).

[0005] The touch sensor may be attached to one surface of the display panel for realizing an image display function, or may be formed integrally with the display panel. A user may input information by pressing or touching the touch sensor while viewing an image being displayed by the display panel.

[0006] The touch sensor may be included not only in a flat panel display device but also in a flexible display device, a curved display device, a foldable display device, a bendable display device, and the like.

[0007] Research has been conducted to reduce the thickness of a display panel and a touch sensor in order to freely modify the shape of a display device. Summary of the invention

[0008] An embodiment provides a touch sensor including a color filter having a lens shape between first and second sensing electrodes.

[0009] Embodiments also provide a display device including the touch sensor.

[0010] Embodiments also provide a method of manufacturing a touch sensor.

[0011] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a display panel having an emission area and a non-emission area; and a touch sensor located on the display panel. The display panel comprises: a substrate layer; a light-emitting element located on the substrate layer, the light-emitting element having a first electrode; a pixel defining layer having an opening area exposing a portion of the first electrode of the light-emitting element; and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting element and the pixel defining layer, wherein the touch sensor comprises: a first conductive pattern located on the encapsulation layer; a color filter located on the encapsulation layer to cover the first conductive pattern, the color filter comprising a first area having a lens portion and overlapping with the opening area of ​​the pixel defining layer and a second area overlapping with the pixel defining layer; a second conductive pattern located in the second area on the color filter; and a black matrix located on the second conductive pattern.

[0012] The lens portion of the color filter may have a concave lens shape that is concave toward the light emitting element.

[0013] The width of the black matrix may be smaller than the width of the pixel defining layer overlapping the black matrix.

[0014] The black matrix may cover side surfaces of the second conductive pattern.

[0015] The width of the lens portion may be smaller than a width of an opening region of the pixel defining layer overlapping the lens portion.

[0016] The lens portion of the color filter may have a convex lens shape protruding further than a portion of the color filter in the second region.

[0017] The width of the black matrix may be greater than the width of the pixel defining layer overlapping the black matrix.

[0018] The black matrix may overlap a portion of the opening region of the pixel defining layer.

[0019] The width of the lens portion may be smaller than a width of an opening region of the pixel defining layer overlapping the lens portion.

[0020] The touch sensor may further include: a hydrophobic layer on the black matrix; and an insulating layer on the color filter.

[0021] The insulating layer may not overlap the second conductive pattern, the black matrix, and the hydrophobic layer.

[0022] The color filter may include a contact hole located in the second region and exposing a portion of the first conductive pattern.

[0023] The first conductive pattern may be electrically connected to the second conductive pattern through the contact hole.

[0024] The light emitting element may further include: a second electrode located on the first electrode; and an emission layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0025] The pixel defining layer may cover a portion of the first electrode, and an opening region of the pixel defining layer may correspond to a portion of the first electrode exposed from the pixel defining layer.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device is provided, the method comprising: patterning a first conductive pattern on a display panel; forming a color filter on the display panel by optical processing, wherein the color filter comprises a first region, a second region at a periphery of the first region, and a contact hole formed at a portion of the second region, wherein the first region comprises a lens portion; patterning a second conductive pattern located in the second region on the color filter; forming a black matrix on the second conductive pattern; forming a hydrophobic layer on the black matrix; and forming an insulating layer at a portion of the color filter exposed from the second conductive pattern and the black matrix.

[0027] The insulating layer may be formed by an inkjet printing process. The insulating layer may not overlap with the second conductive pattern, the black matrix, and the hydrophobic layer.

[0028] The lens portion of the color filter may have a concave lens shape that is concave toward the display panel.

[0029] The lens portion of the color filter may have a convex lens shape protruding further than a portion of the color filter in the second region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being between two elements, it may be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display panel included in a display device.

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2A plan view of an example of a touch sensor included in a display device.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor included in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] 6A to 6F is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a touch sensor included in a display device.

[0039] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a touch sensor included in a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals always represent the same elements. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. More specifically, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise mentioned, the same reference numerals represent the same elements in all drawings and the described descriptions, and therefore their descriptions will not be repeated. In the drawings, for clarity, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be magnified.

[0041] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or cross-sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or cross-sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or cross-section from another element, component, region, layer or cross-section. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first cross-section described below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second cross-section.

[0042] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "down," "under," "above," "on," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element (or elements) or another feature (or features) as shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatially relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, the elements described as being "below" or "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below" and "under" may cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented otherwise (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being on, connected to or coupled to another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. In addition, it should also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being between two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0044] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one" and "an" are intended to also include plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and "including" when used in this specification indicate the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Statements such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements when they are after the list of elements, without modifying the individual elements of the list.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be interpreted as synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0046] The electronic or electrical devices and / or any other related devices or components according to embodiments of the present invention described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. In addition, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or may be formed on a substrate.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should also be understood that 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 field and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] The display device DD can display the image IM through the display surface DD-IS. The display surface DD-IS is parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The normal direction of the display surface DD-IS, that is, the thickness direction of the display device DD, represents the third direction axis DR3.

[0049] The front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each component, layer or unit described below are distinguished by the third directional axis DR3. However, the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2 and the third directional axis DR3 are only illustrative, and the directions indicated by the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2 and the third directional axis DR3 are relative concepts and can be changed to other directions. Hereinafter, the first direction to the third direction are directions indicated by the first directional axis DR1, the second directional axis DR2 and the third directional axis DR3, respectively, and are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0050] The display device DD may have a flat display surface. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have various types of display surfaces capable of displaying an image IM, such as a curved display surface, a flexible display surface, a foldable display surface, a bendable display surface, a stereoscopic display surface, or other types of display surfaces. When the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a stereoscopic display surface, the stereoscopic display surface may, for example, include a plurality of display areas facing different directions. For example, the stereoscopic display surface may be implemented using a display surface in the shape of a polygonal column.

[0051] The display device DD may be a flexible display device. For example, the display device DD may be applied to a foldable display device, a bendable display device, a rollable display device, etc. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display device DD may be a rigid display device.

[0052] Figure 1 , a display device applicable to a mobile phone terminal is shown as an example of a display device. However, this is merely illustrative, and the display device DD may be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, and electronic display screens, as well as medium / small electronic devices such as tablet PCs, navigation systems, game consoles, and smart watches. In addition, the display device DD may be applied to wearable electronic devices such as head-mounted displays.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in , the display surface DD-IS may include a display area DD-DA displaying an image IM and a non-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA is an area where the image IM is not displayed. The non-display area DD-NDA may be disposed at the periphery of the display area DD-DA.

[0054] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 2It is simply illustrated to describe the stacking relationship between the functional panels and / or functional units constituting the display device DD.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a display panel, a touch sensor and a window unit. At least some of the components among the display panel, the touch sensor and the window unit may be formed by a continuous process, or may be connected to each other by a bonding member. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the bonding member may include a general glue, an adhesive or other bonding or attachment mechanism. Figure 2 The bonding member shown in may be, for example, an optically transparent bonding member OCA.

[0057] In an embodiment, the touch sensor may sense a touch or input by an external medium such as a finger, a hand, a stylus, or a pen relative to the display surface DD-IS.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the description, the corresponding component between the touch sensor and the window unit formed with another component by a continuous process is represented as a "layer". The corresponding component between the touch sensor and the window unit connected to another component by an adhesive member is represented as a "panel". The "panel" includes a base layer providing a base surface, for example, a synthetic resin film, a composite material film, a glass substrate, etc., but in the "layer", the base layer can be omitted. In other words, each unit represented as a "layer" is arranged on a base surface provided by another unit.

[0059] The touch sensor and window unit may be designated as a touch panel and a window panel WP or a touch sensor layer ISL and a window layer according to the presence or absence of a substrate layer.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown in , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP, a touch sensor layer ISL, and a window panel WP.

[0061] In an embodiment, the touch sensor layer ISL may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In this specification, "component A is directly disposed on component B" may mean that no separate adhesive layer / adhesive member is disposed between component A and component B. Component B may be formed on a base surface provided by component A through a certain process (e.g., a continuous process) after component A is formed.

[0062] The display panel DP and the touch sensor layer ISL disposed on the display panel DP are collectively defined as a display module DM. An optically transparent adhesive member OCA may be disposed between the display module DM and the window panel WP. In other words, the optically transparent adhesive member OCA may be disposed between the display module DM and the window panel WP so that the display module DM and the window panel WP are attached to each other.

[0063] The touch sensor layer ISL may be disposed in the display panel DP or may be disposed on the display panel DP.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, a micro LED display panel, or any other suitable display panel.

[0065] In an embodiment, the window panel WP may include a base film WP-BS and a light blocking pattern WP-BZ. The base film WP-BS may include a glass substrate and / or a synthetic resin film. The base film WP-BS is not limited to a single layer. For example, the base film WP-BS may include two or more films coupled by an adhesive member.

[0066] The light blocking pattern WP-BZ partially overlaps the base film WP-BS. The light blocking pattern WP-BZ may be disposed on the rear surface of the base film WP-BS to define a bezel area, that is, a non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD (see Figure 1 ).

[0067] Although not shown separately, the window panel WP may further include a functional coating layer disposed on the top surface of the base film WP-BS. The functional coating layer may include an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer, a hard coating layer, and the like.

[0068] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a display panel DP included in a display device DD.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLED and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0070] The base layer BL may include a synthetic resin film. The base layer BL may be a polyimide resin layer, but its material is not particularly limited thereto. In addition, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the base layer BL may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, an organic / inorganic composite material substrate, or any other suitable substrate.

[0071] The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one insulating layer and at least one circuit element. Hereinafter, the insulating layer included in the circuit element layer DP-CL is referred to as an interlayer insulating layer. The interlayer insulating layer may include at least one interlayer inorganic layer and at least one interlayer organic layer. The circuit element may include a signal line, a driving circuit of a pixel, etc.

[0072] The circuit element layer DP-CL may include a buffer layer BFL, a first interlayer inorganic layer 10 and a second interlayer inorganic layer 20 as inorganic layers, and may further include an interlayer organic layer 30 as an organic layer. The materials of the inorganic layer and the organic layer are not particularly limited. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the buffer layer BFL may be optionally provided / omitted.

[0073] The semiconductor pattern OSP1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter, referred to as the first semiconductor pattern) and the semiconductor pattern OSP2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter, referred to as the second semiconductor pattern) are disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be selected from amorphous silicon, polysilicon and metal oxide semiconductor.

[0074] The first interlayer inorganic layer 10 is disposed over the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 (e.g., over at least a portion of the first semiconductor pattern OSP1) and over the second semiconductor pattern OSP2. A control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter, referred to as a first control electrode) and a control electrode GE2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter, referred to as a second control electrode) are disposed on the first interlayer inorganic layer 10.

[0075] The second interlayer inorganic layer 20 covers the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 and may be disposed on the first interlayer inorganic layer 10. The input electrode DE1 (hereinafter, referred to as the first input electrode) and the output electrode SE1 (hereinafter, referred to as the first output electrode) of the first transistor T1 and the input electrode DE2 (hereinafter, referred to as the second input electrode) and the output electrode SE2 (hereinafter, referred to as the second output electrode) of the second transistor T2 are disposed on the second interlayer inorganic layer 20 (e.g., disposed on at least a portion of the second interlayer inorganic layer 20).

[0076] The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 may be connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through the first contact hole CH1 and the second contact hole CH2 penetrating the first interlayer inorganic layer 10 and the second interlayer inorganic layer 20, respectively. The second input electrode DE2 and the second output electrode SE2 may be connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 through the third contact hole CH3 and the fourth contact hole CH4 penetrating the first interlayer inorganic layer 10 and the second interlayer inorganic layer 20, respectively. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, at least one of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be modified to have a bottom gate structure.

[0077] The interlayer organic layer 30 covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 is disposed on the second interlayer inorganic layer 20. The interlayer organic layer 30 may provide a planarized surface.

[0078] The display element layer DP-OLED is disposed on the interlayer organic layer 30. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting diode.

[0079] The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixel defining layer PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic material. The first electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the interlayer organic layer 30. The first electrode AE ​​may be connected to the second output electrode SE2 through a fifth contact hole CH5 penetrating the interlayer organic layer 30. The pixel defining layer PDL is defined with an opening area OP. The opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may expose at least a portion of the first electrode AE. In an embodiment, the first electrode AE ​​may be an anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED. However, this is merely illustrative, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first electrode AE ​​may be a cathode electrode of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0080] Pixels may be arranged in the display area DD-DA. The display area DD-DA may include an emission area PXA and a non-emission area NPXA adjacent to the emission area PXA. The non-emission area NPXA may surround the emission area PXA. The emission area PXA may correspond to an opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL. The non-emission area NPXA may also correspond to the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0081] The emission layer EML may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The emission layer EML may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening region OP. The emission layer EML may generate colored light (eg, light of a predetermined color).

[0082] In an embodiment, the emission layer EML may be commonly disposed in the pixel (eg, may be commonly formed). The emission layer EML may generate white light. The emission layer EML may have a multi-layer structure called a tandem.

[0083] The second electrode CE is disposed on the emission layer EML and the pixel defining layer PDL. The second electrode CE is commonly disposed in the pixel. In an implementation, the second electrode CE may be a cathode electrode.

[0084] In an embodiment, the pixel may further include a hole control layer between the first electrode AE ​​and the emission layer EML and an electron control layer between the emission layer EML and the second electrode CE. Each of the hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly disposed in the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. Although not shown separately, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, common layers such as the hole control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed in the pixel.

[0085] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed above the second electrode CE. The encapsulation layer TFE is commonly disposed in the pixel. The encapsulation layer TFE may encapsulate the display element layer DP-OLED. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one insulating layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic layer (hereinafter referred to as an encapsulation inorganic layer). In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one organic layer (hereinafter referred to as an encapsulation organic layer) and at least one encapsulation inorganic layer.

[0086] The encapsulated inorganic layer can protect the display element layer DP-OLED from moisture / oxygen, and can also protect the display element layer DP-OLED from foreign substances such as dust particles. The encapsulated inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the encapsulated inorganic layer may be made of any suitable inorganic material capable of protecting the display element layer DP-OLED from moisture / oxygen. The encapsulated organic layer may include an acrolein-based organic layer. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the encapsulated organic layer may be made of an organic material capable of protecting the display element layer DP-OLED from foreign substances such as dust particles.

[0087] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of a touch sensor TS included in a display device DD.

[0088] refer to Figure 4 The touch sensor TS may include first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5, first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 connected to the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5, second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4, and second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 connected to the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4.

[0089] In an embodiment, the touch sensor TS may further include an optical dummy electrode disposed in a boundary region between the first sensing electrodes IE1 - 1 to IE1 - 5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2 - 1 to IE2 - 4 .

[0090] The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 cross each other. The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 are arranged along the first direction DR1, and each of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 extends in the second direction DR2. The first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 may sense external inputs using a mutual capacitance method and / or a self-capacitance method.

[0091] Each of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 includes a first sensor portion SP1 and a first connection portion CP1. Each of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 includes a second sensor portion SP2 and a second connection portion CP2.

[0092] In an embodiment, the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 may have a shape in which the sensor portion and the connection portion are not distinguished from each other (e.g., a rod shape). Although the first sensor portion SP1 and the second sensor portion SP2 having a rhombus shape are shown, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the first sensor portion SP1 and the second sensor portion SP2 may have any other suitable polygonal shape.

[0093] In an implementation, the first sensing electrodes IE1 - 1 to IE1 - 5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2 - 1 to IE2 - 4 may be formed in a mesh pattern.

[0094] In one first sensing electrode, the first sensor parts SP1 are arranged along the second direction DR2; and in one second sensing electrode, the second sensor parts SP2 are arranged along the first direction DR1. Each of the first connection parts CP1 connects the adjacent first sensor parts SP1, and each of the second connection parts CP2 connects the adjacent second sensor parts SP2.

[0095] In an embodiment, the first connection portion CP1, the first sensor portion SP1, and the second sensor portion SP2 may be disposed on the same layer, and the second connection portion CP2 may be disposed in a layer different from that of the first connection portion CP1, the first sensor portion SP1, and the second sensor portion SP2. Therefore, the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4 do not contact each other (e.g., are short-circuited).

[0096] The first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 are respectively connected to one end of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5. The second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 are connected to both ends of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4. In an embodiment, the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 may be connected to both ends of the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5. In an embodiment, the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may be respectively connected to only one end of the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4.

[0097] Each of the first signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 and the second signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may include a line portion SL-L and a pad portion SL-P. The pad portion SL-P may be aligned in the pad area NDA-PD.

[0098] The touch sensor TS may include signal pads DP-PD. The signal pads DP-PD may be aligned in the pad area NDA-PD.

[0099] The planar shape of the touch sensor TS is not limited thereto, and in various embodiments, the touch sensor TS may have any other suitable shape and arrangement as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0100] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor TS included in the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6A to 6F is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing the touch sensor TS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and 6A to 6F The touch sensor TS may include a base layer TBL, a first conductive pattern CD1, a color filter CF, a second conductive pattern CD2, and a black matrix BM. The touch sensor TS may further include a hydrophobic layer HPL and an insulating layer IL.

[0102] In an implementation, the display panel DP may be disposed on the bottom of the touch sensor TS.

[0103] The light emitting element may be disposed on the interlayer organic layer 30 of the display panel DP. The light emitting element may include a first electrode AE ​​disposed on the interlayer organic layer 30, a second electrode CE disposed on the first electrode AE, and an emission layer EML disposed between the first and second electrodes AE and CE.

[0104] In addition, the pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the interlayer organic layer 30. The pixel defining layer PDL may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. Figure 3 The opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL may correspond to a portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed from the pixel defining layer PDL. In an embodiment, the first area AA1 of the color filter CF may correspond to the opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0105] Already referenced Figure 3 A specific stack structure of the display panel DP is described in detail, and thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] In an embodiment, the base layer TBL may be the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer TFE of the display panel DP. For example, the base layer TBL may be an inorganic layer (or an inorganic insulating layer) as the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, the base layer TBL may be an inorganic layer (or an inorganic buffer layer) additionally disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. For example, the base layer TBL may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, or any other suitable inorganic layer.

[0107] like Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first conductive pattern CD1 may be directly disposed on the base layer TBL, however, in other embodiments, the first conductive pattern CD1 may be indirectly disposed on the base layer TBL. The first conductive pattern CD1 may be disposed to overlap the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0108] In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern CD1 may form the first sensor portion SP1 and the first connection portion CP1 included in the first sensing electrodes IE1-1 to IE1-5 and the second sensor portion SP2 included in the second sensing electrodes IE2-1 to IE2-4. The second conductive pattern CD2 may form the second connection portion CP2.

[0109] In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern CD1 may form the second connection portion CP2. The second conductive pattern CD2 may form the first sensor portion SP1, the first connection portion CP1, and the second sensor portion SP2. In an embodiment, the first sensor portion SP1 and the second sensor portion SP2 may have a grid pattern configured with grid lines each having a plurality of meshes. Figure 5 The illustrated second conductive pattern CD2 may be understood as a cross section (eg, a cross section) of a portion of a grid line.

[0110] The first conductive pattern CD1 is a cross section of a portion of the conductive line forming the second connection portion CP2. For example, the second connection portion CP2 may also have a grid pattern configured with grid lines each having a plurality of meshes, and the first conductive pattern CD1 may be understood as a cross section of a portion of the grid lines constituting the second connection portion CP2. However, this is merely illustrative, and in some embodiments, the first conductive pattern CD1 constituting the second connection portion CP2 is not a grid pattern, but may be a simple conductive pattern or any other suitable pattern.

[0111] Each of the first conductive pattern CD1 and the second conductive pattern CD2 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The conductive pattern having a single-layer structure may, for example, include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum and alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO). In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc. The conductive pattern having a multi-layer structure may include a multi-layer metal layer. The multi-layer metal layer may have a three-layer structure of, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The single-layer structure and the multi-layer structure are provided only as examples, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, any other suitable single-layer or multi-layer structure and material may be used.

[0112] In an implementation, the first conductive pattern CD1 may be formed to overlap the pixel defining layer PDL through patterning using a mask.

[0113] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. , the color filter CF may include an opening area (eg, Figure 3 The first conductive pattern CD1 may be formed on the encapsulation layer TFE and on the second conductive pattern CD2.

[0114] In an implementation, a contact hole CNT may be formed at a portion of the second area AA2 of the color filter CF. The contact hole CNT may be formed to expose a portion of the first conductive pattern CD1.

[0115] The color filter CF may include color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 having a plurality of color groups. For example, the color filter CF may include a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter. For example, the first color filter CF1 may be a red filter, the second color filter CF2 may be a green filter, and the third color filter CF3 may be a blue filter.

[0116] The color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may be disposed corresponding to the opening area of ​​the pixel and the color of the light emitted by the corresponding pixel. Figure 6B , the boundary of each of the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 corresponds to the central portion of the pixel defining layer PDL, but the arrangement of the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 is not limited thereto. For example, the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 may be arranged to cover the entire opening area of ​​the corresponding pixel. The first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 may have different areas.

[0117] In the first area AA1, the color filter CF may include a lens portion. In an embodiment, the color filter CF may include a recessed portion (or a concave lens) CC recessed toward the light emitting element. The width of the recessed portion CC may be formed not outside the first area AA1 (e.g., completely in the first area AA1). In an embodiment, the width of the recessed portion CC may be smaller than the width of the opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL overlapping the recessed portion CC.

[0118] In an implementation, the concave portion CC may have a concave lens shape. The concave portion CC concentrates light emitted from the light emitting element to the outside of the display device DD, and thus may improve light efficiency of the emitted light.

[0119] However, the shape of the recessed portion CC is not limited thereto. For example, the recessed portion CC may be a notch having a thickness less than the thickness of the color filter CF in the second area AA2. In addition, the planar shape of the recessed portion CC may be at least one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or any other suitable shape. In other words, the recessed portion CC may be designed to have a certain shape, a certain taper angle, a certain amplitude, and a certain width in the case where the converging effect and light efficiency of the recessed portion CC can be improved (e.g., maximized).

[0120] In an implementation, a top surface of the second area AA2 of the color filter CF may be substantially flat.

[0121] The color filter CF may include a contact hole CNT located at a portion of the second area AA2. The contact hole CNT may expose a portion of the top surface of the first conductive pattern CD1.

[0122] The color filter CF may be formed of an organic insulating material. In an embodiment, the color filter CF including the recessed portion CC and the contact hole CNT may be formed by optical processing, for example, using a mask. For example, the color filter CF may be formed by performing a mask process three times using masks corresponding to red, green, and blue filters, respectively. In an example, a halftone mask may be applied to the recessed portion CC so that only a portion of the color filter CF is etched. In addition, the contact hole CNT may be patterned together with the recessed portion CC.

[0123] In an embodiment, the organic material of the color filter CF may be a material that can be deposited at a low temperature (e.g., 90° C. or less). For example, the deposition of the organic material may be performed at a low temperature of 90° C. or less. When the deposition of the organic material is performed at a low temperature, various elements or layers previously formed in the process of depositing the organic material may be prevented from being damaged. On the other hand, the degree of freedom of material selection of various elements or layers may be increased.

[0124] like Figure 6CAs shown in FIG. , a second conductive pattern CD2 may be formed on the second area AA2 of the color filter CF. In an embodiment, the second conductive pattern CD2 may form the first sensor part SP1, the first connection part CP1, and the second sensor part SP2. In an embodiment, the second conductive pattern CD2 may form the second connection part CP2.

[0125] The second conductive pattern CD2 may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer having a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0126] In an embodiment, the first conductive pattern CD1 and the second conductive pattern CD2 may be electrically connected through the contact hole CNT. For example, after the contact hole CNT is formed in the color filter CF, the second conductive pattern CD2 may be formed on the color filter CF by patterning using a mask.

[0127] A black matrix BM may be disposed on the second conductive pattern CD2. Fig.6D As shown in FIG. 2 , a black matrix BM may be formed on a top surface of the second conductive pattern CD2 .

[0128] The black matrix BM may include a material capable of blocking light. For example, the black matrix BM may include an organic material having a high light absorptivity. The black matrix BM may include a black pigment or a black dye. The black matrix BM may include a photosensitive organic material. For example, the black matrix BM may include a colorant such as a pigment or a dye. The black matrix BM may have a single layer or a multilayer structure.

[0129] The black matrix BM may be formed on the second conductive pattern CD2 by patterning using a mask. In an implementation, the black matrix BM may even cover the side surface of the second conductive pattern CD2.

[0130] In an embodiment, the width of the black matrix BM may be smaller than the width of the pixel defining layer PDL overlapped therewith. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element may be widely spread without being interrupted by the black matrix BM. Therefore, the viewing angle may be increased and the brightness ratio may be significantly improved.

[0131] A hydrophobic layer HPL may be disposed on the black matrix BM. Fig. 6E As shown in FIG. 8 , a hydrophobic layer HPL may be formed on the black matrix BM.

[0132] The hydrophobic layer HPL may include a liquid-repellent organic material. For example, the hydrophobic layer HPL may include a fluorinated silane-based material, a fluorinated acryl-based material, a fluorinated alkyl-based material, and / or any other suitable material.

[0133] The area of ​​the hydrophobic layer HPL may be less than or equal to the area of ​​the black matrix BM. Therefore, the hydrophobic layer HPL prevents the insulating layer IL formed in a subsequent process from being formed on the top of the hydrophobic layer HPL. Therefore, the thickness of the insulating layer IL for covering the second conductive pattern CD2 and the black matrix BM can be significantly reduced.

[0134] The hydrophobic layer HPL may be formed by patterning the liquid-repellent organic material using a mask. However, this is merely illustrative, and the process of forming the hydrophobic layer HPL is not limited thereto.

[0135] An insulating layer IL may be disposed on the color filter CF on which the hydrophobic layer HPL is formed. Fig. 6F As shown in FIG. 1 , an insulating layer IL may be formed on the color filter CF exposed from the second conductive pattern CD2 and the black matrix BM.

[0136] The insulating layer IL does not overlap with the top surfaces of the second conductive pattern CD2, the black matrix BM, and the hydrophobic layer HPL. In other words, the insulating layer IL is not formed on the hydrophobic layer HPL. Therefore, the top surface of the insulating layer IL is not higher than the top surface of the hydrophobic layer HPL. For example, there is almost no height difference (e.g., step difference) between the insulating layer IL and the hydrophobic layer HPL, and the insulating layer IL may have a flat top surface.

[0137] In an implementation, the insulating layer IL may include an organic insulating material.

[0138] In an embodiment, the insulating layer IL may be formed by an inkjet printing process. For example, the insulating layer IL may be formed by an inkjet printing process such as thermal inkjet printing or piezoelectric inkjet printing.

[0139] Therefore, the existing mask process for forming the insulating layer is replaced by the inkjet printing process. Therefore, at least one mask process can be omitted and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0140] A window unit (eg, window panel) or a functional panel may be disposed on the insulating layer IL and the hydrophobic layer HPL, or may be attached to the insulating layer IL and the hydrophobic layer HPL through a transparent adhesive member.

[0141] As described above, in the touch sensor TS, the method of manufacturing the touch sensor TS, and the display device DD including the touch sensor TS according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the color filter CF is disposed between the first conductive pattern CD1 and the second conductive pattern CD2, and the insulating layer IL is not formed over the black matrix BM, so that the thickness of the touch sensor TS can be reduced. In various embodiments, the display device DD may be a bendable or flexible display device. The shape of a flexible display device applied to a foldable display device or the like can be easily changed.

[0142] In addition, the color filter CF between the first and second conductive patterns CD1 and CD2 includes a concave portion CC overlapping the opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL, thereby improving light characteristics (eg, light efficiency) of light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0143] Furthermore, in the method of manufacturing the touch sensor TS according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a mask process for forming an organic layer / inorganic layer is omitted, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0144] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a touch sensor TS1 included in a display device DD.

[0145] exist Figure 7 In, with reference Figure 5 The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. Figure 7 The touch sensor TS1 may have Figure 5 The touch sensors TS have substantially the same or similar configurations.

[0146] refer to Figure 7 , the touch sensor TS1 may include a base layer TBL, a first conductive pattern CD1, a color filter CF, a second conductive pattern CD2, a black matrix BM1, a hydrophobic layer HPL, and an insulating layer IL.

[0147] In an embodiment, the black matrix BM1 may be disposed to cover both the top surface and the side surface of the second conductive pattern CD2. When the width of the black matrix BM1 increases, the reflectivity of external light may decrease. Therefore, the degradation of visibility due to light reflection may be reduced or minimized.

[0148] In an embodiment, the width CCA of the concave portion (eg, concave lens) CC may be smaller than the width of the first area AA1. In other words, the area of ​​the concave portion CC is smaller than the area of ​​the first area AA1. The concave portion CC is formed not outside the first area AA1 (ie, the opening area of ​​the pixel).

[0149] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a touch sensor included in a display device.

[0150] exist Figure 8 In, with reference Figure 5 Similar (eg, identical) components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, in addition to the color filter CF′ and the black matrix BM2, Figure 8 The touch sensor TS2 may have Figure 5 The configuration of the touch sensor TS is basically the same as or similar to the configuration.

[0151] refer to Figure 8 , the touch sensor TS2 may include a base layer TBL, a first conductive pattern CD1, a color filter CF′, a second conductive pattern CD2, a black matrix BM2, a hydrophobic layer HPL, and an insulating layer IL.

[0152] In the first area AA1, the color filter CF' may include a lens portion. In an embodiment, the color filter CF' may include a convex portion CV (i.e., a convex lens) that protrudes further from the lens portion than a portion of the color filter CF' in the second area AA2. For example, the convex portion CV may have a convex lens shape. The convex portion CV may widely disperse the light emitted from the light emitting element. Therefore, the viewing angle may be increased, and the brightness ratio may be improved.

[0153] In an embodiment, the width CVA of the convex portion CV may be smaller than the width of the first area AA1. In other words, the area of ​​the convex portion CV is smaller than that of the first area AA1, and the convex portion CV is formed not outside the first area AA1 (ie, the opening area of ​​the pixel).

[0154] In an embodiment, the width of the black matrix BM2 may be greater than the width of the pixel defining layer PDL overlapping therewith. In other words, the black matrix BM2 may overlap a portion of the opening area OP of the pixel defining layer PDL. Therefore, the area of ​​the black matrix BM2 is widened, and thus the reflectivity of light may be reduced. Therefore, the degradation of visibility due to light reflection may be minimized.

[0155] In addition, light is dispersed by the convex portion CV having the convex lens shape, and thus a reduction in viewing angle due to an increase in the area of ​​the black matrix BM2 may be resolved.

[0156] Therefore, in the touch sensor TS2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, its reflectivity and viewing angle may be improved.

[0157] As described above, in the touch sensor TS, TS1 or TS2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and the display device DD including the touch sensor TS, TS1 or TS2, the color filter CF or CF′ may be disposed between the first conductive pattern CD1 and the second conductive pattern CD2, and the insulating layer IL may be formed so as not to overflow the black matrix BM, BM1 or BM2, so that the thickness of the touch sensor TS, TS1 or TS2 may be reduced. Therefore, the shape of a flexible display device applied to a foldable display device or the like may be easily modified.

[0158] In the touch sensor, the method of manufacturing the touch sensor, and the display device including the touch sensor according to the present disclosure, the color filter is disposed between the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern, and the insulating layer is formed so as not to overflow the black matrix, so that the thickness of the touch sensor can be reduced. Therefore, the shape of the flexible display device applied to the foldable display device and the like can be easily modified.

[0159] In addition, the color filter between the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern includes a recessed portion (e.g., a concave lens) or a raised portion (convex lens) overlapping the opening area of ​​the pixel defining layer, thereby improving the optical properties (e.g., optical efficiency) of the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0160] In the method of manufacturing a touch sensor according to the present disclosure, a mask process for forming an organic layer / inorganic layer is omitted, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0161] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are used, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. For example, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art as of the effective filing date of this application, unless otherwise specifically noted, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Display equipment, including: A display panel including an emissive region and a non-emissive region; as well as A touch sensor, located on the display panel; Wherein, the display panel comprises: Basal layer; A light-emitting element, located on the base layer, wherein the light-emitting element comprises a first electrode; a pixel defining layer, comprising an opening region exposing a portion of the first electrode of the light emitting element; and an encapsulation layer, covering the light emitting element and the pixel defining layer, Wherein, the touch sensor comprises: A first conductive pattern, located on the packaging layer; a color filter, located on the encapsulation layer to cover the first conductive pattern, the color filter having a first region and a second region, wherein the first region includes a lens portion and overlaps with the opening region of the pixel defining layer, and the second region overlaps with the pixel defining layer; a second conductive pattern located in the second region on the color filter; and A black matrix is ​​located on the second conductive pattern. The touch sensor further comprises: a hydrophobic layer, located on the black matrix; and An insulating layer is located on the color filter, and the insulating layer does not overlap with the second conductive pattern, the black matrix, and the hydrophobic layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The lens portion of the color filter has a concave lens shape that is recessed toward the light emitting element.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The width of the black matrix is ​​smaller than the width of the pixel defining layer overlapping the black matrix.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The black matrix covers side surfaces of the second conductive pattern.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The width of the lens portion is smaller than the width of the opening region of the pixel defining layer overlapping the lens portion.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The lens portion of the color filter has a convex lens shape that protrudes further than a portion of the color filter in the second region.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The width of the black matrix is ​​greater than the width of the pixel defining layer overlapping the black matrix.

8. The display device according to claim 1, in, The color filter has a contact hole located in the second region and exposes a portion of the first conductive pattern, and Wherein, the first conductive pattern is electrically connected to the second conductive pattern through the contact hole.

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