Display Devices

Abstract

Display device. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device capable of increasing the number of data link lines or touch lines in a curved area or a folded area of ​​a display panel. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device capable of increasing the number of data link lines or touch lines in a curved area or a folded area of ​​a display panel can be provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application with application number 201811249306.5 (application date: October 25, 2018, invention name: display device). Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0003] As society develops into an information society, the demand for display devices that display images in various forms increases. In recent years, various display devices such as liquid crystal display devices, plasma display devices, and organic light emitting diode display devices have been utilized.

[0004] These display devices include display devices that can provide a touch-based input system that enables a user to input information or commands intuitively and conveniently without effort, thereby avoiding the use of traditional input systems such as buttons, keyboards, and mice.

[0005] In order for the display device to provide such a touch-based input system, it is necessary to determine the presence or absence of a user's touch and correctly detect the touch coordinates.

[0006] For this reason, among various types of touch sensing systems, a capacitance-based touch sensing system that detects the presence or absence of a touch, touch coordinates, etc. based on a change in capacitance formed on a plurality of touch electrodes is widely used.

[0007] A conventional display device has a non-display area in a display panel, and data lines extend in the non-display area or data lines and touch lines connected to the data lines are arranged in the non-display area.

[0008] In order to provide a high-resolution image, the number of pixels per inch (PPI) of the display panel should be increased. In this case, the number of data lines should be increased, and when the display panel is a touch display panel, the number of touch lines connected to the touch electrodes corresponding to the pixels should also be increased.

[0009] However, since a non-display area in a display panel where data link lines and touch lines can be disposed is spatially limited, there is a limit to increasing the number of lines in the non-display area in order to achieve high resolution.

[0010] In particular, in the case of a partially bendable or foldable display panel, it is difficult to achieve high resolution by increasing the number of lines while preventing breakage of data link lines or touch lines in a bendable region or a foldable region of the display panel. Summary of the invention

[0011] In view of the above, an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device capable of increasing the number of data link lines or touch lines in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel.

[0012] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device capable of preventing a data link line or a touch line from being broken in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel.

[0013] In addition, some aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can clearly understand other aspects not mentioned above according to the following description.

[0014] To achieve the above aspects, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device in which data link lines or touch lines are alternately arranged in different layers in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device including a metal data link line constituting a touch line of a display panel.

[0016] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device to which a structure for preventing a data link line or a touch line from being broken in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel is applied.

[0017] As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of increasing the number of data link lines or touch lines in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel.

[0018] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of preventing a data link line or a touch line in a bendable region or a foldable region of a display panel from being broken.

[0019] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided, in which the intervals between data link lines or touch lines can be reduced while maintaining the number of data link lines or touch lines in a bendable area or a foldable area of ​​a display panel, thereby achieving a narrow frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a touch sensor structure within a touch area of ​​a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a touch sensor structure within a touch area of ​​a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 is another exemplary diagram of a touch panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a non-mesh type touch electrode in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a mesh-type touch electrode in a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence relationship between a mesh touch electrode TE and sub-pixels provided on a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which touch lines and data link lines are disposed in a non-display area of ​​a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of a portion of;

[0030] Fig.10 The embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 A diagram of touch lines and data link lines in a bendable area;

[0031] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 a cross-sectional view of a portion of;

[0032] Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG.

[0033] Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D';

[0034] Fig.14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the present disclosure provided in Figure 8 A diagram of touch lines and data link lines in a bendable area;

[0035] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 a cross-sectional view of a portion of;

[0036] Fig.16 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D';

[0037] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a touch line is provided in a non-display area according to a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.18 is an example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure Fig.17 A diagram of a portion of

[0039] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 a cross-sectional view of a portion of;

[0040] Fig. 20 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.17 A diagram of a portion of

[0041] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 a cross-sectional view of a portion of; and

[0042] Fig. 22 A more detailed example Fig.21 Figure 2. A partial configuration diagram of the . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative drawings. When reference numerals designate elements in the figures, the same elements will be represented by the same reference numerals, even though they are shown in different figures. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, when a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein would make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0044] In addition, when describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding component, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding component from other components. In the case where it is described that a certain structural element is "connected to", "coupled to" or "contacting" another structural element, it should be understood that another structural element can be "connected to", "coupled to" or "contacting" the structural element and that a certain structural element is directly connected to or directly contacts another structural element.

[0045] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a touch sensor structure within a touch area of ​​a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3is an exemplary diagram illustrating a touch sensor structure within a touch area of ​​a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is another exemplary diagram of a touch panel in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a non-mesh type touch electrode in a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a mesh-type touch electrode in a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 1 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence relationship between mesh-type touch electrodes TE and sub-pixels arranged on a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which touch lines and data link lines are provided in a non-display area according to a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig.10 The embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 A diagram of the touch lines and data link lines in the bendable area, Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 The cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in FIG. Fig.14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the present disclosure provided in Figure 8 A diagram of the touch lines and data link lines in the bendable area, Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig.16 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in FIG. Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a touch line is provided in a non-display area according to a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.18 is an example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure Fig.17 A part of the picture, Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 20 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.17 A part of the picture, Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 a cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 22 A more detailed example Fig.21 Figure 2. A partial configuration diagram of the .

[0046] Figure 1is a system configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an image display function for displaying an image and a touch sensing function for sensing a user's touch.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel DISP and a display driving circuit, etc., in which a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines GL are arranged for image display and a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines are arranged; the display driving circuit is configured to drive the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines.

[0049] The display driving circuit may include: a data driving circuit DDC, a gate driving circuit GDC, a display controller D-CTR, etc. The data driving circuit DDC is configured to drive a data line; the gate driving circuit GDC is configured to drive a gate line; the display controller D-CTR is configured to control the data driving circuit DDC and the gate driving circuit GDC.

[0050] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch panel TSP in which a plurality of touch electrodes TE as touch sensors for touch sensing are provided, and a touch sensing circuit TSC configured to perform driving and sensing processing of the touch panel TSP.

[0051] The touch sensing circuit TSC supplies a driving signal to the touch panel TSP so as to drive the touch panel TSP, detects a sensing signal from the touch panel TSP, and senses the presence or absence of a touch and / or a touched position (touch coordinates).

[0052] Such a touch sensing circuit TSC may include: a touch driving circuit TDC, a touch controller T-CTR, etc., wherein the touch driving circuit TDC is configured to supply a driving signal and receive a sensing signal; and the touch controller T-CTR is configured to calculate the presence or absence of a touch and / or the touch position (touch coordinates).

[0053] The touch sensing circuit TSC may be implemented with one or more components (eg, integrated circuits), and may be implemented separately from the display driving circuit.

[0054] In addition, all or part of the touch sensing circuit TSC may be integrated with the display driving circuit or one or more of the internal circuits of the display driving circuit. For example, the touch driving circuit TDC of the touch sensing circuit TSC may be implemented as an integrated circuit together with the data driving circuit DDC of the display driving circuit.

[0055] In addition, the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can sense a touch based on the capacitance formed on the touch electrode TE.

[0056] The display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure adopts a capacitance-based touch sensing scheme, in which a touch may be sensed with a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing scheme or with a self-capacitance-based touch sensing scheme.

[0057] Figures 2 to 4 are three exemplary diagrams of a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein: Figure 2 and Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram of a touch panel TSP when a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure senses a touch through a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing scheme, and Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram of the touch panel TSP when the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure senses a touch through a self-capacitance-based touch sensing scheme.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the case of a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing scheme, a plurality of touch electrodes TE arranged in a touch panel TSP may be classified into driving touch electrodes (also referred to as driving electrodes, transmitting electrodes, or driving lines) to which driving signals are applied and sensing touch electrodes (also referred to as sensing electrodes, receiving electrodes, or sensing lines) from which sensing signals are sensed and from which capacitance is formed with the driving electrodes.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the driving touch electrodes (driving TE) in the touch electrodes TE, the driving touch electrodes arranged in the same row (or the same column) are electrically connected to each other by an integration method (or by a connection method using a bridge pattern) to form a driving touch electrode line DEL.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Among the sensing touch electrodes (sensing TE) in the touch electrodes TE, the sensing touch electrodes arranged in the same column (or the same row) are electrically connected to each other through a bridge pattern BP (or through an integration method) to form one sensing touch electrode line SEL.

[0061] In the case of a touch sensing scheme based on mutual capacitance, the touch sensing circuit TSC applies a driving signal to one or more driving touch electrode lines DEL and receives a sensing signal from one or more sensing touch electrode lines SEL. Based on the received sensing signal, the presence or absence of a touch and / or the coordinates of the touch are detected based on a change in capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the driving touch electrode line DEL and the sensing touch electrode line SEL according to the presence or absence of a pointer such as a finger or a pen.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In order to perform driving signal transmission and sensing signal transmission, each of the plurality of driving touch electrode lines DEL and each of the plurality of sensing touch electrode lines SEL is electrically connected to the touch driving circuit TDC via one or more touch lines TL.

[0063] More specifically, for driving signal transmission, each of the plurality of driving touch electrode lines DEL is electrically connected to the touch driving circuit TDC via one or more driving touch lines TLd. For sensing signal transmission, each of the plurality of sensing touch electrode lines SEL is electrically connected to the touch driving circuit TDC via one or more sensing touch lines TLs.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 In the case of a touch sensing scheme based on self-capacitance, each touch electrode TE provided in the touch panel TSP has both a role of driving the touch electrode (driving signal application) and a role of sensing the touch electrode (sensing signal detection).

[0065] That is, a driving signal is applied to each touch electrode TE, and a sensing signal is received via the touch electrode TE to which the driving signal is applied. Therefore, in the touch sensing scheme based on self-capacitance, the driving electrode and the sensing electrode are not individually distinguished.

[0066] In the case of a self-capacitance-based touch sensing scheme, the touch sensing circuit TSC applies a drive signal to at least one touch electrode TE, receives a sensing signal from the touch electrode TE to which the drive signal is applied, and detects the presence or absence of a touch and / or the coordinates of the touch based on a change in capacitance between a pointer such as a finger or a pen and the touch electrode TE according to the received sensing signal.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 For driving signal transmission and sensing signal transmission, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE is electrically connected to a touch driving circuit TDC via one or more touch lines TL.

[0068] In this manner, the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may sense a touch through a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing scheme, or may sense a touch through a self-capacitance-based touch sensing scheme.

[0069] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch sensing scheme based on mutual capacitance is applied to the display device and the touch panel TSP. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch sensing scheme based on self capacitance can also be applied to the display device and the touch panel TSP.

[0070] Furthermore, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch panel TSP may be of an external attachment type manufactured separately from the display panel DISP and coupled to the display panel DISP, or may be of a built-in type manufactured together with the display panel DISP and located within the display panel DISP.

[0071] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the touch panel TSP is of a built-in type in which the touch panel TSP is located within the display panel DISP. In this case, the touch electrodes TE and the touch lines TL are electrodes and signal lines existing within the display panel DISP.

[0072] In addition, the display panel DISP of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be of various types such as an OLED panel and an LCD panel. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the OLED panel will be mainly described as an example.

[0073] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a non-mesh type touch electrode TE provided on a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 , in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE provided on the touch panel TSP may be of a non-mesh type.

[0075] The non-mesh type touch electrode TE may be a plate-shaped metal electrode without an opening area.

[0076] In this case, the touch electrode TE may be a transparent electrode.

[0077] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a mesh type touch electrode TE provided on a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 , in the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE provided on the touch panel TSP may be of a mesh type.

[0079] The mesh type touch electrode TE may be made of an electrode metal EM patterned in a mesh type.

[0080] Therefore, a plurality of opening areas OA may exist in the area of ​​the mesh type touch electrode TE.

[0081] Figure 7 1 is a diagram for explaining a correspondence relationship between a mesh-type touch electrode TE and sub-pixels provided on a touch panel TSP in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Reference Figure 7 , each of the plurality of opening areas OA existing in the region of the touch electrode TE made of the electrode metal EM patterned in a mesh type may correspond to a light emitting area of ​​one or more sub-pixels.

[0083] For example, each of the plurality of opening areas OA present in the region of one touch electrode TE may correspond to at least one of a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel.

[0084] For another example, each of the plurality of opening areas OA present in the region of one touch electrode TE may correspond to at least one of a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel.

[0085] As described above, since there are light emitting areas of one or more sub-pixels in each opening area OA of each touch electrode TE in a plan view, the aperture ratio and light emitting efficiency of the display panel DISP can be further improved while enabling touch sensing.

[0086] As described above, for example, the outline of one touch electrode TE may have an approximately rhombus or rectangular shape (including a square shape), for example, the opening area OA corresponding to the hole in one touch electrode TE may also have a rhombus or rectangular shape (including a square shape).

[0087] However, the shape of the touch electrode TE and the shape of the opening area OA may be variously modified and designed in consideration of the shape of sub-pixels, the arrangement structure of the sub-pixels, touch sensitivity, and the like.

[0088] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which touch lines and data link lines are disposed in a non-display area according to a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Reference Figure 8 , a plurality of data link lines 801 and a plurality of touch lines 802 are provided on a non-display area which is an outer area of ​​a display area A / A of a display panel DISP.

[0090] The data link line 801 may be formed by extending the data line DL or may be electrically connected to the data line DL. The data link line 801 may be formed of the same or different material as that of the data line DL and may be disposed on the same or different layer as that of the data line DL.

[0091] The touch wire 802 is electrically connected to the touch electrode TE, and may be formed of the same material as the electrode metal EM forming the touch electrode TE.

[0092] A data pad electrically connected to the data driving circuit DDC is provided at the end of each data link line 801. A touch pad electrically connected to the touch driving circuit TDC is provided at the end of each touch line 802.

[0093] On the other hand, the plurality of data link lines 801 and the plurality of touch lines 802 disposed on the non-display area may be disposed in the first bendable area BA, and the first bendable area BA may be the entire non-display area or a portion of the non-display area.

[0094] By bending a portion of the substrate of the display panel DISP, the first bendable area BA can become a bending area. In this case, since the data link line 801 and the touch line 802 are themselves bent, it is easier to perform electrical connection with the data driving circuit DDC or the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0095] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of a portion of.

[0096] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 Now, referring to the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. Fig. 9 A cross-sectional structure of the display panel DISP is described.

[0097] A polyimide layer 901 is disposed on a substrate or backplane.

[0098] The polyimide layer 901 may be disposed on a substrate, or may exist without a substrate.

[0099] In addition, only the substrate may exist without the polyimide layer 901. That is, in this case, the substrate may be regarded as the polyimide layer 901. Here, the substrate may be flexible or inflexible.

[0100] In order to form an OLED on the polyimide layer 901, a plurality of inorganic film layers are provided.

[0101] More specifically, a first buffer layer 902 and a second buffer layer 903 are disposed, and a gate insulating film 904 and a multilayer insulating film 905 are disposed on the second buffer layer 903 .

[0102] A source / drain electrode layer exists on the inorganic film layer.

[0103] On the source / drain layer, various signal lines such as data lines DL of various transistors and source / drain electrodes 906 are formed in the display region A / A.

[0104] In addition, the data link line 801 and the like may be formed in the non-display area in the same layer as the source / drain electrode layer.

[0105] A planarization layer 907 made of an organic material is disposed on the source / drain electrode layer.

[0106] On the planarization layer 907, a first electrode 908 is provided at a light emitting position of each sub-pixel, and a bank 910 is arranged on the first electrode 908. Here, since the first electrode 908 exists in each sub-pixel, the first electrode 908 may be referred to as a pixel electrode.

[0107] In addition, an organic light emitting layer 911 is disposed between two adjacent banks 910 on the first electrode 908 .

[0108] The second electrode 909 is disposed on the organic light emitting layer 911. Here, the second electrode 909 may be a common electrode formed in common for all sub-pixel regions.

[0109] On the second electrode 909, there may be an encapsulation layer for preventing penetration of moisture, air, etc.

[0110] The encapsulation layer may be laminated into a single layer or two or more layers. In addition, the encapsulation layer may be formed of a metal layer, or may be formed by laminating an organic layer and an inorganic layer into two or more layers.

[0111] Fig. 9 The case where the encapsulation layer is formed by laminating the first encapsulation layer 912, the second encapsulation layer 913, and the third encapsulation layer 914 is illustrated. Here, the first encapsulation layer 912 may be a first inorganic film, the second encapsulation layer 913 may be an organic film, and the third encapsulation layer 914 may be a second inorganic film.

[0112] A touch buffer layer 915 is disposed on the encapsulation layer or the third encapsulation layer 914 , and a touch insulation film 916 is disposed on the touch buffer layer 915 .

[0113] On the touch insulating film 916 , a touch electrode 917 (TE) is formed. Fig. 9 The touch electrode 917 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be a driving touch electrode TEd or a sensing touch electrode TEs.

[0114] In addition, a bridge pattern 918 (BP) may be formed between the touch buffer layer 915 and the touch insulation film 916 .

[0115] When the touch electrode 917 is the driving touch electrode TEd, the bridge pattern 918 connects two or more sensing touch electrodes TEs, and when the touch electrode 917 is the sensing touch electrode TEs, the bridge pattern 918 connects two or more driving touch electrodes TEd.

[0116] The touch electrode 917 and the bridge pattern 918 are made of an electrode metal EM. The touch electrode 917 and the bridge pattern 918 may be patterned as a mesh having a plurality of open areas therein, at least some of which correspond to a light emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

[0117] A protective film 920 is disposed on the touch insulating film 916 and the touch electrode 917. The protective film 920 may extend from the display area A / A to the non-display area.

[0118] Fig.10 The embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a touch line and a data link line in a first bendable area.

[0119] Reference Fig.10 , a plurality of data link lines 801 and a plurality of touch lines 802 are arranged on Figure 8 In the first bendable area BA. Fig.10 Only schematically illustrated Fig.10 Some of the data link lines 801 and the touch lines 802.

[0120] The plurality of data link lines 801 and the plurality of touch lines 802 disposed on the first bendable area BA may be disposed on the same plane while forming a zigzag pattern.

[0121] When the plurality of data link lines 801 and the plurality of touch lines 802 form a zigzag pattern in the first bendable area BA, damage to the data link lines 801 and the touch lines 802 may be minimized despite external force applied due to the curvature of the first bendable area BA when the first bendable area BA is bent.

[0122] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Specifically, Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0123] Reference Fig.11 ,exist Figure 8In the cross section of the first bendable area BA, a structure in which the polyimide layer 901, the first planarization layer 907a, the second planarization layer 907b, the touch insulation film 916, and the protection film 920 are laminated is illustrated.

[0124] A plurality of data link lines 801 are disposed on the first planarization layer 907a in the first bendable area BA.

[0125] The plurality of data link lines 801 may be made of source / drain metal.

[0126] Furthermore, when a plurality of data link lines 801 are disposed only on the same layer (eg, on the first planarization layer 907a), short circuits between lines may occur as the number of lines increases. Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the number of lines.

[0127] Therefore, the plurality of data link lines 801 may be alternately arranged in two or more layers in the first bendable area BA.

[0128] More specifically, some of the plurality of data link lines 801 are disposed on the first planarization layer 907a, and the remaining data link lines 801 are disposed on the second planarization layer 907b. Thus, the plurality of data link lines 801 are disposed in two or more layers.

[0129] In addition, the plurality of data link lines 801 arranged in two or more layers may be arranged alternately, which is for the following structure: the plurality of data link lines 801 arranged on the same layer are arranged in the first bendable area BA in such a manner that some of the plurality of data link lines 801 are arranged to jump to another layer and the remaining data link lines 801 are located on the existing layer. In other words, the plurality of data link lines 801 on the first planarization layer 907a may not be aligned with the plurality of data link lines 801 on the second planarization layer 907b.

[0130] When a plurality of data link lines 801 are alternately arranged in two or more layers, more lines may be included than the data link lines 801 arranged on the same layer.

[0131] In this case, a line disposed on a first layer among the two or more layers may be defined as a first data link line 801a, and a data link line disposed on a second layer among the two or more layers may be defined as a second data link line 801b.

[0132] The second data link line 801b is disposed on an upper layer, and the first data link line 801a is disposed on a lower layer. The upper layer is a layer farther away from the polyimide layer 901 than the lower layer. For example, the second data link line 801b may be disposed on the second planarization layer 907b, and the first data link line 801a may be disposed on the first planarization layer 907a.

[0133] In addition, a plurality of touch wires 802 are disposed on the second planarization layer 907b of the first bendable area BA.

[0134] The plurality of touch wires 802 may be formed of electrode metal EM.

[0135] However, the plurality of touch lines 802 may include a touch line 802 b connected to the touch electrode 917 and a touch line 802 a connected to the bridge pattern 918, wherein the touch line 802 b and the touch line 802 a are doubly disposed in different layers. For example, the touch line 802 b connected to the touch electrode 917 may be disposed in a higher layer than the touch line 802 a connected to the bridge pattern 918.

[0136] Specifically, the touch wire 802 b connected to the touch electrode 917 may be disposed on the touch insulation film 916 , and the touch wire 802 a connected to the bridge pattern 918 may be disposed on the second planarization layer 907 b .

[0137] In this case, the data link line 801 disposed on one of the two or more layers may be made of the same metal as at least one touch wire 802 among the plurality of touch wires 802. In this case, the metal may be an electrode metal EM.

[0138] The bridge pattern 918 or the plurality of touch electrodes 917 may be arranged to overlap the bank 910 of at least one sub-pixel.

[0139] When the data link line 801 is divided into the first data link line 801 a and the second data link line 801 b , the second data link line 801 b may be connected to at least one of the plurality of touch wires 802 , and may be made of the same metal as the touch wire 802 .

[0140] That is, the second data link line 801b disposed on the upper layer may be made of the same metal as at least one touch line 802 among the plurality of touch lines 802. Therefore, the metal constituting the first data link line 801a and the metal constituting the second data link line 801b may be different from each other.

[0141] In addition, the second data link line 801b can be disposed on the same layer as the touch line 802a and can be made of the electrode metal EM constituting the touch line 802a. Since the second data link line 801b and the touch line 802a can be manufactured simultaneously in the same process, it is not necessary to perform a separate process to apply the alternating structure.

[0142] In this case, the first data link line 801a is disposed on the first planarization layer 907a and is made of a source / drain metal, and the second data link line 801b is disposed on the second planarization layer 907b and is made of an electrode metal EM.

[0143] Fig.12 It is along Fig.10 The cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in FIG. Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in FIG.

[0144] Reference Fig.12 , along the Fig.10 In the cross section of the line CC' in FIG. 8 , the first data link line 801a is continuously arranged from the link area to the pad area of ​​the outer non-display area of ​​the display panel DISP.

[0145] In addition, refer to Fig.13 , along the Fig.10 In the cross section of line DD' in FIG. 8 , the first data link line 801a extends from the link area of ​​the outer non-display area of ​​the display panel DISP to the first bendable area BA and is broken in the first bendable area BA.

[0146] Alternatively, the first data link line 801 a is electrically connected to the second data link line 801 b located at an upper layer via at least one through-hole 1300 .

[0147] Therefore, along Fig.10 The first data link line 801a in the cross section of the line CC' in FIG. 8 is disposed on the first planar layer 907a in the first bendable area BA to transmit a signal, and along Fig.10 The first data link line 801a in the cross section of the line DD' in FIG. 1 jumps onto the second planarization layer 907b in the first bendable area BA and transmits a signal to the second data link line 801b disposed on the second planarization layer 907b.

[0148] In the pad area on the right side of the first bendable area BA, along Fig.10 The second data link line 801b disposed on the second planarization layer 907b in the cross section along the line DD' in FIG. 1 is electrically connected again to the first data link line 801a disposed on the first planarization layer 907a via the through hole 1300 passing through the second planarization layer 907b.

[0149] Using this structure, the data link lines 801 are alternately arranged in different layers only in the first bendable area BA where space constraints are more severe, and in areas other than the first bendable area BA, the data link lines 801 are arranged on the same layer, thereby enabling an efficient line structure without applying an alternating structure in the entire non-display area.

[0150] Although in Fig.13 Although not shown in the figure, the touch buffer layer 915 may also be located in the pad region between the second planarization layer 907b and the touch insulation film 916. As for the arrangement without the touch buffer layer 915 in the pad region, similarly, the second data link line 801b is electrically connected to the first data link line 801a via the through hole 1300. In this case, the second data link line 801b is formed on the touch buffer layer 915. Therefore, the through hole 1300 passes through both the second planarization layer 907b and the touch buffer layer 915 to enable the second data link line 801b and the first data link line 801a to be in electrical contact.

[0151] When the touch insulating film 916 is disposed on the second data link line 801 b, the touch insulating film 916 defines a through hole 1300, such as Fig.13 as shown in .

[0152] Similarly, a plurality of touch lines 802 disposed on the touch insulating film 916 may extend to the pad region. These touch lines may be connected to the first data link line 801a in the pad region via the touch contact hole, so that the touch line is electrically connected to the first data link line 801a. Therefore, the touch contact hole may pass through the touch insulating film 916, the second planarization layer 907b, and the touch buffer layer 915. In this way, the touch electrode 917 is connected to the touch drive circuit via the electrical connection of the touch line with the first data link line 801a.

[0153] The touch line is connected to the first data link line 801a via a through hole in the pad area. The first data link line 801a is electrically connected to the touch line.

[0154] Fig.14 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the present disclosure provided in Figure 8 In the following description, the touch line and the data link line in the first bendable area will be omitted. Figures 10 to 13 Description of components that are the same or similar to components.

[0155] Reference Fig.14 , a plurality of data link lines 801 and a plurality of touch lines 802 are arranged on Figure 8 In the first bendable area BA.

[0156] However, with Fig.10 different, Fig.14 Some of the multiple data link lines 801 in are again configured as double lines in two or more layers.

[0157] Fig.15 It is along Fig.14 More specifically, referring to Fig.15 , in addition to the first data link lines 801a and the second data link lines 801b, the plurality of data link lines 801 may further include a plurality of third data link lines 801c disposed on a layer above the second data link lines 801b so as to overlap the second data link lines 801b.

[0158] More specifically, the third data link line 801c is located on the touch insulation film 916 so as to be located on a layer above the first data link line 801a and the second data link line 801b.

[0159] The third data link line 801c may be located on the same layer as the touch line 802b located on the touch insulating film 916, and may be made of the same metal as the touch line 802b. In this case, the third data link line 801c is made of the electrode metal EM.

[0160] Fig.16 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D' in FIG. Fig.16 , the third data link line 801c is located on the touch insulation film 916 which is a layer above the second data link line 801b.

[0161] The third data link line 801c is electrically connected to the second data link line 801b through at least one through-hole 1600, and is also electrically connected to the first data link line 801a through the second data link line 801b.

[0162] When the data link lines 801b and 801c passing through the first bendable area BA are provided as double lines and the two lines are electrically connected to each other, the resistance of the lines may be reduced, thereby enabling efficient signal transmission.

[0163] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a touch line is provided in a non-display area according to a touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Reference Fig.17 , a plurality of touch lines 802 are arranged in a non-display area of ​​the display panel DISP, in particular, in a frame area.

[0165] In addition, when the bottom surface of the display panel DISP is made of only the polyimide layer 901 or the substrate is flexible, at least a portion of the display area A / A of the display panel DISP can be folded.

[0166] In this case, some of the plurality of touch wires 802 pass through the second bendable area FA of the display panel DISP.

[0167] Fig.18 is an example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure Fig.17 A part of the picture, Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Cross-sectional view of a portion of.

[0168] Reference Fig.18 , a plurality of touch lines 802 passing through the second bendable area FA of the display panel DISP may be disposed on the same plane while forming a zigzag pattern.

[0169] When the plurality of touch wires 802 form a zigzag pattern in the second bendable area FA, although an external force is applied due to the curvature of the second bendable area BA when the second bendable area FA is bent, damage to the touch wires 802 can be minimized.

[0170] In addition, the plurality of touch wires 802 passing through the second bendable area FA may be alternately disposed in two or more layers.

[0171] Reference Fig.19 , along the Fig.18 In the cross-sectional view taken along line EE′ of FIG. 8 , the touch wire 802 a is disposed on one of the two or more layers, and the touch wire 802 b is disposed on another of the two or more layers.

[0172] The touch wires 802a and 802b may be wires electrically connected to the touch electrodes 917 and the bridge patterns 918 as described above.

[0173] When the touch lines 802a and 802b are formed in such an alternating structure, the touch lines 802a and 802b can be formed closer to each other compared to a case where the touch lines 802a and 802b are provided on different layers to overlap the same line like a double line, thereby realizing a narrow frame.

[0174] Fig. 20 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.17 A part of the picture, Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 22 A more detailed example Fig.21 Figure 2. A partial configuration diagram of the .

[0175] Reference Fig. 20 ,and Fig.18 Unlike the case illustrated in , the touch line 802b closest to the display area A / A of the display panel DISP contacts the boundary of the display area A / A.

[0176] Reference Fig.21 In the cross section, the touch lines 802a and 802b are alternately arranged, so that the touch line 802b adjacent to the display area A / A located in the upper layer can be shifted in the same frame size, thereby ensuring that the area of ​​each line is wider.

[0177] Therefore, when the zigzag angle of the touch lines 802a and 802b is increased while maintaining the frame width at the same level (see below), the display panel DISP can have a structure capable of withstanding external force applied due to the folding of the second bendable area FA, thereby preventing the touch lines 802a and 802b from breaking.

[0178] More specifically, refer to Fig. 22 The zigzag angles of the touch lines 802a and 802b may vary within a range where a curved portion of the touch line 802b closest to the display area A / A of the display panel DISP intersects a boundary of the display area A / A.

[0179] That is, when the bending angle of the zigzag pattern of the touch line 802b is θ, the bending angle θ of the zigzag pattern may vary within a range where the bent portion of the touch line 802b intersects the display area A / A of the display panel DISP.

[0180] Even though all components of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above as being connected as a single unit or connected to operate as a single unit, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, at least two elements of all structural elements can be selectively connected and operated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0181] In addition, since terms such as "include", "comprises" and "have" mean that one or more corresponding components exist unless they are specifically described otherwise, it should be understood that one or more other components may be included. Unless defined to the contrary, all terms in technical, scientific or other aspects are consistent with the meanings understood by those skilled in the art. Common terms found in dictionaries should be interpreted in the context of relevant technical works without being too ideal or unrealistic, unless the present disclosure clearly defines them as such.

[0182] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention disclosed in the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the exemplary embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be understood in such a way that all technical concepts included in the equivalent scope of the claims belong to the present disclosure based on the appended claims.

[0183] The following numbered clauses are also disclosed herein:

[0184] Clause 1. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising:

[0185] A display panel, the display panel having a display area and a non-display area, wherein a plurality of data lines and a plurality of touch electrodes are arranged in the display area, the non-display area is an outer area of ​​the display area, and in the non-display area, the plurality of data lines are extended or a plurality of data link lines electrically connected to the plurality of data lines and a plurality of touch lines electrically connected to the plurality of touch electrodes are arranged;

[0186] a data driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of data lines; and

[0187] a touch driving circuit, the touch driving circuit being configured to drive the plurality of touch lines,

[0188] wherein the plurality of data link lines are alternately arranged in two or more layers in a bending area, the bending area being the entire non-display area or a portion of the non-display area, and

[0189] At least one data link line disposed on any one of the two or more layers is made of the same metal as the at least one touch line.

[0190] Clause 2. The touch display device according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of data link lines include:

[0191] a plurality of first data link lines, the plurality of first data link lines being disposed on any one of the two or more layers; and

[0192] a second data link line disposed on another layer of the two or more layers and made of the same metal as the at least one touch line, and

[0193] Wherein, the second data link line is arranged on an upper layer relative to the first data link line.

[0194] Clause 3. The touch display device of Clause 2, wherein the first data link line and the second data link line are electrically connected to each other via at least one through-hole.

[0195] Clause 4. The touch display device according to clause 2 or 3, further comprising:

[0196] A third data link line is disposed on an upper layer relative to the second data link line so as to overlap the second data link line.

[0197] Clause 5. The touch display device according to Clause 4, wherein the second data link line and the third data link line are electrically connected to each other via at least one through-hole.

[0198] Clause 6. The touch display device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of data link lines are arranged on the same plane in a zigzag pattern in the bending region.

[0199] Clause 7. A touch display device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bending area is part of a substrate of the display panel.

[0200] Clause 8. The touch display device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the plurality of touch electrodes is made of an electrode metal patterned into a mesh type.

[0201] Clause 9. The touch display device according to Clause 8, wherein each of the plurality of touch electrodes is provided with a plurality of opening areas.

[0202] Clause 10. The touch display device according to Clause 9, wherein each of the plurality of opening areas corresponds to a light emitting area of ​​at least one sub-pixel.

[0203] Clause 11. A touch display device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein some of the plurality of touch lines pass through a folding region of the display panel, and

[0204] The touch lines passing through the folding area of ​​the display panel are alternately arranged in two or more layers.

[0205] Clause 12. The touch display device according to Clause 11, wherein the plurality of touch lines are arranged on the same plane in a zigzag pattern in the folding region.

[0206] Clause 13. The touch display device according to Clause 12, wherein the bending angle of the zigzag pattern can vary within a range where a bent portion of the touch line closest to the display area of ​​the display panel intersects the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0207] Clause 14. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising:

[0208] A display panel having a display area and a non-display area, wherein a plurality of touch electrodes are disposed in the display area, the non-display area is an outer area of ​​the display area, and a plurality of touch lines electrically connected to the plurality of touch electrodes are disposed in the non-display area; and

[0209] a touch driving circuit, the touch driving circuit being configured to drive the plurality of touch lines,

[0210] Wherein, some of the plurality of touch lines pass through a folding area of ​​the display panel, and

[0211] The touch lines passing through the folding area of ​​the display panel are alternately arranged in two or more layers.

[0212] Clause 15. The touch display device according to Clause 14, wherein the plurality of touch lines are arranged on the same plane in a zigzag pattern in the folding region.

[0213] Clause 16. The touch display device according to Clause 14, wherein the bending angle of the zigzag pattern can vary within a range where a bent portion of the touch line closest to the display area of ​​the display panel intersects the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0214] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0215] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0141558, filed on October 27, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate having a display area and a non-display area, wherein the non-display area includes a bendable area; a plurality of data link lines, the plurality of data link lines being in the bendable area of ​​the non-display area, the plurality of data link lines comprising a first data link line; a plurality of touch electrodes, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes are arranged on the substrate; as well as a plurality of touch lines, the plurality of touch lines being in the non-display area and electrically connected to the plurality of touch electrodes, wherein, in the bendable area, the first data link line and the plurality of touch lines do not overlap each other in a plan view, and Wherein, in the non-display area, a distance between the plurality of touch lines is greater than a distance between the plurality of data link lines.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first data link line is on a different layer than the plurality of touch lines in the bendable region.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The bendable region includes a first layer and a second layer on the first layer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first data link line is disposed on the first layer of the bendable region.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first data link line and the plurality of touch lines are insulated from each other by the second layer located between the first data link line and the plurality of touch lines.

6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of data link lines include a second data link line disposed on the second layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: A third data link line is disposed on a third layer above the second data link line so as to overlap the second data link line.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The second data link line and the third data link line are electrically connected to each other via a via.

9. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first data link lines and the second data link lines are alternately disposed in the bendable area.

10. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The non-display area includes a link area adjacent to the bendable area, and wherein the second layer extends to the link area, and the first layer is disposed only within the bendable area.

11. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of touch wires includes a first touch wire disposed on the second layer and a second touch wire disposed on the first touch wire.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A touch insulating film is interposed between the first touch wire and the second touch wire.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least some of the plurality of data link lines are arranged on the same plane in a zigzag pattern in the bendable region.

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