Touch display device
By designing the link line and upper planarization layer on the device substrate of the touch display device, and combining the structure of the insulating layer and the separation partition, the problems of complex processes and inefficiency in the prior art are solved, and the effect of simplifying the process and improving efficiency is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202111571309.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-12-31
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-12-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing touch display devices are complex and inefficient in the process of forming touch electrodes and touch link lines.
The electrode formation process is simplified by providing link lines and upper planarization layer on the device substrate and partially exposing link contact holes of the link lines on the upper planarization layer, combining the design of the bank insulating layer and the separation partition.
The process of simplifying the formation of components for sensing user and/or tool touch is achieved, improving process efficiency and reducing the complexity of additional processes.
Smart Images

Figure CN114690945B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a touch display device that senses a touch of a user and / or a tool. Background Art
[0002] Generally, a display device is provided to realize an image. For example, the display device may include a light emitting device. Each light emitting device may emit light showing a specific color. For example, each light emitting device may include a light emitting layer disposed between two electrodes.
[0003] The display device may be a touch display device that senses the touch of a user and / or a tool and applies a specific signal. For example, the touch display device may include touch electrodes that are arranged side by side on a package element covering the light emitting device. Each touch electrode may be connected to a corresponding touch pad via one of the touch link lines extending along the surface of the package element. Summary of the invention
[0004] However, in the related art touch display device, by forming the touch electrodes and the touch link lines, the process may be complicated and the process efficiency may be reduced.
[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a touch display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch display device capable of simplifying a process of forming components for sensing a touch of a user and / or a tool.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch display device capable of minimizing an additional process of an electrode for sensing a touch of a user and / or a tool.
[0008] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present disclosure will be explained in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art when studying the following content, or can be obtained through the practice of the present disclosure. The purposes and other advantages of the present disclosure can be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and its claims and the drawings.
[0009] To achieve these objectives and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a touch display device including a device substrate is provided. Link lines and an upper planarization layer are disposed on the device substrate. The upper planarization layer includes a link contact hole that partially exposes the link line. A levee insulation layer is disposed on the upper planarization layer. The levee insulation layer includes a first opening that defines a light-emitting area and a second opening that overlaps a portion of the link line. A light-emitting device is disposed in the light-emitting area. The light-emitting device includes a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode sequentially stacked on the upper planarization layer. A separation partition is disposed on the levee insulation layer. The side of the separation partition that overlaps the sidewall of the second opening has an inverted cone shape to separate the upper electrodes of the light-emitting device from each other. A packaging element is disposed on the levee insulation layer, the light-emitting device, and the separation partition. The second opening is disposed between the first opening and the separation partition. The upper electrode of the light-emitting device includes an end portion disposed in the second opening. The end portion of the upper electrode is connected to the link line.
[0010] The electrode pattern may be disposed on an upper surface of the separation partition opposite to the device substrate. The electrode pattern may include the same material as the upper electrode. The electrode pattern may be spaced apart from the upper electrode.
[0011] The connection electrode in contact with the link line may extend between the upper planarization layer and the bank insulation layer along the sidewall of the link contact hole. The second opening may partially expose the connection electrode. The end of the upper electrode may contact the portion of the connection electrode exposed by the second opening.
[0012] The connection electrode may include the same material as the pixel electrode.
[0013] The first intermediate insulating layer may be disposed between the upper planarization layer and the bank insulating layer. A side of the first intermediate insulating layer between the link line and the separation spacer toward the second opening may have an inverted tapered shape.
[0014] The first intermediate insulating layer may have an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
[0015] The second intermediate insulating layer may be disposed between the first intermediate insulating layer and the bank insulating layer. A side of the second intermediate insulating layer between the link line and the separation spacer facing the second opening may be disposed closer to a center of the second opening than a side of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the second opening.
[0016] A side of the second intermediate insulating layer between the link line and the separation spacer toward the second opening may have an inverted tapered shape.
[0017] The second intermediate insulating layer may have an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
[0018] The second intermediate insulating layer may include the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer.
[0019] A side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening may have a forward tapered shape.
[0020] The touch display device may further include a first intermediate insulating layer and a second intermediate insulating layer stacked between the lower planarization layer and the upper planarization layer. A side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer may have an inverted tapered shape.
[0021] The first intermediate insulating layer and the second intermediate insulating layer may have an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
[0022] The second intermediate insulating layer may include the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer.
[0023] The upper electrode may be divided into a first electrode region located on the light emitting region and a second electrode region disposed outside the light emitting region. The first electrode region may be connected to a first link line among the link lines, and the second electrode region may be connected to a second link line among the link lines, applying a signal different from a signal applied to the first link line to the second link line.
[0024] A power supply voltage may be applied to the first link line, and a touch signal may be applied to the second link line.
[0025] The encapsulation element may include a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer stacked sequentially. The first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer may include an inorganic insulating material, and the second encapsulation layer may include an organic insulating material.
[0026] The touch display device may further include at least one encapsulation dam disposed on the device substrate. The first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer may directly contact each other on or outside the encapsulation dam.
[0027] The side wall of the second opening has a larger inclination angle than the side wall of the first opening.
[0028] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch display device includes a device substrate. The device substrate includes a light emitting region and a separation region. A pixel electrode is disposed on the light emitting region of the device substrate. The pixel electrode is spaced apart from the separation region. A link line is disposed on the separation region of the device substrate. The link line is spaced apart from the pixel electrode. A bank insulating layer is disposed on the device substrate. The bank insulating layer includes a first opening partially exposing the pixel electrode and a second opening partially exposing the link line. A light emitting layer is disposed on a portion of the pixel electrode exposed by the first opening of the bank insulating layer. An upper electrode is disposed on the light emitting layer. The upper electrode is connected to the link line through the second opening. A separation spacer is disposed on the bank insulating layer. The separation spacer overlaps the separation region to separate the upper electrodes from each other. A first intermediate insulating layer is disposed between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer. A side of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the second opening between the link line and the separation spacer has an inverted tapered shape. A packaging element is disposed between the upper electrode and the separation spacer. The second opening is disposed between the light emitting region and the separation spacer. The separation spacer is disposed close to a sidewall of the second opening. A side of the first intermediate insulating layer having an inverted tapered shape overlaps the link line.
[0029] A sidewall of the second opening may have a greater inclination angle than a sidewall of the first opening.
[0030] An upper planarization layer may be disposed between the device substrate and the pixel electrode. The upper planarization layer may partially expose the link line. A first intermediate insulating layer may be disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer.
[0031] The first intermediate insulating layer may have an etching selectivity to the upper planarization layer.
[0032] The second intermediate insulating layer may be disposed between the first intermediate insulating layer and the upper planarization layer. A side of the second intermediate insulating layer overlapping the link line may have an inverted tapered shape.
[0033] A side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening may have a forward tapered shape.
[0034] The touch display device may further include a first intermediate insulating layer and a second intermediate insulating layer stacked between the lower planarization layer and the upper planarization layer. A side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer may have an inverted tapered shape.
[0035] The first intermediate insulating layer and the second intermediate insulating layer may have an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
[0036] The second intermediate insulating layer may include the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer.
[0037] The upper electrode may be divided into a first electrode region on the light emitting region and a second electrode region disposed outside the light emitting region. The first electrode region may be connected to a first link line among the link lines, and the second electrode region may be connected to a second link line among the link lines, and a signal different from a signal applied to the first link line is applied to the second link line.
[0038] A power supply voltage may be applied to the first link line, and a touch signal may be applied to the second link line.
[0039] The encapsulation element may include a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer stacked sequentially. The first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer may include an inorganic insulating material, and the second encapsulation layer may include an organic insulating material.
[0040] The touch display device may further include at least one encapsulation dam disposed on the device substrate. The first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer may directly contact each other on or outside the encapsulation dam.
[0041] The side wall of the second opening has a larger inclination angle than the side wall of the first opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the present invention. In the drawings:
[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the K region in FIG.
[0045] Figure 3A is along Figure 2 A diagram taken along line I-I' in FIG.
[0046] Figure 3B is along Figure 2 A diagram taken along line II-II';
[0047] Figure 3C is along Figure 2 A diagram taken along line III-III';
[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A magnified view of the P1 region in FIG. 1 ; and
[0049] Figures 5 to 13 is a diagram illustrating a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] Hereinafter, by referring to the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings illustrating some embodiments of the present disclosure, details related to the above-mentioned purposes, technical configurations and operational effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly understood. Here, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to allow the technical spirit of the present disclosure to be satisfactorily conveyed to those skilled in the art, so the present disclosure can be implemented in other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.
[0051] In addition, throughout the specification, the same or very similar elements may be represented by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings, the lengths and thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for convenience. It should be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "on" a second element, although the first element may be disposed on the second element so as to be in contact with the second element, a third element may be inserted between the first element and the second element.
[0052] Here, any one element may be distinguished from another element using terms such as, for example, "first" and "second." However, without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure, the first element and the second element may be arbitrarily named according to the convenience of those skilled in the art.
[0053] The terms used in the specification of the present disclosure are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the elements described in the singular form are intended to include multiple elements. In addition, in the specification of the present disclosure, it will be further understood that the terms "include" and "comprise" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations.
[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It will be further 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 art, and unless explicitly defined herein, these terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.
[0055] (Implementation Method)
[0056] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of the K region in . Figure 3A is along Figure 2 The figure is taken along line I-I'. Figure 3B is along Figure 2 The figure is taken along line II-II'. Figure 3C is along Figure 2 The figure is taken along line III-III'. Figure 4 yes Figure 3A Magnified view of the P1 region in .
[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel DP and driving components DD, SD, TD, and TC. The driving components DD, SD, TD, and TC may provide various signals for realizing an image to the display panel DP. For example, the driving components DD, SD, TD, and TC may include a data driver DD for applying a data signal, a scan driver SD for applying a scan signal, and a timing controller TC. The timing controller TC may apply digital video data and a source timing control signal to the data driver DD, and apply a clock signal, a reverse clock signal, and a start signal to the scan driver SD.
[0058] The display panel DP may generate an image provided to a user. For example, the display panel DP may include a light emitting device 300 on a device substrate 100. The device substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the device substrate 100 may have a stacked structure of a first substrate layer 101, a substrate insulating layer 102, and a second substrate layer 103. The second substrate layer 103 may include the same material as the first substrate layer 101. For example, the first substrate layer 101 and the second substrate layer 103 may include a polymer material, such as polyimide (PI). The substrate insulating layer 102 may include an insulating material. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the device substrate 100 may have high flexibility. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the light emitting device 300 due to external impact may be prevented.
[0059] The driving circuits may be disposed on the device substrate 100. Each driving circuit may be electrically connected to one of the light emitting devices 300. Each driving circuit may be controlled by a signal sent from the driving components DD, SD, TD, and TC. For example, each driving circuit may provide a driving current corresponding to a data signal to the corresponding light emitting device 300 according to a scan signal. Each driving circuit may include at least one thin film transistor 200. For example, the thin film transistor 200 may include a semiconductor pattern 210, a gate insulating layer 220, a gate electrode 230, an interlayer insulating layer 240, a source electrode 250, and a drain electrode 260.
[0060] The semiconductor pattern 210 may include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor pattern 210 may include amorphous silicon (a-Si) or polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si). The semiconductor pattern 210 may be an oxide semiconductor. For example, the semiconductor pattern 210 may include a metal oxide such as IGZO. The semiconductor pattern 210 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region. The channel region may be disposed between the source region and the drain region. The source region and the drain region may have a lower resistance than the channel region.
[0061] The gate insulating layer 220 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern 210. The gate insulating layer 220 may extend beyond the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, one side of the semiconductor pattern 210 may be covered by the gate insulating layer 220. The gate insulating layer 220 may include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 220 may include silicon oxide (SiO) and / or silicon nitride (SiN). The gate insulating layer 220 may include a material having a high dielectric constant. For example, the gate insulating layer 220 may include a high-K material, such as hafnium oxide (HfO). The gate insulating layer 220 may have a multilayer structure.
[0062] The gate electrode 230 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 220. The gate electrode 230 may include a conductive material. For example, the gate electrode 230 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The gate electrode 230 may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern 210 by the gate insulating layer 220. The gate electrode 230 may overlap with a channel region of the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 210 may have a conductivity corresponding to a voltage applied to the gate electrode 230.
[0063] The interlayer insulating layer 240 may be disposed on the gate electrode 230. The interlayer insulating layer 240 may extend beyond the gate electrode 230. For example, one side of the gate electrode 230 may be covered by the interlayer insulating layer 240. The interlayer insulating layer 240 may be in direct contact with the gate insulating layer 220 at the outer side of the gate electrode 230. The interlayer insulating layer 240 may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating layer 240 may include silicon oxide (SiO).
[0064] The source electrode 250 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 240. The source electrode 250 may include a conductive material. For example, the source electrode 250 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The source electrode 250 may be insulated from the gate electrode 230 by the interlayer insulating layer 240. For example, the source electrode 250 may include a material different from the gate electrode 230. The source electrode 250 may be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, the gate insulating layer 220 and the interlayer insulating layer 240 may include a source contact hole partially exposing the source region of the semiconductor pattern 210. The source electrode 250 may include a portion overlapping the source region of the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, the source electrode 250 may be in direct contact with the source region of the semiconductor pattern 210 in the source contact hole.
[0065] The drain electrode 260 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 240. The drain electrode 260 may include a conductive material. For example, the drain electrode 260 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The drain electrode 260 may be insulated from the gate electrode 230 by the interlayer insulating layer 240. For example, the drain electrode 260 may include a material different from that of the gate electrode 230. The drain electrode 260 may include the same material as the source electrode 250. The drain electrode 260 may be electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 210. The drain electrode 260 may be spaced apart from the source electrode 250. For example, the gate insulating layer 220 and the interlayer insulating layer 240 may include a drain contact hole partially exposing the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 210. The drain electrode 260 may include a portion overlapping the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, the drain electrode 260 may be in direct contact with the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 210 in the drain contact hole.
[0066] The first buffer layer 110 may be disposed between the device substrate 100 and the driving circuit. The first buffer layer 110 may prevent contamination caused by the device substrate 100 during the formation of the thin film transistor 200. For example, the first buffer layer 110 may completely cover the upper surface of the device substrate 100 facing the light emitting device 300. The first buffer layer 110 may include an insulating material. For example, the first buffer layer 110 may include silicon oxide (SiO) and / or silicon nitride (SiN). The first buffer layer 110 may have a multilayer structure.
[0067] The light shielding pattern 115 may be disposed between the first buffer layer 110 and each thin film transistor 200. The light shielding pattern 115 may prevent a characteristic change of each thin film transistor 200 due to external light. For example, the light shielding pattern 115 may include a portion overlapping with the semiconductor pattern 210 of each thin film transistor 200. The light shielding pattern 115 may include a material that blocks or absorbs light. For example, the light shielding pattern 115 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu).
[0068] The light shielding pattern 115 may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern 210 of each thin film transistor 200. For example, the second buffer layer 120 may be disposed between the light shielding pattern 115 and the thin film transistor 200. The second buffer layer 120 may include an insulating material. For example, the second buffer layer 120 may include silicon oxide (SiO) or silicon nitride (SiN). The second buffer layer 120 may include the same material as the first buffer layer 110. The second buffer layer 120 may extend beyond the light shielding pattern 115. For example, the second buffer layer 120 may be in direct contact with the first buffer layer 110 on the outside of the light shielding pattern 115.
[0069] The lower passivation layer 130 may be disposed on the driving circuit. The lower passivation layer 130 may prevent damage to the driving circuit due to external impact and moisture. For example, the upper surface of each thin film transistor 200 opposite to the device substrate 100 may be covered by the lower passivation layer 130. The lower passivation layer 130 may include an insulating material. For example, the lower passivation layer 130 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0070] The lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150 may be sequentially stacked on the lower passivation layer 130. The lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150 may remove the thickness difference caused by the driving circuit. For example, the upper surface of the upper planarization layer 150 facing the light emitting device 300 may be a flat surface. The lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150 may include an insulating material. For example, the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150 may include an organic insulating material. The upper planarization layer 150 may include a material different from the lower planarization layer 140. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness difference caused by the driving circuit may be effectively removed.
[0071] The light emitting device 300 may be disposed on the upper planarization layer 150. Each light emitting device 300 may emit light showing a specific color. For example, each light emitting device 300 may include a pixel electrode 310, a light emitting layer 320, and an upper electrode 330 sequentially stacked on the upper planarization layer 150.
[0072] The pixel electrode 310 may include a conductive material. The pixel electrode 310 may have a high reflectivity. For example, the pixel electrode 310 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag). The pixel electrode 310 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the pixel electrode 310 may have a structure in which a reflective electrode formed of a metal is disposed between transparent electrodes formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO.
[0073] The light emitting layer 320 may generate light having a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the pixel electrode 310 and the upper electrode 330. For example, the light emitting layer 320 may include an emission material layer (EML) containing an emission material. The emission material may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a mixed material. For example, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an organic light emitting display device including an emission material layer formed of an organic material. The light emitting layer 320 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the light emitting layer 320 may include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL). Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting efficiency of each light emitting device 300 may be improved.
[0074] The upper electrode 330 may include a conductive material. The upper electrode 330 may include a material different from the pixel electrode 310. The upper electrode 330 may have a higher transmittance than the pixel electrode 310. For example, the upper electrode 330 may be a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the light generated from the light emitting layer 320 may be emitted to the outside through the upper electrode 330.
[0075] The bank insulation layer 160 may be disposed on the upper planarization layer 150. The bank insulation layer 160 may include an insulating material. For example, the bank insulation layer 160 may include an organic insulating material. The bank insulation layer 160 may include a material different from the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The bank insulation layer 160 may define the emission area EA on the device substrate 100. For example, the bank insulation layer 160 may include a first opening 161h, and the first opening 161h partially exposes the pixel electrode 310 of each light-emitting device 300. The light-emitting layer 320 and the upper electrode 330 of each light-emitting device 300 may be stacked on a portion of the corresponding pixel electrode 310 exposed by one of the openings 161h of the bank insulation layer 160.
[0076] The pixel electrode 310 of each light emitting device 300 may be electrically connected to one of the thin film transistors 200. The intermediate electrode 510 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The intermediate electrode 510 may include a conductive material. For example, the intermediate electrode 510 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). Each of the intermediate electrodes 510 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 260 of one of the thin film transistors 200 by penetrating the lower planarization layer 140. For example, the pixel electrode 310 of each light emitting device 300 may be connected to the corresponding thin film transistor 200 through one of the intermediate electrodes 510. Each intermediate electrode 510 may include a portion overlapping with the drain electrode 260 of one of the thin film transistors 200 and a portion overlapping with the pixel electrode 310 of one of the light emitting devices 300. For example, the pixel electrode 310 of each light emitting device 300 may be connected to the corresponding intermediate electrode 510 by penetrating the upper planarization layer 150.
[0077] The light emitted from each light emitting device 300 may show a different color from the light emitted from the adjacent light emitting device 300. For example, the light emitting layer 320 of each light emitting device 300 may include a different material from the light emitting layer 320 of the adjacent light emitting device 300. The light emitting layer 320 of each light emitting device 300 may be spaced apart from the light emitting layer 320 of the adjacent light emitting device 300. For example, the light emitting layer 320 of each light emitting device 300 may include an end portion disposed on the bank insulating layer 160.
[0078] The voltage applied to the upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300 may be the same as the voltage applied to the upper electrode 330 of the adjacent light emitting device 300. For example, the upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300 may be electrically connected to the upper electrode 330 of the adjacent light emitting device 300. The upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300 may include the same material as the upper electrode 330 of the adjacent light emitting device 300. For example, the upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300 may be formed simultaneously with the upper electrode 330 of the adjacent light emitting device 300.
[0079] The light emitting area EA may be separated by the separation area SA. For example, the separation area SA may have a lattice shape extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each light emitting area EA may be provided on a portion of the device substrate 100 surrounded by the separation area SA. The separation partition 175 may be provided on the separation area SA. The separation partition 175 may include an insulating material. For example, the separation partition 175 may include an organic insulating material. The upper electrode 330 on each light emitting area EA may be blocked by the separation partition 175. For example, the upper electrode 330 on a portion of the device substrate 100 surrounded by the separation area SA may be separated from the upper electrode 330 on another portion of the device substrate 100 surrounded by the separation area SA by the separation partition 175. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrode 330 may be blocked without an additional patterning process. The upper electrode 330 on the portion of the device substrate 100 surrounded by the separation area SA may be formed simultaneously. For example, an electrode pattern 330p including the same material as the upper electrode 330 may be provided on the upper surface of the separation partition 175 opposite to the device substrate 100. The electrode pattern 330p may be spaced apart from the upper electrode 330. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, process efficiency may be improved.
[0080] The bank insulating layer 160 may include a second opening 162h on the separation area SA. The separation spacer 175 may be disposed close to the second opening 162h of the bank insulating layer 160. For example, one side of the second opening 162h may overlap with one side of the separation spacer 175 having an inverted tapered or negative tapered shape. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, due to the second opening 162h, the upper electrode 330 may be more reliably separated by the thickness difference. The sidewall of the second opening 162h may have a larger inclination angle than the sidewall of the first opening 161h.
[0081] The link line 550 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The link line 550 may include a conductive material. For example, the link line 550 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The link line 550 may include the same material as the intermediate electrode 510. The link line 550 may be insulated from the intermediate electrode 510. The link line 550 may extend in the first direction. For example, the link line 550 may be spaced apart from the intermediate electrode 510 in the second direction.
[0082] Each link line 550 may overlap a portion of the separation area SA extending in the second direction. Each upper electrode 330 may be electrically connected to one link line 550. For example, the upper planarization layer 150 may include a link contact hole 150h exposing a portion of each link line 550. Each link contact hole 150h may overlap with the second opening 162h of the bank insulation layer 160. For example, the sidewall of each link contact hole 150h may overlap with one side of the separation spacer 175 having an inverted tapered shape. Each upper electrode 330 may include an end portion of the corresponding link line 550 connected to the second opening 162h. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal applied to each upper electrode 330 may be different from the signal applied to the adjacent upper electrode 330. For example, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving components DD, SD, TD and TC may include a touch sensing component TD to sense the touch of a user and / or a tool, and the link line 550 may be selectively connected to the touch sensing component TD. That is, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can apply a power supply voltage or a touch signal to the upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can sense the touch of the user and / or the tool by using the upper electrode 330 of each light emitting device 300.
[0083] The encapsulation element 400 may be disposed on the upper electrode 330 and the separation partition 175. The encapsulation element 400 may prevent damage to the light emitting device 300 due to external impact and moisture. The encapsulation element 400 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the encapsulation element 400 may include a first encapsulation layer 410, a second encapsulation layer 420, and a third encapsulation layer 430 stacked in sequence. The first encapsulation layer 410, the second encapsulation layer 420, and the third encapsulation layer 430 may include an insulating material. The second encapsulation layer 420 may include a material different from the first encapsulation layer 410 and the third encapsulation layer 430. For example, the first encapsulation layer 410 and the third encapsulation layer 430 may include an inorganic insulating material, and the second encapsulation layer 420 may include an organic insulating material. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the light emitting device 300 due to external impact and moisture may be effectively prevented. The thickness difference caused by the light emitting device 300 and the separation partition 175 may be eliminated by the second encapsulation layer 420. For example, an upper surface of the package component 400 opposite to the device substrate 100 may be a flat surface. A side surface having an inverse tapered shape of each of the separate spacers 175 may be covered by the package component 400 .
[0084] At least one encapsulation dam 106 may be disposed on the device substrate 100. The encapsulation dam 106 may block the flow of the second encapsulation layer 420 having relatively high fluidity. For example, the second encapsulation layer 420 may be disposed on a portion of the device substrate 100 defined by the encapsulation dam 106. The first encapsulation layer 410 and the third encapsulation layer 430 may extend along the surface of the encapsulation dam 106. For example, the third encapsulation layer 430 may be in direct contact with the first encapsulation layer 410 on the outside of the encapsulation dam 106. The encapsulation dam 106 may include an insulating material. For example, the encapsulation dam 106 may include an organic insulating material. The encapsulation dam 106 may be disposed on the lower passivation layer 130. For example, the encapsulation dam 106 may include the same material as the lower planarization layer 140.
[0085] The display panel DP may be electrically connected to the driving components DD, SD, TD, and TC through the pads 104 and 304. For example, a display pad area DA and a touch pad area TA may be provided on a portion of the device substrate 100, the display pad area DA being provided with a display pad 104 electrically connected to each driving circuit, and the touch pad area TA being provided with a touch pad 304 electrically connected to the link line 550. Each display pad 104 may be connected to the corresponding driving circuit through one of the first connection links 610. Each touch pad 304 may be connected to the corresponding link line 550 through one of the second connection links 620. The display pad area DA may be arranged side by side with the touch pad area TA. For example, each of the second connection links 620 may cross at least one first connection link 610. The second connection link 620 may be insulated from the first connection link 610. For example, the second connection link 620 may be provided on a layer different from the first connection link 610. The first connection link 610 and the second connection link 620 may include the same material as one of the conductive layers provided between the device substrate 100 and the pixel electrode 310. For example, the first connection link 610 may include the same material as the gate electrode 230 of each thin film transistor 200, and the second connection link 620 may include the same material as the light shielding pattern 115. The first connection link 610 may be disposed between the gate insulating layer 220 and the interlayer insulating layer 240. The second connection link 620 may be disposed between the first buffer layer 110 and the second buffer layer 120. Each link line 550 may be connected to the corresponding second connection link 620 by penetrating the second buffer layer 120, the gate insulating layer 220, the interlayer insulating layer 240, and the lower passivation layer 130. The display pad 104 and the touch pad 304 may include materials different from the first connection link 610 and the second connection link 620. For example, the touch pad 304 may include the same material as the source electrode 250 and the drain electrode 260 of each thin film transistor 200. For example, the touch pad 304 may be disposed between the interlayer insulating layer 240 and the lower passivation layer 130. Each of the touch pads 304 may be connected to the corresponding second connection link 620 by penetrating the second buffer layer 120, the gate insulating layer 220, and the interlayer insulating layer 240. The lower passivation layer 130 may partially expose each touch pad 304. The display pad 104 may include the same material as the touch pad 304.
[0086] Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a separation partition 175 on the separation area SA and upper electrodes 330 separated by the separation partition 175, wherein each upper electrode 330 may be connected to one of the link lines 550. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may sense the touch of the user and / or the tool using the upper electrodes 330 separated by the separation partition 175. That is, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming an additional touch electrode and a touch link on the packaging element 400 disposed on the light emitting device 300 and the separation partition 175 may be omitted. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming a component for sensing the touch of the user and / or the tool may be simplified.
[0087] In addition, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the bank insulation layer 160 on the separation area SA may include a second opening 162h overlapping the link line 550, wherein the sidewall of the second opening 162h may overlap the side of the separation spacer 175 having the inverted tapered shape. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrode 330 may be effectively blocked. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process efficiency may be improved.
[0088] The touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described as the second opening 162h of the bank insulation layer 160 overlaps the side of the separation spacer 175. However, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bank insulation layer 160 around the separation spacer 175 in the separation area SA may be removed, such as Figure 5 Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the separation of the upper electrode 330 can be performed more effectively.
[0089] The touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described as a case where the end of each upper electrode 330 is in direct contact with the corresponding link line 550. However, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each upper electrode 330 may be electrically connected to the corresponding link line 550 through one of the connecting electrodes 350, such as Figure 6As shown. Each connection electrode 350 can be connected to the corresponding link line 550 by penetrating the upper planarization layer 150. The connection electrode 350 can extend between the upper planarization layer 150 and the bank insulation layer 160. For example, the second opening of the bank insulation layer 160 can expose a portion of each connection electrode 350. The end of each upper electrode 330 can be in direct contact with the portion of the corresponding connection electrode 350 exposed by the second opening. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the separation of each upper electrode 330 caused by the thickness of the upper planarization layer 150 and the tilt angle of the sidewall of the link contact hole can be prevented. The connection electrode 350 may include a conductive material. For example, the connection electrode 350 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag). The connection electrode 350 may include the same material as the pixel electrode 310. For example, the connection electrode 350 may be formed simultaneously with the pixel electrode 310. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the process efficiency can be effectively improved.
[0090] The touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described as the upper electrode 330 being blocked by the side of the separation spacer 175 having the inverted tapered shape and the second opening 162h of the bank insulating layer 160. However, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrode 330 may be separated by the intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720, which are disposed between the upper planarization layer 150 and the bank insulating layer 160 and include the side having the inverted tapered shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. The intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may include side surfaces 710S and 720S, and the side surfaces 710S and 720S have an inverted tapered shape toward the second opening of the bank insulating layer 160 between the link line 550 and the separation spacer 175. The intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may have an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer 160. For example, the intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may include an inorganic insulating material. The intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may include a first intermediate insulating layer 710 and a second intermediate insulating layer 720 between the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the bank insulating layer 160. The second intermediate insulating layer 720 may include the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer 710. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the side surface of the separation spacer 175 may have a positive tapered shape. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom of the shape of the separation spacer 175 may be increased.
[0091] The side of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 facing the first opening of the bank insulating layer 160 and the side of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 facing the first opening of the bank insulating layer 160 may have a forward tapered shape. For example, the side of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 facing the emission area EA and the side of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 facing the emission area EA may have a forward tapered shape. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the separation of the upper electrode 330 in each emission area EA.
[0092] The side 720S of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 having an inverted tapered shape may be disposed closer to the center of the second opening than the side 710S of the intermediate insulating layer 710 having an inverted tapered shape. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the undercut region having an inverted tapered shape formed by the side 710S of the first intermediate insulating layer and the side 720S of the second intermediate insulating layer may be increased. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, separation of the upper electrode 330 by the intermediate insulating layers 710 and 720 may be effectively performed.
[0093] In a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the second intermediate insulating layer 720 may be stacked between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown. One side of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the side of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 may have an inverted tapered shape. For example, the side of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the side of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 disposed between the link line 550 and the separation spacer 175 may have an inverted tapered shape. The first intermediate insulating layer 710 may have an etching selectivity to the upper planarization layer 150. The second intermediate insulating layer 720 may include the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer 710. For example, the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the second intermediate insulating layer 720 may include an inorganic insulating material. The side of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and the side of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 having an inverted tapered shape may overlap with the link line 550. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each upper electrode 330 may be separated from the link line 550. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the separation area SA may be minimized.
[0094] In a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer 710 and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer 720 having an inverted tapered shape between the upper planarization layer 150 and the bank insulating layer 160 may overlap a side surface of the separation spacer 175 having an inverted tapered shape, as shown in FIG. Fig.10As shown. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each upper electrode 330 can be reliably separated from the adjacent upper electrode 330. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, interference between the separated upper electrodes 330 can be prevented.
[0095] The touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described as sensing the touch of the user and / or the tool by the self-capacitance method using the upper electrode 330 blocked by the separation area SA. However, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may sense the touch of the user and / or the tool by the mutual capacitance method. For example, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrodes 330 may be separated so that the upper electrodes 330 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the link line 550, and each upper electrode 330 may be connected to the link line 550 differently from the adjacent upper electrodes 330, such as Fig.11 As shown. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch drive signal Tx may be applied to one of the upper electrodes 330, and the touch sensing signal Rx may be applied to the upper electrode 330 disposed adjacent to the upper electrode 330 to which the touch drive signal Tx is applied. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom of the touch drive method may be improved.
[0096] In a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each upper electrode 330 may be divided into a first electrode region 330a on the light emitting region EA and a second electrode region 330b disposed outside the light emitting region EA. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown. Each first electrode region 330a can be connected to one of the first link lines 550, and the second electrode region 330b is connected to the second link line 520. The signal applied to the first link line 550 can be different from the signal applied to the second link line 520. For example, a power supply voltage can be applied to the first link line 550, and a touch signal can be applied to the second link line 520. The signal line 540 can be set between the first link line 550 and the second link line 520. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to simultaneously perform image realization through the light emitting device 300 and sensing the touch of a user and / or a tool. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the reliability of sensing touch can be improved.
[0097] As a result, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include upper electrodes separated by the separation spacers on the separation area and the second opening of the bank insulation layer, wherein each upper electrode is connected to a link line between the device substrate and the bank insulation layer. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can sense the touch of the user and / or the tool by using the link line and the upper electrode provided between the device substrate and the package element. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming the component for sensing the touch can be simplified, and the process efficiency can be improved.
[0098] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0099] This patent application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189502, filed on December 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Claims
1. A touch display device, comprising: A link line, wherein the link line is located on a device substrate; an upper planarization layer, the upper planarization layer being located on the device substrate, the upper planarization layer comprising a link contact hole partially exposing the link line; a bank insulating layer, the bank insulating layer being located on the upper planarization layer, the bank insulating layer comprising a first opening defining a light emitting region and a second opening overlapping a portion of the link line; a first intermediate insulating layer, the first intermediate insulating layer being located between the upper planarization layer and the bank insulating layer, the side of the first intermediate insulating layer being located between the link line and the separation spacer and facing the second opening having an inverted tapered shape; a light emitting device, the light emitting device being located in the light emitting region, the light emitting device comprising a pixel electrode, a light emitting layer and an upper electrode sequentially stacked on the upper planarization layer; the separation spacer, the separation spacer being located on the bank insulating layer, the separation spacer having a side surface that is in an inverted tapered shape and overlaps with a side wall of the second opening; as well as a packaging element, the packaging element being located on the bank insulating layer, the light emitting device and the separation partition, wherein the second opening is disposed between the first opening and the separation partition, and The upper electrode of the light emitting device includes an end portion disposed in the second opening and connected to the link line.
2. The touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising an electrode pattern located on an upper surface of the separation spacer opposite to the device substrate, the electrode pattern being separated from the upper electrode, in, The electrode pattern includes the same material as the upper electrode.
3. The touch display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a connection electrode in contact with the link line, the connection electrode extending between the upper planarization layer and the bank insulation layer along a side surface of the link contact hole, in, The second opening partially exposes the connection electrode, and The end portion of the upper electrode contacts a portion of the connecting electrode exposed through the second opening.
4. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein: The connection electrode includes the same material as the pixel electrode.
5. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first intermediate insulating layer has an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
6. The touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising a second intermediate insulating layer located between the first intermediate insulating layer and the bank insulating layer, in, A side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer between the link line and the separation spacer facing the second opening is disposed closer to a center of the second opening than the side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the second opening.
7. The touch display device according to claim 6, wherein: The side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer between the link line and the separation spacer and facing the second opening has an inverted tapered shape.
8. The touch display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second intermediate insulating layer has an etching selectivity to the bank insulating layer.
9. The touch display device according to claim 8, wherein: The second intermediate insulating layer includes the same material as the first intermediate insulating layer. 10 . The touch display device according to claim 6 , wherein a side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening and a side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer facing the first opening have a forward tapered shape.
11. The touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising a second intermediate insulating layer stacked between the lower planarization layer and the upper planarization layer, wherein: The side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer has an inverted tapered shape.
12. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper electrode is divided into a first electrode region located on the light-emitting area and a second electrode region arranged outside the light-emitting area, the first electrode region is connected to a first link line among the link lines, and the second electrode region is connected to a second link line among the link lines, and a signal different from a signal applied to the first link line is applied to the second link line.
13. The touch display device according to claim 12, wherein: A power supply voltage is applied to the first link line, and a touch signal is applied to the second link line. 14 . The touch display device according to claim 1 , wherein a side wall of the second opening has a larger inclination angle than a side wall of the first opening.
15. A touch display device, comprising: A device substrate, the device substrate comprising a light emitting region and a separation region; a pixel electrode, the pixel electrode being located on the light emitting region of the device substrate, the pixel electrode being spaced apart from the separation region; a link line, the link line being located on the separation area of the device substrate, the link line being spaced apart from the pixel electrode; a bank insulating layer, the bank insulating layer being located on the device substrate, the bank insulating layer comprising a first opening partially exposing the pixel electrode and a second opening partially exposing the link line; a light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being located on a portion of the pixel electrode exposed by the first opening; an upper electrode, the upper electrode being located on the light-emitting layer and connected to the link line through the second opening; a separation spacer, the separation spacer being located on the bank insulating layer, the separation spacer overlapping the separation region; a first intermediate insulating layer, the first intermediate insulating layer being located between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer, the first intermediate insulating layer comprising a side surface facing the second opening and located between the link line and the separation spacer, the side surface having an inverted tapered shape; as well as a packaging element, the packaging element being located on the upper electrode and the separation separator, wherein the second opening is disposed between the light emitting region and the separation region, wherein the separation partition is arranged close to a side wall of the second opening, and The side surface of the first intermediate insulating layer having an inverted tapered shape overlaps with the link line.
16. The touch display device according to claim 15, wherein: The side wall of the second opening has a larger inclination angle than the side wall of the first opening.
17. The touch display device according to claim 15, further comprising an upper planarization layer located between the device substrate and the pixel electrode, wherein the upper planarization layer partially exposes the link line. in, The first intermediate insulating layer is disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer.
18. The touch display device according to claim 17, wherein: The first intermediate insulating layer has an etching selectivity to the upper planarization layer.
19. The touch display device according to claim 17, further comprising a second intermediate insulating layer located between the first intermediate insulating layer and the upper planarization layer, in, A side surface of the second intermediate insulating layer overlapping the link line has an inverted tapered shape.
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