Touch display device

Abstract

A touch display device for sensing the touch of a user and / or a tool is provided. In the touch display device, the upper electrode of each light-emitting device may include a first electrode region overlapping with an emission region and a second electrode region spaced apart from the first electrode region. The second electrode region may be connected to a different connection wire from the first electrode region. Therefore, in the touch display device, at least one of the first electrode region and the second electrode region of each upper electrode can be used to sense the touch of a user and / or a tool. Thus, in the touch display device, the process of forming components for sensing touch can be simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a touch display device capable of sensing a touch of a user and / or a tool. Background Art

[0002] Generally, electrical appliances such as monitors, televisions, laptop computers, and digital cameras include a display device capable of implementing an image. For example, the display device may include a light-emitting device. Each light-emitting device may emit light of a specific color. For example, each light-emitting device may include a light-emitting layer disposed between two emission electrodes.

[0003] The display device may be a touch display device that senses a touch of a user and / or a tool and applies a specific signal. For example, the touch display device may include touch electrodes disposed on the light-emitting device. The touch electrodes may be disposed side by side on a package element covering the light-emitting device. Thus, in the touch display device, a touch signal of a touch driving part may be applied to each touch electrode through one of touch link lines extending along the surface of the package element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that, in a touch display device, the process may be complex, and the area of a border area outside a display area in which a light-emitting device is disposed may increase.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a touch display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by limitations and disadvantages of the related art

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch display device in which a process of forming components for sensing a touch of a user and / or a tool is simplified.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch display device capable of reducing or minimizing the area of a border.

[0008] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be partially set forth in the description below, and partially will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after studying the following, or may be learned from practice of the present disclosure. The objects and other advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and claims and the drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a touch display device including a device substrate. The device substrate includes an emission region. A pixel electrode and a bank insulating layer are provided on the device substrate. The pixel electrode is provided on the emission region of the device substrate. The bank insulating layer covers an edge of the pixel electrode. A light-emitting layer is provided on a portion of the pixel electrode exposed by the bank insulating layer. An upper electrode is provided on the bank insulating layer and the light-emitting layer. The upper electrode includes a first electrode region and a second electrode region. The first electrode region includes a portion overlapping with the light-emitting layer. The second electrode region is separated from the first electrode region. A packaging element is provided on the upper electrode. A first connection wire is provided between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer. The first connection wire is electrically connected to the first electrode region. A second connection wire spaced apart from the first connection wire is electrically connected to the second electrode region.

[0010] A separator may be provided on the bank insulating layer. The separator may have an inverted conical side surface. The separator may be provided between the first electrode region and the second electrode region of the upper electrode.

[0011] The separator may surround the emission region.

[0012] The first electrode region of the upper electrode may have a larger size than the emission region of the device substrate.

[0013] The second electrode region may include the same material as the first electrode region.

[0014] The second connection wire may be provided between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer. The first connection wire and the second connection wire may include the same material.

[0015] A signal wire insulated from the upper electrode may be spaced apart from the first connection wire and the second connection wire. The signal wire may include a portion overlapping with the second electrode region.

[0016] The signal wire may be provided on the same layer as the first connection wire.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch display device includes a device substrate. A bank insulating layer is provided on the device substrate. The bank insulating layer defines an emission region. Each pixel electrode is provided on one of the emission regions of the device substrate. Each of the light-emitting layers is provided on one of the pixel electrodes. The upper electrode is provided on the bank insulating layer and the light-emitting layer. The upper electrodes are arranged side by side in a first direction and a second direction. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A packaging element is provided on the upper electrode. A first connection wire and a second connection wire are provided between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer. The first connection wire extends in the first direction. The second connection wire is spaced apart from the first connection wire. The second electrode region of each upper electrode is connected to one of the second connection wires.

[0018] The second connection wire can extend parallel to the first connection wire. The first connection wire and the second connection wire can be disposed outside the emission region.

[0019] The upper electrode can include a first upper electrode and a second upper electrode. In the first upper electrode, the second electrode regions are connected in a first direction through a first bridge electrode. In the second upper electrode, the second electrode regions are connected in a second direction through a second bridge electrode. The first bridge electrode and the second bridge electrode can be disposed outside the emission region. Each of the second bridge electrodes can cross one of the first bridge electrodes.

[0020] The second connection wire can include a first wire line connected to the second electrode region of each first upper electrode and a second wire line connected to the second electrode region of each second upper electrode.

[0021] The second bridge electrode can be disposed on the same layer as the first connection wire and the second connection wire.

[0022] The second bridge electrode can include the same material as the first connection wire and the second connection wire.

[0023] Each of the first upper electrodes can be in direct contact with one of the first bridge electrodes. Description of the Drawings

[0024] The drawings are used to provide further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 an enlarged view of the K region in;

[0027] Figure 3 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 an enlarged view of the R region in;

[0028] Figure 4 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 3 a view taken along I-I'; and

[0029] Figures 5 to 9 is a view showing a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0030] In the following, details related to the above objects, technical configurations, and operational effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly understood through a detailed description of the accompanying drawings showing some embodiments of the present disclosure. 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. Therefore, the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0031] In addition, throughout the specification, the same or extremely similar elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings, for convenience, the lengths and thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated. 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 to be in contact with the second element, a third element may be interposed between the first element and the second element.

[0032] Here, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish any one element from another element. However, according to the convenience of those skilled in the art, without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure, the first element and the second element may be arbitrarily named.

[0033] The terms used in the specification of the present disclosure are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. For example, an element described in the singular form is intended to include a plurality of elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in the specification of the present disclosure, it should also be understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of the recited features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. It should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0035] (Embodiment)

[0036] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the K region in Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of the R region in Figure 4 is along Figure 3View taken along I-I'.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch display device may include a display panel DP and driving parts DD, SD, TD, and TC. The driving parts DD, SD, TD, and TC may provide various signals for implementing an image to the display panel DP. For example, the driving parts DD, SD, TD, and TC may include a data driver DD that applies a data signal, a scan driver SD that applies 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, an inverted clock signal, and a start signal to the scan driver SD.

[0038] 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 disposed on a device substrate 100. The device substrate 100 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer 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 or different materials from 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. Accordingly, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device substrate 100 may have high flexibility, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the light-emitting device 300 due to an external impact may be prevented.

[0039] The device substrate 100 may include an emission region EA and a non-emission region NEA. The non-emission region NEA may be disposed outside the emission region EA. For example, each emission region EA may be surrounded by the non-emission region NEA.

[0040] A driving circuit 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 signals transmitted from the driving parts DD, SD, TD, and TC. For example, each driving circuit may provide a driving current corresponding to a data signal to a 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.

[0041] The semiconductor pattern 210 may include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor pattern 210 may include amorphous silicon (a-Si) or polycrystalline silicon (p-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.

[0042] A gate insulating layer 220 may be disposed on the semiconductor pattern 210. The gate insulating layer 220 may extend beyond the semiconductor pattern 210, but is not limited thereto. For example, the side portions 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 single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0043] A 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 through the gate insulating layer 220. The gate electrode 230 may overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 210. For example, the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 210 may have a conductivity corresponding to the voltage applied to the gate electrode 230.

[0044] An interlayer insulating layer 240 may be disposed on the gate electrode 230. The interlayer insulating layer 240 may extend beyond the gate electrode 230, but is not limited thereto. For example, the side portions 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 outside 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).

[0045] 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 through the interlayer insulating layer 240. For example, the source electrode 250 may include a material different from or the same as that of 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 source contact holes that partially expose the source region of the semiconductor pattern 210. The source electrode 250 may include a portion overlapping with 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 within the source contact hole.

[0046] 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 through the interlayer insulating layer 240. For example, the drain electrode 260 may include a material different from or the same as that of the gate electrode 230. The drain electrode 260 may include a material different from or the same as that of 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 drain contact holes that partially expose the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 210. The drain electrode 260 may include a portion overlapping with 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 within the drain contact hole.

[0047] 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 process of forming the thin film transistor 200. For example, the first buffer layer 110 may partially or 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 single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0048] A 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 the characteristics of each thin-film transistor 200 from being changed 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).

[0049] The light-shielding pattern 115 may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern 210 of each thin-film transistor 200. For example, a 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 or different 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 outside the light-shielding pattern 115.

[0050] The lower passivation layer 130 may be disposed on the driving circuit. The lower passivation layer 130 may prevent the driving circuit from being damaged 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).

[0051] 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 eliminate 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 different material from the lower planarization layer 140. Thus, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness difference caused by the driving circuit can be effectively eliminated.

[0052] The light-emitting device 300 may be disposed on the upper planarization layer 150. Each light-emitting device 300 may emit light of a specific color for display. 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.

[0053] 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 single-layer structure or a multi-layer 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.

[0054] The light-emitting layer 320 may generate light having a luminance corresponding to the voltage difference between the pixel electrode 310 and the upper electrode 330. For example, the light-emitting layer 320 may include a light-emitting material layer (EML) containing a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a hybrid material. For example, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an organic light-emitting display device including a light-emitting material layer formed of an organic material. The light-emitting layer 320 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer 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). Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting efficiency of each light-emitting device 300 may be increased.

[0055] The upper electrode 330 may include a conductive material. The upper electrode 330 may include a material different from or the same as that of 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. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, light generated from the light-emitting layer 320 may be emitted to the outside through the upper electrode 330.

[0056] The light-emitting device 300 may overlap with the emission area EA of the device substrate 100. For example, the pixel electrode 310, the light-emitting layer 320, and the upper electrode 330 of each light-emitting device 300 may be stacked on one of the emission areas EA. The bank insulating layer 160 may be disposed on the upper planarization layer 150. The bank insulating layer 160 may include an insulating material. For example, the bank insulating layer 160 may include an organic insulating material. The bank insulating layer 160 may include a material different from or the same as that of the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The bank insulating layer 160 may define the emission area EA. For example, the bank insulating layer 160 may cover the edge of 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 the bank insulating layer 160. The non-emission area NEA of the device substrate 100 may overlap with the bank insulating layer 160.

[0057] 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 intermediate electrode 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.

[0058] The light emitted from each light-emitting device 300 may display a color different from or the same as the light emitted from an adjacent light-emitting device 300. For example, the light-emitting layer 320 of each light-emitting device 300 may include a material different from or the same as the light-emitting layer 320 of an 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 an 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.

[0059] 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 an 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 an 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 an 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 an adjacent light-emitting device 300.

[0060] Each upper electrode 330 may have a block shape. The upper electrodes 330 separated from each other may be arranged along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each upper electrode 330 may overlap with multiple emission areas EA. For example, each upper electrode 330 may include a first electrode region 330a and a second electrode region 330b. Each first electrode region 330a may include a portion overlapping with the emission area EA. The second electrode region 330b may be arranged outside the emission area EA. One of the first electrode regions 330a may be arranged on the light-emitting layer 320 of a corresponding light-emitting device 300. The second electrode region 330b may be arranged on the non-emission area NEA of the device substrate 100. For example, the second electrode region 330b may be arranged on the embankment insulating layer 160.

[0061] The second electrode region 330b may be separated from the first electrode region 330a. For example, a spacer 175 may be disposed between the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b. Each spacer 175 may have inverted tapered sides. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 can be formed simultaneously without requiring an additional patterning process. For example, the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 may comprise the same material. An electrode pattern 330p comprising the same material as the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b may be disposed on the upper surface of each spacer 175 opposite the device substrate 100. The spacer 175 may be disposed on the bank insulating layer 160. Each spacer 175 may extend between one of the first electrode regions 330a and the second electrode region 330b. For example, each spacer 175 may surround one of the emission areas EA. The size of each first electrode region 330a may be larger than the size of the corresponding emission area EA. Each first electrode region 330a may be surrounded by the second electrode region 330b. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, process efficiency can be improved.

[0062] The spacers 175 may include an insulating material. For example, the spacers 175 may include an organic insulating material. Each spacer 175 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, each spacer 175 may include a stacked structure of layers having etching selectivity.

[0063] A first connection wire 550 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. A first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330 may be electrically connected to one of the first connection wires 550. For example, the upper planarization layer 150 and the bank insulating layer 160 may include first electrode contact holes exposing a part of each first connection wire 550. Each first electrode region 330a may include a portion overlapping with one of the first electrode contact holes. For example, each first electrode region 330a may be in direct contact with a corresponding connection wire 550 through one of the first electrode contact holes. The first connection wire 550 may extend in a first direction. For example, each first electrode region 330a may be connected to the same first connection wire 550 as the first electrode region 330a adjacent to the corresponding first electrode region 330a in the first direction.

[0064] The first connection wire 550 may include a conductive material. For example, the first connection wire 550 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The first connection wire 550 may include the same or different material from the intermediate electrode 510. The first connection wire 550 may be insulated from the intermediate electrode 510. For example, the first connection wire 550 may be spaced apart from the intermediate electrode 510 in a second direction.

[0065] A second connection wire 520 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The second connection wire 520 may include a conductive material. For example, the second connection wire 520 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The second connection wire 520 may include the same or different material from the intermediate electrode 510 and the first connection wire 550. The second connection wire 520 may extend parallel to the first connection wire 550. For example, the second connection wire 520 may extend in the first direction. The second connection wire 520 may be spaced apart from the intermediate electrode 510 and the first connection wire 550 in a second direction.

[0066] Each second connection wire 520 can be electrically connected to a second electrode region 330b of one of the upper electrodes 330. For example, the upper planarization layer 150 and the bank insulating layer 160 may include second electrode contact holes exposing a part of each second connection wire 520. The second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 may include a portion overlapping with one of the second connection wires 520. For example, the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 may be in direct contact with the corresponding second connection wire 520 through one of the second electrode contact holes. Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal applied to the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 may be different from or the same as (e.g., independent of) the signal applied to the first electrode region 330a of the corresponding upper electrode 330. For example, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving parts DD, SD, TD, and TC may include a touch sensing part TD for sensing the touch of a user and / or a tool, and the second connection wire 520 may be electrically connected to the touch sensing part TD. The first connection wire 550 may be electrically connected to a power voltage source. That is, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a power voltage may be applied to the first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330 provided on the light emitting layer 320 of each light emitting device 300, and the touch of a user and / or a tool may be sensed by using the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 (e.g., by applying a touch driving signal to the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330). Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image can be realized by the light emitting device 300 and the touch of a user and / or a tool can be sensed simultaneously.

[0067] The encapsulation component 400 may be disposed on the upper electrode 330 and the spacer 175. The encapsulation component 400 may prevent the light-emitting device 300 from being damaged due to external impact and moisture. The encapsulation component 400 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the encapsulation component 400 may include a first encapsulation layer 410, a second encapsulation layer 420, and a third encapsulation layer 430 that are sequentially stacked. 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 that of 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, while the second encapsulation layer 420 may include an organic insulating material. Accordingly, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light-emitting device 300 can be effectively prevented from being damaged due to external impact and moisture. The thickness difference caused by the light-emitting device 300 and the spacer 175 may be eliminated through the second encapsulation layer 420. For example, the upper surface of the encapsulation component 400 opposite to the device substrate 100 may be a flat surface. The side surface of each spacer 175 having an inverted conical shape may be covered by the encapsulation component 400.

[0068] Accordingly, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may sense the touch of a user and / or a tool by using the upper electrode 330 of each light-emitting device 300 disposed between the device substrate 100 and the encapsulation component 400. Accordingly, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the process of forming touch electrodes and touch lines may be omitted. Accordingly, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the process efficiency may be improved, and the size of the bezel area may be reduced or minimized.

[0069] A touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described, in which the implementation of an image and the sensing of a touch are performed simultaneously. However, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330 may be selectively connected to the touch sensing part TD through the first connection wire 550. That is, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330 may be used as touch electrodes. For example, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each frame may be divided into a display period and a touch period. During the display period of each frame, the first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330 may be electrically connected to the power voltage source through the first connection wire 550, and the power voltage may be supplied to the first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330. During the touch period of each frame, the first electrode region 330a of each upper electrode 330 may be electrically connected to the touch sensing part TD through the first connection wire 550, and the touch sensing signal Rx may be applied to the first electrode region 330a and the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330. The touch driving signal Tx may be applied to the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330. Therefore, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the accuracy of touch sensing may be improved.

[0070] A touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described, in which the touch of a user and / or a tool is sensed by a self-capacitance method. However, a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may use a mutual-capacitance method to sense the touch of a user and / or a tool. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a signal wire 540 disposed between a first connection wire 550 and a second connection wire 520. The signal wire 540 may be spaced apart from the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520. The signal wire 540 may include a conductive material. For example, the signal wire 540 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). The signal wire 540 may include the same or different material as the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520. For example, the signal wire 540 may be disposed between a lower planarization layer 140 and an upper planarization layer 150. Each signal wire 540 may include a portion overlapping with a second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330. For example, the signal wire 540 may extend parallel to the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520. The signal wire 540 may transmit a specific signal. For example, the signal wire 540 may be a power voltage supply line that supplies a power voltage to each driving circuit. The signal wire 540 may be selectively connected to a touch sensing portion. For example, a touch sensing signal may be selectively applied to the signal wire 540. Accordingly, a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may sense a touch of a user and / or a tool through the signal wire 540 and the second electrode region 330b of each upper electrode 330. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper electrode 330 may have various shapes.

[0071] In a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figures 7 to 9 shown, the upper electrode 330 may include a first upper electrode 331 connected in a first direction through a first bridge electrode 560 and a second upper electrode 332 connected in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction through a second bridge electrode 570. Each of the first upper electrode 331 and the second upper electrode 332 may include a first electrode region 330a overlapping with an emission region EA and a second electrode region 330b separated from the first electrode region 330a. For example, the second electrode region 330b of each first upper electrode 331 may be connected to the second electrode region 330b of the first upper electrode 331 adjacent to the corresponding first upper electrode 331 in the first direction, and the second electrode region 330b of each second upper electrode 332 may be connected to the second electrode region 330b of the second upper electrode 332 adjacent to the corresponding second upper electrode 332 in the second direction. The first bridge electrode 560 and the second bridge electrode 570 may include a conductive material. Each of the second bridge electrodes 570 may cross one of the first bridge electrodes 560. For example, the second bridge electrode 570 may include the same or different material as the first bridge electrode 560.

[0072] The first bridge electrode 560 may be disposed on the same layer as the first upper electrode 331. For example, each first upper electrode 331 may be in direct contact with one of the first bridge electrodes 560. The first bridge electrode 560 may include the same material as the first upper electrode 331. For example, each first bridge electrode 560 may be a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO. The first bridge electrode 560 may be disposed on the non-emission area NEA of the device substrate 100. For example, the first bridge electrode 560 may be disposed outside the emission area EA.

[0073] The second bridge electrode 570 may be disposed on a different layer from the first bridge electrode 560. The second bridge electrode 570 may be disposed on the same layer as the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520. For example, the second bridge electrode 570 may be disposed between the lower planarization layer 140 and the upper planarization layer 150. The second bridge electrode 570 may include a metal, such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). For example, the second bridge electrode 570 may include the same material as the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520. The second bridge electrode 570 may be disposed outside the emission area EA. The second bridge electrode 570 may be spaced apart from the first connection wire 550 and the second connection wire 520.

[0074] Each second connection wire 520 may include a first wire line 521 connected to one of the first upper electrodes 331 and a second wire line 522 connected to one of the second upper electrodes 332. Each first wire line 521 may be connected to one of the first upper electrodes 331 connected in the first direction through the first bridge electrode 560. Each second wire line 522 may be connected to one of the second upper electrodes 332 connected in the second direction through the second bridge electrode 570. The signal applied to the second wire line 522 may be different from the signal applied to the first wire line 521. For example, a touch driving signal Tx may be applied through the first wire line 521, and a touch sensing signal Rx may be applied through the second wire line 522. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of second connection wires 520 for sensing touch may be reduced. That is, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the area occupied by the second connection wires 520 may be reduced or minimized. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the resolution may be improved.

[0075] As a result, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a light-emitting device, where each light-emitting device may include a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode stacked in sequence, where the upper electrode of each light-emitting device may include a first electrode region overlapping the light-emitting layer and a second electrode region separated from the first electrode region, and where the second electrode region may be connected to a connection wire different from the connection wire of the first electrode region. Accordingly, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may sense a touch of a user and / or a tool through the first electrode region and / or the second electrode region of the upper electrode. That is to say, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a process of forming a touch electrode and a touch line on a packaging element covering the light-emitting device may be omitted. Accordingly, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a process of forming components for sensing a touch may be simplified, and an area of a border region may be reduced.

[0076] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0077] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189505, filed on Dec. 31, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: A pixel electrode, the pixel electrode being located on an emission region of a device substrate; A bank insulation layer, the bank insulation layer being located on the device substrate, the bank insulation layer covering an edge of the pixel electrode; An upper planarization layer, the upper planarization layer being disposed between the device substrate and the pixel electrode and between the device substrate and the bank insulation layer; A light-emitting layer, the light-emitting layer being located on a portion of the pixel electrode exposed by the bank insulation layer; An upper electrode, the upper electrode including a first electrode region and a second electrode region spaced apart from the first electrode region, the first electrode region including a portion overlapping with the light-emitting layer; A first connection wire, the first connection wire being electrically connected to the first electrode region; And A second connection wire, the second connection wire being spaced apart from the first connection wire, the second connection wire being electrically connected to the second electrode region, Wherein, the second electrode region and the first electrode region are provided on the same layer, and Wherein, each of the first connection wire and the second connection wire includes a region disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, the touch display device further comprising a packaging element, the packaging element being located on the upper electrode.

3. The touch display device according to claim 1, the touch display device further comprising a separator located on the bank insulation layer, Among them, The separator having an inverted conical side surface, and Wherein, the separator is disposed between the first electrode region and the second electrode region.

4. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein, The separator surrounds the emission region of the device substrate.

5. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein, The separator extends between the first electrode region and the second electrode region.

6. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode region of the upper electrode has a larger size than the emission region of the device substrate.

7. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein The second electrode region includes the same material as the first electrode region.

8. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second connection wire and the first connection wire are provided on the same layer.

9. The touch display device according to claim 8, the touch display device further comprising: A thin-film transistor, the thin-film transistor being disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer, the thin-film transistor being connected to the pixel electrode; And A lower planarization layer, the lower planarization layer being disposed between the thin-film transistor and the upper planarization layer, Wherein, the first connection wire and the second connection wire are disposed between the lower planarization layer and the upper planarization layer.

10. The touch display device according to claim 8, wherein, The first connection wire and the second connection wire include the same material.

11. The touch display device according to claim 1, the touch display device further comprising a signal wire spaced apart from the first connection wire and the second connection wire, Among them, The signal wire being insulated from the upper electrode, and Wherein, the signal wire includes a portion overlapping with the second electrode region.

12. The touch display device according to claim 11, wherein, The signal wire and the first connection wire are provided on the same layer.

13. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first connection wires extend in a first direction, and first electrode regions adjacent to each other along the first direction are connected to the same first connection wire, and wherein the second connection wires extend in parallel with the first connection wires, and each of the second connection wires is connected to a second electrode region of one of the upper electrodes.

14. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, A signal applied to the second electrode region of each upper electrode is different from a signal applied to the first electrode region of the corresponding upper electrode.

15. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first connection wires are electrically connected to a power voltage source such that a power voltage is applied to the first electrode regions, and wherein the second connection wires are electrically connected to a touch sensing part for sensing a touch, so that a touch is sensed simultaneously by using the second electrode regions as touch electrodes.

16. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode regions of the upper electrodes are selectively connected to the touch sensing part.

17. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: a bank insulating layer that is located on a device substrate and that defines an emission region; an upper planarization layer that is disposed between the device substrate and the bank insulating layer; pixel electrodes that are located on the upper planarization layer, each of the pixel electrodes being disposed on one of the emission regions of the device substrate; light-emitting layers, each of the light-emitting layers being disposed on one of the pixel electrodes; upper electrodes that are located on the bank insulating layer and the light-emitting layers, and that are arranged side by side in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; first connection wires that are disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer, the first connection wires extending in the first direction; and second connection wires that are disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer, and that are spaced apart from the first connection wires, wherein each of the upper electrodes includes a first electrode region and a second electrode region spaced apart from the first electrode region, wherein the second electrode region of each upper electrode and the first electrode region of the corresponding upper electrode are disposed on the same layer, wherein each of the first electrode regions of each upper electrode is connected to one of the first connection wires, wherein the second electrode region of each upper electrode is connected to one of the second connection wires, and wherein a part of each first connection wire and a part of each second connection wire are disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer.

18. The touch display device according to claim 17, wherein, The second connection wires extend in parallel with the first connection wires, and wherein the first connection wires and the second connection wires are disposed outside the emission region.

19. The touch display device according to claim 17, wherein, The upper electrodes include a first upper electrode and a second upper electrode. In the first upper electrode, the second electrode regions are connected in the first direction by a first bridge electrode. In the second upper electrode, the second electrode regions are connected in the second direction by a second bridge electrode. Wherein, the first bridge electrode and the second bridge electrode are disposed outside the emission region, and wherein, each of the second bridge electrodes crosses one of the first bridge electrodes.

20. The touch display device according to claim 19, wherein, The second connection wire includes a first wire line connecting to the second electrode region of each first upper electrode, and a second wire line connecting to the second electrode region of each second upper electrode.

21. The touch display device according to claim 19, wherein, The second bridge electrode, the first connection wire, and the second connection wire are disposed on the same layer.

22. The touch display device according to claim 21, wherein, The second bridge electrode includes the same material as the first connection wire and the second connection wire.

23. The touch display device according to claim 19, wherein Each of the first upper electrodes is in direct contact with one of the first bridge electrodes.

24. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: An upper planarization layer disposed on a device substrate; A light-emitting layer disposed on the upper planarization layer, the light-emitting layer overlapping with an emission region of the device substrate; An upper electrode disposed on the light-emitting layer, the upper electrode including a first electrode region overlapping with the light-emitting layer; At least one spacer disposed on the upper planarization layer; A first bridge electrode having the same material as the first electrode region, the first bridge electrode being separated from the first electrode region by the at least one spacer; A second bridge electrode overlapping with the first bridge electrode, the second bridge electrode being disposed between the first bridge electrode and the device substrate; And A first connection wire electrically connected to the first electrode region, the first connection wire and the second bridge electrode being disposed on the same layer, wherein, the first bridge electrode and the first electrode region are disposed on the same layer, and wherein, the second bridge electrode and the first connection wire are disposed between the device substrate and the upper planarization layer.

25. The touch display device according to claim 24, the touch display device further comprising: A second connection wire disposed on the same layer as the first connection wire, the second connection wire being electrically connected to a second electrode region of the upper electrode, the second electrode region being separated from the first electrode region by another spacer.

26. The touch display device according to claim 25, the touch display device further comprising: A signal wire disposed on the same layer as the first connection wire, the signal wire being disposed between the first connection wire and the second connection wire.

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