Display device including a touch sensor and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The display device includes: a first touch signal line and a second touch signal line disposed on a first insulating layer; a second insulating layer disposed on the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line; a first connection part and a second connection part, the first connection part and the second connection part being connected to the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line respectively through a first contact hole and a second contact hole included in the second insulating layer; and a common electrode disposed on the second insulating layer, wherein the first connection part is connected to the common electrode, and the second connection part is not connected to the common electrode.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0188110, filed on December 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display device including a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. Background art

[0004] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices for displaying images has gradually increased in various forms. For this purpose, various types of display devices have been used, such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) and electroluminescent display devices (ELDs).

[0005] The electroluminescent display device (ELD) may include: a quantum dot light - emitting display device including quantum dots (QDs), an inorganic light - emitting display device, and an organic light - emitting display device.

[0006] In addition, the display device may include a touch sensor so that a user can use it intuitively.

[0007] In a display device including a touch sensor, the touch sensor includes a plurality of touch electrodes. Since the touch sensor is located on the display panel, a touch electrode having a metal mesh structure including a plurality of touch electrode lines has been proposed. In the touch electrode line having a metal mesh structure, pattern defects such as short - circuits may occur, and the defects can be inspected through a pattern inspection and repair process and the touch electrode can be repaired.

[0008] However, since the touch electrode having a metal mesh structure is formed of the same material and has a complex structure, there is a problem of spending a lot of time inspecting the defect location in the pattern inspection and repair process, thereby reducing the productivity of the display device. Summary of the invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including a touch sensor capable of sensing a touch and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including a touch sensor capable of improving productivity and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0011] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device, comprising: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; and a touch sensor having a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and first and second touch signal lines disposed to overlap the first and second touch electrodes respectively, wherein the first touch electrode includes: a first lower electrode line including a first connection portion, a second lower electrode line including a second connection portion and a third connection portion, and a first upper electrode pattern disposed above the first and second lower electrode lines and connected to the first and second lower electrode lines through the first, second, and third connection portions, wherein the second touch electrode includes: a third lower electrode line including a fourth connection portion, a fourth lower electrode line including a fifth connection portion and a sixth connection portion, and a second upper electrode pattern disposed above the third and fourth lower electrode lines and connected to the third and fourth lower electrode lines through the fourth, fifth, and sixth connection portions, wherein the first touch signal line is disposed to overlap the first, second, third, and fourth lower electrode lines, and the first touch signal line includes seventh and eighth connection portions respectively overlapping the first and third lower electrode lines, wherein the second touch signal line is disposed to overlap the first, second, third, and fourth lower electrode lines, and the second touch signal line includes ninth and tenth connection portions respectively overlapping the second and fourth lower electrode lines, wherein the first upper electrode pattern is connected to the first touch signal line among the first and second touch signal lines, and the second upper electrode pattern is connected to the second touch signal line among the first and second touch signal lines.

[0012] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device, comprising: first and second touch signal lines disposed on a first insulating layer; a second insulating layer disposed on the first and second touch signal lines; first and second communication portions respectively connected to the first and second touch signal lines through first and second contact holes included in the second insulating layer; and a common electrode disposed on the second insulating layer, wherein the first communication portion is connected to the common electrode, and the second communication portion is not connected to the common electrode.

[0013] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a method of manufacturing a display device, comprising: disposing a gate insulating layer on a lower substrate, and disposing a first lower electrode line including a first connection portion, a second lower electrode line including a second connection portion and a third connection portion, a third lower electrode line including a fourth connection portion, and a fourth lower electrode line including a fifth connection portion and a sixth connection portion; disposing a first insulating layer over the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line, and the fourth lower electrode line, and disposing a first touch signal line including a seventh connection portion and an eighth connection portion, and a second touch signal line including a ninth connection portion and a tenth connection portion on the first insulating layer; disposing a second insulating layer on the second touch signal line, and forming a plurality of contact holes in the second insulating layer, each contact hole being disposed at a position overlapping with the first connection portion, the second connection portion, the third connection portion, the fourth connection portion, the fifth connection portion, the sixth connection portion, the seventh connection portion, the eighth connection portion, the ninth connection portion, and the tenth connection portion; and disposing a first upper electrode pattern connected to the first connection portion, the second connection portion, the third connection portion, and the seventh connection portion, and a second upper electrode pattern connected to the fourth connection portion, the fifth connection portion, the sixth connection portion, and the tenth connection portion on the second insulating layer.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a display device including a touch sensor capable of detecting a touch and thus being manipulable by a user's touch, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0015] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a display device including a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, which can improve productivity by facilitating inspection in a manufacturing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the display device shown along line I'-I'.

[0018] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a timing diagram of driving a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a touch sensor employed in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 6A to 6E is a conceptual diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7A is a plan view illustrating a partial area where one pixel of a display device and a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention are overlapped with each other.

[0023] Figure 7B is an illustration of Figure 7A a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II’ shown in

[0024] Figure 8A is a plan view illustrating a partial area where one pixel of a display device and a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention are overlapped with each other.

[0025] Figure 8B is an illustration of Figure 8A a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III’ shown in

[0026] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0027] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and the same reference numerals and symbols may be used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar components, even if they are shown in different drawings from each other. Further, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of well-known functions and components involved herein will obscure the subject matter in some embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Terms such as "comprising", "having", "including", "constituting" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless these terms are used together with the term "only".

[0028] Terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(A)", or "(B)" may be used herein to describe elements of the present invention. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, quantity, etc. of the element, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0029] When referring to the first element being "connected or joined", "overlapped", etc. with the second element, it should be interpreted that the first element can not only be "directly connected or joined" or "directly in contact or overlapped" with the second element, but also a third element can be "inserted" between the first element and the second element, or the first element and the second element can be "connected or joined", "overlapped", etc. with each other via a fourth element. Herein, the second element can include at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or joined", "in contact or overlapped", etc. with each other.

[0030] When using relative time terms such as "after", "subsequently", "next", "before", etc. to describe the process or operation of an element or structure, or the flow or steps in an operation method, a processing method, or a manufacturing method, these terms can be used to describe a non - continuous or non - sequential process or operation, unless the terms "directly" or "immediately" are used together.

[0031] In addition, when referring to any scale, relative dimension, etc., even if the relevant description is not specified, the numerical values of the elements or features or the corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) should be considered to include the tolerance or error range that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "can" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "be able to".

[0032] Figure 1 is a structural diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device 100 may include a display panel 110, a data driver circuit 120, a gate driver circuit 130, a touch sensor 140, and a controller 150.

[0034] The display panel 110 may include a plurality of pixels P101 arranged in a matrix form. Each of the plurality of pixels 101 may emit red light, green light, and blue light. However, the color of the light emitted from each pixel 101 is not limited thereto. In addition, the display panel 110 may have a rectangular shape.

[0035] A plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm are provided in the display panel 110, and the plurality of pixels 101 may be connected to the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm. Each pixel 101 may receive a data signal transmitted through the data lines DL1 to DLm in response to a gate signal transmitted through the gate lines GL1 to GLn. However, the lines provided on the display panel 110 are not limited thereto.

[0036] The data driver circuit 120 is connected to a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, and can transmit data signals to the pixels 101 through the data lines DL1 to DLm. Here, although one data driver circuit 120 is shown, it is not limited thereto. In addition, the data driver circuit 120 can be an integrated circuit.

[0037] The gate driver circuit 130 can be connected to the gate lines GL1 to GLn, and can provide gate signals to the plurality of pixels 101 through the gate lines GL1 to GLn. Here, the gate driver circuit 130 is shown as being provided on one side of the display panel 110, but it is not limited thereto, and it can be provided on both sides of the display panel 110.

[0038] In addition, one gate driver circuit can be connected to the odd-numbered gate lines, and another gate driver circuit can be connected to the even-numbered gate lines. In addition, the display device 100 does not include a separate gate driver circuit, and a gate signal generation circuit for generating gate signals can be provided on the display panel 110.

[0039] The touch sensor 140 can be arranged to overlap with the display panel 110 and can sense a user's touch on the display panel 110. The touch sensor 140 can include a plurality of touch electrodes and touch lines for transmitting touch signals to each touch electrode.

[0040] The controller 150 can control the data driver circuit 120 and the gate driver circuit 130. The controller 150 can provide an image signal RGB and a data control signal DCS to the data driver circuit 120, and can provide a gate control signal GCS to the gate driver circuit 130.

[0041] In addition, the controller 150 can control the touch sensor 140. The controller 150 can provide touch signals to the touch sensor 140 and receive touch signals corresponding to the user's touch from the touch sensor 140, thereby calculating the touch position. The touch signals can include a touch drive signal for driving a plurality of touch electrodes and a touch sense signal for detecting a touch in response to the touch drive signal. Here, the controller 150 is shown as being one component, but it is not limited thereto, and the controller 150 can include a timing controller for controlling the data driver circuit 120 and the gate driver circuit 130, and a touch controller for controlling the touch sensor 140.

[0042] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown along line I-I'.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2 the display device 100 can include a lower substrate 110a and an upper substrate 110b.

[0044] In the lower substrate 110a, a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm shown in Figure 1 may be provided, and a plurality of pixels 101 connected to the gate lines GL1 to GLn and the data lines DL1 to DLm may be provided.

[0045] A column spacer 310 may be provided between the lower substrate 110a and the upper substrate 110b, and the gap between the lower substrate 110a and the upper substrate 110b may be maintained by the column spacer 310.

[0046] Liquid crystal 320 may be provided between the lower substrate 110a and the upper substrate 110b. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal 320, the molecular alignment of the liquid crystal 320 may be determined. In addition, the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal 320 may be determined according to the molecular alignment of the liquid crystal 320. A pixel electrode 340 and a common electrode 350 may be provided on the lower substrate 110a. An electric field may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 320 in response to the voltage applied to the pixel electrode 340 and the common electrode 350.

[0047] The display device 100 may operate by dividing the driving time into a display period for displaying an image and a touch sensing period for detecting a touch. In addition, the common electrode may operate by dividing the driving time into a display period and a touch sensing period. Specifically, a common voltage Vcom as a predetermined DC voltage may be provided to the common electrode during the display period, and a touch driving signal or a load free driving signal may be provided to the common electrode during the touch sensing period.

[0048] In addition, a first polarizing plate 360a may be provided on the lower surface of the lower substrate 110a, and a second polarizing plate 360b may be provided on the upper surface of the upper substrate 110b. The first polarizing plate 360a and the second polarizing plate 360b may block or transmit light propagating from the lower substrate 110a toward the upper substrate 110b in response to the molecular alignment of the liquid crystal 320.

[0049] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to Figure 3 , on the display panel 110, a plurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. For ease of explanation, four pixels among the plurality of pixels provided on the display panel 110 are shown.

[0051] The first pixel 101a can be disposed in the region where the first row and the first column among a plurality of pixel rows and columns intersect, the second pixel 101b can be disposed in the second row and the second column, the third pixel 101c can be disposed in the first row and the second column, and the fourth pixel 101d can be disposed in the second row and the third column. The first pixel 101a can include: a driving transistor M1a, the driving transistor M1a being connected to a gate line G1 to receive a data signal from a data line D1 in response to a gate signal; a storage capacitor Csta for storing the data signal; and a liquid crystal capacitor CLCa connected in parallel with the storage capacitor Csta. The second pixel 101b to the fourth pixel 101d can also have the same structure as the first pixel 101a, which respectively have driving transistors M1b, M1c, and M1d; storage capacitors Cstb, Cstc, and Cstd; and liquid crystal capacitors CLCb, CLCc, and CLCd.

[0052] The first pixel 101a and the second pixel 101b can receive data signals from the first data line D1, and the third pixel 101c and the fourth pixel 101d can receive data signals through the second data line D2.

[0053] In addition, the first pixel 101a and the third pixel 101c can receive gate signals from the first gate line G1, and the second pixel 101b and the fourth pixel 101d can receive gate signals from the second gate line G2. In addition, the first gate line G1 and the second gate line G2 can be disposed adjacent to each other and can be disposed in the spaces between the first pixel 101a and the third pixel 101c and between the second pixel 101b and the fourth pixel 101d, respectively.

[0054] The first pixel 101a to the fourth pixel 101d can be disposed between a first common voltage line Vcom1 and a second common voltage line Vcom2. The first common voltage line Vcom1 can provide a common voltage to the first pixel 101a and the third pixel 101c, and the second common voltage line Vcom2 can provide a common voltage to the second pixel 101b and the fourth pixel 101d.

[0055] As shown in the figure, when two columns in a pixel column are arranged to be connected to one of the data lines D1 or the other data line D2 respectively, the number of pixel columns provided on the display panel 110 can be halved.

[0056] Therefore, in the display panel 110 in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in an m*n form, the number of data lines can be reduced to m / 2. When the number of data lines is reduced, the number of lines provided on the display panel 110 is also reduced, so that the aperture ratio of the display panel 110 can be improved. In addition, the size of the data driver circuit 120 for outputting data signals can be reduced.

[0057] Figure 4It is a timing diagram illustrating the driving of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figure 4 , the display device 100 may operate by dividing the driving time into a display period Td and a touch sensing period Ts. During the display period Td, the display device 100 may provide a data signal to each pixel 101 to emit light. The display device 100 may operate by dividing into the display period Td and the touch sensing period Ts in response to a touch synchronization signal Tsync.

[0059] When the touch synchronization signal Tsync is in a low state, the display device 100 may operate during the display period Td, and when the touch synchronization signal Tsync is in a high state, the display device 100 may operate during the touch sensing period Ts.

[0060] In the display device 100, the common electrode may receive a no-load driving signal during the touch sensing period Ts. In the display device 100, a touch driving signal may be provided to a specific touch signal line among a plurality of touch signal lines, and a no-load driving signal LFD synchronized with the touch driving signal may be transmitted to other touch signal lines.

[0061] In addition, the touch driving signal applied to the touch electrode for sensing touch may have the same phase and amplitude as the no-load driving signal, and thus may be signals that are not distinguishable from each other.

[0062] Due to the no-load driving signal, the signal difference between the specific touch signal line receiving the touch driving signal and the other touch signal lines not receiving the touch driving signal may be minimized, thereby preventing the generation of parasitic capacitance between the touch signal lines.

[0063] When no parasitic capacitance is generated between the touch signal lines, the power consumption of the display device 100 may be reduced. In addition, since noise can be reduced in the touch signal lines of the display device 100, touch can be detected more accurately through the touch sensing signal.

[0064] Here, although the lengths of the display period Td and the touch sensing period Ts are shown to be the same, it is not limited thereto. In addition, the touch sensing period Ts may be included in a blank period. The blank period may be included in either the vertical blank period or the horizontal blank period. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0065] Figure 5 It is a conceptual diagram illustrating a touch sensor employed in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to Figure 5, the touch sensor 140 may include a plurality of touch electrodes TE, and each touch electrode TE may be connected to a touch circuit 640 through a touch signal line. Here, only one touch signal line TELa is shown connected to only one touch electrode TEa, but this is for illustrative purposes only. The touch electrode TEa connected to the touch signal line TELa may refer to the touch electrode to which a touch driving signal is applied.

[0067] The touch circuit 640 may be connected to the touch electrode TEa through the touch signal line TELa. The touch circuit 640 may be included in the Figure 1 controller 150 shown in, and may include a feedback capacitor Cf. The amplifier 641 may receive a common voltage Vcom or a no-load driving signal LFD through a positive input terminal (+). Here, since the no-load driving signal LFD is a signal having the same frequency and phase as the touch driving signal, it can be understood that the amplifier 641 receiving the no-load driving signal LFD is also provided with the touch driving signal.

[0068] The common voltage Vcom may be transmitted during the display period Td shown in Figure 4 , and the no-load driving signal LFD may be transmitted during the touch sensing period Ts shown in Figure 4 . The negative input terminal (-) of the amplifier 641 may be connected to the touch signal line TELa and may receive the current flowing through the touch signal line TELa.

[0069] The no-load driving signal LFD may be transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) of the amplifier 641. In addition, the no-load driving signal LFD transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) of the amplifier 641 may be transmitted to the touch electrode TEa through the negative input terminal (-). The amplifier 641 may compare the no-load driving signal LFD transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) with the signal transmitted through the negative input terminal (-), and may sense a touch by storing the comparison result as a predetermined voltage in the feedback capacitor Cf.

[0070] Figures 6A to 6E is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to Figures 6A to 6E , the touch sensor 140 may include a first touch electrode TE1, a second touch electrode TE2, and a first touch signal line 611 and a second touch signal line 612 arranged to overlap the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2, respectively. The first touch electrode TE1 may be connected to the first touch signal line 611, and the second touch electrode TE2 may be connected to the second touch signal line 612.

[0072] First, as shown in Figure 6AAs shown, a first lower electrode line 601 including a first connection portion 601a and a second lower electrode line 602 including a second connection portion 602a and a third connection portion 602b can be arranged. In addition, a third lower electrode line 603 including a fourth connection portion 603a and a fourth lower electrode line 604 including a fifth connection portion 604a and a sixth connection portion 604b can be provided.

[0073] The first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 can extend along a first direction F1. The first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 can be provided on a gate insulating layer (not shown) on the lower substrate 110a.

[0074] The distance d1 between the first connection portion 601a and the second connection portion 602a, the distance d2 between the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b, and the distance d3 between the third connection portion 602b and the first connection portion 601a can be the same as the distance d4 between the fourth connection portion 603a and the fifth connection portion 604a, the distance d5 between the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b, and the distance d6 between the sixth connection portion 604b and the fourth connection portion 603a, respectively. As a result, the arrangement pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b can be the same as the arrangement pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b.

[0075] If the arrangement pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 is different from the arrangement pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604, it is difficult to perform a pattern inspection on the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604. However, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the arrangement pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604, a pattern inspection of the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 can be performed after the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 are provided.

[0076] In addition, as Figure 6BAs shown, a first touch signal line 611 including a seventh connection part 611a and an eighth connection part 611b, and a second touch signal line 612 including a ninth connection part 612a and a tenth connection part 612b can be provided. The first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 can extend along a second direction F2.

[0077] The first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 can be provided on the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604, and a first insulating layer (not shown) can be provided between the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 and the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612.

[0078] The distance S1 between the seventh connection part 611a and the ninth connection part 612a can be the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection part 611b and the tenth connection part 612b. Since the distance S1 between the seventh connection part 611a and the ninth connection part 612a becomes the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection part 611b and the tenth connection part 612b, the setting patterns of the seventh connection part 611a and the ninth connection part 612a can be the same as the setting patterns of the eighth connection part 611b and the tenth connection part 612b.

[0079] If the setting patterns of the seventh connection part 611a and the ninth connection part 612a are different from the setting patterns of the eighth connection part 611b and the tenth connection part 612b, it is difficult to perform a pattern inspection on the seventh connection part 611a, the eighth connection part 611b, the ninth connection part 612a, and the tenth connection part 612b. However, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the setting patterns of the seventh connection part 611a and the ninth connection part 612a are the same as the setting patterns of the eighth connection part 611b and the tenth connection part 612b, after the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 are provided, a pattern inspection of the seventh connection part 611a, the eighth connection part 611b, the ninth connection part 612a, and the tenth connection part 612b can be performed.

[0080] In addition, a second insulating layer 621 can be provided as Figure 6C shown. The second insulating layer 621 can be provided on the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 613. In addition, a plurality of contact holes 621h can be formed in the second insulating layer 621. Since the contact holes 621h are regularly spaced apart on the second insulating layer 621, the plurality of contact holes 621h have a predetermined pattern. Therefore, the pattern of the plurality of contact holes 621h formed after the second insulating layer 621 is provided is uniform, so that a pattern inspection of the second insulating layer 621 can be performed.

[0081] In addition, as Figure 6DAs shown, the upper electrode pattern can be set. The upper electrode pattern can be set on the second insulating layer 621. The upper electrode pattern disposed at a position corresponding to the first touch electrode TE1 can be referred to as the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b, and the upper electrode pattern disposed at a position corresponding to the second touch electrode TE2 can be referred to as the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b.

[0082] The first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b may include a first detection pattern 631, and a first connection pattern 631a and a first island pattern 631b corresponding to the first detection pattern 631. The first connection pattern 631a is a pattern connected to the first detection pattern 631, and the first island pattern 631b is a pattern not connected to the first detection pattern 631.

[0083] The first connection pattern 631a can be connected to the first connection portion 601a of the first lower electrode line 601, or the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b of the second lower electrode line 602 through the contact hole 621h. In addition, the first connection pattern 631a can be connected to the seventh connection portion 611a of the first touch signal line 611 through the contact hole 621h. In addition, the first island pattern 631b can be connected to the ninth connection portion 612a of the second touch signal line 612 through the contact hole 621h. Therefore, the touch driving signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 can be transmitted to the first detection pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a. However, since the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first detection pattern 631, the touch driving signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the first detection pattern 631.

[0084] The second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may include a second detection pattern 632, and a second connection pattern 632a and a second island pattern 632b corresponding to the second detection pattern 632. The second connection pattern 632a is a pattern connected to the second detection pattern 632, and the second island pattern 632b is a pattern not connected to the second detection pattern 632.

[0085] The second connection pattern 632a can be connected to the fourth connection portion 603a of the third lower electrode line 603, or the fifth connection portion 604a of the fourth lower electrode line 604, or the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b of the fourth lower electrode line 604 through the contact hole 621h. The second connection pattern 632a can be connected to the tenth connection portion 612b of the second touch signal line 612 through the contact hole 621h. In addition, the second island pattern 632b can be connected to the eighth connection portion 611b of the first touch signal line 611 through the contact hole 621h. Therefore, the touch driving signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 can be transmitted to the second detection pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b. However, since the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second detection pattern 632, the touch driving signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 is not transmitted to the second detection pattern 632.

[0086] In addition, as Figure 6E shown, the first lower electrode line 601 can be connected to the first detection pattern 631 through the first connection portion 601a, and the second lower electrode line 602 can be connected to the first detection pattern 631 through the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b. Therefore, the first lower electrode line 601, the second lower electrode line 602, and the first detection pattern 631 can form the first touch electrode TE1.

[0087] In addition, the third lower electrode line 603 can be connected to the second detection pattern 632 through the fourth connection portion 603a, and the fourth lower electrode line 604 can be connected to the second detection pattern 632 through the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b. Therefore, the third lower electrode line 603, the fourth lower electrode line 604, and the second detection pattern 632 can form the second touch electrode TE2.

[0088] In addition, the first touch signal line 611 can be connected to the first detection pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a and the first connection pattern 631a, and the second touch signal line 612 can be connected to the second detection pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b and the second connection pattern 632a.

[0089] Therefore, the touch driving signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 can be transmitted to the first detection pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a. However, since the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first detection pattern 631, the touch driving signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the first detection pattern 631.

[0090] In addition, the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may include a second detection pattern 632, and a second connection pattern 632a and a second island pattern 632b corresponding to the second detection pattern 632. The second connection pattern 632a is a pattern connected to the second detection pattern 632, and the second island pattern 632b is a pattern not connected to the second detection pattern 632. The second connection pattern 632a may be connected to a fourth connection portion 603a of the third lower electrode line 603 and fifth and sixth connection portions 604a and 604b of the fourth lower electrode line 604 through contact holes. In addition, the second connection pattern 632a may be connected to a tenth connection portion 612b of the second touch signal line 612 through a contact hole 621h.

[0091] The second island pattern 632b may be connected to an eighth connection portion 611b of the first touch signal line 611 through a contact hole 621h. That is, a touch driving signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 may be transmitted to the second detection pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b. However, since the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second detection pattern 632, a touch driving signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 is not transmitted to the second detection pattern 632.

[0092] In addition, the touch sensor 140 may include a third touch electrode TE3 having the same pattern as the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. The third upper electrode patterns 633, 633a, 633b may include a third detection pattern 633, and a third connection pattern 633a and a third island pattern 633b corresponding to the third detection pattern 633. The third connection pattern 633a is a pattern connected to the third detection pattern 633, and the third island pattern 633b is a pattern not connected to the third detection pattern 633.

[0093] During Figure 4 the shown display period Td, a common voltage Vcom is applied to the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b; and during a touch sensing period Ts, a no-load driving signal LFD may be applied to the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b. During the display period Td, the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may each apply the common voltage Vcom to a plurality of pixels 101.

[0094] Figure 7A is a plan view illustrating a partial region where one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are overlapped with each other. Figure 7BIt is a diagram Figure 7A of the II-II' cross-section shown in Figure 7A . In Figure 6E , part A shows the portion where the first detection pattern 631 among the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b shown in

[0095] is connected to the first touch signal line 611 through the first connection pattern 631a. Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the first touch signal line 611 can be disposed on the lower substrate 110a. A first insulating layer (not shown) can be disposed between the first touch signal line 611 and the lower substrate 110a. In addition, a second insulating layer 621 can be disposed on the first touch signal line 611. A contact hole 621h can be formed in the second insulating layer 621. The contact hole 621h can be disposed to overlap with the first touch signal line 611.

[0096] In addition, the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b can be disposed on the second insulating layer 621. The common electrode 350 shown in Figure 2 can be disposed on the second insulating layer 621 through the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b. Among the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b, the first detection pattern 631 can correspond to the common electrode 350. In addition, an electrode pattern 731 can be disposed on the second insulating layer 621. The electrode pattern 731 can correspond to the pixel electrode 340 shown in Figure 2 . The first detection pattern 631 and the electrode pattern 731 are not connected to each other. In addition, a first via 806a can be formed in the contact hole 621h through the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b.

[0097] The first via 806a can contact the first touch signal line 611. Therefore, the first detection pattern 631 can receive a touch signal from the first touch signal line 611 through the first connection pattern 631a in which the first via 806a is formed. The first via 806a can be connected to the common electrode 350. In addition, a color filter 802 can be disposed below the second insulating layer 621.

[0098] Figure 8A is a plan view illustrating a partial region where one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are overlapped with each other, Figure 8B It is a diagram Figure 8A of the III-III' cross-section shown in Figure 8A . In Figure 6EA portion of the first detection pattern 631 among the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b shown that is not connected to the second touch signal line 612 due to the first island pattern 631b.

[0099] Referring Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the second touch signal line 612 may be disposed on the lower substrate 110a. A first insulating layer (not shown) may be disposed between the second touch signal line 612 and the lower substrate 110a. In addition, a second insulating layer 621 may be disposed on the second touch signal line 612. A contact hole 621h may be formed in the second insulating layer 621. The contact hole 621h may be disposed to overlap the second touch signal line 612.

[0100] In addition, second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b may be disposed on the second insulating layer 621. The pixel electrode 340 and the common electrode 350 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 621 through the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b. The pixel electrode 340 and the common electrode 350 are not connected to each other. In addition, a second communication portion 806b may be formed in the contact hole 621h through the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b.

[0101] The second communication portion 806b may contact the second touch signal line 612. However, the second communication portion 806b is separated from the common electrode 350 by a predetermined distance i. Therefore, the touch signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the common electrode 350. In addition, a color filter 802 may be disposed below the second insulating layer 621.

[0102] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring Figure 9 , a lower electrode line may be disposed on the lower substrate 110a (step S900). The lower electrode line may include first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604. The first lower electrode line 601 may include a first connection portion 601a, the second lower electrode line 602 may include a second connection portion 602a and a third connection portion 602b. In addition, the third lower electrode line 603 may include a fourth connection portion 603a, and the fourth lower electrode line 604 may include a fifth connection portion 604a and a sixth connection portion 604b.

[0104] In addition, a gate insulating layer may be disposed on the lower substrate 110a, and the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 may be disposed above the gate insulating layer.

[0105] The distance d1 between the first connecting portion 601a and the second connecting portion 602a, the distance d2 between the second connecting portion 602a and the third connecting portion 602b, and the distance d3 between the third connecting portion 602b and the first connecting portion 601a can be the same as the distance d4 between the fourth connecting portion 603a and the fifth connecting portion 604a, the distance d5 between the fifth connecting portion 604a and the sixth connecting portion 604b, and the distance d6 between the sixth connecting portion 604b and the fourth connecting portion 603a, respectively. Therefore, the arrangement pattern of the first connecting portion 601a, the second connecting portion 602a, and the third connecting portion 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 can be the same as the arrangement pattern of the fourth connecting portion 603a, the fifth connecting portion 604a, and the sixth connecting portion 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604.

[0106] Since the patterns of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 are the same as the patterns of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604, after arranging the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604, a pattern inspection can be performed to check whether the patterns of the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 are the same. Defects of the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 can be determined through the pattern inspection.

[0107] In addition, a first insulating layer can be provided above the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604, and a first touch signal line 611 including a seventh connecting portion 611a and an eighth connecting portion 611b and a second touch signal line 612 including a ninth connecting portion 612a and a tenth connecting portion 612b can be provided on the first insulating layer (step S910).

[0108] The distance S1 between the seventh connecting portion 611a and the ninth connecting portion 612a can be the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connecting portion 611b and the tenth connecting portion 612b. Since the distance S1 between the seventh connecting portion 611a and the ninth connecting portion 612a becomes the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connecting portion 611b and the tenth connecting portion 612b, the pattern of the region of the first touch electrode TE1 including the seventh connecting portion 611a and the ninth connecting portion 612a can be the same as the pattern of the region of the second touch electrode TE2 including the eighth connecting portion 611b and the tenth connecting portion 612b.

[0109] Since the patterns of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are the same, after arranging the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612, a pattern inspection can be performed to check whether the patterns of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are the same. Defects in the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 can be determined through the pattern inspection.

[0110] A second insulating layer 621 can be provided on the second touch signal line 612, and a plurality of contact holes 621h can be formed in the second insulating layer 621 at positions overlapping the first connection portion 601a to the tenth connection portion 612b (step S920). The pattern of the contact holes 621h provided at positions corresponding to the first touch electrode E1 can be the same as the pattern of the contact holes 621h provided at positions corresponding to the second touch electrode E2. Therefore, a pattern inspection process for inspecting the pattern of the contact holes 621h can be performed for the positions of the contact holes 621h.

[0111] An upper electrode pattern can be provided on the second insulating layer 621 (step S930). The upper electrode pattern can include first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a connected to the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, the third connection portion 602b, and the seventh connection portion 611a on the second insulating layer 621; and second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a connected to the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, the sixth connection portion 604b, and the tenth connection portion 612b.

[0112] When the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b are provided, communication portions 806a and 806b can be formed in the contact holes 621h. The first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b can be connected to the first touch signal line 611 or the second touch signal line 612 through the communication portions 806a and 806b, and are connected to at least one of the first lower electrode lines 601 to the fourth lower electrode lines 604.

[0113] The first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a can be connected to the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 through the first connection part 601a, the second connection part 602a, and the third connection part 602b. The second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a can be connected to the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604 through the fourth connection part 603a, the fifth connection part 604a, and the sixth connection part 604b. As a result, the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 can be formed. That is to say, the first touch electrode TE1 can have a mesh shape through the first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a, the first lower electrode line 601, and the second lower electrode line 602. The second touch electrode TE2 can have a mesh shape through the second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a, the third lower electrode line 603, and the fourth lower electrode line 604.

[0114] In addition, the first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a can be connected to the first touch signal line 611 through the seventh connection part 611a, so as to receive a touch signal from the first touch signal line 611. In addition, the second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a can be connected to the second touch signal line 612 through the tenth connection part 612b, so as to receive a touch signal from the second touch signal line 612.

[0115] In one embodiment, the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b can include a first detection pattern 631, a first connection pattern 631a corresponding to the first detection pattern 631, and a first island pattern 631b. The second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b can include a second detection pattern 632, a second connection pattern 632a corresponding to the second detection pattern 632, and a second island pattern 632b.

[0116] In addition, the first connection pattern 631a can be connected to the first detection pattern 631, and the second connection pattern 632a can be connected to the second detection pattern 632. On the other hand, since the first island pattern 631b is separated from the first detection pattern 631, the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first detection pattern 631. Since the second island pattern 632b is separated from the second detection pattern 632, the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second detection pattern 632.

[0117] Due to the formation of the first island pattern 631b and the second island pattern 632b, the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604, the first touch signal line 611, and the second touch signal line 612 are arranged in a regular pattern to perform pattern inspection. Therefore, the inspection efficiency and productivity can be improved.

[0118] The above description has been provided to enable any person skilled in the art to obtain and use the technical concept of the present invention, and the above description has been provided in the context of specific applications and their requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the above embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The above description and drawings are only provided for illustrative purposes to exemplify the technical concept of the present invention. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments, but rather conforms to the broadest scope consistent with the claims. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel including a plurality of pixels; and a touch sensor having a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and first and second touch signal lines arranged to overlap the first and second touch electrodes respectively, wherein the first touch electrode includes a first lower electrode line including a first connection portion, a second lower electrode line including a second connection portion and a third connection portion, and a first upper electrode pattern disposed above the first and second lower electrode lines and connected to the first and second lower electrode lines through the first, second, and third connection portions, wherein the second touch electrode includes a third lower electrode line including a fourth connection portion, a fourth lower electrode line including a fifth connection portion and a sixth connection portion, and a second upper electrode pattern disposed above the third and fourth lower electrode lines and connected to the third and fourth lower electrode lines through the fourth, fifth, and sixth connection portions, wherein the first touch signal line is arranged to overlap the first, second, third, and fourth lower electrode lines, and the first touch signal line includes seventh and eighth connection portions respectively overlapping the first and third lower electrode lines, wherein the second touch signal line is arranged to overlap the first, second, third, and fourth lower electrode lines, and the second touch signal line includes ninth and tenth connection portions respectively overlapping the second and fourth lower electrode lines, wherein the first upper electrode pattern is connected to the first touch signal line among the first and second touch signal lines, and the second upper electrode pattern is connected to the second touch signal line among the first and second touch signal lines.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first upper electrode pattern includes a first detection pattern, and a first connection pattern and a first island pattern corresponding to the first detection pattern, and the second upper electrode pattern includes a second detection pattern, and a second connection pattern and a second island pattern corresponding to the second detection pattern, wherein, in the first touch electrode, the first connection pattern is connected to the first detection pattern, and the first island pattern is separated from the first detection pattern; in the second touch electrode, the second connection pattern is connected to the second detection pattern, and the second island pattern is separated from the second detection pattern, wherein the first connection pattern overlaps the seventh connection portion, and the second connection pattern overlaps the tenth connection portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first connection part and the second connection part, the distance between the second connection part and the third connection part, and the distance between the third connection part and the first connection part are respectively equal to the distance between the fourth connection part and the fifth connection part, the distance between the fifth connection part and the sixth connection part, and the distance between the sixth connection part and the fourth connection part.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the seventh connection part and the ninth connection part is equal to the distance between the eighth connection part and the tenth connection part.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein each of the first detection pattern and the second detection pattern corresponds to one pixel among a plurality of pixels.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel operates by dividing a driving time into a display period and a touch sensing period.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, in the display period, a common voltage is provided to the first upper electrode pattern and the second upper electrode pattern.

8. A method of manufacturing a display device, comprising: providing a gate insulating layer on a lower substrate, and providing a first lower electrode line including a first connection part, a second lower electrode line including a second connection part and a third connection part, a third lower electrode line including a fourth connection part, and a fourth lower electrode line including a fifth connection part and a sixth connection part; providing a first insulating layer above the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line, and the fourth lower electrode line, and providing a first touch signal line including a seventh connection part and an eighth connection part, and a second touch signal line including a ninth connection part and a tenth connection part on the first insulating layer; providing a second insulating layer on the second touch signal line, and forming a plurality of contact holes in the second insulating layer, each contact hole being provided at a position overlapping with the first connection part, the second connection part, the third connection part, the fourth connection part, the fifth connection part, the sixth connection part, the seventh connection part, the eighth connection part, the ninth connection part, and the tenth connection part; and providing a first upper electrode pattern and a second upper electrode pattern on the second insulating layer, wherein the first upper electrode pattern is connected to the first connection part, the second connection part, the third connection part, and the seventh connection part, and the second upper electrode pattern is connected to the fourth connection part, the fifth connection part, the sixth connection part, and the tenth connection part.

9. The method of manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, wherein the first upper electrode pattern includes a first detection pattern, and a first connection pattern and a first island pattern corresponding to the first detection pattern, and the second upper electrode pattern includes a second detection pattern, and a second connection pattern and a second island pattern corresponding to the second detection pattern.

10. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 8, wherein the distances between the first connection part and the second connection part, between the second connection part and the third connection part, and between the third connection part and the first connection part are respectively equal to the distances between the fourth connection part and the fifth connection part, between the fifth connection part and the sixth connection part, and between the sixth connection part and the fourth connection part.

11. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the seventh connection part and the ninth connection part is equal to the distance between the eighth connection part and the tenth connection part.

12. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 8, wherein pattern inspection is performed after the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line, and the fourth lower electrode line are provided.

13. The manufacturing method of the display device according to claim 8, wherein pattern inspection is performed after the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line are provided.

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