Touch display device

Abstract

Disclosed are a touch display device and a touch display panel. In the display panel, an insulating film is disposed on and in contact with an encapsulation layer, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the panel. The manufacturing process of the touch display panel is simplified, thereby facilitating the manufacturing of the touch display device and panel.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201811258713.2, filed on October 26, 2018, entitled "Touch Display Device and Touch Display Panel".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0141565, filed on October 27, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to touch display devices and panels. Background Technology

[0005] In response to the development of the information society, the demand for various display devices for displaying images is increasing. In this regard, a range of display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs), have recently been widely used.

[0006] In such display devices, touch display devices provide a touch-based user interface, enabling users to intuitively and conveniently input data or commands directly into the device, rather than using traditional data input systems such as buttons, keyboards, or mice.

[0007] In order to provide such a touch-based user interface, the touch display device must be able to sense the touch performed by the user and accurately determine the touch coordinates.

[0008] In this regard, among various touch sensing methods, capacitive touch sensing is typically used to sense touch and determine touch coordinates based on capacitance changes occurring on multiple touch electrodes.

[0009] In touch display devices of related technologies, in the process of manufacturing touch electrodes in the display panel, touch electrodes are manufactured by depositing an insulating film after depositing a buffer layer to prevent damage to data lines or data link lines located around the display panel.

[0010] In this case, the process may be more complex because the deposition of the buffer layer and the deposition of the insulating film are performed repeatedly.

[0011] Furthermore, the buffer layer retained in the structure of the display panel increases the overall thickness of the touch display panel, and various structures (such as touch electrodes) must be added to the touch display panel, making it difficult to manufacture a compact touch display panel.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of display manufacturing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a touch display device and panel with a compact structure that reduces the overall thickness.

[0014] A touch display device and panel with an improved data panel structure are also provided.

[0015] The purposes of the exemplary embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will clearly understand from the description provided below other purposes not expressly disclosed herein.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may provide a display device and panel whose overall thickness is reduced due to the insulating film being located on and in contact with the encapsulation layer of the display panel.

[0017] A touch display device and panel using touch sensor metal in the data pads of the display panel are also provided.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, touch display devices and panels can be easily manufactured due to the simplified manufacturing process of the touch display panel.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the overall panel thickness of the touch display device and the panel can be reduced.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, in a touch display device and panel, touch sensor metal can be used in the data pad portion and the touch pad portion to protect the data link line, while reducing the height difference between the data pad portion and the touch pad portion.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, a touch display device includes: a display panel having a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of touch lines connected to the plurality of touch electrodes; a display driving circuit for driving the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines; and a touch driving circuit for driving the plurality of touch lines, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of touch lines include touch sensor metal, and wherein the display panel includes: an encapsulation layer protecting an organic light-emitting diode at each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the encapsulation layer extending to a peripheral region of the display panel; an insulating film at least a portion of which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and extends to the peripheral region of the display panel; a plurality of data link lines connected to the plurality of data lines in the display panel, the plurality of data link lines extending from the display panel to the peripheral region of the display panel; data pads connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through first contact holes in the insulating film, the data pads being connected to the display driving circuit; and touch pads connected to electrode patterns of the plurality of touch electrodes in the display panel, the touch pads being connected to the plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the display panel.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch display panel includes: a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) at a plurality of sub-pixels defined by a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines; an encapsulation layer protecting the plurality of OLEDs; an insulating film at least a portion of which is located on and in contact with the encapsulation layer; a plurality of data link lines connected to the plurality of data lines in the touch display panel, the plurality of data link lines extending from the touch display panel to a peripheral region of the encapsulation layer; data pads connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through first contact holes in the insulating film, the data pads being connected to a display driving circuit; and touch pads connected to an electrode pattern of touch electrodes in the touch display panel, the touch pads being connected to a plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the encapsulation layer.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the touch display panel includes: a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes at a plurality of sub-pixels defined by a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines; an encapsulation layer protecting the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes, the encapsulation layer extending to a peripheral region of the touch display panel; and an insulating film located on and in contact with the encapsulation layer, wherein the insulating film extends to a data pad region in the peripheral region of the touch display panel.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, a touch display device includes: a display panel having a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of touch electrodes including touch sensor metal, and a plurality of touch lines including touch sensor metal connected to the plurality of touch electrodes; a plurality of data link lines connected to the plurality of data lines in the display panel, the plurality of data link lines extending from the display panel to a peripheral area of ​​the display panel, wherein a metal layer link having the same material as the touch sensor metal is provided on the plurality of data link lines.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, a touch display device includes: a display panel having a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of touch lines connected to the plurality of touch electrodes; a display driving circuit for driving the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines; and a touch driving circuit for driving the plurality of touch lines. The display panel includes: an encapsulation layer protecting an organic light-emitting diode at each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the encapsulation layer extending to a peripheral region of the display panel; an insulating film, at least a portion of which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and extends to the peripheral region of the display panel; a plurality of data link lines connected to the plurality of data lines in the display panel, the plurality of data link lines extending to the peripheral region of the display panel; data pads connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through first contact holes in the insulating film, the data pads being connected to the display driving circuit; and touch pads connected to electrode patterns of the plurality of touch electrodes in the display panel, the touch pads being connected to the plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a touch sensor in the touch area of ​​a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 An exemplary touch sensor structure in the touch area of ​​a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 An exemplary touchscreen panel is shown in a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 A non-mesh touch electrode in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 A mesh-type touch electrode in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 The correspondence between the mesh-shaped touch electrodes and sub-pixels in the touch screen panel of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 An arrangement of driving touch lines, sensing touch lines, and data link lines in the non-active area is shown due to the touch sensor structure of the display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the part;

[0036] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the data pad section structure and touch pad section structure of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figures 12A to 12I An exemplary process is shown in which a metal layer, insulating film, etc., having the same material as the touch sensor metal, is deposited on the data pad portion of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, reference will be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout this document, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals and symbols will be used to denote the same or similar components. In the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted where such descriptions might obscure the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0041] It should also be understood that although terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” and “(b)” may be used herein to describe various elements, these terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. The nature, sequence, order, or number of such elements is not limited to these terms. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it can be “directly connected to or coupled to” the other element, and also “indirectly connected to or coupled to” the other element via an “intermediate” element. In the same context, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being formed “on” or “below” another element, the element can be located not only directly on or below the other element, but also indirectly on or below the other element via an intermediate element.

[0042] In the attached diagram, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a touch sensor in the touch area of ​​a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 An exemplary touch sensor structure in the touch area of ​​a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; Figure 4 An exemplary touchscreen panel is shown in a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 5 A non-mesh touch electrode in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A mesh-type touch electrode in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; Figure 7 The correspondence between the mesh-shaped touch electrodes and sub-pixels in the touch screen panel of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; Figure 8 An arrangement of driving touch lines, sensing touch lines, and data link lines in the non-active area is shown due to the touch sensor structure of the display panel according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the part; Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the data pad section structure and touch pad section structure of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment; Figures 12A to 12I An exemplary process is shown in which a metal layer, insulating film, etc., having the same material as the touch sensor metal, is deposited on the data pad portion of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of manufacturing a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating the system configuration of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The touch display device according to the exemplary embodiment can provide an image display function to display an image and a touch sensing function to sense touches made by a user.

[0045] A touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display panel (DISP) and a display driving circuit for displaying an image. The display panel (DISP) has a plurality of data lines (DL) and a plurality of gate lines (GL), thereby defining a plurality of sub-pixels. The display driving circuit drives the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines.

[0046] The display driving circuit may include a data driving circuit (DDC) to drive data lines, a gate driving circuit (GDC) to drive gate lines, and a display controller (D-CTR) to control the data driving circuit (DDC) and the gate driving circuit (GDC).

[0047] A touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a touch screen panel (TSP), a touch sensing circuit (TSC), etc., to sense touch. A plurality of touch electrodes (TE) serving as touch sensors are provided on the touch screen panel (TSP). The touch sensing circuit (TSC) drives the touch screen panel (TSP) and performs touch sensing processing.

[0048] The touch sensing circuit (TSC) provides a drive signal to the touchscreen panel (TSP) to drive the touchscreen panel (TSP), detects the sensing signal from the touchscreen panel (TSP), and senses the touch and / or determines the touch position (or touch coordinates) based on the detected sensing signal.

[0049] The touch sensing circuit (TSC) may include a touch driving circuit (TDC) that provides driving signals and receives sensing signals, a touch controller (T-CTR) that calculates the occurrence of a touch and / or the touch position (or touch coordinates), etc.

[0050] The touch sensing circuit (TSC) can be configured to include one or more components (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs)) or it can be configured to be separate from the display driver circuit.

[0051] The touch sensing circuit (TSC) in its entirety or in part can be integrated with the display driver circuit or one or more internal circuits of the display driver circuit. For example, the touch driver circuit (TDC) of the touch sensing circuit (TSC) together with the data driver circuit (DDC) of the display driver circuit can be configured as an IC.

[0052] A touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment can sense touch based on the capacitance generated on the touch electrode TE.

[0053] The touch display device according to the exemplary embodiment can sense touch using a capacitance-based touch sensing method, more specifically by mutual capacitance-based touch sensing or self-capacitance-based touch sensing.

[0054] Figures 2 to 4 Three examples of touchscreen panels (TSPs) in touch display devices according to exemplary embodiments are shown. Figures 2 to 4 middle, Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary touchscreen panel (TSP) is shown in which a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment senses touch by using mutual capacitance. Figure 4 An exemplary touchscreen panel (TSP) is shown in which a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment uses self-capacitance to sense touch.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the case of touch sensing based on mutual capacitance, the multiple touch electrodes TE disposed on the touch screen panel TSP can be divided into driving touch electrodes (also known as driving electrodes, transmitting electrodes or driving lines) that are applied with driving signals and sensing touch electrodes (also known as sensing electrodes, receiving electrodes or sensing lines) that sense sensing signals from them and generate capacitance together with the driving electrodes.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the driving touch electrodes of the touch electrode TE, the driving touch electrodes arranged in a single column (or a single row) are electrically connected to each other by an integration method (or a connection method using a bridge pattern BP), thereby providing a single driving touch electrode line DTEL.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the sensing touch electrodes in the touch electrode TE, the sensing touch electrodes arranged in a single row (or a single column) are electrically connected to each other using a bridge pattern (or by an integration method) to provide a single sensing touch electrode line STEL.

[0058] In mutual capacitance-based touch sensing, the touch sensing circuit TSC applies a drive signal to one or more drive touch electrode lines DTEL, receives sensing signals from one or more sensing touch electrode lines STEL, and uses the received sensing signals to sense touch and / or determine touch coordinates based on the capacitance (i.e., mutual capacitance) change between the drive touch electrode line DTEL and the sensing touch electrode line STEL, depending on the presence or absence of a pointer such as a finger or pen (or stylus).

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3Multiple drive touch electrode lines (DTEL) and multiple sensing touch electrode lines (STEL) are electrically connected to the touch drive circuit (TDC) via one or more touch lines (TL) to transmit drive signals and sensing signals through the touch lines (TL).

[0060] More specifically, each of the plurality of drive touch electrode lines DTEL is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via one or more drive touch lines TLd in order to transmit drive signals. Furthermore, each of the sensing touch electrode lines STEL is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via one or more sensing touch lines TLs in order to transmit sensing signals.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 In self-capacitance-based touch sensing, each of the touch electrodes TE disposed on the touch screen panel TSP serves as both a driving touch electrode (to apply a driving signal) and a sensing touch electrode (to detect a sensing signal).

[0062] Specifically, a driving signal is applied to the touch electrode TE, and a sensing signal is received through the touch electrode TE to which the driving signal is applied. Therefore, in self-capacitance-based touch sensing, the driving electrode can be indistinguishable from the sensing electrode.

[0063] In this self-capacitance-based touch sensing, the touch sensing circuit TSC applies a drive signal to one or more touch electrodes TE, receives sensing signals from the touch electrodes TE to which the drive signal is applied, and uses the received sensing signals to sense touch and / or determine touch coordinates based on the capacitance change between a pointer, such as a finger or pen (or stylus), and the touch electrodes TE.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 Each of the multiple touch electrodes TE is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via one or more touch lines TL to transmit drive signals and sensing signals.

[0065] As described above, the touch display device according to the exemplary embodiment can sense touch based on touch sensing based on mutual capacitance or touch sensing based on self-capacitance.

[0066] In the following text, for the sake of brevity, the use of mutual capacitance-based touch sensing in the touch display device and touchscreen panel TSP according to the exemplary embodiment will be adopted. However, self-capacitance-based touch sensing can also be applied to the touch display device and touchscreen panel TSP according to the exemplary embodiment in the same manner.

[0067] In a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen panel TSP may be of an external type, wherein the touch screen panel TSP is manufactured separately from and attached to the display panel DSIP, or may be of an internal type, wherein the touch screen panel TSP is manufactured simultaneously with the display panel DSIP so as to exist within the display panel DSIP.

[0068] In the following text, for the sake of brevity, the touchscreen panel TSP will be shown as an internal type existing within the display panel DSIP. In this case, the touch electrode TE and touch line TL are electrodes and signal lines located within the display panel DSIP.

[0069] Furthermore, the display panel DSIP of the touch display device according to the exemplary embodiment can be one of various types of display panels, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel and a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. For the sake of brevity, the display panel will be primarily described as an OLED panel in the following description.

[0070] Figure 5 A non-mesh touch electrode TE is shown disposed in the touch screen panel TSP of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 In a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on the touch screen panel TSP can be non-mesh touch electrodes.

[0072] Each of the non-mesh touch electrodes TE can be a plate-shaped electrode metal without an opening area.

[0073] In this case, the touch electrode TE can be a transparent electrode.

[0074] Figure 6 A mesh-type touch electrode is shown disposed in the touch screen panel of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0075] Reference Figure 6 In a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on the touch screen panel TSP can be mesh-type touch electrodes.

[0076] Each of the mesh-type touch electrodes TE can be configured as a touch sensor metal EM patterned in a mesh shape. The touch sensor metal EM can include a metal made of any one or a combination of Cu, Al, Mo (molybdenum), Ti (titanium), ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0077] Therefore, multiple opening regions OA can exist in the region of the mesh touch electrode TE.

[0078] Figure 7 The correspondence between the mesh-type touch electrodes TE and sub-pixels is shown in the touch screen panel TSP of a touch display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0079] Reference Figure 7 Each of the multiple opening regions OA existing within the area of ​​the touch electrode TE, which is patterned as a mesh shape, can correspond to the light-emitting region of one or more sub-pixels.

[0080] In the example, each of the multiple opening regions OA, which are missing touch sensor metal in the area of ​​each touch electrode TE and configured to allow light to pass through, can correspond to one or more light-emitting regions of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels.

[0081] In another example, each of the multiple opening regions OA present in the area of ​​each touch electrode TE may correspond to one or more light-emitting regions of red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and white sub-pixels.

[0082] As described above, when viewed on a plane, one or more light-emitting areas of subpixels in each of the opening areas OA of the touch electrode TE can also improve the opening degree and light-emitting efficiency of the display panel DISP, while enabling touch sensing.

[0083] As described above, the outline of each touch electrode TE can be approximately rhomboid, rectangular (including square), etc. The opening region OA corresponding to the hole in the touch electrode TE can have a rhomboid, rectangular (including square), etc. shape.

[0084] However, considering the shape of the subpixels, the arrangement of the subpixels, touch sensitivity, etc., the shape of the touch electrode TE and the shape of the opening area OA can be modified in various ways during the design process.

[0085] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an arrangement in which the touch sensor structure of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment includes a driving touch line, a sensing touch line, and a data link line in the non-active area.

[0086] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 Each of the multiple drive touch electrode lines DTEL is electrically connected to one or more drive touch lines TLd to drive the touchscreen panel TSP. Furthermore, each drive touch line TLd is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via a drive touch pad TPd.

[0087] For sensing operations in the touchscreen panel TSP, each of the multiple sensing touch electrode lines STEL is electrically connected to one or more sensing touch lines TLs. Furthermore, each sensing touch line TLs is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via sensing touch pads TPs.

[0088] In addition, multiple data lines DL (see Figure 1 ) and multiple gate lines GL (see Figure 1 It is set in the active area A / A of the DSIP of the display panel.

[0089] Multiple drive touch electrode lines (DTEL) and multiple sensing touch electrode lines (STEL) are disposed in the active area A / A of the DSIP of the display panel.

[0090] In the non-active area surrounding the active area A / A of the display panel DSIP, multiple data link lines DLL are configured to extend from or connect to multiple data lines DL, multiple drive touch lines TLd are configured to connect to multiple drive touch electrode lines DTEL, and multiple sensing touch lines TLs are configured to connect to multiple sensing touch electrode lines STEL.

[0091] In the active area A / A corresponding to the touch area of ​​the display panel DSIP, multiple drive touch electrode lines DTEL can be arranged in the same direction as multiple gate lines GL, and multiple sensing touch electrode lines STEL can be arranged in the same direction as multiple data lines DL.

[0092] In the non-active area surrounding the active area A / A of the display panel DSIP, multiple data link lines DLL can be extended from or connected to multiple data lines DL, multiple drive touch lines TLd can be connected to multiple drive touch electrode lines DTEL, and multiple sensing touch lines TLs can be connected to multiple sensing touch electrode lines STEL.

[0093] Furthermore, the cathode region C / A can be the same as or larger than the active region A / A.

[0094] In the non-active area of ​​the display panel DSIP, all or part of the multiple sensing touch lines TLs may overlap with at least one of the multiple data link lines DLLs.

[0095] However, in this case, in the non-active area of ​​the display panel DSIP, multiple drive touch lines TLd can not overlap with multiple data link lines DLL.

[0096] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view, and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8A cross-sectional view of another part.

[0097] first, Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken from line A-A' in the diagram.

[0098] Figure 9 The cross-section in the figure represents the area containing the sensing touch electrode line STEL, the sensing touch line TLs connected to the sensing touch electrode line STEL, and the sensing touch pad TPs connected to the sensing touch line TLs. The touch electrode and touch line located on the insulating film ILD correspond to the sensing touch electrode TEs and the sensing touch line TLs, respectively, and the touch pad connected to the sensing touch line TLs corresponds to the sensing touch pad TPs. Figure 9 The cross-section in the figure represents the area of ​​the DSIP display panel, including the touch pads, and Figure 9 The symbols used in the text are “TL” to represent touch lines and “TP” to represent touch pads, without distinguishing between sensing touch electrodes TEs and driving touch electrodes TEd.

[0099] Reference Figure 9 A polyimide (PI) layer is disposed on the substrate or backing plate.

[0100] The polyimide layer (PI) can be flexible.

[0101] The polyimide (PI) layer can be located on the substrate, or it can exist without a substrate.

[0102] Alternatively, the substrate may exist alone without the polyimide (PI) layer. The substrate may be flexible or non-flexible.

[0103] The source-drain layer can exist on the polyimide layer (PI).

[0104] In the active region A / A, various signal lines such as data lines DL, source / drain electrodes of various transistors can be fabricated on the source-drain layer.

[0105] In the non-active region, data link lines (DLLs) and touch pads (TPs) can be fabricated on the source-drain layer.

[0106] A planarization film PLN can be disposed on the source-drain layer.

[0107] The first electrode E1 is disposed on the planarization film PLN at the light-emitting position of the sub-pixel, and a dam portion BK is provided on the first electrode E1. The first electrode E1 can be called a pixel electrode because the first electrode E1 exists in each sub-pixel.

[0108] An organic electroluminescent layer EL is disposed on the first electrode E1 between two adjacent embankments BK.

[0109] A second electrode E2 can be disposed on the organic light-emitting layer EL. The second electrode E2 can be a common electrode disposed in all sub-pixel regions.

[0110] An encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may be present on the second electrode E2 to prevent the penetration of moisture, air, etc. The encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may extend to the periphery of the active region A / A and / or the cathode region C / A.

[0111] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be a single layer or a multilayer consisting of two or more layers stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, the encapsulation layer ENCAP can be a metal layer or a multilayer consisting of two or more layers stacked on top of each other, including at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer.

[0112] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the encapsulation layer ENCAP consists of a first encapsulation layer PAS1, a second encapsulation layer PCL, and a third encapsulation layer PAS2. The first encapsulation layer PAS1 can be a first inorganic film, the second encapsulation layer PCL can be an organic film, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 can be a second inorganic film.

[0113] A barrier DAM exists around the second encapsulation layer PCL. The barrier DAM is configured such that the dam BK, the first encapsulation layer PAS1, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 are stacked on top of each other.

[0114] Barrier DAM can prevent the encapsulation layer ENCAP from collapsing outward from the panel.

[0115] Since the barrier DAM includes an extension of the encapsulation layer ENCAP, the barrier DAM can perform an encapsulation function, thereby protecting pixels from moisture and other substances that may seep into the panel through the sides.

[0116] An insulating film ILD is disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. A barrier DAM is located at the boundary between the insulating film ILD and the second encapsulation layer PCL in the peripheral region of the active region A / A.

[0117] In related technologies, a buffer layer T-BUF is provided on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. In contrast, in... Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating film ILD is located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The insulating film ILD can be located on the top surface of the encapsulation layer ENCAP and simultaneously in contact with the top surface of the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The manufacturing process is simplified because the buffer layer T-BUF on the encapsulation layer ENCAP is removed. The buffer layer T-BUF of the related art will be described in detail later.

[0118] The insulating film ILD extends to the periphery of the display panel DSIP.

[0119] The touch electrode TE and the touch line TL connecting the touch electrode TE and the touch pad TP are disposed on the insulating film ILD.

[0120] The touch line TL and the touch electrode TE can be set on the same layer or different layers.

[0121] The touch line TL is connected to the touch electrode TE and extends into the area outside the barrier DAM in the non-active area and beyond the area where the barrier DAM is located.

[0122] A portion of the touch line TL extending to the outside of the barrier can be used as a touch pad TP, and in some cases, it can contact the electrode pattern disposed on the source-drain layer to be used as a touch pad TP together with the electrode pattern.

[0123] The insulating film ILD may have contact holes through which the touch pad TP is exposed. The contact holes of the insulating film ILD may be defined as secondary contact holes through which the touch pad TP is exposed.

[0124] The electrode pattern set on the source-drain layer can be composed of a touch sensor metal EM.

[0125] A metal layer with the same material as the touch sensor metal EM can be manufactured simultaneously with the touch electrode TE and touch line TL.

[0126] A metal layer with the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is connected to the touch pad TP via the second contact hole of the aforementioned insulating film ILD.

[0127] Since the metal layer with the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is connected to the touch pad TP, the height of the touch pad TP, which is electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC, can be increased, making it easy for the touch pad TP to be connected to the touch driver circuit TDC.

[0128] In addition, a protective film PAC is provided on the insulating film ILD.

[0129] The protective film PAC is located on multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple touch lines TL to protect the multiple touch electrodes TE and multiple touch lines TL.

[0130] The protective film PAC extends along the insulating film ILD to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel DSIP.

[0131] When the insulating film ILD has a second contact hole, the portion of the protective film PAC at the location corresponding to the contact hole is etched, thereby exposing the touch pad TP.

[0132] The aforementioned touch electrode TE has been shown as a mesh-type touch electrode, each of which has an open area OA.

[0133] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view taken by the B-B' line in the diagram.

[0134] Figure 10 The cross-section in the diagram represents the area containing the data line DL, the data link line DDL connected to the data line DL, and the data pad DP connected to the data link line DDL. In the following description, some features are referenced above. Figure 9 When the described features are the same or similar, the descriptions of those features will be omitted.

[0135] The data line DL, located on the source-drain layer, extends to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel DSIP. The data line DL can extend to the peripheral area, or the data link line DLL connected to the data line DL can exist in the peripheral area.

[0136] Data pads (DP) are located in the periphery of the display panel's DSIP to connect to the data link line (DLL).

[0137] The insulating film ILD extending to the periphery of the display panel DSIP may have contact holes through which the data link line DLL is exposed for connection to the data pad DP.

[0138] A contact hole set in the insulating film ILD to expose the data link line DLL can be defined as the first contact hole.

[0139] A metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM can be placed between the data link line DLL and the data pad DP.

[0140] A metal layer with the same material as the touch sensor metal EM can be set on a portion of the data link line DLL to simultaneously form the touch electrode TE and the touch line TL.

[0141] A metal layer with the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is connected to the data pad DP via the first contact hole of the insulating film ILD.

[0142] A metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM, placed on the portion of the data link line DLL, can protect the portion of the data link line DLL from damage during the manufacture of the touch electrode TE, even if a buffer layer T-BUF is not placed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP.

[0143] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the data pad structure and touch pad structure of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0144] Return to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The touch pad TP and data pad DP shown have a metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM located beneath the touch pad TP, and the touch pad TP and the metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM are connected via a second contact hole in the insulating film ILD.

[0145] Additionally, a metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM and a data link cable DLL exist beneath the data pad DP. The data pad DP, the metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM, and the data link cable DLL are connected via the first contact hole of the insulating film ILD.

[0146] When considering both the touch pad TP and the data pad DP, the height of the touch pad TP is similar to that of the data pad DP; that is, the touch pad TP and the data pad DP have virtually no height difference or a very small height difference. Therefore, the pads can be easily connected to the data driver circuit DDC and the touch driver circuit TDC.

[0147] Figures 12A to 12I An exemplary process is shown in which a metal layer, insulating film, etc., having the same material as the touch sensor metal, is deposited on the data pad portion of a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0148] Reference Figures 12A to 12I and Figure 13 The manufacturing process of the data pads in the display panel is described. Because... Figure 13 The process of manufacturing the display panel is shown, and the data pads are located in... Figure 13 The process is underway while... Figures 12A to 12I It is manufactured using the process shown in the diagram, therefore it can also be referred to. Figures 12A to 12I and Figure 13 .

[0149] First, multiple S1300 OLEDs, multiple data lines (DL), and multiple gate lines (GL) are fabricated on a substrate. Data link lines (DLLs) are fabricated in the peripheral area of ​​the panel by extending the multiple data lines (DL) to the peripheral area or forming components in the peripheral area to connect to the multiple data lines (DL). Simultaneously, as... Figure 12A As shown, in the data pad section, a data link line (DLL) is fabricated on the substrate.

[0150] Then, the S1310 encapsulation layer ENCAP is manufactured to protect the OLED.

[0151] First, after fabricating the inorganic dam BK, the first encapsulation layer PAS1 is deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a mask.

[0152] Then, a second encapsulation layer PCL made of organic material is deposited on the first encapsulation layer PAS1, and S1310 is deposited thereon.

[0153] Subsequently, using a mask, a third encapsulation layer PAS2 made of inorganic material, S1310, is deposited on the second encapsulation layer PCL by CVD.

[0154] In the manufacture of the encapsulation layer ENCAP, the dam section BK, the first encapsulation layer PAS1, and the third encapsulation layer PAS2 are stacked on top of each other, thereby creating a barrier DAM around the second encapsulation layer PCL.

[0155] Then, the touch sensor metal EM is deposited on the encapsulation layer ENCAP (S1320). The touch sensor metal EM deposited on the encapsulation layer ENCAP (S1320) is a bridge structure, through which the lines of the sensing touch electrodes TEs of the touch electrodes TE can be set on a different layer than the lines of the driving touch electrodes TEd of the touch electrodes TE.

[0156] Here, as Figure 12B As shown, in the data pad area of ​​the peripheral region of the panel, a metal layer S1320 of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is deposited on the data link line DLL. Alternatively, a metal layer S1320 of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM can be deposited on the touch pad area.

[0157] In this process, in related technologies, a buffer layer T-BUF is deposited in the encapsulation layer ENCAP before the deposition of the touch sensor metal EM to prevent the data link lines DLL in the peripheral area of ​​the panel from being damaged in the subsequent processes of manufacturing the S1330 insulating film ILD and the touch electrode TE.

[0158] In comparison, such as Figure 12B As shown, when a metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is deposited on the data link line DLL as a protective layer for the data link line DLL, the protective layer of the data link line DLL S1350 can be manufactured simply by depositing a metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM, while omitting the deposition buffer layer T-BUF of the related technology.

[0159] Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified while minimizing damage to the data link line DLL caused by the manufacturing process.

[0160] Subsequently, after exposing the touch sensor metal EM through photoresist (PR) treatment, the S1340 touch sensor metal EM is etched, except for the locations where bridges, data link lines (DLLs), and touch pads will be placed. Dry etching can be applied here. Therefore, as... Figure 12C As shown, a metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM exists on the data link line DLL.

[0161] Then, the insulating film ILD is deposited S1330 on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. In this case, in the location where the touch sensor metal EM is not deposited, the insulating film ILD can be placed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP to contact the encapsulation layer ENCAP. Figure 12D As shown, in the peripheral area of ​​the panel, the insulating film ILD is disposed on a metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM.

[0162] Subsequently, after the insulating film ILD is exposed through PR processing, the location where the touch sensor metal EM is formed in S1340 is etched. In this case, the touch sensor metal EM deposited on the encapsulation layer ENCAP is bridged to the touch electrode TE through contact holes located in the insulating film ILD. A metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM on the data link line DLL is exposed through the first contact hole, while the metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM and the touch pads of the touch pad portion are connected via a second contact hole. Dry etching can be used here. Therefore, as Figure 12E As shown, this forms the first contact hole, through which a metal layer of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM on the data link line DLL is exposed.

[0163] Then, the touch sensor metal EM S1340 is deposited on the insulating film ILD. The touch sensor metal EM deposited on the insulating film ILD forms sensing touch electrodes TEs or driving touch electrodes TEd, sensing touch lines TLs, and driving touch lines TLd.

[0164] like Figure 12F As shown, in the peripheral area of ​​the panel, a metal layer S1330 of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM is deposited on the insulating film ILD. Figure 12F The metal layer deposited in the middle is the same material as the touch sensor metal EM, which is the data pad DP.

[0165] Subsequently, after exposing the touch sensor metal EM through PR processing, the touch sensor metal EM is etched, except for the locations where sensing touch electrodes TEs or driving touch electrodes TEd, sensing touch lines TLs, and driving touch lines TLd are fabricated. Dry etching can be used here. Therefore, as... Figure 12G As shown, the data pad DP, the metal layer made of the same material as the touch sensor metal EM, and the data link line DLL are connected via the first contact hole.

[0166] Then, the protective film PAC is deposited on the insulating film ILD, and the positions of the first and second contact holes of S1350 are exposed and etched, so that the data pad DP and touch pad TP are exposed. Therefore, as Figure 12H and Figure 12I As shown, a structure is fabricated in which the data pad DP and the touch pad TP are respectively connected to the data driver circuit DDC and the touch driver circuit TDC.

[0167] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, touch display devices and panels can be easily manufactured due to the simplified manufacturing process of the touch display panel.

[0168] According to an exemplary embodiment, the overall panel thickness of the touch display device and the panel can be reduced.

[0169] According to an exemplary embodiment, in a touch display device and panel, touch sensor metal can be used in the data pad portion and the touch pad portion to protect the data link line, while reducing the height difference between the data pad portion and the touch pad portion.

[0170] Although all components constituting the exemplary embodiments have been described as being combined together or operating in conjunction with each other, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, one or more components may be selected from the entire set of components to be combined together and operate in combination within the scope of this disclosure.

[0171] It should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0172] The above description and accompanying drawings have been presented to illustrate certain principles of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make numerous modifications and variations by combining, dividing, substituting, or changing elements without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting the principles and scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all equivalents thereof fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0173] In addition, embodiments of this disclosure also include:

[0174] 1. A touch display device, comprising:

[0175] The display panel includes multiple data lines, multiple gate lines, multiple sub-pixels defined by the multiple data lines and the multiple gate lines, multiple touch electrodes, and multiple touch lines connected to the multiple touch electrodes.

[0176] A display driving circuit that drives the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines; and

[0177] The touch driving circuit that drives the multiple touch lines

[0178] The plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of touch lines include touch sensor metal, and

[0179] The display panel includes:

[0180] An encapsulation layer that protects the organic light-emitting diode at each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the encapsulation layer extending to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel;

[0181] An insulating film, at least a portion of which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and extends to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel;

[0182] Multiple data link lines are connected to the multiple data lines in the display panel, and the multiple data link lines extend to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel;

[0183] Data pads connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through the first contact hole of the insulating film, the data pads being connected to the display driving circuit; and

[0184] Touch pads are connected to electrode patterns of the plurality of touch electrodes in the display panel, and the touch pads are connected to the plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the display panel.

[0185] 2. The touch display device according to claim 1 further includes a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal, the metal layer being disposed between the plurality of data link lines and the data pads.

[0186] 3. The touch display device according to claim 2, wherein the metal layer, the plurality of data link lines and the data pads are connected via the first contact hole of the insulating film.

[0187] 4. The touch display device according to claim 1 further includes a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal, the metal layer being disposed under the touch pad and connected to the touch pad via a second contact hole in the insulating film.

[0188] 5. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer, and

[0189] A barrier comprising stacked embankments, the first encapsulation layer, and the third encapsulation layer is disposed at the boundary between the insulating film and the second encapsulation layer in the peripheral region of the display panel.

[0190] 6. The touch display device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first encapsulation layer and the third encapsulation layer comprises an inorganic material, and the second encapsulation layer is made of an organic material.

[0191] 7. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of touch electrodes is patterned into a mesh shape.

[0192] 8. The touch display device according to claim 7, wherein in each region of the plurality of touch electrodes there are a plurality of open regions lacking touch sensor metal and configured to allow light to pass through.

[0193] 9. The touch display device according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of opening regions corresponds to the light-emitting region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0194] 10. The touch display device according to claim 1 further includes a protective film disposed on the insulating film to protect the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of touch lines.

[0195] 11. The touch display device according to claim 10, wherein the protective film extends along the surface of the insulating film to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel.

[0196] 12. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the insulating film is located on the top surface of the encapsulation layer and is in contact with the top surface of the encapsulation layer.

[0197] 13. A touch display panel, comprising:

[0198] Multiple organic light-emitting diodes at multiple sub-pixels defined by multiple data lines and multiple gate lines;

[0199] An encapsulation layer that protects the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes;

[0200] An insulating film, at least a portion of which is located on and in contact with the encapsulation layer;

[0201] Multiple data link lines are connected to the multiple data lines in the touch display panel, and the multiple data link lines extend to the peripheral area of ​​the encapsulation layer;

[0202] Data pads connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through the first contact holes of the insulating film, the data pads being connected to the display driving circuitry; and

[0203] Touch pads are connected to the electrode pattern of touch electrodes in the touch display panel, and the touch pads are connected to the plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the encapsulation layer.

[0204] 14. The touch display panel according to claim 13 further includes a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal, the metal layer being disposed between the plurality of data link lines and the data pads.

[0205] 15. The touch display panel according to 14, wherein the metal layer, the plurality of data link lines and the data pads are connected via the first contact hole of the insulating film.

[0206] 16. The touch display panel according to claim 13 further includes a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal, the metal layer being disposed under the touch pad and connected to the touch pad via a second contact hole in the insulating film.

[0207] 17. A touch display panel, comprising:

[0208] Multiple organic light-emitting diodes at multiple sub-pixels, defined by multiple data lines and multiple gate lines;

[0209] An encapsulation layer that protects the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes, the encapsulation layer extending to the periphery of the active area of ​​the touch display panel;

[0210] An insulating film is located on and in contact with the encapsulation layer, wherein the insulating film extends to the data pad area in the peripheral region of the active area of ​​the touch display panel.

[0211] 18. The touch display panel according to claim 17, wherein the data pad area includes data pads connected to a plurality of data link lines exposed through a first contact hole in the insulating film.

[0212] 19. The touch display panel according to claim 17, wherein the data pad area includes a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal, the metal layer being disposed between the plurality of data link lines and the data pad.

[0213] 20. The touch display panel according to claim 19, wherein the metal layer, the plurality of data link lines and the data pads are connected via a first contact hole in the insulating film.

[0214] 21. A touch display device, comprising:

[0215] A display panel, comprising a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of touch electrodes including touch sensor metal, and a plurality of touch lines including touch sensor metal connected to the plurality of touch electrodes; and

[0216] Multiple data link lines are connected to the plurality of data lines in the display panel, the plurality of data link lines extending to the peripheral area of ​​the active area of ​​the display panel, wherein a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal is disposed on the plurality of data link lines.

[0217] 22. The touch display device according to claim 21, further comprising:

[0218] An encapsulation layer protecting the organic light-emitting diode in each of the plurality of sub-pixels, the encapsulation layer extending to the peripheral region of the active area of ​​the display panel; and

[0219] An insulating film, at least a portion of which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and extends to the peripheral area of ​​the active region of the display panel.

[0220] 23. The touch display device according to claim 22, further comprising:

[0221] A data pad is connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through a first contact hole in an insulating film, wherein a metal layer having the same material as the touch sensor metal is disposed between the plurality of data link lines and the data pad.

Claims

1. A touch display device, comprising: The display panel includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of touch lines connected to the plurality of touch electrodes. A display driving circuit that drives the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines; as well as The touch driving circuit that drives the multiple touch lines The display panel includes: An encapsulation layer that protects an organic light-emitting diode at each of the plurality of sub-pixels and extends to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel; An insulating film, at least a portion of which is disposed on the encapsulation layer and extends to the peripheral region of the display panel, wherein the insulating film is in contact with the encapsulation layer in the peripheral region of the display panel; Multiple data link lines are connected to multiple data lines in the display panel and extend to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel; Data pads are connected to the plurality of data link lines exposed through the first contact hole of the insulating film, and the data pads are connected to the display driving circuit. Touch pads connected to electrode patterns of the plurality of touch electrodes in the display panel, and touch pads connected to the plurality of touch lines on the insulating film located in the peripheral region of the display panel; and The touch sensor metal is located below the data pads in the surrounding area and is positioned on the plurality of data link lines. Wherein, the data pads are connected to the touch sensor metal in the peripheral region via the first contact hole of the insulating film; and The touch display device also includes a touch sensor metal disposed under the touch pad and connected to the touch pad via a second contact hole in the insulating film.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer, and A barrier comprising stacked embankments, the first encapsulation layer, and the third encapsulation layer is disposed at the boundary between the insulating film and the second encapsulation layer in the peripheral region of the display panel.

3. The touch display device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the first and third encapsulation layers comprises an inorganic material, and the second encapsulation layer is made of an organic material.

4. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of touch electrodes includes touch sensor metal patterned into a mesh shape.

5. The touch display device according to claim 4, wherein, In each region of the plurality of touch electrodes there are multiple open areas lacking touch sensor metal and configured to allow light to pass through.

6. The touch display device according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of opening regions corresponds to the light-emitting region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels.

7. The touch display device according to claim 1 further includes a protective film disposed on the insulating film to protect the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of touch lines.

8. The touch display device according to claim 7, wherein, The protective film extends along the surface of the insulating film to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel.

9. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The insulating film is located on the top surface of the encapsulation layer and is in contact with the top surface of the encapsulation layer.

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