Touch display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a touch display device, by using a material disposed on a transmissive area of a sub-pixel and identical to a second electrode of a light emitting element, a touch electrode can be easily disposed in a display panel having high transmittance. In addition, an anti-short electrode is disposed between the second electrode of the light emitting element and the touch electrode to reduce the occurrence of defects in the touch electrode in a process, and by using the anti-short electrode as an electrode performing a specific function, various types of touch sensing functions can be provided or the performance of touch sensing can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to touch display devices. Background Technology

[0002] The display device can provide the function of recognizing user touches on the display panel and performing input processing based on the recognized touches. The display device may include touch electrodes for touch recognition disposed on or inside the display panel.

[0003] When the touch electrodes are placed on the display panel, the overall thickness of the display device may increase.

[0004] With the touch electrodes located inside the display panel, the overall thickness of the display device can be reduced. However, since the various electrodes used for display driving are located inside the display panel, it may not be easy to place the touch electrodes inside the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure can provide a touch display device that can easily implement touch electrodes inside the display panel and use the touch electrodes to provide various types of touch sensing functions or improve the performance of touch sensing.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a touch display device, comprising: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels having a light-emitting region and a transmissive region thereon; a light-emitting element having a light-emitting element disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode; a touch electrode having a touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels and configured to be separate from the second electrode of the light-emitting element; and a short-circuit protection electrode having a short-circuit protection electrode located between the second electrode of the light-emitting element and the touch electrode and configured to surround the touch electrode.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a touch display device, the touch display device comprising: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels having a light-emitting region and a transmissive region disposed thereon; a light-emitting element disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode; and a touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, configured to be separate from the second electrode of the light-emitting element, and comprising the same transparent material as the second electrode of the light-emitting element.

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a touch display device, the touch display device comprising: a substrate having a plurality of sub-pixels having a light-emitting region and a transmissive region disposed thereon; a first touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels; and a second touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, electrically separated from the first touch electrode, and disposed around the first touch electrode.

[0009] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since the touch electrode is implemented by using a material that is the same as the second electrode of the light-emitting element and is disposed on the transmissive region of the sub-pixel, the touch electrode can be easily disposed inside the display panel.

[0010] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, since the anti-short-circuit electrode is disposed between the touch electrode and the second electrode of the light-emitting element, and the anti-short-circuit electrode is driven in various ways, various types of touch sensing functions can be provided, or the performance of touch sensing can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure including a sub-pixel in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a planar structure of subpixels included in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a planar structure in a touch display device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which touch electrodes are disposed;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the I-I' section shown;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a planar structure in a touch display device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which touch electrodes are disposed;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of part II-II' shown;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a driving method including a touch electrode and a short-circuit protection electrode in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a planar structure in a touch display device in which touch electrodes are disposed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a touch electrode block and a short-circuit protection electrode block included in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented are illustrated by way of example, and wherein the same reference numerals and symbols may be used to indicate the same or similar components even when the same or similar components are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure considerably unclear. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “constituting,” “made of,” and “formed from” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of other components, unless the term is used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this document, terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but merely to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0024] When referring to the first element as "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with the second element, it should be interpreted as meaning that not only can the first element be "directly connected to or linked to" or "directly in contact with or overlap" the second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlapping" with each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected to or linked to," "in contact with," or "overlap" with each other.

[0025] When time-related terms such as “after,” “after,” “next,” or “before” are used to describe the process or operation of an element or configuration, or the flow or steps in an operation, treatment, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential processes or operations unless used together with the terms “directly” or “immediately.”

[0026] Additionally, when referring to any size, relative dimensions, etc., even without a specific description, the numerical values ​​or corresponding information of the component or feature (e.g., level, range, etc.) should be considered, including tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). Furthermore, the term "can" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0027] In the following, various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110, which includes an active region AA having a plurality of sub-pixels SP and a non-active region NA located outside the active region AA. The touch display device 100 may include a gating drive circuit 120, a data drive circuit 130, and a controller 140 for driving various signal lines disposed in the display panel 110.

[0030] Multiple gate lines GL and multiple data lines DL can be set in the display panel 110. Multiple sub-pixels SP can be located in the area where the gate lines GL and data lines DL intersect.

[0031] The gating drive circuit 120 is controlled by the controller 140 and sequentially outputs scanning signals to multiple gating lines GL arranged on the display panel 110, thereby controlling the driving timing of multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0032] The gating drive circuit 120 may include one or more gating driver integrated circuits (GDICs). Depending on the driving method, the gating drive circuit 120 may be located only on one side of the display panel 110, or it may be located on both sides of the display panel 110.

[0033] Each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 via a tape-on-brush (TAB) method or a chip-on-glass (COG) method, or it can be implemented via a gate-in-panel (GIP) method and then directly disposed on the display panel 110. In some cases, each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be integrated and disposed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, each gate driver integrated circuit (GDIC) can be implemented via a chip-on-film (COF) method, wherein the components are mounted on a film connected to the display panel 110.

[0034] The data driving circuit 130 receives image data DATA from the controller 140 and converts the image data into an analog data voltage Vdata. Then, the data driving circuit 130 outputs the data voltage Vdata to each data line DL according to the timing of the scan signal applied through the gate line GL, so that each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP emits light with a brightness according to the image data.

[0035] The data drive circuit 130 may include one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs).

[0036] Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) may include a shift register, latch circuit, digital-to-analog converter, output buffer, etc.

[0037] Each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be connected to the bonding pads of the display panel 110 via a tape-on-board (TAB) method or a chip-on-glass (COG) method, or it can be directly disposed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, in some cases, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be integrated and disposed on the display panel 110. Alternatively, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be implemented using a chip-on-film (COF) method. In this case, each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC) can be mounted on a film connected to the display panel 110 and can be electrically connected to the display panel 110 via wiring on the film.

[0038] The controller 140 provides various control signals to the gating drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130, and controls the operation of the gating drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130.

[0039] The controller 140 can be mounted on a printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit, etc., and can be electrically connected to the gating drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130 through the printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit, etc.

[0040] The controller 140 allows the selector drive circuit 120 to output a scan signal according to the timing implemented in each frame, and the controller 140 converts the data signal received from the outside into a data signal format that conforms to the data signal format used in the data drive circuit 130, and then outputs the converted image data to the data drive circuit 130.

[0041] The controller 140 receives various timing signals, including vertical synchronization signal VSYNC, horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, input data enable signal DE, clock signal CLK, etc., and image data from an external source (e.g., a host system).

[0042] The controller 140 can use various timing signals received from the outside to generate various control signals, and can output control signals to the gating drive circuit 120 and the data drive circuit 130.

[0043] For example, in order to control the gating drive circuit 120, the controller 140 outputs various gating control signals GCS, including the gating start pulse GSP, the gating shift clock GSC, the gating output enable signal GOE, etc.

[0044] The strobe start pulse (GSP) controls the start timing of operation of one or more strobe driver integrated circuits (GDICs) constituting the strobe drive circuit 120. The strobe shift clock (GSC), which serves as a common input to one or more strobe driver integrated circuits (GDICs), controls the shift timing of the scan signal. The strobe output enable signal (GOE) specifies the timing information on one or more strobe driver integrated circuits (GDICs).

[0045] In addition, in order to control the data drive circuit 130, the controller 140 outputs various data control signals DCS, including the source start pulse SSP, the source sampling clock SSC, and the source output enable signal SOE.

[0046] The source start pulse SSP controls the data sampling start timing of one or more source driver integrated circuits (SDICs) constituting the data drive circuit 130. The source sampling clock SSC is a clock signal used to control the timing of the sampled data in each source driver integrated circuit (SDIC). The source output enable signal SOE controls the output timing of the data drive circuit 130.

[0047] The touch display device 100 may also include a power management integrated circuit for providing various voltages or currents to the display panel 110, the gating drive circuit 120, the data drive circuit 130, etc., or controlling the various voltages or currents provided to the display panel 110, the gating drive circuit 120, the data drive circuit 130, etc.

[0048] Depending on the type of display panel 110, liquid crystal or light-emitting elements may be provided on each sub-pixel SP. Additionally, electrodes to which a data voltage Vdata is applied and electrodes to which a common voltage is applied may be provided on the sub-pixel SP.

[0049] In addition, the touch display device 100 may include sensors, wires, and drive circuits for sensing a user's touch on the display panel 110.

[0050] For example, a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on an active region AA, a touch driving circuit 150 for driving the touch electrodes TE, and a plurality of touch lines TL connecting the touch electrodes TE and the touch driving circuit 150 to each other. Furthermore, the touch display device 100 may include a touch controller (not shown) for controlling the touch driving circuit 150 and sensing touches based on signals detected by the touch driving circuit 150.

[0051] For example, the touch electrode TE can be a transparent electrode. Alternatively, the touch electrode TE can be an opaque electrode, and at least a portion of the touch electrode TE can be open.

[0052] When the touch electrode TE includes an opening, the touch electrode TE can be in a grid shape. The opening of the touch electrode TE can overlap with the light-emitting area disposed on each sub-pixel SP.

[0053] Depending on the arrangement of the touch electrodes TE and the touch sensing method, the connection structure between the touch line TL and the touch electrode TE can be different. For example, one touch line TL can be connected to multiple touch electrodes TE, or at least one touch line TL can be connected to each touch electrode TE.

[0054] For example, the multiple touch electrodes TE may include multiple touch electrodes TE connected along the X-axis direction and multiple touch electrodes TE connected along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, touch lines TL electrically connected to the touch electrodes TE connected along the X-axis direction and touch lines TL electrically connected to the touch electrodes TE connected along the Y-axis direction can be provided.

[0055] In this configuration, multiple touch electrodes (TEs) can be disposed on the same layer. Some of the touch electrodes in the multiple touch electrode TEs can be connected by connecting lines disposed on the same layer, while the remaining touch electrodes in the multiple touch electrode TEs can be connected by connecting lines disposed on different layers.

[0056] When a touch is sensed, a touch driving signal can be applied to multiple touch electrodes TE connected along the X-axis or Y-axis, and the touch sensing signal can be detected from the multiple touch electrodes TE connected along the X-axis or Y-axis. With different signals applied to the touch electrodes TE connected along the X-axis and the touch electrodes TE connected along the Y-axis, the touch can be sensed by detecting the change in mutual capacitance between the touch electrodes TE caused by the touch.

[0057] In another example, multiple touch electrodes TE can be configured to be separate, and touch lines TL can be electrically connected to each touch electrode TE.

[0058] In this configuration, multiple touch electrodes (TEs) can be disposed on the same layer. Multiple touch lines (TLs) can be disposed on a different layer than the layer on which the touch electrodes (TEs) are disposed. Each touch line (TL) can be electrically connected to a corresponding touch electrode among the multiple touch electrodes (TEs). A portion of a touch line (TL) can overlap with a touch electrode (TE) that is not electrically connected to that touch line (TL).

[0059] Touch driving signals can be provided to touch electrodes TE via touch line TL, and touch can be sensed by detecting changes in self-capacitance detected via touch line TL.

[0060] Alternatively, in some cases, in a structure provided with a touch electrode TE connected along the X-axis direction and a touch electrode TE connected along the Y-axis direction, mutual capacitance-based sensing and self-capacitance-based sensing can be performed.

[0061] The touch driving circuit 150 can output a touch driving signal to the touch electrode TE via the touch line TL, and can detect the touch sensing signal from the touch electrode TE.

[0062] For example, the touch driving circuit 150 may include an operational amplifier connected to the touch line TL to provide a driving signal and receive a touch sensing signal, and a feedback capacitor to accumulate charge based on the signal received by the operational amplifier. Furthermore, the touch driving circuit 150 may include an integrator, a sample-and-hold circuit, and an analog-to-digital converter, etc., for processing the output signal of the operational amplifier.

[0063] The touch driving circuit 150 can convert the touch sensing signal detected from the touch electrode TE into digital sensing data, and can send the sensing data to the touch controller. The touch controller can detect the presence or absence of a touch and touch coordinates based on the sensing data received from the touch driving circuit 150.

[0064] The touch driving circuit 150 can be set as a separate circuit on the display panel 110, or in some cases, it can be integrated with the data driving circuit 130 and so on.

[0065] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a user's touch on the display panel 110 can be sensed by driving a touch electrode TE included in the touch display device 100. The touch electrode TE can be disposed on the display panel 110, or it can be embedded in the display panel 110.

[0066] Here, when the touch electrode TE is embedded in the display panel 110, the structure of the touch electrode TE may differ depending on the type of touch display device 100.

[0067] For example, if the touch display device 100 is a top-emitting structure, the touch electrode TE can be disposed on the encapsulation portion protecting the light-emitting element in the display panel 110. Alternatively, if the touch display device 100 is a bottom-emitting structure, the touch electrode TE can be disposed below the light-emitting element. Alternatively, the touch electrode TE can be implemented using at least some of the layers constituting the light-emitting element in the display panel 110.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit structure of a sub-pixel SP included in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 2 An example of the circuit structure of a sub-pixel SP is illustrated in the case where the touch display device 100 is an organic light-emitting display device, but embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to other types of display devices.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 The light-emitting element (ED) and the driving transistor (DRT) for driving the ED can be disposed on the sub-pixel SP. In addition, besides the ED and the driving transistor DRT, at least one circuit element can also be disposed on the sub-pixel SP.

[0071] For example, such as Figure 2 In the example shown, the switching transistor SWT, the sensing transistor SENT, and the storage capacitor Cstg can also be set on the sub-pixel SP.

[0072] therefore, Figure 2 The example shown illustrates an exemplary 3T1C structure in which three thin-film transistors and a capacitor, in addition to the light-emitting element ED, are disposed on the sub-pixel SP; however, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Furthermore, Figure 2The example shown illustrates an exemplary case where all thin-film transistors are N-type, but in some cases, the thin-film transistors disposed on the sub-pixel SP can be P-type.

[0073] The switching transistor SWT can be electrically connected between the data line DL and the first node N1.

[0074] The data voltage Vdata can be supplied to the sub-pixel SP via the data line DL. The first node N1 can be the gate node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0075] The switching transistor SWT can be controlled by a scan signal provided to the gate line GL. The switching transistor SWT can control the application of the data voltage Vdata supplied through the data line DL to the gate node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0076] The driving transistor DRT can be electrically connected between the driving voltage line DVL and the light-emitting element ED.

[0077] The first drive voltage EVDD can be provided to the third node N3 through the drive voltage line DVL. For example, the first drive voltage EVDD can be a high-potential drive voltage. The third node N3 can be the drain node or source node of the drive transistor DRT.

[0078] The driving transistor DRT can be controlled by the voltage applied to the first node N1. Furthermore, the driving transistor DRT can control the driving current supplied to the light-emitting element ED.

[0079] The sensing transistor SENT can be electrically connected between the reference voltage line RVL and the second node N2.

[0080] The reference voltage Vref can be provided to the second node N2 through the reference voltage line RVL. The second node N2 can be the source node or the drain node of the driving transistor DRT.

[0081] The sensing transistor SENT can be controlled by a scan signal provided to the gating line GL. The gating line GL controlling the sensing transistor SENT can be the same as or different from the gating line GL controlling the switching transistor SWT.

[0082] The sensing transistor SENT can be controlled to apply a reference voltage Vref to the second node N2. Furthermore, in some cases, the sensing transistor SENT can be controlled to sense the voltage of the second node N2 via the reference voltage line RVL.

[0083] The storage capacitor Cstg can be electrically connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2. The storage capacitor Cstg can maintain the data voltage Vdata applied to the first node N1 during one frame.

[0084] The light-emitting element ED can be electrically connected between the second node N2 and the line provided with the second driving voltage EVSS. For example, the second driving voltage EVSS can be a low-potential driving voltage.

[0085] A light-emitting element (ED) may include a first electrode E1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode E2. The first electrode E1 of the ED may be electrically connected to a driving transistor DRT. The second electrode E2 of the ED may be electrically connected to a line provided with a second driving voltage EVSS. The light-emitting layer EL can emit light according to the driving current provided by the driving transistor DRT.

[0086] When a scan signal of the conduction level is applied to the gate line GL, the switching transistor SWT and the sensing transistor SENT can be turned on. The data voltage Vdata can be applied to the first node N1, and the reference voltage Vref can be applied to the second node N2.

[0087] The drive current provided by the driving transistor DRT can be determined based on the difference between the voltage of the first node N1 and the voltage of the second node N2.

[0088] The brightness of an LED can be represented by the drive current provided by the driving transistor DRT.

[0089] Depending on the type of touch display device 100, in addition to the area where the light-emitting element ED is set, the sub-pixel SP may also include a transmissive area with high transmissivity.

[0090] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a planar structure of sub-pixels SP included in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Reference Figure 3A Two or more sub-pixels SP can constitute a pixel. At least some of the sub-pixels SP that constitute a pixel can emit different colors.

[0092] Figure 3A An example is given where four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 constitute one pixel; however, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. Furthermore, Figure 3A An example is shown where four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 are set by dividing a pixel vertically and horizontally into four equal parts. However, in some cases, the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 can be set in a line to form a pixel, and can also form a pixel in various other structures besides those described above.

[0093] Each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may include a light-emitting region EA and a transmission region TA.

[0094] The light-emitting area EA can be an area where a light-emitting element ED is disposed. The light-emitting area EA can also be an area where circuit elements or signal lines driving the light-emitting element ED are disposed. For example, in the case where the touch display device 100 is a top-emitting structure, the light-emitting element ED can be disposed on a layer where circuit elements or signal lines are disposed. Depending on the driving of the light-emitting element ED disposed on the light-emitting area EA, the sub-pixel SP can represent a brightness corresponding to the data voltage Vdata, and an image can be displayed.

[0095] The transmissive region TA can be an area without a light-emitting element (ED). The transmissive region TA can also be an area without circuitry or signal lines driving the ED. In some cases, a portion of a circuitry or signal line can be located within the transmissive region TA.

[0096] Since the transmission region TA is the area without light-emitting elements (EDs) and circuit components, it can be a region with high transmittance.

[0097] Since each sub-pixel SP can include a transmissive region TA, the touch display device 100 can be a display device with high transmissivity during the period when the light-emitting element ED disposed on the light-emitting region EA is not driven.

[0098] The luminous region EA in each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 that make up a pixel can be set in the central part of the pixel, such as... Figure 3A The example shown. The transmissive region TA can be located on a portion adjacent to the outside of the pixel.

[0099] Alternative locations, such as Figure 3B In the example shown, the luminescent region EA and the transmissive region TA in each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 can be configured with the same structure. The luminescent region EA and the transmissive region TA can be configured to alternate with each other.

[0100] The arrangement of the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA included in the sub-pixel SP is not limited to the above example, and in embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission region TA may be located on a portion of the sub-pixel SP.

[0101] The light-emitting element ED, circuit elements, and signal lines are not placed on the transmission region TA. However, in some cases, some configurations that are placed on the light-emitting region EA can be placed on the transmission region TA.

[0102] A structure capable of performing touch sensing can be achieved by using a configuration set on the transmissive region TA.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a planar structure in which a touch electrode TE is disposed in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of section I-I' shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the case where the touch display device 100 is a top-emitting structure, the second electrode E2 located on the upper layer of the light-emitting element ED can be made of a transparent material or a material with high transmittance. For example, the second electrode E2 can be made of ITO (indium tin oxide) or IZO (indium zinc oxide) with high transmittance, but is not limited to these.

[0105] Since the second electrode E2 is made of a transparent material, it can be disposed on the entirety of the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA.

[0106] At least a portion of the second electrode E2 disposed on the transmission region TA can be separated to form a touch electrode TE.

[0107] For example, such as Figure 4 In the example shown, the second electrode E2 disposed on the transmission region TA of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the transmission region of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be configured to be connected to the shape of the second electrode E2 disposed on the light-emitting region EA.

[0108] The touch electrode TE can be configured to be separated from the second electrode E2 on the transmissive area TA of the third sub-pixel SP3 and the transmissive area TA of the fourth sub-pixel SP4.

[0109] The material set on the transmission area TA of the third sub-pixel SP3 and the transmission area TA of the fourth sub-pixel SP4, and which is the same as the second electrode E2, can be set to be separate from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, and can be implemented as a touch electrode TE.

[0110] Figure 4 An example is shown where half of the material of the second electrode E2, which is disposed on the transmission region TA, is used as the second electrode E2, and the remaining half is used as the touch electrode TE. In some cases, the ratio of the area on the transmission region TA where the second electrode E2 is disposed to the area where the touch electrode TE is disposed may be different.

[0111] Since the touch electrode TE is located in the region corresponding to 1 / 2 of the transmission region TA, the touch electrode TE can be configured to alternate with the second electrode E2 along the first direction, and can also be configured to alternate with the second electrode E2 along the second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0112] As described above, since the touch electrode TE is realized by using the material disposed on the transmission region TA in the material constituting the light-emitting element ED, the structure for touch sensing can be easily disposed in the display panel 110.

[0113] The touch electrode TE, which is disposed on the transmission region TA, can be realized by cutting the material constituting the second electrode E2 in some areas during the process of setting the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED.

[0114] Reference Figure 5 The undercut region UC can be located on the boundary of the light-emitting region EA. The second electrode E2 and the touch electrode TE can be configured to be separated by the undercut region UC at the boundary between the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA. The undercut region UC can be formed during the process of setting circuit elements and signal lines on the light-emitting region EA.

[0115] The material constituting the light-shielding layer LS can be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. In some cases, at least one buffer layer can be disposed on the first substrate SUB1.

[0116] The light-shielding layer LS can be located below the thin-film transistor TFT. The light-shielding layer LS can block external light incident on the channel of the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0117] The touch line TL can be formed by using the material that constitutes the light-shielding layer LS. In some cases, at least a portion of the touch line TL can be made of at least one of the materials used to form thin-film transistors (TFTs) or signal lines, in addition to the light-shielding layer LS.

[0118] At least one interlayer insulating layer ILD1, ILD2, ILD3 and a thin-film transistor (TFT) can be disposed above the light-shielding layer LS. Various signal lines, such as data lines DL or drive voltage lines DVL, can be disposed above the light-shielding layer LS.

[0119] The passivation layer PAS can be disposed on the third interlayer insulating layer ILD3.

[0120] Settings Figure 5 The structure of the metal layer and insulating layer on the light-emitting region EA shown is an example; the laminated structure of the light-emitting region EA can be varied.

[0121] The outer coating OC can be applied onto the passivation layer PAS. The top surface of the outer coating OC can be planarized.

[0122] A portion of the passivation layer PAS and the interlayer insulating layers ILD1, ILD2, and ILD3 located below the boundary of the outer coating OC can be removed during the process of setting and etching the outer coating OC.

[0123] The undercut region UC can be formed by removing a portion of the insulating layer located below the boundary of the outer coating OC.

[0124] The outer coating OC is processed, and the process of setting the light-emitting element ED on the outer coating OC can be performed.

[0125] A light-emitting element (ED) is provided, and the ED can be sealed by a package portion (not shown). A second substrate SUB2, on which a color filter layer CF and a black matrix BM are provided on the bottom surface, can be provided on the ED.

[0126] The first electrode E1 can be set first in the process of setting the light-emitting element ED. The first electrode E1 can be set on the light-emitting area EA. The embankment BNK can be set to define the area exposing the first electrode E1.

[0127] The light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2 can be disposed on the first electrode E1 and the embankment BNK.

[0128] For example, the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2 can be deposited to be disposed on the entire surface of the display panel 110.

[0129] In the process of setting the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2, the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2 can be set in a cut shape on the undercut region UC located on the boundary of the outer coating OC.

[0130] A portion of the material constituting the second electrode E2, disposed on the outer coating OC, can form the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED. A portion of the material constituting the second electrode E2, cut by the undercut region UC and disposed on the transmission region TA, can form the touch electrode TE.

[0131] An opaque metal layer may not be placed on the transmissive region TA of the sub-pixel SP. Some insulating layers that are placed on the emitting region EA may not be placed on the transmissive region TA.

[0132] A portion of the material constituting the second electrode E2 is disposed on the transmission region TA, but the material constituting the second electrode E2 has high transmittance and will not reduce the transmittance of the transmission region TA.

[0133] Since a portion of the material constituting the second electrode E2 is disposed on the transmission region TA such that it is cut off from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, a transparent touch electrode TE can be realized.

[0134] The structure of setting the touch electrode TE in the process of setting the light-emitting element ED can be achieved without reducing the transmittance of the transmission region TA.

[0135] Since the touch electrode TE is disposed on the transmissive region TA where the light-emitting element ED is not located, the touch electrode TE can be positioned below the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED. The distance between the touch electrode and the first substrate SUB1 can be smaller than the distance between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the first substrate SUB1.

[0136] For example, the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA can be electrically connected to the touch line TL through a contact hole formed in the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. In some cases, the material constituting the light-shielding layer LS can be patterned to connect to the touch electrode TE, and the touch line TL can be implemented using the material constituting the thin-film transistor TFT or other signal lines.

[0137] The touch electrode TE can be implemented by an outer coating OC located on the boundary of the light-emitting region EA through an undercut region UC. In some cases, the touch electrode TE can be implemented by an undercut region UC located on the transmissive region TA.

[0138] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a planar structure in which the touch electrode TE is disposed in the touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of part II-II' shown;

[0139] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The touch electrode TE can be set in at least some of the portions of the material that constitutes the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, which is disposed on the transmission region TA.

[0140] The touch electrode TE can be disposed on a portion of the transmissive region TA of the sub-pixel SP. For example, the touch electrode TE can be disposed on the transmissive region TA of the third sub-pixel SP3 and the transmissive region TA of the fourth sub-pixel SP4.

[0141] At least one electrode pattern may be disposed between the touch electrode TE and the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED.

[0142] The at least one electrode pattern can be made of the same material as the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED. Therefore, the at least one electrode pattern can be made of the same material as the touch electrode TE.

[0143] At least one electrode pattern may be configured to be separate from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED. At least one electrode pattern may be configured to be separate from the touch electrode TE. At least one electrode pattern may be configured to surround the touch electrode TE.

[0144] For example, at least one electrode pattern may be a short-circuit protection electrode SPE or a dummy electrode DE (e.g., a second touch electrode).

[0145] Reference Figure 7 Similar to through Figure 5 The described structure, circuit elements, and light-emitting elements ED can be set on the light-emitting area EA of the sub-pixel SP.

[0146] At least one dam structure DAS can be set on the transmission region TA of the sub-pixel SP.

[0147] The dam structure DAS can be set to be spaced apart from the boundary of the luminous region EA.

[0148] The dam structure DAS can be achieved by using at least some of the materials disposed in the luminescent region EA. For example, the dam structure DAS can be achieved by using the same materials as the second interlayer insulation layer ILD2, the third interlayer insulation layer ILD3, the passivation layer PAS, the outer coating OC, and the dam section BNK.

[0149] The undercut region UC can be located on the boundary of the dam structure DAS. The undercut region UC located on the boundary of the dam structure DAS can be implemented in the same way as the undercut region UC located on the boundary of the luminous region EA.

[0150] In the process of setting the material constituting the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, the material constituting the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be cut by the undercut region UC located on the boundary of the dam structure DAS. The materials set on both sides of the dam structure DAS can be set in a shape that is cut apart from each other.

[0151] The material inside the dam structure DAS set on the transmission region TA can become the touch electrode TE.

[0152] The material positioned between the dam structure DAS and the light-emitting area EA can serve as a short-circuit protection electrode SPE. The short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be configured to be separate from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE. Alternatively, the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be configured to surround the touch electrode TE.

[0153] Since the short-circuit protection electrode SPE is positioned between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE through the undercut region UC of the dam structure DAS, it can prevent a short circuit between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE at the boundary of the light-emitting region EA, even if defects occur in the process.

[0154] The material installed on the dam structure DAS can be designated as a dummy electrode DE. The dummy electrode DE can be configured to be separate from the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0155] The dummy electrode DE can be configured to surround the touch electrode TE. The short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be configured to surround the dummy electrode DE.

[0156] The dummy electrode DE can also reduce the occurrence of short circuits between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE.

[0157] As described above, the touch electrode TE can be set on the transmission region TA by a dam structure DAS located on the transmission region TA, while preventing or reducing defects in the process.

[0158] For example, the dam structure DAS can be configured to surround the touch electrode TE. Figure 7 An example of setting up a dam structure DAS is shown. In some cases, two or more dam structure DASs can be set up.

[0159] By setting a short-circuit protection electrode SPE and a dummy electrode DE between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE, the process of setting the touch electrode TE can be improved.

[0160] The short-circuit protection electrode SPE and the dummy electrode DE can be set to a state where no electrical signal is applied.

[0161] In some cases, at least one of the short-circuit protection electrode SPE or dummy electrode DE can be provided with an electrical signal and can be an electrode that performs a specific function.

[0162] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a driving method for a touch electrode TE and a short-circuit protection electrode SPE in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Reference Figure 8 This example illustrates applying an electrical signal to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE, but in some cases, the electrical signal can be applied to the dummy electrode DE.

[0164] Furthermore, as described above, two or more dam structures DAS can be disposed on the transmission region TA, in which case two or more short-circuit protection electrodes SPE or two or more dummy electrodes DE can be formed. Therefore, by applying an electrical signal only to some of the electrodes in the short-circuit protection electrodes SPE and dummy electrodes DE, a structure can be provided that, by driving the short-circuit protection electrodes SPE or dummy electrodes DE, prevents a short circuit between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE.

[0165] Reference Figure 8 As shown in Case 1, the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be driven during the touch sensing period SEP, which is different from the display driving period DIP.

[0166] For example, the display driving period (DIP) can refer to the period during which the data voltage Vdata is supplied to the sub-pixel SP via the data line DL. In some cases, the light-emitting element ED can be kept in an emitting state during periods other than the display driving period (DIP).

[0167] The first touch drive signal can be provided to the touch electrode TE during the first time period P1 of the touch sensing period SEP. The second touch drive signal can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE during the second time period P2 of the touch sensing period SEP.

[0168] The second touch driving signal can be the same as the first touch driving signal. Alternatively, the second touch driving signal can be different from the first touch driving signal. For example, the amplitude of the second touch driving signal can be larger than the amplitude of the first touch driving signal.

[0169] In this case, the type of touch sensing performed by the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be different from the type of touch sensing performed by the touch electrode TE.

[0170] For example, a touch contacting the display panel 110 can be detected by driving the touch electrode TE. An object approaching an area adjacent to the display panel 110 can be detected by driving the short-circuit protection electrode SPE. For example, the position of a finger or pen can be detected when it is located in an area separated from the display panel 110.

[0171] As described above, by distinguishing the signal applied to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE from the signal applied to the touch electrode TE, other types of touch sensing can be performed through the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0172] Furthermore, touch sensing via the self-capacitance sensing method can be performed by either the touch electrode TE or the short-circuit protection electrode SPE. In some cases, touch sensing via the mutual capacitance sensing method can be performed by using both the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE together.

[0173] Referring to Case 2, the touch drive signal can be applied to the touch electrode TE during the touch sensing period SEP.

[0174] During the touch sensing period (SEP), a signal different from the touch drive signal can be applied to the short-circuit protection electrode (SPE). For example, an AC current signal can be applied to the touch electrode (TE), and a DC signal can be applied to the short-circuit protection electrode (SPE).

[0175] Touch sensing can be performed by detecting the touch sensing signal from the short-circuit protection electrode SPE when the mutual capacitance between the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE changes due to touch.

[0176] Therefore, in the electrode structure of the self-capacitance sensing method, touch sensing via the mutual capacitance sensing method can be performed.

[0177] The short-circuit protection electrode SPE can perform touch sensing functions, but in some cases, it can perform functions that improve the touch sensing performance via the touch electrode TE.

[0178] Referring to Case 3, the touch drive signal can be provided to the touch electrode TE during the touch sensing period (SEP). A constant voltage can be applied to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE during the touch sensing period (SEP). In some cases, the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be maintained in a state where a constant voltage is applied during the display drive period (DIP) in addition to the touch sensing period (SEP).

[0179] Because a constant voltage is applied to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE located between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE, the parasitic capacitance generated by the light-emitting element ED or the signal line driving the light-emitting element ED can be prevented or reduced from affecting the touch electrode TE.

[0180] In addition, in some cases, a signal corresponding to the touch drive signal applied to the touch electrode TE can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0181] Referring to Case 4, the touch drive signal can be provided to the touch electrode TE during the touch sensing period SEP. A shield drive signal corresponding to the touch drive signal can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE during the touch sensing period SEP. The shield drive signal can be a signal with the same frequency, phase, or amplitude as the touch drive signal.

[0182] When a shielding drive signal corresponding to the touch drive signal is applied to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE located between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE, no parasitic capacitance may be formed between the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0183] The parasitic capacitance of the signal line generated by the light-emitting element (ED) or the signal line that drives the light-emitting element (ED) can be blocked by the short-circuit protection electrode (SPE).

[0184] Therefore, the touch electrode TE is not affected by parasitic capacitance generated by light-emitting elements such as ED, and the noise of the signal detected from the touch electrode TE can be reduced.

[0185] In this scenario, touch sensing can be performed simultaneously with the display driving period DIP.

[0186] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the touch electrode TE can be implemented by using some of the materials disposed on the transmissive region TA of the sub-pixel SP, and the touch electrode TE can be easily disposed inside the display panel 110.

[0187] Furthermore, by arranging a short-circuit protection electrode SPE to prevent a short circuit between the touch electrode TE and the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, defects in the manufacturing process of the touch electrode TE can be reduced.

[0188] Furthermore, in some cases, various methods of touch sensing functionality can be provided and touch sensing performance can be improved because different types of touch sensing or the function of blocking touch sensing noise can be performed by using short-circuit protection electrodes (SPEs).

[0189] In addition, the area where the touch electrode TE is set on the transmissive region TA of the sub-pixel SP can be increased to improve the performance of touch sensing.

[0190] Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 9C This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a planar structure in which a touch electrode TE is disposed in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0191] Reference Figure 9A Each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 that constitute a pixel may include a transmissive region TA. The touch electrode TE may be formed by a material disposed on the transmissive region TA of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and being the same material as the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED.

[0192] Since the touch electrode TE can be placed on almost all the transmissive areas TA included in the sub-pixel SP, the area of ​​the touch electrode TE can be increased, and the sensitivity of touch sensing can be improved.

[0193] With the touch electrode TE set on almost all of the transmission area TA, a portion of the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be set on a portion of the transmission area TA.

[0194] For example, the portion of the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED that is electrically connected to the base voltage line BVL (e.g., the voltage supply line) that provides the second driving voltage EVSS can be located on the transmission region TA.

[0195] The second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be electrically connected to the base voltage line BVL through the first contact hole CH1 located on the transmission region TA.

[0196] The second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be located on the upper layer of the light-emitting region EA, while the signal line, such as the base voltage line BVL, can be located on the lower layer. If the electrical connection between the second electrode E2 and the base voltage line BVL of the light-emitting element ED is formed on the light-emitting region EA, which is under heavy load due to the presence of multiple circuit elements and signal lines, the possibility of defects occurring during the manufacturing process may increase.

[0197] By forming an electrical connection between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the base voltage line BVL on the transmission region TA, where no various metal layers and insulating layers are provided, the possibility of defects occurring in the process can be reduced.

[0198] The touch electrode TE can be disposed on the area of ​​the transmission region TA, excluding the area surrounding the first contact hole CH1 where the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the base voltage line BVL are connected. Therefore, the touch electrode TE can be configured as follows: Shape. In some cases, the touch electrode TE can be configured as... Shape. The touch electrode TE can be disposed on the area of ​​the transmission region TA other than the periphery of the first contact hole CH1, and can have various shapes.

[0199] The touch electrode TE can be electrically connected to the touch line TL through the second contact hole CH2.

[0200] The touch line TL can be disposed on the light-emitting area EA along a second direction. The touch line TL can be disposed on the light-emitting area EA and can protrude towards the first direction. The touch line TL can be electrically connected to the touch electrode TE on the transmission area TA.

[0201] Since almost all touch lines TL can be set on the light-emitting area EA, the degree of reduction in the transmittance of the transmission area TA can be reduced and / or minimized.

[0202] The touch electrodes TE, which are disposed on the transmissive regions TA of adjacent sub-pixels SP along the second direction, can be directly connected to each other.

[0203] Alternatively, in some cases, the adjacent touch electrode TE can be electrically connected via the touch line TL.

[0204] Reference Figure 9B The touch electrode TE can be disposed on the transmissive region TA of each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of each of the four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 can be physically separated from each other. The touch electrode TE can be disposed on the area of ​​the transmissive region TA excluding the area where the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED is connected to the base voltage line BVL.

[0205] The touch line TL can be set on the light-emitting area EA along the second direction.

[0206] The touch line TL can protrude along a first direction and can be disposed on the transmissive region TA. The touch line TL can be disposed on the transmissive region TA and can be electrically connected to the touch electrode TE through the second contact hole CH2.

[0207] The touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the third sub-pixel SP3 can be electrically connected through a portion of the touch line TL disposed along the first direction.

[0208] Furthermore, the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the second sub-pixel SP2 and the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the fourth sub-pixel SP4 can be electrically connected through a portion of the touch line TL disposed along the first direction.

[0209] Since the touch electrodes TE, which are divided and set on both sides of the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, are electrically connected by touch lines TL set in the first direction, the number of touch lines TL set in the second direction can be reduced.

[0210] It can realize a structure that connects multiple touch electrodes TE to each other, while reducing the number of touch lines TL.

[0211] When the number of touch lines TL set along the second direction is reduced, it can be ensured that space can be set for the lines used to drive the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0212] Reference Figure 9C This illustrates an example where the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE are disposed on the transmissive region TA of the sub-pixel SP. For ease of description, Figure 9CAn example is shown where four sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 are arranged in a line along the second direction. Furthermore, for ease of description, the dummy electrode DE located between the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE is omitted.

[0213] The second electrode E2 and the base voltage line BVL of the light-emitting element ED can be electrically connected through the first contact hole CH1 on the transmission region TA of the sub-pixel SP.

[0214] The touch line TL can be positioned on the light-emitting area EA along a second direction and can protrude along a first direction. A portion of the touch line TL positioned along the first direction can be electrically connected to the touch electrodes TE located on both sides of the touch line TL through the second contact hole CH2.

[0215] For example, the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the first sub-pixel SP1 and the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the second sub-pixel SP2 can be electrically connected to a portion of the same touch line TL. The touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the third sub-pixel SP3 and the touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of the fourth sub-pixel SP4 can be electrically connected to a portion of the same touch line TL.

[0216] The short-circuit protection electrode driving line SPL can be disposed on the light-emitting area EA along a second direction. Similar to the touch line TL, the short-circuit protection electrode driving line SPL can protrude along a first direction.

[0217] A portion of the short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL protruding along the first direction can be electrically connected to the short-circuit protection electrodes SPE located on both sides of the short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL through the third contact hole CH3.

[0218] For example, the short-circuit protection electrode driving line SPL can be electrically connected to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE disposed on the transmission region TA of the second sub-pixel SP2 and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE disposed on the transmission region TA of the third sub-pixel SP3.

[0219] The short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL can be configured to alternate with the touch line TL along a first direction.

[0220] The electrical connection structure of the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE set on each sub-pixel SP can be achieved by alternating each of the touch line TL and the short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL.

[0221] Therefore, it is easy to implement a structure in which two or more touch electrodes TE are electrically connected to each other and a structure in which two or more short-circuit protection electrodes SPE are electrically connected to each other, while reducing and / or minimizing the number of lines set on the sub-pixel SP.

[0222] Touch electrodes TE that are electrically connected to each other or short-circuit protection electrodes SPE that are electrically connected to each other can form a block.

[0223] This block structure allows for the execution of touch sensing functions using two or more touch electrodes TE, other types of touch sensing functions using two or more short-circuit protection electrodes SPE, or functions to improve the touch sensing performance of the touch electrodes TE.

[0224] The block consisting of the touch electrode TE and the block consisting of the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can correspond to each other. Alternatively, in some cases, the two blocks can be constructed differently.

[0225] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a touch electrode block TE_blk and a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk included in a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] For ease of description, Figure 10A and Figure 10B Only the electrode structure set on the transmission region TA in the light-emitting region EA and the transmission region TA of the sub-pixel SP is shown as an example.

[0227] Reference Figure 10A A portion of the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, the touch electrode TE, and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be disposed on the transmission area TA of each sub-pixel SP.

[0228] A portion of the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be positioned along a second direction and electrically connected to the base voltage line BVL protruding along a first direction. For example, the base voltage line BVL can be positioned on each sub-pixel SP column.

[0229] The touch electrode TE can be electrically connected to the touch line TL. The touch line TL can be positioned in a second direction and can protrude in a first direction.

[0230] Figure 10A An example is shown where touch electrodes TE set on the transmissive area TA of sixteen sub-pixels SP constitute a touch electrode block TE_blk.

[0231] A touch line TL can be positioned along a second direction for electrical connection between touch electrodes TE positioned on sixteen sub-pixels SP. The touch line TL can protrude along a first direction and can be electrically connected to the touch electrodes TE on both sides.

[0232] In addition, similar to the touch electrode TE, the short-circuit protection electrode SPE set on the transmission area TA of the sixteen sub-pixels SP can form a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk.

[0233] The short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL can be arranged along the second direction and can protrude along the first direction to be electrically connected to the short-circuit protection electrodes SPE on both sides.

[0234] The portion of the touch line TL protruding in the first direction and the portion of the anti-short-circuit electrode drive line SPL protruding in the first direction can be configured to alternate in the second direction.

[0235] Through the above connection structure, the touch electrodes TE included in the sixteen sub-pixels SP can form a touch electrode block TE_blk, and the short-circuit protection electrodes SPE included in the sixteen sub-pixels SP can form a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk.

[0236] The short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be configured to correspond to the touch electrode block TE_blk and can perform different types of touch sensing functions, or can perform functions to improve the touch sensing performance through the touch electrode TE.

[0237] Alternatively, the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be configured differently from the touch electrode block TE_blk and can perform specific functions.

[0238] Reference Figure 10B For example, touch electrodes TE disposed on the transmissive area TA of four sub-pixels SP can form a touch electrode block TE_blk. The four touch electrode blocks TE_blk1, TE_blk2, TE_blk3, and TE_blk4 can be located on an area with sixteen sub-pixels SP.

[0239] The short-circuit protection electrodes SPE set on the transmission area TA of the sixteen sub-pixels SP can form a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk.

[0240] One short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can correspond to four touch electrode blocks TE_blk. One short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can correspond to two or more touch electrode blocks TE_blk. The number of short-circuit protection electrodes SPE included in a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be greater than the number of touch electrodes TE included in a touch electrode block TE_blk.

[0241] Since the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk is set to be larger than the touch electrode block TE_blk, and the number of short-circuit protection electrode blocks SPE_blk is smaller than the number of touch electrode blocks TE_blk, the number of short-circuit protection electrode drive lines SPL used to drive the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be reduced.

[0242] Because the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk is set to be larger than the touch electrode block TE_blk, the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be used for touch sensing that requires higher sensitivity than the touch sensing performed by the touch electrode block TE_blk.

[0243] For example, sensing by the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be performed to identify the position of a finger or pen when it is hovering near the display panel 110. Sensing by the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be performed when an object is nearby, and sensing by the touch electrode block TE_blk can be performed when the object is in contact.

[0244] Therefore, various touch sensing functions can be provided using the short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk.

[0245] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above will now be briefly described.

[0246] A touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate SUB, on which a plurality of sub-pixels SP including a light-emitting region EA and a transmissive region TA are disposed; a light-emitting element ED, which is disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP and includes a first electrode E1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a second electrode E2; a touch electrode TE, which is disposed on the transmissive region TA of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels SP and is configured to be separate from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED; and a short-circuit protection electrode SPE, which is disposed between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the touch electrode TE and is configured to surround the touch electrode TE.

[0247] The touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be made of the same material as the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED.

[0248] The second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, the touch electrode TE, and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be transparent.

[0249] The distance between the touch electrode TE and the substrate SUB, and the distance between the short-circuit protection electrode SPE and the substrate SUB, can be smaller than the distance between the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED and the substrate SUB.

[0250] The short-circuit protection electrode SPE can be set on the transmission region TA of at least one of the multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0251] The touch display device 100 may further include at least one dam structure DAS located between the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE, and a dummy electrode DE disposed on the at least one dam structure DAS.

[0252] The undercut region can be located below the boundary of at least one dam structure DAS, and the dummy electrode DE can be separated from the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0253] At least one dam structure DAS can be located on the transmission region TA of at least one of the multiple sub-pixels SP.

[0254] At least one dam structure DAS can be configured to surround the touch electrode TE.

[0255] The first touch drive signal can be provided to the touch electrode TE during a first period of the touch sensing period, and the second touch drive signal can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE during a second period of the touch sensing period.

[0256] The touch drive signal can be provided to either the touch electrode TE or the short-circuit protection electrode SPE, and the touch sensing signal can be detected from the other of the touch electrode TE and the short-circuit protection electrode SPE.

[0257] The shielding drive signal corresponding to the touch drive signal can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE during at least a portion of the time period during which the touch drive signal is provided to the touch electrode TE.

[0258] A constant voltage can be provided to the short-circuit protection electrode SPE for at least a portion of the time during which the touch drive signal is provided to the touch electrode TE.

[0259] The touch electrode TE can be configured to alternate with the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED along a first direction, and can also be configured to alternate with the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

[0260] Touch electrodes TE, which are disposed on each of at least two or more sub-pixels SP, can be electrically connected to each other to form a touch electrode block TE_blk, and short-circuit protection electrodes SPE, which are disposed on each of at least two or more sub-pixels SP, can be electrically connected to each other to form a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk.

[0261] The number of short-circuit protection electrodes SPE included in a short-circuit protection electrode block SPE_blk can be greater than the number of touch electrodes TE included in a touch electrode block TE_blk.

[0262] The second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED can be electrically connected to the voltage supply line on the transmission region TA.

[0263] The touch display device 100 may further include a touch line TL electrically connected to a touch electrode TE, and a short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL electrically connected to a short-circuit protection electrode SPE. The touch electrode TE may be configured to alternate with a second electrode E2 of a light-emitting element ED along a first direction, and the touch line TL may be configured to alternate with the short-circuit protection electrode drive line SPL along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0264] A touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate SUB on which a plurality of sub-pixels SP including a light-emitting region EA and a transmissive region TA are disposed; a light-emitting element ED disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP and including a first electrode E1, a light-emitting layer EL and a second electrode E2; and a touch electrode TE disposed on the transmissive region TA of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, configured to be separate from the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, and comprising the same transparent material as the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED.

[0265] A touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a substrate SUB on which a plurality of sub-pixels SP including a light-emitting region EA and a transmissive region TA are disposed; a first touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region TA of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels SP; and a second touch electrode disposed on the transmissive region TA of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, electrically separated from the first touch electrode, and disposed around the first touch electrode.

[0266] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the technical ideas of this disclosure, and is given in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent 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 this disclosure. The above description and drawings provide examples of the technical ideas of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, for example, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the widest scope accorded to the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0267] Cross-references to related applications

[0268] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0166415, filed on November 29, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: A substrate having multiple sub-pixels including a light-emitting region and a transmissive region; A light-emitting element is disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; A touch electrode is disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels and is configured to be separate from the second electrode of the light-emitting element; A short-circuit protection electrode is located between the second electrode of the light-emitting element and the touch electrode, and is arranged to surround the touch electrode; as well as The undercut region is located on the boundary of the light-emitting region. The short-circuit protection electrode is separated from the second electrode by the undercut region.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch electrode and the short-circuit protection electrode are made of the same material as the second electrode of the light-emitting element.

3. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode of the light-emitting element, the touch electrode, and the short-circuit protection electrode are transparent.

4. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the touch electrode and the substrate, and the distance between the anti-short-circuit electrode and the substrate, are smaller than the distance between the second electrode of the light-emitting element and the substrate.

5. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit protection electrode is disposed on the transmission region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels.

6. The touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one dam structure, the at least one dam structure being located between the touch electrode and the short-circuit protection electrode; as well as A dummy electrode is disposed on the at least one dam structure.

7. The touch display device according to claim 6, wherein, The undercut region is located below the boundary of the at least one dam structure, and the dummy electrode is separate from the touch electrode and the short-circuit protection electrode.

8. The touch display device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one dam structure is located on the transmission region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels.

9. The touch display device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one dam structure is configured to surround the touch electrode.

10. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, A first touch drive signal is provided to the touch electrode during a first period of the touch sensing period, and a second touch drive signal is provided to the short-circuit protection electrode during a second period of the touch sensing period.

11. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, A touch drive signal is provided to either the touch electrode or the short-circuit protection electrode, and a touch sensing signal is detected from the other of the touch electrode and the short-circuit protection electrode.

12. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, A constant voltage is provided to the short-circuit protection electrode for at least a portion of the time period during which the touch drive signal is provided to the touch electrode.

13. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, A shielding drive signal corresponding to the touch drive signal is provided to the short-circuit protection electrode for at least a portion of the time period during which the touch drive signal is provided to the touch electrode.

14. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch electrode is configured to alternate with the second electrode of the light-emitting element along a first direction, and is configured to alternate with the second electrode of the light-emitting element along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

15. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch electrodes disposed on each of at least two or more of the sub-pixels in the plurality of sub-pixels are electrically connected to each other to form a touch electrode block, and The short-circuit protection electrodes disposed on each of at least two or more of the plurality of sub-pixels are electrically connected to each other to form a short-circuit protection electrode block.

16. The touch display device according to claim 15, wherein, The number of short-circuit protection electrodes included in the one short-circuit protection electrode block is greater than the number of touch electrodes included in the one touch electrode block.

17. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode of the light-emitting element is electrically connected to the voltage supply line in the transmission region.

18. The touch display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A touch line, which is electrically connected to the touch electrode; as well as A short-circuit protection electrode drive line is electrically connected to the short-circuit protection electrode, and The touch electrode is configured to alternate with the second electrode of the light-emitting element along a first direction, and the touch line is configured to alternate with the anti-short-circuit electrode drive line along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

19. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: A substrate having multiple sub-pixels including a light-emitting region and a transmissive region; A light-emitting element is disposed on each of the plurality of sub-pixels and includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode; A touch electrode is disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the touch electrode is configured to be separate from the second electrode of the light-emitting element, and comprises the same transparent material as the second electrode of the light-emitting element; as well as The undercut region is located on the boundary of the light-emitting region. The touch electrode is spaced apart from the second electrode through the undercut region.

20. A touch display device, the touch display device comprising: A substrate having multiple sub-pixels including a light-emitting region and a transmissive region; A first touch electrode is disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels; A second touch electrode is disposed on the transmissive region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels, the second touch electrode being electrically isolated from the first touch electrode and being configured to surround the first touch electrode; as well as An undercut region is disposed between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. The second touch electrode is spaced apart from the first touch electrode through the undercut region.

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