Transparent display device with touch sensor

Abstract

A transparent display device with touch sensors is provided, which can reduce or minimize light transmittance loss caused by touch sensors and touch lines, and can detect line areas in a touch block including defective touch sensors. The transparent display device with touch sensors includes: a substrate having a plurality of transmissive regions and a non-transmissive region disposed between adjacent transmissive regions; a plurality of touch sensors disposed above the substrate in the plurality of transmissive regions, each including touch sensor electrodes; a plurality of pixels disposed above the substrate in the non-transmissive regions, each including an anode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode; touch lines extending in the non-transmissive regions along a first direction and connected to the touch sensor electrodes; and a common power line connected to the cathode to provide cathode power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a transparent display device having a touch sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, research has been actively conducted on transparent display devices in which users can view objects or images located on opposite sides through the display device. The transparent display device includes a display area on which an image is displayed, wherein the display area may include a transmissive region and a non-transmissive region capable of transmitting external light, and may have a high light transmittance through the transmissive region.

[0003] Transparent display devices can be equipped with multiple touch sensors and multiple touch lines to achieve touch functionality. However, the problem with transparent display devices is that it is not easy to form multiple touch sensors and multiple touch lines, or the manufacturing process is more complex and the light transmittance may be reduced due to the presence of multiple touch sensors and multiple touch lines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure was made in view of the above problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a transparent display device that can reduce or minimize the loss of light transmittance caused by touch sensors and touch lines.

[0005] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a transparent display device that can detect defective touch sensors among a plurality of touch sensors disposed in a block.

[0006] In addition to the purposes of this disclosure as stated above, those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes and features of this disclosure from the following description.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the above and other objectives can be achieved by providing a transparent display device with touch sensors, the transparent display device comprising: a substrate having a plurality of transmissive regions and a non-transmissive region disposed between adjacent transmissive regions; a plurality of touch sensors disposed above the substrate in the plurality of transmissive regions and including touch sensor electrodes; a plurality of pixels disposed above the substrate in the non-transmissive regions and including an anode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode; a touch line extending in the non-transmissive region along a first direction and electrically connected to the touch sensor electrodes; and a common power line electrically connected to the cathode to provide cathode power. The non-transmissive region includes a cathode power region to which cathode power is applied via the common power line, the cathode power region including a first cathode power region disposed between adjacent touch sensors along a second direction and a second cathode power region disposed between adjacent touch sensors along the first direction. The second cathode power region may have a higher resistance than the first cathode power region. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view illustrating a transparent display panel;

[0010] Figure 2 This is an example set in Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of pixels in region A;

[0011] Figure 3 This is an example set in Figure 2 A diagram showing examples of signal lines, touch lines, and touch sensors in region B;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationships between multiple touch blocks and multiple touch lines;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between multiple touch lines and multiple touch sensors in a touch block;

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line I-I';

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II';

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III';

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a touch sensor with defects caused by particles in the first undercut structure;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of forming a high-resistance region in the second cathode power supply region;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating another example of forming a high-resistance region in the second cathode power supply region;

[0020] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV' in the diagram;

[0021] Figures 13A to 13C This is a diagram illustrating the current path when a defective touch sensor is generated;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the brightness of multiple pixels when a defective touch sensor is generated;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a defective touch sensor in a touch block; and

[0024] Figure 16 This is an example set in Figure 15 A graph showing the current of each line of multiple pixels in a touch block. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The advantages and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] The shapes, sizes, dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, radius, diameter, area, etc.), ratios, angles, and quantities of the elements disclosed in the accompanying drawings used to describe embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details.

[0027] For ease of description, dimensions including the size and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the illustrated components. Rather, it should be noted that the relative dimensions of the relative sizes, positions, and thicknesses of the components shown in the various drawings included herein are part of this disclosure.

[0028] The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification. In the following description, detailed descriptions that would unnecessarily obscure the focus of this disclosure will be omitted where such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the emphasis of the present disclosure. Where the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used as described in this specification, an additional part may be added unless “only” is used. Unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms.

[0029] When interpreting components, even without an explicit description, the components are interpreted as including a tolerance range.

[0030] When describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship is described as "on ~", "above ~", "below ~", and "near ~", one or more parts may be arranged between two other parts unless "only" or "directly" is used.

[0031] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0032] In describing the elements of this disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used. These terms are intended to identify corresponding elements from other elements, and the basis, order, or number of corresponding elements is not limited by these terms. The expression that an element is "connected" or "linked" to another element should be understood as meaning that the element can be directly connected or linked to another element, but unless specifically mentioned, the element can also be indirectly connected or linked to another element, or a third element can be inserted between corresponding elements.

[0033] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be linked or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may interoperate with each other and be technically driven in various ways, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. Embodiments of this disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view illustrating a transparent display panel.

[0035] In the following text, the X-axis indicates a line parallel to the scan line, the Y-axis indicates a line parallel to the data line, and the Z-axis indicates the height direction of the transparent display device 100.

[0036] Although the specification has been described based on an embodiment of the transparent display device 100 according to this disclosure as an organic light-emitting display device, the transparent display device 100 may be implemented as a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display panel (PDP), a quantum dot light-emitting display (QLED) or an electrophoretic display device.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a transparent display device includes a transparent display panel 110. The transparent display panel 110 may include a display area DA provided with pixels for displaying images and a non-display area NDA for not displaying images.

[0038] The display area DA can be configured with a first signal line SL1, a second signal line SL2, and pixels. The non-display area NDA can be configured with a pad area PA and at least one scan driver 205, and pads PAD are configured in the pad area PA.

[0039] A first signal line SL1 may extend along a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The first signal line SL1 may intersect a second signal line SL2 within the display area DA. The second signal line SL2 may extend within the display area DA along a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). Pixels may be disposed in the area where the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2 intersect each other, and emit predetermined light to display an image.

[0040] The scan driver 205 is connected to the scan line and provides a scan signal to the scan line. The scan driver 205 can be set in the non-display area NDA on one or both sides of the display area DA of the transparent display panel 110 by means of the in-panel gated driver (GIP) method or the tape auto-joining (TAB) method.

[0041] In addition to the first signal line SL1, the second signal line SL2, and pixels, the transparent display panel 110 may also include touch lines and touch sensors to enable touch functionality. (See below for further details.) Figures 2 to 16 Describe the touch line and touch sensor in detail.

[0042] Figure 2 This is an example set in Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of pixels in region A, and Figure 3 This is an example set in Figure 2 A diagram showing examples of signal lines, touch lines, and touch sensors in region B.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the display area DA includes a transmissive area TA and a non-transmissive area NTA. The transmissive area TA is the area through which most of the external incident light passes, and the non-transmissive area NTA is the area through which most of the external incident light cannot pass. For example, the transmissive area TA can be an area with a light transmittance greater than α% (e.g., about 90%), and the non-transmissive area NTA can be an area with a light transmittance less than β% (e.g., about 50%). In this case, α is greater than β. Due to the transmissive area TA, the user can view objects or backgrounds arranged on the rear surface of the transparent display panel 110.

[0044] The non-transmissive region NTA may include a first non-transmissive region NTA1, a second non-transmissive region NTA2, and a plurality of pixels P. Pixel P may be configured to at least partially overlap with at least one of the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2, thereby emitting predetermined light to display an image. The emitting region EA may correspond to the region of pixel P from which light is emitted.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, each pixel P may include at least one sub-pixel selected from a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4. The first sub-pixel SP1 may include a first emitting region EA1 that emits light of a first color. The second sub-pixel SP2 may include a second emitting region EA2 that emits light of a second color. The third sub-pixel SP3 may include a third emitting region EA3 that emits light of a third color. The fourth sub-pixel SP4 may include a fourth emitting region EA4 that emits light of a fourth color.

[0046] The first emitting region EA1, the second emitting region EA2, the third emitting region EA3, and the fourth emitting region EA4 can emit light of different colors. For example, the first emitting region EA1 can emit green light. The second emitting region EA2 can emit red light. The third emitting region EA3 can emit blue light. The fourth emitting region EA4 can emit white light. However, the emitting regions are not limited to this example. Each pixel in pixel P can also include sub-pixels that emit light of colors other than red, green, blue, and white. Furthermore, the arrangement order of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 can be changed in various ways.

[0047] The first non-transmissive region NTA1 can extend along a first direction (Y-axis direction) in the display region DA, and can be configured to at least partially overlap with the light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4. Multiple first non-transmissive regions NTA1 can be disposed in the transparent display panel 110, and a transmissive region TA can be disposed between two adjacent first non-transmissive regions NTA1. In the first non-transmissive region NTA1, a first signal line extending along the first direction (Y-axis direction) and a touch line TL extending along the first direction (Y-axis direction) can be spaced apart from each other.

[0048] For example, the first signal line SL1 may include at least one of the following: pixel power line VDDL, common power line VSSL, reference line REFL, or data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4.

[0049] The pixel power line VDDL can provide the first power to the driving transistor DTR of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4 located in the display area DA.

[0050] The common power line VSSL can provide a second power supply to the cathodes of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 located in the display area DA. In this case, the second power supply can be a common power supply shared by sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.

[0051] The common power line VSSL can supply a second power to the cathode through the cathode contact electrode CCT disposed between the transmission region TA and the common power line VSSL. A power connection line VCL can be disposed between the common power line VSSL and the cathode contact electrode CCT. One end of the power connection line VCL can be connected to the common power line VSSL through the first contact hole CH1, and the other end of the power connection line VCL can be connected to the cathode contact electrode CCT. The cathode can be connected to the cathode contact electrode CCT. Therefore, the cathode can be electrically connected to the common power line VSSL through the power connection line VCL and the cathode contact electrode CCT.

[0052] The reference line REFL can provide an initialization voltage (or reference voltage) to the driving transistor DTR of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4 in the display area DA.

[0053] The reference line REFL can be set between multiple data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4. For example, the reference line REFL can be set in the center of multiple data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4, that is, between the second data line DL2 and the third data line DL3.

[0054] The reference line REFL can branch and connect to multiple sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. Specifically, the reference line REFL can be connected to the circuitry of the multiple sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 to provide an initialization voltage (or reference voltage) to each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.

[0055] When the reference line REFL is positioned close to the edge of the first non-transmissive region NTA1, the deviation between the connection lengths of the circuit elements from the branch point to the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 increases. In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference line REFL is positioned in the middle region of the first non-transmissive region NTA1, thereby reducing or minimizing the deviation between the connection lengths of the circuit elements to each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. Therefore, the reference line REFL can uniformly provide signals to the circuit elements of the plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.

[0056] Each of the data lines DL1, DL2, DL3, and DL4 can provide a data voltage to sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. For example, the first data line DL1 can provide a first data voltage to the first driving transistor of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second data line DL2 can provide a second data voltage to the second driving transistor of the second sub-pixel SP2, the third data line DL3 can provide a third data voltage to the third driving transistor of the third sub-pixel SP3, and the fourth data line DL4 can provide a fourth data voltage to the fourth driving transistor of the fourth sub-pixel SP4.

[0057] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, touch lines TL may also be disposed in a first non-transmissive region NTA1. At least two touch lines TL may be disposed in the first non-transmissive region NTA1. When multiple touch lines TL are disposed in the transmissive region TA of the transparent display panel 110, the light transmittance may be degraded due to the multiple touch lines TL.

[0058] Furthermore, slits can be positioned between multiple touch lines TL, specifically elongated linear or rectangular in shape. When external light passes through the slits, diffraction may occur. According to diffraction, light corresponding to a plane wave may become a spherical wave as it passes through the slits, and interference may occur within the spherical wave. Therefore, constructive and destructive interferences occur within the spherical wave, resulting in irregular light intensity for the external light that has passed through the slits. Consequently, the sharpness of objects or images located on opposite sides may be reduced in the transparent display panel 110. For this reason, the multiple touch lines TL are preferably positioned in the first non-transmissive region NTA1 rather than in the transmissive region TA.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple touch lines TL can be arranged between the first signal line SL1 in the first non-transmissive region NTA1 and the transmissive region TA. For example, six touch lines TL1, TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5, and TL6 can be arranged in one first non-transmissive region NTA1. Three of the six touch lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 can be arranged between the pixel power line VDDL and the transmissive region TA, and the other three touch lines TL4, TL5, and TL6 can be arranged between the common power line VSSL and the transmissive region TA, but are not limited to this arrangement. The multiple touch lines TL need not overlap with the circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 in which circuit elements are disposed, and the arrangement order of the multiple touch lines TL and the first signal line SL1 can be modified in various ways.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a transparent display panel 110 includes pixels P located between adjacent transmissive regions TA, and pixel P may include light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 in which light-emitting elements are configured to emit light. Since the size of the non-transmissive region NTA in the transparent display panel 110 is small, circuit elements may be configured to at least partially overlap with the light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4. That is, the light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 may include circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 in which circuit elements are disposed.

[0061] For example, the circuit region may include a first circuit region CA1 in which a circuit element connected to a first sub-pixel SP1 is disposed, a second circuit region CA2 in which a circuit element connected to a second sub-pixel SP2 is disposed, a third circuit region CA3 in which a circuit element connected to a third sub-pixel SP3 is disposed, and a fourth circuit region CA4 in which a circuit element connected to a fourth sub-pixel SP4 is disposed.

[0062] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple touch lines TL do not overlap with circuit areas CA1, CA2, CA3 and CA4, thereby reducing or minimizing the parasitic capacitance of the touch lines TL caused by circuit elements.

[0063] Furthermore, the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of this disclosure can reduce the horizontal distance difference between touch lines TL. Since at least two transistors and capacitors are disposed in circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4, it is difficult to form touch lines TL in a straight line within circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4, making it difficult for the touch lines TL to have a certain horizontal distance. Therefore, the horizontal distance difference between touch lines TL increases, thereby potentially significantly reducing the uniformity of parasitic capacitance.

[0064] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch lines TL are configured not to overlap with the circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3 and CA4, thereby reducing the influence caused by circuit elements and reducing the horizontal distance difference between the touch lines TL to improve the uniformity of parasitic capacitance.

[0065] The second non-transmissive region NTA2 can extend along the second direction (X-axis direction) in the display area DA, and can be configured to at least partially overlap with the light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4. Multiple second non-transmissive regions NTA2 can be disposed in the transparent display panel 110, and a transmissive region TA can be disposed between two adjacent second non-transmissive regions NTA2. The second signal line SL2 and the touch bridge wiring TBL can be configured to be spaced apart from each other within the second non-transmissive regions NTA2.

[0066] The second signal line SL2 may extend along a second direction (X-axis direction) and may include, for example, a scan line SCANL. The scan line SCANL may provide scan signals to the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 of pixel P.

[0067] The touch bridge connector TBL can connect any one of multiple touch lines TL to a touch sensor TS. The touch bridge connector TBL can be connected to any one of the multiple touch lines TL via the second contact hole CH2. Furthermore, the touch bridge connector TBL can connect to at least two touch sensors TS that are simultaneously arranged in the second direction (X-axis direction) and extending along the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0068] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple touch lines TL can be disposed in a first non-transmissive region NTA1 instead of a second non-transmissive region NTA2, thereby preventing the light transmittance from deteriorating due to the multiple touch lines TL. Figure 3 As shown, the second non-transmissive region NTA2, extending along the second direction (X-axis direction), traverses between adjacent transmissive regions TA. When the width of the second non-transmissive region NTA2, which traverses the transmissive region TA, increases, the size of the transmissive region TA must decrease.

[0069] When multiple touch lines TL are set in the second non-transmissive region NTA2, the width of the second non-transmissive region NTA2 increases to accommodate a large number of lines, and the size of the transmissive region TA decreases. In other words, due to the multiple touch lines TL, the light transmittance of the transparent display panel 110 may decrease.

[0070] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple touch lines TL can be disposed in a first non-transmissive region NTA1, and a single touch bridge connection TBL used only for connecting multiple touch sensors TS can be disposed in a second non-transmissive region NTA2. Therefore, the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce or minimize the reduction in the size of the transmissive region TA or the decrease in light transmittance caused by the multiple touch lines TL and the touch bridge connection TBL.

[0071] A touch sensor TS can be disposed within a transmission area TA. The touch sensor TS can be disposed in each of multiple transmission areas TA and its capacitance can change during user contact. A touch driver (not shown) can be connected to multiple touch sensors TS via multiple touch lines TL to detect capacitance changes in the multiple touch sensors TS.

[0072] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 This section describes in more detail the connection relationships between multiple touch sensors (TS), multiple touch lines (TL), and multiple touch bridge wires (TBL).

[0073] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating the connection relationships between multiple touch blocks and multiple touch lines, and Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between multiple touch lines and multiple touch sensors in a touch block.

[0074] Reference Figures 4 to 5 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the transparent display panel 110 may include a plurality of touch blocks TB. Each touch block TB may include a plurality of pixels P and a plurality of transmissive regions TA configured to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of pixels P, serving as a basic unit for determining the user's touch position. For example, each touch block TB may include 12x15 pixels P and 12x15 touch sensors TS. In this case, when the image resolution is 1920x1080, the touch resolution may be 160x72.

[0075] In this case, the touch sensor TS may include a touch sensor electrode TSE. The touch sensor electrode TSE may be made of the same material as the cathode CE of the pixel P in the same layer. In this case, the touch sensor electrode TSE and the cathode CE may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0076] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since each of the multiple touch lines TL is connected to one of the multiple touch blocks TB, the capacitance change of the touch sensor TS disposed in the connected touch block TB can be sensed. That is, the multiple touch lines TL disposed in the transparent display panel 110 can correspond one-to-one with the multiple touch blocks TB. Therefore, the number of touch lines TL can be the same as the number of touch blocks TB in the transparent display panel 110. For example, when the number of touch blocks TB is 160x72, the touch lines TL can also be 160x72, and can be connected to the touch driver TIC.

[0077] As described above, in order to form as many touch lines TL as there are touch blocks TB, at least two touch lines TL should be disposed in a first non-transmissive area NTA1. For example, when the image resolution is 1920x1080 and the touch resolution is 160x72, six touch lines TL1, TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5, and TL6 can be disposed in a first non-transmissive area NTA1, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this is to form 160x72 touch lines TL in the transparent display panel 110.

[0078] Multiple touch sensors TS set in a touch block TB can be connected to one of multiple touch lines TL set in a touch block TB, such as Figure 5 As shown. For example, twelve first non-transmissive regions NTA1 can be provided in a touch block TB, and six touch lines TL1, TL2, TL3, TL4, TL5, and TL6 can be provided in each of the twelve first non-transmissive regions NTA1. As a result, a touch block TB can be provided with 72 touch lines TL1, ..., TL72. In this case, multiple touch sensors TS provided in a touch block TB can be connected to a specific touch line TL among the 72 touch lines TL1, ..., TL72. At this time, the specific touch line TL can be connected to the multiple touch sensors TS arranged in the second direction (X-axis direction) through a touch bridge wire TBL extending along the second direction (X-axis direction). As a result, multiple touch sensors TS provided in a touch block TB can be electrically connected through the specific touch line TL and the touch bridge wire TBL.

[0079] Each touch line in the multiple touch lines TL can correspond one-to-one with a touch block TB. Therefore, multiple touch blocks TB are connected to different touch lines and are thus electrically isolated from each other. Each touch line TL can connect multiple touch sensors TS disposed in the corresponding touch block TB to the touch driver TIC. Specifically, each touch line TL can transmit the changing capacitance provided by the touch sensors TS disposed in the touch block TB to the touch driver TIC. The touch driver TIC can sense the changing capacitance and determine the user's touch position. Furthermore, each touch line TL can provide the touch sensing voltage generated by the touch driver TIC to the touch sensors TS disposed in the touch block TB.

[0080] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 16 The light-emitting element of the light-emitting area EA, the touch sensor TS of the transmission area TA, and the connection relationship between the touch sensor TS and the touch bridge cable TBL are described in more detail.

[0081] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3A cross-sectional view taken from line I-I'. Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'. Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III', and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a touch sensor with defects caused by particles in the first undercut structure.

[0082] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 9 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first substrate 111 of the transparent display panel 110 may include a plurality of transmissive regions TA and non-transmissive regions NTA. The non-transmissive regions NTA include a plurality of light-emitting regions EA disposed between adjacent transmissive regions TA. The non-transmissive regions NTA may include a first non-transmissive region NTA1 extending along a first direction (Y-axis direction) and a second non-transmissive region NTA2 extending along a second direction (X-axis direction).

[0083] The first non-transmissive region NTA1 includes circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 in which at least one transistor and a capacitor are disposed, and may be provided with a pixel power line VDDL, a common power line VSSL, a reference line REFL, a data line DL, and a touch line TL. The pixel power line VDDL, common power line VSSL, reference line REFL, data line DL, and touch line TL extend along a first direction (Y-axis direction) and are configured not to overlap with the circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4. The second non-transmissive region NTA2 may include a scan line SCANL and a touch bridge connection TBL extending along a second direction (X-axis direction).

[0084] At least one transistor may include a drive transistor (DTR), a switch transistor, and a sensing transistor.

[0085] The switching transistor can be switched according to the scan signal provided to the scan line SCANL to charge the data voltage supplied from the data line DL. The sensing transistor can be used to sense the threshold voltage deviation of the driving transistor DTR based on the sensing signal, which causes degradation of image quality.

[0086] The driving transistor DTR switches according to the data voltage charged in the capacitor to generate data current from the power supplied by the pixel power line VDDL and to supply data current to the first electrode 120 of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The driving transistor DTR includes an active layer ACT, a gate GE, a source SE, and a drain DE.

[0087] like Figure 6As shown, a light-shielding layer LS can be disposed on the first substrate 111. The light-shielding layer LS can be used to block external light incident on the active layer ACT in the region where the driving transistor DTR is disposed. The light-shielding layer LS can comprise a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) or alloys thereof.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transparent display panel 110 may form at least a portion of the pixel power lines VDDL, common power lines VSSL, reference lines REFL, data lines DL, and touch lines TL in the same layer as the light-shielding layer LS. For example, the reference lines REFL and touch lines TL may be made of the same material as the light-shielding layer LS in the same layer as the light-shielding layer LS, but are not limited thereto.

[0089] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 8 As shown, the touch connection line TCL can be in the same layer as the light-shielding layer LS, comprising the same material. One end of the touch connection line TCL can be connected to the touch bridge connection line TBL, and the other end of the touch connection line TCL can be connected to the touch contact electrode TCT through the seventh contact hole CH7. Since the touch connection line TCL extends from the touch bridge connection line TBL disposed in the second non-transparent region NTA2 to the touch contact electrode TCT disposed in the transmissive region TA, the touch connection line TCL intersects with the first undercut structure UC1. The first undercut structure UC1 can be formed by a wet etching process. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the touch connection line TCL can be formed in the same layer as the light-shielding layer LS, thereby preventing the touch connection line TCL from being lost during the wet etching process used to form the first undercut structure UC1.

[0090] The buffer layer BF can be disposed on the light-shielding layer LS. The buffer layer BF is used to protect the transistor DTR from water that has penetrated through the first substrate 111 (which is easily permeable by water), and may include inorganic layers, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or a multilayer of silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers.

[0091] The active layer ACT for driving the transistor DTR can be disposed on the buffer layer BF. The active layer ACT can include silicon-based semiconductor materials or oxide-based semiconductor materials.

[0092] The gate insulating layer GI can be disposed above the active layer ACT of the driving transistor DTR. The gate insulating layer GI can be disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and the transmissive region TA. However, in order to form a first undercut structure UC1 in the transmissive region TA, the gate insulating layer GI can have a first opening region OA1 provided without being disposed in at least a portion of the transmissive region TA. The first opening region OA1 is formed as an exposure buffer layer BF. The gate insulating layer GI can include inorganic layers, such as a silicon oxide layer (SiOx), a silicon nitride layer (SiNx), or a multilayer of silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers.

[0093] The gate GE of the driving transistor DTR can be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate GE may comprise a single layer or multiple layers made of one or an alloy of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and copper (Cu).

[0094] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 7 As shown, the power connection line VCL may contain the same material as the gate GE. One end of the power connection line VCL can be connected to the common power line VSSL through the first contact hole CH1, and the other end of the power connection line VCL can be connected to the cathode contact electrode CCT through the sixth contact hole CH6.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first touch bridge connection TBL1 may be in the same layer as the gate GE and comprise the same material as the gate GE. Specifically, the touch bridge connection TBL may include: a first touch bridge connection TBL1, which is in the same layer as the gate GE and comprises the same material as the gate GE; and a second touch bridge connection TBL2, which is in the same layer as the light-shielding layer LS and comprises the same material as the light-shielding layer LS. The first touch bridge connection TBL1 may be disposed in the region of the second non-transmissive region NTA2 that overlaps with the first non-transmissive region NTA1, and therefore can be connected to one of the multiple touch lines TL through the second contact hole CH2. The second touch bridge connection TBL2 may be disposed in the region of the second non-transmissive region NTA2 that does not overlap with the first non-transmissive region NTA1, and therefore can be connected to the first touch bridge connection TBL1 through the fourth contact hole CH4.

[0096] Touch bridge wiring TBL in Figure 8The diagram shows two layers, but is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the touch bridge wiring TBL may consist only of a first touch bridge wiring TBL1, which is in the same layer as the gate GE and contains the same material as the gate GE. The first touch bridge wiring TBL1 can be connected to one of the multiple touch lines TL through a second contact hole CH2 in the region where the second non-transparent region NTA2 overlaps with the first non-transparent region NTA1. Furthermore, the first touch bridge wiring TBL1 can extend along a second direction (X-axis direction) to connect to the touch connection line TCL through a contact hole.

[0097] The interlayer dielectric layer (ILD) can be disposed on the gate GE of the driving transistor DTR. The ILD can be disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and the transmissive region TA. However, the ILD may have a first opening region OA1, exposing a buffer layer BF, without being disposed in at least a portion of the transmissive region TA, to form a first undercut structure UC1 in the transmissive region TA. The ILD may include inorganic layers, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or a multilayer of silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers.

[0098] The source (SE) and drain (DE) of the driving transistor (DTR) can be disposed on the interlayer dielectric layer (ILD). The source (SE) and drain (DE) of the driving transistor (DTR) can be connected to the active layer (ACT) of the driving transistor (DTR) through a fifth contact hole (CH5) passing through the gate insulating layer (GI) and the interlayer dielectric layer (ILD). The source (SE) and drain (DE) of the driving transistor (DTR) can comprise a single layer or multiple layers made of one or an alloy of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0099] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the pixel power line VDDL, common power line VSSL, reference line REFL, data line DL, and touch line TL can be formed in the same layer as the source SE and drain DE of the driving transistor DTR. For example, the pixel power line VDDL, common power line VSSL, and data line DL can be in the same layer as the source SE and drain DE and comprise the same material as the source SE and drain DE, but are not limited thereto.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cathode contact electrode CCT may be in the same layer as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE, comprising the same material as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 may be provided with a second opening region OA2, which is formed to expose at least a portion of the upper surface of the cathode contact electrode CCT. The second undercut structure UC2 may be formed such that, in the second opening region OA2 of the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2, the planarization layer PLN protrudes further than the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2. Therefore, the second undercut structure UC2 can expose at least a portion of the lower surface of the planarization layer PLN, and can expose at least a portion of the upper surface of the cathode contact electrode CCT without the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 below the exposed lower surface. The cathode contact electrode CCT may be connected to the cathode CE above the upper surface exposed by the second undercut structure UC2. The cathode contact electrode CCT can be connected to the power connection line VCL through the sixth contact hole CH6, and the cathode power supplied from the common power line VSSL can be transmitted to the cathode CE through the power connection line VCL.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection electrode CTE may be in the same layer as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE, comprising the same material as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The connection electrode CTE can electrically connect the touch connection line TCL to the touch contact electrode TCT. One end of the connection electrode CTE can be connected to the touch connection line TCL through the seventh contact hole CH7, and the other end of the connection electrode CTE can be connected to the touch contact electrode TCT through the eighth contact hole CH8. Figure 8 In this embodiment, the touch connection line TCL is shown connected to the touch contact electrode TCT via the connection electrode CTE, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the touch connection line TCL can be directly connected to the touch contact electrode TCT, and in this case, the touch contact electrode TCT can be formed in the same layer as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE.

[0102] A first passivation layer PAS1 for insulating the driving transistor DTR can be disposed on the source SE and drain DE of the driving transistor DTR, and a second passivation layer PAS2 can be disposed on the first passivation layer PAS1.

[0103] The first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 can be disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and the transmissive region TA. However, the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 may have a first opening region OA1 provided without being disposed in at least a portion of the transmissive region TA. The first opening region OA1 exposes the buffer layer BF to form a first undercut structure UC1 in the transmissive region TA. The first opening region OA1 of the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 may at least partially overlap with the first opening region OA1 of the interlayer dielectric layer ILD and the first opening region OA1 of the gate insulating layer GI. The first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 may include inorganic layers, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or a multilayer of silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers.

[0104] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 8 As shown, the touch contact electrode TCT can be disposed between the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2 to electrically connect the touch connection line TCL to the touch sensor electrode TSE. The touch contact electrode TCT can be connected to the connection electrode CTE through the eighth contact hole CH8, and can also be electrically connected to the touch connection line TCL through the connection electrode CTE.

[0105] Furthermore, at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch contact electrode TCT can be exposed through the third undercut structure UC3, and the touch sensor electrode TSE can be connected to the exposed upper surface. Specifically, the second passivation layer PAS2 can be provided with a third opening region OA3, which is formed to expose at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch contact electrode TCT. The third undercut structure UC3 can be formed such that the planarization layer PLN protrudes more than the second passivation layer PAS2 in the third opening region OA3 of the second passivation layer PAS2. Therefore, the third undercut structure UC3 can expose at least a portion of the lower surface of the planarization layer PLN, and can expose at least a portion of the upper surface of the touch contact electrode TCT without the second passivation layer PAS2 below the exposed lower surface. The third undercut structure UC3 can be disposed in the region where the first undercut structure UC1 is disposed. That is, the third undercut structure UC3 can be disposed in the region where the touch sensor TS is disposed.

[0106] Touch sensor electrodes (TSE) can be deposited on the exposed upper surface of touch contact electrodes (TCT) and can be electrically connected to touch contact electrodes (TCT). Touch contact electrodes (TCT) can transmit capacitance changes of the touch sensor electrodes (TSE) to touch lines (TL) via touch connection lines (TCL) and touch bridge lines (TBL).

[0107] A planarization layer PLN can be disposed on the second passivation layer PAS2 to planarize the step difference caused by the driving transistor DTR and multiple signal lines. The planarization layer PLN can be disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA, and may not be disposed in at least a portion of the transmissive region TA, to form a first undercut structure UC1 in the transmissive region TA. The planarization layer PLN may include an organic layer, such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

[0108] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first undercut structure UC1 can be formed using a planarization layer PLN and a plurality of inorganic insulating layers (e.g., a first passivation layer PAS1 and a second passivation layer PAS2, an interlayer dielectric layer ILD, and a gate insulating layer GI). Specifically, the first undercut structure UC1 can be formed such that the planarization layer PLN protrudes more than the plurality of inorganic insulating layers (e.g., the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2, the interlayer dielectric layer ILD, and the gate insulating layer GI) in the direction of the transmission region TA. Therefore, the first undercut structure UC1 can expose at least a portion of the lower surface of the planarization layer PLN, and the plurality of inorganic insulating layers may not be disposed below the exposed lower surface, thereby providing a gap space with the buffer layer BF.

[0109] The first undercut structure UC1 can be formed by a wet etching process. Considering its properties, the wet etching process used to form the first undercut structure UC1 can be isotropic etching. Therefore, in the first undercut structure UC1, the first gap distance d1 from the end of the planarization layer PLN to the ends of the plurality of inorganic insulating layers can be formed in the same manner as the second gap distance d2 from the lower surface of the planarization layer PLN to the upper surface of the buffer layer BF. At this time, the first gap distance d1 of the first undercut structure UC1 should have a minimum distance value, for example, 2 μm or greater, to ensure isolation between the cathode CE and the touch sensor electrode TSE. Therefore, since the second gap distance d2 of the first undercut structure UC1 should be greater than or equal to 2 μm, the sum of the thicknesses of the first passivation layer PAS1, the second passivation layer PAS2, the interlayer dielectric layer ILD, and the gate insulating layer GI can be 2 μm or greater.

[0110] The first undercut structure UC1 is disposed in the transmission region TA and may have a planar closed shape. For example, the first undercut structure UC1 may be disposed along the edge of the transmission region TA. In this case, the first undercut structure UC1 may be disposed around the touch sensor TS.

[0111] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first undercut structure UC1 can be formed using a planarization layer PLN and a plurality of inorganic insulating layers, thereby preventing a reduction in light transmittance due to the first undercut structure UC1.

[0112] The light-emitting element, including the first electrode 120, the organic light-emitting layer 130, and the second electrode 140, as well as the embankment 125, can be disposed on the planarization layer PLN.

[0113] The first electrode 120 can be disposed on the planarization layer PLN for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The first electrode 120 is not disposed in the transmission region TA. The first electrode 120 can be connected to the driving transistor DTR. Specifically, the first electrode 120 can be connected to one of the source SE and drain DE of the driving transistor DTR through contact holes (not shown) passing through the planarization layer PLN and the first passivation layer PAS1 and the second passivation layer PAS2.

[0114] The first electrode 120 may include a highly reflective metallic material, such as a laminated structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a laminated structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an Ag alloy, a laminated structure of Ag alloy and ITO (ITO / Ag alloy / ITO), a MoTi alloy, and a MoTi laminated structure of MoTi alloy and ITO (ITO / MoTi alloy / ITO). The Ag alloy may be an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), etc., and the MoTi alloy may be an alloy of molybdenum (Mo) and titanium (Ti). The first electrode 120 may be an anode.

[0115] A dam 125 may be disposed on the planarization layer PLN. The dam 125 may be configured to at least partially cover the edge of the first electrode 120 and expose a portion of the first electrode 120. Therefore, the dam 125 can prevent the luminous efficiency from deteriorating due to current concentration at the end of the first electrode 120.

[0116] The dam 125 can define the light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The light-emitting regions EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4 of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 represent regions where the first electrode 120, the organic light-emitting layer 130, and the cathode CE are sequentially stacked, and holes from the first electrode 120 and electrons from the cathode CE combine with each other in the organic light-emitting layer 130 to emit light. In this case, the region where the dam 125 is provided can become a non-light-emitting region NEA because light is not emitted from it, and the region where the dam 125 is not provided and the first electrode is exposed can become a light-emitting region EA.

[0117] The embankment 125 may include an organic layer, such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

[0118] An organic light-emitting layer 130 may be disposed on the first electrode 120. The organic light-emitting layer 130 may include a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer. In this case, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 120 and the cathode CE, holes and electrons move to the light-emitting layer through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer, respectively, and combine with each other in the light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0119] In one embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer 130 may be a common layer disposed in sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. In this case, the light-emitting layer may be a white light-emitting layer for emitting white light.

[0120] In another embodiment, the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting layer 130 can be provided for each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. For example, a green light-emitting layer for emitting green light can be provided in the first sub-pixel SP1, a red light-emitting layer for emitting red light can be provided in the second sub-pixel SP2, a blue light-emitting layer for emitting blue light can be provided in the third sub-pixel SP3, and a white light-emitting layer for emitting white light can be provided in the fourth sub-pixel SP4. In this case, the light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting layer 130 is not provided in the transmission region TA.

[0121] The organic light-emitting layer 130 can be separated between the non-transmissive region NTA and the transmissive region TA via the first undercut structure UC1. Specifically, the organic light-emitting layer 130 can be separated via the first undercut structure UC1 into an organic light-emitting layer 131 disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and an organic light-emitting layer 132 disposed in the transmissive region TA. That is, the organic light-emitting layer 131 disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and the organic light-emitting layer 132 disposed in the transmissive region TA can be spaced apart from each other via the first undercut structure UC1.

[0122] The second electrode 140 can be disposed on the organic light-emitting layer 130 and the embankment 125. When the second electrode 140 is deposited on the entire surface, the second electrode 140 can be separated in the case of discontinuity between the non-transmissive region NTA and the transmissive region TA through the first undercut structure UC1. Specifically, the second electrode 140 can be separated by the first undercut structure UC1 into a second electrode CE disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA and a second electrode TSE disposed in the transmissive region TA.

[0123] In this configuration, the second electrode CE disposed in the non-transmissive region NTA can be a cathode CE and is a component constituting the light-emitting element. The cathode CE can be connected to the cathode contact electrode CCT to receive power from the common power line VSSL. The cathode CE can be a common layer disposed in sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 to apply the same voltage.

[0124] Furthermore, the second electrode TSE disposed in the transmission region TA is the touch sensor electrode TSE, and can be a component constituting the touch sensor TS. The touch sensor electrode TSE can be connected to the touch contact electrode TCT to provide capacitance changes to the touch line TL.

[0125] The second electrode 140, which includes the cathode (CE) and the touch sensor electrode (TSE), may comprise a transparent conductive material (TCO) that transmits light, such as ITO and IZO, or a semi-transmissive conductive material, such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the second electrode 140 comprises a semi-transmissive conductive material, the luminous efficiency can be improved through a microcavity.

[0126] The encapsulation layer 150 may be disposed above the light-emitting element and the touch sensor TS. The encapsulation layer 150 may be disposed on the cathode CE and the touch sensor electrode TSE to at least partially cover the cathode CE and the touch sensor electrode TSE.

[0127] The encapsulation layer 150 is used to prevent oxygen or water from penetrating into the organic light-emitting layer 130, the cathode CE, and the touch sensor electrode TSE. For this purpose, the encapsulation layer 150 may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer.

[0128] A color filter CF can be disposed on the encapsulation layer 150. The color filter CF can also be disposed on a surface of the second substrate 112 facing the first substrate 111. In this case, the first substrate 111 with the encapsulation layer 150 and the second substrate 112 with the color filter CF can be bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 160. Here, the adhesive layer 160 can be an optically clear resin (OCR) layer or an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film.

[0129] The color filter CF can be configured to pattern each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. A black matrix BM can be positioned between the color filters CF. The black matrix BM is positioned between sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 to prevent color mixing between adjacent sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. Additionally, the black matrix BM prevents externally incident light from being reflected by multiple lines positioned between sub-pixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 (e.g., scan lines SCANL, pixel power lines VDDL, common power lines VSSL, reference lines REFL, data lines DL, etc.).

[0130] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch sensor electrode TSE of the touch sensor TS and the cathode CE of the light-emitting element can be disposed in the same layer using a first undercut structure UC1. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch process is simplified, and a separate mask for the touch sensor electrode TSE is not required.

[0131] Furthermore, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first undercut structure UC1 can be formed using a planarization layer PLN and a plurality of inorganic insulating layers, thereby enabling the formation of the first undercut structure UC1 without loss of light transmittance.

[0132] Furthermore, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch line TL can be disposed below the light-emitting element, thereby preventing the light-emitting efficiency of pixel P from being degraded due to the touch line TL.

[0133] Furthermore, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch line TL can be configured not to overlap with the circuit regions CA1, CA2, CA3 and CA4, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects caused by circuit elements and improving the uniformity of parasitic capacitance.

[0134] Furthermore, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple touch lines TL can be provided in a first non-transmissive region NTA1, and a single touch bridge wire TBL for connecting multiple touch sensors TS can be provided in a second non-transmissive region NTA2, thereby reducing or minimizing the reduction in size of the transmissive region TA or the decrease in light transmittance caused by the multiple touch lines TL and the touch bridge wire TBL.

[0135] As described above, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch sensor electrode TSE of the touch sensor TS and the cathode CE of the light-emitting element can be separated from each other through the first undercut structure UC1. However, as Figure 9 As shown, in the manufacturing process, particle P may appear in the first undercut structure UC1. In this case, the touch sensor electrode TSE of the touch sensor TS and the cathode CE of the light-emitting element may be electrically connected to each other without being separated.

[0136] Because all touch sensors TS included in a single touch block TB are electrically connected to each other, even if a defect occurs in only one touch sensor TS, all touch sensors TS included in the corresponding touch block TB will malfunction. Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, when the touch sensor electrode TSE of the touch sensor TS and the cathode CE of the light-emitting element are connected to each other to generate a defective touch sensor TS, the user's touch cannot be sensed in the entire touch block TB including the defective touch sensor TS. In this case, multiple defective touch sensors TS may be generated, and these defective touch sensors TS may be set on their respective touch blocks TB that are different from each other. In this case, all the multiple touch blocks TB with multiple defective touch sensors TS may be unable to sense touch, thus potentially increasing the touch defect rate of the transparent display panel 110.

[0137] A transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include elements capable of specifying the line area to which a defective touch sensor TS among a plurality of touch sensors TS included in one of the touch blocks TB is included. Additionally, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch sensor TS and touch bridge wiring TBL included in the specified line area can be electrically decoupled from each other through a repair process.

[0138] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 16 The description describes an element that can specify a line area including a defective touch sensor TS, and describes the use of the element to detect a line area including a defective touch sensor TS.

[0139] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of forming a high-resistance region in the second cathode power supply region. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating another example of forming a high-resistance region in the second cathode power supply region. Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV' in the diagram. Figures 13A to 13C This is a diagram illustrating the current path when a defective touch sensor is generated. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the brightness of multiple pixels when a defective touch sensor is generated. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a defective touch sensor in a touch block, and Figure 16 This is an example set in Figure 15 A graph showing the current of each line of multiple pixels in a touch block.

[0140] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-resistance region may be provided in a cathode power supply region CPA to which a cathode power supply is applied, and the high-resistance region may be used to detect a line region including a defective touch sensor TS.

[0141] Specifically, the non-transmissive region NTA may include a cathode power region CPA for which a cathode power supply is applied. The cathode power region CPA may include a first cathode power region CPA1 disposed between two adjacent touch sensors TS along the second direction (X-axis direction) and a second cathode power region CPA2 disposed between two adjacent touch sensors TS along the first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0142] A transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that the second cathode power region CPA2 has a higher resistance than the first cathode power region CPA1. In one embodiment, the second cathode power region CPA2 may be a high-resistance region with a resistance of 1kΩ or greater.

[0143] like Figure 10 As shown, as one method to realize the second cathode power supply region CPA2 as a high-resistance region, the cathode CE can be formed to be relatively thin.

[0144] The cathode CE may include a first cathode CE1 and a second cathode CE2. The first cathode CE1 may be configured to at least partially overlap with a common power line VSSL extending along a first direction (Y-axis direction). The first cathode CE1 may be connected to the common power line VSSL via a power connection line VCL and a cathode contact electrode CCT, such that cathode power from the common power line VSSL can be applied to the first cathode CE1. The first cathode CE1 may be located in a first cathode power region CPA1 and may have a first width W1.

[0145] The second cathode CE2 can be disposed in the second cathode power supply region CPA2 and can have a second width W2. The second cathode CE2 is in contact with the first cathode CE1, and cathode power from the common power line VSSL can be applied to the second cathode CE2 through the first cathode CE1.

[0146] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second width W2 of the second cathode CE2 can be thinner than the first width W1, such that the second cathode CE2 can have a resistance of 1kΩ or greater. In one embodiment, the second width W2 of the second cathode CE2 can be less than 50μm. Therefore, a high resistance of 1kΩ or greater can be achieved in the second cathode power supply region CPA2 where the second cathode CE2 is disposed.

[0147] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, as another method for realizing the second cathode power region CPA2 as a high-resistance region, the common power line VSSL may include a high-resistance material.

[0148] The common power line VSSL may include a first common power line VSSL1 and a second common power line VSSL2. The first common power line VSSL1 may be disposed in a first cathode power region CPA1 and extend along a first direction (Y-axis direction). The first common power line VSSL1 may include multiple layers. The first common power line VSSL1 may include a first line disposed in a first layer and a second line disposed in a second layer, wherein the first line and the second line can be electrically connected to each other through contact holes. For example, the first common power line VSSL1 may include a first line disposed in the same layer as the source SE and drain DE of the driving transistor DTR, and a second line disposed in a layer disposed between a first passivation layer PAS1 and a second passivation layer PAS2. The first common power line VSSL1 may have a third width W3. The first common power line VSSL1 can be connected to the cathode CE via a power connection line VCL and a cathode contact electrode CCT to apply cathode power to the cathode CE.

[0149] The second common power line VSSL2 can extend along the second direction (X-axis direction). The second common power line VSSL2 can be connected to the first common power line VSSL1 through the ninth contact hole CH9, so that cathode power can be applied to the second common power line VSSL2 through the first common power line VSSL1.

[0150] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second common power line VSSL2 may include a high-resistivity material, such that the second common power line VSSL2 may have a resistance of 1kΩ or greater. In one embodiment, the second common power line VSSL2 may include a silicon-based semiconductor material or an oxide-based semiconductor material. For example, as... Figure 12 As shown, the second common power line VSSL2 can be in the same layer as the active layer ACT of the driving transistor DTR, and includes the same material as the active layer ACT of the driving transistor DTR. The second common power line VSSL2, which is disposed in the same layer as the active layer ACT, can be connected to the first common power line VSSL1, which is disposed in the same layer as the source SE and drain DE, through the ninth contact hole CH9.

[0151] The second common power line VSSL2 can have a fourth width W4 that is smaller than the third width W3. Because the second common power line VSSL2 comprises silicon-based or oxide-based semiconductor material in a thinner manner compared to the first common power line VSSL1, and consists of a single layer, the second common power line VSSL2 can have a high resistance. A high resistance of 1kΩ or greater can be achieved in the second cathode power region CPA2 disposed in the second common power line VSSL2.

[0152] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, a high-resistance region with a high resistance of 1kΩ or greater can be provided in the cathode power supply region CPA, thereby enabling the detection of a line region including a defective touch sensor TS.

[0153] Reference Figures 13A to 13C In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a common power line VSSL can be floated to detect a defective touch sensor TS. The transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a switching transistor STR to float the common power line VSSL. The switching transistor STR can connect the common power line VSSL to or disconnect it from the cathode power supply according to a control signal. The switching transistor STR can also disconnect the common power line VSSL from the cathode power supply according to a defect detection control signal at a cutoff level. When the switching transistor STR is off, the common power line VSSL can be in a floating state. Alternatively, the switching transistor STR can connect the common power line VSSL to the cathode power supply according to a general control signal at a conduction level. When the switching transistor STR is on, a cathode power supply EVSS from the cathode power supply can be applied to the common power line VSSL. The common power line VSSL can then transmit the cathode power supply EVSS to the cathode CE.

[0154] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a voltage can be applied to each of the pixel power line VDDL and the touch line TL. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first voltage, such as 24V, can be applied to the pixel power line VDDL, and a second voltage, such as 0V, lower than the first voltage, can be applied to the touch line TL. In this case, the pixel power line VDDL can be connected to each of the sub-pixels R, W, B, and G of pixels P1, P2, P3, and P4. The touch line TL can be connected to each of the plurality of touch sensors TS1, TS2, TS3, and TS4 via a touch bridge connector TBL.

[0155] When a short circuit occurs between the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third touch sensor TS3 and the cathode CE of the third pixel P3, the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third touch sensor TS3 can be electrically connected to the cathode CE of the third pixel P3. In this case, as... Figure 13AAs shown, a first current can be generated from the pixel power line VDDL with a first voltage to the touch line TL with a second voltage. Specifically, the first current flows from the pixel power line VDDL through the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3 to the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3, and from the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3 through the touch bridge wire TBL to the touch line TL, thereby forming a first current path CP1.

[0156] In addition to the defective third pixel P3, current may be generated between the peripheral pixels P1 and P2 and the defective third touch sensor TS3.

[0157] like Figure 13B As shown, a second current can be generated between the first normal pixel P1 and the defective third touch sensor TS3. In this case, the first normal pixel P1 can be a normal pixel connected to the same pixel power line VDDL as the defective third pixel P3, and can include a pixel disposed from the third defective pixel P3 along a first direction (Y-axis direction).

[0158] In detail, the second current flows from the pixel power line VDDL through the cathode CE of the first normal pixel P1 and the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3 to the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3, and from the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3 through the touch bridge wire TBL to the touch line TL, thereby forming the second current path CP2.

[0159] At this time, the second current can flow from the cathode CE of the first normal pixel P1 through the first cathode CE1 or the first common power line VSSL1 disposed in the first cathode power region CPA1 extending along the first direction (Y-axis direction) to the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3. The first common power line VSSL1 may include multiple layers and may have a third width W3 that is wider than the width of the second common power line VSSL2. In addition, the first cathode CE1 may have a first width W1 that is wider than the width of the second cathode CE2. As a result, the first cathode power region CPA1 may have low resistance. Therefore, even if the second current flows between the cathode CE of the first normal pixel P1 and the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3 through the first cathode CE1 or the first common power line VSSL1 disposed in the first cathode power region CPA1, its amount will not be significantly reduced. That is, the second current may be equal to or similar to the first current.

[0160] like Figure 13CAs shown, a third current can be generated between the second normal pixel P2 and the defective third touch sensor TS3. In this case, the second normal pixel P2 can be a normal pixel connected to a different pixel power line VDDL than the pixel power line VDDL to which the defective third pixel P3 is connected, and can include a pixel disposed from the third defective pixel P3 along a second direction (X-axis direction).

[0161] In detail, the third current flows from the pixel power line VDDL through the cathode CE of the second normal pixel P2 and the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3 to the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3, and from the touch sensor electrode TSE of the third defective touch sensor TS3 through the touch bridge wire TBL to the touch line TL, thereby forming the third current path CP3.

[0162] At this time, a third current can flow from the cathode CE of the second normal pixel P2 through the second cathode CE2 or the second common power line VSSL2 disposed in the second cathode power region CPA2 extending along the second direction (X-axis direction) to the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3. The second common power line VSSL2 may comprise a single layer, may be made of silicon-based semiconductor material or oxide-based semiconductor material, and may have a fourth width W4 narrower than the width of the first common power line VSSL1. In addition, the second cathode CE2 may have a second width W2 narrower than the width of the first cathode CE1. As a result, the second cathode power region CPA2 may have a high resistance Revss. Therefore, when the third current flows between the cathode CE of the second normal pixel P2 and the cathode CE of the third defective pixel P3 through the second cathode CE2 or the second common power line VSSL2 disposed in the second cathode power region CPA2, its amount can be significantly reduced by the high resistance Revss. That is, the amount of the third current can be smaller than the first current or the second current.

[0163] Therefore, the current flows to the second normal pixel P2, which is positioned along the second direction (X-axis direction), at a rate smaller than that of the third defective pixel P3. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the brightness of the second normal pixel P2 can be lower than the brightness of the third defective pixel P3. Furthermore, as the second normal pixel P2 moves further away from the third defective pixel P3 along the second direction (X-axis direction), the length of the second normal pixel P2 passing through the second cathode CE2 or the second common power line VSSL2 disposed in the second cathode power supply region CPA2 increases, thereby increasing the amount of current reduction. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the brightness of the second normal pixel P2 can be reduced as it moves further away from the third defective pixel P3 along the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0164] Furthermore, since the first, second, and third currents all pass through the third defective pixel P3, the brightness of the third defective pixel P3 can be higher than that of its neighboring pixels P1, P2, and P4. Therefore, as Figure 14 As shown, when the first voltage and the second voltage are applied to the pixel power line VDDL and the touch line TL respectively, a bright line B appears in the first direction (Y-axis direction) at the points SCP1 and SCP2 where a short circuit occurs between the touch sensor electrode TSE of the touch sensor TS and the cathode CE of the pixel P.

[0165] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a line region including a defective touch sensor TS can be detected in a touch block TB by utilizing the fact that a bright line B in a first direction (Y-axis direction) appears at the points SCP1 and SCP2 where a short circuit occurs. Specifically, the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a defect detector 210 for detecting the defective touch sensor TS. The defect detector 210 may be a component included in an external circuit board (not shown) or a component included in an external defect inspection device.

[0166] The defect detector 210 can detect touch blocks TB, including defective touch sensors TS, by sensing multiple touch lines TL that are connected one-to-one to multiple touch blocks TB. For example... Figure 15 As shown, a touch block TB may include multiple touch line regions TLA and multiple pixel line regions PLA. In the multiple touch line regions TLA, multiple touch sensors TS are arranged in a row along a first direction (Y-axis direction). In the multiple pixel line regions PLA, multiple pixels P are arranged in a row along the first direction (Y-axis direction). The multiple pixel line regions PLA can be configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple touch line regions TLA, and pixel power lines VDDL can be set in each pixel line region of the multiple pixel line regions PLA.

[0167] The defect detector 210 can detect the touch line region TLA in the touch block TB, which includes a defective touch sensor TS. To this end, the defect detector 210 can control the switching transistor STR to turn off, thereby isolating the common power line VSSL from the cathode power supply. The defect detector 210 can control the application of a first voltage (e.g., 24V) to the pixel power line VDDL, and can control the application of a second voltage (e.g., 0V) lower than the first voltage to the touch line TL.

[0168] The defect detector 210 can sense the current of each pixel line region PLA of multiple pixels P by means of a pixel power line VDDL provided in each pixel line region PLA. The defect detector 210 can detect a defective touch line region TLA, including a defective touch sensor TS, based on the current of each pixel line region PLA of the multiple pixels P. The defect detector 210 can examine pixel line regions PLA with currents higher than those of the left and right pixel line regions PLA, and can determine the touch line region TLA corresponding to the corresponding pixel line region PLA as a defective touch line region TLA including the defective touch sensor TS.

[0169] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, a touch block TB can include at least one of four short-circuit points: SCP1, SCP2, SCP3, and SCP4. The current in each pixel line area PLA of the touch block TB can be as follows: Figure 16 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 16 When a touch block TB includes a first short-circuit point SCP1 (Short_1_0), the current in the second pixel line region X2 can be higher than the current in other pixel line regions X1, X3, ..., X12. When a touch block TB includes a second short-circuit point SCP2 (Short_0_1), the current in the sixth pixel line region X6 can be higher than the current in other pixel line regions X1, ..., X5, X7, ..., X12. Furthermore, when a touch block TB includes both the second short-circuit point SCP2 and the fourth short-circuit point SCP4 (Short_0_2), the current in the sixth pixel line region X6 can be higher than the current in other pixel line regions X1, ..., X5, X7, ..., X12, and can be higher than in the case where there is only one short-circuit point. When a touch block TB includes a third short circuit point SCP3, a second short circuit point SCP2, and a fourth short circuit point SCP4 (Short_1_2), the current in the second pixel line region X2 and the sixth pixel line region X6 can be higher than the current in other pixel line regions X1, X3, X4, X5, X7, ..., X12.

[0170] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch connection line TCL connected to the touch sensor TS included in the detected touch line area TLA can be cut by laser, thereby electrically isolating the defective touch sensor TS and the touch bridge connection line TBL from each other. Therefore, the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can allow other touch sensors TS of the corresponding touch block TB to function normally.

[0171] In a transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by using the high-resistance region of the cathode power supply region CPA, the touch line region TLA, which includes a defective touch sensor TS, can be easily detected in a touch block TB. In this case, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the brightness of multiple pixels P or the current of each pixel line region PLA can be sensed via the pixel power line VDDL, and the sensed brightness or current can be used to detect the touch line region TLA, which includes the defective touch sensor TS. In the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the high-resistance region can be implemented using an existing common power line VSSL or an existing cathode CE. That is, in the transparent display panel 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since no separate signal line is additionally provided for sensing the voltage of the touch sensor TS, the transmittance can be greatly improved compared to a structure that uses a separate sensing line to sense the voltage of the touch sensor TS.

[0172] The following advantages can be obtained according to this disclosure.

[0173] In this disclosure, the touch sensor electrode of the touch sensor and the cathode of the light-emitting element can be formed simultaneously using a first undercut structure, thereby simplifying the touch process and eliminating the need for a separate mask for the touch sensor electrode.

[0174] Furthermore, in this disclosure, by using the high-resistance region of the cathode power supply region, the touch line region TLA, which includes a defective touch sensor TS, can be easily detected in a touch block.

[0175] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the high-resistivity region can be achieved using existing common power lines or existing cathodes. That is, in this disclosure, since no separate signal line is additionally provided for sensing the voltage of the touch sensor, the transmittance can be significantly improved compared to a structure that uses a separate sensing line to sense the voltage of the touch sensor TS.

[0176] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure described above is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described herein, and that various substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made to the disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all variations or modifications intended to be derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A transparent display device with a touch sensor, the transparent display device comprising: A substrate having a plurality of transmissive regions and non-transmissive regions disposed between adjacent transmissive regions; Multiple touch sensors are respectively disposed above the substrate in the multiple transmissive regions, and each touch sensor includes a touch sensor electrode; Multiple pixels are disposed above the substrate in the non-transmissive region, and each pixel includes an anode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode; A touch line that extends along a first direction in the non-transmissive region and is electrically connected to the touch sensor electrode; as well as A common power line, electrically connected to the cathode to provide power to the cathode. The non-transmissive region includes a cathode power supply region, which is supplied with cathode power through the common power line. The cathode power supply region includes a first cathode power supply region disposed between the touch sensors adjacent to each other along the second direction and a second cathode power supply region disposed between the touch sensors adjacent to each other along the first direction. The second cathode power supply region has a higher resistance than the first cathode power supply region.

2. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second cathode power supply region has a resistance of 1kΩ or greater.

3. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein, The cathode includes a first cathode having a first width disposed in the first cathode power region and a second cathode having a second width smaller than the first width disposed in the second cathode power region.

4. The transparent display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second cathode has a resistance of 1kΩ or greater.

5. The transparent display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second width of the second cathode is less than 50 μm.

6. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein, The common power line includes a first common power line disposed in the first layer in the first cathode power region and a second common power line disposed in the second layer in the second cathode power region.

7. The transparent display device according to claim 6, wherein, The second common power line is made of silicon-based semiconductor material or oxide-based semiconductor material.

8. The transparent display device according to claim 6, wherein, The second common power line has a resistance of 1kΩ or greater.

9. The transparent display device according to claim 6, wherein, The first common power line is formed in the same layer as one of the gate, source, and drain of the driving transistor, and The second common power line is disposed in the same layer as the active layer of the driving transistor.

10. The transparent display device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching transistor, the switching transistor electrically connecting the common power line to the cathode power supply or electrically disconnecting the common power line from the cathode power supply.

11. The transparent display device according to claim 10, wherein, The switching transistor separates the common power line from the cathode power supply according to the defect detection control signal, and connects the common power line to the cathode power supply according to the general control signal.

12. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first cathode power supply region overlaps at least partially with the plurality of pixels, and the second cathode power supply region does not overlap with the plurality of pixels.

13. The transparent display device according to claim 1, wherein, The cathode is configured to be in the same layer as the touch sensor electrode and spaced apart from the touch sensor electrode.

14. The transparent display device according to claim 13, further comprising a first undercut structure disposed in the transmissive region and having a planar closed shape. in, The cathode and the touch sensor electrode are separated from each other by the first undercut structure.

15. The transparent display device according to claim 12, further comprising: Multiple touch line areas, wherein the multiple touch sensors are arranged in a row along the first direction; A pixel power line, which is electrically connected to the anode; as well as A defect detector controls the pixel power line and the touch line to apply a first voltage and a second voltage to the pixel power line and the touch line respectively, and determines the touch line region including the defective touch sensor among the plurality of touch line regions based on the current or brightness of the plurality of pixels that emit light through the current generated between the pixel power line and the touch line.

16. The transparent display device according to claim 15, wherein, The pixel power lines are configured as multiple pixel power lines corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of touch line areas, and The defect detector senses the current of each pixel line of the plurality of pixels through the plurality of pixel power lines, and determines the touch line area corresponding to the pixel line whose current is higher than that of the adjacent left and right pixel lines as the line area including the defect touch sensor.

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