Touch panel and display device including the same

By setting conductive patterns and connection wiring of different widths in the touch panel, the capacitance between the touch electrode and the object is improved, the problem of insufficient touch sensitivity in the prior art is solved, and more accurate touch position recognition and input signal processing are achieved. .

CN119292483APending Publication Date: 2025-01-10SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410638410.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-10
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2025-01-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The touch sensitivity of the existing touch panels is insufficient, making it difficult to effectively identify the touch position of the finger or object, affecting the accuracy of the input signal.

Method used

By setting conductive patterns and connection wirings of different widths in the touch panel, a width difference between the touch electrode and connection wiring is formed, the capacitance between the touch electrode and the object is increased, and the capacitance between the connection wiring and the cathode electrode is reduced, thereby improving the capacitance between the connection wiring and the Touch sensitivity.

Benefits of technology

It improves the touch sensitivity of the touch panel, enhances the ability to recognize the touch position of the finger or object, and improves the accuracy of the input signal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Embodiments provide a touch panel and a display device including the same. The touch panel includes: a base substrate; a touch electrode disposed on the base substrate; and a connection wiring connecting the touch electrode to the touch panel driver, in which a width of a first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode is different from a width of a second conductive pattern forming the connection wiring.
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Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0089382 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a touch panel and a display device including the same. Background Art

[0004] Generally, a touch panel is a panel provided on the upper side of a display device to directly contact a hand or an object so that an instruction displayed on the screen of the display device can be selected by a human hand or an object. A display device having a touch panel uses the touch panel to recognize a touch position, receives an instruction from the touch position as an input signal, and operates according to the input signal.

[0005] Display devices with touch panels are increasingly used because they do not require a separate input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0006] The touch panel may be used in the display device, and in this case, the touch panel may be on an upper side of a display image of the display panel, wherein the touch panel may receive a predetermined input from a user to detect position information. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a touch panel with improved touch sensitivity.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device including a touch panel.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a touch panel, including: a base substrate; a touch electrode disposed on the base substrate; and a connecting wiring connecting the touch electrode to a touch panel driver, wherein a width of a first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode is different from a width of a second conductive pattern forming the connecting wiring.

[0010] A width of the first conductive pattern may be wider than a width of the second conductive pattern.

[0011] A width of the first conductive pattern may be greater than about 3 μm, and a width of the second conductive pattern may be less than about 3 μm.

[0012] The touch panel may further include: a light blocking member disposed on the touch electrode; and a color filter disposed at a position corresponding to the opening defined by the light blocking member.

[0013] The light blocking member may have a width wider than at least one of a width of the first conductive pattern and a width of the second conductive pattern.

[0014] The connection wiring may be adjacent to the touch electrode in a first direction, and the touch electrode may further include a protruding portion protruding in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0015] The connection wiring may be adjacent to the touch electrode in a first direction, and a portion of the connection wiring may further include a protruding portion protruding in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0016] The touch panel may further include: a dummy pattern disposed between the plurality of second conductive patterns including the second conductive pattern.

[0017] The touch panel may further include: a plurality of first conductive patterns including the first conductive patterns, wherein at least some of the plurality of first conductive patterns may contact each other.

[0018] The connection wiring may include a first connection wiring extending in a first direction and a second connection wiring extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and at least some of the plurality of second conductive patterns including the second conductive patterns forming the first connection wiring may contact each other.

[0019] The connection wiring may include a first connection wiring extending in a first direction and a second connection wiring extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, and at least some of the plurality of second conductive patterns including the second conductive pattern forming the second connection wiring may be spaced apart from each other.

[0020] The first conductive pattern may include an additional pattern overlapping the light emitting region.

[0021] The touch panel may further include: a dummy pattern overlapping the light emitting area in a trace area including the second conductive pattern.

[0022] The touch panel may further include: a plurality of touch electrodes including the touch electrodes, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes may have the same size.

[0023] The touch electrodes and the connection wirings may be formed on the same layer.

[0024] The touch electrodes and the connection wirings may be formed on different layers.

[0025] The touch panel may further include: a plurality of touch electrodes including the touch electrodes, wherein the connection wiring may be adjacent to the touch panel driver in the second direction, and sizes of the plurality of touch electrodes may decrease in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, including: a display panel; a touch panel disposed on a surface of the display panel; a display panel driver driving the display panel; and a touch panel driver driving the touch panel, wherein the touch panel includes: a base substrate; a touch electrode disposed on the base substrate; and a connecting wiring connecting the touch electrode to the touch panel driver, and a width of a first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode is different from a width of a second conductive pattern forming the connecting wiring.

[0027] A width of the first conductive pattern may be wider than a width of the second conductive pattern.

[0028] The touch panel may further include: a light blocking member disposed on the touch electrode; and a color filter disposed at a position corresponding to the opening defined by the light blocking member, and a width of the light blocking member may be greater than at least one of a width of the first conductive pattern and a width of the second conductive pattern.

[0029] The touch panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the capacitance between the touch electrode and the object (eg, a human finger) by increasing the width of the first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode, thereby improving the touch sensitivity.

[0030] The touch panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the capacitance between the connection wiring and the cathode electrode by reducing the width of the second conductive pattern forming the connection wiring. Therefore, the touch sensitivity can be improved.

[0031] However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and various extensions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device.

[0034] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a display panel and a display panel driver.

[0035] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a touch panel.

[0036] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0037] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 Magnified view of the first area.

[0038] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A touch electrode in the embodiment and a connection wiring connected to the touch electrode.

[0039] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A magnified view of the second region.

[0040] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 A magnified view of the third area.

[0041] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 A magnified view of the fourth region.

[0042] Fig.11 A first conductive pattern of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Fig.12 Shows the formation Fig.11 A second conductive pattern of a first connecting wiring of a display device.

[0044] Fig.13 Shows the formation Fig.11 A second conductive pattern of a second connection wiring of a display device.

[0045] Fig.14 A block diagram of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Fig.15 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is intended to enable the principles and operations of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure to be understood, and any other disclosures may be omitted to avoid blurring the disclosure of more relevant concepts. In addition, the disclosed concepts may be implemented in different forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The embodiments described herein are provided for the purpose of fully describing the technical concepts of the present disclosure in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them.

[0048] Throughout the specification, when an element is described as being "connected" to another element, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" with another device in between. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, or two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ.) As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0049] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first component discussed below may be referred to as the second component.

[0050] For the purpose of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "down", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein, and thereby describe the relationship between an element or feature and another (some) element or feature as shown in the drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can include both above and below orientations. In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and therefore, the spatial relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views which are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations in the shapes of the figures due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances should be expected. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limited to the shapes of the specifically shown regions, but should include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. In addition, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and their shapes may not be intended to illustrate the actual shape of the regions of the device, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 100 may include a touch panel 110 , a display panel 120 , a touch panel driver 130 , and a display panel driver 140 .

[0054] Figure 1 The touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 are shown separated from each other. However, this separation is only used to functionally distinguish the touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 in the display device 100. For example, the touch panel 110 may be formed in a process separate from the display panel 120, and the touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 may be coupled to each other (for example, the touch panel 110 may be attached to and coupled to one surface of the display panel 120). That is, the touch panel 110 may be an additional type. Alternatively, the touch panel 110 and the display panel 120 may be formed in one process (for example, a process for manufacturing the display panel 120). That is, the touch panel 110 may be an embedded type.

[0055] The touch panel 110 may be on one surface of the display panel 120. For example, the touch panel 110 may be provided on one surface (e.g., the upper surface) of the display panel 120 from which an image is projected. In another embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be directly formed on at least one surface of the display panel 120, or formed inside the display panel 120. For example, the touch panel 110 may be directly formed on the outer surface of the upper substrate or the lower substrate of the display panel 120 (i.e., the upper surface of the upper substrate or the lower surface of the lower substrate), or may be directly formed on the inner surface of the upper substrate (i.e., the lower surface of the upper substrate) or the inner surface of the lower substrate (i.e., the upper surface of the lower substrate).

[0056] The touch panel 110 may include a touch area capable of detecting a touch and a non-touch area disposed outside the touch area (eg, a peripheral area or an edge area of ​​the touch area). In an embodiment, the touch area may be disposed to correspond to a display area of ​​the display panel 120 .

[0057] In an embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be disposed such that at least a portion of the touch panel 110 overlaps the display panel 120. For example, a touch area of ​​the touch panel 110 may be disposed in a display area of ​​the display panel 120. In this embodiment, at least one electrode for detecting a touch may be disposed in the touch area.

[0058] The non-touch area may include wiring for electrically connecting at least one electrode provided in the touch area to the touch panel driver 130. The non-touch area of ​​the touch panel 110 may be provided to correspond to or overlap with the non-display area of ​​the display panel 120.

[0059] The display panel 120 includes a display area ( Figure 3 DA in the display area) and a non-display area ( Figure 3 in the NDA).

[0060] The display area may include gate lines ( Figure 3 GL in), data line ( Figure 3 DL) and electrically connected to the gate line ( Figure 3 GL) and data lines ( Figure 3 The sub-pixel ( Figure 3 SP in the non-display area ( Figure 3 The NDA in the embodiment may include a method for providing a method for driving a sub-pixel ( Figure 3 Wiring of various drive signals and / or power in SP).

[0061] The present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of display panel 120. For example, the display panel 120 may be a self-emissive display panel. For example, the display panel 120 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements. For example, the light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the light-emitting element may be an inorganic light-emitting diode such as a micro light-emitting diode (LED) or a quantum dot light-emitting diode. For example, the light-emitting element may be an element in which an organic material and an inorganic material are combined. For example, the display panel 120 may be a non-emissive display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), an electrophoretic display panel (EPD panel), or an electrowetting display panel (EWD panel). When the display panel 120 is a non-emissive display panel, the display device 100 may further include a backlight unit for providing light to the display panel 120.

[0062] The touch panel driver 130 may be connected to the touch panel 110 to transmit or input a signal to the touch panel 110 or to receive a signal output from the touch panel 110. In an embodiment, the touch panel driver 130 may detect a touch by providing a touch drive signal to the touch panel 110 and then receiving a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch drive signal from the touch panel 110. In an embodiment, the touch panel driver 130 may detect a touch by providing a touch drive signal to a capacitor electrically connected to a touch electrode of the touch panel 110 and then receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch panel 110. To this end, the touch panel driver 130 may include a touch drive signal transmitting portion and a touch sensing signal receiving portion. In this embodiment, the touch drive signal transmitting portion and the touch sensing signal receiving portion may be integrated into one integrated circuit (IC), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] The display panel driver 140 may be connected to the display panel 120 to provide signals to the display panel 120 or receive signals from the display panel 120. The display panel driver 140 may, for example, provide gate signals to the gate lines and data voltages to the data lines.

[0064] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device.

[0065] refer to Figure 2 , the display device 100 may include a display panel 120 and a touch panel 110 on the display panel 120. A cover window CW may be on the touch panel 110.

[0066] Figure 2 An example is shown in which the display panel 120 is a self-emissive display panel including a light emitting element. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this type of the display panel 120.

[0067] The display panel 120 may include a first base substrate BSL, a device layer DSL, an encapsulation layer TFE, and a light blocking layer LBL.

[0068] The first base substrate BSL may support the element layer DSL. The first base substrate BSL may include an insulating material. As an example of the insulating material, at least one of glass, quartz, ceramic, and plastic may be included. The first base substrate BSL may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

[0069] The element layer DSL may be disposed on the first base substrate BSL. The element layer DSL may include sub-pixels and signal lines disposed on the first base substrate BSL. The sub-pixels may include thin film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors. In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-pixels may include light-emitting elements electrically connected to the thin film transistors and / or capacitors. The signal lines may include gate lines configured to send gate signals to the sub-pixels and data lines configured to send data voltages. The sub-pixels included in the element layer DSL may be disposed in the display area DA of the display device 100. A common electrode (e.g., a cathode electrode of a light-emitting element or a common electrode of a liquid crystal display) may be formed in the element layer DSL.

[0070] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the element layer DSL. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the element layer DSL from external moisture and / or oxygen. The encapsulation layer TFE may include two or more thin film layers formed on the element layer DSL. For example, the encapsulation layer TFE may include an inorganic thin film layer formed on the element layer DSL, an organic thin film layer formed on the inorganic thin film layer, and an inorganic thin film layer disposed on the organic thin film layer. In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFE may include a glass substrate to cover the element layer DSL. The encapsulation layer TFE may cover the element layer DSL in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA.

[0071] The touch panel 110 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be directly formed on the encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, the touch panel 110 may be formed by a process separate from the display panel 120 to be disposed (e.g., attached) on the encapsulation layer TFE. The touch panel 110 may have a touch area in at least a portion of an area overlapping with the display area DA. The touch panel 110 may have a non-touch area in at least a portion of an area overlapping with the non-display area NDA.

[0072] The light blocking layer LBL may include a color filter as further described below: Figure 5 CF) and light blocking member ( Figure 5 BM in ).

[0073] A cover window CW may be disposed on the touch panel 110. The cover window CW may protect the display panel 120 and the touch panel 110 from external impact. The cover window CW may be implemented with a film of a light-transmitting (eg, transparent) material such as a glass material and / or a plastic material.

[0074] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a display panel and a display panel driver.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 , the display device may include a display panel 120 and a display panel driver 140. The display panel driver 140 may include a driving controller 141, a gate driver 142, and a data driver 143. In an implementation, the driving controller 141 and the data driver 143 may be integrated on a single chip.

[0076] The display panel 120 may include a display area DA displaying an image and a non-display area NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DA. In an implementation, the gate driver 142 may be installed in the non-display area NDA.

[0077] The display panel 120 may include a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, and a plurality of sub-pixels SP electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL may extend in a first direction DR1, and the data lines DL may extend in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1.

[0078] The drive controller 141 may receive input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT from a main processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.). In an embodiment, the input image data IMG may include red image data, green image data, and blue image data. In an embodiment, the input image data IMG may also include white image data. In another example, the input image data IMG may include magenta image data, yellow image data, and cyan image data. The input control signal CONT may include a main clock signal and a data enable signal. The input control signal CONT may also include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

[0079] The driving controller 141 may generate a first control signal CONT1 , a second control signal CONT2 , and a data signal DATA based on input image data IMG and an input control signal CONT.

[0080] The driving controller 141 may generate a first control signal CONT1 for controlling the operation of the gate driver 142 based on the input control signal CONT, and may output the first control signal CONT1 to the gate driver 142. The first control signal CONT1 may include a vertical start signal and a gate clock signal.

[0081] The driving controller 141 may generate a second control signal CONT2 for controlling the operation of the data driver 143 based on the input control signal CONT, and may output the second control signal CONT2 to the data driver 143. The second control signal CONT2 may include a horizontal start signal and a load signal.

[0082] The driving controller 141 may receive and use the input image data IMG and the input control signal CONT to generate a data signal DATA. The driving controller 141 may output the data signal DATA to the data driver 143.

[0083] The gate driver 142 may generate a gate signal for driving the gate line GL in response to the first control signal CONT1 received from the driving controller 141. The gate driver 142 may output the gate signal to the gate line GL. For example, the gate driver 142 may sequentially output the gate signal to the gate line GL.

[0084] The data driver 143 may receive the second control signal CONT2 and the data signal DATA from the driving controller 141. The data driver 143 may generate a data voltage obtained by converting each digital value of the data signal DATA into an analog voltage. The data driver 143 may output the data voltage to the data line DL.

[0085] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A block diagram of an example of a touch panel.

[0086] refer to Figure 4 , the touch panel 110 may include a second base substrate 111, a touch electrode TE, a pad portion PAD, and a connection wiring CL.

[0087] The second base substrate 111 is a substrate used as a substrate for the touch panel 110, and may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. For example, the second base substrate 111 may be a rigid substrate including glass or tempered glass or a flexible substrate including a thin film of a flexible plastic material. The touch electrode TE, the pad portion PAD, and the connection wiring CL may be provided on the second base substrate 111. In an embodiment, the second base substrate 111 may be omitted (or replaced with another component). For example, when the touch electrode TE is directly formed on the display panel ( Figure 1 120) in the above, the second base substrate 111 can be made of the above-mentioned first base substrate ( Figure 2 BSL) or encapsulation layer ( Figure 2 The TFE in the

[0088] The touch electrodes TE may be arranged in the touch area TA. The touch electrodes TE may be arranged in an array extending in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the touch electrodes TE may be arranged in the row direction and the column direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the shape, size and / or arrangement direction of the touch electrodes TE.

[0089] In an embodiment, the touch panel driver 130 may detect a touch by supplying a touch drive signal to the touch panel 110 and receiving a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch drive signal from the touch panel 110. In an embodiment, the touch panel driver 130 may detect a touch by supplying a touch drive signal to a capacitor electrically connected to the touch electrode TE (or the connection wiring CL) and receiving a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch drive signal from the touch panel 110.

[0090] When an object (e.g., a human finger) approaches one of the touch electrodes TE, capacitance may be formed between the touch electrode TE and the object (e.g., a human finger). Then, as the capacitance changes, the touch sensing signal changes, and the touch panel driver 130 may detect a touch by detecting the change in the touch sensing signal.

[0091] The pad portion PAD may be provided in the non-touch area NTA of the touch panel 110. The pad portion PAD may include one or more pads. Each pad may connect a corresponding touch electrode TE to the touch panel driver 130. The connection wiring CL may electrically connect the pad portion PAD and the touch electrode TE.

[0092] In an embodiment, the touch electrodes TE and the connection wirings CL may be formed on the same layer. In an embodiment, the touch electrodes TE may each have the same size. In the example shown, the connection wirings CL may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the associated touch electrodes TE in the first direction DR1.

[0093] In an embodiment, the touch electrode TE and the connection wiring CL may be formed on different layers. Figure 4 Unlike shown in , the touch electrode TE and the connection wiring CL may overlap. In this case, the size of the trace area including the connection wiring CL may be reduced.

[0094] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0095] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the pixel defining film PDL, the light emitting element EL, the encapsulation layer TFE, the conductive pattern CP, the insulating layer INS, the light blocking member BM and the color filter CF may be disposed on the first base substrate BSL. The pixel defining film PDL and the light emitting element EL may be included in the above element layer ( Figure 2 The conductive pattern CP and the insulating layer INS may be included in the above touch panel ( Figure 2 110).

[0096] The light emitting element EL may include a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE and a light emitting layer EML. The light emitting layer EML is disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the second electrode CE. Each sub-pixel may include at least one light emitting element EL, and Figure 5 Three of the light emitting elements EL that emit light having three different colors, ie, red, green, and blue, are shown.

[0097] Each first electrode AE ​​may correspond to an associated sub-pixel. A pixel defining film PDL may be disposed on the first electrode AE ​​and may be patterned to expose a portion of the first electrode AE. Each first electrode AE ​​may correspond to an anode electrode of an associated light-emitting element EL. The first electrode AE ​​may include a metal layer such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr) and alloys thereof and / or a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) and indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO).

[0098] The pixel definition film PDL may overlap with the non-luminous area NEM. The pixel definition film PDL may include an organic insulating layer containing an organic material. As the organic material, one or more of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin and polyimide resin may be selected. The pixel definition film PDL may include a light absorbing material. The pixel definition film PDL may include a light absorber to absorb light introduced from the outside. For example, the pixel definition film PDL may include a carbon-based black pigment. Alternatively, the pixel definition film PDL may include an opaque metal material such as chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum and titanium (MoTi), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni) having a high light absorptivity. However, the pixel definition film PDL is not limited to these examples.

[0099] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed to overlap with a region in which at least a portion of the pixel defining film PDL is removed to expose the first electrode AE. The light emitting layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. Depending on the organic material included in the light emitting layer EML, the light emitting layer EML may emit light in a first wavelength band (e.g., a red wavelength band) through a first light emitting region EMA_R, may emit light in a second wavelength band (e.g., a green wavelength band) through a second light emitting region EMA_G, or may emit light in a third wavelength band (e.g., a blue wavelength band) through a third light emitting region EMA_B.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, one light emitting region (e.g., the second light emitting region EMA_G) may be different from the other two light emitting regions. For example, the area of ​​the second light emitting region EMA_G may be smaller than the area of ​​the first light emitting region EMA_R or the third light emitting region EMA_B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all areas of the first light emitting region EMA_R, the second light emitting region EMA_G, and the third light emitting region EMA_B may be the same.

[0101] The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML. The second electrode CE may be integrally formed into a film to cover the light emitting area EMA and the non-light emitting area NEM. The second electrode CE may correspond to the cathode electrode of each of the light emitting elements EL. The second electrode CE may include a metal layer made of silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir) or chromium (Cr) and / or a light-transmitting conductive layer made of ITO, IZO, ZnO or ITZO. For example, the second electrode CE may be formed by a multilayer of two or more layers including a thin metal layer. For example, the second electrode CE may include three layers of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0102] In some embodiments, the light emitting element EL may further include a hole transport layer (not shown) disposed between the first electrode AE ​​and the light emitting layer EML, and an electron transport layer (not shown) disposed between the second electrode CE and the light emitting layer EML.

[0103] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE. The encapsulation layer TFE may have a stacked structure in which an inorganic material, an organic material, and an inorganic material are sequentially formed into films. The encapsulation layer TFE may be formed by sequentially forming a first inorganic encapsulation layer IOL1 including an inorganic material, an organic encapsulation layer OL including an organic material, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer IOL2 including an inorganic material. The encapsulation layer TFE may protect the light emitting element EL (e.g., the light emitting layer EML) from external moisture and / or oxygen.

[0104] The conductive pattern CP may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFE. The conductive pattern CP may form the touch electrode TE and the connection wiring CL.

[0105] The insulating layer INS may insulate the touch electrodes TE from each other. The insulating layer INS may insulate the connection wirings CL from each other. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the touch electrodes TE may be insulated from each other by the insulating layer INS, and the connection wirings CL may be insulated from each other by the insulating layer INS.

[0106] The light blocking member BM may be disposed on the insulating layer INS. The light blocking member BM may overlap the conductive pattern CP. The light blocking member BM may absorb or block light introduced from the outside. The light blocking member BM may include an organic light blocking material. For example, the organic light blocking material may include at least one of carbon black (CB) and titanium black (TiBK), but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The light blocking member BM may define a plurality of light blocking regions and light-transmitting openings. In this embodiment, the light blocking member BM may be formed by a patterning process or a printing process using a mask. The light-transmitting openings may overlap with the light-emitting region EMA.

[0108] The color filter CF may be disposed at a position corresponding to the light-transmitting opening. For example, the color filter CF may be disposed to fill the light-transmitting opening. In this embodiment, the color filter CF may cover at least a portion of the light blocking member BM. Depending on the color of the light emitted from the light-emitting area EMA, the color filter CF may be one of a first color filter CF_R, a second color filter CF_G, and a third color filter CF_B.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the area of ​​the light blocking member BM may be wider than the area of ​​the conductive pattern CP of the lower layer. For example, the width of the light blocking member BM may be wider than at least one of the conductive pattern CP forming the touch electrode TE and the conductive pattern CP forming the connection wiring CL. That is, a portion of the light blocking member BM does not overlap with the conductive pattern CP, and the conductive pattern CP may completely overlap with the light blocking member BM.

[0110] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 an enlarged view of the first region, and Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 one touch electrode and a connection wiring connected to the one touch electrode.

[0111] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive pattern CP may be a conductive layer or a conductive mesh as further described below, and the cutting lines (or cutting surfaces) separate it into a plurality of conductive regions. In particular, the touch electrodes TE overlapping the first region AR1 may be separated by the cutting lines (or cutting surfaces). Figure 6 As shown in , the first touch electrode TE1 may be disposed at the top of the first area AR1 (in the second direction DR2), and a cutting line (or cutting surface) separates the first touch electrode TE1 from the second touch electrode TE2. Figure 6 As shown in , the second touch electrode TE2 may be separated from the first touch electrode TE1 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 by a distance corresponding to a cutting line (or cutting surface) between the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. Similarly, the second touch electrode TE2 may be separated from the third touch electrode TE3 in the second direction DR2 by a distance corresponding to a cutting line (or cutting surface) between the second touch electrode TE2 and the third touch electrode TE3.

[0112] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 The second touch electrode TE2 and the connection wirings CL1 and CL2 connected to the second touch electrode TE2.

[0113] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the conductive pattern CP may be formed in a grid shape, and the cutting lines (or cutting surfaces) separate it into components such as the touch electrodes TE and the connection wirings CL. Thus, the conductive pattern CP may form the touch electrodes TE and the connection wirings CL. Each connection wiring CL may be adjacent to or extend from its associated touch electrode TE (in the first direction DR1). The touch electrode TE may reside in the sensing area SA of the conductive pattern CP, and the connection wiring CL may reside in the trace area NSA of the conductive pattern CP.

[0114] One edge of each of the touch electrodes TE may have one or more protruding portions protruding in the second direction DR2 and one or more recessed portions recessed relative to the protruding portions in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. An opposite edge of the touch electrode TE may have one or more protruding portions protruding in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 and one or more recessed portions recessed relative to the protruding portions in the second direction DR2. For example, the edge of each of the touch electrodes TE may have a sawtooth shape or a sine shape.

[0115] Each connection wiring CL may include a first connection wiring CL1 extending in the first direction DR1 and a second connection wiring CL2 extending in the second direction DR2. For example, the first connection wiring CL1 may be directly connected to the touch electrode TE, and the second connection wiring CL2 may connect the first connection wiring CL1 to the pad portion ( Figure 4 in the PAD).

[0116] A portion of the connection wiring CL may have one or more protrusions protruding in the second direction DR2. A portion of the connection wiring CL may have one or more protrusions protruding in the opposite direction of the second direction DR2. For example, one or more edges of the connection wiring CL may have a sawtooth shape or a sine shape.

[0117] The first dummy pattern DP1 may be included between the conductive patterns CP forming the first connection wiring CL1. The first dummy pattern DP1 may not be connected to the touch electrode TE and the connection wiring CL. For example, the first dummy pattern DP1 may be insulated from the conductive patterns CP forming the touch electrode TE and the conductive patterns CP forming the connection wiring CL.

[0118] Figure 7The conductive pattern CP in the touch electrode TE may form grids having different geometric shapes in different regions. Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 An enlarged view of the second area AR2, Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 an enlarged view of a third area AR3, and Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 More specifically, Figure 8 shows a portion of the conductive pattern CP in the second area AR2, Fig. 9 A portion of the conductive pattern CP in the third area AR3 is shown, and Fig.10 A portion of the conductive pattern CP of the fourth area AR4 is shown.

[0119] refer to Figures 7 to 10 , the conductive patterns CP1 and CP2 in the conductive pattern CP may overlap with the non-light emitting area NEM. In addition, some of the openings defined by the conductive patterns CP1 and CP2 may overlap with the light emitting area EMA. For better understanding and ease of description, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The opening defined by the conductive patterns CP1 and CP2 overlaps with the light emitting area EMA, but as shown Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4 , the opening defined by the conductive patterns CP1 and CP2 may be wider than the light emitting area EMA.

[0120] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example is shown in which each of the first conductive patterns CP1 and each of the second conductive patterns CP2 has a zigzag shape and extends substantially in the second direction DR2. The width W1 of each of the first conductive patterns CP1 forming the touch electrode TE may be different from the width W2 of each of the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the connection wiring CL. The width W1 of the first conductive pattern CP1 may be wider than the width W2 of the second conductive pattern CP2. For example, the width W1 of the first conductive pattern CP1 may be greater than about 3 μm, and the width W2 of the second conductive pattern CP2 may be less than about 3 μm.

[0121] The first conductive pattern CP1 forms the touch electrode TE, and the larger the width W1 of the first conductive pattern CP1 is, the larger the capacitance can be provided between the touch electrode TE and the object (e.g., a human finger). In addition, the second conductive pattern CP2 forms the connection wiring CL, and the narrower the width W2 of the second conductive pattern CP2 is, the larger the capacitance can be provided between the connection wiring CL and the cathode electrode (e.g., Figure 5The lower the capacitance provided between the second electrode CE in the touch electrode TE, the lower the capacitance provided between the second electrode CE in the touch electrode TE. The touch sensitivity may increase as the capacitance between the touch electrode TE and the object (eg, a human finger) increases. In addition, the touch sensitivity may increase as the capacitance between the touch electrode TE or the connection wiring CL and the cathode electrode (eg, Figure 5 Therefore, the touch sensitivity can be improved by increasing the width W1 of the first conductive pattern CP1 and reducing the width W2 of the second conductive pattern CP2.

[0122] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , at least some of the first conductive patterns CP1 may contact each other. Since the touch sensing signal is provided from the touch electrode TE to the first connection wiring CL1, the first group of first conductive patterns CP1 extending in the second direction DR2 may contact each other to provide electrical conduction in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the second group of first conductive patterns CP1 different from the first group thereof may be spaced apart from each other similarly to the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the second connection wiring CL2 as further described below.

[0123] refer to Figure 7 and Fig. 9 At least some of the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the first connection wiring CL1 may contact each other. Since the touch sensing signal is provided from the first connection wiring CL1 to the second connection wiring CL2, some of the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the first connection wiring CL1 extending in the second direction DR2 may contact each other to provide electrical conduction in the first direction DR1.

[0124] refer to Figure 7 and Fig.10 , at least some of the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the second connection wiring CL2 may be spaced apart from each other. Since the second connection wiring CL2 extends in the second direction DR2 to connect to the pad portion PAD, the second conductive patterns CP2 forming the second connection wiring CL2 extending in the second direction DR2 do not need to contact each other and may not contact each other.

[0125] Fig.11 shows a first conductive pattern that can be used in a touch electrode of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.12 shows that it can be used to connect to Fig.11 a second conductive pattern in a first connection wiring of a touch electrode, and Fig.13 shows that it can be used to connect to Fig.11 The second conductive pattern in the second connecting wiring of the first connecting wiring.

[0126] Since in addition to the additional pattern AP and the second dummy pattern DP2, the Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The display device of the conductive pattern shown in FIG. 1 can be substantially the same as the configuration of the above-mentioned display device, so Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The same reference numerals and reference symbols are used for the same or similar constituent elements, and repeated descriptions may be omitted below.

[0127] refer to Figures 8 to 10 as well as Figures 11 to 13 ,and Figures 8 to 10 different, Figures 11 to 13 The conductive patterns CP in may be formed using a mesh form to which the additional patterns AP or the second dummy patterns DP2 have been added. Fig.11 The first conductive pattern CP1 in the touch panel may include an additional pattern AP overlapping the light emitting area EMA. The additional pattern AP may contact the adjacent first conductive pattern CP1 or be a part of the adjacent first conductive pattern CP1. The touch panel may also include a trace area ( Figure 7 The second dummy pattern DP2 overlaps the light emitting area EMA in the NSA in the image processing apparatus. For example, the second dummy pattern DP2 may be generated by cutting the additional pattern AP from the first dummy pattern DP1.

[0128] The second dummy pattern DP2 may not be connected to the connection wiring CL. For example, the second dummy pattern DP2 may be insulated from the second conductive pattern CP2 forming the connection wiring CL.

[0129] Fig.14 A block diagram of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0130] Since in addition to the configuration of the touch electrode TE and the connection wiring CL, Fig.14 The touch panel 110 and Figure 4 The touch panel 110 in FIG. 1 is substantially the same, and thus the same reference numerals and reference symbols are used for the same or similar constituent elements, and repeated descriptions may be omitted below.

[0131] refer to Fig.14 , the touch electrodes TE and the connection wirings CL may be formed on the same layer. The size of the touch electrodes TE may be gradually reduced in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. Since the touch electrodes TE and the connection wirings CL are formed on the same layer, the size of the touch electrodes TE may be gradually reduced in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2 to provide space for the connection wirings CL while allowing most of the touch electrodes TE to be more closely spaced in the first direction DR1.

[0132] Fig.15 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0133] refer to Fig.15 , the electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output device 1040, a power supply device 1050, and a display device 1060. In this case, the display device 1060 may be Figure 1 In addition, the electronic device 1000 may also include several ports capable of communicating with a graphics card, a sound card, a memory card, a USB device, etc. or communicating with other systems. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a smart phone. However, this is an example, and the electronic device 1000 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a mobile phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a vehicle navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display device, a television, etc.

[0134] The processor 1010 can perform specific calculations or tasks. In some embodiments, the processor 1010 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, an application processor, etc. The processor 1010 can be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, or a data bus. In some embodiments, the processor 1010 can also be connected to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0135] The memory device 1020 may store data required for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include a nonvolatile memory device such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) device, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device, a flash memory device, a phase change random access memory (PRAM) device, a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nano floating gate memory (NFGM) device, a polymer random access memory (PoRAM) device, a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device, and a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) device, and / or a volatile memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a static random access memory (SRAM) device, and a mobile DRAM device.

[0136] The storage device 1030 may include a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a CD-ROM, or the like.

[0137] The input / output device 1040 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch pad, a touch screen, a mouse, etc. and output devices such as a speaker, a printer, etc. In some embodiments, the display device 1060 may be included in the input / output device 1040 .

[0138] The power supply device 1050 may provide power required for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply device 1050 may be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0139] The display device 1060 may display an image corresponding to the visual information of the electronic device 1000. In this case, the display device 1060 may be an organic light emitting display device or a quantum dot light emitting display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device 1060 may be connected to other components via a bus or other communication links.

[0140] The present disclosure can be applied to display devices and electronic devices including the same. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to digital TVs, 3D TVs, mobile phones, smart phones, tablet computers, VR devices, PCs, home electronic devices, laptop computers, PDAs, PMPs, digital cameras, music players, portable game consoles, navigation, etc.

[0141] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A touch panel comprising: base substrate; A touch electrode, disposed on the base substrate; as well as connecting wiring to connect the touch electrodes to a touch panel driver, The width of the first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode is different from the width of the second conductive pattern forming the connection wiring.

2. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the first conductive pattern is wider than the width of the second conductive pattern.

3. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the first conductive pattern is greater than 3 μm, and The width of the second conductive pattern is less than 3 μm.

4. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising: a light blocking member disposed on the touch electrode; as well as A color filter is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening defined by the light blocking member.

5. The touch panel according to claim 4, wherein: The light blocking member has a width greater than at least one of the width of the first conductive pattern and the width of the second conductive pattern.

6. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The connection wiring is adjacent to the touch electrode in a first direction, and A portion of the touch electrode further includes a protruding portion protruding in a second direction crossing the first direction.

7. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The connection wiring is adjacent to the touch electrode in a first direction, and A portion of the connection wiring further includes a protruding portion that protrudes in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

8. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The second conductive pattern is provided as a plurality of second conductive patterns, and The touch panel further includes: a dummy pattern disposed between the plurality of second conductive patterns.

9. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive pattern is provided as a plurality of first conductive patterns, and At least some of the plurality of first conductive patterns contact each other.

10. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The connection wiring includes a first connection wiring extending in a first direction and a second connection wiring extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The second conductive pattern forming the first connection wiring is provided as a plurality of second conductive patterns, and at least some of the plurality of second conductive patterns are in contact with each other.

11. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The connection wiring includes a first connection wiring extending in a first direction and a second connection wiring extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The second conductive patterns forming the second connection wiring are provided as a plurality of second conductive patterns, and at least some of the plurality of second conductive patterns are spaced apart from each other.

12. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive pattern includes an additional pattern overlapping the light emitting area.

13. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising: The dummy pattern overlaps the light emitting area in the trace area including the second conductive pattern.

14. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrodes are arranged as a plurality of touch electrodes, and The plurality of touch electrodes have the same size.

15. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrodes and the connection wirings are formed on the same layer.

16. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrodes and the connection wirings are formed on different layers.

17. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: The touch electrodes are arranged as a plurality of touch electrodes, The connection wiring is adjacent to the touch panel driver in the second direction, and The sizes of the plurality of touch electrodes decrease in a direction opposite to the second direction.

18. A display device comprising: Display panel; A touch panel, disposed on a surface of the display panel; A display panel driver, driving the display panel; as well as a touch panel driver for driving the touch panel, Wherein, the touch panel comprises: base substrate; A touch electrode is disposed on the base substrate; and connecting wiring to connect the touch electrodes to the touch panel driver, and A width of a first conductive pattern forming the touch electrode is different from a width of a second conductive pattern forming the connection wiring.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The width of the first conductive pattern is wider than the width of the second conductive pattern.

20. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The touch panel further comprises: a light blocking member disposed on the touch electrode; and a color filter disposed at a position corresponding to the opening defined by the light blocking member, and The light blocking member has a width greater than at least one of the width of the first conductive pattern and the width of the second conductive pattern.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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