Display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including: a first touch signal line and a second touch signal line disposed on a first insulating layer; a second insulating layer disposed on the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line; a first communication portion and a second communication portion connected to the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line through a first contact hole and a second contact hole included in the second insulating layer, respectively; the common electrode is arranged on the second insulating layer, the first communication part is connected with the common electrode, and the second communication part is not connected with the common electrode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of November 12, 2021, application number 202111369027.4, and invention name “Display device including touch sensor and manufacturing method thereof”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a display device including a touch sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0003] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices that display images in various forms has gradually increased. To this end, various types of display devices have been used, such as liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) and electroluminescent display devices (ELDs).

[0004] Electroluminescent display devices (ELDs) may include quantum dot light-emitting display devices including quantum dots (QDs), inorganic light-emitting display devices, and organic light-emitting display devices.

[0005] Furthermore, the display device may include a touch sensor so as to enable intuitive use by the user.

[0006] Display devices that include touch sensors include multiple touch electrodes. Because the touch sensor is located on the display panel, touch electrodes with a metal mesh structure comprising multiple touch electrode lines have been proposed. Pattern defects such as short circuits may occur in touch electrode lines with a metal mesh structure. Pattern inspection and repair processes are used to detect defects and repair the touch electrodes.

[0007] However, since the touch electrodes having the metal mesh structure are formed of the same material and have a complicated structure, there is a problem in that it takes a lot of time to inspect defective locations in pattern inspection and repair processes, thereby reducing productivity of the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including a touch sensor capable of sensing touch, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a display device including a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, which can improve productivity.

[0010] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a display device comprising: a display panel comprising a plurality of pixels; and a touch sensor, the touch sensor having a first touch electrode, a second touch electrode, and a first touch signal line and a second touch signal line arranged to overlap with the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode, respectively, wherein the first touch electrode comprises: a first lower electrode line comprising a first connection portion, a second lower electrode line comprising a second connection portion and a third connection portion, and a first upper electrode pattern, the first upper electrode pattern being arranged above the first lower electrode line and the second lower electrode line and connected to the first lower electrode line and the second lower electrode line through the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the third connection portion, wherein the second touch electrode comprises: a third lower electrode line comprising a fourth connection portion, a fourth lower electrode line comprising a fifth connection portion and a sixth connection portion, and a second upper electrode pattern, the second upper electrode pattern being arranged between the third lower electrode line and the fourth lower electrode line Above and connected to the third lower electrode line and the fourth lower electrode line through the fourth connecting portion, the fifth connecting portion and the sixth connecting portion, wherein the first touch signal line is arranged to overlap with the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line and the fourth lower electrode line, and the first touch signal line includes a seventh connecting portion and an eighth connecting portion respectively overlapping with the first lower electrode line and the third lower electrode line, wherein the second touch signal line is arranged to overlap with the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line and the fourth lower electrode line, and the second touch signal line includes a ninth connecting portion and a tenth connecting portion respectively overlapping with the second lower electrode line and the fourth lower electrode line, wherein the first upper electrode pattern is connected to the first touch signal line among the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line, and the second upper electrode pattern is connected to the second touch signal line among the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line.

[0011] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a display device, comprising: a first touch signal line and a second touch signal line arranged on a first insulating layer; a second insulating layer arranged on the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line; a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion being connected to the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line through a first contact hole and a second contact hole included in the second insulating layer, respectively; and a common electrode arranged on the second insulating layer, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the common electrode, and the second connecting portion is not connected to the common electrode.

[0012] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: providing a gate insulating layer on a lower substrate, and providing a first lower electrode line including a first connection portion, a second lower electrode line including a second connection portion and a third connection portion, a third lower electrode line including a fourth connection portion, and a fourth lower electrode line including a fifth connection portion and a sixth connection portion; providing a first insulating layer above the first lower electrode line, the second lower electrode line, the third lower electrode line, and the fourth lower electrode line, and providing a first touch signal line including a seventh connection portion and an eighth connection portion, and a second touch signal line including a ninth connection portion and a tenth connection portion on the first insulating layer. line; a second insulating layer is provided on the second touch signal line, and a plurality of contact holes are formed in the second insulating layer, each contact hole is provided at a position overlapping with the first connection part, the second connection part, the third connection part, the fourth connection part, the fifth connection part, the sixth connection part, the seventh connection part, the eighth connection part, the ninth connection part and the tenth connection part; and a first upper electrode pattern connected to the first connection part, the second connection part, the third connection part and the seventh connection part, and a second upper electrode pattern connected to the fourth connection part, the fifth connection part, the sixth connection part and the tenth connection part are provided on the second insulating layer.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a display device including a touch sensor capable of detecting a touch and thus being manipulated by a user's touch and a method of manufacturing the same may be provided.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a display device including a touch sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, which can improve productivity by facilitating inspection in a manufacturing process, can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a structural diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line I′-I′.

[0017] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a timing diagram illustrating driving of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a touch sensor employed in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figures 6A to 6E is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7A is a plan view illustrating a partial area in which one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged to overlap with each other.

[0022] Figure 7B It is a diagram Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the II-II' section shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 8A is a plan view illustrating a partial area in which one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged to overlap with each other.

[0024] Figure 8B It is a diagram Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the III-III' section shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are shown by way of example to illustrate specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented, and the same reference numerals and symbols may be used in the accompanying drawings to refer to the same or similar components, even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of well-known functions and components involved in this document would make the subject matter of some embodiments of the present invention unclear, their detailed description will be omitted. As used herein, terms such as "including," "having," "comprising," and "consisting of" are generally intended to allow for the addition of other components unless these terms are used with the term "only."

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(A)," or "(B)" may be used herein to describe elements of the present invention. Each of these terms is not used to limit the nature, order, sequence, or quantity of the elements, but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0028] When referring to a first element being “connected or joined” or “overlapping” or the like with a second element, it should be understood that the first element may not only be “directly connected or joined” or “directly in contact with or overlap” the second element, but also that a third element may be “interposed” between the first and second elements, or that the first and second elements may be “connected or joined” or “overlapping” each other via a fourth element, etc. Here, the second element may be included in at least one of the two or more elements that are “connected or joined” or “in contact with or overlap” or the like with each other.

[0029] When time relative terms such as “after,” “subsequently,” “next,” “before,” etc. are used to describe a process or operation of an element or structure, or a flow or step in an operating method, a processing method, or a manufacturing method, these terms can be used to describe non-continuous or non-sequential processes or operations unless the terms “directly” or “immediately” are used together.

[0030] Furthermore, when any dimension, relative size, etc. is mentioned, even if no relevant description is given, it should be considered that the numerical value (e.g., level, range, etc.) of the element or feature or corresponding information includes tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impact, noise, etc.). In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "can."

[0031] Figure 1 is a structural diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , the display device 100 may include a display panel 110 , a data driver circuit 120 , a gate driver circuit 130 , a touch sensor 140 , and a controller 150 .

[0033] The display panel 110 may include a plurality of pixels P101 arranged in a matrix. Each of the plurality of pixels 101 may emit red light, green light, and blue light. However, the color of light emitted from each pixel 101 is not limited thereto. In addition, the display panel 110 may have a rectangular shape.

[0034] The display panel 110 includes a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, and a plurality of pixels 101 may be connected to the plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and the plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm. Each pixel 101 may receive a data signal transmitted through the data lines DL1 to DLm in response to a gate signal transmitted through the gate lines GL1 to GLn. However, the lines provided on the display panel 110 are not limited thereto.

[0035] The data driver circuit 120 is connected to a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm and can transmit data signals to the pixels 101 through the data lines DL1 to DLm. Although one data driver circuit 120 is shown here, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be an integrated circuit.

[0036] The gate driver circuit 130 may be connected to the gate lines GL1 to GLn and may provide gate signals to the plurality of pixels 101 through the gate lines GL1 to GLn. Here, the gate driver circuit 130 is shown as being disposed on one side of the display panel 110, but is not limited thereto and may be disposed on both sides of the display panel 110.

[0037] In addition, one gate driver circuit may be connected to odd-numbered gate lines, and another gate driver circuit may be connected to even-numbered gate lines. In addition, the display device 100 does not include a separate gate driver circuit, and a gate signal generating circuit for generating gate signals may be provided on the display panel 110 .

[0038] The touch sensor 140 may be disposed to overlap the display panel 110 and may sense a user touching the display panel 110. The touch sensor 140 may include a plurality of touch electrodes and a touch line for transmitting a touch signal to each touch electrode.

[0039] The controller 150 may control the data driver circuit 120 and the gate driver circuit 130. The controller 150 may provide the image signal RGB and the data control signal DCS to the data driver circuit 120, and may provide the gate driver circuit 130 with a gate control signal GCS.

[0040] Furthermore, the controller 150 may control the touch sensor 140. The controller 150 may provide a touch signal to the touch sensor 140 and receive a touch signal corresponding to a user's touch from the touch sensor 140, thereby calculating the touch position. The touch signal may include a touch drive signal for driving a plurality of touch electrodes and a touch sensing signal for detecting a touch in response to the touch drive signal. The controller 150 is shown herein as a single component, but is not limited thereto. The controller 150 may include a timing controller for controlling the data driver circuit 120 and the gate driver circuit 130, as well as a touch controller for controlling the touch sensor 140.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 sectional view of the display device along line II' shown in FIG.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 , the display device 100 may include a lower substrate 110 a and an upper substrate 110 b .

[0043] In the lower substrate 110a, it is possible to set Figure 1 A plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn and a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm are shown in FIG, and a plurality of pixels 101 connected to the gate lines GL1 to GLn and the data lines DL1 to DLm may be provided.

[0044] A column spacer 310 may be disposed between the lower substrate 110 a and the upper substrate 110 b , and a gap between the lower substrate 110 a and the upper substrate 110 b may be maintained by the column spacer 310 .

[0045] Liquid crystal 320 may be disposed between the lower substrate 110a and the upper substrate 110b. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal 320, the molecular alignment of the liquid crystal 320 may be determined. Furthermore, the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal 320 may be determined based on the molecular alignment of the liquid crystal 320. Pixel electrodes 340 and a common electrode 350 may be disposed on the lower substrate 110a. In response to voltages applied to the pixel electrodes 340 and the common electrode 350, an electric field may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 320.

[0046] The display device 100 can be operated by dividing the driving time into a display period for displaying an image and a touch sensing period for detecting a touch. In addition, the common electrode can be operated by dividing the driving time into a display period and a touch sensing period. Specifically, a common voltage Vcom as a predetermined DC voltage can be supplied to the common electrode during the display period, and a touch driving signal or a load-free driving signal can be supplied to the common electrode during the touch sensing period.

[0047] In addition, a first polarizing plate 360a may be provided on the lower surface of the lower substrate 110a, and a second polarizing plate 360b may be provided on the upper surface of the upper substrate 110b. The first polarizing plate 360a and the second polarizing plate 360b may block or transmit light traveling from the lower substrate 110a toward the upper substrate 110b in response to the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal 320.

[0048] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 , a plurality of pixels may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns on the display panel 110. For convenience of explanation, four pixels among the plurality of pixels provided on the display panel 110 are illustrated.

[0050] The first pixel 101a may be arranged in an area where the first row and the first column intersect among a plurality of pixel rows and columns, the second pixel 101b may be arranged in the second row and the second column, the third pixel 101c may be arranged in the first row and the second column, and the fourth pixel 101d may be arranged in the second row and the third column. The first pixel 101a may include a drive transistor M1a connected to the gate line G1 to receive a data signal from the data line D1 in response to a gate signal; a storage capacitor Csta for storing the data signal; and a liquid crystal capacitor CLCa connected in parallel with the storage capacitor Csta. The second through fourth pixels 101b through 101d may also have the same structure as the first pixel 101a, including drive transistors M1b, M1c, and M1d; storage capacitors Cstb, Cstc, and Cstd; and liquid crystal capacitors CLCb, CLCc, and CLCd, respectively.

[0051] The first pixel 101 a and the second pixel 101 b may receive a data signal from the first data line D1 , and the third pixel 101 c and the fourth pixel 101 d may receive a data signal through the second data line D2 .

[0052] In addition, the first pixel 101a and the third pixel 101c can receive a gate signal from the first gate line G1, and the second pixel 101b and the fourth pixel 101d can receive a gate signal from the second gate line G2. In addition, the first gate line G1 and the second gate line G2 can be disposed adjacent to each other and can be disposed in a space between the first pixel 101a and the third pixel 101c and between the second pixel 101b and the fourth pixel 101d, respectively.

[0053] The first to fourth pixels 101a to 101d may be disposed between a first common voltage line Vcom1 and a second common voltage line Vcom2. The first common voltage line Vcom1 may provide a common voltage to the first and third pixels 101a and 101c, and the second common voltage line Vcom2 may provide a common voltage to the second and fourth pixels 101b and 101d.

[0054] As shown in the figure, when two of the pixel columns are arranged to be connected to one data line D1 or the other data line D2, respectively, the number of pixel columns provided on the display panel 110 can be reduced by half.

[0055] Therefore, in the display panel 110 in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in an m*n form, the number of data lines can be reduced to m / 2. When the number of data lines is reduced, the number of lines provided on the display panel 110 is also reduced, thereby improving the aperture ratio of the display panel 110. In addition, the size of the data driver circuit 120 that outputs the data signal can be reduced.

[0056] Figure 4is a timing diagram illustrating driving of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 , the display device 100 can operate by dividing the driving time into a display period Td and a touch sensing period Ts. In the display period Td, the display device 100 can provide a data signal to each pixel 101 to emit light. The display device 100 can operate by dividing the driving time into a display period Td and a touch sensing period Ts in response to the touch synchronization signal Tsync.

[0058] When the touch synchronization signal Tsync is in a low state, the display device 100 may operate in a display period Td, and when the touch synchronization signal Tsync is in a high state, the display device 100 may operate in a touch sensing period Ts.

[0059] In the display device 100, the common electrode may receive a no-load driving signal during the touch sensing period Ts. In the display device 100, a touch driving signal may be provided to a specific touch signal line among a plurality of touch signal lines, and a no-load driving signal LFD synchronized with the touch driving signal may be transmitted to other touch signal lines.

[0060] In addition, the touch driving signal applied to the touch electrode for sensing a touch may have the same phase and amplitude as the no-load driving signal, and thus may be signals that are indistinguishable from each other.

[0061] Due to the unloaded driving signal, a signal difference between a specific touch signal line receiving the touch driving signal and other touch signal lines not receiving the touch driving signal may be minimized, thereby preventing parasitic capacitance from being generated between the touch signal lines.

[0062] When parasitic capacitance is not generated between touch signal lines, power consumption can be reduced in the display device 100. In addition, since noise can be reduced in the touch signal lines of the display device 100, a touch can be more accurately detected by a touch sensing signal.

[0063] Here, although the lengths of the display period Td and the touch sensing period Ts are shown to be the same, they are not limited thereto. In addition, the touch sensing period Ts may be included in a blanking period. The blanking period may be included in any one of the vertical blanking period and the horizontal blanking period. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0064] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a touch sensor employed in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Reference Figure 5The touch sensor 140 may include a plurality of touch electrodes TE, each of which may be connected to the touch circuit 640 via a touch signal line. Here, only one touch signal line TELa is shown connected to only one touch electrode TEa, but this is for illustration purposes only. The touch electrode TEa connected to the touch signal line TELa may be a touch electrode to which a touch drive signal is applied.

[0066] The touch circuit 640 may be connected to the touch electrode TEa through the touch signal line TELa. The touch circuit 640 may include Figure 1 , and may include a feedback capacitor Cf. The amplifier 641 may receive the common voltage Vcom or the no-load drive signal LFD through the positive input terminal (+). Here, since the no-load drive signal LFD is a signal having the same frequency and phase as the touch drive signal, it can be understood that the amplifier 641 receiving the no-load drive signal LFD is also provided with the touch drive signal.

[0067] Available in Figure 4 The common voltage Vcom is transmitted during the display period Td shown in FIG. Figure 4 The no-load driving signal LFD is transmitted in the touch sensing period Ts shown. A negative input terminal (-) of the amplifier 641 may be connected to the touch signal line TELa and may receive current flowing through the touch signal line TELa.

[0068] The no-load drive signal LFD may be transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) of the amplifier 641. Furthermore, the no-load drive signal LFD transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) of the amplifier 641 may be transmitted to the touch electrode TEa through the negative input terminal (-). The amplifier 641 may compare the no-load drive signal LFD transmitted through the positive input terminal (+) with the signal transmitted through the negative input terminal (-), and may sense a touch by storing the comparison result as a predetermined voltage in the feedback capacitor Cf.

[0069] Figures 6A to 6E is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Figures 6A to 6E The touch sensor 140 may include a first touch electrode TE1, a second touch electrode TE2, and a first touch signal line 611 and a second touch signal line 612 disposed to overlap the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2, respectively. The first touch electrode TE1 may be connected to the first touch signal line 611, and the second touch electrode TE2 may be connected to the second touch signal line 612.

[0071] First, if Figure 6AAs shown in FIG, a first lower electrode line 601 including a first connection portion 601a and a second lower electrode line 602 including a second connection portion 602a and a third connection portion 602b may be arranged. In addition, a third lower electrode line 603 including a fourth connection portion 603a and a fourth lower electrode line 604 including a fifth connection portion 604a and a sixth connection portion 604b may be provided.

[0072] The first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 may extend in the first direction F1. The first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 may be disposed on a gate insulating layer (not shown) on the lower substrate 110a.

[0073] The distance d1 between the first connection portion 601a and the second connection portion 602a, the distance d2 between the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b, and the distance d3 between the third connection portion 602b and the first connection portion 601a may be the same as the distance d4 between the fourth connection portion 603a and the fifth connection portion 604a, the distance d5 between the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b, and the distance d6 between the sixth connection portion 604b and the fourth connection portion 603a, respectively. As a result, the arrangement pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b may be the same as the arrangement pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b.

[0074] If the setting pattern of the first connection part 601a, the second connection part 602a and the third connection part 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 is different from the setting pattern of the fourth connection part 603a, the fifth connection part 604a and the sixth connection part 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604, it is difficult to perform pattern inspection on the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604. However, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the setting pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 is the same as the setting pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604, pattern inspection of the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604 can be performed after setting the first lower electrode line 601 to the fourth lower electrode line 604.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 6BAs shown in FIG, a first touch signal line 611 including a seventh connection portion 611a and an eighth connection portion 611b and a second touch signal line 612 including a ninth connection portion 612a and a tenth connection portion 612b may be provided. The first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 may extend along the second direction F2.

[0076] The first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 may be disposed on the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 , and a first insulating layer (not shown) may be disposed between the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 and the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 .

[0077] The distance S1 between the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a may be the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b. Since the distance S1 between the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a becomes the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b, the arrangement pattern of the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a may be the same as the arrangement pattern of the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b.

[0078] If the arrangement pattern of the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a is different from the arrangement pattern of the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b, it is difficult to perform pattern inspection on the seventh connection portion 611a, the eighth connection portion 611b, the ninth connection portion 612a, and the tenth connection portion 612b. However, in the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the arrangement pattern of the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a is the same as the arrangement pattern of the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b, the pattern inspection of the seventh connection portion 611a, the eighth connection portion 611b, the ninth connection portion 612a, and the tenth connection portion 612b can be performed after the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 are arranged.

[0079] In addition, you can Figure 6C As shown in FIG, a second insulating layer 621 is provided. The second insulating layer 621 may be provided on the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 613. Furthermore, a plurality of contact holes 621h may be formed in the second insulating layer 621. Since the contact holes 621h are regularly spaced apart on the second insulating layer 621, the plurality of contact holes 621h have a predetermined pattern. Therefore, the pattern of the plurality of contact holes 621h formed after providing the second insulating layer 621 is uniform, making it possible to perform pattern inspection of the second insulating layer 621.

[0080] In addition, if Figure 6DAs shown in , an upper electrode pattern may be provided. The upper electrode pattern may be provided on the second insulating layer 621. The upper electrode pattern provided at a position corresponding to the first touch electrode TE1 may be referred to as a first upper electrode pattern 631, 631a, 631b, and the upper electrode pattern provided at a position corresponding to the second touch electrode TE2 may be referred to as a second upper electrode pattern 632, 632a, 632b.

[0081] The first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b may include a first sensing pattern 631, and a first connecting pattern 631a and a first island pattern 631b corresponding to the first sensing pattern 631. The first connecting pattern 631a is a pattern connected to the first sensing pattern 631, and the first island pattern 631b is a pattern not connected to the first sensing pattern 631.

[0082] The first connection pattern 631a can be connected to the first connection portion 601a of the first lower electrode line 601, or the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b of the second lower electrode line 602, through the contact hole 621h. Furthermore, the first connection pattern 631a can be connected to the seventh connection portion 611a of the first touch signal line 611 through the contact hole 621h. Furthermore, the first island pattern 631b can be connected to the ninth connection portion 612a of the second touch signal line 612 through the contact hole 621h. Therefore, the touch drive signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 can be transmitted to the first detection pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a. However, since the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first detection pattern 631, the touch drive signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the first detection pattern 631.

[0083] The second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may include a second sensing pattern 632, and a second connecting pattern 632a and a second island pattern 632b corresponding to the second sensing pattern 632. The second connecting pattern 632a is connected to the second sensing pattern 632, and the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second sensing pattern 632.

[0084] The second connection pattern 632a can be connected to the fourth connection portion 603a of the third lower electrode line 603, or the fifth connection portion 604a of the fourth lower electrode line 604, or the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b of the fourth lower electrode line 604, through a contact hole 621h. The second connection pattern 632a can be connected to the tenth connection portion 612b of the second touch signal line 612 through a contact hole 621h. Furthermore, the second island pattern 632b can be connected to the eighth connection portion 611b of the first touch signal line 611 through a contact hole 621h. Therefore, the touch drive signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 can be transmitted to the second detection pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b. However, since the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second detection pattern 632, the touch drive signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 is not transmitted to the second detection pattern 632.

[0085] In addition, if Figure 6E As shown in FIG, the first lower electrode line 601 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 631 through the first connection portion 601a, and the second lower electrode line 602 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 631 through the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b. Therefore, the first lower electrode line 601, the second lower electrode line 602, and the first sensing pattern 631 may become the first touch electrode TE1.

[0086] In addition, the third lower electrode line 603 may be connected to the second sensing pattern 632 via the fourth connection portion 603a, and the fourth lower electrode line 604 may be connected to the second sensing pattern 632 via the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b. Therefore, the third lower electrode line 603, the fourth lower electrode line 604, and the second sensing pattern 632 may become the second touch electrode TE2.

[0087] Furthermore, the first touch signal line 611 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a and the first connection pattern 631a, and the second touch signal line 612 may be connected to the second sensing pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b and the second connection pattern 632a.

[0088] Therefore, the touch drive signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 can be transmitted to the first detection pattern 631 through the seventh connection portion 611a. However, since the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first detection pattern 631, the touch drive signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the first detection pattern 631.

[0089] In addition, the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b may include a second sensing pattern 632, and a second connection pattern 632a and a second island pattern 632b corresponding to the second sensing pattern 632. The second connection pattern 632a is a pattern connected to the second sensing pattern 632, and the second island pattern 632b is a pattern not connected to the second sensing pattern 632. The second connection pattern 632a may be connected to the fourth connection portion 603a of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b of the fourth lower electrode line 604 via a contact hole. In addition, the second connection pattern 632a may be connected to the tenth connection portion 612b of the second touch signal line 612 via a contact hole 621h.

[0090] The second island-shaped pattern 632b can be connected to the eighth connection portion 611b of the first touch signal line 611 through the contact hole 621h. That is, the touch drive signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 can be transmitted to the second detection pattern 632 through the tenth connection portion 612b. However, since the second island-shaped pattern 632b is not connected to the second detection pattern 632, the touch drive signal transmitted through the first touch signal line 611 is not transmitted to the second detection pattern 632.

[0091] In addition, the touch sensor 140 may include a third touch electrode TE3 having the same pattern as the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2. The third upper electrode patterns 633, 633a, and 633b may include a third sensing pattern 633, and a third connection pattern 633a and a third island pattern 633b corresponding to the third sensing pattern 633. The third connection pattern 633a is a pattern connected to the third sensing pattern 633, and the third island pattern 633b is a pattern not connected to the third sensing pattern 633.

[0092] exist Figure 4 During the display period Td shown, a common voltage Vcom is applied to the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b; and during the touch sensing period Ts, a no-load drive signal LFD may be applied to the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b. During the display period Td, the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may each apply the common voltage Vcom to the plurality of pixels 101.

[0093] Figure 7A is a plan view illustrating a partial area where one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged to overlap with each other, Figure 7BIt is a diagram Figure 7A The cross-sectional view of the II-II' section shown in FIG. Figure 7A Part A shows the Figure 6E The first upper electrode patterns 631 , 631 a and 631 b are shown in which the first sensing pattern 631 is connected to the first touch signal line 611 through the first connection pattern 631 a .

[0094] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B , the first touch signal line 611 may be provided on the lower substrate 110a. A first insulating layer (not shown) may be provided between the first touch signal line 611 and the lower substrate 110a. In addition, a second insulating layer 621 may be provided on the first touch signal line 611. A contact hole 621h may be formed in the second insulating layer 621. The contact hole 621h may be provided to overlap with the first touch signal line 611.

[0095] In addition, first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b may be provided on the second insulating layer 621. Figure 2 The common electrode 350 shown in FIG. Among the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b, the first sensing pattern 631 may correspond to the common electrode 350. In addition, an electrode pattern 731 may be provided on the second insulating layer 621. The electrode pattern 731 may correspond to Figure 2 The pixel electrode 340 shown in FIG. The first sensing pattern 631 and the electrode pattern 731 are not connected to each other. In addition, a first via 806a may be formed in the contact hole 621h through the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, and 631b.

[0096] The first connecting portion 806a may contact the first touch signal line 611. Therefore, the first sensing pattern 631 may receive a touch signal from the first touch signal line 611 via the first connecting pattern 631a formed with the first connecting portion 806a. The first connecting portion 806a may be connected to the common electrode 350. In addition, a color filter 802 may be provided under the second insulating layer 621.

[0097] Figure 8A is a plan view illustrating a partial area where one pixel and a touch sensor of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged to overlap with each other, Figure 8B It is a diagram Figure 8A The cross-sectional view of the III-III' section shown in FIG. Figure 8A , part B shows where Figure 6EThe first upper electrode patterns 631 , 631 a and 631 b are shown as portions of the first sensing pattern 631 that are not connected to the second touch signal line 612 due to the first island pattern 631 b .

[0098] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the second touch signal line 612 may be provided on the lower substrate 110a. A first insulating layer (not shown) may be provided between the second touch signal line 612 and the lower substrate 110a. In addition, a second insulating layer 621 may be provided on the second touch signal line 612. A contact hole 621h may be formed in the second insulating layer 621. The contact hole 621h may be provided to overlap with the second touch signal line 612.

[0099] In addition, second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b may be provided on the second insulating layer 621. A pixel electrode 340 and a common electrode 350 may be provided on the second insulating layer 621 via the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b. The pixel electrode 340 and the common electrode 350 are not connected to each other. In addition, a second connecting portion 806b may be formed in the contact hole 621h via the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, and 632b.

[0100] The second communication portion 806b may contact the second touch signal line 612. However, the second communication portion 806b is separated from the common electrode 350 by a predetermined distance i. Therefore, the touch signal transmitted through the second touch signal line 612 is not transmitted to the common electrode 350. In addition, a color filter 802 may be provided under the second insulating layer 621.

[0101] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 , lower electrode lines may be provided on the lower substrate 110a (step S900). The lower electrode lines may include first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604. The first lower electrode line 601 may include a first connection portion 601a, and the second lower electrode line 602 may include a second connection portion 602a and a third connection portion 602b. In addition, the third lower electrode line 603 may include a fourth connection portion 603a, and the fourth lower electrode line 604 may include a fifth connection portion 604a and a sixth connection portion 604b.

[0103] In addition, a gate insulating layer may be disposed on the lower substrate 110 a , and the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 may be disposed over the gate insulating layer.

[0104] The distance d1 between the first connection portion 601a and the second connection portion 602a, the distance d2 between the second connection portion 602a and the third connection portion 602b, and the distance d3 between the third connection portion 602b and the first connection portion 601a may be the same as the distance d4 between the fourth connection portion 603a and the fifth connection portion 604a, the distance d5 between the fifth connection portion 604a and the sixth connection portion 604b, and the distance d6 between the sixth connection portion 604b and the fourth connection portion 603a, respectively. Therefore, the arrangement pattern of the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b of the first lower electrode line 601 and the second lower electrode line 602 may be the same as the arrangement pattern of the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b of the third lower electrode line 603 and the fourth lower electrode line 604.

[0105] Since the patterns of the first and second lower electrode lines 601 and 602 are the same as the patterns of the third and fourth lower electrode lines 603 and 604, after arranging the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604, a pattern inspection may be performed to inspect whether the patterns of the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 are the same. Defects in the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 may be identified through the pattern inspection.

[0106] In addition, a first insulating layer may be provided above the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604, and a first touch signal line 611 including a seventh connection portion 611a and an eighth connection portion 611b and a second touch signal line 612 including a ninth connection portion 612a and a tenth connection portion 612b may be provided on the first insulating layer (step S910).

[0107] The distance S1 between the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a may be the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b. Since the distance S1 between the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a becomes the same as the distance S2 between the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b, the pattern of the region of the first touch electrode TE1 including the seventh connection portion 611a and the ninth connection portion 612a may be the same as the pattern of the region of the second touch electrode TE2 including the eighth connection portion 611b and the tenth connection portion 612b.

[0108] Since the pattern of the first touch electrode TE1 and the pattern of the second touch electrode TE2 are the same, a pattern inspection can be performed after arranging the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line 612 to check whether the patterns of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are the same. Defects in the first touch signal line 611 and the second touch signal line TE2 can be identified through the pattern inspection.

[0109] A second insulating layer 621 may be provided on the second touch signal line 612, and a plurality of contact holes 621h may be formed in the second insulating layer 621 at positions overlapping the first to tenth connection portions 601a to 612b (step S920). The pattern of the contact holes 621h provided at positions corresponding to the first touch electrode E1 may be the same as the pattern of the contact holes 621h provided at positions corresponding to the second touch electrode E2. Therefore, a pattern inspection process may be performed to inspect the pattern at the positions of the contact holes 621h.

[0110] An upper electrode pattern may be provided on the second insulating layer 621 (step S930). The upper electrode pattern may include first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a connected to the first, second, third, and seventh connecting portions 601a, 602a, 602b, and 611a, and second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a connected to the fourth, fifth, sixth, and tenth connecting portions 603a, 604a, 604b, and 612b, on the second insulating layer 621.

[0111] When the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b and the second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b are provided, connecting portions 806a and 806b may be formed in the contact hole 621h. The first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b may be connected to the first touch signal line 611 or the second touch signal line 612 through the connecting portions 806a and 806b, and to at least one of the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604.

[0112] The first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a can be connected to the first and second lower electrode lines 601 and 602 through the first connection portion 601a, the second connection portion 602a, and the third connection portion 602b. The second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a can be connected to the third and fourth lower electrode lines 603 and 604 through the fourth connection portion 603a, the fifth connection portion 604a, and the sixth connection portion 604b. As a result, the first touch electrodes TE1 and the second touch electrodes TE2 can be formed. That is, the first touch electrodes TE1 can have a mesh shape through the first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a, the first and second lower electrode lines 601 and 602, and the second touch electrodes TE2 can have a mesh shape through the second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a, the third and fourth lower electrode lines 603 and 604.

[0113] In addition, the first upper electrode patterns 631 and 631a can be connected to the first touch signal line 611 through the seventh connection portion 611a, thereby being provided with a touch signal from the first touch signal line 611. In addition, the second upper electrode patterns 632 and 632a can be connected to the second touch signal line 612 through the tenth connection portion 612b, thereby receiving a touch signal from the second touch signal line 612.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first upper electrode patterns 631, 631a, 631b may include a first sensing pattern 631, and a first connecting pattern 631a and a first island pattern 631b corresponding to the first sensing pattern 631. The second upper electrode patterns 632, 632a, 632b may include a second sensing pattern 632, and a second connecting pattern 632a and a second island pattern 632b corresponding to the second sensing pattern 632.

[0115] In addition, the first connection pattern 631a may be connected to the first sensing pattern 631, and the second connection pattern 632a may be connected to the second sensing pattern 632. On the other hand, since the first island pattern 631b is separated from the first sensing pattern 631, the first island pattern 631b is not connected to the first sensing pattern 631, and since the second island pattern 632b is separated from the second sensing pattern 632, the second island pattern 632b is not connected to the second sensing pattern 632.

[0116] Since the first and second island patterns 631b and 632b are formed, the first to fourth lower electrode lines 601 to 604 and the first and second touch signal lines 611 and 612 are arranged in a regular pattern to perform pattern inspection, thereby improving inspection efficiency and productivity.

[0117] The above description has been provided to enable any person skilled in the art to obtain and use the technical concept of the present invention, and the above description is provided in the context of a specific application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions and substitutions to the above-described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The above description and accompanying drawings provide examples of the technical concept of the present invention for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalent scope should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a first touch signal line and a second touch signal line provided on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer provided on the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line; a first communication portion and a second communication portion, the first communication portion and the second communication portion being connected to the first touch signal line and the second touch signal line through a first contact hole and a second contact hole included in the second insulating layer, respectively; and a common electrode disposed on the second insulating layer, The first connecting portion is connected to the common electrode, while the second connecting portion is not connected to the common electrode. 2 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pixel electrode disposed on the second insulating layer and not connected to the common electrode. 3 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a color filter disposed between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the common electrode comprises a first sensing pattern, and a first connection pattern and a first island pattern corresponding to the first sensing pattern, The first connection pattern is connected to the first detection pattern, and the first island pattern is not connected to the first detection pattern. 5 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the common electrode operates by dividing a driving time into a display period and a touch sensing period. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein in the display period, the common electrode is supplied with a common voltage.

Images