Touch display device

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a touch display device comprising: a substrate including an active area in which a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed; the first touch electrode wires are arranged on the substrate and extend along a first direction; the plurality of second touch electrode lines are arranged on the substrate and extend along a second direction which is intersected with the first direction; and a plurality of virtual touch electrodes, each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes is disposed between the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line, and the plurality of virtual touch electrodes respectively include a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0146504, filed on October 24, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a touch display device. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images is increasing, and various types of display devices are being used, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices.

[0005] Among these display devices, OLED displays, as self-emissive devices, have the following advantages: wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios, and are lighter, thinner, and consume less power than LCD devices because they do not require a separate backlight. Furthermore, OLED displays also offer advantages such as low-voltage driving capability, fast response time, and, most importantly, low manufacturing costs.

[0006] In order to provide users with a variety of functions, display devices provide the ability to recognize touches generated by the user's finger or pen contacting the display panel and perform input processing based on the recognized touches.

[0007] Display devices may include multiple touch electrodes disposed on or embedded in the display panel. Additionally, the display device can sense user touch on the display panel by detecting capacitance changes caused by the user's touch. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a display device in which defects of the touch panel can be minimized by patterning virtual touch electrodes.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a display device that is externally invisible even when virtual touch electrodes are patterned.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a display device in which defects of the touch panel can be minimized, thereby increasing the production yield of the touch panel.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose, and other technical purposes can be deduced from the following embodiments.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device is provided, comprising: a substrate, the substrate including an active region in which a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed; a plurality of first touch electrode lines disposed on the substrate and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second touch electrode lines disposed on the substrate and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of virtual touch electrodes, each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes being disposed between the first touch electrode lines and the second touch electrode lines, wherein the plurality of virtual touch electrodes respectively include a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device is provided, comprising: a substrate; a first touch electrode disposed on the substrate and including a first main electrode extending in a second direction and a first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode in a first direction intersecting the second direction; a second touch electrode disposed on the substrate and including a second main electrode extending in the second direction and a second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode in the first direction; and a virtual touch electrode surrounded by the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode, wherein the virtual touch electrode includes a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

[0014] Details of other embodiments are included in the specific description and accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present invention, defects in the touch panel can be minimized by patterning virtual touch electrodes.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device may be provided that is not visible externally even when virtual touch electrodes are patterned.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present invention, defects in the touch panel can be minimized, thereby increasing the production volume of the touch panel.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by increasing the production volume of touch panels, process optimization can be achieved, thereby reducing production energy.

[0019] However, the effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating the touch sensor structure of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the periphery of the virtual touch electrode.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the touch electrode and the virtual touch electrode are short-circuited due to impurities placed on the touch panel.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region A, specifically showing the touch electrodes.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region B in the image.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region C, and a view showing the grid structure of the touch electrodes.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a view showing a bridging electrode and a virtual bridging electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a sub-pixel of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a view showing the arrangement of virtual bridging electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken by line M-M' in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a view showing the arrangement of bridging electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken from line N-N' in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, when a first component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is described as "on a second component," "connected to a second component," or "joined to a second component," it means that the first component may be directly connected / joined to the second component, or that a third component may be disposed between them.

[0034] The same reference numerals denote the same components. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively describing the technical content. The term "and / or" includes all of one or more combinations that can be defined by the associated configuration.

[0035] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but components are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the implementation, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular includes the plural.

[0036] Terms such as “below,” “on the lower side,” “above,” and “on the upper side” are used to describe the relationships between the components shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described with respect to the orientation of the markings in the drawings.

[0037] It should be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The touch display device 100 may be a device that includes both display functions for displaying images and touch sensing functions for sensing user touches, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] The touch display device 100 may be an electroluminescent display device or a micro-light-emitting diode display device that includes a touch sensor. The electroluminescent display device that includes a touch sensor may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device, a quantum dot light-emitting diode display device, or an inorganic light-emitting diode display device.

[0041] In the following description, the touch display device 100 of the present invention is described as an OLED display device, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be a vehicle display device, but is not limited thereto. The description of the touch display device 100 of the present invention can be applied without limitation on device type, as long as the display device includes a display function. For example, the display device 100 can be applied to mobile devices, video phones, smartwatches, watch phones, wearable devices, foldable devices, rollable devices, bendable devices, flexible devices, bending devices, sliding devices, variable devices, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, navigation systems, vehicle display devices, cinema display devices, televisions, wallpaper devices, signage devices, gaming devices, laptop computers, monitors, cameras, portable video cameras, home appliances, etc.

[0043] To provide image display functionality, a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a display panel DISP, wherein a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines are provided, and a plurality of sub-pixels defined by the plurality of data lines and the plurality of gate lines are arranged; a data driving circuit DDC for driving the plurality of data lines; a gate driving circuit GDC for driving the plurality of gate lines; and a display controller DCTR for controlling the operation of the data driving circuit DDC and the gate driving circuit GDC.

[0044] Each of the data drive circuit (DDC), gate drive circuit (GDC), and display controller (DCTR) can be implemented as one or more separate components. In some cases, two or more of the data drive circuit (DDC), gate drive circuit (GDC), and display controller (DCTR) can be implemented as an integrated component. For example, the data drive circuit (DDC) and display controller (DCTR) can be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0045] To provide touch sensing functionality, a touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a touch panel TS, including a plurality of touch electrode lines; and a touch sensing circuit TSC, for providing touch driving signals to the touch panel TS, detecting touch sensing signals from the touch panel TS, and sensing whether a user has touched the touch panel TS or a touch position (touch coordinates) based on the detected touch sensing signals.

[0046] The touch sensing circuit TSC may include, for example, a touch driving circuit TDC for providing touch driving signals to the touch panel TS and detecting touch sensing signals from the touch panel TS; and a touch controller TCTR for sensing whether a user has touched the touch panel TS and / or the touch location based on the touch sensing signals detected by the touch driving circuit TDC.

[0047] The touch driver circuit (TDC) and the touch controller (TCTR) can be implemented as separate components, or in some cases, as a single integrated component.

[0048] Meanwhile, each of the data driving circuit DDC, gate driving circuit GDC, and touch driving circuit TDC can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, and can be implemented as chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-film (COF), tape-on-carrier (TCP), etc., taking into account the electrical connection with the display panel DISP. The gate driving circuit GDC can also be implemented as a gate-in-panel (GIP) type.

[0049] As will be described below, the touch panel TS may include: multiple touch electrode lines that can be applied a touch drive signal or detect a touch sensing signal; and multiple touch wiring lines for connecting the multiple touch electrode lines to the touch drive circuit TDC.

[0050] The touch panel (TS) can exist outside the display panel (DISP). That is, the touch panel (TS) and the display panel (DISP) can be manufactured separately and then joined together. The touch panel (TS) is referred to as an external type.

[0051] Optionally, the touch panel TS can be integrated into the display panel DISP. The touch panel TS is referred to as built-in. In the following text, for ease of description, examples of a touch panel TS being built-in will be described.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the touch sensor structure of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 In this invention, the first direction and the second direction can be relatively different directions. As an example, the first direction can be the x-axis direction, and the second direction can be the y-axis direction. Conversely, the first direction can be the y-axis direction, and the second direction can be the x-axis direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) can intersect each other. The first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) can be orthogonal, but are not limited to this.

[0055] The mutual capacitance touch sensor structure of the touch display device 100 may include multiple first touch electrode lines TSL1, multiple second touch electrode lines TSL2, and multiple virtual touch electrodes DTE.

[0056] Multiple first touch electrode lines TSL1, multiple second touch electrode lines TSL2, and multiple virtual touch electrodes DTE are located on the active area AA of the substrate SUB. Specifically, the multiple first touch electrode lines TSL1, multiple second touch electrode lines TSL2, and multiple virtual touch electrodes DTE may be located on the encapsulation layer ENCAP (see [link to encapsulation layer]) disposed on the active area AA of the substrate SUB. Figure 9 )superior.

[0057] Each of the plurality of first touch electrode lines TSL1 may extend in a first direction (X direction) and may be repeatedly arranged in a second direction (Y direction). Each of the plurality of second touch electrode lines TSL2 may extend in the second direction (Y direction) and may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X direction).

[0058] The second touch electrode line TSL2 can be disposed between adjacent first touch electrode lines TSL1, and the first touch electrode line TSL1 can be disposed between adjacent second touch electrode lines TSL2.

[0059] Multiple virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) can be disposed between the first touch electrode line TSL1 and the second touch electrode line TSL2. The virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) can be repeatedly disposed in the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction).

[0060] The first touch electrode line TSL1, the second touch electrode line TSL2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE can be separated from each other and spaced apart.

[0061] The touch sensor structure may include: multiple first touch wirings TL1 respectively connected to multiple first touch electrode lines TSL1; and multiple second touch wirings TL2 respectively connected to multiple second touch electrode lines TSL2.

[0062] Each of the multiple first touch electrode lines TSL1 is electrically connected to the first touch pad TP1 through one or more first touch wiring lines TL1. That is, the first touch electrode TSE1 located at the outermost edge of the active area AA among the multiple first touch electrodes TSE1 included in a first touch electrode line TSL1 is electrically connected to the first touch pad TP1 through the first touch wiring line TL1.

[0063] Each of the multiple second touch electrode lines TSL2 is electrically connected to the second touch pad TP2 via one or more second touch wiring lines TL2.

[0064] Multiple first touch wirings TL1, multiple second touch wirings TL2, first touch pads TP1 and second touch pads TP2 can be set in the non-active area NA of the substrate SUB.

[0065] The first touch electrode line TSL1 can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via the first touch wiring TL1 and the first touch pad TP1. Similarly, the second touch electrode line TSL2 can be electrically connected to the touch driver circuit TDC via the second touch wiring TL2 and the second touch pad TP2.

[0066] Figure 2 Three first touch electrode lines TSL1 and three second touch electrode lines TSL2 are shown as an example, but the number of first touch electrode lines TSL1 and the number of second touch electrode lines TSL2 are not limited thereto.

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the periphery of the virtual touch electrode. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the touch electrode and the virtual touch electrode are short-circuited due to impurities placed on the touch panel.

[0068] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 The specific configuration of the touch electrodes is shown.

[0069] Reference Figures 2 to 4 Each first touch electrode line TSL1 may consist of multiple first touch electrodes TSE1 and multiple bridging electrodes BG connecting the multiple first touch electrodes TSE1. Two adjacent first touch electrodes TSE1 in the first direction (X direction) may be connected by at least one bridging electrode BG.

[0070] The first touch electrode line TSL1 or the first touch electrode TSE1 may include a first main electrode TB1 extending in a second direction (Y direction) and a plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 protruding from the first main electrode TB1 in a first direction (X direction).

[0071] A plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 may protrude from the first main electrode TB1 toward at least one of one side and the other side. The plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 may be connected to the first main electrode TB1, and the plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 may be separated from each other and spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction).

[0072] Each of the first main electrode TB1 and the first finger electrode TT1 may have a serrated appearance.

[0073] The first touch electrode TSE1 located at the outermost edge of the active region AA may include a first main electrode TB1 and a plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 disposed on one side of the first main electrode TB1. The first touch electrode TSE1 located inside the active region AA may include a first main electrode TB1 and a plurality of first finger electrodes TT1 disposed on both sides of the first main electrode TB1.

[0074] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each first touch electrode TSE1 is illustrated by way of example, which includes two first finger electrodes TT1 spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y direction), but the number of first finger electrodes TT1 is not limited thereto.

[0075] The number of bridging electrodes BG that electrically connect two adjacent first touch electrodes TSE1 along the first direction (X direction) can be less than or equal to the number of first finger electrodes TT1 of the first touch electrodes TSE1.

[0076] The bridging electrode BG can electrically connect two adjacent first finger electrodes TT1 in the first direction (X direction). The bridging electrode BG can be disposed on a different layer from the first touch electrode TSE1. For example, the bridging electrode BG can be disposed on a lower layer than the first touch electrode TSE1 or can be disposed below the first touch electrode TSE1.

[0077] Each second touch electrode line TSL2 can be formed into a second touch electrode TSE2.

[0078] The second touch electrode line TSL2 or the second touch electrode TSE2 may include a second main electrode TB2 extending in a second direction (Y direction) and a plurality of second finger electrodes TT2 protruding from the second main electrode TB2 in a first direction (X direction).

[0079] A plurality of second finger electrodes TT2 may protrude from the second main electrode TB2 toward at least one of one side and the other side. The plurality of second finger electrodes TT2 may be connected to the second main electrode TB2, and the plurality of second finger electrodes TT2 may be separated from each other and spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction).

[0080] Each of the second main electrode TB2 and the second finger electrode TT2 may have a serrated appearance.

[0081] The second main electrode TB2 may extend across the entire active region AA in the second direction (Y direction). The second touch electrode TSE2 may include a plurality of second finger electrodes TT2 disposed on both sides of the second main electrode TB2.

[0082] The first main electrode TB1 and the second main electrode TB2 may extend in the second direction (Y direction) and may be alternately and repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X direction).

[0083] Multiple first finger electrodes TT1 and multiple second finger electrodes TT2 can be disposed between a first main electrode TB1 and a second main electrode TB2. The first finger electrodes TT1 and the second finger electrodes TT2 disposed between the first main electrode TB1 and the second main electrode TB2 can be alternately disposed in a second direction (Y direction). Each of the first main electrode TB1, the first finger electrodes TT1, the second main electrode TB2, and the second finger electrodes TT2 can be disposed in a non-light-emitting area.

[0084] The virtual touch electrode (DTE) can be disposed between adjacent first touch electrode lines TSL1 and TSL2. The virtual touch electrode (DTE) can be surrounded by adjacent first touch electrode lines TSL1 and TSL2. The virtual touch electrode (DTE) can be surrounded by a first main electrode TB1, a first finger electrode TT1, a second main electrode TB2, and a second finger electrode TT2. The virtual touch electrode (DTE) can be surrounded by a first touch electrode TSE1 and a second touch electrode TSE2.

[0085] Specifically, the virtual touch electrode DTE can be disposed between the first main electrode TB1 and the second main electrode TB2 in the first direction (X direction). One of the first main electrode TB1 and the second main electrode TB2 can be disposed on one side of the virtual touch electrode DTE in the first direction (X direction), and the other of the first main electrode TB1 and the second main electrode TB2 can be disposed on the other side of the virtual touch electrode DTE in the first direction (X direction).

[0086] The first main electrode TB1, the second main electrode TB2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE can be separated and configured to be spaced apart from each other. That is, there is a predetermined distance between the first main electrode TB1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE. There is also a predetermined distance between the second main electrode TB2 and the virtual touch electrode DTE.

[0087] The virtual touch electrode (DTE) can be disposed between the first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 in the second direction (Y direction). One of the first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 can be disposed on one side of the virtual touch electrode DTE in the second direction (Y direction), and the other of the first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 can be disposed on the other side of the virtual touch electrode DTE in the second direction (Y direction).

[0088] The first finger electrode TT1, the second finger electrode TT2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE can be separated and configured to be spaced apart from each other. That is, there is a predetermined distance between the first finger electrode TT1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE. There is also a predetermined distance between the second finger electrode TT2 and the virtual touch electrode DTE.

[0089] The virtual touch electrode (DTE) is an electrically floating electrode, which can be floating. The virtual touch electrode (DTE) is not electrically connected to the touch driver circuit (TDC).

[0090] Virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) can have a serrated appearance.

[0091] Each of the multiple virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) may include multiple virtual touch patterns (DTPs).

[0092] Each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) extending in the first direction (X direction) may include a plurality of virtual touch patterns (DTPs) arranged in the first direction (X direction). The plurality of virtual touch patterns (DTPs) may be patterned, separated, and spaced apart from each other.

[0093] Because the Virtual Touch Electrode (DTE) comprises multiple patterned Virtual Touch Patterns (DTP), defects in the touch panel touch panel (TS) can be minimized and the yield of the touch panel TS can be increased. Furthermore, by increasing the yield of the touch panel TS, process optimization can be achieved, thereby reducing production energy consumption.

[0094] Specifically, foreign substance (PT) can penetrate into the touch panel TS. PT can cause short circuits between adjacent electrodes, which can be identified as defects. For example, since PT can be located between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE, which are adjacent to each other, the first touch electrode TSE1 can be short-circuited to the entire area of ​​the virtual touch electrode DTE.

[0095] In this situation, even if there is no short circuit between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2, the capacitance of the first touch electrode TSE1 may fluctuate significantly due to the short circuit between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE. Therefore, the touch panel TS is determined to be defective during the inspection of the touch panel TS, thereby reducing the production yield of the touch panel TS.

[0096] However, since the virtual touch electrode (DTE) comprises multiple patterned virtual touch patterns (DTP), even if an impurity (PT) causes a short circuit between adjacent first touch electrodes (TSE1) and the virtual touch electrode (DTE), the first touch electrode (TSE1) may still be short-circuited to some of the virtual touch patterns (DTP). Therefore, even when an impurity (PT) is present on the touch panel (TS), the capacitance change of the first touch electrode (TSE1) due to a short circuit can be minimized. Furthermore, the determination of defects in the first touch electrode (TSE1) can be minimized during the inspection of the touch panel (TS), thereby increasing the yield of the touch panel (TS).

[0097] Each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) may extend in a first direction (X direction). Each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes (DTEs) may include a first length LTH1 extending in the first direction (X direction). The plurality of virtual touch patterns (DTPs) may include a second length LTH2 extending in the first direction (X direction).

[0098] The length of multiple virtual touch patterns DTP in the first direction (X direction) can be in the range of 15% to 20% or 13% to 25% of the length of virtual touch electrodes DTE in the first direction (X direction).

[0099] In other words, the second length LTH2 can be in the range of 15% to 20% or 13% to 25% of the first length LTH1.

[0100] The first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 may have a length extending in a first direction (X direction), which is substantially the same as the length of the virtual touch electrode DTE. The length of the plurality of virtual touch patterns DTP in the first direction (X direction) may be within 15% to 20% of the length of at least one of the first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 in the first direction (X direction). Each of the first finger electrode TT1 and the second finger electrode TT2 may include a first length LTH1 extending in the first direction (X direction).

[0101] In this case, the length of the virtual touch pattern DTP in the first direction (X direction) can be in the range of 15% to 20% or 13% to 25% of the length of the first finger electrode TT1 or the second finger electrode TT2.

[0102] When the second length LTH2 is within the aforementioned range, the virtual touch electrode DTE can be patterned to minimize defects in the touch panel TS. Furthermore, even when the virtual touch electrode DTE is patterned, both the virtual touch electrode DTE and the virtual touch pattern DTP can be externally invisible.

[0103] For example, when the second length LTH2 is less than 13% of the first length LTH1, the virtual touch electrode DTE and the virtual touch pattern DTP can form a heterogeneous feel and thus be visible from the outside.

[0104] Furthermore, when the second length LTH2 is greater than 25% of the first length LTH1, the change in capacitance may increase when a short circuit occurs. Therefore, the touch panel TS can be identified as defective during defect detection, thereby reducing the production volume of the touch panel TS.

[0105] Figure 3 A virtual touch electrode DTE comprising six virtual touch pattern DTPs is shown, but the number of virtual touch pattern DTPs included in a single virtual touch electrode DTE is not limited to this. For example, the number of virtual touch pattern DTPs included in a single virtual touch electrode DTE can range from 5 to 8.

[0106] The first touch electrode TSE1, the second touch electrode TSE2 or the second touch electrode line TSL2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE can be disposed on the same layer. A predetermined distance exists between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE. A predetermined distance also exists between the second touch electrode TSE2 and the virtual touch electrode DTE. The first touch electrode TSE1, the second touch electrode TSE2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE are not connected.

[0107] The bridging electrode BG can be disposed on a different layer than the second main electrode TB2. For example, the bridging electrode BG can be disposed on a layer lower than the second main electrode TB2.

[0108] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region A, specifically showing the touch electrodes. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region B in the image.

[0109] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The first main electrode TB1 and the first finger electrode TT1 of the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second main electrode TB2 and the second finger electrode TT2 of the second touch electrode TSE2 can all have a grid structure.

[0110] A first touch electrode TSE1 with a grid structure and a virtual touch electrode DTE with a grid structure are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. A second touch electrode TSE2 with a grid structure and a virtual touch electrode DTE with a grid structure are also spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The first touch electrode TSE1 with a grid structure and the second touch electrode TSE2 with a grid structure are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0111] The mesh structure of the first touch electrode TSE1 is disconnected from the mesh structure of the virtual touch electrode DTE. The mesh structure of the second touch electrode TSE2 is disconnected from the mesh structure of the virtual touch electrode DTE. The mesh structure of the first touch electrode TSE1 is disconnected from the mesh structure of the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0112] The first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be formed by cutting a touch electrode having a grid structure formed in the active region AA of the substrate SUB into a predetermined shape.

[0113] The orientation of the boundary surface between adjacent virtual touch patterns DTP may be different from the orientation of the interface between virtual touch electrode DTE and first touch electrode TSE1, as well as the orientation of the interface between virtual touch electrode DTE and second touch electrode TSE2.

[0114] For example, the interface between adjacent virtual touch patterns (DTPs) can be formed in a direction between a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). The interface between adjacent virtual touch patterns (DTPs) can also be formed in a direction inclined relative to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the interfaces between adjacent virtual touch patterns (DTPs) can be formed facing each other and in substantially the same direction.

[0115] The interface between the virtual touch electrode DTE and the first touch electrode TSE1, and the interface between the virtual touch electrode DTE and the second touch electrode TSE2, can be formed in one of the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The interface between adjacent virtual touch electrodes DTE and the first touch electrode TSE1 can be formed so that they face each other and are in substantially the same direction. The interface between adjacent virtual touch electrodes DTE and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be formed so that they face each other and are in substantially the same direction.

[0116] Additionally, an interface between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2, which are adjacent to each other, can be formed in one of the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The interface between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2, which are adjacent to each other, can be formed to face each other and in substantially the same direction.

[0117] The orientation of the interface makes it easier to distinguish whether the interface is formed between the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2, or between adjacent virtual touch patterns DTP. For example, when an interface is formed between adjacent virtual touch patterns DTP in the direction between the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction), if it is confirmed that the interface is formed in the direction between the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction), it can be seen that the corresponding interface is between adjacent virtual touch patterns DTP.

[0118] The width W1 of the first finger electrode TT1, the width W2 of the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the width W3 of the second finger electrode TT2 can be the same. Here, width refers to the dimension of the first finger electrode TT1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second finger electrode TT2 in the second direction (Y direction).

[0119] In this embodiment, the first main electrode TB1 and the first finger electrode TT1 of the first touch electrode TSE1, the second main electrode TB2 and the second finger electrode TT2 of the second touch electrode TSE2, and the virtual touch electrode DTE can be designed to have a serrated appearance. The width W1 of the first finger electrode TT1, the width W2 of the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the width W3 of the second finger electrode TT2 can be designed to be the same, and the bridging electrode BG and the bridging pad BP (see...) Figure 8 It can be set in a distributed manner to prevent the pattern of the touch electrodes from being visible to the user.

[0120] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of region C, and a view showing the grid structure of the touch electrodes.

[0121] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 The second touch electrode TSE2 has a grid structure that does not overlap with the light-emitting areas of the first sub-pixel SPR, the second sub-pixel SPG, and the third sub-pixel SPB. That is, each of the first sub-pixel SPR, the second sub-pixel SPG, and the third sub-pixel SPB may include a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area surrounding the light-emitting area, and the second touch electrode TSE2 may be disposed in the non-light-emitting area.

[0122] For example, the second touch electrode TSE2 with a grid structure is formed by multiple horizontal sensing lines THL and multiple vertical sensing lines TVL.

[0123] Multiple horizontal sensing lines THL can extend in a first direction (X direction) (e.g., the x-axis direction) and can be arranged in parallel. Multiple vertical sensing lines TVL can extend in a second direction (Y direction) (e.g., the y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) and can be arranged in parallel. The multiple horizontal sensing lines THL and the multiple vertical sensing lines TVL can be connected.

[0124] The second touch electrode TSE2, having a grid structure formed by horizontal sensing lines THL and vertical sensing lines TVL, may have a first opening OP1 corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel SPR, a second opening OP2 corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the second sub-pixel SPG, and a third opening OP3 corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the third sub-pixel SPB. The area of ​​the first opening OP1 of the second touch electrode TSE2 may be larger than the area of ​​the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel SPR. The area of ​​the second opening OP2 of the second touch electrode TSE2 may be larger than the area of ​​the light-emitting area of ​​the second sub-pixel SPG. The third opening OP3 of the second touch electrode TSE2 may have an area larger than the light-emitting area of ​​the third sub-pixel SPB.

[0125] The first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 may have the same area, or at least one of them may have a different area. For example, when the first sub-pixel SPR is a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SPG is a green sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel SPB is a blue sub-pixel, the third opening OP3 may have a larger area than the second opening OP2, and the second opening OP2 may have a larger area than the first opening OP1. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may be located on one side of the third opening OP3.

[0126] The horizontal sensing line THL and vertical sensing line TVL forming the second touch electrode TSE2 with a grid structure can have a larger BANK (see) than the dam portion BANK disposed in the active region AA of the substrate SUB. Figure 9 The linewidth is smaller and it is connected to the dam BANK located in the active area AA of the substrate SUB (see Figure 9 The overlapping of the sub-pixels prevents the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels from decreasing due to the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0127] Figure 7 A portion of the second touch electrode TSE2 is shown as an example, but the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE also have the same mesh structure as the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0128] In other words, each of the first sub-pixel SPR, the second sub-pixel SPG, and the third sub-pixel SPB may include a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area surrounding the light-emitting area, and the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE may be located in the non-light-emitting area.

[0129] The horizontal sensing line THL and vertical sensing line TVL forming the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE with a grid structure have a greater embankment than the one disposed in the active region AA of the substrate SUB (see Figure 9 The linewidth is smaller and it is located in the active area AA of the substrate SUB (see...). Figure 9 The overlapping of the sub-pixels prevents the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels from decreasing due to the first touch electrode TSE1 and the virtual touch electrode DTE.

[0130] Figure 8 This is a view showing a bridging electrode and a virtual bridging electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Reference Figure 8 The bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB can be disposed on a layer lower than the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2. The virtual bridging electrode DB can overlap with the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2. The bridging electrode BG can overlap with a portion of the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0132] The virtual bridging electrode DB comprises multiple horizontal virtual lines DHL and multiple vertical virtual lines DVL. The multiple horizontal virtual lines DHL can extend in a first direction (X direction) and can be arranged in parallel, and the multiple vertical virtual lines DVL can extend in a second direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) and can be arranged in parallel. The multiple horizontal virtual lines DHL and the multiple vertical virtual lines DVL are not connected.

[0133] The horizontal virtual line DHL and the vertical virtual line DVL that constitute the virtual bridging electrode DB can overlap with the horizontal sensing line THL and the vertical sensing line TVL that constitute the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE and the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0134] Multiple horizontal virtual lines (DHL) can overlap with multiple horizontal sensing lines (THL), and multiple vertical virtual lines (DVL) can overlap with multiple vertical sensing lines (TVL).

[0135] Multiple horizontal virtual lines (DHL) and multiple vertical virtual lines (DVL) can be spaced apart from each other at positions corresponding to the areas where multiple horizontal sensing lines (THL) and multiple vertical sensing lines (TVL) are connected.

[0136] Multiple vertical virtual lines (DVLs) include multiple first vertical virtual lines (DVL1) and multiple second vertical virtual lines (DVL2) alternately arranged in the second direction (Y direction). The multiple second vertical virtual lines (DVL2) may be longer than the multiple first vertical virtual lines (DVL1).

[0137] Multiple first vertical virtual lines DVL1 and multiple second vertical virtual lines DVL2 may be spaced apart from each other at positions corresponding to the areas where multiple horizontal sensing lines THL and multiple vertical sensing lines TVL are connected.

[0138] The bridging electrode BG can be placed on the same layer as the virtual bridging electrode DB and connected to multiple vertical virtual lines DVL.

[0139] The first touch electrode TSE1 is connected to a bridging pad BP, which can be located at each of the two ends of the bridging electrode BG. The width of the bridging pad BP can be greater than the linewidth of both the horizontal virtual line DHL and the vertical virtual line DVL.

[0140] The width of the bridging electrode BG and the linewidths of the horizontal virtual line DHL and vertical virtual line DVL of the virtual bridging electrode DB are each comparablely set in the dam BANK in the active region AA of the substrate SUB (see...). Figure 9 The width of the sub-pixel is narrow, and the bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB can overlap with the dam BANK provided in the active region AA of the substrate SUB, thereby preventing the aperture ratio of the sub-pixel from decreasing due to the bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB.

[0141] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a sub-pixel of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Reference Figure 9 The touch display device 100 may include a substrate SUB, a first thin-film transistor 120, a second thin-film transistor 130, a light-emitting element ED, an encapsulation layer ENCAP, a touch panel TS, and a color filter CF. At least one insulating layer may be disposed between the light-emitting element ED and the substrate SUB.

[0143] The substrate SUB provides space on which various components can be mounted.

[0144] The substrate SUB may include one or more plastic materials. For example, the substrate SUB may be a multi-substrate comprising multiple plastic materials (such as polyimide). For example, the substrate SUB may include: a first substrate portion 101a and a second substrate portion 101b, each comprising a plastic material; and a third substrate portion 101c comprising an inorganic insulating material between the first substrate portion 101a and the second substrate portion 101b, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0145] The substrate SUB may include a rigid substrate. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may include a flexible substrate.

[0146] A buffer layer 102 may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer 102 may minimize or delay the diffusion of moisture or oxygen permeating the substrate SUB. The buffer layer 102 may be formed by alternately stacking silicon nitride (SiNx) and silicon oxide (SiOx) at least once, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0147] A first light-blocking layer 126 may be disposed on the buffer layer 102. The first light-blocking layer 126 prevents light from passing through the first semiconductor layer 123 of the first thin-film transistor 120. For example, the first semiconductor layer 123 may be configured to overlap with the first light-blocking layer 126. The first light-blocking layer 126 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) and their alloys, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0148] A first insulating layer 103 may be disposed on the buffer layer 102 and the first light-blocking layer 126. The first insulating layer 103 prevents short circuits between the components of the first thin-film transistor 120 and the first light-blocking layer 126. The first insulating layer 103 may be formed of the same material as the buffer layer 102, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the first insulating layer 103 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0149] The first thin-film transistor 120 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 103. The first thin-film transistor 120 may include a first source 121, a first gate 122, a first semiconductor layer 123, and a first drain 124.

[0150] The first semiconductor layer 123 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 103. The first semiconductor layer 123 may include metal oxide semiconductors such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and silicon-based semiconductor materials such as amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The first semiconductor layer 123 may include a channel region, a source region, and a drain region.

[0151] Because polycrystalline semiconductor layers have higher mobility than amorphous semiconductor layers and oxide semiconductor layers, power consumption can be lower and reliability can be excellent. Therefore, driving transistors can be formed from polycrystalline semiconductor layers.

[0152] A second insulating layer 104 may be disposed on the first semiconductor layer 123. The second insulating layer 104 may be formed of the same material as the first insulating layer 103 and may prevent short circuits between the first semiconductor layer 123 and another component of the first thin-film transistor 120.

[0153] The first gate 122 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 104. The first gate 122 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 104 and overlap with the channel region of the first semiconductor layer 123. The first gate 122 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and / or compounds thereof, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The first gate 122 may be disposed together with the gate line.

[0154] Third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2 may be disposed on the first gate 122. The third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2 may be formed by alternately stacking silicon nitride (SiNx) and silicon oxide (SiOx) at least once, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, insulating layer 105-1 may comprise silicon oxide (SiOx), and insulating layer 105-2 may comprise silicon nitride (SiNx), but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0155] The first source 121 and the first drain 124 can be disposed on the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2.

[0156] The first source 121 and the first drain 124 can be electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer 123 through contact holes. The first source 121 and the first drain 124 can be formed of a metallic material. For example, the first source 121 and the first drain 124 can be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of one or more of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) and their alloys, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0157] The first source 121 and the first drain 124 may be disposed together with the data line. For example, the data line may be formed of the same material as the first source 121 and the first drain 124, and formed on the same layer as the first source 121 and the first drain 124, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0158] The storage electrode 140 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first thin-film transistor 120. The storage electrode 140 may include a first storage electrode 141 and a second storage electrode 142.

[0159] The first storage electrode 141 may be formed of the same material as the first gate electrode 122 and disposed on the same layer as the first gate electrode 122, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0160] The second storage electrode 142 may be disposed on the first storage electrode 141. The second storage electrode 142 may be disposed on the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2, and the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2 between the first storage electrode 141 and the second storage electrode 142 may serve as a dielectric to generate a capacitor. The second storage electrode 142 may be formed of the same material as the first storage electrode 141, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0161] The second thin-film transistor 130 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first thin-film transistor 120 and the storage electrode 140. The second thin-film transistor 130 may include a second source 131, a second gate 132, a second semiconductor layer 133, and a second drain 134.

[0162] The second light-blocking layer 136 can be disposed on the same layer as the second storage electrode 142.

[0163] Similar to the first light-blocking layer 126, the second light-blocking layer 136 prevents light from traveling to the second semiconductor layer 133, thereby extending the lifetime of the second thin-film transistor 130. For example, the second semiconductor layer 133 may be configured to overlap with the second light-blocking layer 136.

[0164] The fourth insulating layer 106 may be disposed on the second light-blocking layer 136. The fourth insulating layer 106 may be formed of the same material as the first insulating layer 103, the second insulating layer 104, or the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0165] The second semiconductor layer 133 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 106. The second semiconductor layer 133 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region between the source region and the drain region.

[0166] The second semiconductor layer 133 may include metal oxide semiconductors such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and silicon-based semiconductor materials such as amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0167] The fifth insulating layer 108 may be disposed on the second semiconductor layer 133. The fifth insulating layer 108 may be formed of the same material as the first insulating layer 103, the second insulating layer 104, the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2, or the fourth insulating layer 106, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0168] The second gate 132 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 108.

[0169] The second gate 132 may be formed of the same material as the first gate 122. For example, the second gate 132 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd) and / or compounds thereof, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0170] The sixth insulating layer 109 may be disposed on the second gate 132. The sixth insulating layer 109 may be formed of the same material as the first insulating layer 103, the second insulating layer 104, the third insulating layers 105-1 and 105-2, the fourth insulating layer 106, or the fifth insulating layer 108, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0171] The first source 121, the first drain 124, the second source 131, and the second drain 134 can be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 109.

[0172] The second source 131 and the second drain 134 may be formed of the same material as the first source 121 and the first drain 124, and disposed on the same layer as the first source 121 and the first drain 124, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the second source 131 and the second drain 134 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of any one or more of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu) and their alloys, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the second source 131 may be electrically connected to the second storage electrode 142. The second source 131 may pass through the sixth insulating layer 109, the fifth insulating layer 108, and the fourth insulating layer 106, and may be electrically connected to the second storage electrode 142.

[0173] The first thin-film transistor 120 can be a driving transistor, and the second thin-film transistor 130 can be a switching transistor, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0174] The first protective layer 111 can be disposed on the first source 121 and the first drain 124.

[0175] The first protective layer 111 can planarize the upper portions of the first thin-film transistor 120 and the second thin-film transistor 130, and protect the first thin-film transistor 120 and the second thin-film transistor 130. The first protective layer 111 can be formed of an organic material. For example, the first protective layer 111 can be formed of an organic material including acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0176] The second protective layer 112 may be disposed on the first protective layer 111. The second protective layer 112 may be formed of the same material as the first protective layer 111, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0177] In some embodiments, a third protective layer may be further disposed on the upper surface of the second protective layer 112, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0178] The connecting electrode 145 can be disposed between the first protective layer 111 and the second protective layer 112.

[0179] The connecting electrode 145 can electrically connect the thin film transistors 120 and 130 to the light-emitting element ED. Figure 9 A connection electrode 145 is shown that contacts the second source 131 of the second thin-film transistor 130 through a contact hole passing through the first protective layer 111; however, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the connection electrode 145 may contact the first thin-film transistor 120 through a contact hole passing through the first protective layer 111.

[0180] The connecting electrode 145 may be formed of the same material as the first source electrode 121 and the first drain electrode 124, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0181] The connecting electrode 145 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of one or more of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu) and their alloys, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0182] The light-emitting element ED can be disposed on the second protective layer 112. The light-emitting element ED is electrically connected to the thin-film transistor.

[0183] The light-emitting element ED may include a first electrode E1 corresponding to the anode (or cathode), a light-emitting stack EL formed on the first electrode E1, and a second electrode E2 corresponding to the cathode (or anode) formed on the light-emitting stack EL.

[0184] The first electrode E1 can contact the connecting electrode 145 through a contact hole formed in the second protective layer 112, so that the first electrode E1 and the connecting electrode 145 can be electrically connected. The first electrode E1 can be electrically connected to the thin film transistors 120 and 130 through the connecting electrode 145.

[0185] The first electrode E1 may be a reflective electrode for reflecting light, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The first electrode E1 may include a metallic material with high reflectivity, such as a stacked structure of aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum (Al) and indium tin oxide (ITO) (ITO / Al / ITO), or an APC alloy, and may be formed by a single layer or multiple layers, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0186] A dam BANK can be disposed on the first electrode E1, defining an opening that exposes the first electrode E1, and can be configured to cover the edge portion (periphery) of the first electrode E1. The opening of the dam BANK can define the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel.

[0187] The dam bank may include organic insulating materials. The dam bank may be formed from organic materials such as benzocyclobutene resin, polyimide resin, acrylic resin, photosensitive polymer, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0188] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the dam bank may include a black-based material. For example, the dam bank may be formed of a material containing black pigment or an organic material (such as benzocyclobutene resin, polyimide resin, acrylic resin, photosensitive polymer, etc.), but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. When the dam bank is formed of a material containing black pigment or black dye, the dam bank may be an opaque dam. When the dam bank is formed of a material containing black pigment or black dye, it can block external light or light reflected from the outside, thereby further increasing the brightness of the display device.

[0189] The light-emitting stack EL is disposed on the first electrode E1 within the light-emitting region defined by the dam BANK. The light-emitting stack EL may have a structure in which a hole-correlated layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron-correlated layer are stacked on the first electrode E1 in this order or the reverse order.

[0190] The light-emitting stack EL can be disposed on the first electrode E1. The light-emitting stack EL may include one or more light-emitting structures (or light-emitting elements or components), wherein hole transfer layers and electron transfer layers are stacked on the first electrode E1 in this order or the reverse order.

[0191] For example, the hole transfer layer may include a hole transport layer, a hole injection layer, an electron blocking layer, a p-type charge generation layer, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the electron transfer layer may include an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, a hole blocking layer, an n-type charge generation layer, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0192] The light-emitting layer (EL) can be an organic light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting layer, a quantum dot light-emitting layer, a micro-light-emitting diode, a micro-mini light-emitting diode, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these. For example, the EL of the display panel DISP according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an organic light-emitting layer. The EL may include a red light-emitting layer, a green light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer. The EL may also include a white light-emitting layer, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these.

[0193] The second electrode E2 can be disposed on the light-emitting stack EL. The second electrode E2 is formed opposite to the first electrode E1, and the light-emitting stack EL is inserted therebetween. The second electrode E2 can be disposed on the dam section BANK and the light-emitting stack EL.

[0194] The second electrode E2 can be a transparent electrode that transmits light, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode E2 may include a transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or a metal that transmits visible light, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0195] The encapsulation layer ENCAP is disposed on the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer ENCAP prevents external moisture or oxygen from penetrating the light-emitting element ED, which is susceptible to external moisture or oxygen.

[0196] The encapsulation layer ENCAP can be formed from a single layer, or it can be formed from multiple layers, such as... Figure 9 As shown. For example, when the encapsulation layer ENCAP is formed of multiple layers, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may include one or more inorganic encapsulation layers and one or more organic encapsulation layers. As a specific example, the encapsulation layer ENCAP may have a structure in which a first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1, an organic encapsulation layer PCL, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 are stacked sequentially.

[0197] The first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 is disposed on the second electrode E2, closest to the light-emitting element ED. The first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 is formed, for example, from an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride oxide (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0198] An organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may be formed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer (PAS1). The organic encapsulation layer (PCL) can act as a buffer to reduce interlayer stress caused by bending of the touch display device 100 and also as a planarization layer. The organic encapsulation layer (PCL) may be formed, for example, from organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, or polyethylene.

[0199] The organic encapsulation layer PCL can be disposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer PAS1 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2.

[0200] The second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 can be formed on the organic encapsulation layer PCL. The second inorganic encapsulation layer PAS2 is formed, for example, from an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride oxide (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0201] The touch panel TS can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The touch panel TS may include a touch buffer film T-BUF, a bridging electrode BG, a virtual bridging electrode DB, a touch insulating film T-ILD, a first touch electrode TSE1 and a second touch electrode TSE2, a virtual touch electrode DTE, and an outer coating OC.

[0202] A touch buffer film (T-BUF) can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP. The touch buffer film (T-BUF) can be formed of an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. For example, the touch buffer film (T-BUF) can be formed of at least one of silicon nitride (SiNx) and silicon oxide (SiOx), but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0203] To reduce the parasitic capacitance formed between the first touch electrode TSE1, the second touch electrode TSE2, and the second electrode E2 of the light-emitting element ED, a touch buffer film T-BUF may be disposed between the first touch electrode TSE1, the second touch electrode TSE2, and the second electrode E2. In some cases, the touch buffer film T-BUF may be omitted.

[0204] The bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB can be disposed on the touch buffer film T-BUF. The bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB can be configured to overlap with the dam BANK. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels can be prevented from decreasing due to the bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB.

[0205] The touch insulating film T-ILD can be configured to cover the bridging electrode BG and the virtual bridging electrode DB on the touch buffer film T-BUF. The touch insulating film T-ILD can be formed of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or multiple layers thereof, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0206] The first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be disposed on the touch insulating film T-ILD. Specifically, the horizontal sensing line THL and the vertical sensing line TVL constituting the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be disposed on the touch insulating film T-ILD.

[0207] A plurality of first touch electrodes TSE1 disposed on the touch insulating film T-ILD are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a first direction (X direction). Each of the plurality of first touch electrodes TSE1 can be electrically connected to another adjacent first touch electrode TSE1 via a bridging electrode BG.

[0208] Two adjacent first touch electrodes TSE1 can be electrically connected to the bridging electrode BG through touch contact holes passing through the touch insulating film T-ILD.

[0209] The second touch electrodes TSE2 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction (X direction) on the touch insulating film T-ILD.

[0210] The first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2, which have a grid structure, can be configured to overlap with the dam BANK. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels can be prevented from decreasing due to the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0211] The outer coating OC can be applied to the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2. The outer coating OC can be used to planarize the steps formed by the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, and the second touch electrode TSE2. The outer coating OC may include an organic insulating material.

[0212] Multiple color filters (CF) and a black matrix (BM) can be set on the outer coating (OC).

[0213] The black matrix (BM) can be positioned where it overlaps with the dam (BANK). Multiple color filters (CF) can be positioned where they overlap with the luminous area defined by the dam (BANK).

[0214] The black matrix BM may include a black-based material. For example, the black matrix BM may include a light-blocking material or a light-absorbing material. For example, the black matrix BM may be formed from a material including black pigments, black dyes, etc. The black matrix BM may cover the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, the second touch electrode TSE2, the bridging electrode BG, and the virtual bridging electrode DB. Therefore, the first touch electrode TSE1, the virtual touch electrode DTE, the second touch electrode TSE2, the bridging electrode BG, and the virtual bridging electrode DB can be prevented from being externally visible. For example, the width of the black matrix BM may be smaller than the width of the embankment BANK.

[0215] Multiple color filters (CFs) can be configured to overlap with the dam (BANK). The color filters (CFs) can be respectively set in the first sub-pixel (SPR), the second sub-pixel (SPG), and the third sub-pixel (SPB), and can respectively block light of a specific color emitted from the light-emitting areas of the sub-pixels (SPR, SPG, and SPB).

[0216] Figure 10 This is a view showing the arrangement of virtual bridging electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken by line M-M' in the diagram.

[0217] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The virtual bridging electrode DB can be disposed in a layer lower than the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2. The touch buffer layer T-BUF can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, and the virtual bridging electrode DB can be disposed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF. The touch insulating film T-ILD can be configured to cover the virtual bridging electrode DB on the touch buffer layer T-BUF. The first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other on the touch insulating film T-ILD.

[0218] The virtual bridging electrode DB can be configured to spatially overlap with the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2. Therefore, the mutual capacitance Cm between the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2 can be increased. This improves the touch sensing performance of the touch display device.

[0219] Figure 10 The illustration shows that the linewidth of the virtual bridging electrode DB is greater than the linewidth of the sensing line of the first touch electrode TSE1 and the linewidth of the sensing line of the second touch electrode TSE2, but embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. The linewidth of the virtual bridging electrode DB may be less than or equal to the linewidth of the sensing line of the first touch electrode TSE1 and the linewidth of the sensing line of the second touch electrode TSE2.

[0220] Figure 12 This is a view showing the arrangement of bridging electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken from line N-N' in the diagram.

[0221] exist Figure 12 For ease of description, the virtual bridging electrode around the bridging electrode has been omitted.

[0222] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The bridging electrode BG connecting the adjacent first touch electrode TSE1 can be disposed on a layer lower than the first touch electrode TSE1 and the second touch electrode TSE2. The touch buffer layer T-BUF can be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENCAP, and the bridging electrode BG can be disposed on the touch buffer layer T-BUF. The touch insulating film T-ILD can be configured to cover the bridging electrode BG on the touch buffer layer T-BUF.

[0223] The first touch electrode TSE1, disposed on the touch insulating film T-ILD, can contact the bridging pads BP at both ends of the bridging electrode BG through the contact holes CNT passing through the touch insulating film T-ILD. Therefore, adjacent first touch electrodes TSE1 can be electrically connected through the bridging electrode BG.

[0224] The bridging electrode BG connecting adjacent first touch electrodes TSE1 overlaps with a portion of the second touch electrode TSE2 disposed on the touch insulating film T-ILD. In this case, by not separating the horizontal sensing line and the vertical sensing line of the second touch electrode TSE2 that overlaps with the bridging electrode BG, the mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode line TSL1 and the second touch electrode line TSL2 can be increased. Therefore, the touch sensing performance of the touch display device 100 can be improved.

[0225] Display devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0226] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device is provided, comprising: a substrate, the substrate including an active region in which a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed; a plurality of first touch electrode lines disposed on the substrate and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second touch electrode lines disposed on the substrate and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of virtual touch electrodes, each of the plurality of virtual touch electrodes being disposed between the first touch electrode lines and the second touch electrode lines, wherein the plurality of virtual touch electrodes respectively include a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

[0227] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may extend in the first direction and have a first length, each of the plurality of virtual touch patterns may extend in the first direction and have a second length, and the second length may be in the range of 15% to 20% of the first length.

[0228] According to various embodiments of the present invention, each of the plurality of first touch electrode lines may include a first main electrode extending in the second direction and a first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode in the first direction, and each of the plurality of second touch electrode lines may include a second main electrode extending in the second direction and a second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode in the first direction.

[0229] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may be surrounded by the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, and the second finger electrode.

[0230] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may be disposed between the first main electrode and the second main electrode in the first direction, and between the first finger electrode and the second finger electrode in the second direction.

[0231] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, the second finger electrode, and the virtual touch electrode may have a serrated appearance.

[0232] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first main electrode and the second main electrode may be alternately and repeatedly arranged in the first direction.

[0233] According to various embodiments of the present invention, each of the first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode and the second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode may be configured as a plurality of finger electrodes.

[0234] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the length of the plurality of virtual touch patterns in the first direction may be within the range of 15% to 20% of the length of at least one of the first and second finger electrodes in the first direction.

[0235] According to various embodiments of the present invention, each of the plurality of sub-pixels may include a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area disposed around the light-emitting area, and each of the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode and the second finger electrode may be disposed in the non-light-emitting area.

[0236] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first touch electrode lines may include: first touch electrodes, the first touch electrodes including a first main electrode and a first finger electrode and configured as a plurality of first touch electrodes; and bridging electrodes electrically connecting a plurality of adjacent first touch electrodes.

[0237] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first touch electrode, the plurality of second touch electrode lines, and the plurality of virtual touch electrodes may be disposed on the same layer.

[0238] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the bridging electrode may be disposed below the first touch electrode.

[0239] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of virtual touch electrodes may be floating.

[0240] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a touch display device is provided, comprising: a substrate; a first touch electrode, the first touch electrode being disposed on the substrate and including a first main electrode extending in a second direction and a first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode in a first direction intersecting the second direction; a second touch electrode, the second touch electrode being disposed on the substrate and including a second main electrode extending in the second direction and a second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode in the first direction; and a virtual touch electrode, the virtual touch electrode being surrounded by the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode, wherein the virtual touch electrode includes a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

[0241] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may extend in the first direction and have a first length, each of the plurality of virtual touch patterns may extend in the first direction and have a second length, and the second length may be in the range of 15% to 20% of the first length.

[0242] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may be surrounded by the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, and the second finger electrode.

[0243] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the virtual touch electrode may be disposed between the first main electrode and the second main electrode in the first direction, and between the first finger electrode and the second finger electrode in the second direction.

[0244] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the first main electrode and the second main electrode may be alternately and repeatedly arranged in the first direction.

[0245] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of virtual touch electrodes may be floating.

[0246] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described technical configurations can be implemented in other specific forms without altering their technical spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. Furthermore, the scope of the embodiments is determined by the appended claims rather than the specific description. Moreover, the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all changes or modifications derived from their equivalents, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the embodiments.

[0247] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0248] 100: Display device

[0249] SUB: Substrate

[0250] AA: Active region; NA: Non-active region

[0251] TSL1: First touch electrode line; TSL2: Second touch electrode line

[0252] TL1: First touch wiring; TL2: Second touch wiring

[0253] TP1: First touch pad; TP2: Second touch pad

[0254] TSE1: First touch electrode; TSE2: Second touch electrode

[0255] TB1: First main electrode; TT1: First finger electrode

[0256] TB2: Second main electrode; TT2: Second finger electrode

[0257] DTE: Virtual Touch Electrode; DTP: Virtual Touch Pattern

[0258] THL: Horizontal sensing line; TVL: Vertical sensing line

[0259] BG: Bridging electrode; BP: Bridging pad

[0260] DB: Virtual Bridging Electrode

[0261] DHL: Horizontal Virtual Line; DVL: Vertical Virtual Line

[0262] SPR: First subpixel; SPG: Second subpixel; SPB: Third subpixel

Claims

1. A touch display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including an active region in which a plurality of sub-pixels are disposed; Multiple first touch electrode lines are disposed on the substrate and extend along a first direction; Multiple second touch electrode lines are disposed on the substrate and extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as Multiple virtual touch electrodes, each of which is disposed between the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line. The plurality of virtual touch electrodes each include a plurality of patterned virtual touch patterns.

2. The touch display device according to claim 1, wherein the virtual touch electrode extends in the first direction and has a first length. Each of the plurality of virtual touch patterns extends in the first direction and has a second length. The second length is in the range of 15% to 20% of the first length.

3. The touch display device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first touch electrode lines includes a first main electrode extending in the second direction and a first finger-shaped electrode protruding from the first main electrode in the first direction. Each of the plurality of second touch electrode lines includes a second main electrode extending in the second direction and a second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode in the first direction.

4. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein the virtual touch electrode is surrounded by the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode and the second finger electrode.

5. The touch display device according to claim 4, wherein the virtual touch electrode is disposed between the first main electrode and the second main electrode in the first direction, and between the first finger electrode and the second finger electrode in the second direction.

6. The touch display device according to claim 5, wherein the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, the second finger electrode and the virtual touch electrode have a serrated appearance.

7. The touch display device according to claim 4, wherein the first main electrode and the second main electrode are alternately and repeatedly disposed in the first direction.

8. The touch display device of claim 7, wherein each of the first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode and the second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode is configured as a plurality of finger electrodes.

9. The touch display device of claim 3, wherein the length of the plurality of virtual touch patterns in the first direction is within the range of 15% to 20% of the length of at least one of the first and second finger electrodes in the first direction.

10. The touch display device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area disposed around the light-emitting area. Each of the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, and the second finger electrode is disposed in the non-light-emitting area.

11. The touch display device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of first touch electrode lines comprise: The first touch electrode includes a first main electrode and a first finger electrode and is configured as a plurality of first touch electrodes; as well as A bridging electrode electrically connects a plurality of adjacent first touch electrodes.

12. The touch display device according to claim 11, wherein the first touch electrode, the plurality of second touch electrode lines, and the plurality of virtual touch electrodes are disposed on the same layer.

13. The touch display device according to claim 12, wherein the bridging electrode is disposed below the first touch electrode.

14. The touch display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of virtual touch electrodes are floating.

15. A touch display device, comprising: substrate; A first touch electrode is disposed on the substrate and includes a first main electrode extending in a second direction and a first finger electrode protruding from the first main electrode in a first direction intersecting the second direction; The second touch electrode is disposed on the substrate and includes a second main electrode extending in the second direction and a second finger electrode protruding from the second main electrode in the first direction. as well as Virtual touch electrodes, which are surrounded by the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. The virtual touch electrode includes multiple patterned virtual touch patterns.

16. The touch display device of claim 15, wherein the virtual touch electrode extends in the first direction and has a first length. Each of the plurality of virtual touch patterns extends in the first direction and has a second length. The second length is in the range of 15% to 20% of the first length.

17. The touch display device of claim 15, wherein the virtual touch electrode is surrounded by the first main electrode, the first finger electrode, the second main electrode, and the second finger electrode.

18. The touch display device of claim 17, wherein the virtual touch electrode is disposed between the first main electrode and the second main electrode in the first direction, and between the first finger electrode and the second finger electrode in the second direction.

19. The touch display device of claim 17, wherein the first main electrode and the second main electrode are alternately and repeatedly disposed in the first direction.

20. The touch display device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of virtual touch electrodes are floating.

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