Display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display device. The display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; a pixel driving circuit disposed in the display area; a first electrode connected to the pixel driving circuit; a light emitting device disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the light emitting device, in which the pixel driving circuit includes: a sensing section configured to supply a cathode voltage or a touch driving signal to the second electrode; and a sensing switch configured to transmit power from the power portion to the sensing portion or block power transmitted from the power portion in response to the touch enable signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a device, and more specifically to, for example, but not limited to, a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices are used in various electronic devices, such as TVs, mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.

[0003] Display devices can include self-emissive organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that require a separate light source.

[0004] Recently, display devices including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have attracted attention as next-generation display devices. LEDs are made of inorganic materials rather than organic materials. Therefore, compared to liquid crystal displays or organic light-emitting displays, display devices including LEDs have faster illumination speeds, superior luminous efficiency, and can display images with high brightness.

[0005] The descriptions provided in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with that section. The background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art, and the descriptions in that section do not limit this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure is committed to providing a display device that substantially eliminates one or more problems caused by the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a display device that blocks the power supply to a sensing unit during a period in a touch sensing phase when the touch driving signal is not output to the touch electrodes, the sensing unit performing the function of outputting the touch driving signal.

[0008] Additional advantages and features of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will also be apparent in part to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of this disclosure. The objects and other advantages of this disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the structures specifically pointed out in the specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of this disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device is provided, comprising: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; a pixel driving circuit disposed in the display area; a first electrode connected to the pixel driving circuit; a light-emitting device disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting device, wherein the pixel driving circuit includes: a sensing unit configured to supply a cathode voltage or a touch driving signal to the second electrode; and a sensing switch configured to, in response to a touch enable signal, transmit power from a power unit to the sensing unit or block power transmission from the power unit.

[0010] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed inventive concept.

[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be apparent or become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this specification, fall within the scope of this disclosure, and are protected by the appended claims. Nothing in this section should be construed as limiting these claims. Further aspects and advantages will be discussed below in conjunction with embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and incorporated in and forming part of this application, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 This is an enlarged exemplary view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of a pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figures 5 to 7B This is a plan view of a display panel applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8This is an exemplary diagram showing a cross-sectional surface of a display panel applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of a touch electrode portion and a display driver applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11A This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of a sub-touch electrode and a pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11B This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection structure of the sub-touch electrode and pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 11C This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the pixel driving circuit and the light-emitting device applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 11D This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the light emission signal applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 11E This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a pixel circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 11F This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a touch sensing method in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 11G This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the display period and touch sensing period applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figures 12A to 12E These are exemplary diagrams illustrating various driving methods for a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figures 13 to 16 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device using a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustrative purposes, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0032] The advantages and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will be illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete enough to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding its scope.

[0033] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustrative purposes, the relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. The described progression of processing steps and / or operations is illustrative; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and can be varied as is known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a specific order. The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. The names of the various elements used in the following explanation are chosen solely for ease of writing and may therefore differ from those used in actual products.

[0034] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the drawings used to describe embodiments of this disclosure may be merely examples. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the details shown. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In the following description, detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations will be omitted or may be provided briefly when it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the focus of this disclosure. When using "comprising," "having," and "including" as described in this disclosure, an additional part may be added unless "only" is used. Elements described in the singular are intended to include multiple elements, and vice versa, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] Any implementation described as an "example" in this article is not necessarily to be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0036] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including a range of errors or tolerances, even though such range of errors or tolerances is not explicitly described.

[0037] When describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as such as "on," "above," "below," and "next to," one or more other parts may be placed between the two parts, unless more restrictive terms such as "exactly" or "directly" are used.

[0038] When describing temporal relationships, such as when time sequence is described as “after,” “following,” “next,” and “before,” discontinuous situations may be included unless more restrictive terms such as “exactly,” “immediately after,” or “directly” are used.

[0039] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and may not limit the order of the sequence. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0040] In describing the elements of this disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” etc., may be used. These terms are intended to identify the corresponding element from other elements, and the basis, order, or number of the corresponding elements shall not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise stated, the expression “connected,” “joined,” or “adhered” to another element or layer shall be understood to mean that the element or layer may be directly connected or adhered to another element or layer, or indirectly connected or adhered to another element or layer, with one or more intermediate elements or layers “set” or “interspersed” between these elements or layers.

[0041] If a component is described as “connected,” “joined,” “adheded,” or “attached” to another component, then that component may be directly connected, joined, adhered, or attached to another component. However, it should be understood that other components may be inserted between components that may be indirectly connected, joined, adhered, or attached without any specific description.

[0042] It should be understood that if a component or layer is stated to be "in contact" or "overlapping" with another component or layer, then that component or layer may be in direct contact or overlap with the other component or layer, but other components may be interposed between each component that may be in indirect contact or overlap, without specific explicit description.

[0043] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third items" means a combination of two or more items from the first, second, and third items, as well as all items proposed from the first, second, or third items. Furthermore, the term "able" as used herein includes all meanings and definitions of the word "may".

[0044] The terms “first direction,” “second direction,” “third direction,” “X-axis direction,” “Y-axis direction,” and “Z-axis direction” should not be interpreted merely as geometrically perpendicular to each other, but may mean that the configuration of this disclosure has a wider range of directions within the scope of the configuration of this disclosure being functionally effective.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments pertain. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. For example, the terms “part” or “unit” can be applied to, for example, a single circuit or structure, an integrated circuit, a computational block of a circuit device, or any structure configured to perform the described functions, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or entirely linked or combined with each other, and may be interoperable and technically driven differently from each other, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art.

[0047] The embodiments disclosed herein can be performed independently of each other, or they can be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0048] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100, a polarizing layer 280, an adhesive layer 290, a cover member 120, a support substrate 190, a flexible circuit board 170, and a printed circuit board 160.

[0051] Display panel 100 can display information and images to be provided to the user.

[0052] A polarizing layer 280 can be disposed on the display panel 100. The polarizing layer 280 can prevent or reduce light generated from external light sources from entering the display panel 100 and affecting light-emitting devices, etc.

[0053] The adhesive layer 290 can attach the cover member 120 to the display panel 100. The adhesive layer 290 can be disposed between the polarizing layer 280 and the cover member 120 to attach the cover member 120 to the polarizing layer 280. The adhesive layer 290 can be one of optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0054] The cover member 120 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 280. The cover member 120 may be disposed on the adhesive layer 290. The cover member 120 may be a member for protecting the display panel 100. The cover member 120 may be formed of a transparent material.

[0055] The support substrate 190 can be disposed between the display panel 100 and the printed circuit board 160. The support substrate 190 can enhance the rigidity of the display panel 100. The support substrate 190 can be a back plate.

[0056] Flexible circuit board 170 and printed circuit board 160 can be disposed on the lower surface of display panel 100. Flexible circuit board 170 and printed circuit board 160 can be disposed on one edge of display panel 100. One side of flexible circuit board 170 can be attached to display panel 100, and the other side of flexible circuit board 170 can be attached to printed circuit board 160. Flexible circuit board 170 can be a flexible film, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0057] The printed circuit board 160 may include at least one hole 180. An internal component for sensing ambient light or temperature may be disposed in an area corresponding to the at least one hole 180. For example, the internal component may include at least one of an ambient light sensor (ALS) and a temperature sensor.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is an enlarged exemplary diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 1000 may include a display panel 100, a flexible circuit board 170, and a printed circuit board 160.

[0060] The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110. The substrate 110 may be a component supporting other components of the display device 1000. The substrate 110 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of glass or resin. In addition, the substrate 110 may be made of a flexible material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of a flexible plastic material (such as polyimide (PI)).

[0061] For example, the display panel 100 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA. Therefore, the substrate 110 may include a display area AA and a non-display area NA. The display area AA and the non-display area NA can be applied not only to the description of the substrate 110, but also to the description of the display device 1000.

[0062] The display area AA can be the area where an image is displayed. The display area AA can include multiple pixels PX. Each of the multiple pixels PX can include multiple subpixels. At least one subpixel can be set in each of the multiple subpixels.

[0063] The type of light-emitting device can vary depending on the type of display device 1000. For example, when the display device 1000 is an inorganic light-emitting display device, the light-emitting device can be a light-emitting diode (LED), a micro-LED, or a miniature light-emitting diode (MLED).

[0064] The display area AA can be configured into various shapes according to the design of the display device 1000. For example, the display area AA can be configured as a rectangle with four rounded corners. Or, for example, the display area AA can be configured as a rectangle or a circle with four corners (each corner being a right angle).

[0065] Reference Figure 3 Multiple pixel driving circuits (PDs) can be set in the display area (AA). Multiple pixel driving circuits (PDs) can be circuits used to drive light-emitting devices located in multiple sub-pixels.

[0066] Each of the multiple pixel driver circuits (PDs) may include a storage capacitor and multiple transistors, including driving transistors. Furthermore, each of the multiple pixel driver circuits (PDs) can control the light-emitting operation of multiple light-emitting devices by supplying control signals, power supplies, and driving currents to light-emitting devices disposed in multiple sub-pixels. For example, the pixel driver circuit (PD) may include power lines and signal lines for controlling the light-emitting on / off and / or light-emitting time of the light-emitting devices. For example, the multiple pixel driver circuits (PDs) can be fabricated on a semiconductor substrate using a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) fabrication process.

[0067] The non-display area NA can be an area where no image is displayed. Various lines, circuits, etc., used to drive the multiple pixels PX of the display area NA can be located in the non-display area NA. For example, various lines and drive circuits can be installed in the non-display area NA. Furthermore, pads (PADs) for connection to integrated circuits, printed circuits, etc., can be provided in the non-display area NA.

[0068] For example, the driving circuit can be a data driving circuit and / or a gating driving circuit. A line supplying control signals for controlling the driving circuit can be provided in the non-display area NA. For example, the control signals can include clock signals, input data enable signals, and synchronization signals. The control signals can be received through the pad portion PAD. For example, a link line LL for transmitting signals can be provided in the non-display area NA. For example, driving components such as flexible circuit board 170 and printed circuit board 160 can be connected to the pad portion PAD.

[0069] According to this disclosure, the non-display area NA may include a first non-display area NA1, a curved area BA, and a second non-display area NA2. For example, the first non-display area NA1 may be a region surrounding at least a portion of the display area AA. The curved area BA may be a region extending from at least one of the plurality of sides of the first non-display area NA1, and may be a flexible region. The second non-display area NA2 is a region extending from the curved area BA, and the pad portion PAD may be disposed in the second non-display area NA2. For example, the curved area BA may be curved, and the remaining area of ​​the substrate 110 other than the curved area BA may be flat. In this case, when the curved area BA is curved, the second non-display area NA2 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display area AA.

[0070] Multiple link lines LL can be provided in the non-display area NA. The multiple link lines LL can be lines used to transmit various signals from one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 170 and printed circuit boards 160 to the display area AA. The multiple link lines LL can extend from multiple pad electrodes PE of the second non-display area NA2 toward the curved area BA and the first non-display area NA1 to electrically connect to multiple drive lines VL of the display area AA.

[0071] Multiple pixel drive circuits PD can be driven by signals transmitted from one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 170 and printed circuit boards 160 via drive lines VL in the display area AA and link lines LL in the non-display area NA.

[0072] For example, each of the drive line VL and the link line LL can be a line used to transmit signals output from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 to the pixel driving circuit PD. The drive line VL can be disposed in the display area AA to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. The drive line VL can extend from the display area AA toward the non-display area NA to be electrically connected to the link line LL. Therefore, signals output from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 can be transmitted to the pixel driving circuit PD through the link line LL and the drive line VL.

[0073] When the bending region BA bends, a portion of the link line LL may also bend along with the bending region BA. Stress concentrates on the bent portion of the link line LL, thus potentially causing cracks to appear within the link line LL. The link line LL can be formed from a conductive material with excellent ductility, thereby reducing cracking when the bending region BA bends. For example, the link line LL can be formed from conductive materials with excellent ductility, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), etc. Furthermore, the link line LL can be formed from one of various conductive materials used in the display region AA. For example, the link line LL can be formed from molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and magnesium (Mg), or alloys thereof. The link line LL can be formed in a multilayer structure comprising various conductive materials. For example, the link line LL can be formed in a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti).

[0074] The link line LL can be configured in various shapes to reduce stress. At least a portion of the link line LL disposed on the curved region BA can extend in the same direction as the extension direction of the curved region BA, or can extend in a direction different from the extension direction of the curved region BA to reduce stress. For example, when the curved region BA extends in a direction from the first non-display region NA1 to the second non-display region NA2, at least a portion of the link line LL disposed on the curved region BA can extend in a direction inclined to that direction.

[0075] For example, at least a portion of the link line LL can be formed in a pattern of various shapes. For example, at least a portion of the link line LL disposed on the curved region BA can have the following shape: a conductive pattern having at least one of the following shapes: diamond shape, rhombus shape, trapezoidal shape, triangular wave shape, sawtooth wave shape, sine shape, circular shape and Ω shape is repeatedly arranged.

[0076] Therefore, in order to reduce or minimize the stress concentrated on the link line LL and the cracks caused by the stress, the link line LL can be formed into various shapes including the shapes described above.

[0077] According to this disclosure, the width of the second non-display area NA2, which has multiple pad electrodes PE, can be wider than the width of the curved area BA, which only has multiple link lines LL. Furthermore, the width of the display area AA, which has multiple sub-pixels, can be wider than the width of the curved area BA, which only has multiple link lines LL. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a substrate 110, wherein the width of the curved region BA is narrower than the width of other regions of the substrate 110. However, the shape of the substrate 110 including the curved region BA is exemplary, and therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0078] A pad portion PAD, including multiple pad electrodes PE, can be disposed in a second non-display area NA2. A driving assembly including one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 170 and printed circuit boards 160 can be attached or bonded to the pad portion PAD. The multiple pad electrodes PE are electrically connected to one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) and can transmit various signals (or power) received from the printed circuit board 160 and the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 to multiple pixel driving circuits PD in the display area AA.

[0079] The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 can be a flexible film, and various components can be disposed on the flexible circuit board. For example, driver ICs such as strobe driver ICs and data driver ICs can be disposed on the flexible circuit board (or flexible film). In the following description, the driver IC may be referred to as a driver.

[0080] The driver IC can be a component that processes data and drive signals to display an image. The driver IC can be positioned using methods such as chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-film (COF), and tape-on-carrier (TCP), but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 can be attached or bonded to multiple pad electrodes PE via a conductive adhesive layer.

[0081] Printed circuit board 160 can be electrically connected to one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 170 and provide signals to the driver IC. Printed circuit board 160 can be disposed on one side of the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 for electrical connection to the flexible circuit board (or flexible film). Various components for supplying various signals to the driver IC can be disposed on printed circuit board 160. For example, various components such as timing controllers, power supplies, memory, and processors can be disposed on printed circuit board 160. For example, printed circuit board 160 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0082] Figure 4This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of a pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The pixel driving circuit PD described can be Figure 4 The micro-drive (μDriver) shown. Figure 4 An ED (Emitting Light Device) is shown connected to a micro-driver (μDriver), but the invention is not limited to this.

[0084] For example, eight LEDs (Emitting Diodes) can be connected to a single μ-driver. Alternatively, 16, 32, or 64 LEDs can be connected to a single μ-driver. The LEDs can be microLEDs (μLEDs). Furthermore, a pixel driving circuit (PD) (e.g., a μ-driver) can be connected to at least two LEDs. In this case, the pixel driving circuit (PD) can include... Figure 4 The diagram shows one or more pixel circuits (PCs). The pixel circuits (PCs) can be connected to at least one light-emitting device (ED). The pixel circuits (PCs) included in the micro-driver (μDriver) can include a driving transistor (TDR) and a light-emitting transistor (TEM).

[0085] For example, a high-potential power supply voltage VDD can be applied to the first electrode of the driving transistor TDR, the first electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM can be connected to the second electrode of the driving transistor TDR, and a scan signal SC can be applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor TDR. The scan signal SC applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor TDR can be a DC power supply, and a fixed reference voltage can be applied in each frame.

[0086] The second electrode of the driving transistor TDR can be connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM, the light-emitting device ED can be connected to the second electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM, and the light-emitting signal EM can be applied to the gate electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM. The light-emitting signal EM applied to the gate electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal that changes in each frame.

[0087] The first electrode of the light-emitting device (ED) can be connected to the second electrode of the light-emitting transistor (TEM), and the second electrode of the ED can be grounded. For example, the first electrode of the ED can be the anode electrode, and the second electrode of the ED can be the cathode electrode.

[0088] Each of the driving transistor TDR and the light-emitting transistor TEM can be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

[0089] The driving transistor TDR can be turned on by the scan signal SC applied from the timing controller T-CON, and the light-emitting transistor TEM can be turned on by the light-emitting signal EM. In this case, by applying a high potential power supply voltage VDD to the first electrode of the driving transistor TDR, a driving current can be applied to the light-emitting device ED through the driving transistor TDR and the light-emitting transistor TEM, so the light-emitting device ED can emit light.

[0090] Figures 5 to 7B This is a plan view of a display panel applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 5 It is a magnified plan view of a portion of the display area AA, which includes multiple pixels. Figure 6 It is a magnified plan view of a portion of the display area AA, which includes one pixel. Figure 7A yes Figure 5 Another plan view of the area shown, and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 7A The diagram shows a plan view of the two second electrodes CE2. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows multiple signal lines TL, multiple communication lines NL, multiple first electrodes CE1, multiple embankments BNK, and multiple light-emitting devices ED. Figure 7A It shows the addition Figure 5 The two second electrodes CE2 shown in the plan view, and Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A The two second electrodes CE2 are shown.

[0091] Reference Figures 5 to 7B Multiple pixels (PX) comprising multiple sub-pixels can be set within the display area AA. Each of these sub-pixels includes a light-emitting device (ED) and can independently output light. The multiple sub-pixels can be configured in multiple rows and columns and can be arranged in a matrix.

[0092] The plurality of sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3. For example, any one of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a red sub-pixel, another may be a green sub-pixel, and yet another may be a blue sub-pixel. The type of the plurality of sub-pixels is merely an example, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0093] Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include one or more first sub-pixels SP1, one or more second sub-pixels SP2, and one or more third sub-pixels SP3. For example, a pixel PX may include a pair of first sub-pixels SP1, a pair of second sub-pixels SP2, and a pair of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0094] A pair of first sub-pixels SP1 may include sub-pixels SP1a (1a) and SP1b (1b). A pair of second sub-pixels SP2 may include sub-pixels SP2a (2a) and SP2b (2b). A pair of third sub-pixels SP3 may include sub-pixels SP3a (3a) and SP3b (3b). For example, a pixel PX may include sub-pixels SP1a (1a), SP1b (1b), SP2a (2a), SP2b (2b), SP3a (3a), and SP3b (3b).

[0095] The multiple subpixels constituting a pixel PX can be arranged differently. For example, in a pixel PX, a pair of first subpixels SP1 can be arranged in the same column, a pair of second subpixels SP2 can be arranged in the same column, and a pair of third subpixels SP3 can be arranged in the same column. The first subpixels SP1, second subpixels SP2, and third subpixels SP3 can be arranged in the same row. The number and arrangement of the multiple subpixels constituting a pixel PX are examples, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0096] Multiple signal lines TL can be positioned in the region between multiple sub-pixels. Multiple signal lines TL can extend along the column direction between multiple sub-pixels. Multiple signal lines TL can be used to transmit the anode voltage from the pixel drive circuit PD (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown) A line that transmits voltage to multiple sub-pixels. For example, a signal line TL can be electrically connected to a pixel driving circuit PD and the first electrode CE1 of a sub-pixel. The anode voltage output from the pixel driving circuit PD (e.g., from a micro-driver (μDriver)) can be transmitted to the first electrode CE1 of the sub-pixel via the signal line TL.

[0097] For example, the first electrode CE1 can be an electrode electrically connected to the anode electrode of the light-emitting device ED. The anode voltage transmitted via the signal line TL can be transmitted to the anode electrode of the light-emitting device ED through the first electrode CE1. That is, the first electrode CE1 is connected to the anode electrode. Therefore, in the following description, the first electrode CE1 can refer to the anode electrode, or it can refer to a separate electrode connected to the anode electrode.

[0098] In the display device according to the example of this disclosure, instead of forming multiple transistors and storage capacitors in each of the multiple sub-pixels, a pixel driving circuit PD in which multiple pixel circuits are integrated is used, thus simplifying the structure of the display device 1000. Furthermore, since the circuits provided in each of the multiple sub-pixels are integrated into a single pixel driving circuit PD, high-efficiency and low-power driving are possible.

[0099] Multiple signal lines TL may include a first signal line TL1, a second signal line TL2, a third signal line TL3, a fourth signal line TL4, a fifth signal line TL5, and a sixth signal line TL6. Each of the first signal line TL1 and the second signal line TL2 can be electrically connected to a pair of first sub-pixels SP1. Each of the third signal line TL3 and the fourth signal line TL4 can be electrically connected to a pair of second sub-pixels SP2. Each of the fifth signal line TL5 and the sixth signal line TL6 can be electrically connected to a pair of third sub-pixels SP3.

[0100] A first signal line TL1 can be disposed on one side of a pair of first sub-pixels SP1, and a second signal line TL2 can be disposed on the other side of the pair of first sub-pixels SP1. The first signal line TL1 can be electrically connected to one of the pair of first sub-pixels SP1, for example, the first electrode CE1 of the first sub-pixel SP1a. The second signal line TL2 can be electrically connected to the remaining first sub-pixels SP1 in the pair of first sub-pixels SP1, for example, the first electrode CE1 of the first sub-pixel SP1b.

[0101] The third signal line TL3 can be disposed on one side of a pair of second sub-pixels SP2, and the fourth signal line TL4 can be disposed on the other side of the pair of second sub-pixels SP2. For example, the third signal line TL3 can be disposed adjacent to the second signal line TL2. The third signal line TL3 can be electrically connected to one of the pair of second sub-pixels SP2, such as the first electrode CE1 of the 2a sub-pixel SP2a. The fourth signal line TL4 can be electrically connected to the remaining second sub-pixels SP2 in the pair of second sub-pixels SP2, such as the first electrode CE1 of the 2b sub-pixel SP2b.

[0102] The fifth signal line TL5 can be positioned on one side of a pair of third sub-pixels SP3, and the sixth signal line TL6 can be positioned on the other side of the pair of third sub-pixels SP3. For example, the fifth signal line TL5 can be positioned adjacent to the fourth signal line TL4. The sixth signal line TL6 can be positioned adjacent to the first signal line TL1 connected to the adjacent pixel PX. The fifth signal line TL5 can be electrically connected to one of the pair of third sub-pixels SP3, such as the first electrode CE1 of the 3a sub-pixel SP3a. The sixth signal line TL6 can be electrically connected to the remaining third sub-pixels SP3 of the pair of third sub-pixels SP3, such as the first electrode CE1 of the 3b sub-pixel SP3b.

[0103] Signal lines (TLs) can be formed from conductive materials. For example, signal lines (TLs) can be formed from conductive materials such as titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). As another example, multiple signal lines (TLs) can be formed from a multilayer structure comprising conductive materials. For instance, multiple signal lines (TLs) can be formed from a multilayer structure in which titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and indium tin oxide (ITO) are stacked.

[0104] Multiple communication lines NL can be positioned in the region between adjacent pixels PX. Communication lines NL can be configured to extend along the row direction in the region between adjacent pixels PX. Communication lines NL can be positioned in the region between adjacent second electrodes CE2, and may not overlap with adjacent second electrodes CE2. For example, communication lines NL can be lines used for short-range communication such as near-field communication (NFC). Communication lines NL can be used as antennas.

[0105] According to this disclosure, a dam section (BNK) can be disposed in each of a plurality of sub-pixels. The dam section (BNK) can be a structure in which a plurality of light-emitting devices (EDs) are disposed. The plurality of dam sections (BNKs) can guide the positions of the plurality of light-emitting devices (EDs) during the transfer process of the plurality of EDs. The plurality of light-emitting devices (EDs) can be transferred onto the plurality of dam sections (BNKs) during the transfer process of the plurality of EDs. The entire area of ​​the light-emitting device (ED) can overlap with the dam section (BNK). The plurality of dam sections (BNKs) can be a dam pattern or structure, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0106] The dam portions BNK of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 can be set to be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the dam portions BNK of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 can be configured to be separate. Thus, it is easy to identify the dam portions BNK of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 that are transferred to different types of light-emitting devices (EDs).

[0107] The dam portion BNK of sub-pixel SP1a and sub-pixel SP1b can be connected to each other or spaced apart. For example, considering design requirements such as transfer process requirements, the dam portion BNK of sub-pixel SP1a and sub-pixel SP1b, which are provided with the same light-emitting device ED, can be connected to each other, or can be separated or spaced apart. Similarly, the dam portion BNK of sub-pixel SP2a and sub-pixel SP2b can be connected to each other, or can be separated or spaced apart. The dam portion BNK of sub-pixel SP3a and sub-pixel SP3b can be connected to each other, or can be separated or spaced apart. Therefore, the dam portion BNK of a pair of first sub-pixels SP1, the dam portion BNK of a pair of second sub-pixels SP2, and the dam portion BNK of a pair of third sub-pixels SP3 can be formed differently.

[0108] For example, each of the multiple dammed BNKs can be formed of an organic insulating material. Each of the multiple dammed BNKs can be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of organic insulating material. For example, each of the multiple dammed BNKs can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc.

[0109] The first electrode CE1 can be disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels. The first electrode CE1 can overlap with the embankment BNK to be disposed on the embankment BNK. The first electrode CE1 can be electrically connected to one of the plurality of signal lines TL.

[0110] At least a portion of the first electrode CE1 may extend to the outside of the embankment BNK to be electrically connected to the signal line TL closest to the first electrode CE1. A portion of the first electrode CE1 may overlap with the embankment BNK, and the remaining portion of the first electrode CE1 may not overlap with the embankment BNK.

[0111] For example, a portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 1a sub-pixel SP1a may extend to one side of the 1a sub-pixel SP1a to be electrically connected to the first signal line TL1, and a portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 1b sub-pixel SP1b may extend to the other side of the 1b sub-pixel SP1b to be electrically connected to the second signal line TL2. A portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 2a sub-pixel SP2a may extend to one side of the 2a sub-pixel SP2a to be electrically connected to the third signal line TL3, and a portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 2b sub-pixel SP2b may extend to the other side of the 2b sub-pixel SP2b to be electrically connected to the fourth signal line TL4. A portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 3a sub-pixel SP3a may extend to one side of the 3a sub-pixel SP3a to be electrically connected to the fifth signal line TL5, and a portion of the first electrode CE1 of the 3b sub-pixel SP3b may extend to the other side of the 3b sub-pixel SP3b to be electrically connected to the sixth signal line TL6.

[0112] The first electrode CE1 is electrically connected to the anode electrode of the light-emitting device ED. The anode voltage from the pixel driving circuit PD can be transmitted to the light-emitting device ED via the signal line TL and the first electrode CE1. Different voltages can be applied to the first electrode CE1 of each of the multiple sub-pixels according to the displayed image. For example, different voltages can be applied to the first electrodes CE1 of multiple sub-pixels. Therefore, the first electrode CE1 can be referred to as the pixel electrode.

[0113] The first electrode CE1 can be formed of a conductive material. For example, the first electrode CE1 can be integrally formed with the signal line TL. For example, the first electrode CE1 can be formed of the same conductive material as the signal line TL. For example, the first electrode CE1 can be formed of a conductive material such as titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). As another example, the first electrode CE1 can be formed of a multilayer structure of conductive material. For example, multiple first electrodes CE1 can be formed of a multilayer structure in which titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and indium tin oxide (ITO) are stacked.

[0114] The light-emitting device ED can be disposed in each of the multiple sub-pixels. The multiple light-emitting devices ED can be either light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or micro LEDs. The multiple light-emitting devices ED can overlap with the embankment BNK and the first electrode CE1, so as to be disposed on the embankment BNK and the first electrode CE1. The entire area of ​​the light-emitting device ED can overlap with the embankment BNK and the first electrode CE1.

[0115] The light-emitting device ED can be disposed on the first electrode CE1 and can be electrically connected to the first electrode CE1. Therefore, the light-emitting device ED can output light using the anode voltage (or anode current) from the pixel driving circuit PD through the signal line TL and the first electrode CE1.

[0116] Multiple light-emitting devices (EDs) may include a first light-emitting device 130, a second light-emitting device 140, and a third light-emitting device 150. The first light-emitting device 130 may be disposed in a first sub-pixel SP1. The second light-emitting device 140 may be disposed in a second sub-pixel SP2. The third light-emitting device 150 may be disposed in a third sub-pixel SP3. For example, one of the first light-emitting device 130, the second light-emitting device 140, and the third light-emitting device 150 may be a red light-emitting device, another may be a green light-emitting device, and yet another may be a blue light-emitting device, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Light of various colors, including white, can be achieved by combining red, green, and blue light emitted from multiple light-emitting devices (EDs). The type of multiple light-emitting devices (EDs) is merely an example, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0117] The first light-emitting device 130 may include a first-a light-emitting device 130a disposed in the first-a sub-pixel SP1a and a first-b light-emitting device 130b disposed in the first-b sub-pixel SP1b. The second light-emitting device 140 may include a second-a light-emitting device 140a disposed in the second-a sub-pixel SP2a and a second-b light-emitting device 140b disposed in the second-b sub-pixel SP2b. The third light-emitting device 150 may include a third-a light-emitting device 150a disposed in the third-a sub-pixel SP3a and a third-b light-emitting device 150b disposed in the third-b sub-pixel SP3b.

[0118] The second electrode CE2 can be set in each of the multiple sub-pixels.

[0119] The second electrode CE2 can be disposed on the light-emitting device ED. The second electrode CE2 can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD through the contact electrode CCE.

[0120] For example, the second electrode CE2 may be electrically connected to the cathode electrode of the light-emitting device ED to transfer the cathode voltage from the pixel driving circuit PD to the light-emitting device ED. That is, the second electrode CE2 is connected to the cathode electrode. Therefore, in the following description, the second electrode CE2 may refer to the cathode electrode or a separate electrode connected to the cathode electrode.

[0121] The same cathode voltage can be applied to the second electrode CE2 of multiple sub-pixels. For example, the same voltage can be applied to the second electrode CE2 located in multiple sub-pixels. Therefore, the second electrode CE2 can be referred to as the common electrode.

[0122] At least some of the multiple sub-pixels can share the second electrode CE2. For example, the second electrode CE2 can be disposed in at least two sub-pixels. For further description, the second electrode CE2 can be disposed in at least one of multiple pixels PX arranged in the same row in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). For example, a second electrode CE2 can be disposed in multiple pixels PX. That is, a second electrode CE2 can be disposed in n sub-pixels (n is a natural number). Figure 7A and Figure 7B A display device is shown with a second electrode CE2 disposed in two sub-pixels arranged in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0123] In this scenario, the second electrodes CE2 disposed in multiple sub-pixels can be spaced apart or separated from each other. For example, the second electrode CE2 connected to pixel PX in row n and the second electrode CE2 connected to pixel PX in row n+1 can be spaced apart or separated from each other. For example, as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, multiple second electrodes CE2 can be spaced apart from each other, with multiple communication lines NL extending in the row direction interspersed between them. Therefore, the number of multiple sub-pixels can be greater than the number of multiple second electrodes CE2.

[0124] Multiple second electrodes CE2 can be formed of a transparent conductive material. When multiple second electrodes CE2 are formed of a transparent conductive material, light emitted from the light-emitting device ED is guided to the upper part of the second electrodes CE2. For example, the second electrodes CE2 can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO).

[0125] Multiple contact electrodes CCE can be disposed on the substrate 110. For example, the multiple contact electrodes CCE can be configured to be spaced apart from multiple embankments BNK and multiple signal lines TL. Each of the multiple second electrodes CE2 can overlap with at least one contact electrode CCE. For example, one second electrode CE2 can overlap with multiple contact electrodes CCE.

[0126] For example, multiple contact electrodes CCE can be electrically connected to the second electrode CE2. The contact electrodes CCE can be disposed between the substrate 110 and the second electrode CE2 to transfer the cathode voltage transmitted from the pixel driving circuit PD to the second electrode CE2.

[0127] When micro-LEDs are used as light-emitting devices (EDs), multiple micro-LEDs can be formed in a wafer and transferred to a substrate 110, thereby manufacturing a display panel 100. During the transfer of multiple micro-sized EDs from the wafer to the substrate 110, various defects may occur. For example, in some sub-pixels, there may be untransfer defects where the EDs are not transferred, and in some sub-pixels, there may be defects where the EDs are transferred to positions outside the correct locations due to alignment errors. Furthermore, even if the transfer process has been performed correctly, the transferred EDs themselves may still have defects. Therefore, considering defects, multiple identical EDs can be transferred to a single sub-pixel during the transfer of multiple EDs. After performing illumination tests on multiple EDs, only the ED that is ultimately determined to be functioning correctly can be used.

[0128] For example, light-emitting devices 130a (1a) and 130b (1b) can be transferred to a single pixel PX, and defects can be checked in both devices. If both 130a and 130b are determined to be normal, only 130a can be used, and 130b cannot. As another example, if only 130b is determined to be normal, then 130a is not used, and only 130b can be used. Therefore, even if multiple identical light-emitting devices (EDs) are transferred to a single pixel PX, only one ED can ultimately be used.

[0129] In this scenario, either one of a pair of light-emitting diodes (EDs) can be referred to as the primary or main ED, and the other ED can be referred to as the redundant ED. The redundant ED can be an additional ED transferred in preparation for defects in the primary ED. When the primary ED is defective, the redundant ED can be used to replace it. The primary and redundant EDs are transferred to a single pixel (PX), thereby reducing or minimizing the degradation in display quality caused by defects in both the primary and redundant EDs.

[0130] For example, the first light-emitting device 130a, the second light-emitting device 140a, and the third light-emitting device 150a transferred to a pixel PX can be used as the main light-emitting device ED, and the first light-emitting device 130b, the second light-emitting device 140b, and the third light-emitting device 150b can be used as redundant light-emitting devices ED.

[0131] Figure 8 This is an exemplary diagram showing a cross-sectional surface of a display panel applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the display area AA, the first non-display area NA, the curved area BA, and the second non-display area NA2, and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the light-emitting device ED in the display area AA.

[0132] Reference Figure 8 The first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b can be disposed in the remaining area of ​​the substrate 110 other than the bending area BA.

[0133] The first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b can be disposed in the display area AA, the first non-display area NA1, and the second non-display area NA2. The first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b can reduce the penetration of moisture or impurities into the substrate 110. The first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b can be formed of an inorganic insulating material. For example, each of the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b can be formed as a single layer of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx) or a multilayer including at least one of silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon nitride (SiNx), but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0134] For example, portions of the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b on the bending region BA can be removed. The upper surface of the substrate 110 disposed in the bending region BA is exposed as it is not covered by the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b. When the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b, which are made of inorganic insulating material, are removed from the bending region BA, cracks that may occur in the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b during bending can be reduced or minimized.

[0135] Multiple alignment keys MK can be provided between the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b. Multiple alignment keys MK can be formed to identify the position of the pixel driving circuit PD during the manufacturing process of the display panel 100. For example, the multiple alignment keys MK can be aligned with the position of the pixel driving circuit PD transferred onto the adhesive layer 112. However, multiple alignment keys MK can be omitted.

[0136] Adhesive layer 112 may be disposed on the second buffer layer 111b. Adhesive layer 112 may be disposed in the display area AA, the first non-display area NA1, the curved area BA, and the second non-display area NA2. A portion of adhesive layer 112 may be removed from the non-display area NA including the curved area BA. For example, adhesive layer 112 may be formed of any of the following: adhesive polymer, epoxy resin, UV-curable resin, polyimide resin, acrylate-based material, polyurethane-based material, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0137] In the display area AA, the pixel driving circuit PD can be disposed on the adhesive layer 112. The pixel driving circuit PD can be mounted on the adhesive layer 112 by a transfer process, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0138] The first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b can be disposed on the adhesive layer 112 and the pixel driving circuit PD. The first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b can surround the side surface of the pixel driving circuit PD. For example, the second protective layer 113b can cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the pixel driving circuit PD. At least one of the first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b disposed on the curved region BA can be omitted. For example, the first protective layer 113a can be completely disposed in the display area AA and the non-display area NA. In addition, the second protective layer 113b can be partially disposed in the display area AA, the first non-display area NA1, and the second non-display area NA2. Furthermore, the second protective layer 113b can be omitted from the curved region BA.

[0139] The first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b can be formed of organic insulating materials. For example, the first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc. The first protective layer 113a and the second protective layer 113b can be coating layers or insulating layers.

[0140] According to this disclosure, a plurality of first connection lines 121 may be disposed on the second protective layer 113b in the display area AA. The first connection lines 121 may be lines used to electrically connect the pixel driving circuit PD to other devices. The pixel driving circuit PD may be electrically connected to signal lines TL, contact electrodes CCE, etc., through the first connection lines 121.

[0141] The first connecting line 121 may include a first connecting line 121a, a first connecting line 121b, a first connecting line 121c, and a first connecting line 121d.

[0142] Multiple first-line connection lines 121a can be disposed on the second protective layer 113b. These multiple first-line connection lines 121a can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. The first connection line 121a can transmit the voltage output from the pixel driving circuit PD to the first electrode CE1 or the second electrode CE2.

[0143] The third protective layer 114 may be disposed on the second protective layer 113b. The third protective layer 114 may be disposed over the entire display area AA and the non-display area NA. In the curved area BA, the third protective layer 114 may be disposed on the side surface of the second protective layer 113b and the upper surface of the first protective layer 113a, or may cover the side surface of the second protective layer 113b and the upper surface of the first protective layer 113a. The third protective layer 114 may be formed of an organic insulating material. The third protective layer 114 may be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc. For example, the first protective layer 113a, the second protective layer 113b, and the third protective layer 114 may be formed of the same material, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0144] Multiple first-b connection lines 121b can be disposed on the third protective layer 114. The first-b connection lines 121b can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD via the first connection line 121a, or they can be directly connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. For example, a portion of the first-b connection line 121b can be directly connected to the pixel driving circuit PD through a contact hole in the third protective layer 114. Another portion of the first-b connection line 121b can be electrically connected to the first-a connection line 121a through a contact hole in the third protective layer 114. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the voltage output from the pixel driving circuit PD can be transmitted to the first electrode CE1 or the second electrode CE2 via a connection line different from the first-b connection line 121b.

[0145] The first insulating layer 115a can be disposed on multiple first-b connecting lines 121b. The first insulating layer 115a can be disposed throughout the entire display area AA and the non-display area NA, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. The first insulating layer 115a can be formed of an organic insulating material. The first insulating layer 115a can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc.

[0146] Multiple first c connecting lines 121c can be disposed on the first insulating layer 115a. The first c connecting lines 121c can be electrically connected to the first b connecting line 121b. For example, the first c connecting lines 121c can be electrically connected to the first b connecting line 121b through contact holes in the first insulating layer 115a.

[0147] The second insulating layer 115b can be disposed on multiple first c connecting lines 121c. The second insulating layer 115b can be disposed in the remaining areas excluding the curved region BA. The second insulating layer 115b can be disposed in the display region AA, the first non-display region NA1, and the second non-display region NA2. For example, at least a portion of the second insulating layer 115b disposed in the curved region BA can be removed. The second insulating layer 115b can be formed of an organic insulating material, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second insulating layer 115b can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc.

[0148] Multiple first d connecting lines 121d can be disposed on the second insulating layer 115b. The first d connecting lines 121d can be electrically connected to the first c connecting line 121c. For example, the first d connecting lines 121d can be electrically connected to the first c connecting line 121c through contact holes in the second insulating layer 115b.

[0149] The first connection line 121d can be connected to the contact electrode CCE through the contact hole of the third insulating layer 115c. Therefore, the contact electrode CCE and the pixel driving circuit PD can be electrically connected to the first connection line 121.

[0150] In other words, the contact electrode CCE connected to the second electrode CE2 can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD through the first d connection line 121d, the first c connection line 121c, the first b connection line 121b and the first a connection line 121a.

[0151] However, the first connection line 121d can be directly connected to the signal line TL through a contact hole provided in the third insulating layer 115c, or it can be electrically connected to the signal line TL through other additional lines or electrodes. Therefore, the signal line TL and the pixel driving circuit PD can be electrically connected to each other through the first connection line 121.

[0152] The signal line TL can be formed by at least one of the first connection line 121a to the first connection line 121d, or it can be connected to the first connection line 121.

[0153] Multiple second connection lines 122 can be disposed on the second protective layer 113b in the non-display area NA. The second connection lines 122 can be lines for transmitting signals received from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 to the pixel driving circuit PD in the display area AA.

[0154] For example, multiple second connection lines 122 can be electrically connected to multiple pad electrodes PE to receive signals from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160.

[0155] For example, multiple second connection lines 122 may extend from the pad portion PAD toward the display area AA to transmit signals to the display area AA. In this case, each of the multiple second connection lines 122 can be used as a link line LL (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The second connecting line 122 may include the second connecting line 122a, the second connecting line 122b, the second connecting line 122c, and the second connecting line 122d.

[0156] Multiple second-a connection lines 122a can be disposed on the second protective layer 113b. These multiple second-a connection lines 122a can extend from the second non-display area NA2 to the curved area BA and the first non-display area NA1. The multiple second-a connection lines 122a can transmit signals received from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 to the pixel driving circuit PD in the display area AA. Therefore, the second-a connection lines 122a can be electrically connected to the pad electrode PE and the pixel driving circuit PD, respectively. For example, the second-a connection lines 122a can extend to the display area AA to directly connect to the pixel driving circuit PD in the display area AA, or they can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD via other additional lines or electrodes. Furthermore, the second-a connection lines 122a can be electrically connected to the pad electrode PE in the second non-display area NA2 via second-b connection lines 122b, second-c connection lines 122c, and second-d connection lines 122d. Therefore, the pixel driving circuit PD and the pad electrode PE can be electrically connected via the second connection lines 122.

[0157] Multiple second-b connection lines 122b can be disposed on the third protective layer 114. The second-b connection lines 122b can be disposed in the second non-display area NA2. The second-b connection lines 122b can be electrically connected to the second-a connection line 122a through contact holes in the third protective layer 114. Therefore, signals from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 can be transmitted to the second-a connection line 122a via the second-b connection lines 122b.

[0158] The second c connection line 122c can be disposed on the first insulating layer 115a. The second c connection line 122c can be disposed in the second non-display area NA2. The second c connection line 122c can be electrically connected to the second b connection line 122b through the contact hole of the first insulating layer 115a. Therefore, signals from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 can be transmitted to the second a connection line 122a through the second c connection line 122c and the second b connection line 122b.

[0159] The second connecting line 122d can be disposed on the second insulating layer 115b. The second connecting line 122d can be disposed in the second non-display area NA2. The second connecting line 122d can be electrically connected to the second connecting line 122c through the contact hole of the second insulating layer 115b.

[0160] Therefore, signals from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 can be transmitted to the 2a connection line 122a via the 2d connection line 122d, the 2c connection line 122c and the 2b connection line 122b.

[0161] In addition, the second connection line 122a can extend through the bending region BA to the display region AA, and can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD in the display region AA.

[0162] Therefore, the pad electrode PE disposed in the second non-display area NA2 can be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD disposed in the display area AA through the second d connection line 122d, the second c connection line 122c, the second b connection line 122b and the second a connection line 122a in the curved area BA.

[0163] Each of the first connecting line 121 and the second connecting line 122 may be formed of a conductive material with excellent ductility or various conductive materials used in the display area AA. For example, the second connecting line 122, which is partially disposed in the curved area BA, may be formed of a conductive material with excellent ductility, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), or aluminum (Al). As another example, each of the first connecting line 121 and the second connecting line 122 may be formed of molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and magnesium (Mg), or alloys thereof, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0164] The third insulating layer 115c can be disposed on multiple first connecting lines 121 and multiple second connecting lines 122. The third insulating layer 115c can be disposed in the remaining area excluding the curved region BA. The third insulating layer 115c can be disposed in the display area AA, the first non-display area NA1, and the second non-display area NA2. At least a portion of the third insulating layer 115c in the curved region BA can be removed. The third insulating layer 115c can be formed of an organic insulating material, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the third insulating layer 115c can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc.

[0165] The embankment BNK can be disposed on the third insulating layer 115c in the display area AA. The embankment BNK can overlap with the sub-pixel. The embankment BNK may not be disposed in the first non-display area NA1, the second non-display area NA2, and the curved area BA. One or more light-emitting devices ED of the same type can be disposed on the upper part of the embankment BNK.

[0166] In the display area AA, multiple signal lines TL can be disposed on the third insulating layer 115c. The signal lines TL can be disposed between multiple dikes BNK. For example, the signal lines TL can be disposed adjacent to any one of the multiple dikes BNK. The signal lines TL can be electrically connected to the first connecting line 121, for example, the first connecting line 121d.

[0167] Multiple contact electrodes CCE can be disposed on the third insulating layer 115c in the display area AA. The contact electrodes CCE can supply the cathode voltage transmitted from the pixel driving circuit PD to the second electrode CE2. The contact electrodes CCE can be electrically connected to the first connection line 121, such as the first d connection line 121d.

[0168] The first electrode CE1 can be disposed on the embankment BNK. For example, the first electrode CE1 can extend from the adjacent signal line TL to the upper part of the embankment BNK. The first electrode CE1 can be disposed on the upper surface and the side surface of the embankment BNK. For example, the first electrode CE1 can extend from the signal line TL on the upper surface of the third insulating layer 115c to the side surface and the upper surface of the embankment BNK. The first electrode CE1 can be integrally formed with the signal line TL.

[0169] Reference Figure 9 The first electrode CE1 may include multiple conductive layers. For example, the first electrode CE1 may include a first conductive layer CE1a, a second conductive layer CE1b, a third conductive layer CE1c, and a fourth conductive layer CE1d.

[0170] The first conductive layer CE1a can be disposed on the embankment BNK. The second conductive layer CE1b can be disposed on the first conductive layer CE1a. The third conductive layer CE1c can be disposed on the second conductive layer CE1b, and the fourth conductive layer CE1d can be disposed on the third conductive layer CE1c. For example, the first conductive layer CE1a, the second conductive layer CE1b, the third conductive layer CE1c, and the fourth conductive layer CE1d can be formed of titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti) and indium tin oxide (ITO), but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0171] Some of the multiple conductive layers with high reflectivity included in the first electrode CE1 can be used as alignment keys and / or reflectors for aligning the light-emitting device ED. For example, the second conductive layer CE1b among the multiple conductive layers of the first electrode CE1 may include a reflective material. For example, the second conductive layer CE1b may include aluminum (Al). In this case, the second conductive layer CE1b can be used as a reflector. Furthermore, due to the high reflectivity of the second conductive layer CE1b, it can be easily identified during the manufacturing process, thereby allowing the placement or relocation of the light-emitting device ED relative to the second conductive layer CE1b.

[0172] For example, to use the second conductive layer CE1b as a reflector, the third conductive layer CE1c and the fourth conductive layer CE1d covering the second conductive layer CE1b can be partially removed or etched. Portions of the third conductive layer CE1c and the fourth conductive layer CE1d disposed on the embankment BNK can be removed or etched to expose the upper surface of the second conductive layer CE1b. The central and edge portions of the third conductive layer CE1c and the fourth conductive layer CE1d on which the solder pattern SDP is disposed can be retained, and the remaining portions of the third conductive layer CE1c and the fourth conductive layer CE1d except for the central and edge portions can be removed. The central and edge portions of each of the third conductive layer CE1c made of titanium (Ti) and the fourth conductive layer CE1d made of indium tin oxide (ITO) can be left unetched. Therefore, the other conductive layer of the first electrode CE1 can be prevented from being etched by the TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) solution used in the masking process of the first electrode CE1.

[0173] The first conductive layer CE1a and the third conductive layer CE1c may include titanium (Ti) or molybdenum (Mo). The second conductive layer CE1b may include aluminum (Al). The fourth conductive layer CE1d may include a transparent conductive oxide layer, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), which has high adhesion to the solder pattern SDP and is corrosion-resistant and acid-resistant.

[0174] The first conductive layer CE1a, the second conductive layer CE1b, the third conductive layer CE1c, and the fourth conductive layer CE1d can be deposited sequentially and then patterned using photolithography and etching processes.

[0175] Each of the signal line TL, contact electrode CCE, and pad electrode PE disposed on the same layer as the first electrode CE1 can be formed of a multilayer conductive material, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the signal line TL, contact electrode CCE, and pad electrode PE can be formed of multiple layers in which indium tin oxide (ITO), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti) are stacked.

[0176] A solder pattern SDP can be disposed on the first electrode CE1 in each of a plurality of sub-pixels. The solder pattern SDP can bond the light-emitting device ED to the first electrode CE1. The first electrode CE1 and the light-emitting device ED can be electrically connected to each other via eutectic bonding using the solder pattern SDP, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when the solder pattern SDP is formed of indium (In) and the anode electrode 134 of the light-emitting device ED is formed of gold (Au), the solder pattern SDP and the anode electrode 134 can be bonded to each other by applying heat and pressure during the transfer process of the light-emitting device ED. The light-emitting device ED can be bonded to the solder pattern SDP and the first electrode CE1 via eutectic bonding without a separate bonding member. The solder pattern SDP can be formed of indium (In), tin (Sn) or an alloy thereof. For example, the solder pattern SDP can be a bonding pad, etc.

[0177] Passivation layer 116 can be disposed on multiple signal lines TL, multiple first electrodes CE1, multiple contact electrodes CCE, and a third insulating layer 115c. For example, passivation layer 116 can be disposed in display area AA, first non-display area NA1, and second non-display area NA2. A portion of passivation layer 116 disposed in the curved area BA can be removed. A portion of passivation layer 116 covering multiple pad electrodes PE can be removed in the second non-display area NA2. A portion of passivation layer 116 covering multiple contact electrodes CCE can be removed in display area AA. Passivation layer 116 covering solder pattern SDP can be removed in display area AA. Passivation layer 116 can cover the first electrode CE1. Passivation layer 116 can cover a portion of the exposed upper surface of the second conductive layer CE1b.

[0178] Because the passivation layer 116 covers the remaining area while exposing a portion of the multiple pad electrodes (PE), a portion of the multiple contact electrodes (CCE), and a portion of the solder pattern (SDP), it can reduce the penetration of moisture or impurities into the light-emitting device (ED). The passivation layer 116 can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx). For example, the passivation layer 116 can be a protective layer or an insulating layer. The passivation layer 116 may include holes exposing the solder pattern (SDP) and holes exposing the contact electrodes (CCE).

[0179] In each of the plurality of sub-pixels, a light-emitting device ED can be disposed on a solder pattern SDP. A first light-emitting device 130 can be disposed in a first sub-pixel SP1. A second light-emitting device 140 can be disposed in a second sub-pixel SP2. A third light-emitting device 150 can be disposed in a third sub-pixel SP3.

[0180] Light-emitting devices (EDs) can be formed on silicon wafers by metal-organic vapor deposition (MOCVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), molecular beam growth (MBE), hydride vapor deposition (HVPE), or sputtering, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0181] The first light-emitting device 130 may include an anode electrode 134, a first semiconductor layer 131, an active layer 132, a second semiconductor layer 133, a cathode electrode 135, and an encapsulation layer 136. For example, the encapsulation layer 136 may not be included in the first light-emitting device 130.

[0182] The first semiconductor layer 131 can be disposed on the solder pattern SDP. The second semiconductor layer 133 can be disposed on the first semiconductor layer 131.

[0183] For example, each of the first semiconductor layer 131 and the second semiconductor layer 133 may be formed of a compound semiconductor such as a group III-V or group II-VI semiconductor and may be doped with impurities (or dopants). For example, one of the first semiconductor layer 131 and the second semiconductor layer 133 may be a semiconductor layer doped with n-type impurities, while the other may be a semiconductor layer doped with p-type impurities. For example, each of the first semiconductor layer 131 and the second semiconductor layer 133 may be a layer in which n-type or p-type impurities are doped into a material such as gallium nitride (GaN), gallium phosphide (GaP), gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP), aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP), indium aluminum phosphide (InAlP), aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), aluminum indium nitride (AlInN), aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), or a material such as gallium arsenide (GaAs). n-type impurities can be silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), carbon (C), tellurium (Te), tin (Sn), etc. p-type impurities can be magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), etc.

[0184] Each of the first semiconductor layer 131 and the second semiconductor layer 133 may be a nitride semiconductor including n-type impurities or a nitride semiconductor including p-type impurities. For example, the first semiconductor layer 131 may be a nitride semiconductor including p-type impurities, and the second semiconductor layer 133 may be a nitride semiconductor including n-type impurities.

[0185] An active layer 132 may be disposed between a first semiconductor layer 131 and a second semiconductor layer 133. The active layer 132 emits light by receiving holes and electrons from the first semiconductor layer 131 and the second semiconductor layer 133. For example, the active layer 132 may be formed from one of the following: a single-well structure, a multi-well structure, a single quantum well structure, a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure, a quantum dot structure, and a quantum wire structure. The active layer 132 may be formed from indium gallium nitride (InGaN), gallium nitride (GaN), or the like.

[0186] For example, the active layer 132 may include a multiple quantum well (MQW) structure having a well layer and a barrier layer, wherein the band gap of the barrier layer is higher than that of the well layer. For example, the active layer 132 may include InGaN as the well layer and may include an AlGaN layer as the barrier layer.

[0187] An anode electrode 134 may be disposed between the first semiconductor layer 131 and the solder pattern SDP. The anode electrode 134 electrically connects the first semiconductor layer 131 to the first electrode CE1. An anode voltage output from the pixel driving circuit PD can be applied to the first semiconductor layer 131 via the signal line TL, the first electrode CE1, and the anode electrode 134. The anode electrode 134 may be formed of a conductive material capable of eutectic bonding with the solder pattern SDP. For example, the anode electrode 134 may be formed of gold (Au), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), iridium (Ir), chromium (CR), indium (In), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), or alloys thereof.

[0188] A cathode electrode 135 may be disposed on the second semiconductor layer 133. For example, the cathode electrode 135 may electrically connect the second semiconductor layer 133 to the second electrode CE2. The cathode voltage output from the pixel driving circuit PD may be applied to the second semiconductor layer 133 through the contact electrode CCE, the second electrode CE2, and the cathode electrode 135. The cathode electrode 135 may be formed of a transparent conductive material to allow light emitted from the light-emitting device ED to be guided to the upper part of the light-emitting device ED. For example, the cathode electrode 135 may be formed of a material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO).

[0189] The encapsulation layer 136 may be disposed on at least a portion of each of the first semiconductor layer 131, the active layer 132, the second semiconductor layer 133, the anode electrode 134, and the cathode electrode 135. For example, the encapsulation layer 136 may surround at least a portion of each of the first semiconductor layer 131, the active layer 132, the second semiconductor layer 133, the anode electrode 134, and the cathode electrode 135.

[0190] The encapsulation layer 136 can protect the first semiconductor layer 131, the active layer 132, and the second semiconductor layer 133. The encapsulation layer 136 can be disposed on the side surface of the first semiconductor layer 131, the side surface of the active layer 132, and the side surface of the second semiconductor layer 133.

[0191] Encapsulation layer 136 may be disposed on at least a portion of the anode electrode 134 and the cathode electrode 135. For example, encapsulation layer 136 may be disposed on the edge portion (or one side) of the anode electrode 134 and the edge portion (or one side) of the cathode electrode 135. At least a portion of the anode electrode 134 may be exposed by encapsulation layer 136, and thus the anode electrode 134 may be connected to the solder pattern SDP. For example, at least a portion of the cathode electrode 135 may be exposed by encapsulation layer 136, and thus the cathode electrode 135 may be connected to the second electrode CE2. Encapsulation layer 136 may be formed of an insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx).

[0192] For example, the encapsulation layer 136 can be a layer in which reflective material is distributed within a resin layer. The encapsulation layer 136 can be manufactured as a reflector with various structures. Light emitted from the active layer 132 can be reflected upwards by the encapsulation layer 136, thereby improving light extraction efficiency. In this case, the encapsulation layer 136 can be a reflective layer.

[0193] The light-emitting device (ED) has been described as having a vertical structure, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the ED may have a lateral structure or a flip-chip structure.

[0194] Although the above has been referenced Figure 9 The first light-emitting device 130 has been described, but the second light-emitting device 140 and the third light-emitting device 150 may have substantially the same structure as the first light-emitting device 130. For example, each of the second light-emitting device 140 and the third light-emitting device 150 may have substantially the same configuration as the first semiconductor layer 131, the active layer 132, the second semiconductor layer 133, the anode electrode 134, the cathode electrode 135, and the encapsulation layer 136.

[0195] According to this disclosure, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a first optical layer 117a surrounding multiple light-emitting devices ED can be disposed in the display area AA. For example, the first optical layer 117a can cover the sides of the light-emitting devices ED and the sides of multiple embankments BNK. The first optical layer 117a can cover a portion of the passivation layer 116. The first optical layer 117a can be disposed between the second electrode CE2, the passivation layer 116, and the multiple light-emitting devices.

[0196] The first optical layer 117a can be disposed between and cover the multiple light-emitting devices ED included in a pixel PX. Furthermore, the first optical layer 117a can be disposed between multiple dam portions BNK included in a pixel PX and cover the multiple light-emitting devices ED included in a pixel PX. For example, in a plan view, the first optical layer 117a can extend in a first direction, and multiple first optical layers 117a can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction. For example, the first optical layer 117a can be disposed between the passivation layer 116 and the second electrode CE2 to surround the side surfaces of the light-emitting devices ED and the side surfaces of the dam portions BNK. The first optical layer 117a can be referred to as a diffuse layer, sidewall diffuse layer, etc. In the following description, the first direction can be... Figure 5 The X-axis direction shown can be followed by a second direction. Figure 5 The Y-axis direction is shown. For example, the first direction and the second direction are different directions. Therefore, in the following description, reference numeral X can be assigned to the first direction, and reference numeral Y can be assigned to the second direction.

[0197] The first optical layer 117a may include an organic insulating material in which fine particles are distributed. For example, the first optical layer 117a may be formed of a siloxane, in which fine metal particles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are distributed. Light from the multiple light-emitting devices (EDs) can be scattered and emitted to the outside of the display panel 100 by the fine particles distributed in the first optical layer 117a. Therefore, the first optical layer 117a can improve the extraction efficiency of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting devices (EDs).

[0198] The first optical layer 117a can be disposed in each of the plurality of pixels PX, or it can be disposed in some pixels PX disposed in the same row. For example, the first optical layer 117a can be disposed in each of the plurality of pixels PX. In addition, the plurality of pixels PX can share a first optical layer 117a. As another example, each of the plurality of sub-pixels can each include the first optical layer 117a.

[0199] The second optical layer 117b may be disposed on the passivation layer 116 in the display area AA. For example, the second optical layer 117b may surround the first optical layer 117a. For example, the second optical layer 117b may contact the side surface of the first optical layer 117a. For example, the second optical layer 117b may be disposed in the area between a plurality of pixels PX. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The second optical layer 117b may be referred to as a diffuse layer, a window diffuse layer, etc.

[0200] The second optical layer 117b may be formed of an organic insulating material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The second optical layer 117b may be formed of the same material as the first optical layer 117a, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first optical layer 117a may include fine particles, and the second optical layer 117b may not include fine particles. For example, the second optical layer 117b may be formed of a siloxane.

[0201] The thickness of the first optical layer 117a can be less than the thickness of the second optical layer 117b. Therefore, in a plan view, the area where the first optical layer 117a is disposed can include a recess that is recessed from the upper surface of the second optical layer 117b.

[0202] The second electrode CE2 can be disposed on the first optical layer 117a and the second optical layer 117b. The second electrode CE2 can be electrically connected to multiple contact electrodes CCE through contact holes in the second optical layer 117b. The second electrode CE2 can be disposed on multiple light-emitting devices ED. The second electrode CE2 can include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The second electrode CE2 can be configured to contact the cathode electrode 135. The second electrode CE2 can overlap the entire first optical layer 117a and a portion of the second optical layer 117b.

[0203] The second electrode CE2 can extend continuously in the first direction X of the substrate 110. Therefore, the second electrode CE2 can be commonly connected to at least two pixels PX arranged in the first direction X of the substrate 110. For example, the second electrode CE2 can be commonly connected to at least two pixels PX.

[0204] The second electrode CE2 can be disposed at the upper end of the first optical layer 117a, the second optical layer 117b, and the light-emitting device ED. The region where the first optical layer 117a is disposed may include a recess that is recessed inward from the upper surface of the second optical layer 117b. Therefore, since the first portion of the second electrode CE2 disposed on the first optical layer 117a is disposed along the recess, the first portion of the second electrode CE2 disposed on the first optical layer 117a can be disposed at a lower position than the second portion of the second electrode CE2 disposed on the second optical layer 117b.

[0205] The third optical layer 117c can be disposed on the second electrode CE2. The third optical layer 117c can be disposed overlapping with the plurality of light-emitting devices ED and the first optical layer 117a. In this case, the third optical layer 117c may not overlap with the second optical layer 117b. Because the third optical layer 117c is disposed on the second electrode CE2 and the plurality of light-emitting devices ED, the third optical layer 117c can improve the spot mura that may appear in some of the plurality of light-emitting devices ED. For example, when the plurality of light-emitting devices ED are transferred onto the substrate 110 of the display panel 100, areas with uneven gaps between the plurality of light-emitting devices ED may appear due to process deviations, etc. When the gaps between the plurality of light-emitting devices ED are uneven, the light-emitting area of ​​each of the plurality of light-emitting devices ED may be unevenly disposed, and the user may be able to identify spots (or mura). Since the third optical layer 117c for uniformly diffusing light is formed on the upper part of the plurality of light-emitting devices ED, the visibility of light emitted from some of the light-emitting devices ED as spots (or mura) can be reduced. Therefore, since the light emitted from the multiple light-emitting devices (EDs) is uniformly diffused by the third optical layer 117c and extracted to the outside of the display panel 100, the brightness uniformity of the display device can be improved.

[0206] The third optical layer 117c can be formed from an organic insulating material in which fine particles are distributed, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the third optical layer 117c can be formed from a siloxane in which fine metal particles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are distributed. However, the third optical layer 117c can be formed from the same material as the first optical layer 117a. The third optical layer 117c can be referred to as a diffuse layer, an upper diffuse layer, etc.

[0207] Light from multiple light-emitting devices (EDs) can be scattered and emitted to the outside of the display panel 100 by fine particles distributed in the third optical layer 117c. The third optical layer 117c can uniformly mix the light emitted from the multiple EDs to further improve the brightness uniformity of the display device. In addition, the light extraction efficiency of the display device can be improved by the light scattered from the multiple fine particles, and therefore the display device can be driven with low power.

[0208] In the display area AA, a black matrix BM can be disposed on the second electrode CE2, the first optical layer 117a, the second optical layer 117b, and the third optical layer 117c. For example, the black matrix BM can fill the contact holes in the second optical layer 117b. Because the black matrix BM can cover the display area AA, color mixing of light from multiple sub-pixels and reflected external light can be reduced. For example, because the black matrix BM is also disposed within the contact holes where the second electrode CE2 and the contact electrode CCE connect to each other, light leakage between multiple adjacent sub-pixels can be reduced or prevented.

[0209] The black matrix BM is not positioned at the top of the light-emitting device (ED). Therefore, the light generated by the ED can be output to the outside.

[0210] The black matrix BM can be formed from an opaque material, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the black matrix BM can be an organic insulating material with added black pigment or black dye.

[0211] like Figure 8 As shown, the cover layer 118 can be disposed on the black matrix BM in the display area AA. The cover layer 118 can protect the devices beneath it. For example, the cover layer 118 can be formed of an organic insulating material, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the cover layer 118 can be formed of photoresist, polyimide (PI), acrylic-based materials, etc. The cover layer 118 can be referred to as a coating layer, an insulating layer, etc.

[0212] The polarizing layer 280 can be disposed on the cover layer 118 via the first adhesive layer 291. The cover member 120 can be disposed on the polarizing layer 280 via the second adhesive layer 295. For example, the first adhesive layer 291 and the second adhesive layer 295 may include optically transparent adhesive (OCA), optically transparent resin (OCR), pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0213] According to this disclosure, a plurality of pad electrodes PE can be disposed on a third insulating layer 115c in a second non-display area NA2. For example, a passivation layer 116 may expose a portion of the plurality of pad electrodes PE. For example, the pad electrodes PE can be electrically connected to the second connection line 122d through contact holes in the third insulating layer 115c.

[0214] An adhesive conductive film (ACF) can be disposed on multiple pad electrodes PE. The ACF can be an adhesive layer in which conductive balls are distributed within an insulating material. When heat or pressure is applied to the ACF, the conductive balls can be electrically connected to the pad electrodes in the area where heat or pressure is applied, thus the conductive balls can possess conductive properties. The ACF can be disposed between the multiple pad electrodes PE and the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170, so that the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 can be attached to or bonded to the multiple pad electrodes PE. For example, the ACF can be an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0215] A flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 can be disposed on an adhesive film ACF. The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 can be electrically connected to multiple pad electrodes PE via the adhesive film ACF. Therefore, signals output from the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 170 and the printed circuit board 160 can be transmitted to the pixel driving circuit PD of the display area AA via the pad electrodes PE, the second connection line 122d, the second connection line 122c, the second connection line 122b, and the second connection line 122a.

[0216] Figure 10 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of a touch electrode portion and a display driver applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions related to the referenced document are omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 9 The details described are the same or similar.

[0217] like Figure 10 As shown, a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100 and a display driver 200. An image is displayed on the display panel 100, and the display driver 200 is used to supply image signals and control signals to a pixel driving circuit PD in the display panel 100 during a display period, and to detect a touch on the display panel 100 using a touch sensing signal sent from the pixel driving circuit PD disposed in the display panel 100 during a touch sensing period.

[0218] In addition to the display panel 100 and the display driver 200, the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include, as referenced... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The timer controller 300, power supply unit 500, memory, etc. are described. In this case, the display driver 200 can be included in the timer controller 300.

[0219] The display driver 200 and the timing controller 300 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 160.

[0220] The power supply unit 500 can supply power of various levels to the display panel 100, the pixel driving circuit PD, the display driver 200, and the timing controller 300. Specifically, the power supply unit 500 can perform the function of supplying cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2. For this purpose, the power supply unit 500 may include a cathode voltage supply unit 510. However, the cathode voltage supply unit 510 may be provided independently of the power supply unit 500.

[0221] The power supply unit 500 can generate the power required to drive the pixel driving circuit PD and transmit the power to the pixel driving circuit PD. For this purpose, the power supply unit 500 may include a power supply unit 520.

[0222] As described above, the display panel 100 may include a substrate 110 having a display area AA and a non-display area NA, a pixel driving circuit PD disposed in the display area on the substrate 110, an insulating layer on the pixel driving circuit PD, a dam portion BNK on the insulating layer, a first electrode CE1 connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, a light-emitting device ED disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode CE2 disposed on the light-emitting device ED.

[0223] Here, the insulating layer can be formed as a single layer, but it can include multiple layers. For example, the insulating layer can include a first insulating layer 115a, a second insulating layer 115b, and a third insulating layer 115c.

[0224] The first electrode CE1 can be set in each embankment BNK.

[0225] The light-emitting device ED can be disposed on the first electrode CE1.

[0226] The second electrode CE2 can be placed on the light-emitting device ED.

[0227] Each light-emitting device (ED) can be driven by any pixel driving circuit (PD).

[0228] Each pixel driving circuit (PD) can be connected to at least two light-emitting devices (EDs) to drive at least two EDs.

[0229] Each second electrode CE2 can be connected to at least two light-emitting devices ED.

[0230] Some of the multiple sub-pixels can be covered by the second electrode CE2. For example, the first light-emitting device 130, the second light-emitting device 140, and the third light-emitting device 150 disposed in the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 can be covered by a second electrode CE2.

[0231] However, as Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, sub-pixels SP included in two or more pixels PX can be covered by a second electrode CE2.

[0232] At least two second electrodes CE2 can be connected to each pixel driving circuit PD. For example, a first light-emitting device 130, a second light-emitting device 140, and a third light-emitting device 150 disposed in a pixel PX can be connected to one second electrode CE2. Furthermore, when the pixel driving circuit PD drives at least two pixels PX, at least two second electrodes CE2 can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. For example, when pixels PX arranged in a 16×16 configuration are connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, 16 second electrodes CE2 can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0233] In this case, the display panel 100 may include: a light-emitting device unit (EDU) which includes a pixel driving circuit (PD) and a light-emitting device (ED); and a touch electrode unit (TEU) which includes at least two second electrodes (CE2).

[0234] For example, in Figure 8 In the display panel 100 shown, the substrate 110, buffer layers 111a and 111b, adhesive layer 112, pixel driving circuit PD, protective layers 113a, 113b and 114, insulating layers 115a, 115b and 115c, first connecting line 121, embankment BNK, first electrode CE1, light-emitting device ED, and optical layers 117a and 117b can be included in the light-emitting device section EDU.

[0235] In addition, Figure 8 In the display panel 100 shown, the second electrode CE2 can be included in the touch electrode unit TEU.

[0236] In addition, Figure 8 In the display panel 100 shown, the black matrix BM, the third optical layer 117c, and the cover layer 118 may be other components included in the display panel 100. However, for ease of description, in the following text, the black matrix BM, the third optical layer 117c, and the cover layer 118 may be included in the light-emitting device unit (EDU).

[0237] For additional descriptions, please refer to Figure 1 The display device 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel 100, a polarizing layer 280, an adhesive layer 290, a cover member 120, a support substrate 190, a flexible circuit board 170, and a printed circuit board 160, and the display panel 100 may include, for example, Figure 8 The various layers shown.

[0238] In this case, the various layers included in the display panel 100 can be divided into a light-emitting device unit (EDU) and a touch electrode unit (TEU).

[0239] The light-emitting device unit (EDU) may include the various layers described above, and specifically, may include the light-emitting device (ED).

[0240] The touch electrode section TEU may include at least two second electrodes CE2.

[0241] In this case, the pixel driving circuit PD can be essentially included in the light-emitting device unit EDU, and can drive the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2. However, for ease of description, in Figure 10 In this circuit, the pixel driving circuit PD is included in the touch electrode unit TEU.

[0242] In the following description, the second electrode CE2, which is controlled by a pixel driving circuit PD, is referred to as the sub-touch electrode STE.

[0243] Furthermore, in the following description, a configuration including at least one sub-touch electrode STE and corresponding to a touch coordinate is referred to as a touch electrode TE.

[0244] For example, the sub-touch electrode STE can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, and the sub-touch electrode STE can include at least two second electrodes CE2. As described above, when pixels PX arranged in a 16×16 configuration are connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, the sub-touch electrode STE can include 16 second electrodes CE2.

[0245] A pixel drive circuit PD that controls a sub-touch electrode STE can be connected to the display driver 200, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0246] For example, the pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to the display driver 200 via the image signal line IL. An image signal corresponding to the light emission signal EM to be supplied to the gate of the light-emitting transistor TEM disposed in the pixel driving circuit PD can be supplied from the display driver 200 to the pixel driving circuit PD via the image signal line. Furthermore, a touch sensing signal line can be provided between the pixel driving circuit PD and the display driver 200, through which touch sensing signals are transmitted.

[0247] In the following description, for ease of description, a touch electrode TE comprising four sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along a first direction X and four sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along a second direction Y will be used as an example to describe the display device according to the present disclosure, such as Figure 10As shown. However, depending on the structure or resolution of the display panel 100, the touch electrode TE disposed on the left side or the touch electrode TE disposed on the right side of the display panel 100 may include three sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along the first direction X and four sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along the second direction Y. For example, in the display panel 100, each touch electrode in the touch electrode TE disposed on the right or left side of the display panel 100 may include three sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along the first direction X and four sub-touch electrodes STE disposed along the second direction Y.

[0248] To provide additional description, as in the following description, such as Figure 10 As shown, a touch electrode TE can include 16 sub-touch electrodes STE. However, the number of sub-touch electrodes STE included in a touch electrode TE can be varied.

[0249] In this case, the display driver 200 may include a data driver that generates an image signal to be supplied to the pixel driving circuit PD and a touch driver for sensing touch.

[0250] For example, the display driver 200 can generate an image signal to be supplied to the pixel driving circuit PD and supply the image signal to the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0251] Therefore, each pixel drive circuit PD corresponding to all sub-touch electrodes STE included in the touch electrode section TEU can be connected to the display driver 200 via an image signal line.

[0252] In this case, the power required by the pixel driving circuit PD can be transferred from the power supply unit 500 to the pixel driving circuit PD through the display driver 200, or it can be transferred directly from the power supply unit 500 to the pixel driving circuit PD. In the following text, as... Figure 10 As shown, a display device according to this disclosure will be described as an example, in which the power supply unit 500 supplies power to the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0253] Furthermore, the cathode voltage required to drive the light-emitting device ED can be transmitted from the cathode voltage supply unit 510 to the pixel driving circuit PD via the display driver 200, or it can be transmitted directly from the cathode voltage supply unit 510 to the pixel driving circuit PD. In the following description, for ease of description, a display device according to this disclosure will be described as an example of a display device: wherein the cathode voltage is transmitted directly from the cathode voltage supply unit 510 included in the power supply unit 500 to the pixel driving circuit PD, and power is transmitted directly from the power supply unit 520 included in the power supply unit 500 to the sensing unit 440 of the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0254] In addition, the display driver 200 can detect touches on the display panel 100 by using touch sensing signals received from the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0255] In this case, the touch coordinates can be determined by the display driver 200, or by the timing controller 300 or the external system 900.

[0256] First, the structure and function of the display panel 100 will be described below. In the following text, descriptions or brief references will be omitted or omitted. Figures 1 to 9 The details described are the same or similar.

[0257] The display panel 100 may include: a light-emitting device unit (EDU) which includes a pixel driving circuit (PD) and a light-emitting device (ED); and a touch electrode unit (TEU) which includes at least two second electrodes (CE2).

[0258] Light can be output from the light-emitting device (EDU), thus enabling the display of images.

[0259] The touch electrode unit (TEU) includes at least two touch electrodes (TE). Each touch electrode (TE) may include at least one sub-touch electrode (STE) and may correspond to a touch coordinate.

[0260] The touch electrode TE may include at least two second electrodes CE2 connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. The second electrode CE2 controlled by one pixel driving circuit PD is referred to as the sub-touch electrode STE.

[0261] Each of at least two second electrodes CE2 may extend along a first direction X of the substrate 110, and the at least two second electrodes CE2 may be disposed along a second direction Y different from the first direction X.

[0262] When a cathode voltage is supplied to any one of the at least two second electrodes CE2, light can be output from the light-emitting device ED connected to the second electrode CE2 to which the cathode voltage is supplied.

[0263] For example, the period during which an image is displayed on the display panel 100 is called the display period, and during the display period, a cathode voltage can be supplied to the cathode electrode 135 through the second electrode CE2. The light-emitting device ED can output light using the cathode voltage supplied through the cathode electrode 135 and the anode voltage supplied to the anode electrode 134.

[0264] When at least two second electrodes CE2 are used as a single touch electrode TE, the touch drive signal can be supplied to at least two second electrodes CE2 simultaneously.

[0265] For example, the period during which a touch is detected on the display panel 100 is called the touch sensing period, and during the touch sensing period, each pixel driving circuit PD can simultaneously supply a driving signal to the second electrode CE2. In this case, the display driver 200 can detect a touch on the display panel 100 by using the touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 through the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0266] Secondly, the structure and function of the pixel driving circuit PD will be described below. In the following text, descriptions will be omitted or briefly referenced. Figures 1 to 9 The details described are the same or similar.

[0267] During the display period of the image, an image signal corresponding to the light emission signal EM supplied to the gate of the light-emitting transistor TEM located in the pixel driving circuit PD can be supplied to the pixel driving circuit PD through the image signal line.

[0268] The image signal generated by the display driver 200 is transmitted to the pixel driver circuit PD via the image signal line, and the pixel driver circuit PD can generate a light emission signal EM using the image signal. Therefore, light can be output from the light emission device ED.

[0269] Additionally, the display driver 200 can transmit image signals to each image signal line during the display period. During the touch sensing period for detecting a touch, the touch sensing signal transmitted from the second electrode CE2 can be transmitted to the display driver 200 via the touch sensing signal line.

[0270] For example, during the touch sensing period, the pixel driving circuit PD can supply a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2, and transmit the touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 to the display driver 200 through the touch sensing signal line. This touch sensing method is called the self-capacitance method.

[0271] The functions described above can be executed simultaneously in each pixel driving circuit (PD).

[0272] In this case, the touch drive signal can be generated in the pixel drive circuit PD, or it can be generated in the display driver 200 and transmitted to the pixel drive circuit PD. However, for ease of description, the display device described below, which generates the touch drive signal in the pixel drive circuit PD, will be used as an example of a display device according to this disclosure.

[0273] Third, as mentioned above, in display devices using the self-capacitance method, independent driving is possible. Figure 10 Each of the touch electrodes TE is illustrated in the figure, and a touch coordinate can correspond to each of the touch electrodes TE.

[0274] For example, in a display device using the self-capacitance method, the pixel driving circuit PD can transmit a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2 and receive a touch sensing signal from the second electrode CE2. The touch sensing signal can be converted into a digital signal and transmitted to the display driver 200.

[0275] In this scenario, if there is no touch on the touch electrode TE, the value of the touch sensing signal received from the pixel driving circuit PD corresponding to the touch electrode TE can be within a preset range. However, when there is a touch on the touch electrode TE, the value of the touch sensing signal received from the pixel driving circuit PD corresponding to the touch electrode TE can be outside the preset range. Using this difference, the display driver 200 can detect a touch on the touch electrode TE.

[0276] However, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, touch can be detected using the mutual capacitance method.

[0277] For example, in a display panel 100 that applies the mutual capacitance method, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first sub-driving electrodes TX1a, TX1b and TX1c forming the first driving electrode TX1 and the sub-receiving electrodes RX1a, RX3a and RX5a forming the receiving electrode RX can be alternately disposed on the upper part of the display panel 100.

[0278] The second sub-driving electrodes TX2a, TX2b and TX2c forming the second driving electrode TX2 and the sub-receiving electrodes RX2a, RX4a and RX6a forming the receiving electrode RX can be alternately arranged below the first driving electrode TX1.

[0279] In this configuration, the first sub-driving electrodes TX1a, TX1b, and TX1c, and the second sub-driving electrodes TX2a, TX2b, and TX2c, are not arranged in a straight line along the second direction Y, but rather staggered in a diagonal direction. Therefore, the sub-driving electrodes and sub-receiving electrodes are alternately arranged along the second direction Y.

[0280] Due to the above arrangement, the seventh sub-driving electrodes TX7a, TX7b and TX7c that form the seventh driving electrode TX7 and the sub-receiving electrodes RX1d, RX3d and RX5d that form the receiving electrode RX can be alternately arranged at the bottom of the display panel 100.

[0281] In this case, each sub-driving electrode and sub-receiving electrode can correspond to the touch electrode TE in the self-capacitance method, and can correspond to a touch coordinate.

[0282] For example, during the touch sensing period, each of the sensing units 440 included in the pixel driving circuit PD corresponding to the sub-driving electrode can supply a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2.

[0283] In this case, each sensing unit 440 included in the pixel driving circuit PD corresponding to the sub-receiving electrode can convert the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 into a digital touch sensing signal and send the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver 200.

[0284] The display driver 200 can detect touches on the display panel 100 by using touch sensing signals received from a pixel driving circuit PD corresponding to a sub-receiving electrode.

[0285] For example, when a touch occurs at the 2b sub-driving electrode TX2b among the second sub-driving electrodes TX2a, TX2b and TX2c that form the second driving electrode TX2, when there is no touch, the value of the touch sensing signal corresponding to the 2a sub-receiving electrode RX2a among the second sub-receiving electrodes RX2a, RX2b and RX2c that form the second receiving electrode RX2 can be outside the range of the touch sensing signal, and when there is no touch, the value of the touch sensing signal corresponding to the 4a sub-receiving electrode RX4a among the fourth sub-receiving electrodes RX4a, RX4b and RX4c that form the fourth receiving electrode RX4 can be outside the range of the touch sensing signal.

[0286] Therefore, the display driver 200 can determine that a touch has occurred in the second sub-driving electrode TX2b, which is located between the second sub-receiving electrode RX2a and the fourth sub-receiving electrode RX4a.

[0287] For example, when a touch drive signal is sent to the sub-drive electrode where a touch occurs, the value of the touch sensing signal received from the sub-receiving electrode adjacent to the sub-drive electrode where the touch occurred may be outside the reference range when there is no touch. Therefore, the display driver 200 can use this difference to determine the location of the sub-drive electrode where the touch occurred.

[0288] As another example, when a touch occurs at a sub-receiving electrode, the value of the touch sensing signal received from the pixel driving circuit corresponding to the sub-receiving electrode where the touch occurred may differ from the value of the touch sensing signal received from the pixel driving circuit corresponding to the sub-receiving electrode where no touch occurred. Therefore, the display driver 200 can use this difference to determine the location of the sub-receiving electrode where the touch occurred.

[0289] Furthermore, even if the sub-driving electrode and the sub-receiving electrode do not overlap in the thickness direction of the display panel 100 and are arranged adjacent to each other on the plane of the display panel 100, such as Figure 10As shown, the touch drive signal transmitted to the sub-driving electrode may also affect the adjacent sub-receiving electrode. In this case, a touch sensing signal corresponding to the touch drive signal can be generated from the sub-receiving electrode. Therefore, the display driver 200 can detect a touch on the display panel 100 by analyzing the value of the touch sensing signal.

[0290] Fourth, as described above, in the display device 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, touch can be detected using either the self-capacitance method or the mutual capacitance method.

[0291] In addition, self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods can be used to detect touch.

[0292] For example, during the first touch sensing period, the pixel driving circuit PD disposed in each of the touch electrodes TE can supply a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2 and transmit the touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 to the display driver 200. In this case, the display driver 200 can detect a touch in each of the touch electrodes TE by using the received touch sensing signal.

[0293] In this scenario, during the second touch sensing period, the pixel driving circuit PD in the touch electrode TE corresponding to the sub-driving electrode can supply a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2. Furthermore, the pixel driving circuit PD in the touch electrode TE corresponding to the sub-receiving electrode can receive an analog touch sensing signal from the second electrode CE2, convert the received analog touch sensing signal into a digital touch sensing signal, and then transmit the converted touch sensing signal to the display driver 200. In this case, the display driver 200 can detect touches in each of the touch electrodes TE using the method described above.

[0294] Figure 11A This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the structure of the sub-touch electrode and pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11B This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection structure of a sub-touch electrode and a pixel driving circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11C This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a pixel driving circuit and a light-emitting device applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] In the following description, references will be omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 10 The details described are the same or similar.

[0296] like Figure 11AAs shown, the pixel driving circuit PD may include a sub-pixel driving unit 450 for supplying an anode voltage to an anode electrode 134 disposed in a sub-pixel SP and a cathode electrode driving unit 420 for supplying a cathode voltage or a touch driving signal to a second electrode CE2 shared in at least two sub-pixels SP.

[0297] As described above, the second electrode CE2, which is controlled by a pixel driving circuit PD, is called the sub-touch electrode STE.

[0298] The sub-touch electrode STE may include at least two second electrodes CE2.

[0299] As described above, at least two light-emitting devices (EDs) can be connected to a pixel driving circuit (PD). Additionally, a second electrode (CE2) can be connected to at least two light-emitting devices (EDs).

[0300] In the following text, for ease of description, it will be as follows: Figure 11A The display device shown, including a pixel driving circuit PD connected to 16 pixels PX in a 4×4 shape, is described as an example of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, in Figure 11A In the display device illustrated, pixels PX arranged in a 4×4 shape are connected to a pixel driving circuit PD. However, in a display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure, pixels PX arranged in a 4N×4M form (N and M are natural numbers) can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. For example, in Figure 11B In the middle, the pixels PX arranged in a 16×16 shape are connected to the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0301] For example, such as Figure 11A As shown, the pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to four pixels PX arranged along the first direction X and four pixels PX arranged along the second direction Y.

[0302] In this case, a second electrode CE2 controlled by the pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to the light-emitting device DE disposed in at least two sub-pixels SP.

[0303] Specifically, the second electrode CE2 can be connected to at least two light-emitting devices DE arranged along the first direction X of the display panel 100, and the at least two second electrodes CE2 arranged along the second direction Y can be separated from each other.

[0304] When four pixels PX are set along the first direction X, and each pixel PX includes three sub-pixels SP, 12 sub-pixels PX can be set along the first direction X.

[0305] In this case, when the second electrode CE2 set along the first direction X is shared by two sub-pixels SP, six second electrodes CE2 can be set along the first direction X.

[0306] Therefore, a pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to 24 (=6×4) second electrodes CE2.

[0307] However, in the following text, for ease of description, such as Figure 11A As shown, a display device according to an embodiment of this specification will be described as an example of a display device in which four pixels PX arranged along the first direction X are connected to a second electrode CE2.

[0308] In this case, the pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to the four second electrodes CE2.

[0309] In the following text, for ease of description, a pixel driving circuit PD with 16 pixels PX of a 4×4 shape connected to it and a second electrode CE2 connected to four pixels PX along the first direction X are used (e.g., Figure 11A The following describes a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (shown in the figure).

[0310] First, the subpixel driving unit 450 will be described as follows.

[0311] In the following text, such as Figure 4 and Figure 11A As shown, the circuit provided in the sub-pixel driving section 450 for driving at least one light-emitting device ED is called the pixel circuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may include a driving transistor TDR and a light-emitting transistor TEM, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In this case, a scan signal SC that enables the drive transistor TDR to conduct can be supplied to the gate of the drive transistor TDR. The scan signal SC can be a DC power supply that continuously enables the drive transistor TDR to conduct. For example, a fixed reference voltage VREF can be supplied to the gate of the drive transistor TDR for each frame.

[0312] A light-emitting signal EM can be supplied to the gate of the light-emitting transistor TEM. The light-emitting signal EM can be a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal. The amount of current supplied to the light-emitting device ED can be controlled by the light-emitting signal EM, and therefore light with various brightness levels can be output from the light-emitting device ED. At least one pixel circuit PC can be provided in the sub-pixel driving section 450.

[0313] In this case, a high-potential power supply voltage VDD can be supplied to the first electrode of the driving transistor TDR disposed in the pixel circuit PC. The high-potential power supply voltage VDD can be supplied from the power supply unit 500 disposed outside the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0314] The scan signal SC and the light emission signal EM can be transmitted from a control signal generation unit located outside the pixel driving circuit PD. For example, the scan signal SC and the light emission signal EM can be sent from the control signal generation unit included in the timing controller 300. In this case, the light emission signal EM can be generated in the sub-pixel driving unit 450 using the image signal sent from the timing controller 300.

[0315] For example, such as Figure 11A As shown, when the four pixels PX connected to the pixel driving circuit PD are arranged in a row extending along the first direction X, the 16 pixels PX can be arranged in four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H.

[0316] To provide additional description, each of the four rows can be set along the first direction X, and these four rows can be spaced apart along the second direction Y.

[0317] In this case, in order to output light from the light-emitting device ED located in the first row 1H, the light emission signal EM and the scan signal can be supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device ED located in the first row 1H.

[0318] As described above, the scan signal SC can be a DC power supply capable of continuously turning on the driving transistor TDR, and the light emission signal EM can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0319] The light-emitting transistor TEM can be turned on by the scanning signal SC. Therefore, the high potential power supply voltage VDD can be supplied to the anode electrode 134 of the light-emitting device ED through the driving transistor TDR, the light-emitting transistor TEM and the first electrode CE1.

[0320] In this case, as described above, the light emission signal EM applied to the gate electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, and the pulse width of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the anode electrode 134 of the light-emitting device ED disposed in the first row 1H can be set differently according to the brightness of the light output from the light-emitting device ED.

[0321] For example, the pulse width of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light emission device that outputs high-brightness light can be greater than the pulse width of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light emission device that outputs low-brightness light.

[0322] In this case, the light-emitting transistor TEM can be turned on when a high-level pulse is supplied to its gate.

[0323] When the period during which the light-emitting transistor (TEM) is turned on is increased, the amount of current supplied to the light-emitting device (ED) through the TEM can be increased. The brightness of the ED can then vary based on the magnitude of the current flowing to it.

[0324] Therefore, as the pulse width of the light-emitting signal EM increases, the brightness of the light output from the light-emitting device ED can increase.

[0325] Furthermore, when the pulse width of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs high-brightness light is the same as the pulse width of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs low-brightness light, the number of pulses supplied to the light emission signal EM connected to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs high-brightness light can be greater than the number of pulses supplied to the light emission signal EM connected to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs low-brightness light. For example, the frequency of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs high-brightness light can be greater than the frequency of the light emission signal EM supplied to the pixel circuit PC connected to the light-emitting device that outputs low-brightness light.

[0326] As the frequency increases, the number of pulses increases. When the number of pulses supplied to the light-emitting transistor (TEM) increases, the number of times the TEM is turned on increases. When the number of times the TEM is turned on increases, the amount of current flowing through the TEM to the light-emitting device (ED) can increase.

[0327] As mentioned above, since the brightness of the light-emitting device (ED) can change according to the magnitude of the current flowing to the ED, the brightness of the light output from the ED can increase as the frequency of the light-emitting signal (EM) or the number of pulses of the light-emitting signal (EM) increases.

[0328] For example, the timing controller 300 or the sub-pixel driver 450 can supply light-emitting signals EM with different frequencies or different pulse widths to the light-emitting transistors TEM disposed in the pixel circuit PC.

[0329] Therefore, light with different brightness can be output from the light-emitting device ED connected to the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0330] Next, the cathode electrode driving section will be described as follows.

[0331] When the scan signal SC is supplied to the driving transistor TDR, the cathode electrode driving unit 420 can supply cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2.

[0332] For example, such as Figure 11AAs shown, when 16 pixels PX with a 4×4 shape are connected to the pixel driving circuit PD and a second electrode CE2 is connected to four pixels PX arranged along the first direction X, the 16 pixels PX can be arranged in four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H, and these four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y.

[0333] In this configuration, four pixels PX in each of the four rows 1H, 2H, 3H, and 4H are connected to a second electrode CE2. Therefore, four second electrodes CE2 are provided in the display panel 100 to drive 16 pixels PX.

[0334] Four second electrodes CE2 are connected to a pixel driving circuit PD. The four second electrodes CE2 connected to a pixel driving circuit PD are referred to as sub-touch electrodes STE. For example, a sub-touch electrode STE consists of four second electrodes CE2.

[0335] For the purpose of providing additional description, at least one second electrode CE2 may be provided along the first direction X or row of the display panel 100 to be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, and at least two light-emitting devices ED may be provided along the first direction X or row to be connected to the second electrode CE2.

[0336] In the example above, three sub-pixels SP are set in each of the four pixels PX set in the first row 1H.

[0337] Therefore, when the 12 pixel circuits PC connected to the 12 sub-pixels SP in the first row 1H supply an anode voltage to the 12 anode electrodes 134 in the 12 sub-pixels SP, the cathode electrode driving unit 420 can supply a cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2 in the first row 1H. Thus, light can be output from the sub-pixels SP in the first row 1H.

[0338] This operation can be performed simultaneously (or synchronously in some embodiments) in the sub-pixels SP that are located in the first row 1H and connected to other pixel driving circuits PD. Therefore, light can be output from all the sub-pixels SP located in the first row 1H of the display panel 100 at the same time.

[0339] Furthermore, when an anode voltage is supplied from the 12 pixel circuits PC connected to the 12 sub-pixels SP in the second row 2H to the 12 anode electrodes 134 in the 12 sub-pixels SP, the cathode electrode driving unit 420 can supply a cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2 in the second row 2H. Therefore, light can be output from the sub-pixels SP in the second row 2H.

[0340] This operation can be performed simultaneously in the sub-pixels SP that are located in the second row 2H and connected to other pixel driving circuits PD. Therefore, light can be output from all the sub-pixels SP located in the second row 2H of the display panel 100 at the same time.

[0341] Through the above operations, light can be sequentially output from the sub-pixels SP set in all rows of the display panel 100, so an image can be displayed through the display panel 100.

[0342] Subpixels SP can be driven individually using the structure and driving method described above.

[0343] In order to perform the operations described above, such as Figure 11A As shown, the cathode electrode driving unit 420 may include: a sensing unit 440 for supplying a cathode voltage or a touch driving signal to the second electrode CE2; a sensing switch 430 for transmitting power from the power unit 500 to the sensing unit 440 or blocking power from the power unit 500 according to a touch enable signal; and a control switch 410 for supplying a cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2 during the display period and connecting the sensing unit to the second electrode CE2 during the touch sensing period.

[0344] The control switch unit 410 includes control switches 411. Each control switch 411 can connect the second electrode CE2 to the sensing unit 440 or the cathode voltage supply unit 510.

[0345] The cathode voltage supply unit 510 can generate a cathode voltage. The cathode voltage supply unit 510 can be installed independently of the power supply unit 500, but it can also be included within the power supply unit 500, such as... Figure 11A As shown.

[0346] In response to a control signal sent from the display driver 200 or the timing controller 300, each control switch 411 can connect the second electrode CE2 to the cathode voltage supply unit 510 or the sensing unit 440.

[0347] For example, the control switch 411 can connect the second electrode CE2 to the cathode voltage supply unit 510 during the display period and during the touch sensing period.

[0348] Specifically, the control switch unit 410 can sequentially supply cathode voltage to the second electrode CE2 during the display period, and simultaneously supply touch drive signals to the second electrode CE2 during the touch sensing period. Therefore, the control switch unit 410 can be formed in various structures.

[0349] Each control switch 411 can be turned on or off by a control signal received from the timing controller 300 or the display driver 200. The control signal may include a touch synchronization signal, which will be described below.

[0350] In the example above, a sub-touch electrode STE includes four second electrodes CE2, and the four second electrodes CE2 are connected to a pixel driving circuit PD.

[0351] In this configuration, the control switch unit 410 may include four control switches 411. Each of the four control switches 411 is connected to the second electrode CE2, the cathode voltage supply unit 510, and the sensing unit 440.

[0352] During the display period when an image is displayed on the display panel 100, the control switch 411 can connect the second electrode CE2 to the cathode voltage supply unit 510.

[0353] For example, each pixel driving circuit PD can supply cathode voltage to at least one second electrode CE2 arranged along the first direction X or row of the display panel 100 during the display period.

[0354] In the example above, a second electrode CE2 is set in one row. Therefore, the control switch 411 can connect the second electrode CE2 set in one row to the cathode voltage supply unit 510 during the display period. In this case, the control switch 411 is turned on, so the second electrode CE2 can be connected to the cathode voltage supply unit 510. Therefore, the second electrode CE2 can be connected to the cathode voltage supply unit 510 through the control switch 411.

[0355] However, when two or more second electrodes CE2 are arranged in a row, the control switch 411 can connect the two or more second electrodes CE2 arranged in a row to the cathode voltage supply unit 510.

[0356] As described above, when an anode voltage is supplied from the sub-pixel driving unit 450 to the anode electrode 134 of the light-emitting device ED through the first electrode CE1, and a cathode voltage is supplied from the cathode electrode driving unit 420 to the cathode electrode 135 of the light-emitting device ED through the second electrode CE2, light can be output from the light-emitting device ED.

[0357] When the cathode voltage is supplied sequentially to the four second electrodes CE2 located in the four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H, light can be output sequentially from the four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H.

[0358] The same operation can be performed in sub-pixels SP that are connected to other pixel driving circuits PD.

[0359] Therefore, light can be output sequentially from the rows of the display panel 100, thereby allowing an image to be displayed across the entire display panel 100.

[0360] Furthermore, during the touch sensing period when a touch is detected in the display panel 100, all control switches 411 can connect all second electrodes CE2 to the sensing unit 440. In this case, all control switches 411 can be turned on.

[0361] The display period for displaying images and the touch sensing period for sensing touch can be implemented using a time-division method.

[0362] For example, each pixel driving circuit PD can supply touch driving signals to all second electrodes CE2 connected to the pixel driving circuit PD during the touch sensing period.

[0363] In the example above, one second electrode CE2 is provided in one row, and four second electrodes CE2 are provided in four rows. Therefore, the control switch unit 410 can connect all four second electrodes CE2 to the sensing unit 440 during the touch sensing period. In this case, the touch drive signal output from the display driver 200 or the sensing unit 440 can be transmitted to the second electrodes CE2 through the control switch 411. Furthermore, the touch sensing signal generated from the second electrodes CE2 can be transmitted to the display driver 200 through the control switch 411.

[0364] When two or more second electrodes CE2 are set in a row, the control switch 411 can connect two or more second electrodes CE2 in a row to the sensing unit 440.

[0365] When a touch driving signal is simultaneously supplied to the four second electrodes CE2 located in the four rows 1H, 2H, 3H and 4H, a touch sensing signal can be generated in the four rows.

[0366] The touch sensing signals generated in the four rows can be transmitted to the display driver 200 via the control switch unit 410 and the sensing unit 440. In this case, the sensing unit 440 can convert the analog touch sensing signals transmitted via the control switch unit 410 into digital touch sensing signals, and then transmit the digital touch sensing signals to the display driver 200. Hereinafter, the analog touch sensing signals and the digital touch sensing signals are collectively referred to as touch sensing signals. This operation can be similarly performed in other pixel driving circuits (PDs).

[0367] In addition, each sensing unit 440 provided in each pixel driving circuit PD can supply a touch driving signal to at least one second electrode CE2 during the touch sensing period, and transmit the touch sensing signal received from at least one second electrode to the display driver 200.

[0368] The display driver 200 can determine whether a touch is present on the touch electrode TE by using a touch sensing signal transmitted from at least one pixel driving circuit PD.

[0369] The driving method in a display device using the self-capacitance method has been described above, but the above driving method can also be applied to display devices using the mutual capacitance method and display devices using both the self-capacitance method and the mutual capacitance method.

[0370] For example, the driving method of a pixel driving circuit PD installed in a display device that uses the self-capacitance method during the display period can also be applied to the driving method of a pixel driving circuit PD installed in a display device that uses the mutual capacitance method during the display period.

[0371] As described above, the driving method of the pixel driving circuit PD provided in the display device using the mutual capacitance method during the touch sensing period can vary depending on whether the pixel driving circuit PD is included in the sub-driving electrode or the sub-receiving electrode.

[0372] The sensing switch 430 can be connected between the power unit 500 and the sensing unit 440, and can supply power to the sensing unit 440 or block the power supply to the sensing unit 440.

[0373] The power supply unit 500 may include a cathode voltage supply unit 510 for generating cathode voltage and a power supply unit 520 for generating the power required to drive the sensing unit 440. The power supply unit 520 can generate various types of power for driving the display device and the sensing unit 440.

[0374] Display driver 200 can, for example, Figure 11G The touch enable signal Touch_EN is transmitted to the sensing switch 430. The display driver 200 can generate various types of touch enable signals Touch_EN according to the structure of the touch electrode TE, the method of sensing touch, and the number of touch electrodes TE.

[0375] The sensor switch 430 is turned on or off according to the touch enable signal Touch_EN.

[0376] For example, during the display period when the cathode voltage is supplied to the second electrode CE2 from the cathode voltage supply unit 510 via the control switch unit 410, the sensing switch 430 can be turned off by the touch enable signal Touch_EN. Therefore, the sensing unit 440 may not be driven during the display period.

[0377] However, during the touch sensing period, the sensing switch 430 can be turned on by the touch enable signal Touch_EN, so that power can be supplied from the power unit 520 to the sensing unit 440.

[0378] Therefore, the sensing unit 440 can be driven, and thus, a touch driving signal can be supplied to the second electrode CE2, and a touch sensing signal can be transmitted to the display driver 200.

[0379] Specifically, in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensing switch 430 can be turned on only during the period when the touch driving signal is supplied to the second electrode CE2 during the touch sensing period. For example, even during the touch sensing period, the sensing switch 430 can be turned off during the period when the touch driving signal is not supplied to the second electrode CE2.

[0380] For example, the sensing unit 440 can be powered only during the minimum period of time used for sensing touch. Therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced or minimized, thereby reducing or minimizing the power consumption of the pixel driving circuit PD, and ultimately reducing or minimizing the power consumption of the display device.

[0381] Third, as described above, in the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 11A The pixels PX arranged in a 4×4 configuration shown can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, as follows: Figure 11B The pixel PX arranged in a 16×16 configuration shown can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD, or pixel PX arranged in various configurations can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD. References will be made below. Figure 11B and Figure 11C The structure of the display panel 100 applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, descriptions or brief descriptions will be omitted or referenced. Figures 1 to 11A Details described are the same or similar. In a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pixel driving circuit PD and pixels PX1 to PX16 including a light-emitting device ED electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit PD can be provided.

[0382] For example, such as Figure 11B As shown, the first pixel PX1 to the sixteenth pixel PX16 can be arranged along the first direction X. Pixel PX can include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel SP.

[0383] An LED (Emitting Device) can be disposed in a sub-pixel (SP). At least one LED can be disposed in a sub-pixel (SP). For example, two LEDs can be disposed in a sub-pixel. One of the two LEDs can be a primary LED, while the other can be a redundant LED. The LED can be a miniature LED.

[0384] The red, green, and blue sub-pixels can be repeatedly set along the first direction X.

[0385] Subpixels SP that output light of the same color can be set along the second direction Y. For example, along the second direction Y, subpixels SP can be set to output light of any color: red, green, and blue. Figure 11C As shown, sub-pixels SP that emit light of the same color can be electrically connected via a first electrode line AND. The first electrode line AND can be connected to the first electrode CE1.

[0386] The first electrode line AND may include a first line AND_P and a second line AND_R. The first line AND_P and the second line AND_R may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction X. The first line AND_P may be connected to the main light-emitting device, and the second line AND_R may be connected to a redundant light-emitting device.

[0387] Each second electrode CE2 can extend in the first direction X, such as Figure 11B As shown. Furthermore, each second electrode CE2 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction Y, so that each second electrode CE2 can be connected to the first pixel PX1 to the sixteenth pixel PX16 in each of rows 1H to 16H.

[0388] The pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to pixels PX1 to PX16 via the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2. Therefore, the pixel driving circuit PD can drive the light-emitting devices ED arranged in the first row 1H to the sixteenth row 16H.

[0389] For the purpose of providing additional description, the pixel driving circuit PD can be electrically connected to the light-emitting devices arranged in the first row 1H to the 16th row 16H through the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2, and the pixel driving circuit PD can supply control signals and power to the light-emitting devices ED through the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 to control the light-emitting operation of the light-emitting devices ED.

[0390] In this case, the second electrode CE2 can be used as Figure 11B The pixel PX and pixel driving circuit PD are connected in the form shown. The first electrode CE1 set in the pixel PX can be used as follows: Figure 11C The first electrode CE1 is connected to the first electrode line AND as shown, and the first electrode CE1 can be connected to the pixel driving circuit PD through the first electrode line AND.

[0391] For example, in the light-emitting device (EDU) section, such as Figure 11C As shown, the first electrode line AND can be respectively set on the upper and lower sides of the pixel driving circuit PD.

[0392] like Figure 11CAs shown, one of the first electrode lines AND can be connected to the first electrodes CE1 of the light-emitting devices ED that are vertically adjacent to each other in the light-emitting device ED.

[0393] In this configuration, the pixel circuit PC can be connected to each first electrode line AND. However, the pixel circuit PC can be connected to at least two first electrode lines AND. In this configuration, the anode voltage can be supplied sequentially to at least two first electrode lines AND.

[0394] The basic driving method of the display device according to the present disclosure during the display period of the displayed image will be briefly described below.

[0395] Figure 11D This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a light emission signal applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11E This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a pixel circuit applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0396] As described above, the pixel driving circuit PD can control the light emission operation of the light-emitting device ED by using the pulse width of the light emission signal EM.

[0397] For example, such as Figure 11D As shown, the pixel driving circuit PD can adjust the pulse width of the light emission signal EM, so that light corresponding to gray levels 1 to 32 can be output through the light emission device ED.

[0398] The pixel driving circuit PD can supply a light-emitting signal EM with a pulse width based on gray adjustment to the gate electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM.

[0399] In this case, a fixed luminous current can be applied to the light-emitting device (ED) through the light-emitting transistor (TEM), so the light-emitting device (ED) can output light.

[0400] For example, when eight light-emitting devices (EDs) are connected to a first electrode line AND, the eight EDs can output light through a constant current with the same current value.

[0401] In this case, in a typical organic light-emitting display device, the amount of current flowing to the light-emitting device is different because the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor changes from one light-emitting device to another, while the time for current to flow to the light-emitting device is the same.

[0402] However, in the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the amount of current flowing to the light-emitting device ED is the same, while the current flow time is different for each light-emitting device. That is, the time for the current to flow through the light-emitting device can be adjusted by the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal of the light-emitting signal EM.

[0403] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 11E As shown, the pixel circuit PC includes a driving transistor TDR and a light-emitting transistor TEM, and is connected to the light-emitting device. Figure 11E The reference numerals 1H, 2H, and 8H shown in the figures refer to those set in the figure. Figure 11B The light-emitting devices ED are shown in the first row 1H, the second row 2H, and the eighth row 8H.

[0404] A high-potential voltage AVDD can be applied to the first electrode of the driving transistor TDR, the light-emitting transistor TEM can be connected to the second electrode of the driving transistor TDR, and a reference voltage VREF or an initialization voltage VINT can be applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor TDR. The reference voltage VREF or the initialization voltage VINT can be the scan signal SC.

[0405] For example, a reference voltage VREF can be applied to the gate electrode of the drive transistor TDR via a switching device, or an initialization voltage VINT can be applied to the gate electrode of the drive transistor TDR via a voltage buffer (VB) and a switching device.

[0406] The driving transistor TDR can be connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM, the light-emitting device can be connected to the second electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM, and the light-emitting signal EM can be applied to the gate electrode of the light-emitting transistor TEM.

[0407] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 11F and Figure 11G Briefly describe the display period for the image and the touch sensing period for the touch detection.

[0408] Figure 11F This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a touch sensing method in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11G This is an exemplary diagram illustrating the display period and touch sensing period applied to a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0409] In the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrode CE2 can be used as a touch electrode TE, and this structure is referred to as an in-cell touch structure. Since no separate touch electrode is provided in the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the display panel can be reduced.

[0410] For example, such as Figure 11F As shown, when a user touches the cover member 120, the first capacitor C1 between the second electrode CE2 on the display panel 100 and the cover member 120, and the second capacitor C2 between the second electrode CE2 and the signal line can be changed.

[0411] The touch sensing signal generated by the change in the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 can be transmitted to the pixel driving circuit PD through the second electrode CE2. In this case, the pixel driving circuit PD can be connected to the ground GND.

[0412] The touch sensing signal transmitted to the pixel driving circuit PD can be transmitted to the display driver 200, and the display driver 200 can determine whether there is a touch on the touch electrode TE by using the touch sensing signal transmitted from at least one pixel driving circuit PD.

[0413] A frame period can refer to the time period during which an image is displayed on the display panel 100. For example... Figure 11G As shown, a frame time period can include a display time period (DP) and a touch sensing time period (TP). Within a frame time period, the touch sensing time period (TP) and the display time period (DP) can be different. For example, the touch sensing time period (TP) can be shorter than the display time period (DP).

[0414] Within a frame period, the touch sensing period TP and the display period DP can be repeated at least once. For example, as Figure 11G As shown, the touch sensing period TP and the display period DP can be repeated four times within one frame period. However, the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to this. Therefore, the number of times the touch sensing period TP and the display period DP are repeated within one frame period can vary, and the touch sensing period TP and the display period DP can be repeated at intervals of at least two frame periods.

[0415] The timing controller 300 can generate a touch synchronization signal Tsync and transmit it to the display driver 200.

[0416] The display driver 200 can perform operations for displaying images or for sensing touch based on the touch synchronization signal Tsync.

[0417] When a touch signal S1 indicating the touch sensing period TP is received in the touch synchronization signal Tsync, the touch signal S1 distinguishes the touch sensing period TP from the display period DP, and the display driver 200 can transmit the touch enable pulse E1 constituting the touch enable signal Touch_EN to the sensing switch 430.

[0418] In the following description, the touch synchronization signal Tsync may include a touch signal S1 indicating a touch sensing period TP and a display signal S2 indicating a display period DP. When the touch signal S1 is received, the display driver 200 may perform operations for sensing the touch, and when the display signal S2 is received, the display driver 200 may perform operations for displaying an image.

[0419] In the following description, the touch enable signal Touch_EN may include a touch enable pulse E1 for turning on the sensing switch 430 and a touch enable off signal E2 for turning off the sensing switch 430.

[0420] When a touch enable pulse E1 is received, the sensing switch 430 can connect the power unit 520 to the sensing unit 440.

[0421] In this configuration, the sensing unit 440 can be driven by power supplied from the power unit 520 to supply a touch drive signal to the second electrode CE2. Therefore, the touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 can be transmitted to the display driver 200, and the display driver 200 can determine whether a touch has occurred.

[0422] When no touch enable pulse E1 is received, the sensing switch 430 can block the power supply unit 520 from the sensing unit 440. When no touch enable pulse E1 is received, it means that a touch enable off signal E2 has been received.

[0423] For example, when the touch enable off signal E2 is received, the sensing switch 430 can be turned off, and therefore, no power is supplied to the sensing unit 440.

[0424] Therefore, the touch drive signal cannot be supplied from the sensing unit 440 to the second electrode CE2, and the touch sensing signal cannot be transmitted to the display driver 200. That is, when the touch enable off signal E2 is received, the touch sensing operation is not performed. Therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced.

[0425] The width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be the same as the width of the touch signal S1, or as follows: Figure 11G As shown, it can be smaller than the width of the touch signal S1.

[0426] For example, during the normal touch sensing period, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be equal to the width of the touch signal S1, and during the wake-up touch sensing period, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be less than the width of the touch signal S1.

[0427] In the following description, touch sensing periods may include normal touch sensing periods and wake-up touch sensing periods.

[0428] The normal touch sensing period refers to the touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected, while the wake-up touch sensing period refers to the touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected. The wake-up touch sensing period can continue until a touch is detected.

[0429] For example, the touch sensing period can be a normal touch sensing period or a wake-up touch sensing period. That is, the normal touch sensing period and the wake-up touch sensing period do not occur simultaneously.

[0430] During the wake-up touch sensing period, as described above, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be smaller than the width of the touch signal S1. Therefore, the driving time of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the sensing unit 440.

[0431] As described above, during the normal touch sensing period, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be equal to the width of the touch signal S1. However, even during the normal touch sensing period, the sensing unit 440 does not need to be driven during periods when the touch drive signal is not supplied to the second electrode CE2. Therefore, even during the normal touch sensing period, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be less than the width of the touch signal S1.

[0432] In the following, various driving methods for a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0433] Figures 12A to 12E This is an exemplary diagram illustrating various driving methods for a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, descriptions related to the referenced document are omitted or briefly described. Figures 1 to 11G Details that are the same or similar to those described. Furthermore, the driving method during the touch sensing period will be described below.

[0434] first, Figure 12A A method for driving a display device using a self-capacitance method is shown, and more specifically, a driving method during normal touch sensing periods.

[0435] As described above, the touch synchronization signal Tsync may include a touch signal S1 indicating the touch sensing period TP and a display signal S2 indicating the display period DP.

[0436] When a touch signal S1 is received during a normal touch sensing period, the display driver can transmit a touch enable pulse E1 to the sensing switch 430. Therefore, the sensing switch 430 can be turned on, power can be supplied to the sensing unit 440, and the sensing unit can be driven.

[0437] The normal touch sensing period refers to the continuous touch sensing period after a touch is detected, thus the probability of detecting a touch is high.

[0438] Therefore, the touch drive signal TDS needs to be supplied to the touch electrode TE quickly. The touch drive signal TDS can be a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.

[0439] For example, when Figure 10 When the display panel 100 shown uses only the self-capacitance method, seven touch electrodes TE can be arranged along the second direction Y. In the following description, the horizontal line including the seven touch electrodes TE is referred to as a touch electrode row. In this case, it is possible to... Figure 10 The display panel 100 shown has six touch electrodes TE in each of the seven touch electrode rows formed on it.

[0440] When a frame includes four touch sensing periods TP, the sensing unit 440 can supply a touch drive signal TDS to the touch electrodes TE arranged in the seven touch electrode rows for each touch sensing period TP.

[0441] However, the sensing unit 440 can supply touch drive signals TDS to the touch electrodes TE in four of the seven touch electrode rows during the first touch sensing period TP1 of the four touch sensing periods TD, and the sensing unit 440 can supply touch drive signals TDS to the touch electrodes TE in the remaining three of the seven touch electrode rows during the second touch sensing period TP2 of the four touch sensing periods TP.

[0442] During the first touch sensing period TP1, the sensing unit 440 may simultaneously supply touch drive signals TDS to the touch electrodes TE disposed in the four touch electrode rows, or may sequentially supply touch drive signals TDS to the four touch electrode rows.

[0443] The time period during which touch drive signals TDS are supplied sequentially to the three touch electrode rows in the second touch sensing period TP2 can be shorter than the time period during which touch drive signals TDS are supplied sequentially to the four touch electrode rows in the first touch sensing period TP1.

[0444] Furthermore, when the touch drive signal TDS is simultaneously supplied to the touch electrodes TE disposed in different touch electrode rows during each of the first touch sensing period TP1 and the second touch sensing period TP2, the period during which the touch drive signal TDS is simultaneously supplied to four touch electrode rows during the first touch sensing period TP1 can be longer than the period during which the touch drive signal TDS is simultaneously supplied to three touch electrode rows during the second touch sensing period TP2, so as to improve touch sensitivity.

[0445] In this case, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1 can be equal to or less than the width of the touch signal S1.

[0446] In addition, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the second touch sensing period TP2 can be smaller than the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1.

[0447] Therefore, when the touch drive signal TDS is not supplied to the touch electrode during the second touch sensing period TP2, power can be not supplied to the sensing unit 440, thereby reducing the power consumption of the sensing unit 440.

[0448] For the purpose of further description, when the sensing unit 440 is not required to be driven even during normal touch sensing periods, the power supplied to the sensing unit 440 can be blocked, thereby reducing the power consumption of the display device including the sensing unit 440.

[0449] Next, Figure 12B A driving method for a display device using the mutual capacitance method is shown, and specifically, a driving method during a normal touch sensing period.

[0450] In display devices using the mutual capacitance method, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied sequentially to... Figure 10 The first driving electrode TX1 to the seventh driving electrode TX7 are shown in the figure. For example, during the first touch sensing period TP1, the touch driving signal TDS can be sequentially supplied to the first driving electrode TX1 to the fourth driving electrode TX4, and during the second touch sensing period TP2, the touch driving signal TDS can be sequentially supplied to the fifth driving electrode TX5 to the seventh driving electrode TX7.

[0451] The time period during which the touch drive signal TDS is sequentially supplied to the first drive electrode TX1 to the fourth drive electrode TX4 can be longer than the time period during which the touch drive signal TDS is sequentially supplied to the fifth drive electrode TX5 to the seventh drive electrode TX7.

[0452] Therefore, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1 can be equal to or less than the width of the touch signal S1, and the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the second touch sensing period TP2 can be less than the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1.

[0453] Therefore, when the touch drive signal TDS is not supplied to the touch electrode during the second touch sensing period TP2, power can be not supplied to the sensing unit 440, and thus the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced.

[0454] In this case, the sub-receiving electrode located in the same row of touch electrodes as the driving electrode TX to which the touch drive signal TDS is supplied can be supplied with the same touch enable pulse E1 as the touch enable pulse E1 applied to the driving electrode TX to which the touch drive signal TDS is supplied.

[0455] Therefore, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 of the sub-receiving electrode during the first touch sensing period TP1 can be equal to or less than the width of the touch signal S1, and the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 of the sub-receiving electrode during the second touch sensing period TP2 can be less than the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 of the sub-receiving electrode during the first touch sensing period TP1.

[0456] Therefore, when no touch sensing signal is received during the second touch sensing period TP2, power can be withheld from the sensing unit 440, thereby reducing the power consumption of the sensing unit 440.

[0457] Next, Figure 12C A driving method for a display device using a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method is shown, and specifically, a driving method during a wake-up touch sensing period.

[0458] The wake-up touch sensing period refers to the touch sensing period that continues after it has been determined that there is no touch. During the wake-up touch sensing period, there is a high probability that there is no touch.

[0459] Therefore, there is no need to rapidly supply the touch drive signal TDS to the touch electrode TE.

[0460] Therefore, during the wake-up touch sensing period, it is possible to Figure 10 A touch was detected on a touch electrode TE located in at least one of the seven touch electrode rows shown.

[0461] For example, when using the self-capacitance method, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the first touch sensing period TP1. Figure 10The touch electrode TE in the first touch electrode row of the seven touch electrode rows shown can supply the touch drive signal TDS to the touch electrode TE in the second touch electrode row during the second touch sensing period TP2, and can supply the touch drive signal TDS to the touch electrode TE in the third touch electrode row during the third touch sensing period TP3, and can supply the touch drive signal TDS to the touch electrode TE in the fourth touch electrode row during the fourth touch sensing period TP4.

[0462] Subsequently, during another frame period, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrode TE located in the fifth touch electrode row during the first touch sensing period TP1, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrode TE located in the sixth touch electrode row during the second touch sensing period TP2, and the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrode TE located in the seventh touch electrode row during the third touch sensing period TP3. During the fourth touch sensing period TP4, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrode TE located in the first touch electrode row, but the touch drive signal may not be supplied to the touch electrode during the fourth touch sensing period TP4.

[0463] In this scenario, a touch can be detected across the entire display panel 100 during two frame periods. Here, two frame periods refer to a period in which a frame period is repeated twice.

[0464] However, as another example, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrodes TE disposed in the first touch electrode row and the second touch electrode row during the first touch sensing period TP1, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrodes TE disposed in the third touch electrode row and the fourth touch electrode row during the second touch sensing period TP2, the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrodes TE disposed in the fifth touch electrode row and the sixth touch electrode row during the third touch sensing period TP3, and the touch drive signal TDS can be supplied to the touch electrodes TE disposed in the seventh touch electrode row during the fourth touch sensing period TP4.

[0465] In this case, touch can be detected across the entire display panel 100 within a single frame period.

[0466] In other words, during the wake-up touch sensing period, various changes can be made to the period during which touch is detected throughout the entire display panel 100.

[0467] Furthermore, the period during which the touch drive signal is supplied to the touch electrode TE during the wake-up touch sensing period can be shorter than the period during which the touch drive signal is supplied to the touch electrode TE during the normal touch sensing period.

[0468] Therefore, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 during the wake-up touch sensing period can be smaller than the width of the touch enable pulse E1 during the normal touch sensing period, such as... Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown.

[0469] Therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the wake-up touch sensing period can be less than the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the normal touch sensing period.

[0470] Even when using the mutual capacitance method, the above references can still be applied. Figure 12C Description and explanation.

[0471] Therefore, in a display device using the mutual capacitance method, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the wake-up touch sensing period can be less than the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the normal touch sensing period.

[0472] Next, Figure 12D A driving method for a display device using self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods is illustrated, and specifically, a driving method during the wake-up touch sensing period. In the following description, references are omitted or briefly described. Figures 12A to 12C The details described are the same or similar.

[0473] For example, in Figure 12C In the context of using a self-capacitance method to detect touch during the first touch sensing period TP1 and the third touch sensing period TP3, and using a mutual capacitance method to detect touch during the second touch sensing period TP2 and the fourth touch sensing period TP4, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 in each of the first touch sensing period TP1 to the fourth touch sensing period TP4 can be less than [a certain value]. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The width of the touch enable pulse E1 during the normal touch sensing period is shown.

[0474] Therefore, in display devices using self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the wake-up touch sensing period can be less than the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during the normal touch sensing period.

[0475] Furthermore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 during normal touch sensing periods can be less than the power consumption applied to the sensing unit 440 of a conventional display device.

[0476] In display devices using self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods, the touch sensing period TP using the self-capacitance method and the touch sensing period TP using the mutual capacitance method can be continuous, such as... Figure 12DAs shown, and within a frame period, the touch sensing period TP using the self-capacitance method and the touch sensing period TP using the mutual capacitance method may occur only once.

[0477] In this case, the self-capacitance method can be used to detect touch during the first touch sensing period TP1, and the mutual capacitance method can be used to detect touch during the second touch sensing period TP2.

[0478] Specifically, when a touch signal S1 is supplied, touch detection using the self-capacitance method and touch detection using the mutual capacitance method can be performed sequentially.

[0479] In this case, the sum of the widths of the touch enable pulses E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1 and the second touch sensing period TP2 can be less than the width of the touch signal S1. Furthermore, the width of each of the touch enable pulses E1 can be set to approximately equal the period during which the touch drive signal TDS is actually supplied to the touch electrode TE.

[0480] This means that the sensing unit 440 is powered only during the period when a touch is actually detected.

[0481] Therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced according to the display device of this application, and thus the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0482] at last, Figure 12E Another driving method for a display device using self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods is shown, and specifically, a driving method during the wake-up touch sensing period.

[0483] In display devices using self-capacitance and mutual capacitance methods, the touch sensing period TP using the self-capacitance method and the touch sensing period TP using the mutual capacitance method can be continuous, such as... Figure 12D and Figure 12E As shown, and within a frame period, the touch sensing period TP using the self-capacitance method and the touch sensing period TP using the mutual capacitance method may occur only once.

[0484] In this case, touch can be detected using the self-capacitance method in the consecutive first touch sensing period TP1 and second touch sensing period TP2 within a frame period (hereinafter referred to as the first frame), and touch can be detected using the mutual capacitance method in another frame period after the first frame (hereinafter referred to as the second frame).

[0485] For example, when Figure 10When the touch electrode TE shown is divided into two groups along the first direction X, each of the first group and the second group may include a touch electrode TE arranged in a 3×7 (horizontal×vertical) configuration.

[0486] In this case, a touch can be detected at the touch electrode TE in the first group using the self-capacitance method during the first touch sensing period TP1 and the second touch sensing period TP2 of the first frame, and a touch can be detected at the touch electrode TE in the second group using the mutual capacitance method during the first touch sensing period TP1 and the second touch sensing period TP2 of the second frame.

[0487] In this case, the sum of the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1 of the first frame and the width of the touch enable pulse E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the second touch sensing period TP2 of the first frame can be less than the width of the touch signal S1 of the first frame. Furthermore, the width of each of the touch enable pulses E1 can be set to approximately equal to the period during which the touch drive signal TDS is actually supplied to the touch electrode TE.

[0488] Furthermore, the sum of the widths of the touch enable pulses E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the first touch sensing period TP1 of the second frame and the widths of the touch enable pulses E1 supplied to the sensing switch 430 during the second touch sensing period TP2 of the second frame can be less than the width of the touch signal S1 of the second frame. Additionally, the width of each of the touch enable pulses E1 can be set to approximately equal the period during which the touch drive signal TDS is actually supplied to the touch electrode TE.

[0489] This means that the sensing unit 440 is powered only during the period when a touch is actually detected.

[0490] Therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced according to the display device of this disclosure, and thus the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0491] For the purpose of providing additional description, in a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 12D and Figure 12E As shown, when a touch signal S1 is received, the display driver 200 can sequentially transmit the first touch enable pulse E1 and the second touch enable pulse E1 to the sensing switch 430.

[0492] In this case, when the first touch enable pulse E1 is received, the sensing unit 440 can supply the touch drive signal TDS to the second electrode CE2, convert the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 into a digital touch sensing signal, and send the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver 200. For example, as shown in Reference Figure 12D The touch can be detected during the first touch sensing period TP1 by using the self-capacitance method.

[0493] Subsequently, upon receiving the second touch enable pulse E1, the sensing unit 440 can supply a touch drive signal TDS to the second electrode CE2, or it can convert the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode CE2 into a digital touch sensing signal and send the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver 200. For example, as shown in the reference... Figure 12D The touch can be detected during the second touch sensing period TP2 by using the mutual capacitance method.

[0494] As described above, in the display device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be reduced or minimized during the wake-up touch sensing period, thereby reducing or minimizing the driving time of the sensing unit 440, and thus reducing or minimizing the power consumption of the sensing unit 440. The width of the touch enable pulse E1 can be smaller than the width of the touch signal S1 not only during the wake-up touch sensing period but also during the normal touch sensing period; therefore, the power consumption of the sensing unit 440 can be reduced during the normal touch sensing period.

[0495] Furthermore, in the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, touch electrodes disposed along the first direction X or the second direction Y of the display panel 100 can be grouped together, and touch can be detected by sequentially driving the groups. In this case, the groups can be arranged in various shapes and numbers, and therefore, the duration or rate of touch detection on the display panel 100 can be varied.

[0496] Figures 13 to 16 This is a diagram illustrating an electronic device using a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0497] Reference Figures 13 to 16 The display device according to embodiments of this disclosure can be included in various electronic devices. For example, various electronic devices can be such as Figure 13 The wearable device 1100 shown, such as Figure 14 The mobile device 1200 shown, such as Figure 15 The laptop computer 1300 shown or such Figure 16 The monitor or TV 1400 shown is an example, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0498] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each of the wearable device 1100, mobile device 1200, laptop computer 1300, and monitor or TV 1400 may include housing portions 1005, 1010, 1015, and 1020, as well as display panel 100 and display device 1000.

[0499] For example, the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to mobile devices, video phones, smartwatches, watch phones, wearable devices, foldable devices, rollable devices, bendable devices, flexible devices, curved devices, sliding devices, variable devices, electronic notebooks, e-books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), PDAs (personal digital assistants), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, netbooks, workstations, navigation systems, vehicle displays, theater displays, televisions, wallpaper devices, signage devices, gaming devices, laptop computers, gaming devices, monitors, cameras, camcorders, or home appliances.

[0500] The features of the display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure are briefly summarized below.

[0501] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area; a pixel driving circuit disposed in the display area; a first electrode connected to the pixel driving circuit; a light-emitting device disposed on the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the light-emitting device, wherein the pixel driving circuit includes: a sensing unit configured to supply a cathode voltage or a touch driving signal to the second electrode; and a sensing switch configured to transfer power from a power unit to the sensing unit or block power transfer from the power unit in response to a touch enable signal.

[0502] At least two second electrodes connected to the pixel driving circuit are used as a touch electrode.

[0503] Each of the at least two second electrodes extends along a first direction of the substrate, and the at least two second electrodes are disposed along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0504] When a cathode voltage is supplied to any one of the at least two second electrodes, light is emitted from the light-emitting device connected to the second electrode to which the cathode voltage is supplied.

[0505] When the at least two second electrodes are used as a single touch electrode, a touch drive signal is simultaneously supplied to the at least two second electrodes.

[0506] The pixel driving circuit further includes a control switch configured to supply a cathode voltage to the second electrode during a display period and to connect the sensing unit to the second electrode during a touch sensing period.

[0507] The pixel driving circuit further includes a sub-pixel driving unit configured to supply an anode voltage to the first electrode.

[0508] The display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a display driver configured to transmit a touch enable signal to the sensing switch.

[0509] When a touch signal indicating the touch sensing period is received in the touch synchronization signal, the display driver sends a touch enable pulse that constitutes the touch enable signal to the sensing switch, and the touch synchronization signal distinguishes the touch sensing period from the display period.

[0510] When a touch enable pulse is received, the sensing switch connects the power unit to the sensing unit.

[0511] The sensing unit is powered by electricity supplied from the power unit and supplies touch driving signals to the second electrode.

[0512] When no touch enable pulse is received, the sensing switch disconnects the power unit from the sensing unit.

[0513] The width of the touch enable pulse is less than or equal to the width of the touch signal.

[0514] When a touch signal is received, the display driver sequentially transmits a first enable pulse and a second enable pulse to the sensing switch.

[0515] When a first enable pulse is received, the sensing unit supplies a touch drive signal to the second electrode, converts the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode into a digital touch sensing signal, and sends the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver. When a second enable pulse is received, the sensing unit supplies a touch drive signal to the second electrode, or converts the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode into a digital touch sensing signal and transmits the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver.

[0516] The touch sensing period includes a normal touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected and a wake-up touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected, and the display driver transmits a touch enable pulse to the sensing switch during each of the normal touch sensing period and the wake-up touch sensing period.

[0517] According to this disclosure, during the period in the touch sensing period when a touch driving signal is not output to the touch electrodes, the power supply to the sensing unit configured to output the touch driving signal can be blocked. Therefore, the power consumption of the display device can be reduced.

[0518] Therefore, according to this disclosure, a display device with low power characteristics can be provided, and thus, a display device capable of implementing environmental / social / governmental (ESG) principles can be provided.

[0519] The features, structures, and effects described above in this disclosure are included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, but are not limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, and effects described in at least one embodiment of this disclosure can be achieved by combinations or modifications of other embodiments by those skilled in the art. Therefore, anything associated with combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being within the scope of this disclosure.

[0520] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure without departing from the technical spirit or scope thereof. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover any modifications and variations thereof that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0521] Cross-references to related applications

[0522] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0158920, filed in Korea on November 11, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area; A pixel driving circuit is disposed in the display area; A first electrode, which is connected to the pixel driving circuit; A light-emitting device, wherein the light-emitting device is disposed on the first electrode; as well as The second electrode is disposed on the light-emitting device. The pixel driving circuit includes: A sensing unit configured to supply a cathode voltage or a touch drive signal to the second electrode; and A sensing switch configured to transmit power from a power unit to the sensing unit or block power transmission from the power unit in response to a touch enable signal.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, At least two second electrodes connected to the pixel driving circuit serve as a touch electrode.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the at least two second electrodes extends along a first direction of the substrate, and The at least two second electrodes are arranged along a second direction different from the first direction.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, When a cathode voltage is supplied to any one of the at least two second electrodes, light is emitted from the light-emitting device connected to the second electrode to which the cathode voltage is supplied.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, When the at least two second electrodes are used as a single touch electrode, a touch drive signal is simultaneously supplied to the at least two second electrodes.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel driving circuit further includes a control switch configured to supply a cathode voltage to the second electrode during a display period and to connect the sensing unit to the second electrode during a touch sensing period.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel driving circuit further includes a sub-pixel driving unit configured to supply an anode voltage to the first electrode.

8. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a display driver configured to transmit a touch enable signal to the sensing switch.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, When a touch signal indicating the touch sensing period is received in the touch synchronization signal, the display driver transmits a touch enable pulse constituting the touch enable signal to the sensing switch, and The touch synchronization signal distinguishes between the touch sensing period and the display period.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, When the touch enable pulse is received, the sensing switch connects the power unit to the sensing unit.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The sensing unit is driven by power supplied from the power unit and supplies the touch driving signal to the second electrode.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, When the touch enable pulse is not received, the sensing switch disconnects the power unit from the sensing unit.

13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The width of the touch enable pulse is less than or equal to the width of the touch signal.

14. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, When the touch signal is received, the display driver transmits a first enable pulse and a second enable pulse to the sensing switch in sequence.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, When the first enable pulse is received, the sensing unit supplies a touch drive signal to the second electrode, converts the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode into a digital touch sensing signal, and transmits the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver. When the second enable pulse is received, the sensing unit supplies a touch drive signal to the second electrode, or converts the analog touch sensing signal received from the second electrode into a digital touch sensing signal, and sends the digital touch sensing signal to the display driver.

16. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The touch sensing period includes a normal touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected and a wake-up touch sensing period that continues after a touch is detected. The display driver transmits the touch enable pulse to the sensing switch during each of the normal touch sensing period and the wake-up touch sensing period.

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