Display device

Abstract

An embodiment discloses a display device comprising: a plurality of pixels; an encapsulation unit disposed on the plurality of pixels; and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on the encapsulation unit, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes includes: a lower electrode unit including a plurality of first openings that expose the plurality of pixels respectively; and an upper electrode unit on the lower electrode unit having an area smaller than that of the lower electrode unit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0203023, filed on December 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments relate to display devices, and more particularly to touch display devices. Background Technology

[0004] In order to provide users with various functions, the display device recognizes the user's finger or pen touch on the display panel and performs input processing based on the recognized touch.

[0005] The display device may include multiple touch electrodes disposed on the display panel. The display device can drive the multiple touch electrodes and detect changes in capacitance that occur when a user touches the display panel, thereby sensing the user's touch.

[0006] In display devices, it is necessary to increase the area of ​​the touch electrodes to increase touch sensing sensitivity, but the problem is that the touch electrodes are externally recognizable and the area of ​​the touch electrodes is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment provides a display device including touch electrodes having improved reflective visibility and / or increased area.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0009] A display device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of pixels; an encapsulation unit disposed on the plurality of pixels; and a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on the encapsulation unit, wherein the plurality of touch electrodes includes: a lower electrode unit having a plurality of first openings that expose the plurality of pixels respectively; and an upper electrode unit disposed on the lower electrode unit having an area smaller than that of the lower electrode unit.

[0010] A touch panel for a display device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on an encapsulation unit disposed on a plurality of pixels of the display device, wherein the touch electrodes include a plurality of first openings that expose corresponding pixels, and the touch electrodes are arranged in a stepped shape.

[0011] According to the implementation method, low reflectivity and improved visibility can be achieved by using a halftone process to place the touch electrodes in a stepped manner below the black matrix.

[0012] In addition, sensing sensitivity can be increased by increasing the area of ​​the touch electrodes.

[0013] In addition, the increased freedom in sensor design offers advantages in ensuring touch performance.

[0014] The effects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The following accompanying drawings (not necessarily drawn to scale) illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as limited to the matters described in these drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a view showing the grid-type touch electrodes;

[0021] Figure 6A It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0022] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A magnified view of region C in the image;

[0023] Figure 7A This is another embodiment of the present disclosure along with Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A magnified view of region D in the image;

[0025] Figure 8It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram; and

[0026] Figures 9 to 11 This is a view illustrating various modified examples of a second opening hole formed in a touch electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as its implementation methods, will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and can be embodied in various modifications. The embodiments are provided merely to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the invention, and the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0028] The figures, dimensions, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., disclosed in the accompanying drawings to describe embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the matters shown in the drawings. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals substantially refer to the same parts. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of prior art will be omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0029] Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are intended to allow for the addition of additional elements unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Any reference to the singular may include the plural unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0030] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0031] When the positional or interconnected relationship between two parts is described as “on top of,” “above,” “below,” “above,” “below,” and “next to,” one or more parts may be inserted between the two parts unless the terms “immediately following” or “directly” are used in the expression.

[0032] When using terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc. to describe temporal relationships, discontinuous situations may be included unless the terms “immediately following” or “directly” are used.

[0033] Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used to distinguish components, the function or structure of these components is not limited by the serial number or name preceding the component.

[0034] The following implementations can be combined or integrated with each other in part or in whole, and can be interoperable and performed in various technical ways. Each of the implementations can operate independently of each other, and can be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0035] In the display device of the present invention, the pixel circuit and the gate driving circuit may include a plurality of transistors. The transistors may be oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) including oxide semiconductors or low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFTs including low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS).

[0036] A transistor can be a three-electrode device, each comprising a gate, a source, and a drain. The source is the electrode that supplies charge carriers to the transistor. Charge carriers in the transistor begin to flow from the source. The drain is the electrode through which charge carriers are released from the transistor to the outside. In a transistor, charge carriers flow from the source to the drain. In the case of an n-channel transistor, the charge carriers are electrons, and therefore the source voltage is lower than the drain voltage, causing electrons to flow from the source to the drain. In an n-channel transistor, current flows from the drain to the source. In the case of a p-channel transistor, the charge carriers are holes, and therefore the source voltage is higher than the drain voltage, causing holes to flow from the source to the drain. In a p-channel transistor, since holes flow from the source to the drain, current flows from the source to the drain. It should be noted that the source and drain of a transistor are not fixed in position. For example, the source and drain can be interchanged depending on the applied voltage. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the source and drain of a transistor. In the following description, the source and drain of a transistor will be referred to as, for example, the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0037] The gate signal can oscillate between the gate on-voltage and the gate off-voltage. The transistor turns on in response to the gate on-voltage and turns off in response to the gate off-voltage. In the case of an n-channel transistor, the gate on-voltage can be the gate high voltage VGH, and the gate off-voltage can be the gate low voltage VGL. In the case of a p-channel transistor, the gate on-voltage can be the gate low voltage VGL, and the gate off-voltage can be the gate high voltage VGH.

[0038] In the following, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device according to the embodiment can provide an image display function for displaying images and a touch sensing function for sensing the user's touch.

[0041] The display device according to the embodiment may include: a display panel 100 having data lines and gate lines disposed thereon, and a data driver 300 for driving the display panel 100.

[0042] The data driver 300 may include data driver circuitry for driving data lines, gate driver circuitry for driving gate lines, and a controller for controlling the data driver circuitry and the gate driver circuitry. The data driver 300 may be implemented using one or more integrated circuits.

[0043] The display device according to the embodiments may include: a touch panel 200 having a plurality of touch electrodes TE and a plurality of touch lines TL1 and TL2 electrically connected to all or some of the plurality of touch electrodes TE; and a touch circuit unit 400 driving the touch panel 200 to sense the presence or absence of a touch or the touch position. In some embodiments, the plurality of touch lines TL1 are respectively connected to a plurality of touch electrode rows arranged along a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the plurality of touch lines TL2 are respectively connected to a plurality of touch electrode columns arranged along a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), such as... Figure 2 As shown. However, the connection method for multiple touch lines TL1 and multiple touch lines TL2 is not limited to this.

[0044] The touch circuit unit 400 can supply touch driving signals to the first touch electrode TE1 to drive the touch panel 200, and detect touch sensing signals from the second touch electrode TE2 to sense the presence or absence of touch and / or touch position (touch coordinates).

[0045] The touch circuit unit 400 may include: a touch driving circuit that supplies touch driving signals and receives touch sensing signals; a touch controller that calculates touch coordinates, etc. The touch driving signal may be a DC signal with a constant voltage value, or it may be an AC signal that oscillates between high and low levels with a predetermined amplitude and is formed by multiple pulses.

[0046] The touch circuit unit 400 can be implemented using one or more components (e.g., integrated circuits) and can be implemented separately from the data driver 300. However, the implementation is not limited to this. All or part of the touch circuit unit 400 can be integrated with and implemented with the data driver 300. For example, the touch driving circuit of the touch circuit unit 400 can be implemented as an integrated circuit together with the data driving circuit of the data driver 300.

[0047] The touch panel 200 can sense touch using a mutual capacitance-based method (which is a capacitance-based touch sensing method). In the case of a mutual capacitance-based touch sensing method, the presence or absence of a touch and / or touch coordinates can be detected based on the change in capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode due to the presence or absence of an indicator such as a finger or pen. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and a self-capacitance-based touch sensing method can also be used to sense touch.

[0048] In the case of a self-capacitance-based touch sensing method, each touch electrode TE can be used as both a driving electrode and a sensing electrode.

[0049] In other words, a touch driving signal can be applied to each touch electrode TE, and a touch sensing signal can be received through the touch electrode TE to which the touch driving signal is applied. Therefore, in the self-capacitance-based touch sensing method, there is no distinction between the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.

[0050] In self-capacitance-based touch sensing methods, the presence or absence of a touch and / or touch coordinates are detected based on the change in capacitance between an indicator such as a finger or pen and the touch electrode TE.

[0051] The following section describes a touch sensing method based on mutual capacitance.

[0052] Multiple touch electrodes TE may include a first touch electrode TE1 to which a touch driving signal is applied and a second touch electrode TE2 to which a touch sensing signal is sensed. The first touch electrode TE1 may be defined as a driving electrode, touch driving electrode, driving touch electrode, etc., and the second touch electrode TE2 may be defined as a sensing electrode, touch sensing electrode, sensing touch electrode, etc. In some embodiments, the functions of the first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 are interchanged. For example, multiple touch electrodes TE may include a second touch electrode TE2 to which a touch driving signal is applied and a first touch electrode TE1 to which a touch sensing signal is sensed.

[0053] Multiple first touch electrodes TE1 can be connected to each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) to form a drive electrode line TEL1, and multiple second touch electrodes TE2 can be connected to each other in a first direction (X-axis direction) to form a sensing electrode line TEL2. The first and second directions can be perpendicular to each other, but are not limited to this. For example, the first and second directions can be any two intersecting directions. Multiple second touch electrodes TE2 can be connected to each other via a bridging electrode BE. However, this is not a limitation; the first touch electrodes TE1 can also be connected to each other via the bridging electrode BE. For example, in... Figure 2 In this process, multiple first touch electrodes TE1 are connected to each other via bridging electrodes BE.

[0054] In this embodiment, the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 are described as being connected in a second direction, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 may be connected to each other in a first direction to form a drive electrode line, and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 may be connected to each other in a second direction to form a sensing electrode line.

[0055] The touch panel 200 may include touch lines TL1 and TL2 connected to the touch circuit unit 400 to electrically connect the touch electrode TE and the touch circuit unit 400. The touch electrode TE and the touch lines TL1 and TL2 may be disposed on the same layer or on different layers.

[0056] The touch panel 200 according to the embodiment can be disposed within the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. For example, the touch panel 200 can be disposed outside the display panel 100. When the touch panel 200 is external, the touch panel 200 and the display panel 100 can be manufactured separately through different panel manufacturing processes and then joined together. When the touch panel 200 is internal, the touch panel 200 and the display panel 100 can be manufactured together through a single panel manufacturing process.

[0057] The display panel 100 according to the embodiment may include a display area A / A and a non-display area N / A. For example, the display area A / A may overlap with the effective touch area of ​​the touch panel 200, and the non-display area N / A may overlap with the ineffective touch area of ​​the touch panel 200. Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region A in the image. Figure 5 This is a view showing the grid-type touch electrodes.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The touch electrode TE may include a first touch electrode TE1 disposed along a second direction and a second touch electrode TE2 disposed along a first direction. The first touch electrode TE1 may be a driving electrode and the second touch electrode TE2 may be a sensing electrode, but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, the first touch electrode TE1 may be a sensing electrode and the second touch electrode TE2 may be a driving electrode.

[0059] The touch electrode TE can be quadrilateral in shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the touch electrode TE can have a polygonal shape, such as an octagon.

[0060] The touch electrode TE may include a first opening hole H1 and a second opening hole H2 that expose a plurality of pixels. The first opening hole H1 may have a size sufficient to expose each corresponding pixel P. The first opening hole H1 may have different diameters according to the size of the pixel P. For example, the first opening hole H1 may include a 1-1 opening hole H11 that exposes the first pixel P1, a 1-2 opening hole H12 that exposes the second pixel P2, and a 1-3 opening hole H13 that exposes the third pixel P3, as Figure 4 shown. For example, when the sizes of the pixels increase in the order of the second pixel P2, the third pixel P3, and the first pixel P1 (P2 < P3 < P1), the sizes of the first opening hole H1 may also increase in the order of the 1-2 opening hole H12, the 1-3 opening hole H13, and the 1-1 opening hole H11. That is, the diameter of the first opening hole H1 may vary according to the size of the pixel. For example, the first pixel P1 may be a red sub-pixel, the second pixel P2 may be a blue sub-pixel, and the third pixel P3 may be a green sub-pixel, but the colors of each pixel may be variously modified. When the pixel further includes a white sub-pixel, the first opening hole H1 may further include a 1-4 opening hole (not shown in the figure) that exposes the white sub-pixel.

[0061] A black matrix 170 may be provided on the touch electrode TE, as Figure 6A shown. Since the touch electrode TE is provided below the black matrix 170, the touch electrode TE may not be visible from the outside. The touch electrode TE may be provided as wide as possible in the area where the black matrix 170 is provided to improve the sensing sensitivity.

[0062] The black matrix 170 provided at the end of the touch electrode TE may be thinner near the first opening hole H1 among the thicknesses of the black matrix 170 provided on the touch electrode TE. In this case, even when the touch electrode TE is provided below the black matrix 170, the reflection visibility of the touch electrode penetrating the thin black matrix may be a problem.

[0063] To improve the reflection visibility of the touch electrode TE, a half-tone process may be used to form the touch electrode.

[0064] Among the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 using the half-tone process and adjacent to the first opening hole H1, the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 may include lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 provided with a thinner thickness. A detailed description of the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 will be described in detail in Figures 6A to 7B .

[0065] According to an embodiment, the second opening H2 can be formed in the touch electrode TE. The second opening H2 can be located at the center of the touch electrode TE, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second opening H2 can be located at the edge of the touch electrode TE. The second opening H2 can be divided into multiple holes. The total area of ​​the second opening H2 in the touch electrode TE can be smaller than the total area of ​​the multiple first openings H1. However, it is not limited thereto; the total area of ​​the second opening H2 in the touch electrode TE can be greater than or equal to the total area of ​​the multiple first openings H1.

[0066] The second opening H2 can be formed to adjust the area of ​​the touch electrode TE.

[0067] The second opening H2 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the touch electrode TE. For example, when the touch electrode TE has a quadrilateral shape, the second opening H2 can also have a quadrilateral shape. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the touch electrode TE can have an octagonal shape, and the second opening H2 can have a quadrilateral shape.

[0068] Reference Figure 5 Typically, touch electrodes TE with a grid structure are used for visibility, but the problem is that the resistance is relatively increased due to the fine grid lines, resulting in low sensing sensitivity. However, according to the embodiment, since the touch electrodes TE are completely disposed below the black matrix 170, there is an advantage to maximizing the width of the touch electrodes TE to reduce resistance. Figure 5 In the diagram, R represents a red subpixel, G represents a green subpixel, and B represents a blue subpixel. The red subpixel R, the green subpixel G, and the blue subpixel B can be set in the space S1 between the grid lines MESH.

[0069] Figure 6A It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A magnified view of region C in the image.

[0070] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B The display device according to the embodiment may include: a substrate 110; a plurality of pixels P disposed on the substrate 110; an encapsulation unit 150 disposed on the plurality of pixels; a plurality of touch electrodes TE disposed on the encapsulation unit 150; and a black matrix 170 disposed on the plurality of touch electrodes TE. Each of the plurality of pixels P may include: a light-emitting element 130 and a driving circuit including a thin-film transistor (TFT).

[0071] The substrate 110 may include an insulating material. For example, the substrate 110 may include glass or plastic. A buffer layer may be disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer can prevent contamination of the substrate during the formation process of the drive circuit.

[0072] A driving circuit including multiple thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be disposed on the substrate 110. The TFTs can generate a driving current corresponding to the data signal. The thin-film transistors can be oxide thin-film transistors or low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors.

[0073] The planarization layer 120 can compensate for surface steps caused by the driving circuitry of each pixel. For example, the upper surface of the planarization layer 120 facing the substrate 110 can be a flat plane. The planarization layer 120 may include an organic insulating material. Multiple insulating layers (not shown) may also be provided between the planarization layer 120 and the substrate 110.

[0074] The light-emitting element 130 can emit light representing a specific color. For example, the light-emitting element 130 of each pixel may include a first electrode 131, a light-emitting layer 132, and a second electrode 133 sequentially stacked on a substrate 110.

[0075] The first electrode 131 may include a conductive material. The first electrode 131 may include a material with high reflectivity. For example, the first electrode 131 may include metals such as aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag). The first electrode 131 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first electrode 131 may have a structure in which a reflective electrode made of metal is positioned between transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO.

[0076] The light-emitting layer 132 can generate light with a brightness corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 133. For example, the light-emitting layer 132 may include a light-emitting material layer (EML) comprising a light-emitting material. The light-emitting material may include organic materials, inorganic materials, or mixed materials. For example, the display device according to embodiments of this specification may be an organic light-emitting display device comprising an organic emitting material.

[0077] The light-emitting layer 132 may have a multilayer structure. For example, the light-emitting layer 132 may include a hole injection layer HIL, a hole transport layer HTL, an electron transport layer ETL, and an electron injection layer EIL.

[0078] However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. The light-emitting element 130 may include an inorganic material light-emitting layer 132. In this case, the light-emitting layer 132 may include a micro-inorganic light-emitting layer.

[0079] The second electrode 133 may include a conductive material. The second electrode 133 may include a material different from the first electrode 131. The transmittance of the second electrode 133 may be greater than that of the first electrode 131. For example, the second electrode 133 may be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO and IZO. Therefore, in the display device according to the embodiments of this specification, light generated by the light-emitting layer 132 can be emitted to the outside through the second electrode 133.

[0080] The dam layer 140 may be located on the planarization layer 120. The dam layer 140 may define a light-emitting region in each pixel. For example, the dam layer 140 may cover the edge of the first electrode 131. The light-emitting layer 132 and the second electrode 133 may be sequentially stacked on the portion of the first electrode 131 exposed by the dam layer 140. The dam layer 140 may include an insulating material. For example, the dam layer 140 may include an organic insulating material.

[0081] At least a portion of the light-emitting layer 132 of each pixel may extend outside the pixel. For example, at least one of the hole injection layer HIL, hole transport layer HTL, electron transport layer ETL, and electron injection layer EIL located in each pixel may extend onto the embankment layer 140. At least one of the hole injection layer HIL, hole transport layer HTL, electron transport layer ETL, and electron injection layer EIL located in each pixel may be formed simultaneously with the corresponding layer located in adjacent pixels. For example, at least one of the hole injection layer HIL, hole transport layer HTL, electron transport layer ETL, and electron injection layer EIL may be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 110.

[0082] The encapsulation unit 150 can be located on the light-emitting element of each pixel. The encapsulation unit 150 can prevent damage to the light-emitting element due to external moisture and impact. For example, the light-emitting element 130 of each pixel can be completely covered by the encapsulation unit 150.

[0083] The packaging unit 150 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the packaging unit 150 may include a first packaging layer 151, a second packaging layer 152, and a third packaging layer 153. The first packaging layer 151, the second packaging layer 152, and the third packaging layer 153 may include insulating materials.

[0084] The second encapsulation layer 152 may include materials different from those of the first encapsulation layer 151 and the third encapsulation layer 153. For example, the first encapsulation layer 151 and the third encapsulation layer 153 may include inorganic insulating materials, while the second encapsulation layer 152 may include organic insulating materials. Therefore, damage to the light-emitting element due to external moisture and impact can be effectively prevented.

[0085] Because the second encapsulation layer 152 is formed to be relatively thick, surface steps caused by the light-emitting element can be compensated by the second encapsulation layer 152. For example, the upper surface of the encapsulation unit 150 facing the substrate 110 can be a flat plane. Furthermore, the parasitic capacitance between the second electrode 133 of the light-emitting element and the touch electrode TE can be reduced by the second encapsulation layer 152. The thickness of the second encapsulation layer 152 can be 5 μm or greater, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] A first touch insulating layer 161 can be provided on the packaging unit 150. The first touch insulating layer 161 can prevent chemical solutions (such as developers or etchants) used in the manufacturing process of the touch electrode TE, or external moisture or foreign matter, from penetrating into the light-emitting element.

[0087] The bridging electrode BE can be disposed on the first touch insulating layer 161. The bridging electrode BE can be disposed at the location connecting multiple second touch electrodes TE2 among the touch electrodes TE. Alternatively, the bridging electrode BE can be disposed at the location connecting multiple first touch electrodes TE1 among the touch electrodes TE. The bridging electrode BE can include the same material as the touch electrodes TE, but it can also include a different material.

[0088] A second touch insulating layer 162 can be disposed on the first touch insulating layer 161 to cover the bridging electrode BE and insulate the bridging electrode BE from the touch electrode TE. The second touch insulating layer 162 can be disposed between the bridging electrodes BE and can insulate the bridging electrodes BE from each other. Some of the second touch electrodes TE2 can be connected to the bridging electrode BE through through-holes (not shown in the figure). Alternatively, some of the first touch electrodes TE1 can be connected to the bridging electrode BE through through-holes (not shown in the figure).

[0089] The first touch insulating layer 161 and / or the second touch insulating layer 162 may be made of materials such as silicon nitride (SiN). x ) or silicon oxide (SiO) x It is made of inorganic insulating materials.

[0090] The black matrix 170 may include multiple opening regions OA1, and the multiple opening regions OA1 may be disposed at positions overlapping with the first opening hole H1 of the touch electrode TE. Therefore, light emitted from the light-emitting element 130 can be emitted to the outside through the first opening hole H1 and the opening regions OA1. The first opening hole H1 of the touch electrode TE may have a diameter wider than the opening regions OA1 of the black matrix 170.

[0091] For example, a separate touch protection layer 163 can be provided between the touch electrode TE and the black matrix 170. The touch protection layer 163 can be provided on the touch electrode TE. The touch protection layer 163 can be used to prevent oxidation, corrosion, or damage to the touch electrode TE and the touch lines. The touch protection layer 163 can be made of materials such as silicon nitride (SiN). x ) and silicon oxide (SiO) x It is made of at least one or more materials selected from inorganic insulating materials or organic insulating materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin or polyimide resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] On the second opening H2 of the touch electrode TE, a black matrix 170 can be disposed on the second touch insulating layer 162. The second opening H2 can overlap with multiple opening regions OA1 of the black matrix 170. That is, one first opening H1 overlaps with one opening region OA1, but one second opening H2 can overlap with multiple opening regions OA1. In the region of the second opening H2, the touch electrode TE may not have a grid-shaped first touch electrode TE1 and second touch electrode TE2, or the density of the first touch electrode TE1 and second touch electrode TE2 arranged in the region of the second opening H2 can be significantly lower than the density in the region of the first opening H1.

[0093] The touch electrodes TE located near the first opening H1 can be configured as lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 and upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 located on the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 using a halftone process.

[0094] The upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 disposed on the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 can have a smaller area than the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1. That is, the length SW2 of each of the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 in the first direction can be greater than the length SW1 of each of the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 in the first direction, such as... Figure 6BAs shown. Therefore, the touch electrode TE, including lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 (which may be referred to as "lower steps" in some embodiments) and upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 (which may be referred to as "upper steps" in some embodiments), can have a stepped shape. For example, the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 and the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 of the touch electrode TE can be integrally configured. In this case, the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 and the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 can include the same material. In some embodiments, the touch electrode configured in a stepped shape includes a first portion with a larger width (first width) and a second portion with a narrower width (a second width less than the first width), and the first portion and the second portion overlap each other perpendicularly. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are formed integrally. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are formed in different layers.

[0095] The black matrix 170 covering or overlapping the touch electrode TE can be configured to be spherical in plan view or semi-circular in cross-section. The black matrix 170 can have a first thickness BH1, a second thickness BH2, and a third thickness BH3 in different regions relative to the touch electrode TE. The first thickness BH1 can refer to the maximum thickness of the black matrix 170 in the region not overlapping with the touch electrode TE. The second thickness BH2 can refer to the maximum thickness of the black matrix 170 in the region not overlapping with the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 of the touch electrode TE but overlapping with the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 of the touch electrode TE. The third thickness BH3 can refer to the maximum thickness of the black matrix 170 in the region overlapping with the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 of the touch electrode TE.

[0096] Since the touch electrode TE is set in a stepped shape, the second thickness BH2 of the black matrix 170 provided on the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 can be greater than the first thickness BH1 of the black matrix 170 provided on the packaging unit 150 where no touch electrode TE is provided.

[0097] Since the black matrix 170 covering or overlapping the touch electrode TE is configured to be spherical in plan view or semi-circular in cross-section, the first thickness BH1 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the packaging unit 150 where the touch electrode TE is not disposed and the third thickness BH3 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the upper electrode units TE1-2 and TE2-2 can be substantially the same. The shape of the black matrix 170 covering or overlapping the touch electrode TE is not limited to a spherical or semi-circular shape, as long as the second thickness BH2 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the lower electrode units TE1-1 and TE2-1 can be greater than the first thickness BH1 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the packaging unit 150 where the touch electrode TE is not disposed.

[0098] Color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be provided at least in the opening region OA1 of the black matrix 170. Color filters having the same color as the light emitted from each light-emitting element 130 can be respectively provided as color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. According to the embodiment, since multiple color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be located at positions corresponding to multiple opening regions, excellent light-emitting performance can be achieved.

[0099] Figure 7A This is another embodiment of the present disclosure along with Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A magnified view of region D in the image.

[0100] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The lower electrodes TE1-1 and TE2-1 of the stepped electrodes, which are formed to suppress the reflective visibility of the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 set in the adjacent opening region OA1, can be set as dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2.

[0101] The dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 are formed to suppress the reflective visibility of the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 disposed adjacent to the opening region OA1, and can therefore be disposed in a simple dummy form that is floated with the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2.

[0102] The first touch electrode TE1 and the second touch electrode TE2 disposed on the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 can be configured to have a smaller area than the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2. That is, the lengths DW1 and DW2 of the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 in the first direction can be greater than the lengths SW1-2 and SW2-2 of the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 in the first direction. Furthermore, the lengths DW1 and DW2 of the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 in the first direction and the length DW3 of the bridging electrode BE in the first direction can be different from each other.

[0103] The black matrix 170 covering / overlapping the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 and the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 can be configured in a semi-circular shape. Since the structures of the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 and the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 are configured in a stepped shape, the second thickness BH2 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the dummy electrodes can be greater than the first thickness BH1 of the black matrix 170 disposed on the packaging unit 150 where no dummy electrodes DM are disposed.

[0104] Since the black matrix 170 covering / overlapping the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 and the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 is set in a semi-circular shape, the first thickness BH1 of the black matrix 170 provided on the packaging unit 150 where no dummy electrodes DM are provided and the third thickness BH3 of the black matrix 170 provided on the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2 can be substantially the same or similar to each other.

[0105] The dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 may comprise a different metallic material than the touch electrode TE. The dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 may comprise a metal with a higher transmittance than the touch electrode TE. For example, the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 may be transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO. Because the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 are configured as transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials such as ITO and IZO, reflective visibility can be further reduced even when the black matrix 170 is damaged near the opening region OA1. However, the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 may also be configured as opaque electrodes such as Ti / Al / Ti.

[0106] The black matrix 170, which is adjacent to the second opening hole H2 and does not cover the dummy electrodes DM1 and DM2 and the touch electrodes TE1 and TE2, can be configured as follows: Figure 7A The trapezoidal shape shown.

[0107] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram.

[0108] Reference Figure 8The second touch electrode TE2, which is not adjacent to the multiple first opening regions OA1 and is disposed on the second touch insulating layer 162, can be configured as a single electrode instead of a double layer consisting of a lower electrode unit TE2-1 and an upper electrode unit TE2-2. The second touch electrode TE2, spaced apart from the first opening regions OA1 and configured as a single electrode, can be disposed entirely below the black matrix 170. The black matrix 170, which is not adjacent to the first opening regions OA1, can be formed to have a thickness that sufficiently suppresses reflective visibility even when the touch electrode TE is configured to have a step between the upper and lower electrodes or is configured as a single metal electrode instead of using a dummy electrode.

[0109] Although the embodiment shows the second touch electrode TE2 completely disposed below the black matrix 170, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first touch electrode TE1 may be completely disposed below the black matrix 170 to increase the area of ​​the touch electrode and increase the sensing sensitivity.

[0110] Figures 9 to 11 This is a view showing various examples of modifications to the touch electrodes.

[0111] Reference Figure 9 The touch electrode TE may include a plurality of first openings H1 and a plurality of second openings H2. According to an embodiment, the second openings H2 may be divided into a plurality of second openings H2 and arranged to be spaced apart from each other. When the second openings H2 are arranged at predetermined intervals, the sensing sensitivity can be improved because the resistance distribution in the touch electrode TE becomes more uniform.

[0112] Reference Figure 10 Multiple conductive lines TMS1 can be formed in the second opening H2 of the touch electrode TE. With this configuration, sensing sensitivity can be improved by forming multiple conductive lines TMS1 in the second opening H2 while maintaining metal density.

[0113] Reference Figure 11 The second opening H2 can be located at the edge of the touch electrode TE. In this case, the second opening H2 can be formed by connecting multiple first openings H1. The width of the second opening H2 can be greater than or equal to the diameter of the first openings H1. In this way, the position and shape of the second opening H2 can be modified in various ways within the range that meets the metal density requirements.

[0114] According to the implementation method, low reflectivity and improved visibility can be achieved by using a halftone process to place the touch electrodes in a stepped manner below the black matrix. Furthermore, sensing sensitivity can be increased by increasing the area of ​​the touch electrodes. Additionally, the increased freedom in sensor design offers advantages in ensuring touch performance.

[0115] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the following description.

[0116] Since the contents of the specification describing the problem to be solved, the means to solve the problem, and the effect to be achieved are not intended to specify the essential features of the appended claims, the scope of the appended claims is not limited to the matters described in the contents of the specification.

[0117] Although embodiments have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of the invention, but rather to illustrate it, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Thus, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not restrictive in any way, but rather illustrative.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Multiple pixels; Encapsulation units disposed on the plurality of pixels; as well as Multiple touch electrodes are disposed on the packaging unit. The plurality of touch electrodes include: The lower electrode unit includes a plurality of first openings that expose the plurality of pixels; and An upper electrode unit on the lower electrode unit, the upper electrode unit having a smaller area than the lower electrode unit.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The black matrix is ​​disposed on the plurality of touch electrodes. The plurality of touch electrodes are configured to overlap with the black matrix.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the following is different from the others: the first thickness of the black matrix disposed on the packaging unit where the touch electrode is not disposed, the second thickness of the black matrix disposed on the lower electrode unit where the upper electrode unit is not disposed, and the third thickness of the black matrix disposed on the upper electrode unit.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The black matrix overlapping the touch electrode is configured in a spherical or semi-circular shape.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The second thickness is the largest, and The first thickness and the third thickness are substantially the same.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of touch electrodes includes: A plurality of first touch electrodes arranged along a first direction; and A plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: A bridging electrode is disposed below some of the plurality of touch electrodes and configured to electrically connect the plurality of first touch electrodes to each other or to electrically connect the plurality of second touch electrodes to each other.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first length of the lower electrode unit in the first direction of the display device, the second length of the upper electrode unit in the first direction of the display device, and the third length of the bridging electrode in the first direction of the display device are different from each other.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, The first length is greater than the second length.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper electrode unit and the lower electrode unit are made of the same material.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper electrode unit and the lower electrode unit are made of different materials.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The lower electrode unit comprises a metal having a higher transmittance than the upper electrode unit.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The touch electrode includes a second opening that is larger than the first opening.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The position and shape of the second opening are set to meet a predetermined metal density.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The second opening exposes more pixels compared to the first opening.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The total area of ​​the second opening in the touch electrode is less than the total area of ​​the plurality of first openings.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of first openings exposes one pixel, and The size of each of the plurality of first openings varies according to the size of the corresponding pixel.

18. A touch panel for a display device, comprising: Multiple touch electrodes are disposed on a packaging unit, which is disposed on multiple pixels of the display device. The touch electrode includes a plurality of first openings that expose corresponding pixels, and the touch electrode is arranged in a stepped shape.

19. The touch panel according to claim 18, wherein, The touch electrode, arranged in a stepped shape, includes a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width less than the first width, and the first portion and the second portion overlap each other perpendicularly.

20. The touch panel of claim 18, further comprising: The black matrix is ​​disposed on the plurality of touch electrodes. The plurality of touch electrodes are configured to overlap with the black matrix.

21. The touch panel according to claim 20, wherein, At least one of the following is different from the others: the first thickness of the black matrix disposed on the packaging unit where the touch electrode is not disposed, the second thickness of the black matrix disposed on the lower step of the touch electrode, and the third thickness of the black matrix disposed on the upper step of the touch electrode.

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