Display device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a display device. The display device may include a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on a substrate, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements including a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode; a dam disposed on the substrate; a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on the dam and configured to electrically connect adjacent second electrodes; and a touch sensing unit including a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch lines. Furthermore, each of the plurality of touch electrodes includes a group of second electrodes electrically connected to each other by at least one of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of touch lines are respectively connected to the plurality of touch electrodes and are made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices, and specifically, for example, but not limited to, providing a display device in which touch performance does not degrade even when the display device has a large area. Background Technology

[0002] As society enters the information age, the field of display devices that visually display electrical information signals is developing rapidly, and research is underway to develop improved performance such as thinness, light weight, and low power consumption for various display devices.

[0003] Representative display devices include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), electrowetting displays (EWDs), and organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs).

[0004] To provide users with more diverse functions, this display device offers the ability to recognize user touches on the display panel and perform input processing based on the recognized touches.

[0005] A touch-recognition display device includes multiple touch electrodes disposed on or embedded in the display panel. By driving the touch electrodes, it is possible to detect whether a user touches the display panel and the touch coordinates.

[0006] However, as display device sizes increase, so do the challenges of integrating effective touch sensing capabilities. This integration can lead to serious performance issues, especially in larger screens, often resulting in reduced touch sensitivity and signal latency. For example, existing touch solutions for large-area displays may suffer from compromised touch accuracy and degraded user experience due to increased resistance and parasitic capacitance of the touch electrodes.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improved display device configurations to alleviate these limitations, particularly in devices with large screens. Furthermore, there is a need for a display device with an improved in-cell touch configuration, where touch sensing units are integrated in a way that prevents touch performance degradation, while also improving manufacturing processes and reducing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display device that does not experience deterioration in touch performance even when the display device has a large area.

[0009] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can reduce the thickness of the stacked structure.

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can reduce the processing cost and processing time of the display device.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the purposes described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other purposes not mentioned above.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate, the substrate including an active region having a plurality of sub-pixels and an active region disposed around the periphery of the active region; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate, and including a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode; a dam disposed to cover at least a portion of the first electrode; a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on the dam and electrically connecting adjacent second electrodes; and a touch sensing unit disposed in the active region of the substrate and including a plurality of touch electrodes disposed spaced apart from each other, each of the plurality of touch electrodes including a group of second electrodes electrically connected to each other by the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and a plurality of touch lines connected to each of the plurality of touch electrodes and made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

[0013] Further details of the implementation methods are included in the detailed embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In the display device disclosed herein, by applying an in-cell touch sensing unit that embeds a touch sensing unit in the display panel, the reduction in touch sensing performance can be prevented even if the area of ​​the display device is large.

[0015] Furthermore, in the display device disclosed herein, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements is electrically connected to the side surface of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes to reduce sheet resistance, thereby improving the voltage drop (VSS rise) phenomenon of low potential power supply voltage.

[0016] Furthermore, in the display device disclosed herein, the driving voltage is reduced, enabling low-power driving and improving the brightness deviation of the display device.

[0017] Furthermore, in the display device disclosed herein, the stacking thickness of the display device can be reduced by using in-unit touch, thereby increasing design freedom.

[0018] Furthermore, in the display device disclosed herein, multiple auxiliary electrodes and multiple touch lines are formed through the same process and the same materials to reduce masks and lower processing time and processing costs.

[0019] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and this disclosure includes many more effects.

[0020] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in this specification, within the scope of this disclosure, and protected by the appended claims. Nothing in this section should be construed as limiting these claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below in conjunction with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the touch electrodes of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0026] Figure 4A It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV' in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 4B It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line V-V' in the diagram.

[0028] Figure 4C It is according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI' in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations relevant to this document will be omitted or may be briefly discussed where such descriptions are deemed unnecessarily obscuring the essential points of the inventive concept. The described progression of processing steps and / or operations is exemplary; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to that set forth herein, except that they must occur in a specific order, and may be varied as is known in the art. The same reference numerals always denote the same elements. The names of the elements used in the following description may be chosen solely for convenience of writing the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products.

[0036] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0037] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings used to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0038] Even if not explicitly stated, components are interpreted as including the normal error range.

[0039] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under,” to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be positioned between the two parts, unless these terms are used with the terms “immediately” or “directly.”

[0040] When a component or layer is placed "on top of" another component or layer, the other layer or component can be directly inserted on or between the other component.

[0041] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, in the technical concept of this disclosure, the first component mentioned below can be the second component.

[0042] Throughout the disclosure, similar reference numerals generally denote similar elements.

[0043] For ease of illustration, the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown in the figures are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses of the components shown.

[0044] Furthermore, when a component or layer is “connected,” “joined,” or “adhered” to another component or layer, unless otherwise stated, the component or layer may not only be directly connected or adhered to the other component or layer, but also indirectly connected or adhered to the other component or layer, with one or more intermediate components or layers “set” or “inserted” between the components or layers. This should be understood to mean that components may be arranged to be in direct contact with each other, or may be arranged to be in direct contact with each other.

[0045] The terms “first element,” “second element,” and / or “third element” should be understood as one of the first, second, and third elements, or any or all combinations of the first, second, and third elements. For example, A, B, and / or C can refer to A only; B only; C only; any or some combinations of A, B, and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0046] The term “at least one” should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, “at least one of the first element, the second element, and the third element” means a combination of all three listed elements, a combination of any two of the three elements, and each individual element, the first element, the second element, or the third element.

[0047] 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 should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a 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 explicitly 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 arrangement, or any structure configured to perform the functions described herein that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] Instead, these embodiments may be provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete enough to assist those skilled in the art in fully understanding its scope. Furthermore, this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0049] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or completely adhered to or combined with each other, and may be interlocked and operated in various technical ways, and the embodiments may be performed independently or in relation to each other. Furthermore, the term "may" as used herein includes all the meanings and definitions of the term "can".

[0050] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 The display device 100 includes a display panel PN having multiple sub-pixels SP, a gating driver GD, a data driver DD, and a touch driver TD.

[0053] The display panel PN is configured to display an image to the user and includes multiple sub-pixels SP. In the display panel PN, multiple gate lines GL and multiple data lines DL intersect, and multiple sub-pixels SP can be formed at the intersection of the gate lines GL and the data lines DL.

[0054] In the display panel PN, the active area AA and the non-active area NA can be defined.

[0055] The active region AA is the area in the display device 100 where an image is displayed. Within the active region AA, multiple subpixels SP constituting multiple pixels and pixel circuitry for driving the multiple subpixels SP can be provided. The multiple subpixels SP are the smallest unit constituting the active region AA, and n subpixels SP can form one pixel. Each of the multiple subpixels SP is provided with a thin-film transistor for driving multiple light-emitting elements, allowing the multiple subpixels SP to emit light independently.

[0056] The number of light-emitting elements can vary depending on the type of the display panel PN. For example, when the display panel PN is an organic light-emitting display panel, the light-emitting elements can be organic light-emitting elements.

[0057] In the active region AA, multiple signal lines are provided for sending various signals to multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, the multiple signal lines may include multiple data lines DL providing data voltages to each sub-pixel in the multiple sub-pixels SP and multiple gating lines GL providing gating signals to each sub-pixel in the multiple sub-pixels SP. The multiple gating lines GL may extend in one direction within the active region AA and connect to the multiple sub-pixels SP, and the multiple data lines DL may extend in the active region AA in a direction different from that direction and connect to the multiple sub-pixels SP. Furthermore, low-potential power lines, high-potential power lines, etc., may be further provided in the active region AA, but are not limited to these.

[0058] The non-active region NA is the area where no image is displayed and can be defined as an area extending from the active region AA. Within the non-active region NA, link lines and pad electrodes can be configured to send signals to the sub-pixels SP of the active region AA, or to enable the gating driver GD and the data driver DD.

[0059] A touch sensing unit (e.g., a touch sensor) can be embedded in a display panel PN. The touch sensing unit senses the user's touch input. Specifically, the touch sensing unit includes a plurality of touch electrodes TS, and each touch electrode TS senses the user's touch. The touch electrodes TS described above can be formed to have dimensions corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0060] Specifically, when the touch sensing unit is embedded in the display panel PN, multiple touch electrodes TS can be arranged in an in-unit type and can be manufactured together when manufacturing the display panel PN.

[0061] The touch driver TD is connected to the touch electrode TS via the touch line TL to determine whether the user has touched the touch and the touch location. That is, when the user touches a portion of the touch sensing unit, the touch driver TD senses the touch signal from the touch electrode TS to determine whether the user has touched the touch sensing unit and the touch location.

[0062] Specifically, the touch driver TD can provide touch drive signals to each touch electrode TS. Furthermore, the touch driver TD can receive touch sensing signals from each touch electrode TS. Using the touch sensing signals described above, the touch driver TD senses touch at the touch sensing unit.

[0063] Furthermore, touch sensing methods using individual touch electrodes TS are divided into mutual capacitance type, which senses changes in mutual capacitance of touch electrodes TS, and self capacitance type, which senses changes in self capacitance of touch electrodes TS.

[0064] In the following, the case of a display device 100 sensing a capacitive touch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0065] In addition, the gating driver GD can sequentially provide gating voltages, either turn-on or turn-off voltages, to the gating line GL based on the gating control signal output from the timing controller.

[0066] The data driver DD can convert image data received from the timing controller into an analog data voltage Vdata based on the data control signal, and output the analog data voltage Vdata to the data line DL.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the touch electrodes of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The diagram on the right is a schematic illustration of multiple touch electrodes and multiple touch lines disposed on a display panel, and... Figure 2 In the middle, the left image is an enlarged view of the area corresponding to a touch electrode.

[0068] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The touch sensing unit can be implemented as an active area AA embedded in the display panel PN, but is not limited to this.

[0069] In this case, the in-cell touch sensing unit can use a group of second electrodes formed as blocks in the display panel PN as touch electrodes TS.

[0070] In this in-unit touch sensing unit, a touch electrode TS is formed by a second electrode (e.g., a common electrode) included in a plurality of sub-pixels SP formed within the display panel PN. The touch electrode TS can be defined by a plurality of second electrodes E2 spaced apart from the display panel PN. For example, the common electrode or cathode electrode can be divided to form a plurality of different touch electrodes TS spaced apart from each other, thereby allowing each touch electrode to function as an independent touch sensor.

[0071] For example, such as Figure 2As illustrated, multiple sub-pixels SP can be configured corresponding to a touch electrode TS. These multiple sub-pixels SP may include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 that emit different colors of light. For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 may be referred to as a red sub-pixel SP1 that emits red light, the second sub-pixel SP2 may be referred to as a green sub-pixel SP2 that emits green light, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be referred to as a blue sub-pixel SP3 that emits blue light, but are not limited thereto.

[0072] Multiple touch electrodes TS can be arranged in a matrix in the active area AA of the display panel PN, and touch lines TL for receiving touch sensing signals can be connected to each touch electrode TS.

[0073] Furthermore, in the in-cell display device 100, a display driving period for displaying an image on the display panel PN and a touch driving period for sensing the display panel PN can be divided in time. The display device 100 can be driven by dividing the display driving period and the touch driving period in time.

[0074] Combined with reference Figure 1 The touch driver TD can provide a touch drive signal through the touch line TL connected to the display panel PN. In this case, during the touch drive period, the touch drive signal is provided to the touch line TL to receive the touch sensing signal through the touch electrode TS, and during the display drive period, a low potential power supply voltage is provided to the touch line TL to display the image through the display panel PN.

[0075] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III'. Figure 4A It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV' in the diagram. Figure 4B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line V-V' in the diagram. Figure 4C It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI' in the diagram. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the area where the touch line (TL) is not set. Figure 4A It is a cross-sectional view of multiple sub-pixels SP in the area electrically connected to the touch line TL. Figure 4B It is a cross-sectional view of the area between multiple touch electrodes TS that are separated from each other, and Figure 4C It is a cross-sectional view of the area that overlaps with the touch line TL but is not electrically connected.

[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 4CThe substrate 110 is a component used to support various components included in the display device 100, and may be formed of an insulating material. The substrate 110 may include a first substrate 110a, an insulating layer 110b, and a second substrate 110c. The insulating layer 110b may be disposed between the first substrate 110a and the second substrate 110c. As described above, the substrate 110 is composed of the first substrate 110a, the second substrate 110c, and the insulating layer 110b to suppress moisture permeation. For example, the first substrate 110a and the second substrate 110c may be polyimide (PI) substrates.

[0077] A first buffer layer 111a is disposed on the substrate 110. The first buffer layer 111a can reduce the penetration of moisture, oxygen or impurities through the substrate 110. For example, the first buffer layer 111a can be configured as a single layer or multiple layers made of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] A light-shielding layer LS is disposed on the first buffer layer 111a in each of the plurality of sub-pixels. The light-shielding layer LS blocks light incident on the active layer ACT of the transistor DT below the substrate 110, which will be described below. The light incident on the active layer ACT of the transistor DT is blocked by the light-shielding layer LS to minimize or reduce leakage current.

[0079] A second buffer layer 111b is disposed on the substrate 110 and the light-shielding layer LS. The second buffer layer 111b can reduce the penetration of moisture or impurities through the substrate 110. For example, the second buffer layer 111b can be configured as a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. However, depending on the type of substrate 110 or the type of transistor, the second buffer layer 111b can be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The transistor DT of each sub-pixel in the multiple sub-pixels SP is disposed on the second buffer layer 111b. The transistor DT is a transistor used to control the drive current supplied to the light-emitting element ED.

[0081] A transistor DT consists of an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0082] The active layer ACT of transistor DT can be disposed on the second buffer layer 111b. For example, the active layer ACT can be formed of polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), or oxide semiconductor, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The gate insulating layer 112 can be disposed on the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer 112 is an insulating layer that insulates the active layer ACT from the gate electrode GE, and can be formed of silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or multiple layers thereof.

[0084] Furthermore, the gate electrode GE of the transistor DT can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 112. The gate electrode GE is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 to overlap with the active layer ACT. The gate electrode GE can be formed of various conductive materials, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), gold (Au), or alloys thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Interlayer insulating layer 113 may be provided to cover the gate electrode GE. Interlayer insulating layer 113 is an insulating layer that protects the components below it, and may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of transistor DT can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113.

[0087] The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE can be connected to one side and the other side of the active layer ACT, respectively, through contact holes provided in the interlayer insulating layer 113 and the gate insulating layer 112. The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE can be formed of various conductive materials, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), gold (Au), or alloys thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0088] The portion of the active layer ACT that overlaps with the gate electrode GE is the channel region. One of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE is connected to one side of the channel region in the active layer ACT, and the other is connected to the other side of the channel region in the active layer ACT.

[0089] The metal pattern MP, made of the same material, can be disposed on the same layer as the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. For example, the metal pattern MP can be electrically floating. For example, the metal pattern MP can be a line that is independently of multiple touch lines TL and is subject to a DC voltage to drive the display device 100. For example, the metal pattern MP can be additional wiring that can be electrically floating and not connected to any object, or it can be used to carry the voltage for operating the display device 100.

[0090] Passivation layer 114 can be disposed on source electrode SE, drain electrode DE, and metal pattern MP. Passivation layer 114 is provided to protect transistor DT and can be formed of inorganic layers, such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or multiples thereof.

[0091] A planarization layer 115 may be disposed on the passivation layer 114. The planarization layer 115 can protect the transistor DT and planarize its upper part. Although the planarization layer 115 is illustrated as a single layer in the figures, the planarization layer 115 may be configured as a multilayer layer and may be formed, for example, by a photoresist or an acrylic organic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The light-emitting element ED, including the first electrode E1, the organic layer EL, and the second electrode E2, can be located on each sub-pixel SP above the planarization layer 115.

[0093] The following is for reference Figures 3 to 4C The stacked structure of the light-emitting element (ED) is described in detail.

[0094] The first electrode E1 can be disposed on the planarization layer 115. For example, the first electrode E1 can be referred to as the anode. In this case, the first electrode E1 can be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the transistor DT through a contact hole disposed in the planarization layer 115. The first electrode E1 can be formed of a metallic material.

[0095] For example, when the display device 100 is a top-emitting type, light emitted from the light-emitting element ED is emitted above the substrate 110 on which the light-emitting element ED is disposed, and the first electrode E1 may include a transparent conductive layer and a reflective layer. The transparent conductive layer may be made of a transparent conductive oxide of ITO or IZO, and the reflective layer may be made of, for example, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), chromium (Cr), or alloys thereof.

[0096] The dam 116 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode E1 to define an emission region. A portion of the dam 116 corresponding to the emission region of the sub-pixel SP can be opened. A portion of the first electrode E1 can be exposed through the opened portion of the dam 116 (hereinafter referred to as the open region). In this case, the dam 116 can be made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or an organic insulating material such as benzocyclobutene resin, acrylic resin, or imide resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The organic layer EL can be disposed on the first electrode E1 exposed through the open area of ​​the embankment 116.

[0098] An organic layer (EL) is a layer used to emit light of a specific color and can have a structure separate for each sub-pixel (SP). An organic layer (EL) can include multiple organic material layers, such as hole transport layers, hole injection layers, electron transport layers, or electron injection layers. For example, an organic layer (EL) disposed in a red sub-pixel SP1 that emits red light can include a light-emitting layer that emits red light; an organic layer (EL) disposed in a green sub-pixel SP2 that emits green light can include a light-emitting layer that emits green light; and an organic layer (EL) disposed in a blue sub-pixel SP3 that emits blue light can include a light-emitting layer that emits blue light. The organic layers (ELs) disposed in red sub-pixels SP1, green sub-pixels SP2, and blue sub-pixels SP3 can be disposed separately from each other.

[0099] The second electrode E2 can be configured to be covered with an organic layer EL. For example, the second electrode E2 can be referred to as a cathode (e.g., a common cathode).

[0100] For example, the second electrode E2 is electrically connected to the side surface of the low-resistance auxiliary electrode AE ​​in each sub-pixel SP to mitigate the voltage drop phenomenon of the low-potential power supply voltage that occurs as the sheet resistance decreases. Therefore, the driving voltage and power consumption can be reduced, and the brightness deviation of the display device 100 can be improved. For example, connecting the second electrode E2 to the low-resistance auxiliary electrode AE ​​in each sub-pixel reduces the total resistance. This reduces the voltage drop, resulting in lower power consumption, a lower driving voltage, and more uniform screen brightness.

[0101] The second electrode E2 may comprise a transparent conductive material that transmits light. For example, at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO) may be formed, but it is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second electrode E2 may comprise a semi-transmissive metallic material that transmits light. For example, the second electrode E2 may be formed from at least one of bismuth (Bi), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), and calcium (Ca), but it is not limited thereto.

[0102] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be positioned in areas that do not overlap with the multiple touch lines TL on the embankment 116.

[0103] The second electrodes E2, which are adjacent to each other on the embankment 116, can be electrically connected to each other through multiple auxiliary electrodes AE.

[0104] In the active region AA, the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be multiple low-potential power lines to which multiple low-potential power supply voltages are applied.

[0105] For example, the second electrode E2 is electrically connected to the side surface of the low-resistance auxiliary electrode AE ​​in each sub-pixel SP to mitigate the voltage drop phenomenon of low-potential power supply voltage that occurs as the sheet resistance decreases. Therefore, the driving voltage and power consumption can be reduced, and the brightness deviation of the display device 100 can be improved. For example, this design can improve power efficiency and image quality by using the auxiliary electrode AE ​​to address the voltage drop problem. The second electrode E2 layer can be thin and have high resistance, causing uneven voltage drops on a large screen. This leads to inconsistent brightness and wasted power. By connecting this second electrode E2 to the much thicker, low-resistance auxiliary electrode AE, the voltage can be distributed effectively and evenly. As a result, the display device can achieve uniform brightness and operate with less power.

[0106] Multiple auxiliary electrodes AE may include a first layer P1, a second layer P2 on the first layer P1, and a third layer P3 on the second layer P2 (e.g., a three-layer auxiliary electrode AE). In this case, refer to Figure 3 The width of the second layer P2 can be smaller than the width of the first layer P1 and the width of the third layer P3. For example, each of the first layer P1, the second layer P2, and the third layer P3 can include any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) or alloys thereof, but is not limited thereto. For example, multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can have a three-layer structure of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti), where the first layer P1 is titanium (Ti), the second layer P2 is aluminum, and the third layer P3 is titanium (Ti).

[0107] In addition, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Multiple touch electrodes TS are disposed in an active region AA. For example, each touch electrode in the multiple touch electrodes TS may include a group TE of second electrodes electrically connected by multiple auxiliary electrodes AE. That is, the group TE of second electrodes disposed in the active region AA is divided into multiple blocks according to the area, thereby configuring multiple touch electrodes TS that are disposed spaced apart from each other. For example, the multiple touch electrodes TS may be disposed spaced apart on a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

[0108] In this configuration, the group TE of second electrodes disposed within a single touch electrode TS can be electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, multiple touch electrodes TS can be electrically connected to individual touch lines TL made of the same material as the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE. Therefore, the multiple touch electrodes TS can receive touch drive signals through the multiple touch lines TL to sense touch. Additionally, the multiple touch electrodes TS can transmit the sensed touch signals to the multiple touch lines TL. The multiple touch electrodes TS can recognize touch using a self-capacitance type. For example, the active area of ​​the display can contain multiple touch electrodes TS. Individual touch electrodes can be formed by grouping the existing second electrodes E2 of the display together. These can be connected into a single block by auxiliary electrode AE ​​wires. These touch electrode blocks (e.g., touch electrodes TS) are arranged in a grid and connected to the touch lines TL that transmit and receive touch signals. These touch lines can be made of the same material as the auxiliary electrodes.

[0109] In addition, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4A In a plurality of touch electrodes TS arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1, only one touch line TL can be electrically connected to one touch electrode TS. For example, a display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include, for example, Figure 4A The touch electrode TS region shown overlaps with and is electrically connected to the touch line TL, as shown in the figure. Figure 4B The area between the multiple touch electrodes TS shown, which are spaced apart from each other, and as shown Figure 4C The touch electrode TS region is shown, overlapping with and insulated from the touch line TL. For example, each touch electrode TS is connected to a dedicated touch line TL. Figure 4A An example is shown showing the location where the touch line TL connects to its corresponding touch electrode TS. Figure 4B An example of the area between two adjacent touch electrodes TS that should not be connected to each other is shown, and Figure 4C An example of a touch line TL passing between and above two adjacent touch electrodes TS that are not connected to the touch line TL is shown.

[0110] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4A Multiple touch lines TL can extend in a first direction D1 and overlap with multiple touch electrodes TS in the first direction D1. In this case, the multiple touch lines TL can be electrically connected to only one of the multiple touch electrodes TS arranged in the first direction D1.

[0111] Each touch line TL may include a first line L1 (e.g., a lower wiring layer) that electrically connects it to one of the touch electrodes TS. The first line L1 may also be referred to as a first line segment. In this case, the first line L1 may be formed of the same material on the same layer as multiple auxiliary electrodes AE.

[0112] In this configuration, the first line L1 can be electrically connected to the touch driver, and each touch electrode in the plurality of touch electrodes TS can be given a touch driving signal by the corresponding first line L1.

[0113] In addition, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4B Multiple first spacers SPC1 having an inverted trapezoidal shape can be disposed on the embankment 116 in areas where multiple touch electrodes TS are separated from each other. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In areas where multiple touch electrodes TS are separated from each other, a metal deposition prevention pattern can be disposed instead of multiple first spacers SPC1. For example, a metal deposition prevention pattern can be disposed in the areas separating multiple touch electrodes TS, and then a metal layer can be deposited. In this case, since the surface energy of the metal deposition prevention pattern is low, the metal layer is not deposited on the metal deposition prevention pattern, and the metal layer can be disposed in the portion where the metal deposition prevention pattern is not disposed, i.e., inside the multiple touch electrodes TS, in the form of a second electrode E2. In other words, in order to separate the touch electrodes TS from each other, the first spacers SPC1 can be disposed on the embankment 116 in the gaps between adjacent touch electrodes TS. Furthermore, according to embodiments, metal deposition prevention patterns can be used in these gaps. The metal deposition prevention pattern can include a material with low surface energy that repels metal. When the second electrode E2 layer is deposited, it will not adhere to the pattern, which ensures that metal is formed only in the desired touch electrode area and that the touch electrode area is separated at the desired location.

[0114] For example, the plurality of first spacers SPC1 may be formed of the same material as the embankment 116, but are not limited thereto.

[0115] In the area where the multiple touch electrodes TS are spaced apart from each other, there may also be multiple dummy lines DML covered by multiple first spacers SPC1 disposed on the embankment 116. For example, the multiple dummy lines DML may be electrically floating and not connected to any object.

[0116] Multiple dummy lines (DMLs) can be formed on the same layer from the same material as multiple auxiliary electrodes (AEs). For example, a dummy line (DML) can be a non-functional electrically floating metal trace located in the gap between adjacent touch electrodes that will remain separated from each other. The dummy line can be made of the same material as the functional auxiliary electrodes (AEs) and formed during the same manufacturing steps, which keeps the metal pattern on the layer uniform and helps to make the manufacturing process more stable and reliable.

[0117] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4C Each of the multiple touch lines TL may include a second line L2 that is insulated from the multiple touch lines TL of the multiple touch electrodes TS. In this case, the second line L2 may be disposed on the same layer as the first line L1 and the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE. In other words, the touch line TL may include a segment of the second line L2. This L2 segment is the portion of the touch line TL that passes over the touch electrodes TS to which it should not be electrically connected.

[0118] The display device may further include a plurality of second spacers SPC2 having an inverted trapezoidal shape, the plurality of second spacers SPC2 being disposed on the embankment 116 to cover the second line L2 in an area insulated from the plurality of touch lines TL while overlapping with the plurality of touch lines TL. For example, the plurality of second spacers SPC2 may have an inverted trapezoidal shape in which the width of the upper surface is wider than the width of the lower surface. The shape of the plurality of second spacers SPC2 allows the set of second electrodes TE to be insulated from the second line L2 from each other on the side surfaces of the plurality of second spacers SPC2. Thus, the second line L2 can be insulated from the plurality of touch electrodes TS. For example, the plurality of second spacers SPC2 may be formed of the same material as the plurality of first spacers SPC1. For example, Figure 4C An example is shown where the touch line TL passes over a group of second electrodes that it should not be electrically connected to.

[0119] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by dividing the regions of a plurality of touch electrodes TS, the plurality of touch electrodes TS can independently sense the presence of a touch. For example, a plurality of first spacers SPC1 are provided to cover a plurality of dummy lines DML formed of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE in the regions of the plurality of touch electrodes TS. Thus, the plurality of first spacers SPC1 can disconnect the group TE of the second electrodes electrically connected by the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE. For example, the group TE of the second electrodes can be electrically insulated from the group TE of the adjacent second electrodes on the side surfaces of the plurality of first spacers SPC1. That is, the regions of the plurality of touch electrodes TS are divided by the plurality of first spacers SPC1, and the plurality of touch electrodes TS can independently sense the presence of a touch. In other words, in order to allow each touch electrode TS to independently sense a touch, first spacers SPC1 are used to divide the touch electrodes. These spacers are provided in the gaps between the touch electrodes to physically disconnect the groups of the second electrodes from each other.

[0120] The packaging unit 117 can be located above the light-emitting element ED and the touch sensing unit.

[0121] The packaging unit 117 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the packaging unit 117 may include a first inorganic packaging layer 117a, a second inorganic packaging layer 117c, and an organic packaging layer 117b.

[0122] For example, among the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 117c, and the organic encapsulation layer 117b, the organic encapsulation layer 117b may be the thickest and may be used as a planarization layer.

[0123] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a can be disposed on the second electrode E2 and positioned as the nearest neighbor to the light-emitting element ED. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a can be formed of an inorganic insulating material that can be deposited at low temperatures. For example, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a can be made of silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Since the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a is deposited at a low-temperature atmosphere, damage to the organic layer EL, including organic materials susceptible to high-temperature atmospheres, can be prevented or reduced during the deposition process.

[0124] The organic encapsulation layer 117b can be formed to have a smaller area than the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a. In this case, the organic encapsulation layer 117b can be formed to expose both ends of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a. The organic encapsulation layer 117b can serve as a buffer to reduce stress between layers and enhance planarization performance.

[0125] For example, the organic encapsulation layer 117b can be made of an organic insulating material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon-oxygen carbon (SiOC). For example, the organic encapsulation layer 117b can be formed by inkjet printing, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The second inorganic encapsulation layer 117c can be formed above the substrate 110 on which the organic encapsulation layer 117b is formed, to cover the upper and side surfaces of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a and the organic encapsulation layer 117b. In this case, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 117c can minimize or prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the first inorganic encapsulation layer 117a and the organic encapsulation layer 117b. For example, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 117c can be made of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3).

[0127] Typically, display devices use a mutual capacitance type, where a touch sensing unit comprising multiple touch electrodes is mounted on a package unit for touch functionality. Drive lines and sensing lines are connected to each of the multiple touch electrodes to determine the presence and location of a touch using the capacitance between the multiple touch electrodes. However, this approach requires additional steps to form the touch sensing unit on the package unit, and as display devices become larger, the lengths of the drive and sensing lines increase, leading to a deterioration in touch performance due to increased resistance and capacitance.

[0128] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an in-cell touch sensing unit with an embedded touch sensing unit is applied inside the display panel, and touch is sensed using a self-capacitance type that senses changes in self-capacitance. Therefore, even if the display device 100 has a large area, the length of the multiple touch lines TL does not need to be significantly increased compared to a mutual capacitance type. Thus, even if the display device 100 has a large area, a reduction in touch performance can be prevented or minimized.

[0129] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrodes E2 of a plurality of light-emitting elements ED are electrically connected to the side surfaces of a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE having low resistance, thereby mitigating the voltage drop phenomenon of low potential power supply voltage due to deterioration of sheet resistance. Therefore, the driving voltage and power consumption can be reduced, and the brightness deviation of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a group TS of second electrodes electrically connected by a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE serves as a plurality of touch electrodes TS, and a plurality of touch lines TL made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE are included to configure the touch sensing unit. This reduces the thickness of the stacked structure of the display device 100, thereby increasing design freedom.

[0131] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a plurality of touch lines TL are formed by the same process and the same materials to reduce the mask, thereby reducing processing time and processing costs.

[0132] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an example of another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of V-V'. In Figure 5 In addition to Figure 4B Outside the area between adjacent touch electrodes TS that are separated from each other, other configurations are similar to... Figures 1 to 4C The structure is largely the same. Therefore, for ease of explanation, redundant descriptions are omitted except for the areas between the multiple touch electrodes TS that are spaced apart from each other.

[0133] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In another example embodiment of the display device 200 according to the present disclosure, in the region where the plurality of touch electrodes TS are spaced apart from each other, a plurality of first spacers SPC1 having an inverted trapezoidal shape may be provided on the embankment 116.

[0134] The plurality of first spacers SPC1 can have an inverted trapezoidal shape in which the width of the upper surface is wider than the width of the lower surface. The group TE of second electrodes electrically connected to the side surfaces of the plurality of first spacers SPC1 by the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE can be electrically insulated from the adjacent group TE of second electrodes by the shape of the plurality of first spacers SPC1. That is, the area of ​​the plurality of touch electrodes TS is divided by the plurality of first spacers SPC1, and the plurality of touch electrodes TS can independently sense whether a touch is detected.

[0135] For example, in the area where multiple touch electrodes TS are separated, multiple first spacers SPC1 are disposed on the embankment 116. Then, multiple auxiliary electrodes AE and multiple touch lines TL formed of the same material as the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE can be disposed on the embankment 116, and second electrodes E2 can be deposited. Therefore, the multiple first spacers SPC1 can disconnect the group TE of the second electrodes electrically connected by the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE. For example, the group TE of the second electrodes can be electrically insulated from the group TE of adjacent second electrodes on the side surfaces of the multiple first spacers SPC1. That is, the area of ​​the multiple touch electrodes TS is divided by the multiple first spacers SPC1, and the multiple touch electrodes TS can independently sense touch.

[0136] Therefore, in a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a region for classifying a plurality of touch electrodes TS can be first defined, and then a plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a plurality of touch lines TL can be formed for each touch electrode TS. This eliminates the electrically floating dummy lines between the plurality of touch electrodes TS. In other words, according to the embodiment, the dummy lines do not necessarily need to be included inside the first spacer SPC1.

[0137] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is an example of another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of IV-IV'. Figure 6 In, with Figures 1 to 4C In comparison, the touch sensing unit is in the same league as... Figure 4A The configuration is largely the same in the area where the touch sensing unit overlaps with the touch line TL and is electrically connected to it, except for the area where the touch sensing unit overlaps with the touch line TL and is electrically connected to it. Therefore, for ease of explanation, redundant descriptions other than the area where the touch sensing unit overlaps with the touch line TL and is electrically connected to it are omitted.

[0138] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 300 may also include a hole H passing through the embankment 116 in the area electrically connected to the touch line TL.

[0139] In this configuration, the multiple touch lines TL may include a first line L1 disposed in the hole H and a second line L2 disposed below the first line L1. For example, the first line L1 may be formed of the same material as the multiple auxiliary electrodes AE, and the second line L2 may be formed of the same material on the same layer as the source electrodes SE and drain electrodes DE of the multiple transistors DT.

[0140] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 6In a display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of touch lines TL extend in a first direction D1 and overlap with a plurality of touch electrodes TS in the first direction D1. In this case, each touch line of the plurality of touch lines TL can be electrically connected to only one of the plurality of touch electrodes TS arranged in the first direction D1, and is insulated from the other touch electrodes TS.

[0141] The first line L1 can be configured to overlap with one of the multiple touch electrodes TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1, and at the end of the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the multiple touch electrodes TE, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the first line L1.

[0142] That is, one of the multiple touch electrodes TS can be electrically connected to the first line L1, and at the end of the touch electrode, the first line L1 can be electrically connected to the second line L2 disposed below the first line L1.

[0143] In this configuration, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the touch driver, and multiple touch electrodes TS can be subjected to touch drive signals via the second line L2.

[0144] For example, Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment shows an alternative way to connect the touch line TL to the touch electrode TS. An aperture H is formed at the connection point through the dam 116, allowing the touch line to be a two-part structure. For example, a first line L1, made of the same material as the auxiliary electrode, resides in the aperture H and contacts the touch electrode. This first L1 is then connected to a second line L2 extending below on the same layer as the pixel transistor. The second L2 line can route signals to the main touch driver. Using an existing transistor layer for signal routing in this way makes it easier to insulate the touch line from other touch electrodes that it needs to pass over.

[0145] Therefore, in a display device 300 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the touch sensing unit can be electrically connected to the touch driving unit using a second line L2 located on the same layer as the components of the plurality of transistors DT. Furthermore, a touch line TL can be electrically connected to only one touch electrode TS and can be easily insulated from other touch electrodes TS.

[0146] In a display device 300 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying an in-cell touch sensing unit in which the touch sensing unit is embedded in the display panel, even if the display device 300 becomes larger, the degradation of touch performance can be prevented or reduced.

[0147] Figure 7A and Figure 7BThis is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7A This illustrates another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of IV-IV', and Figure 7B This illustrates another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of VI-VI'. (Compared to...) Figures 1 to 4C In comparison, except for the touch sensing unit, Figure 4A In the area where the touch lines TL overlap and are electrically connected to the touch lines TL, Figure 7A The other configurations are largely the same. Figure 7B Besides the touch sensing unit and Figure 4C Outside the area where the touch lines TL overlap with Figures 1 to 4C The structures are largely the same. Therefore, for ease of explanation, repeated explanations are omitted.

[0148] First refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7A In a display device 400 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of touch lines TL may include a first line L1 disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a second line L2 disposed below the first line L1. For example, the first line L1 may be formed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE using the same material, and the second line L2 may be located on the same layer as the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the plurality of transistors DT.

[0149] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 7A In a display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of touch lines TL extend in a first direction D1 and overlap with a plurality of touch electrodes TS in the first direction D1. In this case, each of the plurality of touch lines TL can be electrically connected to only one of the plurality of touch electrodes TS arranged in the first direction D1.

[0150] Reference Figure 7A The first line L1 can be configured to overlap with the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, and at the end of the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the first line L1.

[0151] That is, one of the multiple touch electrodes TS can be electrically connected to the first line L1, and at the end of the touch electrode, the first line L1 can be electrically connected to the second line L2 disposed below the first line L1.

[0152] In this configuration, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the touch driver, and multiple touch electrodes TS can be supplied with touch drive signals via the second line L2. In other words, except that the auxiliary electrode AE ​​is disposed on the embankment 116 instead of within a hole in the embankment 116, Figure 7A The implementation method is similar to Figure 6 The implementation method.

[0153] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7B The second line L2 can be insulated from the first line L1. For example, the second line L2 (e.g., MP) can be positioned below a touch electrode TS that is electrically insulated from the second line L2 (e.g., MP) among a plurality of touch electrodes TS. In this case, the second line L2 (e.g., MP) can be positioned to overlap with the first line L1.

[0154] For example, in a plurality of touch electrodes TS, a touch electrode TS insulated from the first line L1 and the second line L2 (e.g., MP) can be insulated without receiving touch drive signals from the second line L2 (e.g., MP).

[0155] Therefore, in a display device 400 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the touch sensing unit can be electrically connected to the touch driving unit using a second line L2 located on the same layer as the components of the plurality of transistors DT. Furthermore, a touch line TL can be electrically connected to only one touch electrode TS and can be easily insulated from other touch electrodes TS. In other words, except that the second line L2 (e.g., MP) is not connected to the first line L1, Figure 7B The implementation method is similar to Figure 7A The implementation method.

[0156] In a display device 400 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying an in-cell touch sensing unit in which the touch sensing unit is embedded in the display panel, even if the display device 400 is large, the degradation of touch performance can be prevented or reduced.

[0157] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This illustrates another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of IV-IV'. (Compared to...) Figure 7A In comparison, apart from the first planarization layer 515a, the second planarization layer 515b, and the second connecting electrode CE2, Figure 8 Structure and Figure 7A The configurations are largely the same. Therefore, for ease of explanation, redundant descriptions other than the first planarization layer 515a, the second planarization layer 515b, and the second connecting electrode CE2 are omitted.

[0158] Reference Figure 8 The first planarization layer 515a can be disposed on the substrate 110 to protect the plurality of transistors DT and planarize the upper part of the plurality of transistors DT. For example, the first planarization layer 515a can be formed of photoresist or acrylic organic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0159] A first connection electrode CE1, which electrically connects multiple transistors DT to a first electrode E1, can be disposed on a first planarization layer 515a. The first connection electrode CE1 can be connected to one of the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the multiple transistors DT through a contact hole disposed in the first planarization layer 515a.

[0160] The second planarization layer 515b can be disposed on the first connecting electrode CE1. The second planarization layer 515b can be formed of the same material as the first planarization layer 515a.

[0161] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 In a display device 500 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of touch lines TL may include a first line L1 disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a second line L2 disposed below the first line L1. For example, the first line L1 may be formed of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE on the same layer, and the second line L2 may be formed of the same material as the first connecting electrode CE1 on the same layer.

[0162] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 In another exemplary embodiment of the display device 500 according to the present disclosure, a plurality of touch lines TL may extend in a first direction D1 and may overlap with a plurality of touch electrodes TS in the first direction D1. In this case, the plurality of touch lines TL may be electrically connected to only one of the plurality of touch electrodes TS arranged in the first direction D1.

[0163] Reference Figure 8 The first line L1 can be configured to overlap with the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, and at the end of the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the first line L1.

[0164] That is, one of the multiple touch electrodes TS can be electrically connected to the first line L1, and at the end of the touch electrode, the first line L1 can be electrically connected to the second line L2 disposed below the first line L1.

[0165] In this configuration, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the touch driver, and multiple touch electrodes TS can be subjected to touch drive signals via the second line L2.

[0166] Therefore, in a display device 500 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the touch sensing unit can be electrically connected to the touch driving unit using a second line L2 located on the same layer as the first connection electrode CE1. Furthermore, a touch line TL can be electrically connected to only one touch electrode TS and can be easily insulated from other touch electrodes TS.

[0167] In a display device 500 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying an in-cell touch sensing unit in which the touch sensing unit is embedded in the display panel, even if the display device 500 becomes larger, the degradation of touch performance can be prevented or reduced.

[0168] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This illustrates another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of IV-IV'. Figure 9 In the middle, apart from the second-line L2 position, the other configurations are the same as... Figure 8 They are largely the same. Therefore, for ease of explanation, redundant descriptions other than L2 in line 2 are omitted.

[0169] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 9 In a display device 600 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of touch lines TL may include a first line L1 disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE and a second line L2 disposed below the first line L1. For example, the first line L1 may be formed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes AE using the same material, and the second line L2 may be located on the same layer as the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the plurality of transistors DT.

[0170] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 9 In a display device 600 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of touch lines TL may extend in a first direction D1 and may overlap with a plurality of touch electrodes TS in the first direction D1. In this case, each touch line of the plurality of touch lines TL may be electrically connected to only one of the plurality of touch electrodes TS arranged in the first direction D1.

[0171] Reference Figure 9The first line L1 can be configured to overlap with the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, and at the end of the touch electrode TS that is electrically connected to the first line L1 among the plurality of touch electrodes TS, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the first line L1.

[0172] That is, one of the multiple touch electrodes TS can be electrically connected to the first line L1, and at the end of the touch electrode, the first line L1 can be electrically connected to the second line L2 disposed below the first line L1.

[0173] In this configuration, the second line L2 can be electrically connected to the touch driver, and multiple touch electrodes TS can be subjected to touch drive signals via the second line L2.

[0174] In this configuration, the display device may further include a second connection electrode CE2 disposed on the first planarization layer 515a, made of the same material as the first connection electrode CE1, and electrically connecting the first line L1 and the second line L2. For example, the first line L1, the second line L2, and the second connection electrode CE2 may overlap each other.

[0175] For example, when a second connecting electrode CE is further included between the first line L1 and the second line L2, the resistance is further reduced, thereby improving the touch performance of the display device 600.

[0176] Therefore, in a display device 600 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the touch sensing unit can be electrically connected to the touch driving unit using a second line L2 located on the same layer as the components of the plurality of transistors DT. Furthermore, a touch line TL can be electrically connected to only one touch electrode TS and can be easily insulated from other touch electrodes TS.

[0177] Furthermore, in a display device 600 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by applying an in-cell touch sensing unit in which the touch sensing unit is embedded in the display panel, even if the display device 500 becomes larger, the degradation of touch performance can be prevented or reduced.

[0178] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0179] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate, the substrate including an active region having a plurality of sub-pixels and an active region disposed around the periphery of the active region; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels on the substrate, and including a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode; a dam, the dam being configured to cover at least a portion of the first electrode; a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on the dam and electrically connected to second electrodes adjacent to each other; and a touch sensing unit disposed in the active region on the substrate, and including a plurality of touch electrodes spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of touch electrodes includes a group of second electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and a plurality of touch lines connected to each of the plurality of touch electrodes, and the touch lines are formed of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

[0180] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of first spacers disposed on the embankment and having an inverted trapezoidal shape, the plurality of touch electrodes may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of first spacers may be disposed in the areas where the plurality of touch electrodes are spaced apart from each other.

[0181] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of dummy lines disposed on the embankment to be covered by a plurality of first spacers, and the plurality of dummy lines may be electrically levitated.

[0182] According to embodiments of this disclosure, multiple dummy lines can be formed of the same material on the same layer as multiple auxiliary electrodes.

[0183] According to the example configuration of this disclosure, multiple touch lines can be arranged on the same layer as multiple auxiliary electrodes.

[0184] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, each of the plurality of touch lines includes a first line electrically connected to the plurality of touch lines in the plurality of touch electrodes and a second line insulated from the plurality of touch lines in the plurality of touch electrodes, wherein the first line and the second line may be disposed on the same layer.

[0185] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of second spacers disposed on the embankment to cover the second line and having an inverted trapezoidal shape.

[0186] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and the plurality of touch lines may each include a first layer, a second layer on the first layer and a third layer on the second layer, and the width of the second layer may be smaller than the width of the first layer and the width of the third layer.

[0187] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a hole through the embankment, and each of the plurality of touch lines may include a first line disposed in the hole and a second line disposed below the first line.

[0188] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first line may be configured to overlap with a touch electrode electrically connected to the first line among a plurality of touch electrodes, and a second line may be electrically connected to the first line at the end of the touch electrode electrically connected to the first line among the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0189] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of transistors disposed on a substrate and electrically connected to a first electrode, and a planarization layer disposed on the plurality of transistors. The second line may be disposed on the same layer as the source and drain electrodes of the plurality of transistors.

[0190] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, each of the plurality of touch lines may include a first line disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and a second line disposed below the first line.

[0191] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first line may be configured to overlap with a touch electrode electrically connected to the first line among a plurality of touch electrodes, and a second line may be electrically connected to the first line at the end of the touch electrode electrically connected to the first line among the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0192] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second line may be disposed below one of the plurality of touch electrodes that is electrically insulated from the second line.

[0193] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second line can be configured to overlap with a plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

[0194] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of transistors disposed on a substrate and electrically connected to a first electrode, and a planarization layer disposed on the plurality of transistors. The second line may be disposed on the same layer as the source and drain electrodes of the plurality of transistors.

[0195] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device may further include: a plurality of transistors disposed on a substrate, a first planarization layer configured to planarize the upper portion of the plurality of transistors, a first connection electrode disposed on the first planarization layer and configured to electrically connect the plurality of transistors and a first electrode, and a second planarization layer disposed on the first planarization layer and the first connection electrode, wherein the second line may be disposed on the same layer as the source electrode and drain electrode of the plurality of transistors.

[0196] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a second connection electrode disposed on the first planarization layer, made of the same material as the first connection electrode, and electrically connecting the first line and the second line, wherein the first line, the second line and the second connection electrode overlap each other.

[0197] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a display device may further include: a plurality of transistors disposed on a substrate; a first planarization layer that planarizes the upper portions of the plurality of transistors; a first connection electrode disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the plurality of transistors to the first electrode; a second connection electrode disposed on the first planarization layer and made of the same material as the first connection electrode; and a second planarization layer disposed on the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode, wherein a second line may be disposed on the same layer as the second connection electrode.

[0198] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on a substrate, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements including a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode; a dam disposed on the substrate; a plurality of auxiliary electrodes disposed on the dam and configured to electrically connect adjacent second electrodes; and a touch sensing unit including a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch lines, each of the plurality of touch electrodes including a group of second electrodes electrically connected to each other by at least one of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of touch lines being respectively connected to the plurality of touch electrodes and made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

[0199] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of first spacers disposed on the embankment in the region between adjacent touch electrodes of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0200] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of dummy lines disposed on the embankment and covered by the plurality of first spacers, the plurality of dummy lines being electrically levitated and made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

[0201] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode may be electrically connected to the side surface of one of a plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the auxiliary electrode may have a lower sheet resistance than the second electrode to reduce voltage drop.

[0202] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the touch sensing unit can be configured to use self-capacitance to recognize touch.

[0203] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, multiple auxiliary electrodes may be disposed in areas that do not overlap with multiple touch lines.

[0204] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a hole passing through the dam in a region where one of the plurality of touch lines is connected to one of the plurality of touch electrodes. The one of the plurality of touch electrodes may include a first line disposed in the hole and electrically connected to the one of the plurality of touch electrodes, and a second line disposed below the first line and electrically connected to the first line.

[0205] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a plurality of transistors, each of the plurality of transistors including a source electrode and a drain electrode, the first line may be made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and wherein the second line may be made of the same material as the source electrode and the drain electrode.

[0206] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. All technical concepts within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0207] Cross-references to related applications

[0208] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0200675, filed in Korea on December 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: Multiple sub-pixels disposed in the active region of the substrate; The plurality of light-emitting elements in the plurality of sub-pixels, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements comprising a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode; A dam portion, wherein the dam portion overlaps at least partially with the first electrode; Multiple auxiliary electrodes are disposed on the embankment, and the multiple auxiliary electrodes electrically connect the second electrodes of two adjacent sub-pixels to each other; as well as A touch sensing unit, disposed in the active area and comprising: A plurality of touch electrodes spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of touch electrodes includes a group of second electrodes electrically connected to each other by at least one of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and Multiple touch lines are connected to the plurality of touch electrodes, wherein the plurality of touch lines are made of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of first spacers are disposed on the embankment and have an inverted trapezoidal shape. The plurality of touch electrodes are spaced apart from each other in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and Each of the plurality of first spacers is disposed in a region where adjacent touch electrodes are separated from each other.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: Multiple dummy lines are disposed on the embankment, and the multiple dummy lines are covered by the multiple first spacers. The plurality of dummy lines are electrically levitated.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of dummy lines are formed of the same material as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes, and the plurality of dummy lines are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of touch lines and the plurality of auxiliary electrodes are disposed on the same layer.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of touch lines includes a first segment electrically connected to one of the plurality of touch electrodes, and a second segment electrically isolated from the remaining touch electrodes. The first line segment and the second line segment are located on the same layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: A plurality of second spacers are disposed on the embankment to cover the second segments of the plurality of touch lines, each of the plurality of second spacers having an inverted trapezoidal shape.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and each of the plurality of touch lines includes a first layer, a second layer on the first layer, and a third layer on the second layer. The width of the second layer is smaller than the width of the first layer, and the width of the second layer is smaller than the width of the third layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Through the hole in the embankment, Each of the plurality of touch lines includes: a first line disposed in the hole and a second line disposed below the first line.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The first line is configured to overlap with one of the plurality of touch electrodes electrically connected to the first line, and Wherein, at the end of the touch electrode that is electrically connected to the first line among the plurality of touch electrodes, the second line is electrically connected to the first line.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A plurality of transistors are disposed on the substrate, and each of the plurality of transistors is electrically connected to a corresponding first electrode; as well as A planarization layer disposed on the plurality of transistors The second line is disposed on the same layer as the source and drain electrodes of the plurality of transistors.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of touch lines includes a first line disposed on the same layer as the plurality of auxiliary electrodes and a second line disposed below the first line.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The first line overlaps with the touch electrodes electrically connected to the first line among the plurality of touch electrodes, and Wherein, at the end of the touch electrode that is electrically connected to the first line among the plurality of touch electrodes, the second line is electrically connected to the first line.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The second line is disposed below one of the plurality of touch electrodes that is electrically insulated from the second line.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The second line overlaps with one of the plurality of auxiliary electrodes.

16. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: A plurality of transistors are disposed on the substrate, and each of the plurality of transistors is electrically connected to a corresponding first electrode; as well as A planarization layer disposed on the plurality of transistors The second line is disposed on the same layer as the source and drain electrodes of the plurality of transistors.

17. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: Multiple transistors disposed on the substrate; A first planarization layer is used to planarize the upper part of the plurality of transistors. A first connection electrode is disposed on the first planarization layer, and the first connection electrode electrically connects one of the plurality of transistors to the corresponding first electrode; as well as A second planarization layer is disposed on the first planarization layer and the first connection electrode. The second line is disposed on the same layer as the source and drain electrodes of the plurality of transistors.

18. The display device according to claim 17, further comprising: A second connecting electrode is disposed on the first planarization layer. The second connecting electrode comprises the same material as the first connecting electrode and electrically connects the first wire and the second wire. The first line, the second line, and the second connecting electrode overlap each other.

19. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: Multiple transistors disposed on the substrate; A first planarization layer is used to planarize the upper part of the plurality of transistors. A first connection electrode is disposed on the first planarization layer, and the first connection electrode electrically connects one of the plurality of transistors to the corresponding first electrode; The second connection electrode is disposed on the first planarization layer and comprises the same material as the first connection electrode; as well as A second planarization layer is disposed on the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode. The second line is disposed on the same layer as the second connecting electrode.

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