Touch Display Device
By implementing touch electrodes and routing lines on separate layers, the touch display device addresses the issue of reduced display area due to increased touch routing lines, enhancing touch sensing accuracy and reliability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024114700
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-12-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-11-04
AI Technical Summary
The increase in the number of touch routing lines in touch display devices leads to an increase in the bezel region, reducing the display area and affecting touch sensing reliability.
The touch display device incorporates touch electrodes and routing lines on different layers, with first routing lines on the encapsulation layer and second routing lines on a separate layer, minimizing the area occupied by touch routing lines and improving reliability without reducing the display area.
This configuration minimizes the area occupied by touch routing lines, enhancing touch sensing accuracy and maintaining the display area, thus improving the overall reliability of touch detection.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a touch display device in which a touch sensor is located on a sealing unit that covers a light-emitting element. [Background technology]
[0002] Generally, a display device provides an image to a user. For example, the display device may include a number of light-emitting elements. Each light-emitting element may emit light of a specific color. For example, each light-emitting element may include a light-emitting layer disposed between a first light-emitting electrode and a second light-emitting electrode.
[0003] The display device may execute a specific program or apply a specific signal in response to a touch by a user and / or a tool. For example, the display device may be a touch display device including a touch sensor. The touch sensor may be located on an encapsulation unit that covers the light-emitting elements. For example, the touch sensor may include touch electrodes located side by side on the encapsulation unit and bridge electrodes that electrically connect the touch electrodes.
[0004] Each touch electrode may be electrically connected to a corresponding touch pad through one of the touch routing lines. A signal resulting from a touch by a user and / or a tool may be transmitted through the touch routing line electrically connected to the corresponding touch electrode. For example, the number of touch routing lines may be proportional to the accuracy of touch detection. However, in the touch display device, as the number of touch routing lines increases, the area of the bezel region, which is outside the display area where the light-emitting elements are located, also increases. Therefore, the area of the display area may decrease. Summary of the Invention
[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a touch display device capable of improving reliability of touch sensing without reducing a display area.
[0006] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a touch display device capable of reducing the area occupied by touch routing lines.
[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a touch display device according to the technical idea of the present invention includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements located on an element substrate; an encapsulation layer located on the plurality of light-emitting elements; a touch sensor including a plurality of touch electrodes located on the encapsulation layer; a plurality of touch pads located on the element substrate and not overlapping the encapsulation layer; and a plurality of touch routing lines, each electrically connecting a corresponding touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes to a corresponding touch pad of the plurality of touch pads, the plurality of touch routing lines including a plurality of first routing lines and a plurality of second routing lines located on a layer different from the plurality of first routing lines and insulated from the plurality of first routing lines.
[0009] In one embodiment, the touch display device includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements located on an element substrate; an encapsulation layer located on the plurality of light-emitting elements; a plurality of touch pads located on the element substrate and not overlapping the encapsulation layer; a plurality of first touch lines located on the encapsulation layer and including a plurality of first touch electrodes along a first direction; a plurality of first routing lines, each electrically connecting a corresponding first touch line of the plurality of first touch lines to a corresponding touch pad of the plurality of touch pads; a plurality of second touch lines located between the plurality of first touch lines and including a plurality of second touch electrodes connected in a second direction different from the first direction; and a plurality of second routing lines, each electrically connecting a corresponding second touch line of the plurality of second touch lines to a corresponding touch pad of the plurality of touch pads, the second routing lines being located on a different layer from the plurality of first routing lines.
[0010] In one embodiment, the touch display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a pad area; a plurality of pads located in the pad area, the pads including a first pad and a second pad; a plurality of light-emitting elements located on the display area; a touch sensor including a plurality of touch electrodes located on the display area, the plurality of touch electrodes including a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode; a first routing line connected to the first touch electrode and the first touch pad; and a second routing line connected to the second touch electrode and the second touch pad, wherein a portion of the first routing line at least partially overlaps a portion of the second routing line in a direction along the length of the display area in a plan view of the touch display device.
[0011] A touch display device according to the present invention includes an encapsulation unit covering a light-emitting element, touch lines disposed on the encapsulation unit, and touch routing lines electrically connecting each touch line to one of the touch pads, the touch routing lines including first and second routing lines, the second routing lines being disposed on a different layer from the first routing lines. Therefore, the touch display device according to the present invention can minimize the area occupied by the touch routing lines. Therefore, the touch display device according to the present invention can improve the reliability of touch sensing without reducing the display area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region K of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a touch display device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a touch display device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Throughout the figures and the detailed description, unless otherwise stated, like reference numerals in the drawings should be understood to refer to like elements, features, and structures.
[0014] The above-mentioned objects, technical configurations, and effects of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention. However, since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to fully convey the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be embodied in other forms.
[0015] Furthermore, parts denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components, and in the drawings, the length and thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated for convenience. Furthermore, when a first component is described as being "on" a second component, it includes not only the case where the first component is located above and in direct contact with the second component, but also the case where a third component is located between the first and second components.
[0016] Here, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components and to distinguish one component from another, but the first and second components may be named as desired for the convenience of those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.
[0017] The terms used in the present specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, elements expressed in the singular include plural elements unless the context clearly dictates that only the singular element is used. Furthermore, in the present specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.
[0018] Furthermore, when something is described as being "connected" or "coupled," unless "immediately" or "directly" is used, this can include being connected or coupled via one or more other components located between the two components.
[0019] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the specification of this invention.
[0020] (Example) Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of region K in Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] 1 to 6, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an element substrate 110. The element substrate 110 may include an insulating material. For example, the element substrate 110 may include glass or plastic. The element substrate 110 may include a display area AA and a bezel area BZ located outside the display area AA. For example, the bezel area BZ may surround the display area AA.
[0022] 1, the display area AA of the device substrate 110 may display an image to be provided to a user. For example, a plurality of pixel areas PA may be disposed within the display area AA of the device substrate 110. The pixel areas PA may be aligned in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Two adjacent pixel areas PA may be staggered in the first direction. Two adjacent pixel areas PA may be staggered in the second direction. Each pixel area PA may implement a different color from the adjacent pixel area PA. For example, in a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pixel area PA may include a first row in which red pixel areas R and blue pixel areas B are alternately disposed and a second row in which green pixel areas G are disposed, and the display area AA may have a pentile structure in which the first row and the second row are repeatedly staggered with each other.
[0023] Light of a specific color may be emitted from each pixel area PA. For example, a pixel driving circuit and a light emitting element 130 electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit may be located within each pixel area PA.
[0024] The pixel driving circuit may be connected to one of the gate lines GL that applies a gate signal and one of the data lines DL that applies a data signal. For example, the pixel driving circuit may generate a driving current corresponding to the data signal in response to the gate signal. The driving current generated by the pixel driving circuit may be supplied to the light emitting element 130 during one frame. For example, the pixel driving circuit may include a switching thin film transistor T1, a driving thin film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.
[0025] The switching thin film transistor T1 may transmit the data signal to the driving thin film transistor T2 in response to the gate signal. The driving thin film transistor T2 may generate the driving current. For example, the driving thin film transistor T2 may include a semiconductor pattern 121, a gate insulating film 122, a gate electrode 123, a source electrode 124, and a drain electrode 125.
[0026] 6, the semiconductor pattern 121 may include a semiconductor material. For example, the semiconductor pattern 121 may include at least one of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and an oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor pattern 121 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region. The channel region may be located between the source region and the drain region. The source region and the drain region may have a lower resistance than the channel region. For example, the source region and the drain region may include a conductive region of an oxide semiconductor.
[0027] The gate insulating layer 122 may be located on the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 may overlap the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The source region and the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121 may be located outside the gate insulating layer 122. The gate insulating layer 122 may include an insulating material. For example, the gate insulating layer 122 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0028] The gate electrode 123 may be located on the gate insulating layer 122. For example, the gate electrode 123 may overlap the channel region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The gate electrode 123 may be insulated from the semiconductor pattern 121 by the gate insulating layer 122. For example, a side surface of the gate insulating layer 122 may be continuous with a side surface of the gate electrode 123. The gate electrode 123 may include a conductive material. For example, the gate electrode 123 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), or an alloy of these metals. The gate electrode 123 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. The channel region of the semiconductor pattern 121 may have electrical conductivity corresponding to a voltage applied to the gate electrode 123.
[0029] The source electrode 124 may include the conductive material. For example, the source electrode 124 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), or an alloy of these metals. The source electrode 124 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. The source electrode 124 may be insulated from the gate electrode 123. The source electrode 124 may be located on a different layer from the gate electrode 123. For example, an interlayer insulating film 112 covering the gate electrode 123 may be located on the device substrate 110, and the source electrode 124 may be located on the interlayer insulating film 112. The interlayer insulating film 112 may include an insulating material. For example, the interlayer insulating film 112 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0030] The source electrode 124 may be electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, the interlayer insulating film 112 may include a source contact hole that partially exposes the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The source electrode 124 may directly contact the source region of the semiconductor pattern 121 through the source contact hole.
[0031] The drain electrode 125 may include a conductive material. For example, the drain electrode 125 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), or an alloy of these metals. The drain electrode 125 may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers. The drain electrode 125 may be insulated from the gate electrode 123. The drain electrode 125 may be located on a different layer from the gate electrode 123. For example, the drain electrode 125 may be located on the interlayer insulating film 112. The drain electrode 125 may be located on the same layer as the source electrode 124. The drain electrode 125 may include the same material as the source electrode 124. For example, the drain electrode 125 may be formed simultaneously with the source electrode 124.
[0032] The drain electrode 125 may be electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121. For example, the interlayer insulating film 112 may include a drain contact hole that partially exposes the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121. The drain electrode 125 may be in direct contact with the drain region of the semiconductor pattern 121 through the drain contact hole.
[0033] The switching thin film transistor T1 may have the same structure as the driving thin film transistor T2. For example, the switching thin film transistor T1 may include a gate electrode electrically connected to a corresponding gate line GL, a source electrode electrically connected to a corresponding data line DL, and a drain electrode electrically connected to the gate electrode 123 of the driving thin film transistor T2. The source electrode 124 of the driving thin film transistor T2 may be connected to a first power supply line VDD that supplies a positive power supply voltage. The storage capacitor Cst may maintain the voltage applied to the gate electrode 123 of the driving thin film transistor T2 for one frame. For example, the storage capacitor Cst may be connected between the gate electrode 123 and the drain electrode 125 of the driving thin film transistor T2.
[0034] The light emitting element 130 may emit light using the driving current supplied from the pixel driving circuit. For example, the light emitting element 130 may include a first light emitting electrode 131, a light emitting stack 132, and a second light emitting electrode 133, which are sequentially stacked on the device substrate 110.
[0035] The first light-emitting electrode 131 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 125 of the driving thin film transistor T2. For example, the driving current generated by the pixel driving circuit may be supplied to the first light-emitting electrode 131 of the light-emitting element 130. The first light-emitting electrode 131 may include a conductive material. The first light-emitting electrode 131 may include a material having high reflectivity. For example, the first light-emitting electrode 131 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W), or an alloy of these metals. The first light-emitting electrode 131 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the first light-emitting electrode 131 may have a structure in which a reflective electrode made of a metal is disposed between transparent conductive layers made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO.
[0036] The light emitting stack 132 may generate light having a brightness corresponding to a voltage difference between the first light emitting electrode 131 and the second light emitting electrode 133. For example, the light emitting stack 132 may include an emission material layer (EML) containing a light emitting material. The light emitting material may include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a hybrid material. For example, a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an organic light emitting display device containing an organic light emitting material.
[0037] The light-emitting stack 132 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the light-emitting stack 132 may further include at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (HTL), and an electron injection layer (HIL). The light-emitting stack 132 may include multiple light-emitting material layers. For example, the light-emitting stack 132 may include a charge generation layer (CGL) located between a first light-emitting material layer and a second light-emitting material layer. The second light-emitting material layer may include a different material from the first light-emitting material layer.
[0038] The second light-emitting electrode 133 may include a conductive material. The second light-emitting electrode 133 may have a higher transmittance than the first light-emitting electrode 131. For example, the second light-emitting electrode 133 may be a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive material. The second light-emitting electrode 133 may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO, IZO, or AZO. Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, light generated by the light-emitting stack 132 of each pixel area PA can be emitted to the outside through the second light-emitting electrode 133 of the corresponding pixel area PA.
[0039] 4 to 6, a device buffer film 111 may be disposed between the device substrate 110 and the pixel driving circuit of each pixel region PA. The device buffer film 111 may prevent or at least reduce contamination caused by the device substrate 110 during the formation of the pixel driving circuit. The device buffer film 111 may extend to the bezel region BZ of the device substrate 110. For example, the upper surface of the device substrate 110 facing the pixel driving circuit of each pixel region PA may be completely covered by the device buffer film 111. The device buffer film 111 may include an insulating material. For example, the device buffer film 111 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN). The device buffer film 111 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the device buffer film 111 may have a stacked structure of an inorganic insulating film made of silicon oxide (SiO) and an inorganic insulating film made of silicon nitride (SiN).
[0040] A planarization layer 113 may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit and the light emitting device 130 in each pixel area PA. The planarization layer 113 may eliminate steps caused by the pixel driving circuit in each pixel area PA. For example, the upper surface of the planarization layer 113 facing the device substrate 110 may be flat. The switching thin film transistor T1, the driving thin film transistor T2, and the storage capacitor Cst located in each pixel area PA may be covered by the planarization layer 113. The planarization layer 113 may include an insulating material. The planarization layer 113 may include a different material from the interlayer insulating layer 112. For example, the planarization layer 113 may include an organic insulating material.
[0041] The first light emitting electrode 131 of each pixel area PA may be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit of the corresponding pixel area PA by penetrating the planarization layer 113. For example, the planarization layer 113 may include pixel contact holes that partially expose the drain electrode 125 of the driving thin film transistor T2 located in each pixel area PA. The first light emitting electrode 131 of each pixel area PA may directly contact the drain electrode 125 of the driving thin film transistor T2 located in the corresponding pixel area PA through one of the pixel contact holes.
[0042] The first light-emitting electrode 131 in each pixel region PA may be insulated from the first light-emitting electrode 131 in an adjacent pixel region PA. The first light-emitting electrode 131 in each pixel region PA may be spaced apart from the first light-emitting electrode 131 in an adjacent pixel region PA. For example, a bank insulating layer 114 may be disposed between the first light-emitting electrodes 131 in adjacent pixel regions PA. The bank insulating layer 114 may include an insulating material. For example, the bank insulating layer 114 may include an organic insulating material. The bank insulating layer 114 may cover an edge of the first light-emitting electrode 131 located in each pixel region PA. The light-emitting stack 132 and the second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel region PA may be stacked on a portion of the first light-emitting electrode 131 exposed by the bank insulating layer 114. For example, the bank insulating layer 114 may define light-emitting regions BEA, GEA, and REA in each pixel region PA.
[0043] The light emitting element 130 in each pixel region PA may have the same structure as the light emitting element 130 in an adjacent pixel region PA. For example, the light emitting stack 132 in each pixel region PA may extend along a surface of the bank insulating film 114 and be connected to the light emitting stack 132 in the adjacent pixel region PA. Light emitted from the light emitting element 130 in each pixel region PA may exhibit the same color as light emitted from the light emitting element 130 in the adjacent pixel region PA. For example, the light emitting stack 132 in each pixel region PA may emit white light. The light emitting stack 132 in each pixel region PA may be formed simultaneously with the light emitting stack 132 in the adjacent pixel region PA. Therefore, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can simplify the process of forming the light emitting stack 132 on each pixel region PA.
[0044] The voltage applied to the second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel area PA may be the same as the voltage applied to the second light-emitting electrode 133 in an adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel area PA may be electrically connected to a second power supply line VSS that supplies a negative power supply voltage. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can adjust the brightness of light emitted from the light-emitting element 130 in each pixel area PA according to the data signal applied to the pixel area PA. The second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel area PA may be electrically connected to the second light-emitting electrode 133 in an adjacent pixel area PA. For example, the second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel area PA may be in direct contact with the second light-emitting electrode 133 in the adjacent pixel area PA. The second light-emitting electrode 133 in each pixel area PA may be formed simultaneously with the second light-emitting electrode 133 in the adjacent pixel area PA. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can simplify the process of forming the second light-emitting electrode 133 on each pixel area PA.
[0045] An encapsulating unit 140 (e.g., an encapsulating layer) may be positioned on the light emitting element 130 of each pixel region PA. The encapsulating unit 140 may prevent or at least reduce damage to the light emitting element 130 due to external moisture and / or oxygen. The light emitting element 130 of each pixel region PA may be completely covered by the encapsulating unit 140. For example, the encapsulating unit 140 may extend onto the bezel region BZ of the device substrate 110.
[0046] The encapsulation unit 140 may include a plurality of encapsulation layers, including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer 141, 143, and at least one organic encapsulation layer 142. For example, the encapsulation unit 140 may have a structure in which at least one organic encapsulation layer 142 is disposed between inorganic encapsulation layers 141, 143. The inorganic encapsulation layers 141, 143 may be the uppermost layers of the encapsulation unit 140. For example, the top and side surfaces of the organic encapsulation layer 142 may be covered by the inorganic encapsulation layers 141, 143. Therefore, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can effectively block or at least reduce the penetration of external moisture and oxygen.
[0047] The inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143 may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143 may include an inorganic insulating material that can be deposited at a low temperature, such as silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxide (SiO), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Therefore, the touch display device according to the present invention may prevent damage to the light emitting stack 132 due to the process of forming the inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143.
[0048] The organic encapsulation layer 142 can relieve stress caused by the inorganic encapsulation layers 141 and 143. For example, the organic encapsulation layer 142 can include an organic insulating material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, and silicon oxycarbide (SiOC). Steps caused by the light emitting device 130 can be eliminated by the organic encapsulation layer 142. For example, the top surface of the organic encapsulation layer 142 facing the device substrate 110 may be flat.
[0049] The organic encapsulation layer 142 may be formed by an inkjet method. For example, a dam 106 may be disposed on the bezel region BZ of the device substrate 110. The dam 106 may block the flow of the organic encapsulation layer 142. The dam 106 may extend along the edge of the display area AA. For example, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the organic encapsulation layer 142 may be formed within the region defined by the dam 106. The dam 106 may be formed using a process for forming at least one of the insulating films disposed between the device substrate 110 and the encapsulation unit 140. For example, the dam 106 may be formed simultaneously with the planarization film 113. The dam 106 may include the same material as the planarization film 113. For example, the dam 106 may include an organic insulating material. The interlayer insulating film 112 may extend over the bezel region BZ of the device substrate 110. For example, the dam 106 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating film 112. The thickness of the dam 106 may be the same as the thickness of the planarization layer 113 .
[0050] A touch sensor Cm may be disposed on the sealing unit 140. The touch sensor Cm may sense a touch by a user and / or a tool. For example, the touch sensor Cm may sense the presence or absence of a touch and the location of the touch based on a change in mutual capacitance. The touch sensor Cm may include a plurality of touch lines 310 and 320. For example, the touch sensor Cm may include a driving touch line 310 (e.g., a first touch electrode line) to which a touch driving signal is applied, and a sensing touch line 320 (e.g., a second touch electrode line) to which a touch sensing signal is applied.
[0051] 2, 3, and 6, each drive touch line 310 may include a first touch electrode 311 and a first bridge electrode 312. The first touch electrodes 311 may be positioned side by side on the sealing unit 140. The first bridge electrodes 312 may electrically connect the first touch electrodes 311. Each first bridge electrode 312 may extend in a first direction. For example, each drive touch line 310 may include the first touch electrodes 311 connected in the first direction via the first bridge electrodes 312. In one embodiment, the first direction is a direction in which the length of the display area AA extends.
[0052] The first touch electrodes 311 may include a conductive material. The first touch electrodes 311 may include a material having a relatively low resistance. For example, the first touch electrodes 311 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta) or an alloy of these metals. Each first touch electrode 311 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the first touch electrodes 311 may have a three-layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo.
[0053] The first bridge electrodes 312 may include a conductive material. The first bridge electrodes 312 may include a material having a relatively low resistance. For example, the first bridge electrodes 312 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta) or an alloy of these metals. The first bridge electrodes 312 may include the same material as the first touch electrodes 311. Each first bridge electrode 312 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the first bridge electrode 312 may have a three-layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, or Ti / Al / Mo. The first bridge electrodes 312 may have the same structure as the first touch electrodes 311. The first bridge electrodes 312 may be located on the same layer as the first touch electrodes 311. For example, each first bridge electrode 312 may be in direct contact with the corresponding first touch electrode 311.
[0054] Each sensing touch line 320 may include a second touch electrode 321 and a second bridge electrode 322. The second touch electrodes 321 may be positioned side by side on the sealing unit 140. The second touch electrode 321 may be positioned on the same layer as the first touch electrode 311. The second touch electrode 321 may be insulated from the first touch electrode 311. For example, the second touch electrode 321 may be positioned between the first touch electrodes 311. The second touch electrode 321 may have the same shape as the first touch electrode 311. For example, the first touch electrode 311 and the second touch electrode 321 may be positioned offset from each other on the sealing unit 140. Therefore, the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense a touch by a user and / or a tool using the driving touch line 310 and the sensing touch line 320 of the touch sensor Cm.
[0055] The second touch electrodes 321 may include a conductive material. The second touch electrodes 321 may include a material having a relatively low resistance. For example, the second touch electrodes 321 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta) or an alloy of these metals. The second touch electrodes 321 may include the same material as the first touch electrodes 311. Each second touch electrode 321 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the second touch electrodes 321 may have a three-layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo. The second touch electrodes 321 may have the same structure as the first touch electrodes 311.
[0056] The second touch electrode 321 may be located on the same layer as the first touch electrode 311 and the first bridge electrode 312. The second touch electrode 321 may be insulated from the first bridge electrode 312. The second touch electrode 321 may be spaced apart from the first bridge electrode 312. For example, the first bridge electrode 312 may cross between the second touch electrodes 321.
[0057] The second bridge electrodes 322 may electrically connect the second touch electrodes 321. Each second bridge electrode 322 may extend in a second direction. For example, each sensing touch line 320 may include the second touch electrodes 321 connected in the second direction by the second bridge electrodes 322. The second direction may be different from the first direction. For example, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. The second bridge electrodes 322 may cross between the first touch electrodes 311. For example, each second bridge electrode 322 may cross one of the first bridge electrodes 312. The second bridge electrodes 322 may be insulated from the first bridge electrodes 312. The second bridge electrodes 322 may be located on a different layer from the first bridge electrodes 312. For example, the touch sensor Cm may include a touch insulating layer 350 positioned on the second bridge electrode 322, and the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, and the second touch electrode 321 may be positioned on the touch insulating layer 350.
[0058] The touch insulating film 350 may include an insulating material. For example, the touch insulating film 350 may include an organic insulating material. Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first bridge electrodes 312 and the second bridge electrodes 322 may be effectively insulated from each other. The touch insulating film 350 may include touch contact holes that partially expose each second bridge electrode 322. Each second touch electrode 321 may be connected to the corresponding second bridge electrode 322 through one of the touch contact holes.
[0059] The second bridge electrodes 322 may include a conductive material. The second bridge electrodes 322 may include a material having a relatively low resistance. For example, the second bridge electrodes 322 may include a metal such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and tantalum (Ta), or an alloy of these metals. Each second bridge electrode 322 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. For example, the second bridge electrodes 322 may have a three-layer structure such as Ti / Al / Ti, MoTi / Cu / MoTi, and Ti / Al / Mo.
[0060] The first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, the second touch electrode 321, and the second bridge electrode 322 of the touch sensor Cm may be positioned within the display area AA of the device substrate 110. The light emitting areas BEA, GEA, and REA of each pixel area PA may be positioned between the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, the second touch electrode 321, and the second bridge electrode 322. The driving touch line 310 and the sensing touch line 320 may be positioned outside the light emitting element 130. That is, the driving touch line 310 and the sensing touch line 320 do not overlap with the light emitting element 130. For example, the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, the second touch electrode 321, and the second bridge electrode 322 may overlap with the bank insulating film 114. The plane of each of the first touch electrodes 311 and the plane of each of the second touch electrodes 321 may have a mesh shape with openings overlapping the light emitting areas BEA, GEA, and REA of each pixel area PA. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may improve the accuracy of touch detection using the touch sensor Cm and reduce a decrease in light extraction efficiency due to the touch sensor Cm.
[0061] A touch buffer film 200 may be disposed between the sealing unit 140 and the touch sensor Cm. For example, the second bridge electrode 322 may be disposed between the touch buffer film 200 and the touch insulating film 350. The touch buffer film 200 may reduce parasitic capacitance between the second light emitting electrode 133 of each light emitting device 130 and the touch sensor Cm. For example, the touch buffer film 200 may increase the distance between each driving touch line 310 of the touch sensor Cm and the second light emitting electrode 133 of each light emitting device 130, and the distance between each sensing touch line 320 of the touch sensor Cm and the second light emitting electrode 133 of each light emitting device 130. Therefore, the touch display device according to the present invention may improve the accuracy of touch sensing by the touch sensor Cm. The touch buffer film 200 may include an insulating material. For example, the touch buffer film 200 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN).
[0062] A device protective layer 400 may be disposed on the touch sensor Cm. The device protective layer 400 may prevent or at least reduce damage to the touch sensor Cm due to external impact. For example, the driving touch line 310 and the sensing touch line 320 may be covered by the device protective layer 400. The device protective layer 400 may be in direct contact with the touch insulating layer 350 outside the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, and the second touch electrode 321. The device protective layer 400 may include an insulating material. For example, the device protective layer 400 may include an organic insulating material. The device protective layer 400 may include a different material from the touch insulating layer 350.
[0063] 2 , various signals for implementing an image may be applied to each pixel area PA through the bezel area BZ of the device substrate 110. For example, the bezel area BZ of the device substrate 110 may include a pad area PD where the display pad 104 and the touch pad 304 are located. The dam 106 may be located between the display area AA and the pad area PD. For example, the display pad 104 and the touch pad 304 may be spaced apart from the encapsulation unit 140. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may prevent or at least reduce unintentional blocking of a portion of the display pad 104 and / or the touch pad 304 by the organic encapsulation layer 142. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may prevent or at least reduce distortion of signals transmitted through the display pad 104 and / or the touch pad 304.
[0064] The gate lines GL and / or the data lines DL may be electrically connected to the display pads 104. For example, the data signal applied to each pixel area PA may be transmitted through one of the display pads 104 and one of the data lines DL. The touch pad 304 may be located adjacent to the display pad 104. For example, the pad area PD may be located on one side of the display area AA.
[0065] 2, 4, and 5, each touch pad 304 may include a lower pad electrode 304a and an upper pad electrode 304b located on the lower pad electrode 304a. The touch pad 304 may be formed through a process for forming the pixel driving circuit, the light emitting element 130, and the touch sensor Cm. For example, the lower pad electrode 304a may include the same material as the source electrode 124 and the drain electrode 125 of each pixel driving circuit, and the upper pad electrode 304b may include the same material as the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, and the second touch electrode 321. The display pad 104 may have the same structure as the touch pad 304. For example, each display pad 104 may include a lower pad electrode and an upper pad electrode located on the lower pad electrode. The lower pad electrode of each display pad 104 may include the same material as the lower pad electrode 304a of each touch pad 304, and the upper pad electrode of each display pad 104 may include the same material as the upper pad electrode 304b of each touch pad 304. For example, the display pad 104 may be formed simultaneously with the touch pad 304.
[0066] The driving touch line 310 and the sensing touch line 320 may be electrically connected to the touch pad 304 via touch routing lines 330. The touch routing lines 330 may include first routing lines 331 and second routing lines 332. The second routing lines 332 may be insulated from the first routing lines 331. For example, the second routing lines 332 may be located on a different layer from the first routing lines 331. Each touch pad 304 may be electrically connected to one of the first routing lines 331 or one of the second routing lines 332.
[0067] The first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332 may be formed by a process for forming the touch sensor Cm. The second routing line 332 may include a different material from the first routing line 331. For example, the first routing line 331 may include the same material as the second bridge electrode 322, and the second routing line 332 may include the same material as the first touch electrode 311, the first bridge electrode 312, and the second touch electrode 321. The first routing line 331 may be formed simultaneously with the first bridge electrode 312. For example, the first routing line 331 may be located between the touch buffer layer 200 and the touch insulating layer 350. The second routing line 332 may be formed simultaneously with the first touch electrode 311 and the second touch electrode 321. For example, the second routing line 332 may be located between the touch insulating layer 350 and the device protective layer 400.
[0068] A portion of each second routing line 332 may overlap a corresponding one of the first routing lines 331. For example, a portion of each second routing line 332 extending along an edge of the display area AA may overlap a corresponding one of the first routing lines 331. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the area occupied by the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332 may be reduced. That is, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the width of each first routing line 331 and the width of each second routing line 332 may be increased without reducing the display area AA. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the resistance of each first routing line 331 and the resistance of each second routing line 332 may be sufficiently low without increasing the bezel area BZ. Furthermore, the overall size of the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be reduced.
[0069] The touch insulating film 350, which includes an organic insulating material, may be located between the first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the adjacent first routing line 331 and second routing line 332 may be relatively increased. That is, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second routing line 332 may be sufficiently insulated from the first routing line 331. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may prevent distortion of the signal applied through the first routing line 331 due to the signal applied through the second routing line 332.
[0070] Each touch line 310, 320 of the touch sensor Cm may be electrically connected to one of the first routing lines 331 or one of the second routing lines 332. For example, each driving touch line 310 and each sensing touch line 320 of the touch sensor Cm may be a first touch line electrically connected to one of the first routing lines 331 or a second touch line electrically connected to one of the second routing lines 332. The second touch line may be located between the first touch lines. For example, each first touch electrode 311 may be electrically connected to one of the touch routing lines 331, 332 located on a different layer from the first touch electrode 311 adjacent thereto in the first direction, and each second touch electrode 321 may be electrically connected to one of the touch routing lines 331, 332 located on a different layer from the second touch electrode 321 adjacent thereto in the second direction. Therefore, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the overlapping area between the first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332 may be maximized. In order to maximize the overlapping area, the centers of the first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332 overlap along the first direction, so that the area occupied by the touch routing lines 331 and 332 in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be minimized.
[0071] A bending area BA may be located between the display area AA and the pad area PD. The bending area BA may be a region where the device substrate 110 is bent. For example, in the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pad area PD may overlap the display area AA due to the bending of the bending area BA. The bending area BA may be located outside the dam 106. For example, the dam 106 may be located between the display area AA and the bending area BA.
[0072] The sealing unit 140 may be spaced apart from the bending area BA. The touch buffer layer 200, the touch insulating layer 350, the device protection layer 400, and the touch routing line 330 may not overlap the bending area BA. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may reduce the number of layers stacked on the bending area BA. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may minimize bending stress caused by deflection of the bending area BA. That is, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may minimize damage caused by the bending stress.
[0073] The touch routing line 330 may be electrically connected to the touch pad 304 through a connecting pattern 107 crossing the bending area BA. For example, each connecting pattern 107 may be electrically connected to one of the first routing lines 331 or one of the second routing lines 332. The connecting pattern 107 may include a conductive material. The connecting pattern 107 may be formed by a process of forming the pixel driving circuit and the light emitting element 130 located in each pixel area PA. For example, the connecting pattern 107 may include the same material as the source electrode 124 and the drain electrode 125 of each pixel area PA. The connecting pattern 107 may be located on the same layer as the source electrode 124 and the drain electrode 125 of each pixel area PA. For example, the connecting pattern 107 may be located on the interlayer insulating film 112.
[0074] A crack prevention layer 108 may be disposed on the connection patterns 107. The crack prevention layer 108 may overlap the bending region BA. For example, a portion of each connection pattern 107 located on the bending region BA may be covered by the crack prevention layer 108. The crack prevention layer 108 may include an insulating material. The crack prevention layer 108 may be formed simultaneously with an insulating layer formed on the encapsulation unit 140. For example, the crack prevention layer 108 may include the same material as the touch buffer layer 200. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent damage to the connection patterns 107 due to the bending stress.
[0075] Each of the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332 may be directly connected to one of the connecting patterns 107. One side of each connecting pattern 107 may be covered by the touch buffer film 200. For example, each of the first routing lines 331 and each of the second routing lines 332 may be in direct contact with a portion of the corresponding connecting pattern 107 located between the touch buffer film 200 and the crack prevention film 108. The overlapping region of the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332 may not overlap with the connecting pattern 107. For example, a portion of each second routing line 332 may overlap with one of the first routing lines 331 in a region between the display area AA and the connecting pattern 107. Therefore, in the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a process of electrically connecting each touch routing line 330 to one of the connecting patterns 107 may be simplified. Therefore, the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention may improve process efficiency.
[0076] Each of the connection patterns 107 may be directly connected to one of the touch pads 304. For example, the connection patterns 107 may extend over the pad region PD of the device substrate 110. An end of each of the connection patterns 107 may be located on the interlayer insulating film 112 in the pad region PD.
[0077] As a result, the touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention includes the encapsulation unit 140 covering the light emitting element 130, the touch sensor Cm including the touch electrodes 311 and 321 positioned side by side on the encapsulation unit 140, and the touch pad 304 electrically connected to the touch electrodes 311 and 321 via the touch routing line 330, where the touch routing line 330 may include the first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332 positioned on a different layer from the first routing line 331. Therefore, the touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention may reduce the area occupied by the touch routing line 330, thereby reducing the overall size. Furthermore, the touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention may reduce the resistance of each touch routing line 330 without increasing the bezel area BZ. Therefore, the touch display device according to embodiments of the present invention may improve the reliability of touch sensing without reducing the display area AA.
[0078] In the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first routing lines 331 is electrically connected to one of the connecting patterns 107. However, in a touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7 , each of the second routing lines 332 may be electrically connected to one of the connecting patterns 107. Each intermediate pattern 335 may be located between an end region of each second routing line 332 and a portion of the corresponding connecting pattern 107. For example, each intermediate pattern 335 may be in direct contact with the corresponding second routing line 332 and the corresponding connecting pattern 107. The intermediate pattern 335 may include the same material as the first routing line 331. For example, an end of each intermediate pattern 335 may be located between the touch buffer layer 200 and the touch insulating layer 350.
[0079] In the touch display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of each second routing line 332 overlaps one of the first routing lines 331. However, in touch display devices according to other embodiments of the present invention, the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332, which are located on a different layer from the first routing lines 331, may be arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the second routing lines 332 may be located between the first routing lines 331. That is, one of the plurality of second routing lines is located between a pair of first routing lines 331 in a plan view of the touch display device. The second routing line 332 may be insulated from the first routing line 331 by the touch insulating film 350. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332 may be closely spaced. That is, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, each second routing line 332 may partially overlap with the adjacent first routing line 331. For example, a side of each second routing line 332 may overlap with one of the first routing lines 331. That is, an end of the second routing line 332 may overlap with an end of the first routing line 331 with the touch insulating film 350 positioned between the second routing line 332 and the first routing line 331. Therefore, in the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the resistance of each touch routing line 330 may be reduced without increasing the bezel area BZ.
[0080] In the touch display device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the touch insulating film 350 is described as including an organic insulating material. However, in the touch display device according to the other embodiment of the present invention, the touch insulating film 350 may be formed of various materials. For example, in the touch display device according to the other embodiment of the present invention, the touch insulating film 350 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon dioxide (SiO) and silicon nitride (SiN). Alternatively, in the touch display device according to the other embodiment of the present invention, the touch insulating film 350 may have a stacked structure of an inorganic insulating film including an inorganic insulating material and an organic insulating film including an organic insulating material. Therefore, the touch display device according to the other embodiment of the present invention can effectively insulate the first routing line 331 from the second routing line 332. Therefore, the touch display device according to the other embodiment of the present invention can increase the overlapping area between the first routing line 331 and the second routing line 332.
[0081] Steps due to the first routing lines 331 may be eliminated by the touch insulating film 350. For example, the top surface of the touch insulating film 350 facing the device substrate 110 may be flat. Therefore, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may prevent damage to the second routing lines 332 due to the thickness of each first routing line 331. For example, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may prevent partial disconnection of the second routing lines 332 due to a height deviation of the touch insulating film 350. That is, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may have improved flexibility in the thickness of the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332. Therefore, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may significantly reduce the resistance of the first routing lines 331 and the second routing lines 332.
[0082] In the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, each sensing touch line 320 may be connected to a corresponding touch routing line 330 via one of the compensation patterns 600. The compensation pattern 600 may compensate for a capacitance difference between the touch routing lines 330. For example, the area of each compensation pattern 600 may be inversely proportional to the linear distance between the pad area PD and the corresponding sensing touch line 320. Therefore, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may prevent deviation of the touch sensing signal due to a capacitance difference between the touch routing lines 330. Therefore, the touch display device according to another embodiment of the present invention may improve the accuracy of touch by a user and / or a tool. [Explanation of symbols]
[0083] 110 Element substrate 130 Light-emitting element 140 Sealing Unit 310 First Touchline 320 Second Touchline 331 Lower Routing Line 332 Upper Routing Line
Claims
1. an element substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements located on the element substrate; a sealing layer positioned on the plurality of light-emitting elements; a touch sensor including a plurality of touch electrodes located on the encapsulation layer; a plurality of touch pads located on the element substrate and not overlapping with the sealing layer; a plurality of touch routing lines, each touch routing line electrically coupling a corresponding touch electrode of the plurality of touch electrodes to a corresponding touch pad of the plurality of touch pads; the plurality of touch routing lines includes a plurality of first routing lines and a plurality of second routing lines located on a different layer from the plurality of first routing lines; a second routing line of the plurality of second routing lines is located between a pair of the plurality of first routing lines of the plurality of first routing lines in a plan view; the plurality of second routing lines are insulated from the plurality of first routing lines by a touch insulating film; a distance between the pair of second routing lines is smaller than a width of each of the first routing lines; The distance between the pair of first routing lines is smaller than the width of each of the second routing lines; Touch display device.
2. The touch display device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of touch pads is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first routing lines or a corresponding one of the plurality of second routing lines.
3. the touch sensor includes a plurality of first touch lines and a plurality of second touch lines extending in the same direction as the first touch lines; Each of the first touch lines includes a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of first bridge electrodes electrically connecting the plurality of first touch electrodes; each of the second touch lines includes a plurality of second touch electrodes and a plurality of second bridge electrodes electrically connecting the plurality of second touch electrodes; The touch display device of claim 1 , wherein the first routing lines include the same material as the first bridge electrodes.
4. The touch display device according to claim 3 , wherein the first routing lines and the first bridge electrodes are located between the encapsulation layer and the touch insulating film.
5. The touch display device of claim 3 , wherein the second routing lines include the same material as the first touch electrodes.
6. a plurality of connecting patterns disposed between the sealing layer and the plurality of touch pads across a bending area; The touch display device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of connection patterns is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of first routing lines or a corresponding one of the plurality of second routing lines.
7. The touch display device of claim 6 , further comprising: a plurality of intermediate patterns, each intermediate pattern being located between a corresponding second routing line of the plurality of second routing lines and a corresponding one of the plurality of connecting patterns.
8. the plurality of connection patterns include a plurality of first connection patterns electrically connected to the plurality of first routing lines and a plurality of second connection patterns electrically connected to the plurality of second routing lines; The touch display device of claim 6 , wherein the second connecting patterns are disposed on the same layer as the first connecting patterns.
9. The touch display device of claim 8 , further comprising a crack prevention film disposed on the plurality of first connecting patterns and the plurality of second connecting patterns.
Citation Information
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