KR20240076606A - Transparent touch display device and transparent touch display panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A display panel included in a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of light-emitting areas in which a plurality of subpixels are disposed and a plurality of transmission areas disposed between the light-emitting areas and in which a touch cathode electrode is disposed. a first substrate including a display area and a non-display area on which a dam is arranged; a second substrate disposed on one side of the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate by the dam; and It may include a partition wall for cathode separation formed on the transmission area between the light emitting area and the adjacent transmission area, and a conductive material layer disposed in the space between the first substrate and the second substrate in at least a portion of the transmission area.

Description

Transparent touch display device and transparent touch display panel {TRANSPARENT TOUCH DISPLAY DEVICE AND TRANSPARENT TOUCH DISPLAY PANEL}

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a transparent touch display device and a transparent touch display panel.

Among display devices, there is a touch display device that provides a touch-based input method that allows users to easily and intuitively and conveniently input information or commands, breaking away from typical input methods such as buttons, keyboards, and mice.

In order to provide a touch-based input function, such a touch display device must include a touch sensor structure and a touch circuit for touch sensing. The touch sensor structure of the touch display device may include a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch lines for connecting them to the touch circuit, and the touch sensing circuit must operate according to this touch sensor structure.

Nowadays, in order to reduce the thickness of the touch display device and improve image quality, a touch display device in which a touch sensor including a plurality of touch electrodes is built into the display panel is being developed. In addition, there is an increasing demand for transparent touch display devices in which self-emitting light-emitting elements, such as OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays, are formed on the display panel and light can transmit back and forth.

In order to reduce the thickness of the touch display device and improve the image quality, a touch display device with a touch sensor built into the display panel is being developed. However, such a touch display device with a built-in touch sensor emits light on its own, such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display. In the case of a self-luminous display device in which light-emitting elements are formed on the display panel, and in the case of a transparent display device that allows light to pass through back and forth, a display panel with a built-in touch sensor is required due to the nature of the display panel that must provide self-luminescence and transparency. There are significant difficulties in designing and manufacturing.

Accordingly, the present specification seeks to provide a transparent touch display device and display panel including a display panel with a built-in touch sensor capable of accurate touch sensing while having excellent image quality and high transparency.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a transparent touch display device and display panel in which a touch sensor is configured in a cathode electrode layer by splitting the cathode.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a transparent touch display device and display panel in which a touch sensor is built into the display panel so as not to affect the transmittance of the display panel.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transparent touch display device in which a transmissive area is disposed between light-emitting areas, a partition wall for cathode separation is formed in the transmissive area, and a conductive material of a conductive polymer or conductive resin is provided between the first/second substrates of the transmissive area. A transparent touch display device and display panel in which layers are arranged can be provided.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cathode-separated transparent touch display device and display panel that can improve touch performance and minimize lighting defects due to damage to the cathode layer in the light-emitting area.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, performance deterioration due to outgas generated when the filling material (filling) is cured between the first and second substrates and the touch signal due to thermal drift of the filling material. A cathode-separable transparent touch display device and display panel that can prevent deterioration can be provided.

A transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display panel including a plurality of subpixels and a plurality of touch electrodes, and a driving circuit that drives image display and touch detection through the display panel.

At this time, the display panel includes a display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas in which a plurality of subpixels are disposed and a plurality of transmission areas in which a touch cathode electrode is disposed between the light-emitting areas, and a ratio in which a dam is disposed. A transmission area between a first substrate including a display area, a second substrate disposed on one side of the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate by the dam, and a transmission area adjacent to the light emitting area of the first substrate. It may include a partition wall for separating the cathode formed on the cathode, and a conductive material layer disposed in the space between the first substrate and the second substrate in at least a portion of the transmission area.

The subpixel disposed in the light emitting area includes a thin film transistor, a first protective layer disposed on an upper source/drain electrode layer of the thin film transistor, an overcoat layer disposed on the first protective layer, and disposed on the overcoat layer. It may include an anode electrode connected to the source/drain electrodes of the thin film transistor, a light emitting layer on top of the anode electrode, and a display cathode electrode on the light emitting layer.

The partition wall may be formed at a certain height on the first protective layer disposed in the transmission area.

The conductive material layer may include one or more of a conductive polymer including PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) and a transparent conductive resin including a metal alloy.

The second substrate is a color filter substrate, and the space between the first and second substrates in the light emitting area may be a vacuum.

A cathode separation layer formed of the same layer as the display cathode electrode and the touch cathode electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the partition, and the cathode separation layer is electrically separated from the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area and the display cathode electrode of the subpixel. It can be.

Additionally, a light emitting layer may be further disposed between the upper surface of the partition and the cathode separation layer.

It may further include a second protective layer disposed on the display cathode electrode of the subpixel, the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area, and the cathode separation layer on the upper surface of the partition.

In the transmission area, it may further include a bank disposed on an upper portion of the first protective layer or overcoat layer, and the barrier rib may be disposed on the bank.

The cathode separation partition may have an inverse taper shape such that an angle formed by an extension of its side and the image display surface of the display device is 90 degrees or more.

A plurality of touch cathode electrodes disposed in a plurality of transmission areas are grouped to form one touch electrode, and a plurality of touch cathode electrodes included in one touch electrode are electrically connected to the touch line disposed below through the first contact hole. It can be connected to .

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a transparent touch display panel, wherein the transparent touch display panel includes a plurality of light-emitting areas in which a plurality of subpixels are disposed, and a plurality of transmission areas disposed between the light-emitting areas and in which a touch cathode electrode is disposed. A first substrate including a display area including a non-display area on which a dam is disposed, a second substrate disposed on one side of the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate by the dam, and the first substrate It may include a partition wall for cathode separation formed on the transmission area between the light emitting area and the adjacent transmission area, and a conductive material layer disposed in the space between the first substrate and the second substrate in at least a portion of the transmission area. .

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a transparent touch display device and display panel including a display panel with a built-in touch sensor capable of accurate touch sensing while having excellent image quality and high transparency.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a transparent transparent touch display device and display panel capable of detecting a touch at a cathode electrode layer for touch in a transparent area by cathode separation can be provided.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cathode-separated transparent touch display device and display panel that can minimize lighting defects due to damage to the cathode layer in the light-emitting area.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, deterioration of touch performance due to outgassing and thermal drift of the filling material generated during curing of the filling material between the first and second substrates is prevented, It is possible to provide a cathode-separated transparent touch display device and display panel with excellent touch sensing performance.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.
Figure 2 shows a schematic structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.
Figure 3 briefly shows the touch sensor structure of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.
Figure 4 is a plan view of a display panel of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.
Figure 5 shows a top view of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a cathode split structure.
7 and 8 show a touch sensor structure under a cathode split structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cathode division boundary area in a display panel of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied, showing an undercut structure.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining lighting defects and touch signal deterioration phenomena in a display panel with an undercut structure such as that of FIG. 9 .
Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view of a transparent touch display panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 12, showing a cross-sectional structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near the partition between the light-emitting area and the transmission area.
Figure 15 shows an example of a partition wall structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a photograph showing a deposition structure near a partition when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. In adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, identical components may have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description may be omitted. When “comprises,” “has,” “consists of,” etc. mentioned in the specification are used, other parts may be added unless “only” is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it can also include the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Additionally, in describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, order, or number of the components are not limited by the term.

In the description of the positional relationship of components, when two or more components are described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected,” the two or more components are directly “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected.” ", but it should be understood that two or more components and other components may be further "interposed" and "connected," "combined," or "connected." Here, other components may be included in one or more of two or more components that are “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to each other.

In the explanation of temporal flow relationships related to components, operation methods, production methods, etc., for example, temporal precedence relationships such as “after”, “after”, “after”, “before”, etc. Or, when a sequential relationship is described, non-continuous cases may be included unless “immediately” or “directly” is used.

On the other hand, when a numerical value or corresponding information (e.g. level, etc.) for a component is mentioned, even if there is no separate explicit description, the numerical value or corresponding information is related to various factors (e.g. process factors, internal or external shocks, It can be interpreted as including the error range that may occur due to noise, etc.).

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a transparent touch display device 100 to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.

Referring to FIG. 1, the transparent touch display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for displaying an image.

The display driving circuit is a circuit for driving the display panel 110 and may include a data driving circuit 120, a gate driving circuit 130, and a display controller 140.

The display panel 110 may include a display area (DA) where an image is displayed and a non-display area (NDA) where an image is not displayed. The non-display area (NDA) may be an area outside the display area (DA) and may also be referred to as a bezel area.

The display panel 110 may include multiple subpixels SP. Additionally, the display panel 110 may further include various types of signal wires to drive a plurality of subpixels SP.

Various types of signal wires include multiple data lines carrying data signals (also called data voltages or image signals) and multiple gate lines carrying gate signals (also called scan signals). It can be included. Multiple data lines and multiple gate lines may cross each other. Each of the plurality of data lines may be arranged to extend in the first direction. Each of the plurality of gate lines may be arranged to extend in the second direction. Here, the first direction may be a column direction and the second direction may be a row direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be a row direction and the second direction may be a column direction.

The transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a liquid crystal display device or the like, or may be a self-luminous display device in which the display panel 110 emits light on its own. When the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is a self-light emitting display device, each of the plurality of subpixels SP may include a light emitting device.

For example, the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be an organic light emitting display device in which a light emitting element is implemented as an organic light emitting diode (OLED). For another example, the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be an inorganic light emitting display device in which the light emitting element is implemented with an inorganic material-based light emitting diode. For another example, the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a quantum dot display device in which a light emitting element is implemented with quantum dots, which are semiconductor crystals that emit light on their own.

The structure of each of the multiple subpixels SP may vary depending on the type of the transparent touch display device 100. For example, if the transparent touch display device 100 is a self-emitting display device in which subpixels (SP) emit light by themselves, each subpixel (SP) includes a light-emitting element that emits light by itself, one or more transistors, and one or more capacitors. may include.

The data driving circuit 120 is a circuit for driving a plurality of data lines and can output data signals to the plurality of data lines. The gate driving circuit 130 is a circuit for driving a plurality of gate lines and can output gate signals to the plurality of gate lines. The display controller 140 is a device for controlling the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130, and can control the driving timing for a plurality of data lines and the driving timing for a plurality of gate lines. .

The display controller 140 supplies a data driving control signal to the data driving circuit 120 to control the data driving circuit 120, and supplies a gate driving control signal to the gate driving circuit 130. 130).

The data driving circuit 120 may supply data signals to a plurality of data lines according to the driving timing control of the display controller 140. The data driving circuit 120 may receive digital image data from the display controller 140, convert the received image data into analog data signals, and output them through a plurality of data lines.

The gate driving circuit 130 may supply gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL according to timing control of the display controller 140. The gate driving circuit 130 provides a first gate voltage corresponding to the turn-on level voltage and a second gate voltage corresponding to the turn-off level voltage along with various gate driving control signals (e.g., start signal, reset signal, etc.). can be supplied, gate signals can be generated, and the generated gate signals can be supplied to a plurality of gate lines.

For example, the data driving circuit 120 is connected to the display panel 110 using Tape Automated Bonding (TAB), Chip On Glass (COG), or Chip On Panel (COP: It may be connected to the bonding pad of the display panel 110 using a Chip On Panel (COF) method, or may be implemented using a Chip On Film (COF) method and connected to the display panel 110.

The gate driving circuit 130 is connected to the display panel 110 using a tape automated bonding (TAB) method, or is connected to a bonding pad of the display panel 110 using a chip on glass (COG) or chip on panel (COP) method. Pad) or may be connected to the display panel 110 according to the chip-on-film (COF) method. Alternatively, the gate driving circuit 130 may be a gate in panel (GIP) type and may be formed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel 110. The gate driving circuit 130 may be disposed on or connected to the substrate. That is, if the gate driving circuit 130 is a gate-in-panel (GIP) type, it may be disposed in the non-display area (NDA) of the substrate. The gate driving circuit 130 may be connected to the substrate if it is a chip-on-glass (COG) type, chip-on-film (COF) type, etc.

Meanwhile, at least one of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 may be disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 may be arranged not to overlap the subpixels SP, and may be partially or entirely aligned with the subpixels SP. They may also be placed overlapping.

The data driving circuit 120 may be connected to one side (eg, the upper or lower side) of the display panel 110. Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the data driving circuit 120 may be connected to both sides (e.g., upper and lower sides) of the display panel 110, or may be connected to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110. It may be possible.

The gate driving circuit 130 may be connected to one side (eg, left or right) of the display panel 110. Depending on the driving method, panel design method, etc., the gate driving circuit 130 may be connected to both sides (e.g., left and right) of the display panel 110, or may be connected to two or more of the four sides of the display panel 110. It may be possible.

The display controller 140 may be implemented as a separate component from the data driving circuit 120, or may be integrated with the data driving circuit 120 and implemented as an integrated circuit.

The display controller 140 may be a timing controller used in conventional display technology, a control device that can perform other control functions including a timing controller, or a control device different from the timing controller. Alternatively, it may be a circuit within a control device. The display controller 140 may be implemented with various circuits or electronic components, such as an Integrated Circuit (IC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or Processor.

The display controller 140 may be mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, etc., and may be electrically connected to the data driving circuit 120 and the gate driving circuit 130 through a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, etc.

The display controller 140 may transmit and receive signals to and from the data driving circuit 120 according to one or more predetermined interfaces. Here, for example, the interface may include a Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) interface, an EPI interface, and a Serial Peripheral Interface (SP).

In order to provide not only an image display function but also a touch sensing function, the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure senses the touch sensor and detects the touch sensor to generate a touch by a touch object such as a finger or a pen. It may include a touch sensing circuit 150 that detects whether the touch is touched or the position of the touch.

The touch sensing circuit 150 includes a touch driving circuit 160 that drives and senses a touch sensor to generate and output touch sensing data, and a touch controller that can detect the occurrence of a touch or detect a touch position using the touch sensing data. (170), etc. may be included.

A touch sensor may include multiple touch electrodes. The touch sensor may further include a plurality of touch lines to electrically connect a plurality of touch electrodes and the touch driving circuit 160. A touch sensor is also called a touch panel.

In the case of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch sensor may be present inside the display panel 110. In this case, the touch sensor is called a built-in touch sensor or in-cell touch sensor. During the manufacturing process of the display panel 110, an embedded touch sensor may be formed along with electrodes or signal wires related to display driving.

The touch driving circuit 160 may supply a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes included in the touch sensor and generate touch sensing data by sensing at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes.

The touch sensing circuit 150 may perform touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method or a mutual-capacitance sensing method.

When the touch sensing circuit 150 performs touch sensing using the self-capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit 150 performs touch sensing based on the capacitance between each touch electrode and a touch object (e.g., finger, pen, etc.). can do. According to the self-capacitance sensing method, each of the plurality of touch electrodes can perform both the role of a driving touch electrode and a sensing touch electrode. The touch driving circuit 160 may drive all or part of the plurality of touch electrodes and sense all or part of the plurality of touch electrodes.

When the touch sensing circuit 150 performs touch sensing using the mutual-capacitance sensing method, the touch sensing circuit 150 may perform touch sensing based on the capacitance between touch electrodes. According to the mutual-capacitance sensing method, the plurality of touch electrodes are divided into driving touch electrodes and sensing touch electrodes. The touch driving circuit 160 can drive driving touch electrodes and sense sensing touch electrodes.

As described above, the touch sensing circuit 150 may perform touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method and/or a mutual-capacitance sensing method. However, below, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the touch sensing circuit 150 performs touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method.

Each of the touch driving circuit 160 and the touch controller 170 may be implemented as separate integrated circuits. Alternatively, the touch driving circuit 160 and the touch controller 170 may be integrated and implemented.

Additionally, the touch driving circuit 160 and the data driving circuit 120 may each be implemented as separate integrated circuits. Alternatively, the touch driving circuit 160 and the data driving circuit 120 may be integrated and implemented. For example, when the transparent touch display device 100 includes one driving integrated circuit chip, one driving integrated circuit chip may include a touch driving circuit 160 and a data driving circuit 120. For another example, when the transparent touch display device 100 includes a plurality of driving integrated circuit chips, each of the plurality of driving integrated circuit chips includes a portion of the touch driving circuit 160 and a portion of the data driving circuit 120. It can be included.

The transparent touch display device 100 may further include a power supply circuit that supplies various types of power to the display driving circuit and/or the touch sensing circuit.

The transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or tablet, or a monitor or television (TV) of various sizes, but is not limited thereto and may be a device capable of displaying information or images. It can be a display of various types and sizes.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic structure of the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , each of the plurality of subpixels SP disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 includes a light emitting element ED and a light emitting element ED. ), a driving transistor (DRT) for driving, a scan transistor (SCT) for transferring the data voltage (Vdata) to the first node (N1) of the driving transistor (DRT), and a scan transistor (SCT) for maintaining a constant voltage for one frame. It may include a storage capacitor (Cst).

The driving transistor (DRT) receives the driving voltage (EVDD) from the first node (N1) to which the data voltage can be applied, the second node (N2) electrically connected to the light emitting element (ED), and the driving voltage line (DVL). It may include an authorized third node (N3). In the driving transistor DRT, the first node N1 is a gate node, the second node N2 is a source node or a drain node, and the third node N3 is a drain node or a source node. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the first node N1 of the driving transistor DRT is also referred to as a gate node or gate electrode, and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT is also referred to as a source node or source electrode. , the third node (N3) of the driving transistor (DRT) is also called a drain node or drain electrode.

The light emitting device (ED) may include an anode electrode (AE), a light emitting layer (EL), and a cathode electrode (CE). The anode electrode AE of the light emitting device ED may be electrically connected to the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT of each subpixel SP. The cathode electrode (CE) of the light emitting device (ED) may be electrically connected to the base voltage line (BVL) to which the base voltage (EVSS) is applied.

The anode electrode AE may be a pixel electrode disposed in each subpixel SP. The cathode electrode CE may be a common electrode to which a base voltage EVSS, which is a type of common voltage commonly required when driving the subpixels SP, is applied.

For example, the light emitting device (ED) may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an inorganic light emitting diode, or a quantum dot light emitting device. When the light emitting device (ED) is an organic light emitting diode (OLED), the light emitting layer (EL) of the light emitting device (ED) may include an organic light emitting layer containing an organic material.

The scan transistor (SCT) is controlled on-off by the scan signal (SCAN), which is a gate signal applied through the scan signal line (SCL), and the first node (N1) of the driving transistor (DRT) and the data line ( DL) can be electrically connected.

The storage capacitor Cst may be connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of the plurality of subpixels SP disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 basically includes a light emitting element ED and two transistors. (DRT, SCT) and one capacitor (Cst).

Each of the plurality of subpixels SP disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 may further include one or more transistors or one or more capacitors. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each subpixel SP further includes a sensing transistor SENT that controls the connection between the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT and the reference voltage line RVL. It can be included. Here, the reference voltage line RVL is a signal wire for supplying the reference voltage Vref to the subpixel SP.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gate node of the sensing transistor (SENT) may be electrically connected to the gate node of the scan transistor (SCT). That is, the scan signal line (SCL) electrically connected to the gate node of the scan transistor (SCT) may also be electrically connected to the gate node of the sensing transistor (SENT).

Alternatively, the gate node of the sensing transistor (SENT) may be electrically connected to a sensing signal line that is different from the scan signal line (SCL) connected to the gate node of the scan transistor (SCT).

The storage capacitor Cst is not a parasitic capacitor (e.g. Cgs, Cgd), which is an internal capacitor that may exist between the first node N1 and the second node N2 of the driving transistor DRT. It may be an external capacitor intentionally designed outside the driving transistor (DRT).

Each of the driving transistor (DRT), scan transistor (SCT), and sensing transistor (SENT) may be an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.

Since the circuit elements (especially the light-emitting elements (ED)) within each subpixel (SP) are vulnerable to external moisture or oxygen, the display panel 100 is designed to prevent external moisture or oxygen from entering the circuit elements (especially the light-emitting elements (ED)). It may include an encapsulation layer (ENCAP) to prevent penetration into the elements (ED).

The encapsulation layer (ENCAP) can be composed of various types.

For example, the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may be disposed to cover the light emitting elements (ED). The encapsulation layer (ENCAP) may include one or more inorganic films and one or more organic films.

For another example, the encapsulation layer (ENCAP) includes an encapsulation substrate, a dam located between the thin film transistor array substrate and the encapsulation substrate along the outer edge of the display area (DA), and a filling material filled in the internal space of the dam. May include filler.

FIG. 3 briefly shows the touch sensor structure of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor disposed in the touch sensing area (TSA) of the display panel 110.

The touch sensor included in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of touch electrodes (TE) disposed in the touch sensing area (TSA).

The touch sensor included in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure electrically connects a plurality of touch electrodes (TE) to a plurality of touch pads (TP) to which the touch driving circuit 160 is electrically connected. It may further include a plurality of touch lines (TL) for connection. Here, the multiple touch lines TL are also referred to as multiple touch routing wires.

When the touch sensor included in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is a self-capacitance sensing type, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE does not electrically overlap or cross each other. In a self-capacitance type touch sensor structure, each of the plurality of touch electrodes (TE) may be one touch node corresponding to a touch coordinate.

When the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure senses a touch based on self-capacitance, the touch driving circuit 160 detects at least one touch electrode (TE) among the plurality of touch electrodes (TE). ), and the touch electrode (TE) to which the touch driving signal is supplied can be sensed.

Each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE may be an electrode without an opening or may be a mesh-type electrode with a plurality of openings. Additionally, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE may be a transparent electrode.

The sensing value for the touch electrode (TE) to which the touch driving signal is supplied may be a value corresponding to the capacitance or a change thereof in the touch electrode (TE) to which the touch driving signal is supplied. The capacitance at the touch electrode (TE) to which the touch driving signal is supplied may be the capacitance between the touch electrode (TE) to which the touch driving signal is supplied and a touch pointer, such as a finger.

As described above, in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a touch sensor including a plurality of touch electrodes TE may be built into the display panel 110. Accordingly, during the manufacturing process of the display panel 110, when electrodes, wires, and patterns related to display driving are formed, touch electrodes TE and touch lines TL may also be formed.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure overlaps the display area DA and has a cathode electrode area CA where the cathode electrode CE can be disposed. ) may include.

The cathode electrode area CA may have the same area (size) as the display area DA. In this case, the cathode electrode area CA may completely overlap the display area DA. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the cathode electrode area CA may have a larger area (size) than the display area DA. In this case, the cathode electrode area CA may include an area completely overlapping with the display area DA and an area overlapping with the non-display area NDA.

Below, in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cathode electrode (CE) to which the base voltage (EVSS) is applied is referred to as a display cathode electrode.

The transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes one or more display cathode electrodes, and one or more touch cathode electrodes may be disposed together on a cathode electrode layer where one or more display cathode electrodes are disposed.

That is, the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more display cathode electrodes (DCE) and one or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE). One or more display cathode electrodes and one or more touch cathode electrodes may be disposed together in the cathode electrode area CA and located together in the cathode electrode layer.

That is, in the display panel of the transparent display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the display cathode electrode (DCE), which is a transparent cathode electrode disposed in the light emitting area (PA), is disposed in the transmission area (TA) between the light emitting area. It includes a touch cathode electrode (TCE) for touch purposes. At this time, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) must be periodically separated.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to ensure true separation of the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE), a cathode separation partition (PAT) disposed in a portion of the transmission area is further included, This will be described in more detail below based on the drawings in FIG. 12 and below.

Additionally, in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more display cathode electrodes are the cathode electrodes (CE) of the light emitting elements (ED) of the plurality of subpixels (SP), and the base voltage ( EVSS) may be approved.

In the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more touch cathode electrodes may function as a touch sensor.

In the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cathode split structure may include various types.

In the transparent touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cathode electrode layer may be divided into one display cathode electrode and a plurality of touch cathode electrodes.

However, it is not limited thereto, and a type in which the cathode electrode layer is divided into one touch cathode electrode and multiple display cathode electrodes (second type), or a type in which the cathode electrode layer is divided into multiple display cathode electrodes and multiple touch cathode electrodes. It may be a type (type 3).

In the following description, a type in which the cathode electrode layer is divided into one display cathode electrode and multiple touch cathode electrodes will be described as an example.

That is, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a single display electrode (DCE) is arranged to integrally cover the upper part of all subpixels arranged in a plurality of light-emitting areas, and an island-shaped transmission area arranged between the light-emitting areas ( TA) may include a plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed on each top.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The display panel of the transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NA) surrounding the display area (DA).

In the display area (DA) of the display panel, a plurality of light emitting areas (PA) in which a plurality of subpixels are disposed and a plurality of transmission areas (TA) in which a touch cathode electrode (TCE) is disposed between the light emitting areas will be disposed. You can.

As shown below in FIG. 5, the display panel 110 may include a light emitting area (PA) and transmission areas (TA1 and TA2) disposed therebetween. The first transmission area TA1 may be located on the first side of the light-emitting area PA, and the second transmission area TA2 may be located on the second side of the light-emitting area PA.

Two or more subpixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be disposed in the light emitting area PA between the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2.

According to the example of FIG. 5, four subpixels SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be disposed in the light emitting area PA between the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2. The four subpixels (SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4) may include a subpixel that emits red light, a subpixel that emits green light, a subpixel that emits blue light, and a subpixel that emits white light. You can.

A display cathode electrode (DCE) and a touch cathode electrode (TCE) may be disposed in the emission area (PA) and the transmission areas (TA1 and TA2), respectively.

A display cathode electrode (DCE) to which a display driving base voltage (EVSS) is applied may be disposed in the light emitting area (PA). A touch cathode electrode (TCE) may be disposed in the transmission area (TA).

Figure 6 is a plan view of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a cathode split structure.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one display cathode electrode (DCE) and a plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) are disposed on the cathode electrode layer (CEL). You can. That is, one display cathode electrode (DCE) and multiple touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be formed of the same material.

Meanwhile, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) must be periodically separated, and for this purpose, an under-cut structure can be formed, which will be discussed further below based on FIG. 9. Explain in detail.

One display cathode electrode (DCE) may correspond to the cathode electrode (CE) of the light emitting elements (ED) of the plurality of subpixels (SP), and one display cathode electrode (DCE) has a base voltage (EVSS) This can be approved.

A plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) are disposed adjacent to one display cathode electrode (DCE), but may be disposed away from one display cathode electrode (DCE). The plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be electrically separated from one display cathode electrode (DCE).

Referring to FIG. 5 , when the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a first type cathode split structure, one display cathode electrode (DCE) may include a plurality of openings. A plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be located in the form of an island in the inner space of the plurality of openings formed in one display cathode electrode (DCE).

Referring to FIG. 5, a display cathode electrode (DCE), which is one type of display driving electrodes, or a portion thereof will be disposed between two adjacent touch cathode electrodes (TCE) among the plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE). You can.

Referring to FIG. 5 , one or more subpixels SP or a light-emitting area thereof may be disposed between two adjacent touch cathode electrodes TCE among the plurality of touch cathode electrodes TCE.

The area (size) of each of the plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be equal to the area (size) of one subpixel (SP) or the area (size) of the area.

Differently, the area (size) of each of the plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be larger than the area (size) of one sub-pixel (SP) or its region. For example, the area (size) of each of the plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may correspond to the area (size) of two or more subpixels (SP) or the area (size) of the area.

7 and 8 show a touch sensor structure under a cathode split structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) may be grouped into a plurality of groups. Here, a plurality of groups are a plurality of touch electrodes (TE). In other words, the transparent touch device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of touch electrodes (TE), and one touch electrode (TE) may include two or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE). .

According to the example of FIG. 7, the display panel 110 includes 12 touch electrodes (TE) arranged in 3 rows and 4 columns, and one touch electrode (TE) includes 20 touch cathode electrodes arranged in 4 rows and 5 columns. It may be composed of (TCE). These examples are referenced below.

For normal touch sensing operation, 20 touch cathode electrodes (TCE) must be electrically connected to each other to operate as one touch electrode (TE).

Additionally, for normal touch sensing operation, within the display panel 110, each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE may be electrically separated from each other. In some cases, within the touch driving circuit 160, some of the plurality of touch electrodes TE may be electrically connected. This can be used for group driving (or group sensing) that simultaneously senses two or more touch electrodes (TE).

As described above, for normal touch sensing operation, the plurality of touch electrodes TE must be electrically separated from each other within the display panel 110, and each of the plurality of touch electrodes TE must be connected to the touch driving circuit 160. ) must be electrically connected to the

If this connection structure is explained again from the perspective of the touch cathode electrodes (TCE), two or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed in the area of one touch electrode (TE) must be electrically connected to each other. Two or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed in an area of one touch electrode (TE) and two or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed in an area of another touch electrode (TE) must be electrically separated from each other. Additionally, two or more touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed in the area of each touch electrode (TE) must be electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 160.

FIG. 8 shows only the additional connection structures (TL, TB, CP, CNT1, CNT2) disposed in the cathode electrode area (CA) to form the touch sensor structure. However, for convenience of explanation, the cathode electrode layer (CEL) is omitted in FIG. 8. FIG. 6C is a plan view showing the cathode electrode layer (CEL) of FIG. 5 and the connection structures (TL, TB, CP, CNT1, and CNT2) of FIG. 6B together.

Referring to FIG. 8, in order to form a touch sensor structure according to the above-described connection structure, the display panel 110 may include a plurality of touch lines (TL) and a plurality of touch bridges (TB). there is.

A plurality of touch lines TL may respectively correspond to a plurality of touch electrodes TE. A plurality of touch electrodes TE may be connected to the touch driving circuit 160 through a plurality of touch lines TL.

At least one touch bridge (TB) may be disposed in each area of the plurality of touch electrodes (TE). That is, at least one touch bridge (TB) may be disposed in the area of one touch electrode (TE).

In the example of FIG. 8, one touch electrode TE is composed of 20 touch cathode electrodes TCE, and the 20 touch cathode electrodes TCE are arranged in 4 rows and 5 columns. That is, one touch electrode TE includes first to fourth touch cathode electrode rows, and each of the first to fourth touch cathode electrode rows includes five touch cathode electrodes TCE.

Four touch bridges (TB) are disposed in the area of one touch electrode (TE). The four touch bridges TB correspond to the first to fourth touch cathode electrode rows, respectively. Five touch cathode electrodes (TCE) included in each of the first to fourth touch cathode electrode rows may be electrically connected to each other by one touch bridge (TB).

A plurality of touch lines TL may be disposed across an area where one touch electrode TE is formed. One of the plurality of touch lines TL may be electrically connected to the first to fourth touch cathode electrode rows through the four first contact holes CNT1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cathode division boundary area in a display panel of a transparent touch display device to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied, showing an under-cut structure.

As described in FIG. 6, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) must be periodically separated, and for this purpose, an under-cut structure may be formed.

That is, the lower part of the lower layer located below the cathode electrode layer (CEL) has an inwardly recessed under-cut shape, so that when the cathode electrode material is deposited on the lower layer, the cathode electrode material is It breaks at the undercut point of the lower layer. The cathode electrode materials separated based on the under-cut point correspond to the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE). For example, the lower layer to which a cut may be applied may include a pixel electrode layer, an overcoat layer, or a bank where the anode electrode (AE) is formed.

For example, the lower layer to which a cut can be applied may include a pixel electrode layer, an overcoat layer, or a bank on which the anode electrode (AE) is formed, and in some cases, a first protective film (PAS1), an additional protective film, and an interlayer dielectric (ILD).

Depending on the undercut structure of the lower layer described above, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) may be the same cathode electrode material. For example, the cathode electrode material may include a transparent conductive material.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 9, in the cathode division boundary area BA, the lower layer located below the display cathode electrode DCE has an undercut shape with the lower part depressed inward. You can have it.

The lower layer may have an undercut structure in which the lower portion is depressed inward. The display cathode electrode DCE and the touch cathode electrode TCE1 may be electrically separated at a point BA where the lower layer has an undercut structure.

In addition, the top of the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) is filled with an insulating filling material (ENCAP_FILL), and a sealing substrate (ENCAP_SUB), which is a second substrate, is placed on top of the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE). In this state, the display panel is finally manufactured by curing the filling material with heat or ultraviolet rays.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining lighting defects and touch signal deterioration phenomena in a display panel with an undercut structure such as that of FIG. 9 .

In the transparent touch display device of FIG. 9, an undercut structure is formed to dent the lower layer, such as the overcoat layer, and then a light emitting layer (EL) and a cathode electrode layer (CEL) are formed, thereby forming the undercut. Near the structure, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE1) are electrically separated.

However, in the transparent touch display panel as shown in FIG. 9, during the curing process of the filling material (ENCAP_FILL) between the first and second substrates, a portion of the cathode electrode layer (CEL) disposed below is torn or damaged, resulting in the display cathode. Part of the electrode (DCE) may be damaged.

Figure 10 shows an example in which a part of the pixel does not emit light due to damage to the display cathode electrode (DCE) occurring during the curing process of the filling material, resulting in lighting defects.

Additionally, moisture or outgas generated during the curing process of the filling material may penetrate into the undercut portion, which may weaken the operational reliability of the display panel.

Additionally, in the structure of FIG. 9, during the curing process of the filling material, a problem may occur in which the strength of the touch signal is weakened due to a thermal drift phenomenon of the filling material.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when a touch occurs, the touch signal intensity or signal strength to noise (SNR) may decrease due to a decrease in temperature due to a thermal drift phenomenon of the filling material. Therefore, touch performance may deteriorate.

Therefore, in the following embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is proposed that does not form an undercut structure as shown in FIG. 9, but further forms a separate cathode separation partition (PAT).

In addition, instead of the insulating filler material (ENCAP_FILL) between the first substrate and the encapsulation substrate, we propose a structure in which a conductive material layer (CON_FILL) is placed only in the space between the first and second substrates in the transmission area where the touch sensor unit is placed. .

Below, the transparent touch display device according to the proposed embodiment will be described in more detail based on the drawings of FIG. 12 and below.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of a transparent touch display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 12, showing the display panel of the transparent touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross-sectional structure of is shown.

Referring to FIG. 12, the transparent touch display device according to this embodiment may include a display panel including a plurality of subpixels and a plurality of touch electrodes, and a driving circuit that drives image display and touch detection through the display panel. there is.

At this time, the driving circuit may include one or more of the display driving circuit and the touch driving circuit described above. More specifically, the driving circuit includes a data driving circuit 120, a gate driving circuit 130, and a display controller 140 included in the display driving circuit, and a touch sensing circuit 150 included in the touch driving circuit. , may include a touch driving circuit 160 and a touch controller 170.

In this embodiment, the touch driving circuit may be included in a display driving circuit such as the data driving circuit 120, or may be implemented/arranged as a separate circuit.

Additionally, the display panel of the transparent touch display device includes a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NA) surrounding it.

In the display area (DA) of the display panel, a plurality of light emitting areas (PA) in which a plurality of subpixels are disposed and a plurality of transmission areas (TA) in which a touch cathode electrode (TCE) is disposed between the light emitting areas will be disposed. You can.

Additionally, the display panel may include a first substrate and a second substrate, and the first substrate includes a plurality of layers constituting subpixels, a thin film transistor, a light emitting layer (EL), and a touch sensor in a transmissive area (TA). Wealth can be formed.

The second substrate may be the encapsulation substrate (ENCAP_SUB) described in FIG. 2 or a color filter substrate.

The second substrate may be disposed on one side of the first substrate and sealed/bonded to the first substrate by a dam disposed in a non-display area.

Meanwhile, the embodiment of FIG. 12 may further include a cathode separation partition (PAT) protruding at a certain height on the transmission area (TA) between the light emitting area and the adjacent transmission area of the first substrate.

In addition, referring to FIG. 13, the conductive material layer (CON_FILL) filled in the space between the first substrate and the second substrate (ENCSP_SUB or color substrate) in at least a portion of the transmission area (TA) may be further included.

At this time, the conductive material layer (CON_FILL) may include one or more of a conductive polymer including PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) and a transparent conductive resin including a metal alloy.

Transparent conductive resin contains more than a certain ratio of titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and an alloy of silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg) in the transparent resin, thereby maintaining a certain level of stability. It may be a material with electrical conductivity equal to or higher.

The conductive polymer may be PEDOT:PSS, but may further include additives such as DMSO and EG. The electrical conductivity of the conductive polymer material can be adjusted by these additives.

Referring to FIG. 13, the display panel according to this embodiment may include a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, source/drain electrodes, an active layer, etc.

Additionally, the display panel may be a top-emission type display panel in which light emitted from the light emitting layer EL in the light emitting area is emitted toward the opposite side of the first substrate, that is, toward the second substrate.

The subpixel of the light emitting area includes a top gate type thin film transistor, a first protective layer (PAS1) disposed on the source/drain electrode layer of the thin film transistor, an overcoat layer (OC) disposed on the first protective layer, and an overcoat It may include an anode electrode (AE) disposed on the layer and connected to the source/drain electrodes of the thin film transistor, a light emitting layer (EL) on the anode electrode, and a display cathode electrode (DCE) on the light emitting layer.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 13, a driving transistor (DRT), an anode electrode (AE), and a display cathode electrode (DCE) may be disposed in the light emitting area (PA). A cathode separation partition (PAT), a touch cathode electrode (TCE), a touch line (TL1), etc. according to this embodiment may be disposed in the transmission area (TA).

In particular, in this embodiment, a cathode separation partition (PAT) is formed at a certain height on the first protective layer (PAS1) in the transmission area (TA) between the light emitting area (PA) and the adjacent transmission area (TA). More can be arranged.

The partition (PAT) may have an inverse taper shape in which the angle between the extension of its side and the image display surface of the display device is 90 degrees or more, and this will be described in more detail below based on FIG. 15.

In addition, a cathode separation layer (ICE) formed of the same layer as the display cathode electrode (DCE) of the light emitting area (PA) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) of the transmission area (TA) may be disposed on the upper surface of the partition (PAT). there is.

At this time, the cathode isolation layer (ICE) disposed on the upper surface of the partition (PAT) may be electrically separated from the touch cathode electrode (TCE) of the transmission area and the display cathode electrode (DCE) of the subpixel.

In particular, the cathode separation layer (ICE) disposed on the upper surface of the partition (PAT) is physically separated from the display cathode electrode (DCE), thereby ensuring reliable separation of the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE).

Additionally, a light emitting layer (EL) may be further disposed between the upper surface of the partition wall (PAT) and the cathode separation layer (ICE).

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, a bank BK as a pixel defining layer may be further formed on the overcoat layer OC in the emission area PA.

This bank (BK) may be further formed on the first protective layer (PAS1) or the overcoat layer (OC) formed in the transmission area (TA), and in this case, the cathode separation partition (PAT) is on the bank (BK). can be placed.

In this case, the entire structure in which the bank (BK) and the barrier rib (PAT) formed in the transmission area (TA) are stacked may be defined as a cathode separation barrier.

Referring to FIG. 13, the space between the first and second substrates (ENCAP_SUB) in the light emitting area (PA) may be a vacuum (VAC). That is, in the light emitting area (PA), the space between the display cathode electrode (DCE), which is the uppermost layer of the first substrate, and the second substrate (color substrate) may be a vacuum.

That is, the space between the first substrate and the second substrate (ENCSP_SUB or color substrate) in at least part of the transmission area (TA) is filled with the conductive material layer (CON_FILL), while the space between the first substrate and the second substrate (ENCSP_SUB or color substrate) in the emission area (PA) is filled. The space between the two substrates (ENCAP_SUB) may be vacuum (VAC).

Accordingly, the dielectric constant of the conductive material layer (CON_FILL) on the transmission area in the embodiment of FIG. 12 is greater than that of the insulating filling material (ENCAP_FILL) in the display device of FIG. 9. Accordingly, touch sensitivity through the touch cathode electrode disposed in the transmission area can be increased.

Specifically, touch performance and touch sensitivity are determined by the change (ΔCm) in the capacitance (Cm) between the touch electrodes (Tx electrode and Rx electrode) to which the touch signal is applied, the conductive material layer on the transmission area ( Due to the large dielectric constant of CON_FILL), the amount of capacitance change may increase.

Therefore, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 9, touch performance or touch sensitivity may be improved.

In addition, by disposing a conductive material layer (CON_FILL) on the transmission area (TA) and forming a vacuum on the emission area (PA), the fringe capacitance (C _fringe ), which is a parasitic capacitance between the two areas, can be minimized.

In addition, as in the embodiment of FIG. 16, it is disposed on the display cathode electrode (DCE) of the subpixel, the touch cathode electrode (TCE) of the transmission area (TA), and the cathode separation layer (ICE) on the upper surface of the partition (PAT). It may further include a second protective layer (PAS2).

In this way, when the second protective layer (PAS) is further disposed on the cathode electrode layer (CEL), touch performance can be further improved by preventing damage to the touch cathode electrode layer (TCE) due to external voltage or static electricity. This will be explained in more detail below based on FIG. 16.

Meanwhile, as a process for manufacturing a transparent touch display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of layers and a thin film transistor are formed on a first substrate (SUB), and a first protective layer (PAS1) and an overcoat layer are placed on the first substrate (SUB). (OC), anode electrode (AE), bank (BK), and light emitting layer (EL) are sequentially formed. After removing a plurality of layers (overcoat layer, light emitting layer, etc.) of the transmission area (TA) and exposing the first protective layer (PAS1), a cathode separation partition (PAT) according to this embodiment is formed, and on top of it Deposit the cathode electrode layer (CEL). At this time, the cathode electrode layer (CEL) is separated into a display cathode electrode (DCE), a cathode separation layer (ICE), a touch cathode electrode (TCE), etc. by the partition wall (PAT).

Next, a conductive material layer (CON_FILL) is patterned in the transmission area (TA) of the first substrate, a dam (DAM) is applied between the first and second substrates, and then both substrates are aligned and bonded.

At this time, since the cathode separation barrier (PAT) according to this embodiment has a certain height, it also has the function of preventing the conductive material layer from crossing over to the light emitting area (PA) during the process of patterning the conductive material layer (CON_FILL). can be provided.

Below, based on FIG. 13, the laminated structure of the display panel according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 13, the anode electrode (AE) is disposed on the pixel electrode layer (anode electrode layer) in the light emitting area (PA) and is located on top of the driving transistor (DRT), and the source electrode (S) of the driving transistor (DRT) Alternatively, it may be electrically connected to the drain electrode (D). A light emitting layer (EL) may be located between the anode electrode (AE) and the display cathode electrode (DCE).

The display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is located below the driving transistor (DRT) and has a light shield (LS) that overlaps the active layer (ACT) of the driving transistor (DRT). ) may further be included. The layer where the light shield (LS) is located can be referred to as the light shield metal layer.

The light shield LS may be disposed in the light emitting area PA.

The touch line TL1 overlapping the touch cathode electrode TCE may be located in the light shield metal layer. Accordingly, the light shield LS and the touch line TL1 may include the same material (light shield metal).

Meanwhile, in FIG. 13, the touch line TL1 is shown as being located on the first metal layer (light shield metal layer), but may be located on various layers. For example, the touch line TL1 includes a first metal layer (light shield metal layer), a second metal layer (gate metal layer), a third metal layer (source-drain metal layer), and a fourth metal layer ( It may be located in one of the metal layers located between the third metal layer and the pixel electrode layer (anode electrode layer).

Referring to FIG. 13, the display panel 110 of the transparent touch display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an upper light emitting device (top light emitting) in which light for image display is emitted to the upper surface of the second substrate or the encapsulation substrate (ENCAP_SUB). Top emission) structure. To this end, the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) may include the same transparent conductive material, and the anode electrode (AE) may include a reflective metal material.

Referring to FIG. 13, a light shield metal layer, which is a first metal layer, may be located on the first substrate (SUB). Here, the light shield metal layer, which is the first metal layer, is a layer on which the light shield metal, which is the first metal, is disposed, and may be the metal layer closest to the first substrate SUB.

The buffer layer BUF may be disposed to cover the light shield LS and the touch line TL1. The buffer layer (BUF) may be a single layer or multiple layers.

The active layer (ACT) may be disposed on the buffer layer (BUF), and the gate insulating layer (GI) may be disposed covering the active layer (ACT).

A gate electrode (G) is disposed on the gate insulating film (GI), an interlayer insulating film (ILD) is disposed on the gate electrode (G), and a source electrode (S) including a source-drain metal is placed on the interlayer insulating film (ILD). ) and a drain electrode (D) may be disposed.

The source electrode S may be connected to one side of the active layer ACT through a through hole in the gate insulating layer GI. The drain electrode D may be connected to the other side of the active layer ACT through a through hole in the gate insulating layer GI.

The source electrode (S) may be connected to the light shield (LS) through a through hole in the gate insulating film (GI) and the buffer layer (BUF). Accordingly, stable operation of the driving transistor (DRT) may be possible with respect to body effect.

A first protective layer PAS1 may be disposed on the source-drain metal layer.

In addition, although not shown, an additional protective layer may be further disposed on the first protective layer, and a display cathode contact pattern disposed on the first protective layer (PAS1) is disposed, and the display cathode contact pattern is disposed on the first protective layer (PAS1). It may be connected to a portion of the base voltage line (BVL) through a through hole.

An overcoat layer (OC) may be disposed on the first protective layer (PAS1). An anode electrode (AE) is disposed on the overcoat layer (OC), and the anode electrode (AE) is connected to the source electrode (S) of the driving transistor (DRT) through a through hole in the overcoat layer (OC) and the first protective film (PAS1). can be connected to

The bank BK may be disposed on the anode electrode AE, the bank BK may have an opening, and a portion of the upper surface of the anode electrode AE may be exposed through the opening of the bank BK. The bank BK may be located in the emission area PA and not in the transmission area TA.

A light emitting layer (EL) may be disposed in both the light emitting area (PA) and the transmission area (TA). In the light emitting area PA, the light emitting layer EL may be positioned on the bank BK, and in the opening of the bank BK, the light emitting layer EL may be placed in contact with the anode electrode AE. In the transmission area TA, the light emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first protective layer PAS1.

Of course, if the overcoat layer (OC) of the transmission area (TA) exists, the light emitting layer (EL) may be disposed on the overcoat layer (OA).

Additionally, when a bank BK is further formed in the transmission area TA, a cathode separation partition PAT may be formed on the bank BK, as shown in FIG. 15 .

Additionally, although not shown, a light emitting layer (EL) and a cathode separation layer (ICE) may be sequentially stacked on the upper surface of the partition wall (PAT).

However, the light emitting layer EL in the light emitting area PA and the light emitting layer EL in the transmission area TA are not connected to each other, but are disconnected at the boundary area between the light emitting area PA and the transmission area TA. That is, the light emitting layer EL may be cut off by the cathode separation partition PAT at the boundary area between the light emitting area PA and the transmission area TA.

The cathode electrode material in the cathode electrode layer (CEL) is located on the light emitting layer (EL), but may be cut off at the boundary area between the light emitting area (PA) and the transmission area (TA) by the cathode separation partition (PAT). Accordingly, the cathode electrode material located on the light emitting layer (EL) in the light emitting area (PA) constitutes the display cathode electrode (DCE), and the cathode electrode material located on the light emitting layer (EL) in the transmission area (TA) constitutes the touch electrode. A cathode electrode (TCE) can be formed.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cathode electrode layer (CEL) can be reliably physically separated in the boundary area between the light emitting area (PA) and the barrier rib (PAT), which will be described in more detail based on FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a separate touch metal layer (TM) may be further disposed on the first protective layer (PAS1) in the transmission area (TA). This touch metal layer (TM) may be electrically connected to the touch line (TL1) disposed below through the first contact hole (CNT1) formed in the first protective layer (PAS1).

In addition, a conductive material layer (CON_FILL) is filled on the top of the touch cathode electrode (TCE) in the transmission area (PA) up to the second substrate (ENCAP_SUB). On the other hand, in the light emitting area (PA), a vacuum is maintained between the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the second substrate.

Additionally, a pad portion (PAD) including a touch pad connected to the touch line TL1 or a data pad connected to the data line is formed in the non-display area of the first substrate SUB.

Additionally, a dam DA is disposed in the non-display area of the first substrate SUB, and the first substrate and the second substrate ENCAP_SUB can be sealed and bonded by the dam.

Additionally, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) disposed in a plurality of transmission areas (TA) may be grouped and function as one touch electrode.

At this time, a plurality of touch cathode electrodes (TCE) included in one touch electrode may be electrically connected to the touch line (TL1) disposed below through the first contact hole (CNT1).

Additionally, according to this embodiment, in the touch sensing method, a self-capacitance sensing method that detects a change in capacitance between touch cathode electrodes disposed in the transmission area (TA) may be applied. Alternatively, in addition to the touch cathode electrode disposed in the transmission area (TA), a mutual-capacitance ( Mutual-Capacitance) sensing method can also be used.

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view near the partition between the light-emitting area and the transmission area.

As shown in FIG. 14, a cathode separation barrier (PAT), which is an insulating layer structure with a certain height, is formed in a portion of the transmission area (TA) adjacent to the light emitting area (PA) without a separate undercut structure.

After that, when the light emitting layer (EL) and the cathode electrode layer (CEL) are deposited, the cathode electrode layer (CEL) is connected to the display cathode electrode (DCE) on the light emitting area (PA) and the cathode separation layer ( ICE) and a touch cathode electrode (TCE) on a transmission area (TA) with a touch function.

In particular, when the height of the partition wall is set to a certain level or higher or the partition wall is formed in an inverse taper shape (i.e., a structure where the area of the upper surface is larger than the area of the lower surface), the display cathode electrode (DCE) on the light emitting area (PA), the display cathode electrode (DCE) on the partition wall The cathode separation layer (ICE) is physically separated, thereby ensuring electrical separation between the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE).

Additionally, the display panel can be manufactured through a process of filling the conductive material layer (CON_FILL) only on the transmissive area (TA) and then bonding the first/second substrate.

Therefore, as in the structure of FIG. 9, there is no need for a curing process of the filling material (ENCAP_FILL) that fills the space between the first and second substrates. Therefore, by preventing damage to the display cathode electrode that occurs during the curing process of the filling material (ENCAP_FILL), lighting defects can be minimized and image quality can be improved.

In addition, it is possible to prevent the reliability of the display panel from being reduced due to moisture or outgassing generated during the curing process of the filling material (ENCAP_FILL), and to prevent touch signal deterioration due to thermal drift of the filling material (ENCAP_FILL).

Figure 15 shows an example of a partition wall structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, it is illustrated that the barrier rib of the transmission area TA is formed on the first protective layer PAS1. However, in the case where the bank BK is further formed in the transmission area TA, as shown in FIG. 15 Likewise, a cathode separation partition (PAT) may be formed on the bank (BK).

That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the bank BK may be formed in a partial area of the transmission area TA, and the partition PAT may be continuously stacked on top of the bank BK.

In this case, the entire structure in which the bank (BK) and the barrier rib (PAT) formed in the transmission area (TA) are stacked may be defined as a cathode separation barrier.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 15 , the partition PAT may have an inverse taper shape in which the angle θ formed by the extension of the side surface with the image display surface of the display panel, that is, the top surface of the partition, is 90 degrees or more.

Additionally, a cathode separation layer (ICE) may be disposed on the upper surface of the partition (PAT), and a light emitting layer (EL) may be further disposed between the cathode separation layer and the upper surface of the partition.

As shown in FIG. 15 , by forming the barrier rib in an inverse tapered shape, it is possible to reliably ensure electrical separation between the display cathode electrode (DCE) and the touch cathode electrode (TCE).

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional structure of a display panel of a transparent touch display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, a second protective layer ( PAS2) may be further included.

That is, the second protective layer (PAS2) forms the uppermost layer of the first substrate and can be deposited to cover the entire display cathode electrode (DCE), touch cathode electrode (TCE), and cathode separation layer (ICE).

The second protective layer (PAS2) may be formed of a material having insulating properties and may include, for example, SiNx and SiOn. The insulating performance of the second protective layer (PAS2) may vary depending on the gas composition ratio in the environment in which the second protective layer is deposited.

In this way, when the second protective layer (PAS) is further disposed on the cathode electrode layer (CEL), touch performance can be further improved by preventing damage to the touch cathode electrode layer (TCE) due to external voltage or static electricity.

As a result of the actual experiment, the second protective layer (PAS2 ), it was confirmed that the second protective layer (PAS2) had a uniformity of 5.9% and was not damaged (breakdown) up to a voltage of 210V.

In addition, as another deposition environment, in an environment where SiH4 and NH3 are 180 sccm and 100 sccm, SiH4:NH3 flow ratio of 1:0.56, and N2 is 2000sccm, secondary protection is provided under the conditions of power of 600W, pressure of 1000mTorr, and temperature of 90 degrees. When the layer (PAS2) was formed, it was confirmed that the second protective layer (PAS2) had a uniformity of 5.55% and was not damaged (breakdown) up to a voltage of 700V.

In this way, the second protective layer (PAS2) is not damaged even when exposed to a high-voltage external environment, thereby protecting the touch sensor unit including the touch cathode electrode (TCE) disposed below, thereby improving the durability of the touch sensor unit. You can.

FIG. 17 is a photograph showing a deposition structure near a partition when an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

A display panel was manufactured according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the area near the partition wall (PAT), which is the boundary between the emitting area (PA) and the transmissive area (TA), was photographed.

Specifically, the bank (BK) and partition (PAT) of the transmission area (TA) are formed in an inverted taper shape or T-shape, and the light emitting layer (EL), cathode electrode layer (CEL), and second protective layer (PAS2) are formed on the upper part. ) was deposited.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, it can be confirmed that the display cathode electrode (DCE) of the light emitting area and the touch cathode electrode (TCE) of the transmission area (TA) are clearly separated.

As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a transparent touch display device and display panel including a display panel with a built-in touch sensor capable of accurate touch sensing while having excellent image quality and high transparency.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a transparent touch display device and display panel capable of detecting a touch at a cathode electrode layer for touch in a transparent area by cathode separation can be provided.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cathode-separated transparent touch display device and display panel that can minimize lighting defects due to damage to the cathode layer in the light-emitting area.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, deterioration of touch performance due to outgassing and thermal drift of the filling material generated during curing of the filling material between the first and second substrates is prevented, It is possible to provide a cathode-separated transparent touch display device and display panel with excellent touch sensing performance.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present disclosure, but rather to explain them, and therefore the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this disclosure.

100: touch display device
110: display panel
120: data driving circuit
130: Gate driving circuit
140; display controller
150: touch sensing circuit
160: touch driving circuit
170: Touch controller

Claims (18)

A transparent touch display device comprising a display panel including a plurality of subpixels and a plurality of touch electrodes, and a driving circuit that drives image display and touch detection through the display panel,
The display panel is,
A first substrate including a display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas on which a plurality of subpixels are disposed, a plurality of transmission areas on which a touch cathode electrode is disposed and disposed between the light-emitting areas, and a non-display area on which a dam is disposed. ;
a second substrate disposed on one side of the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate by the dam;
a cathode separation partition formed on a transmissive area between the light emitting area and an adjacent transmissive area of the first substrate; and
a conductive material layer disposed in a space between a first substrate and a second substrate in at least a portion of the transmission area;
A transparent touch display device comprising:
According to paragraph 1,
The subpixel is,
A thin film transistor disposed on a substrate;
a first protective layer disposed on the source/drain electrode layer of the thin film transistor;
an overcoat layer disposed on the first protective layer;
an anode electrode disposed on the overcoat layer and connected to source/drain electrodes of the thin film transistor;
A light-emitting layer on top of the anode electrode; and
A transparent touch display device including a display cathode electrode on the light emitting layer.
According to paragraph 2,
A transparent touch display device wherein the partition wall is formed at a certain height on a first protective layer disposed in the transmission area.
According to paragraph 1,
The conductive material layer is a transparent touch display device comprising at least one of a conductive polymer including PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) and a transparent conductive resin including a metal alloy.
According to paragraph 2,
The second substrate is a color filter substrate, and the space between the first and second substrates in the light emitting area is a vacuum.
According to paragraph 2,
A cathode separation layer formed of the same layer as the display cathode electrode and the touch cathode electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the partition, and the cathode separation layer is electrically separated from the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area and the display cathode electrode of the subpixel. A transparent touch display device.
According to clause 6,
A transparent touch display device in which a light emitting layer is further disposed between the upper surface of the partition and the cathode separation layer.
According to clause 6,
A transparent touch display device further comprising a second protective layer disposed on the display cathode electrode of the subpixel, the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area, and the cathode separation layer on the upper surface of the partition.
According to paragraph 2,
A transparent touch display device further comprising a bank disposed on an upper portion of a first protective layer or an overcoat layer in the transmission area, wherein the barrier rib is disposed on the bank.
According to paragraph 1,
The cathode separation partition is a transparent touch display device in which the extension of the side of the cathode has an inverse taper shape such that the angle formed by the image display surface of the display device is more than 90 degrees.
According to clause 11,
A transparent touch display device in which a first protective layer, a light emitting layer, and a touch cathode electrode are sequentially stacked in the transmission area.
According to paragraph 1,
A plurality of touch cathode electrodes disposed in a plurality of transmission areas are grouped to form one touch electrode, and a plurality of touch cathode electrodes included in one touch electrode are electrically connected to the touch line disposed below through the first contact hole. A transparent touch display device connected to .
A first substrate including a display area including a plurality of light-emitting areas on which a plurality of subpixels are disposed, a plurality of transmission areas on which a touch cathode electrode is disposed and disposed between the light-emitting areas, and a non-display area on which a dam is disposed. ;
a second substrate disposed on one side of the first substrate and bonded to the first substrate by the dam;
a cathode separation partition formed on a transmission area between the light emitting area and an adjacent transmission area of the first substrate; and
a conductive material layer disposed in a space between a first substrate and a second substrate in at least a portion of the transmission area;
A transparent touch display panel including.
According to clause 13,
The subpixel is,
A thin film transistor disposed on a substrate;
a first protective layer disposed on the source/drain electrode layer of the thin film transistor;
an overcoat layer disposed on the first protective layer;
an anode electrode disposed on the overcoat layer and connected to source/drain electrodes of the thin film transistor;
A light emitting layer on top of the anode electrode; and
A transparent touch display panel including a display cathode electrode on the light emitting layer.
According to clause 13,
The conductive material layer includes at least one of a conductive polymer including PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) and a transparent conductive resin including a metal alloy, and in the light-emitting area, the first substrate and the first substrate. A transparent touch display panel in which the space between two boards is vacuum.
According to clause 14,
A cathode separation layer formed of the same layer as the display cathode electrode and the touch cathode electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the partition, and the cathode separation layer is electrically separated from the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area and the display cathode electrode of the subpixel. Transparent touch display panel.
According to clause 16,
A transparent touch display panel further comprising a second protective layer disposed on the display cathode electrode of the subpixel, the touch cathode electrode of the transmission area, and the cathode separation layer on the upper surface of the partition.
According to clause 13,
A plurality of touch cathode electrodes disposed in a plurality of transmission areas are grouped to form one touch electrode, and a plurality of touch cathode electrodes included in one touch electrode are electrically connected to the touch line disposed below through the first contact hole. Transparent touch display panel connected to .

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