Display apparatus with integrated touch screen and method for fabricating the same

A display apparatus comprises a light emitting device layer that includes a first electrode arranged on a first substrate, a light emitting layer arranged on the first electrode, and a second electrode arranged on the light emitting layer; and a touch sensing layer arranged on the light emitting device layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2017-0142388 filed on Oct. 30, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen and a method for fabricating the same.

Discussion of the Related Art

With the advancement of the information age, a demand for a display apparatus for displaying an image has been increased in various forms. Therefore, various display apparatuses such as liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatuses, plasma display panel (PDP) apparatuses, and organic light emitting display (OLED) apparatuses have been used. Among the display apparatuses, the OLED apparatus has advantages of low-voltage driving, thin profile, excellent viewing angle, and rapid response speed.

The OLED apparatus may include a display panel having data lines, scan lines, and a plurality of pixels provided at every intersection of the data and scan lines, a scan driver for supplying scan signals to the scan lines, and a data driver for supplying data voltages to the data lines. Each of the pixels may include an organic light emitting device, a driving transistor for controlling the amount of a current supplied to the organic light emitting device in accordance with a voltage of a gate electrode, and a scan transistor for supplying a data voltage of the data line to the gate electrode of the driving transistor in response to a scan signal of the scan line.

Recently, the display apparatus is formed as a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen, which includes a touch screen panel for sensing a user's touch. In this case, the display apparatus functions as a touch screen apparatus. Recently, the touch screen apparatus is widely applied to home appliances such as a refrigerator, a microwave oven and a washing machine, as well as monitors for navigation, an industrial terminal, a notebook computer, a banking automation apparatus and a game console and mobile terminals such as a smart phone, tablet, mobile phone, MP3, PDA, PMP, PSP, mobile game console, DMB receiver and tablet PC. Also, the touch screen apparatus has become widely used due to its easy operation.

In the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen, first touch electrodes, second touch electrodes, and bridge electrodes for connecting the first touch electrodes or the second touch electrodes with each other are formed in the display panel. The first touch electrodes may be Tx electrodes, and the second touch electrodes may be Rx electrodes.

The first and second electrodes of the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen are formed on the same layer. If an interval between the first and second touch electrodes is not sufficient, a problem occurs in that a short is generated between the first and second electrodes due to particles generated during a process of forming touch electrodes or a scratch generated during a substrate scribing process after a cell process.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen and a method for fabricating the same, which substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen and a method for fabricating the same, in which short may be prevented from being generated between first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes.

A display apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light emitting device layer.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a display apparatus comprises the steps of forming a thin film transistor layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing a position relationship, for example, when the position relationship is described as ‘upon˜’, ‘above˜’, ‘below˜’, and ‘next to˜’, one or more portions may be arranged between two other portions unless ‘just’ or ‘direct’ is used.

“A first horizontal-axis direction”, “a second horizontal-axis direction,” and “a vertical-axis direction” should not be construed by a geometric relation only of a mutual vertical relation, and may have broader directionality within the range that elements of the present disclosure may act functionally.

Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment.FIG. 2is a block view illustrating a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to an embodiment includes a display panel110, a scan driver120, a data driver130, a timing controller160, a host system170, a touch driver180, and a touch coordinate calculator190.

The display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to the present disclosure may be realized as a flat panel display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), plasma display panel (PDP), organic light emitting display (OLED), and electrophoresis display (EPD). Hereinafter, the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to the present disclosure is realized as, but not limited to, an organic light emitting display apparatus.

The display panel110includes a first substrate111and a second substrate112. The second substrate112may be an encapsulation substrate. The first substrate may be a plastic film or a glass substrate. The second substrate112may be a plastic film, a glass substrate, or an encapsulation film (protective film).

The display panel110includes a display area on which sub pixels SP are arranged to display an image. On the display area110, data lines D1to Dm (m is a positive integer of 2 or more) and scan lines S1to Sn (n is a positive integer of 2 or more) are formed. The data lines D1to Dm may be formed to cross the scan lines S1to Sn. The sub pixels SP may be formed on the area defined by a crossed structure of the gate lines and the data lines.

Each of the sub pixels SP of the display panel110may be connected to any one of the data lines D1to Dm and any one of the scan lines S1to Sn. Each of the sub pixels SP of the display panel110may include a driving transistor for controlling a drain-source current in accordance with a data voltage applied to a gate electrode, a scan transistor turned on by a scan signal of the scan line, supplying a data voltage of the data line to the gate electrode of the driving transistor, an organic light emitting diode for emitting light in accordance with the drain-source current of the driving transistor, and a capacitor for storing a voltage of the gate electrode of the driving transistor. Therefore, each of the sub pixels SP may emit light in accordance with the current supplied to the organic light emitting diode.

The scan driver120receives a scan control signal GCS from the timing controller160. The scan driver120supplies scan signals to the scan lines S1˜Sn in accordance with the scan control signal GCS.

The scan driver120may be formed in a non-display area outside one side or both sides of the display area of the display panel110in a GIP (gate driver in panel) mode. Alternatively, the scan driver120is fabricated of a driving chip, packaged in a flexible film, and may be attached to the non-display area outside one side or both sides of the display area of the display panel110in a TAB (tape automated bonding) mode.

The data driver130receives digital video data DATA and a data control signal DCS from the timing controller160. The data driver130converts the digital video data DATA into an analogue positive polarity/negative polarity data voltage in accordance with the data control signal DCS and supplies them to the data lines. That is, pixels to which the data voltages will be supplied are selected by the scan signals of the scan driver120, and the data voltages are supplied to the selected pixels.

The data driver130may include a plurality of source drive ICs131as shown inFIG. 1. Each of the plurality of source drive ICs131may be packaged into the flexible film140in a COF (chip on film) or COP (chip on plastic) mode. The flexible film140is attached onto pads provided on the non-display area of the display panel110using an anisotropic conducting film, whereby the source drives ICs131may be connected to the pads.

The circuit board150may be attached to the flexible films140. A plurality of circuits realized as driving chips may be packaged onto the circuit board150. For example, the timing controller160may be packaged onto the circuit board150. The circuit board150may be a printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit board.

The timing controller160receives digital video data DATA and timing signals from the host system170. The timing signals may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a data enable signal, and a dot clock. The vertical synchronization signal is a signal defining one frame period, according to an embodiment. The horizontal synchronization signal is a signal defining one horizontal period needed to supply the data voltages to pixels of one horizontal line of the display panel DIS, according to an embodiment. The data enable signal is a signal defining a period of inputting available data. The dot clock is a signal repeated with a predetermined short period, according to an embodiment.

In order to control operation timings of the scan driver120and the data driver130, the timing controller160generates a data control signal DCS for controlling operation timing of the data driver130and a scan control signal GCS for controlling operation timing of the data driver130based on the timing signals. The timing controller160outputs the scan control signal GCS to the scan driver120and outputs the digital video data DATA and the data control signal DCS to the data driver130.

The host system170may be realized as a navigation system, a set-top box, a DVD player, a blue-ray player, a personal computer (PC), a home theater system, a broadcasting receiver, and a phone system. The host system170includes SoC (System on chip) equipped with a scaler and converts the digital video data of an input image to a format suitable to display the display panel110. The host system170transmits the digital video data DATA and the timing signals to the timing controller160.

On the display panel110, not only the data lines D1to Dm and the scan lines S1to Sn but also first and the second touch electrodes may be formed. The first touch electrodes may be formed to cross the second touch electrodes. The first touch electrodes may be connected to a first touch driver181through first touch lines T1to Tj, where j is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The second touch electrodes may be connected to a second touch driver182through second touch lines R1to Ri, where i is an integer equal to or greater than 2. On each of the intersections between the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes, a touch sensor may be formed. The touch sensor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is realized as, but not limited to, a mutual capacitance. The first and the second touch electrodes will be described later in more detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

The touch driver180supplies a driving pulse to the first touch electrodes through the first touch lines T1to Tj and senses the amount of charge changes in each of the touch sensors through the second touch lines R1to Ri. That is, inFIG. 2, description will be given based on that the first touch lines T1to Tj are Tx lines for supplying a driving pulse and the second touch lines R1to Ri are Rx lines for sensing the amount of charge changes in in each of the touch sensors.

The touch driver180includes the first touch driver181, the second touch driver182, and a touch controller183. The first touch driver181, the second touch driver182, and the touch controller183may be integrated into one ROIC (Read-out IC).

The first touch driver181selects the first touch line to output a driving pulse under the control of the touch controller183and supplies the driving pulse to the selected first touch line. For example, the first touch driver181may sequentially supply driving pulses to the first touch lines T1to Tj.

The second touch driver182selects the second touch lines to receive the amount of charge changes in the touch sensors under the control of the touch controller183and receives the amount of charge changes in the touch sensors through the selected second touch lines. The second touch driver182converts the amount of charge changes in the touch sensors, which are received through the second touch lines R1to Ri, to touch raw data TRD which is digital data by sampling the amount of charge changes in the touch sensors.

The touch controller183may generate a Tx setup signal in the first touch driver181to set up the first touch line to which the driving pulse is to be output and an Rx setup signal in the second touch driver182to set up the second touch line in which a touch sensor voltage is to be received. Also, the touch controller183generates timing control signals to control operation timings of the first touch driver181and the second touch driver182.

The touch coordinate calculator190receives touch raw data TRD from the touch driver180. The touch coordinate calculator190calculates touch coordinate(s) in accordance with a touch coordinate calculating method and outputs touch coordinate data HIDxy including information of touch coordinate(s) to the host system170.

The touch coordinate calculator190may be realized as a micro controller unit (MCU). The host system170analyzes touch coordinate data HIDxy input from the touch coordinate calculator190and executes an application program connected with a coordinate where a touch is generated by a user. The host system170transmits the digital video data DATA and the timing signals to the timing controller160in accordance with the executed application program.

The touch driver180may be included in the source drive ICs131or may be fabricated of a separate drive chip and packaged onto the circuit board150. Also, the touch coordinate calculator190may be fabricated of a driving chip and packaged onto the circuit board150

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view illustrating one side of the display panel inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 3, the display panel110may include a first substrate111, a second substrate112, a thin film transistor layer10arranged between the first and second substrates111and112, an organic light emitting device layer20, an encapsulation layer30, a touch sensing layer40, and an adhesive layer50.

The first substrate111may be a plastic film or a glass substrate.

The thin film transistor layer10is formed on the first substrate111. The thin film transistor layer10may include scan lines, data lines, and thin film transistors. Each of the thin film transistors includes a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, and source and drain electrodes. In the case that a scan driver is formed using a GIP (gate driver in panel) method, the scan driver may be formed together with the thin film transistor layer10. A detailed description of the thin film transistor10will be given later with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

The organic light emitting device layer20is formed on the thin film transistor10. The organic light emitting device layer20includes first electrodes, an organic light emitting layer, a second electrode, and banks. Each of the organic light emitting layers may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. In this case, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, holes and electrons are moved to the light emitting layer through the hole transporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively and are combined in the organic light emitting layer, thereby emitting light. The light emitting device layer20may be a pixel array layer where pixels are formed, whereby the area where the organic light emitting device layer20is formed may be defined as the display area. An area in the periphery of the display area may be defined as the non-display area. A detailed description of the light emitting device layer20will be given later with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

The encapsulation layer30is formed on the organic light emitting device layer20. The encapsulation layer30serves to prevent oxygen or water from being permeated into the organic light emitting device layer20. The encapsulation layer30may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. A sectional structure of the encapsulation layer30will be described later in detail with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

The touch sensing layer40is formed on the encapsulation layer30. The touch sensing layer40may include first and the second touch electrode layers for sensing a touch of a user. The first touch electrode layer may include first patterned bridge electrodes connected to the first touch lines T1to Tj and second patterned touch electrodes connected to the second touch lines R1to Ri. The second touch electrode layer may include first patterned touch electrodes for mutually connecting the first bridge electrodes and second bridge electrodes for mutually connecting the second patterned touch electrodes. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch sensing layer for sensing the touch of the user is formed on the encapsulation layer30, whereby the touch screen apparatus does not need to be separately attached on the display apparatus. A plane structure of the touch sensing layer40will be described later with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. Also, a sectional structure of the touch sensing layer40will be described later with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

The adhesive layer50is formed on the touch sensing layer. The adhesive layer50adheres the first substrate111and the second substrate112to each other, which are provided with the thin film transistor10, the light emitting device layer20, the encapsulation layer30, and the touch sensing layer40. The adhesive layer50may be an optically clear resin (OCR) or an optically clear adhesive film (OCA).

The second substrate112serves as a cover substrate or cover window for covering the first substrate110. The second substrate112may be a plastic film, a glass substrate, or an encapsulation film (protective film).

FIG. 4is a plane view illustrating first and second touch electrodes, bridge electrodes, and first and second touch lines of a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, the first touch electrodes TE may be arranged in a first direction (x-axis direction), and the second touch electrodes RE may be arranged in a second direction (y-axis direction) crossing the first direction (x-axis direction). The first direction (x-axis direction) may be parallel with the scan lines S1to Sn, and the second direction (y-axis direction) may be parallel with the data lines D1to Dm. Alternatively, the first direction (x-axis direction) may be parallel with the data lines D1to Dm, and the second direction (y-axis direction) may be parallel with the scan lines S1to Sn. AlthoughFIG. 4illustrates that the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE have a diamond shaped plane structure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the example ofFIG. 4. In one embodiment, the diamond shaped plane structures formed by the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE have side lengths of 30 μm to 40 μm.

The first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the first direction (x-axis direction) may electrically be connected with each other through the bridge electrode BE to prevent the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE from being shorted at their crossed areas. Mutual capacitance corresponding to the touch sensor may be formed on the crossed area of the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The bridge electrode BE can be provided when 4 to 6 diamond shaped plane structures formed by the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE are arranged.

Also, since each of the first touch electrodes TE connected in the first direction (x-axis direction) can be spaced apart from the first touch electrodes TE adjacent thereto in the second direction (y-axis direction), the first touch electrodes can be electrically insulated from each other. Since each of the second touch electrodes RE connected in the second direction (y-axis direction) can be spaced apart from the second touch electrodes RE adjacent thereto in the first direction (x-axis direction), the second touch electrodes can be electrically insulated from each other.

Among the first touch electrodes TE connected with each other in the first direction (x-axis direction), the first touch electrode TE arranged at one end may be connected with the first touch line TL. The first touch line TL may be connected to the first touch driver181through a first touch pad TP. Therefore, the first touch electrodes TE connected with each other in the first direction (x-axis direction) may receive a touch driving signal from the first touch driver181through the first touch line TL.

Among the second touch electrodes RE connected with each other in the second direction (y-axis direction), the second touch electrode RE arranged at one end may be connected to the second touch line RL. The second touch line RL may be connected to the second touch driver182through a second touch pad RP. Therefore, the second touch driver182may receive the amount of charge changes in the touch sensors of the second touch electrodes RE connected with each other in the second direction (y-axis direction).

FIG. 5is an enlarged view illustrating an area A ofFIG. 4.

Referring toFIG. 5, pixels P may be formed in a pentile structure. Each of the pixels P includes a plurality of sub pixels SP. For example, a pixel P may include one red pixel R, two green pixels G, and one blue pixel B as shown inFIG. 5. The red pixel R, the two green pixels G and the blue pixel B may be formed in an octagonal plane shape. Also, among the red pixel R, the two green pixels G and the blue pixel B, the blue pixel B may be the greatest, and the green pixel G may be the smallest. AlthoughFIG. 5illustrates that the pixels are formed in a pentile structure, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the example ofFIG. 5.

The first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be formed in a mesh structure to be prevented from being overlapped with the red pixel R, the green pixels G and the blue pixel B of each of the pixels P. That is, the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be formed on a bank provided among the red pixel R, the green pixels G and the blue pixel B. In one embodiment, a distance between crossed points where the first touch electrodes TE cross second touch electrodes RE is 30 μm to 40 μm.

The first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the first direction (x-axis direction) may be connected with each other through a plurality of bridge electrodes BE. Each of the bridge electrodes BE may be connected to the first touch electrodes TE adjacent to each other through a first connector for exposing the first touch electrodes TE. The bridge electrodes BE may be overlapped with the first touch electrode TE and the second touch electrode RE. The bridge electrode BE may be formed on the bank provided among the red pixel R, the green pixels G and the blue pixel B. Here, the bridge electrodes BE may be formed in a mesh structure. The bridge electrode BE may be formed on the bank provided among the red pixel R, the green pixels G and the blue pixel B. It may also be said that the Tx and Rx electrodes (formed respectively by the combination of first and second touch electrodes with corresponding bridge electrodes) may also be formed in a mesh structure. It may also be said that “formed in a mesh structure” refers to an electrode that has the shape, or form, of a mesh.

The first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE may be formed on the same layer, and the bridge electrode BE may be formed on a layer different from the first touch electrodes TE and the second touch electrodes RE.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of I-I′ ofFIG. 4.FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of II-IF ofFIG. 5.

A detailed connection structure of the second touch line RL and the second touch pad RP is shown inFIG. 6, and a detailed connection structure between the bridge electrode BE and the first touch electrodes TE is shown inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the thin film transistor layer10is formed on the first substrate111. The thin film transistor10includes thin film transistors210, first and second touch pads TP (not shown) and RP, a gate insulating film220, an inter-layer dielectric film230, a passivation film240, and a planarization film250.

A first buffer film (although not shown) may be formed on one surface of the first substrate111. The first buffer film may be formed on one surface of the first substrate111to protect the thin film transistors210and light emitting devices260from water permeated through the first substrate111which is vulnerable to moisture permeability. One surface of the first substrate111may be a surface facing the second substrate112. The first buffer film may be made of a plurality of inorganic films which are deposited alternately. For example, the first buffer film may be formed of a multi-layered film of one or more inorganic films of a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) and SiON, which are deposited alternately. The first buffer film may be omitted.

The thin film transistor210is formed on the first buffer film. The thin film transistor210includes an active layer211, a gate electrode212, a source electrode215, and a drain electrode214. Although the thin film transistor210is formed in a top gate mode in which the gate electrode212is arranged above the active layer211as shown inFIG. 7, it is to be understood that the thin film transistor of the present disclosure is not limited to the top gate mode. That is, the thin film transistor210may be formed in a bottom gate mode in which the gate electrode212is arranged below the active layer211or a double gate mode in which the gate electrode212is arranged above and below the active layer211.

The active layer211is formed on the first buffer film. The active layer211may be formed of a silicon based semiconductor material or an oxide based semiconductor material. A light-shielding layer for shielding external light entering the active layer211may be formed between the first buffer film and the active layer211.

The gate insulating film220may be formed on the active layer211. The gate insulating film220may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

The gate electrode212and the gate line may be formed on the gate insulating film220. The gate electrode212and the gate line may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

The inter-layer dielectric film230may be formed on the gate electrode212and the gate line. The inter-layer dielectric film230may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

The source electrode215, the drain electrode214, the data line, and the first and second touch pads TP (not shown) and RP may be formed on the inter-layer dielectric film230. Each of the source electrode215and the drain electrode214may be connected to the active layer211through a contact hole that passes through the gate insulating film220and the inter-layer dielectric film230. The source electrode215, the drain electrode214, the data line and the first and second touch pads TP (not shown) and RP may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

The passivation layer240may be formed on the source electrode215, the drain electrode214, the data line, and the first and second touch pads TP and RP to insulate the thin film transistor210. The passivation layer240may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

The planarization film250for planarizing a step difference due to the thin film transistor210may be formed on the passivation layer240. The planarization film250may be formed of an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

The organic light emitting device layer20is formed on the thin film transistor layer10. The organic light emitting device layer20includes organic light emitting devices and a bank270.

The light emitting devices and the bank270are formed on the planarization film250. Each of the light emitting devices includes the first electrode261, the organic light emitting layer262, and the second electrode263. The first electrode261may be an anode electrode, and the second electrode263may be a cathode electrode.

The first electrode261may be formed on the planarization film250. The first electrode261may be connected to the source electrode215of the thin film transistor210through a contact hole that passes through the passivation film240and the planarization film250. The first electrode261may be formed of conductive material with high reflectivity such as a deposition structure (Ti/Al/Ti) of Al and Ti, a deposition structure (ITO/Al/ITO) of Al and ITO, an APC alloy, or a deposition structure (ITO/APC/ITO) of APC alloy and ITO. The APC alloy is an alloy of Ag, Pd, and Cu.

The bank270may be formed on the planarization film250to partition the first electrode261, thereby serving as a pixel defining film to define sub pixels SP, according to an embodiment. The bank270may be formed to cover an edge of the first electrode261.

Each of the sub pixels P denotes an area where the first electrode261corresponding to the anode electrode, the light emitting layer262, and the second electrode263corresponding to the cathode electrode are sequentially deposited and holes from the first electrode261and electrons from the second electrode263are combined with each other in the light emitting layer262to emit light.

The organic light emitting layer262is formed on the first electrode261and the bank270. The organic light emitting layer262may be an organic light emitting layer for emitting a predetermined color including an organic material. If the organic light emitting layer262is a white light emitting layer for emitting white light, the organic light emitting layer262may be a common layer commonly formed for the pixels P. In this case, the organic light emitting layer262may be formed in a tandem structure of two stacks or more. Each of the stacks may include a hole transporting layer, at least one light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer.

Also, a charge generating layer may be formed between the stacks. The charge generating layer may include an n type charge generating layer arranged to adjoin the lower stack, and a p type charge generating layer formed on the n type charge generating layer and arranged to adjoin the upper stack. The n type charge generating layer injects electrons into the lower stack, and the p type charge generating layer injects holes into the upper stack. The n type charge generating layer may be an organic layer of an organic host material doped with alkali metal such as Li, Na, K, or Cs, or alkali earth metal such as Mg, Sr, Ba or Ra, wherein the organic host material has electron transporting capability. The p type charge generating layer may be an organic layer of an organic host material doped with a dopant, wherein the organic host material has hole transportation capability.

The second electrode263is arranged on the organic light emitting layer262. The second electrode263may be formed to cover the organic light emitting layer262. The second electrode263may be a common layer commonly formed for the pixels P.

The second electrode263may be formed of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO and IZO, which may transmit light, or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as Mg, Ag, and alloy of Mg and Ag. If the second electrode263is formed of a semi-transmissive conductive material, light emission efficiency may be enhanced by a micro cavity. A capping layer may be formed on the second electrode263.

The encapsulation layer30is formed on the light emitting device layer20. The encapsulation layer30includes an encapsulation film280.

The encapsulation film280is arranged on the second electrode263. The encapsulation film280may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film to prevent oxygen or water from being permeated into the light emitting layer262and the second electrode263. For example, the encapsulation film280may include first and second inorganic films281and283and an organic film282interposed between the first and second inorganic films281and283as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. Each of the first and second inorganic films281and283may be formed of a silicon nitride, an aluminum nitride, a zirconium nitride, a titanium nitride, a hafnium nitride, a tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, an aluminum oxide, or a titanium oxide. The organic film282may be formed with a sufficient thickness, for example, 7 μm to 8 μm, to prevent particles from being permeated into the light emitting layer262and the second electrode263by passing through the encapsulation film280.

Since a flow of the organic film282is blocked by a dam300, the organic film282may be formed inside the dam300. By contrast, the first and second inorganic films281and283may be formed outside the dam300. Also, the first and second inorganic films281and283may be formed so as not to cover the first and second touch pads TP (not shown) and RP.

A second buffer film31is formed on the encapsulation layer30. The second buffer film31may be formed to cover the encapsulation film280and the first and second touch pads TP (not shown) and RP. The second buffer film31may be formed of an inorganic film or an organic film. If the second buffer film31is formed of an inorganic film, the second buffer film31may be formed of a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

A touch sensing layer40is formed on the second buffer film31. The touch sensing layer40includes a first touch electrode layer41, a second touch electrode layer42, and a touch insulating film43.

The first touch electrode layer41includes first bridge electrodes293and second patterned touch electrode299. The second touch electrode layer42includes first patterned touch electrodes291and second bridge electrodes292. The first patterned touch electrodes and the second bridge electrodes291and292may be arranged on the same layer. The first patterned touch electrodes and second bridge electrodes291and292are spaced apart from each other, and are electrically insulated from each other. The touch insulating film43includes a touch inorganic film294and a touch organic film295. Here, each of the first bridge electrode293, the first patterned touch electrode291, the second bridge electrode292, and the second patterned touch electrode299may be formed in a mesh structure. The bridge electrode BE overlap with at least one of the first bridge electrodes293, the first patterned touch electrodes291, the second bridge electrodes292, and the second patterned touch electrodes299

In more detail, the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299may be formed on the second buffer film31. The first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299are patterned on the second buffer film31. The first bridge electrodes293connect the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other, and the second patterned touch electrodes299are connected with the second bridge electrodes292. It may be said that electrodes or elements that are “patterned” refers to any configuration in which said electrode or element has a predetermined shape. It may also be said that an element that is patterned “in a plurality of patterns” refers to an element that is present in a number of discrete parts. Alternatively, it may also be said that an element that is patterned “as one pattern” refers to when an element is unitary, or does not have discrete parts.

The first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

The touch inorganic film294may be formed on the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299. The touch inorganic film294may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

The touch organic film295may be formed on the touch inorganic film294. The organic film282of the encapsulation film280is a particle cover layer for preventing particles from being permeated into the light emitting layer262and the second electrode263by passing through the encapsulation film280, whereas the touch organic film295is a layer for spacing the first touch electrode layer41and the second touch electrode layer42apart from each other at a predetermined distance. Therefore, the touch organic film295may be formed at a thickness thinner than that of the organic film282of the encapsulation film280. For example, the touch organic film295may be formed at a thickness of 2 μm, approximately. Also, since contact holes are not formed in the organic film282of the encapsulation film280, the organic film282of the encapsulation film280does not need to include a photoresist material. By contrast, since contact holes are formed in the touch organic film295, the touch organic film295may include a photoresist material. For example, the touch organic film295may be formed of a photo acrylate that includes a photoresist material.

The first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292are formed on the touch organic film295. The first patterned touch electrodes291may be transmitter (Tx) electrodes, and the second bridge electrodes292may be receiver (Rx) electrodes. The first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292may be patterned.

The first patterned touch electrodes291may be connected with the first bridge electrodes293through first and second contact holes CT1and CT2provided to pass through the touch inorganic film294and the touch organic film295.

The first contact hole CT1connects the pattern of the first patterned touch electrode291at a left side with one side of the first bridge electrode293. The second contact hole CT2connects the pattern of the first patterned touch electrode291at a center portion with the other side of the first bridge electrode293.

In this case, since the first patterned touch electrodes291are connected using the first bridge electrodes293at their crossed areas, the first bridge electrodes293connected with the first patterned touch electrodes291form one Tx electrode.

The second bridge electrodes292may be connected with the second patterned touch electrodes299through third and fourth contact holes CT3and CT4provided to pass through the touch inorganic film294and the touch organic film295. Since the second bridge electrodes292are connected with the second patterned touch electrodes299, the second patterned touch electrodes299connected with the second bridge electrodes292form one Rx electrode.

The first touch line TL may be extended from the first patterned touch electrode291, and the second touch line RL may be extended from the second bridge electrode292. The first touch line TL may be connected with the first touch pad TP through a second connector CNT2provided to pass through the passivation film240and the buffer film31. The second touch line RL may be connected with the second touch pad RP through a third connector CNT3provided to pass through the passivation film240and the buffer film31. It is noted that the first, second, third, etc. labels are intended to keep the respective elements (touch lines, connectors, etc.) consistent with the figures, and are not functionally limiting beyond distinguishing these features from one another.

The first patterned touch electrodes291, the second bridge electrodes292, the first touch lines TL and the second touch lines RL may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

An overcoat layer296for planarizing a step difference caused by the first patterned touch electrodes291, the second bridge electrodes292, the first bridge electrodes293, and the second patterned touch electrodes299may be formed on the first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292.

Meanwhile, althoughFIG. 7illustrates that the first touch electrode layer41is formed on the second buffer film31, the touch insulating film43is formed on the first touch electrode layer41, and the second touch electrode layer42is formed on the touch insulating film43, the present disclosure is not limited to the example ofFIG. 7. That is, the second touch electrode layer42may be formed on the second buffer film31, the touch insulating film43may be formed on the second touch electrode layer42, and the first touch electrode layer41may be formed on the touch insulating film43.

A color filter layer may be formed on the touch sensing layer40. The color filter layer may include color filters arranged to overlap the sub pixels SP and a black matrix arranged to overlap the bank270. If the light emitting layer262includes organic light emitting layers for emitting red light, green light, and blue light, the color filter layer may be omitted.

An adhesive layer50is formed on the touch sensing layer40. The adhesive layer50adheres the first substrate111and the second substrate112to each other, which are provided with the thin film transistor10, the light emitting device layer20, the encapsulation layer30, and the touch sensing layer40. The adhesive layer50may be an optically clear resin (OCR) or an optically clear adhesive film (OCA).

The second substrate112serves as a cover substrate or cover window for covering the first substrate110. The second substrate112may be a plastic film, a glass substrate, or an encapsulation film (protective film).

In the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299are formed to be patterned. The first bridge electrode293for connecting the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other may be formed as one pattern. The second patterned touch electrode299for connecting the second bridge electrode292with each other may be formed as one pattern. The first bridge electrode293connected with one first patterned touch electrode291may be formed of a plurality of patterns. The second patterned touch electrode299connected with one second bridge electrode292may be formed of a plurality of patterns.FIG. 7illustrates that the first patterned touch electrode291is formed of two patterns and the first bridge electrode293for connecting the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other is formed of one pattern. Also,FIG. 7illustrates that the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the one second bridge electrode292is formed of two patterns.

Therefore, the first patterned touch electrode291is formed of two patterns, and the first bridge electrode293for connecting the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other is formed of one pattern, whereby one Tx electrode is formed. Also, the second patterned touch electrodes299connected with the one second bridge electrode292is formed of two patterns, whereby one Rx electrode is formed.

Since the Tx electrode includes the first bridge electrode293and the first patterned touch electrode291, and the Rx electrode includes the first patterned touch electrode299and the second bridge electrode292, the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode are arranged in a deposition structure of two layers. The first bridge electrode293and the first patterned touch electrode291, or the second patterned touch electrodes299and the second bridge electrode292are connected with each other through a plurality of contact holes CT1to CT4.

The first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first patterned touch electrode291constituting the Tx electrode and the second bridge electrode292constituting the Rx electrode are arranged on the same layer. If the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292, which are arranged on the same layer, are adjacent to each other, signal interference between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode may be generated, and parasitic capacitance may be generated between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode. Therefore, if the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are spaced apart from each other, signal interference and parasitic capacitance may be avoided.

The first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the second bridge electrode292are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first bridge electrode293constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Rx electrode are arranged on the same layer. Therefore, the first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the second bridge electrode292are arranged on the same layer. If the first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the second bridge electrode292, which are arranged on the same layer, are adjacent to each other, signal interference between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode may be generated, and parasitic capacitance may be generated between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode. Therefore, the first bridge electrode293constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Rx electrode are spaced apart from each other, whereby signal interference and parasitic capacitance may be avoided.

As described above,FIG. 7illustrates that the first patterned touch electrode291is formed of two patterns and the first bridge electrode293for connecting the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other is formed of one pattern. Also,FIG. 7illustrates that the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the one second bridge electrode292is formed of two patterns.

In this case, the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Tx electrode is shorter than the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291constituting the Tx electrode and the second bridge electrode292constituting the Tx electrode.

The first patterned touch electrode291is formed on the same layer as that of the second bridge electrode292, whereas the first patterned touch electrode291is formed on a layer different from that of the second patterned touch electrode299. Therefore, if the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292is short, it is more affected by signal interference and parasitic capacitance. If the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299, which are formed on their respective layers different from each other, becomes relatively short, this case may reduce signal interference or parasitic capacitance as compared with the case that the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are formed of a single layer. In this case, the first patterned touch electrode291may overlap with the second patterned touch electrode299as shown inFIG. 7or the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299have a gap (A) as shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating a method for fabricating a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIGS. 9 to 12are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for fabricating a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that the sectional views of II-IF ofFIG. 5, which are shown inFIG. 7, are shown inFIGS. 9 to 12.

Hereinafter, a method for fabricating a display apparatus with an integrated touch screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12.

First of all, as shown inFIG. 9, the thin film transistor layer10, the light emitting device layer20and the encapsulation layer30are formed on the first substrate111(S101ofFIG. 8).

In more detail, the first buffer film may be formed on the first substrate111from water permeated through the substrate100before the thin film transistor is formed. The first buffer film is intended to protect the thin film transistor210and the organic light emitting device260from water permeated through the first substrate111which is vulnerable to moisture permeability, and may be made of a plurality of inorganic films which are deposited alternately. For example, the first buffer film may be formed of a multi-layered film of one or more inorganic films of a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) and SiON, which are deposited alternately. The first buffer film may be formed using a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

Afterwards, the active layer211of the thin film transistor is formed on the first buffer film. Specifically, an active metal layer is formed on the entire surface of the first buffer film using a sputtering method or a MOVCD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) method. Then, the active metal layer is patterned by a mask process using a photoresist pattern to form the active layer211. The active layer211may be formed of a silicon based semiconductor material or an oxide based semiconductor material.

Then, the gate insulating film220is formed on the active layer211. The gate insulating film220may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

Then, the gate electrode212of the thin film transistor210is formed on the gate insulating film220. Specifically, a first metal layer is formed on the entire surface of the gate insulating film220using a sputtering method or a MOVCD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) method. Then, the first metal layer is patterned by a mask process using a photoresist pattern to form the gate electrode212. The gate electrode212may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

Then, the inter-layer dielectric film230is formed on the gate electrode212. The inter-layer dielectric film230may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

Then, contact holes for exposing the active layer211by passing through the gate insulating film220and the inter-layer dielectric film230are formed.

Then, the source and drain electrodes215and214of the thin film transistor210are formed on the inter-layer dielectric film230. Specifically, a second metal layer is formed on the entire surface of on the inter-layer dielectric film230using a sputtering method or a MOVCD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) method. Then, the second metal layer is patterned by a mask process using a photoresist pattern to form the source and drain electrodes215and214. Each of the source and drain electrodes215and214may be connected to the active layer211through contact holes that pass through the gate insulating film220and the inter-layer dielectric film230. The source and the drain electrodes215and214may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

Then, the passivation film240is formed on the source and drain electrodes215and214of the thin film transistor210. The passivation film240may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film. The passivation film240may be formed using a CVD method.

Then, the planarization film250for planarizing a step difference due to the thin film transistor210is formed on the passivation layer240. The planarization film250may be formed of an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

Then, the first electrode261of the organic light emitting device layer260is formed on the planarization film250. In more detail, a third metal layer is formed on the entire surface of the planarization film250using a sputtering method or a MOVCD (Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) method. Then, the third metal layer is patterned by a mask process using a photoresist pattern to form the first electrode261. The first electrode261may be connected to the source electrode223of the thin film transistor220through a contact hole that passes through the passivation film240and the planarization film250. The first electrode261may be formed of a conductive material with high reflectivity such as a deposition structure (Ti/Al/Ti) of Al and Ti, a deposition structure (ITO/Al/ITO) of Al and ITO, an APC alloy, or a deposition structure (ITO/APC/ITO) of APC alloy and ITO.

Then, in order to partition the sub pixels SP, the bank270is formed on the planarization film250to cover an edge of the first electrode261. The bank270may be formed of an organic film such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

Then, the light emitting layer262is formed on the first electrode261and the bank270. The light emitting layer262may be an organic light emitting layer. In this case, the organic light emitting layer262is formed on the first electrode261and the bank270by a deposition process or solution process. The organic light emitting layer262may be a common layer commonly formed for pixels P1, P2, and P3. In this case, the organic light emitting layer262may be formed of a white light emitting layer for emitting white light.

If the organic light emitting layer262is a white light emitting layer, the organic light emitting layer262may be formed in a tandem structure of two stacks or more. Each of the stacks may include a hole transporting layer, at least one light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer.

Also, a charge generating layer may be formed between the stacks. The charge generating layer may include an n type charge generating layer arranged to adjoin the lower stack, and a p type charge generating layer formed on the n type charge generating layer and arranged to adjoin the upper stack. The n type charge generating layer injects electrons into the lower stack, and the p type charge generating layer injects holes into the upper stack. The n type charge generating layer may be an organic layer of an organic host material doped with alkali metal such as Li, Na, K, or Cs, or alkali earth metal such as Mg, Sr, Ba or Ra, wherein the organic host material has electron transporting capability. The p type charge generating layer may be an organic layer of an organic host material doped with a dopant, wherein the organic host material has hole transportation capability.

Afterwards, the second electrode263is formed on the light emitting layer262. The second electrode263may be a common layer commonly formed for the sub pixels SP. The second electrode263may be formed of a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO and IZO, which may transmit light. The second electrode263may be formed by physics vapor deposition such as a sputtering method. A capping layer may be formed on the second electrode263.

Afterwards, the encapsulation film280is formed on the second electrode263. The encapsulation film280serves to prevent oxygen or water from being permeated into the light emitting layer262and the second electrode263. To this end, the encapsulation film280may include at least one inorganic film281and283. At least one inorganic film281and283may be formed of a silicon nitride, an aluminum nitride, a zirconium nitride, a titanium nitride, a hafnium nitride, a tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, an aluminum oxide, or a titanium oxide.

Also, the encapsulation film280may further include at least one organic film282. The organic film282may be formed with a sufficient thickness to prevent particles from being permeated into the organic light emitting layer262and the second electrode263by passing through the encapsulation film280.

Meanwhile, the process of forming at least one inorganic film281and283and the organic film282of the encapsulation film may be performed by a low temperature process of 100° C. or less to prevent the light emitting layer262, which is already formed, from being damaged by a high temperature.

Secondly, as shown inFIG. 10, a second buffer film31is formed on the encapsulation layer30. A first touch electrode layer41that includes the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299is patterned on the second buffer film31(S102ofFIG. 8).

In more detail, the second buffer film31may be formed to cover the encapsulation film280and the first and second touch pads TP and RP. The second buffer film31may be formed of an inorganic film or an organic film. If the second buffer film31is formed of an inorganic film, the second buffer film31may be formed of a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film. If the second buffer film31is formed of an organic film, the second buffer film31may be plasma treated to form a rough surface. In this case, since an area of the second buffer film31which is in contact with the first bridge electrodes293and the second touch electrodes299of the first touch electrode layer41may be increased, surface adhesion between the second buffer film31and the first bridge electrodes293and the second touch electrodes299of the first touch electrode layer41may be enhanced. Meanwhile, the process of forming the buffer film31may be performed by a low temperature process of 100° C. or less to prevent the light emitting layer262, which is already formed, from being damaged by a high temperature.

Afterwards, the first touch electrode layer41is formed on the entire surface of the second buffer film31using a sputtering method or a MOVCD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) method. Then, the first touch electrode layer41is patterned by a mask process using a photoresist pattern to form the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299. The first bridge electrodes293and the second touch electrodes299may be formed of a multi-layered structure that includes a plurality of electrodes, for example, a three-layered structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

One of patterns of the first bridge electrodes293and the second patterned touch electrodes299constituting the first touch electrode layer41may form Tx electrode or Rx electrode. Alternatively, the patterns of the plurality of first bridge electrodes293and the second touch electrodes299constituting the first touch electrode layer41may be connected with each other to form one Tx electrode or one Rx electrode.

If the first touch electrode layer41is patterned to form the first bridge electrode293and the second touch electrodes299, the first bridge electrode293constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Rx electrode may be patterned to be spaced apart from each other.

Thirdly, as shown inFIG. 11, the touch insulating film43that includes a touch inorganic film294and a touch organic film295is formed on the first touch electrode layer41(S103ofFIG. 8).

In more detail, the touch inorganic film294is formed on the first touch electrode layer41. The touch inorganic film294may be formed of a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx) or a multi-layered film of the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film.

Then, the touch organic film295is formed on the touch inorganic film294.

The organic film282of the encapsulation film280is a particle cover layer for preventing particles from being permeated into the light emitting layer262and the second electrode263by passing through the encapsulation film280, whereas the touch organic film295is a layer for spacing the first touch electrode layer41and the second touch electrode layer42apart from each other at a predetermined distance. Therefore, the touch organic film295may be formed at a thickness thinner than that of the organic film282of the encapsulation film280. For example, the touch organic film295may be formed at a thickness of 2 μm, approximately.

Since contact holes are not formed in the organic film282of the encapsulation film280, the organic film282of the encapsulation film280does not need to include a photoresist material. By contrast, since contact holes are formed in the touch organic film295, the touch organic film295may include a photoresist material. For example, the touch organic film295may be formed of a photo acrylate that includes a photoresist material.

Meanwhile, the process of forming the touch inorganic film294and the touch organic film295may be performed by a low temperature process of 100° C. or less to prevent the light emitting layer262, which is already formed, from being damaged by a high temperature.

Fourthly, as shown inFIG. 12, a plurality of contact holes CT1to CT4passing through the touch insulating film43are formed, and the second touch electrode layer42that includes first patterned touch electrodes291and second bridge electrodes292is formed on the touch insulating film43(S104ofFIG. 8).

When the plurality of contact holes CT1to CT4are formed, first connectors are formed, which includes first to fourth contact holes CT1to CT4for exposing the first bridge electrodes293and the second touch electrodes299by passing through the touch inorganic film294and the touch organic film295, which constitute the touch insulating film43. Simultaneously, second connectors CNT2for exposing the first touch pads TP by passing through the passivation film240and the buffer film31are formed, and third connectors CNT3for exposing the second touch pads RP by passing through the passivation film240and the buffer film31are formed.

When the second touch electrode layer42is formed, the first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292are formed on the entire surface of the touch insulating film43using a sputtering method or MOCVD method. Each of the first patterned touch electrodes291may be connected with the first bridge electrodes293through the first connector that passes through the touch inorganic film294and the touch organic film295. The first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292may be formed in a multi-layered structure that includes a plurality of electrodes, for example, a three-layered structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

The first touch line TL may be extended from the first patterned touch electrode291, and the second touch line RL may be extended from the second bridge electrode292. The first touch line TL may be connected with the first touch pad TP through the second connector CNT2that passes through the passivation film240and the buffer film31. The second touch line RL may be connected with the second touch pad RP through the third connector CNT3that passes through the passivation film240and the buffer film31.

The first patterned touch electrodes291, the second bridge electrodes292, the first touch lines TL and the second touch lines RL may be formed of a single layer or multi-layer comprised of any one of Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd and Cu or their alloy.

The first patterned touch electrodes291are connected with the first bridge electrodes293through the first and second contact holes CT1and CT2. The first patterned touch electrodes291are connected with the first bridge electrodes293to form one Tx electrode. The second bridge electrodes292are connected with the second patterned touch electrodes299through the third and fourth contact holes CT3and CT4. The second bridge electrodes292are connected with the second patterned touch electrodes299to form one Rx electrode.

The first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first patterned touch electrode291constituting the Tx electrode and the second bridge electrode292constituting the Rx electrode are arranged on the same layer. If the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292, which are arranged on the same layer, are adjacent to each other, signal interference between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode may be generated, and parasitic capacitance may be generated between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode. Therefore, if the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are spaced apart from each other, signal interference and parasitic capacitance may be avoided.

The first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode293connected with the second bridge electrode292are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first bridge electrode293constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Rx electrode are arranged on the same layer. Therefore, the first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299connected with the second bridge electrode292are arranged on the same layer. If the first bridge electrode293connected with the first patterned touch electrode291and the second touch electrode299connected with the second bridge electrode292, which are arranged on the same layer, are adjacent to each other, signal interference between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode may be generated, and parasitic capacitance may be generated between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode. Therefore, the first bridge electrode293constituting the Tx electrode and the second patterned touch electrode299constituting the Rx electrode are spaced apart from each other, whereby signal interference and parasitic capacitance may be avoided.

FIG. 12illustrates that the first patterned touch electrode291is formed of two patterns and the first bridge electrode293for connecting the first patterned touch electrodes291with each other is formed of one pattern. Also,FIG. 12illustrates that the second patterned touch electrode299connected with one second bridge electrode292is formed of two patterns.

The first patterned touch electrode291is formed on the same layer as that of the second bridge electrode292, whereas the first patterned touch electrode291is formed on a layer different from that of the second patterned touch electrode299. Therefore, if the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292is short, it is more affected by signal interference and parasitic capacitance. If the distance between the first patterned touch electrode291and the second patterned touch electrode299, which are formed on their respective layers different from each other, becomes relatively short, this case may reduce signal interference or parasitic capacitance as compared with the case that the first patterned touch electrode291and the second bridge electrode292are formed of a single layer.

An overcoat layer296for planarizing a step difference caused by the first patterned touch electrodes291, the second bridge electrodes292, the first bridge electrodes293, and the second patterned touch electrodes299may be formed on the first patterned touch electrodes291and the second bridge electrodes292.

As described above, the display apparatus with an integrated touch screen and the method for fabricating the same according to the present disclosure have advantages as follows.

A short between the first patterned touch electrodes and the second bridge electrodes may be prevented from occurring.

In the present disclosure, to prevent a short between the first patterned touch electrodes and the second bridge electrodes from occurring, the Tx electrode is formed using the first bridge electrode which is the first touch electrode layer and the first patterned touch electrodes which are the second touch electrode layers, and the Rx electrode is formed using the second patterned touch electrodes which are the first touch electrode layer and the second bridge electrodes which are the second touch electrode layers. That is, since the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode are formed using a two-layered structure, the interval between the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode is increased based on the same layer, whereby occurrence of short is reduced.

Also, since the lower layer of the patterns corresponding to the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode is formed using the first bridge electrode and the second patterned touch electrode, and the contact hole is additionally provided in the touch insulating film, it is not required to add a separate layer or add a process or a mask during the fabricating process.

The following non-exhaustive list of embodiments form part of the disclosure. The following embodiments may be combined in any suitable combination, or may be combined with any other features detailed in the specification, which would be understood by the skilled person. In the below embodiments, it is noted that the second touch electrode (below) is a second bridge electrode (as defined above in some embodiments), and the other pattern of the bridge electrode (below) is a second patterned touch electrode (as defined above in some embodiments).

A display apparatus comprising:

a light emitting device layer that includes a first electrode arranged on a first substrate, a light emitting layer arranged on the first electrode, and a second electrode arranged on the light emitting layer; and

a touch sensing layer arranged on the light emitting device layer,

wherein the touch sensing layer includes first and second touch electrode layers and a touch insulating film arranged between the first and second touch electrode layers, and

the first touch electrode layer constitutes patterned bridge electrodes, the second touch electrode layer constitutes first and second touch electrodes, the first touch electrode and one pattern of the bridge electrodes are connected with each other to form one Tx electrode, and the second touch electrode and the other pattern of the bridge electrodes are connected with each other to form one Rx electrode.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are spaced from each other.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein one pattern of the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode and the other pattern of the bridge electrode connected with the second touch electrode are spaced from each other.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein, if the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is patterned in a plurality of patterns, the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is one pattern.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein, if the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is one pattern, the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is patterned in a plurality of patterns.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein a distance between the first touch electrode constituting the Tx electrode and the bridge electrode constituting the Rx electrode is shorter than a distance between the first touch electrode constituting the Tx electrode and the second touch electrode constituting the Rx electrode.

The display apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising a first touch line extended from the first touch electrode, and a second touch line extended from the second touch electrode, wherein the first touch line is connected to a first touch pad through a second connector provided on the first substrate, and the second touch line is connected to a second touch pad through a third connector provided on the first substrate.

A method for fabricating a display apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a thin film transistor layer, a light emitting device layer, and an encapsulation layer on a first substrate;

patterning a first touch electrode layer, which includes bridge electrodes, on the encapsulation layer;

forming a touch insulating film, which includes a touch inorganic film and a touch organic film, on the first touch electrode layer; and

providing a plurality of contact holes in the touch insulating film and forming a second touch electrode layer, which includes first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes.

The method of embodiment 8, wherein the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are spaced from each other.

The method of embodiment 8, wherein one pattern of the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode and the other pattern of the bridge electrode connected with the second touch electrode are spaced from each other.

The method of embodiment 8, wherein, if the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is patterned in a plurality of patterns, the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is one pattern.

The method of embodiment 8, wherein, if the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is one pattern, the bridge electrode connected with the first touch electrode or the second touch electrode is patterned in a plurality of patterns.

The method of embodiment 1, wherein a distance between the first touch electrode constituting the Tx electrode and the bridge electrode constituting the Rx electrode is shorter than a distance between the first touch electrode constituting the Tx electrode and the second touch electrode constituting the Rx electrode.