Display device

Disclosed is a display device having a reduced bezel area. The display device includes a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on a light-emitting element, display link lines and touch lines disposed in a non-active area, and a touch passivation film disposed on the touch electrodes, the touch passivation film contacting the touch lines disposed in a bending area of the non-active area. Consequently, a narrow bezel may be realized.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2019-0077138, filed on Jun. 27, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of Technology

The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device having a minimized bezel area.

Discussion of the Related Art

A touchscreen is an input device that allows a user to input a command by selecting one of instructions displayed on a screen, such as that of a display device, using a user's hand or an object. That is, the touchscreen converts the contact position, at which the user's hand or the object directly contacts the touchscreen, into an electrical signal to receive the instruction selected at the contact position as an input signal. Use of the touchscreen has increased, since the touchscreen is capable of replacing a separate input device that is connected to the display device for operation, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

In recent years, research has been actively conducted on an integrated display device in which the touchscreen is disposed on a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic electroluminescent display panel. Touch lines configured to drive the touchscreen and display lines configured to drive the display panel are disposed in a bezel area, which is a non-display area, of the integrated display device, whereby it is difficult to reduce the width of the bezel area. In particular, a self-capacitance touchscreen has a larger number of touch lines than a capacitive touchscreen, whereby an integrated display device including a self-capacitance touchscreen has a problem in that the space of the bezel area in which display link lines connected to the display lines and the touch lines are disposed is insufficient.

Furthermore, a signal transmission film attached to the bezel area has a smaller length than the bezel area. In this case, the distance between signal pads electrically connected to the signal transmission film is less than the distance between the display link lines and the touch lines, whereby electrical short circuit occurs between the signal pads.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a display device that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device having a reduced bezel area without electrical short circuit between signal pads.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, a display device includes a plurality of touch electrodes disposed on a light-emitting element, display link lines and touch lines disposed in a non-active area, and a touch passivation film disposed on the touch electrodes, the touch passivation film contacting the touch lines disposed in a bending area of the non-active area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a plan view showing a display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The display device shown inFIG. 1is divided into an active area AA and a non-active area NA provided on a substrate101.

A plurality of display elements and a plurality of touch electrodes150are disposed in the active area AA. Each of the plurality of touch electrodes150includes capacitance formed therein and thus is used as a self-capacitance touch sensor configured to sense a change in capacitance due to user touch. In a self-capacitance sensing method using such a touch electrode150, electric charge is accumulated in a touch sensor when a drive signal supplied through a touch line152is applied to the touch electrode150. At this time, when a user's finger or a conductive object contacts the touch electrode150, parasitic capacitance is additionally connected to a self-capacitance sensor, whereby the value of capacitance is changed. Consequently, the value of capacitance of the touch sensor touched by the finger is different from the value of capacitance of a touch sensor not touched by the finger, whereby it is possible to determine whether touch has been performed.

The plurality of touch electrodes150is formed so as to have the same size. Consequently, a deviation in touch sensitivity of the plurality of touch electrodes150is reduced, whereby it is possible to reduce noise. The touch electrodes150are connected to touch lines152in the active area AA.

The non-active area NA is disposed in the vicinity of the active area AA. For example, the non-active area NA is disposed at a location of at least one of the upper side, lower side, the left side, or the right side of the active area AA.

The non-active area NA includes first and second link areas LA1and LA2, a bending area BA, and a pad area PA.

The first link area LA1is disposed between the active area AA and the bending area BA.

The second link area LA2is disposed between the bending area BA and the pad area PA. Lighting inspection transistors are disposed in the second link area LA2.

The bending area BA is an area in which the substrate101is bendable or foldable, as shown inFIG. 2, and corresponds to an area that is bent in order to locate the non-active area NA at the rear of the active area AA. In the entire screen of the display device, the area occupied by the active area AA is maximized and the area corresponding to the non-active area NA is reduced by the bending area BA. The bending area BA may be disposed in at least one of the upper side, the lower side, the left side, or the right side of the non-active area NA.

Display link lines154connected to the display elements and touch lines152connected to the touch electrodes150are disposed in the first and second link areas LA1and LA2and the bending area BA. In the bending area BA, each of the touch lines152and the display link lines154is disposed in a zigzag fashion, or a plurality of hollow polygonal structures, a plurality of hollow circular structures, or combinations thereof are connected to each other and disposed in a line. Consequently, it is possible to reduce damage to the touch lines152and the display link lines154even when bending force is applied to the bending area BA.

Display pads180connected to the plurality of display link lines154and touch pads170connected to the plurality of touch lines152are disposed in the pad area PA. As shown inFIG. 2, the display pads180and the touch pads170are electrically connected to a signal transmission film202on which a drive integrated circuit204is mounted. Here, the drive integrated circuit204may be realized by an integrated touch display drive IC (TDDI) in which a display drive circuit configured to drive the display elements and a touch drive circuit configured to drive the touch electrodes150are integrated.

A liquid crystal element or a light-emitting element may be applied as each of the display elements included in the display device having the active area AA and the non-active area NA. Particularly, in the present disclosure, a display device in which a light-emitting element shown inFIGS. 3 and 4is applied as a display element will be described by way of example.

An organic light-emitting display device having a touch sensor shown inFIGS. 3 and 4includes a substrate101, a plurality of subpixels disposed on the substrate101in a matrix form, an encapsulation unit140disposed on the plurality of subpixels, and a touch electrode150disposed on the encapsulation unit140.

The substrate101is made of a plastic material or a glass material having flexibility so as to be foldable or bendable. For example, the substrate101may be made of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), or cyclic-olefin copolymer (COC).

The plurality of subpixels include red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels or red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W) subpixels. Each of the plurality of subpixels includes a pixel drive circuit and a light-emitting element120connected to the pixel drive circuit.

As shown inFIG. 5, the pixel drive circuit includes a switching transistor T1, a drive transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. In the present disclosure, the pixel drive circuit has been described as including two transistors T and one capacitor C by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a 3T1C or 3T2C type pixel drive circuit having three or more transistors T and one or more capacitors C may be used.

When a scan pulse is supplied to a scan line SL, the switching transistor T1is turned on to supply a data signal Vdata, which has been supplied to a data line DL, to the storage capacitor Cst and to a gate electrode of the drive transistor T2.

In response to the data signal supplied to the gate electrode of the drive transistor T2, the drive transistor T2controls current that is supplied from a high-voltage (VDD) supply line to the light-emitting element120to adjust the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element120. Even when the switching transistor T1is turned off, the drive transistor T2supplies uniform current to the light-emitting element120using voltage charged in the storage capacitor Cst such that the light-emitting element120keeps emitting light until a data signal of the next frame is supplied.

To this end, as shown inFIG. 4, the drive transistor T2includes a semiconductor layer134disposed on a buffer layer112, a gate electrode132overlapping the semiconductor layer134in the state in which a gate dielectric film114is disposed therebetween, and source and drain electrodes136and138formed on an upper interlayer dielectric film118so as to contact the semiconductor layer134.

The semiconductor layer134is made of at least one of an amorphous semiconductor material, a polycrystalline semiconductor material, or an oxide semiconductor material. The semiconductor layer134includes a channel area, a source area, and a drain area. The channel area overlaps the gate electrode132in the state in which the gate dielectric film114is disposed therebetween so as to be formed between the source and drain electrodes136and138. The source area is electrically connected to the source electrode136via a source contact hole, which is formed through the gate dielectric film114and interlayer dielectric films116and118. The drain area is electrically connected to the drain electrode138via a drain contact hole, which is formed through the gate dielectric film114and the interlayer dielectric films116and118.

The buffer layer112, which is disposed between the semiconductor layer134and the substrate101, blocks moisture and/or oxygen that has permeated into the substrate101to protect the semiconductor layer134. The buffer layer112is made of at least one of SiNx or SiOx, and has an at least single-layered structure.

The gate electrode132may be made of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), or copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof, and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The gate electrode132overlaps the channel area of the semiconductor layer134in the state in which the gate dielectric film114is disposed therebetween.

Each of the source and drain electrodes136and138may be made of one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), or copper (Cu) or an alloy thereof, and may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The source electrode136is connected to the source area of the semiconductor layer134exposed through the source contact hole, which is formed through the gate dielectric film114and the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118. The drain electrode138faces the source electrode136, and is connected to the drain area of the semiconductor layer134via the drain contact hole, which is formed through the gate dielectric film114and the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118.

As shown inFIG. 4, the storage capacitor Cst includes at least two of first to fourth storage electrodes102,104,106, and108. The first storage electrode102is formed on the buffer layer112, and is made of the same material as the semiconductor layer134. The second storage electrode104is formed on the gate dielectric film114, and is made of the same material as the gate electrode132. The third storage electrode106is formed on the lower interlayer dielectric film116, and is made of the same material as a third touch line152c. The fourth storage electrode108is formed on the upper interlayer dielectric film118, and is made of the same material as the source and drain electrodes136and138.

The light-emitting element120includes an anode122, at least one light-emitting stack124formed on the anode122, and a cathode126formed on the light-emitting stack124.

The anode122is electrically connected to a drain electrode138of a drive transistor130, which is exposed through a pixel contact hole formed through a pixel planarization layer166.

The at least one light-emitting stack124is formed on an anode122in a light-emitting area defined by a bank128. The at least one light-emitting stack124is formed by stacking a hole-related layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and an electron-related layer on the anode122in that order or in reverse order. In addition, the light-emitting stack124may include first and second light-emitting stacks that are opposite each other in the state in which a charge generation layer is disposed therebetween. In this case, the organic light-emitting layer of one of the first and second light-emitting stacks generates blue light, and the organic light-emitting layer of the other of the first and second light-emitting stacks generates yellowish-green light. Consequently, white light is generated by the first and second light-emitting stacks. The white light generated by the light-emitting stack124is incident on a color filter, which is located above or under the light-emitting stack124, to realize a color image. Alternatively, each light-emitting stack124may generate colored light corresponding to each subpixel without a separate color filter in order to realize a color image. That is, the light-emitting stack124of the red subpixel may generate red light, the light-emitting stack124of the green subpixel may generate green light, and the light-emitting stack124of the blue subpixel may generate blue light.

The cathode126is formed so as to be opposite the anode122in the state in which the light-emitting stack124is disposed therebetween. The cathode126is connected to a low-voltage (VSS) supply line via first and second auxiliary electrodes162and164. The first auxiliary electrode162is made of the same material as the source and drain electrodes136and138, and is disposed on the upper interlayer dielectric film118. The first auxiliary electrode162is disposed on the upper interlayer dielectric film118so as to overlap at least one of a plurality of dams110.

The second auxiliary electrode164is made of the same material as the anode122, and is disposed on the pixel planarization layer166. The second auxiliary electrode164is connected to the first auxiliary electrode162exposed between the pixel planarization layer166disposed at the outermost side and a first sub dam layer110aof a second dam1102. In this case, the second auxiliary electrode164is formed so as to extend along the upper surface and the side surface of the pixel planarization layer166disposed at the outermost side, the upper surface of the first auxiliary electrode162, and the side surface of the first sub dam layer110aof the second dam1102. In addition, the second auxiliary electrode164exposed between the banks128is connected to the cathode126on the pixel planarization layer166.

The encapsulation unit140reduces the permeation of external moisture or oxygen into the light-emitting element120, which has low resistance to external moisture or oxygen. To this end, the encapsulation unit140includes at least one inorganic encapsulation layer142and at least one organic encapsulation layer144. In the present disclosure, an encapsulation unit140having a structure in which a first inorganic encapsulation layer142, an organic encapsulation layer144, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer146are sequentially stacked will be described by way of example.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer142is formed on the substrate101on which the cathode126is formed. The second inorganic encapsulation layer146is formed on the substrate101on which the organic encapsulation layer144is formed, and is formed so as to surround the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface of the organic encapsulation layer144together with the first inorganic encapsulation layer142.

The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers142and146reduce or prevent external moisture or oxygen from permeating into the light-emitting stack124. Each of the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers142and146is made of an inorganic dielectric material that can be deposited at a low temperature, such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Consequently, each of the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers142and146is deposited in a low-temperature atmosphere, whereby it is possible to reduce damage to the light-emitting stack124, which has low resistance to a high-temperature atmosphere, when each of the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers142and146is deposited.

The organic encapsulation layer144reduces stress between the layers due to bending of the organic light-emitting display device and improves planarization. The organic encapsulation layer144is formed on the substrate101on which the first inorganic encapsulation layer142is formed, and is made of a non-photosensitive organic dielectric material, such as a particle cover layer (PCL), an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, or silicon oxycarbide (SiOC), or a photosensitive organic dielectric material, such as photo acrylic. The organic encapsulation layer144is disposed in the active area AA, excluding the non-active area NA. To this end, at least one dam110is disposed to prevent the organic encapsulation layer144from spreading to the non-active area NA. The at least one dam110disposed in the first link area LA1is made of the same material as at least one of the pixel planarization layer166, the bank128, or a spacer (not shown). For example, in the case in which three dams110are provided, a first dam1101, which is the most adjacent to the active area AA, is formed by sequentially stacking a second sub dam110bmade of the same material as the bank128and a third sub dam110cmade of the same material as the spacer. A third dam1103, which is the most distant from the active area AA, is formed by sequentially stacking a first sub dam110amade of the same material as the pixel planarization layer166and a second sub dam110bmade of the same material as the bank128. A second dam1102, which is disposed between the first and third dams1101and1103, is formed by sequentially stacking a first sub dam110amade of the same material as the pixel planarization layer166and a third sub dam110cmade of the same material as the spacer. Meanwhile, since the organic encapsulation layer144is disposed on at least a portion of the first dam1101, which is the most adjacent to the active area AA, the organic encapsulation layer144compensates for a step between each of the pixel planarization layer166and the bank128and the dam110. In addition, the area in which the organic encapsulation layer144is formed may be defined by only the second and third dams1102and1103without the first dam1101, which has the lowest height among the first to third dams1101,1102, and1103.

A plurality of touch electrodes150and touch lines152are disposed on the encapsulation unit140.

The touch electrode150and the touch line152are formed in the same plane of the active area AA, and are made of the same material. That is, each of the touch electrode150and the touch line152is disposed as a single layer without a touch buffer film and a touch dielectric film. Consequently, the touch electrode150and the touch line152may be formed through a one-time mask process, whereby it is possible to simplify the process and to reduce the thickness of a display device having the touch electrode150and the touch line152.

The plurality of touch electrodes150is independently formed on the encapsulation unit140in the state of being split in first and second directions that intersect each other. The plurality of touch electrodes150is formed in an area corresponding to the plurality of subpixels in consideration of user touch area. For example, one touch electrode150is formed so as to correspond to an area several times to several hundred times larger than one subpixel.

The touch electrode150is formed so as to have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure using an opaque metal that exhibits high corrosion resistance, acid resistance, and conductivity, such as Ta, Ti, Cu, or Mo, or is formed so as to have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure using an ITO-, IZO-, IZGO-, or ZnO-based transparent conductive film and an opaque metal.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the touch electrode150including the opaque metal is formed in a mesh shape in which the touch electrode does not overlap the light-emitting area of each of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels and overlaps the bank128disposed between the light-emitting areas. That is, the mesh-shaped touch electrode150is formed so as to have a light-emitting opening1640configured to open the light-emitting area of each of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) subpixels. InFIG. 3, the light-emitting opening1640has been described as having a quadrangular structure by way of example. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1, the light-emitting opening1640may have a diamond structure. The light-emitting opening1640is formed so as to correspond to the shape or size of the light-emitting area of each subpixel.

The mesh-shaped touch electrode150exhibits higher conductivity than a transparent conductive film, whereby the touch electrode150may be formed as a low-resistance electrode. Consequently, the resistance and capacitance of the touch electrode150are reduced, whereby a RC time constant is reduced and thus touch sensitivity is improved. In addition, the mesh-shaped touch electrode150overlaps the bank128while having a line width equal to or less than the line width of the bank128, whereby it is possible to reduce reduction in an aperture ratio and transmittance due to the touch electrode150.

A touch passivation film168is disposed on the touch electrode150. The touch passivation film168is formed so as to cover the touch electrode150, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to the touch electrode150.

The plurality of touch lines152is disposed in the active area AA at a location including at least one of one side or the other side of each of the touch electrodes150. The touch line152extends from the touch electrode150in the active area AA, and is electrically connected to the touch pad170disposed in the pad area PA of the non-active area NA.

In addition, the data link line154disposed in the non-active area NA together with the touch line152extends from the display line in the active area AA, and is electrically connected to the display pad180disposed in the pad area PA of the non-active area NA.

The display pad180and the touch pad170disposed in the pad area PA are disposed at different rows, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the touch pads170are disposed at a first row, which is the closest to (the farthest from) the active area AA, and the display pads180are disposed at second to fourth rows, which is far from (close to) the active area AA.

In the case in which the touch pads170are disposed at the first row, which is the closest to the active area AA, a plurality of display link lines154is disposed between the touch pads170disposed at the first row. In addition, display link lines154connected to the display pads180disposed at the fourth row are disposed between the display pads180disposed at the second and third rows. In the case in which the touch pads170are disposed at the fourth row, which is the farthest from the active area AA, touch lines152connected to the touch pads170are disposed between the display pads180disposed at the first to third rows.

In an embodiment in which the touch pad170and the display pad180are disposed at a plurality of rows, it is possible to reduce the length of the area occupied by the touch pad170and the display pad180in the pad area PA, compared to a comparative example in which the touch pad170and the display pad180are disposed in a line. That is, the length of the area occupied by the touch pad170and the display pad180disposed at the plurality of rows in the pad area PA is less than the length of the signal transmission film202on which the integrated touch display drive IC (TDDI) connected to the touch pad170and the display pad180is mounted. As a result, all of the touch pads170and the display pads180may contact signal terminals of the integrated touch display drive IC (TDDI) one to one. In addition, the touch pad170and the display pad180are freely disposed at the plurality of rows in a limited space, whereby it is possible to reduce electrical short circuit between the touch pads170, electrical short circuit between the display pads180, electrical short circuit between the touch pad170and the display pad180, and electrical short circuit between the signal terminals.

The touch line152electrically connected to the touch pad170is disposed in the first link area LA1, the bending area BA, and the second link area LA2. The touch line152includes first and second touch lines152aand152belectrically connected to each other via a touch contact hole.

The first touch line152aextends from the touch electrode150, and is disposed in the active area AA, the first link area LA1, and the bending area BA. The first touch line152ais made of the same material as the touch electrode150, and is formed through the same mask process as the touch electrode150. The first touch line152ais formed so as to have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure using an opaque metal that exhibits high corrosion resistance, acid resistance, and conductivity, such as Al, Ta, Ti, Cu, or Mo. For example, the first touch line152ais formed of Ti/Al/Ti. The first touch line152ais disposed along a lateral surface of the dams110. The first touch line152adisposed in the first link area LA1of the substrate101is disposed between the second inorganic encapsulation layer146and the touch passivation film168.

The second touch line152bis disposed in the second link area LA2, and is formed through the same mask process using the same material as one of the gate electrode132and the third storage electrode106. In the case in which the second touch line152bis formed through the same mask process as the third storage electrode106, the second touch line152bis electrically connected to the first touch line152aexposed through a touch contact hole158formed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118. In the case in which the second touch line152bis formed through the same mask process as the gate electrode132, the second touch line152bis electrically connected to the first touch line152aexposed through a touch contact hole158formed through the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118.

The touch line152including the first and second touch lines152aand152bis electrically connected to the touch pad170disposed in the pad area PA. The touch pad170is formed so as to be exposed by the touch passivation film168. The touch pad170includes first and second touch pad electrodes172and174.

Since the first touch pad electrode172extends from the second touch line152b, the first touch pad electrode172is made of the same material as the second touch line152b, and is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric film116.

The second touch pad electrode174is made of the same material as the touch electrode150, and is disposed on the upper interlayer dielectric film118. The second touch pad electrode174is electrically connected to the first touch pad electrode172exposed through a touch pad contact hole178formed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118. The second touch pad electrode174is disposed as a single layer without a touch buffer film and a touch dielectric film together with the touch electrode150and the touch line152. Consequently, the second touch pad electrode174may be formed through a one-time mask process together with the touch electrode150and the touch line152, whereby the process is simplified.

As shown inFIG. 6, the display link line154and the display pad180are disposed in the non-active area NA together with the touch pad170and the touch line152.

As shown inFIG. 6, the display link line154is electrically connected to the display pad180disposed in the pad area PA via the first link area LA1, the bending area BA, and the second link area LA2.

The display link line154includes first to third display link lines154a,154b, and154cdisposed in different areas.

The first display link line154aextends from the display line disposed in the active area AA (e.g. the data line DL, the scan line SL, and a power supply line VL), and is disposed in the first link area LA1. The first display link line154ais formed through the same mask process using the same material as at least one of the gate electrode132or the third storage electrode106. In the case in which the first display link line154ais formed through the same mask process using the same material as the third storage electrode106, as shown inFIG. 6, the first display link line154ais exposed through a first link contact hole156aformed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118, and is electrically connected to the second display link line154b. In the case in which the first display link line154ais formed through the same mask process using the same material as the gate electrode132, the first display link line154ais exposed through a first link contact hole156aformed through the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118, and is electrically connected to the second display link line154b.

The second display link line154bis disposed in the bending area BA so as to electrically connect the first and third display link lines154aand154cto each other. The second display link line154bis electrically connected to the first display link line154aexposed through the first link contact hole156aformed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118or the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118. The second display link line154bis formed on same layer as the touch lines152and is formed of different materials from the touch lines152. The second display link line154bis formed through the same mask process as the source and drain electrodes136and138using the same material as the source and drain electrodes136and138. In particular, since the second display link line154bis formed so as to be longer than the first and third display link lines154aand154c, as shown inFIG. 6, the second display link line154bis made of a metal that has lower resistance than the first and third display link lines154aand154c.

The third display link line154cis disposed in the second link area LA2so as to electrically connect the second display link line154band the touch pad170to each other. The third display link line154cis exposed through a second link contact hole156bformed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118or the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118, and is electrically connected to the second display link line154b. The third display link line154cis formed through the same mask process using the same material as at least one of the gate electrode132or the third storage electrode106. In the case in which the third display link line154cis formed through the same mask process using the same material as the third storage electrode106, as shown inFIG. 6, the third display link line154cis exposed through a second link contact hole156bformed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118, and is electrically connected to the second display link line154b. In the case in which the third display link line154cis formed through the same mask process using the same material as the gate electrode132, the third display link line154cis exposed through a second link contact hole156bformed through the lower and upper interlayer dielectric films116and118, and is electrically connected to the second display link line154b.

The display link line154including the first to third display link lines154a,154b, and154cis electrically connected to the display pad180disposed in the pad area PA.

Since the display pad180is formed so as to have the same stack structure in the same plane as the touch pad170, the heights of the uppermost surfaces of the touch pad170and the display pad180are equal to each other. Consequently, the single transmission film202that contacts the touch pad170and the display pad180may be attached to the touch pad170and the display pad180under the same pressure, whereby the process of attaching the single transmission film202is simplified.

The display pad180includes first and second display pad electrodes182and184.

Since the first display pad electrode182extends from the third display link line154c, the first display pad electrode182is made of the same material as the third display link line154c, and is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric film116.

The second display pad electrode184is made of the same material as the touch electrode150, and is disposed on the upper interlayer dielectric film118. The second display pad electrode184is electrically connected to the first display pad electrode182exposed through a display pad contact hole188formed through the upper interlayer dielectric film118.

The touch line152disposed in the first and second link areas LA1and LA2of the non-active area NA is alternately disposed with the plurality of display link lines154in the non-active area NA. InFIG. 3, the structure in which one touch line152and two display link lines154are alternately disposed has been described by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a minimum of N (N being a natural number greater than 1) display link lines154and a minimum of M (M being a natural number greater than 1 and less than N) touch lines152are alternately disposed, whereby a minimum of M touch lines152is disposed with respect to a minimum of N display link lines.

At this time, outer signal lines including the display link lines154and the touch lines152disposed in the second link area LA2are alternately disposed on different layers, as shown inFIG. 7. That is, the third display link lines154cthat are adjacent to each other are alternately disposed on different layers, and the third display link line154cand the second touch line152bthat are adjacent to each other are alternately disposed on different layers.

Specifically, a third display link line154cis disposed on a different layer from another third display link line154cand a second touch line152badjacent thereto. For example, an odd (even)-number-th third display link line154cis made of the same material as the gate electrode132, and is disposed on the gate dielectric film114, which is the same plane as the gate electrode132. In addition, an even (odd)-number-th third display link line154cor second touch line152bis made of the same material as the fourth storage electrode108, and is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric film116, which is the same plane as the fourth storage electrode108.

The outer signal lines including the display link lines154and the touch lines152disposed in the second link area LA2are alternately disposed on different layers, as shown inFIG. 7. That is, an outer signal line disposed at the upper side (the lower side) is disposed between outer signal lines disposed at the lower side (the upper side). At this time, the difference between the line width of the outer signal line disposed at the upper side (the lower side) and the distance between the outer signal lines disposed at the lower side (the upper side) is a maximum of 0.2 μm.

Even when the distance between the outer signal lines152and154disposed in the second link area LA2is minimized, therefore, it is possible to reduce electrical short circuit between the outer signal lines. In the present disclosure, therefore, it is possible to reduce the distance between the outer signal lines and thus to realize a narrow bezel.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 4, the touch passivation film168is disposed in the bending area BA.

The touch passivation film168is disposed so as to cover the touch line152and the display link line154disposed on the same layer in the bending area BA such that the touch passivation film168contacts the touch line152and the display link line154. For example, the touch passivation film168is disposed on the second touch line152band the second display link line154bdisposed in the bending area BA.

The touch passivation film168is made of an organic film material that exhibits higher strain and impact resistance than an inorganic film. For example, the touch passivation film168is made of an organic film material, such as epoxy or acrylic. Since the touch passivation film168made of the organic film material has higher strain than an inorganic film material, bending stress generated when the substrate101is bent is reduced. Consequently, it is possible for the touch passivation film168to reduce cracks from being formed in the bending area BA, thereby reducing cracks from spreading to the active area AA.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 8, a bending opening160is disposed in the bending area BA.

The bending opening160is formed by removing inorganic films that exhibit higher hardness than an organic film and thus easily crack due to bending stress. The bending opening160exposes the substrate101by removing an inorganic film disposed between the first touch line152aand the second display link line154band between the second display link lines154bdisposed in the bending area BA. For example, the bending opening160is formed through the buffer layer112, the gate dielectric film114, and the upper and lower interlayer dielectric films116and118disposed between the first touch line152aand the second display link line154band between the second display link lines154bso as to expose the substrate101.

In the present disclosure, as described above, it is possible to reduce the generation of cracks, due to the bending opening160and the touch passivation film168disposed in the bending area BA. In the present disclosure, therefore, it is possible to reduce the generation of cracks by impact from spreading to the active area AA, thereby reducing occurrence of line defects and element driving defects.

In addition, the touch passivation film168is the uppermost thin film that contacts the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184. No subsequent manufacturing process is performed after the touch passivation film168is formed, and therefore it is possible to reduce occurrence of impact due to the manufacturing process after the touch passivation film168is formed. Consequently, even in the case in which the interface adhesive strength between the touch passivation film168, which is made of an organic film, and each of the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184is low, it is possible to reduce separation between the touch passivation film168and each of the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184, since no subsequent manufacturing process is performed after the touch passivation film168is formed. As a result, it is possible to remove a reinforcement layer configured to increase the interface adhesive strength between the touch passivation film168and each of the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184, whereby the structure is simplified.

In addition, even in the case in which the touch passivation film168is separated from each of the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184, the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184are not damaged. Consequently, it is possible to stably supply a signal through the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184.

In the present disclosure, as described above, it is possible to reduce separation between the touch passivation film168and each of the touch electrode150, the touch line152, the display link line154, the second touch pad electrode174, and the second display pad electrode184, thereby improving product yield.

FIG. 9is a sectional view showing an organic light-emitting display device having a touch sensor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The organic light-emitting display device having the touch sensor shown inFIG. 9includes the same components as the organic light-emitting display device shown inFIG. 4except that a color filter array190is further included. Consequently, a detailed description of the same components will be omitted.

The color filter array190includes a color filter196, a black matrix182, and a touch planarization film192disposed on the encapsulation unit140.

The color filter196is disposed so as to overlap each of the subpixels R, G, and B. In the case in which the light-emitting layer included in the light-emitting stack124emits white light, the color filter196is disposed on the encapsulation unit140. In the case in which the light-emitting layer included in the light-emitting stack124emits red, green, or blue light corresponding to each subpixel, the color filter196may be omitted from the display device.

The black matrix182is disposed between the color filters196so as to overlap the bank128. The black matrix182serves to partition the subpixel areas and to prevent optical interference and backlight bleeding between adjacent subpixel areas. The black matrix182is made of a high-resistance black insulative material, or is formed by stacking at least two of a red (R) color filter196, a green (G) color filter196, or a blue (B) color filter196.

The touch planarization film192is disposed under the color filter196to planarize the substrate101on which the touch electrode150is formed, or is disposed on the color filter196to planarize the substrate101on which the color filter196and the black matrix194are formed.

As described above, at least one of the color filter196or the black matrix182included in the color filter array190is disposed on the touch electrode150or is disposed under the touch electrode150, i.e. between the touch electrode150and the encapsulation unit140.

In the case in which the color filter array190is disposed on the touch electrode150, the color filter196and the black matrix182of the color filter array190absorb external light. Consequently, it is possible to reduce external light from being reflected by the touch electrode150, thereby preventing a reduction in visibility.

In the case in which the color filter array190is disposed between the touch electrode150and the encapsulation unit140, the distance between the touch electrode150and the light-emitting element120is increased by the color filter array190. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the value of capacitance of a parasitic capacitor formed between the touch electrode150and the light-emitting element120, thereby preventing a mutual effect due to coupling between the touch electrode150and the light-emitting element120.

Meanwhile, inFIG. 9, the structure in which the color filter196and the black matrix194contact each other has been described by way of example; however, the color filter196and the black matrix194may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the color filter196may be disposed between the encapsulation unit140and the touch electrode150, and the black matrix194may be disposed on the touch electrode150.

Also, in the present disclosure, the self-capacitance touch electrode structure has been described by way of example; however, the present disclosure may be applied to a mutual capacitive touch electrode structure.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the display device having the bending area BA has been described by way of example; however, the present disclosure may be applied to a display device having no bending area.

As is apparent from the above description, in the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the distance between the display link lines and the distance between the display link line and the touch line, thereby realizing a narrow bezel.

Also, in the present disclosure, the touch line extends from the active area to the bezel area without a separate touch contact hole, whereby it is possible to reduce the size of the bezel area corresponding to the area occupied by a conventional touch contact hole.

Also, in the present disclosure, the signal pads including the display pads and the touch pads disposed in the pad area are disposed at a plurality of rows in the pad area, whereby it is possible to reduce electrical short circuit between the signal pads.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, each of the display link line and the touch line contacts the touch passivation film disposed at the uppermost part of the substrate, whereby it is possible to reduce separation of the touch passivation film from the display link line and the touch line.

The above description merely illustrates the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts included in a range equivalent thereto should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.