KR102019059B1

KR102019059B1 - Touch window

Info

Publication number: KR102019059B1
Application number: KR1020130101608A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 이정기; 방정환; 이준; 홍범선; 구찬규
Original assignee: 엘지이노텍 주식회사
Priority date: 2013-08-27
Filing date: 2013-08-27
Publication date: 2019-09-10
Also published as: KR20150024570A

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a touch window may include a substrate; An electrode part disposed on the substrate, wherein the electrode part comprises a first subpattern; An electrode layer on the first subpattern; A second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern; And a third subpattern disposed on an upper surface of the first subpattern.

Description

Touch window {TOUCH WINDOW}

The present disclosure relates to a touch window.

Recently, various electronic products have been applied to a touch panel for inputting by touching an input device such as a finger or a stylus to an image displayed on a display device.

The touch panel may be typically classified into a resistive touch panel and a capacitive touch panel. The resistive touch panel detects a change in resistance according to a connection between electrodes when a pressure is applied to an input device, thereby detecting a position. The capacitive touch panel detects a change in capacitance between electrodes when a finger touches and detects a position thereof. In view of the convenience of the manufacturing method, the sensing force and the like, in the small model, the capacitive method has recently attracted attention.

Indium tin oxide (ITO), which is most widely used as a transparent electrode of such a touch panel, is expensive, and is physically easily damaged by bending and bending of a substrate, thereby deteriorating characteristics of the electrode. This causes a problem that it is not suitable for flexible elements. In addition, when applied to a large size touch panel, a problem due to high resistance occurs.

In order to solve this problem, active researches on alternative electrodes are being conducted. In particular, it is intended to replace ITO by forming a metal material in a mesh shape. When the mesh is formed, the mesh is formed by using the nanopattern and the micropattern. Due to the height difference between the nanopattern and the micropattern, there is a phenomenon of being scratched or bumped between the mold and the micropattern during the demolding process after imprinting into the mold. As a result, damage to the micropattern occurs, which also affects the metal material formed on the micropattern.

In addition, when laminating an additional layer, since the height of the micropattern is higher than the height of the nanopattern, there is a problem that a metal material formed on the micropattern may be removed along the lamination direction.

Embodiments provide a touch window with improved reliability.

The electrode part of the touch window according to the embodiment has a mesh structure including a first subpattern, a second subpattern, and a third subpattern, and has an adhesive force between the third subpattern and the electrode layer through various shapes of the third subpattern. Can improve. That is, the film removal of an electrode layer can be prevented.

Meanwhile, the height of the first subpattern may be smaller than the height of the second subpattern. The height of the first subpattern may be equal to the height of the second subpattern.

As a result, the mold and the first subpattern may be prevented from being bumped or scratched during the demolding process when imprinting the mold to manufacture the first subpattern and the second subpattern. Therefore, damage to the first subpattern can be prevented, and the electrode layer formed thereon can also be formed without damage.

The upper surface of the electrode layer may be lower than the upper surface of the second subpattern. The upper surface of the electrode layer may have the same height as the upper surface of the second subpattern. Through this, when an additional layer is formed on the electrode layer later, it is possible to prevent the electrode layer from being removed. For example, when the optical clear adhesive (OCA) layer is formed on the electrode layer by lamination, the electrode layer may be prevented from being pushed off along the lamination direction.

1 is a plan view of a touch window according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 1.
3 to 9 are cross-sectional views of a touch window according to another embodiment.
10 to 13 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.
14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display apparatus in which a touch window is disposed on a display panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the description of embodiments, each layer, region, pattern, or structure may be “on” or “under” the substrate, each layer, region, pad, or pattern. Substrate formed in ”includes all formed directly or through another layer. Criteria for the top / bottom or bottom / bottom of each layer will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings, the thickness or size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure may be modified for clarity and convenience of description, and thus do not necessarily reflect the actual size.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, a touch window according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. 1 is a plan view of a touch window according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross section taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 1. 3 to 9 are cross-sectional views of a touch window according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the touch window 10 according to the first embodiment may be disposed around an effective area AA for detecting a position of an input device (for example, a finger, etc.) and the effective area AA. The substrate 100 includes an ineffective area UA.

Here, the electrode unit 200 may be formed in the effective area AA to detect the input device. In addition, a wire 300 may be formed in the non-effective area UA to electrically connect the electrode part 200. In addition, an external circuit connected to the wiring 300 may be located in the ineffective area UA.

When an input device such as a finger is in contact with such a touch window, a difference in capacitance occurs at a portion where the input device contacts, and a portion where such a difference occurs may be detected as a contact position.

The touch window will be described in more detail as follows.

The substrate 100 may be formed of various materials capable of supporting the electrode part 200, the wiring 300, and the circuit board formed thereon. The substrate 100 may be made of, for example, a glass substrate or a plastic substrate.

The outer dummy layer is formed in the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100. The outer dummy layer may be formed by applying a material having a predetermined color so that the wiring 300 and a printed circuit board connecting the wiring 300 to an external circuit are not visible from the outside. The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for a desired appearance, and may include black, for example, as a black pigment. In addition, the outer dummy layer may form a desired logo and the like in various ways. The outer dummy layer may be formed by deposition, printing, wet coating, or the like.

The electrode unit 200 may be formed on the substrate 100. The electrode unit 200 may detect whether an input device such as a finger is touched. In FIG. 1, the electrode part 200 extends in one direction on the substrate, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, the electrode unit 200 may extend in another direction crossing one direction. In addition, the electrode part 200 may include two types of electrode parts 200 having a shape extending in one direction and a shape extending in the other direction.

On the other hand, the electrode unit 200 is arranged in a mesh shape. In detail, the electrode part 200 includes a mesh opening OA and a mesh line part LA. In this case, the line width of the mesh line LA may be 0.1 μm to 10 μm. Mesh line portion LA having a line width of 0.1 μm or less may not be possible in a manufacturing process. When the line width is 10 μm or less, the pattern of the electrode part 200 may be made invisible. Preferably, the line width of the mesh line LA may be 1 μm to 5 μm.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh opening OA may have a rectangular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the mesh opening OA may have various shapes such as a diamond shape, a pentagon, a hexagonal polygon shape, or a circular shape.

Since the electrode part 200 has a mesh shape, the pattern of the electrode part 200 may not be visible on the effective area AA. That is, even if the electrode part 200 is formed of a metal, the pattern can be made invisible. In addition, even when the electrode unit 200 is applied to a large size touch window, the resistance of the touch window may be lowered. In addition, when the electrode unit 200 is formed by a printing process, it is possible to secure a high quality touch window by improving the print quality.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode part 200 may include a first subpattern 211, a second subpattern 212, a third subpattern 213, and an electrode layer 222.

The first subpattern 211 is disposed on the substrate 100. The first subpattern 211 is disposed on the mesh line part LA. Thus, the first subpattern 211 is arranged in a mesh shape. The first subpattern 211 may be embossed.

The second subpattern 212 is disposed on the substrate 100. The second subpattern 212 is disposed in the mesh opening OA. Thus, the second subpattern 212 may be disposed between the first subpattern 211. The second subpattern 212 may be embossed.

The first subpattern 211 and the second subpattern 212 may include a resin or a polymer.

In this case, the height H1 of the first subpattern 211 may be smaller than the height H2 of the second subpattern 212. In addition, the height H1 of the first subpattern 211 may be the same as the height H2 of the second subpattern 212.

This prevents the mold and the first subpattern from being bumped or scratched during the demolding process when imprinting into the mold to manufacture the first subpattern 211 and the second subpattern 212. can do. Therefore, damage to the first subpattern can be prevented, and the electrode layer formed thereon can also be formed without damage.

The third subpattern 213 is further disposed on the upper surface of the first subpattern 211. The third subpattern 213 may include a fine pattern. For example, the third subpattern 213 may be formed with a plurality of protrusions.

The third subpattern 213 includes a first central portion 1CA and a first outer portion 1EA disposed outside the first central portion 1CA. The third subpattern 213 includes a mountain 213a having the highest height. In this case, the mountain 213a may be disposed in the first central portion 1CA. That is, the portion having the highest height in the third subpattern 213 may be disposed in the central portion.

An electrode layer 222 may be disposed on the third subpattern 213. The adhesion between the electrode layer 222 and the first subpattern 211 may be improved through the third subpattern 213. Thus, the third subpattern 213 may prevent the electrode layer 222 from being removed.

The third subpattern 213 may include the same material as the first subpattern 211. That is, the third subpattern 213 may include a resin. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the third subpattern 213 may include various materials that may improve adhesion.

The electrode layer 222 is disposed on the first subpattern 211. In detail, the electrode layer 222 is disposed on the third subpattern 213. Accordingly, the electrode layer 222 is disposed in the mesh line part LA, and the electrode layer 222 is disposed in a mesh shape. The electrode layer 222 may include various metals having excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the electrode layer 222 may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof.

Subsequently, the wiring 300 is formed in the ineffective area UA. The wire 300 may apply an electrical signal to the electrode unit 200. The wiring 300 may be formed in the ineffective area UA to be invisible.

Although not shown in the drawings, a circuit board connected to the wiring may be further located. Various types of printed circuit boards may be used as the circuit board. For example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be applied.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, detailed description of parts identical or similar to those described above will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first subpattern 211 may not have a height. That is, the first subpattern is omitted in the touch window illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed between the second subpatterns 212, and the electrode layer 222 may be formed on the third subpattern 213.

In this case, the upper surface 222a of the electrode layer 222 is disposed lower than the upper surface 212a of the second subpattern 212. In addition, the top surface 222a of the electrode layer 222 may have the same height as the top surface 212a of the second subpattern 212.

As a result, when an additional layer is formed later on the electrode layer 222, it is possible to prevent the electrode layer 222 from being removed. For example, when the optical clear adhesive (OCA) layer is formed on the electrode layer 222 by lamination, the electrode layer 222 may be prevented from being pushed off along the lamination direction.

Referring to FIG. 4, the peak 213a of the third subpattern 213 of the touch window may be disposed only in the first outer portion 1EA. Specifically, the mountain 213a may be disposed only in any one of the first outer portion 1EA. Therefore, the cross section of the third subpattern 213 may have an asymmetric structure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first subpattern 211 may not have a height. That is, the first subpattern 211 is omitted in the touch window illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed between the second subpatterns 212, and the electrode layer 222 may be formed on the third subpattern 213.

The mountain 213a of the third subpattern 213 may be disposed only on the first outer portion 1EA. Specifically, the mountain 213a may be disposed only at one of the outer edges of the first outer portion 1EA. Therefore, the cross section of the third subpattern 213 may have an asymmetric structure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the peak 213a of the third subpattern 213 may be disposed on the first outer portion 1EA. In detail, the mountain 213a may be disposed only in the first outer portion 1EA. Accordingly, the acid 213a may be disposed at both sides of the first central portion 1CA. That is, the mountain 213a may be symmetrical about the first central portion 1CA.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first subpattern 211 may not have a height. That is, the first subpattern 211 is omitted in the touch window illustrated in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed between the second subpatterns 212, and the electrode layer 222 may be formed on the third subpattern 213.

In this case, the peak 213a of the third subpattern 213 may be disposed on the first outer portion 1EA. In detail, the mountain 213a may be disposed only in the first outer portion 1EA. Accordingly, the acid 213a may be disposed at both sides of the first central portion 1CA. That is, the mountain 213a may be symmetrical about the first central portion 1CA.

In various embodiments, the adhesive force with the electrode layer 222 may be improved through various shapes of the third subpattern 213, and the separation of the electrode layer 222 may be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first subpattern 211 includes a second central portion 2CA and a second outer portion 2EA disposed outside the second central portion 2CA. In this case, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed only in the second central portion 2CA. That is, the third subpattern 213 may be located only at the center of the first subpattern 211.

Referring to FIG. 9, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed only on the second outer portion 2EA. That is, the third subpattern 213 may be disposed only outside the first subpattern 211.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. 5 to 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.

First, referring to FIG. 10, a mold M having a pattern to be formed on the resin layer 200 ′ may be positioned.

Referring to FIG. 11, it may be imprinted with a mold M on the resin layer 200 ′. The first subpattern 211 and the second subpattern 212 may be manufactured through the imprinting process. In this case, the height H1 of the first subpattern 211 may be lower than the height H2 of the second subpattern 212. Therefore, in the process of demolding the mold M, the mold M may be prevented from hitting or scratching a part of the first subpattern 211.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 12, an electrode material 222 ′ may be formed on the first subpattern 211 and the second subpattern 212. The electrode material 222 ′ may be formed by a deposition or plating method.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electrode material 222 ′ may be etched. In this case, a difference in etching area may occur according to a difference in the bonding area between the structures of the first subpattern 211 and the second subpattern 212 and the electrode material 222 ′. That is, since the junction area between the first subpattern 211 and the electrode material 222 ′ is larger than the junction area between the second subpattern 212 and the electrode material 222 ′, the first subpattern 211 and the electrode material 222 ′ are larger than the junction area. Less etching of the electrode material 222 ′ formed on the subpattern 211 occurs. That is, according to the same etching rate, the electrode material 222 'formed on the first subpattern 211 remains, and the electrode material 222' formed on the second subpattern 212 is etched and removed. do. Accordingly, the electrode layer 222 may be formed only on the first subpattern 211, and the electrode layer 222 may be disposed in a mesh shape.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 14, the touch window 10 may be disposed on the display panel 20 that is a driving unit. The touch window 10 and the display panel 20 may be joined to form a display device.

The display panel 20 has a display area for outputting an image. The display panel applied to such a display device may generally include an upper substrate 21 and a lower substrate 22. The lower substrate 22 may include a data line, a gate line, and a thin film transistor (TFT). The upper substrate 21 may be bonded to the lower substrate 22 to protect components disposed on the lower substrate 22.

The display panel 20 may be formed in various forms according to what kind of display apparatus the display apparatus according to the present invention is. That is, the display device according to the present invention includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emission display (PDP), a plasma display (PDP), an organic light emitting display (OLED) and an electrophoretic display (EPD). Accordingly, the display panel 20 may be configured in various forms.

Features, structures, effects, and the like described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. In addition, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in the embodiments may be combined or modified with respect to other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the above description has been made with reference to the embodiments, which are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may be illustrated as above without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiments. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified. And differences relating to such modifications and applications will have to be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Board;
An electrode part disposed on the substrate,
The electrode part may include a first subpattern;
An electrode layer on the first subpattern;
A second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern; And
A third subpattern disposed on an upper surface of the first subpattern,
The third sub pattern includes a plurality of protrusions,
The electrode part is disposed on the third subpattern,
The electrode portion is formed in a mesh shape,
The height of the third subpattern is smaller than the height of the second subpattern,
The electrode unit may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof.

The method of claim 1,
The third subpattern includes a first center portion and a first outer portion disposed outside the first center portion.
The third subpattern includes a mountain having the highest height,
The mountain is disposed in only one portion of the first center portion and the first outer portion.

The method of claim 2,
The mountain is disposed in the first center portion.

Board;
An electrode part disposed on the substrate,
The electrode part may include a first subpattern;
An electrode layer on the first subpattern;
A second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern; And
A third subpattern disposed on an upper surface of the first subpattern,
The third subpattern includes a first center portion and a first outer portion disposed outside the first center portion.
The third subpattern includes a mountain having the highest height,
The mountain is disposed only in one of the first central portion and the first outer portion;
The mountain is disposed in the first outer portion.

The method of claim 3,
And a cross section of the third subpattern is asymmetrical.

Board;
An electrode part disposed on the substrate,
The electrode part may include a first subpattern;
An electrode layer on the first subpattern;
A second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern; And
A third subpattern disposed on an upper surface of the first subpattern,
The first subpattern includes a second center portion and a second outer portion disposed outside the second center portion.
The third subpattern is disposed in only one of the second center portion and the second outer portion.

The method of claim 6,
The third subpattern is disposed in the second central portion.

The method of claim 6,
The third subpattern is disposed in the second outer portion.

The method of claim 1,
And a height of the first subpattern is less than or equal to a height of the second subpattern.

A drive unit; And
A touch window disposed on the driving unit,
The touch window,
Board;
An electrode part disposed on the substrate,
The electrode part may include a first subpattern;
An electrode layer on the first subpattern;
A second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern; And
A third subpattern disposed on an upper surface of the first subpattern,
The third sub pattern includes a plurality of protrusions,
The electrode part is disposed on the third subpattern,
The electrode portion is formed in a mesh shape,
The height of the third subpattern is smaller than the height of the second subpattern,
And the electrode portion includes Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof.