KR20190101019A - Manufacturing method for metal mesh transparent electrode for touch screen - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a metal mesh transparent electrode for a touch screen using a nanomicro composite structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a touch panel forming all sensors sensing X and Y axes on one surface of one resin layer, wherein the sensors sensing X and Y axes cross each other, but the sensors are electrically insulated not to interfere each other.

Description

Manufacturing method of metal mesh transparent electrode for touch screen using nanomicro composite structure {MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR METAL MESH TRANSPARENT ELECTRODE FOR TOUCH SCREEN}

 The present invention relates to a method for producing a metal mesh transparent electrode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal mesh transparent electrode for a touch screen using a nanomicro composite structure.

Recently, a touch panel capable of directly inputting information using a finger or a pen to an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic light emitting device has been applied in various fields including a portable terminal.

The touch panel includes a resistive type, a capacitive type, and the like, but the resistive type has a disadvantage in that it is inconvenient to operate and inaccurate position recognition.

In the capacitive method, when a finger or a pen touches, the capacitive method detects a change in capacitance in the touch area and recognizes a user's touch. The capacitive type is widely used in recent touch panels because of the fast response time and excellent permeability.

In the case of a capacitive touch panel, types such as an add-on, a cover window type, and a display type are used.

Among these, the film electrode type GFF (Glass-ITO Film-ITO Film) structure uses one glass and two ITO films and patterns the fine electrode pattern for X-axis and Y-axis sensing on two ITO films. Patterning) to attach to the glass. GFF structure is a technology that has been proven for a long time is stable and the touch panel can be produced inexpensively due to the recent drop in the price of ITO film, but there is a problem in that the optical specification such as transparency is inferior. In addition, due to the high sheet resistance of the ITO thin film, it is difficult to manufacture a large-area touch sensor, and above all, there are limitations in implementing a thickness as a result of using two transparent conductive films.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0101763 relates to a touch screen panel display device, and relates to a touch screen panel display device using the DPW technology to improve the capacitive method of the GFF and GG type. However, in case of the prior document, since a plurality of ITO films are formed, there is a problem that the thickness of the touch panel becomes thick.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0101763

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a touch panel in which both electrodes for identifying the X and Y axes of the touch position are formed in one resin layer.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a touch panel which forms both electrodes capable of identifying the X and Y axes on the same surface of the resin layer.

Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a touch panel in which the fine electrode patterns of the X-axis and the Y-axis can intersect without electrically interfering with each other.

To this end, the present invention comprises the steps of forming a plurality of first and second horizontal sensing electrodes having at least one vertical sensing electrode and a cross region electrically insulated from the vertical sensing electrode on the upper surface of the resin layer; Forming an insulator and first etching, forming a first conductor in the first etched region, forming a second insulator on the top of the first conductor through a mask and performing a second etch; Forming a second conductive portion in the etched region.

According to the present invention, since the vertical sensing electrode and the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes which recognize the X and Y axes, respectively, are formed in one resin layer, both the X and Y axes can be identified on the upper surface of the one touch panel resin layer. As a result, the thickness of the touch panel can be made thin.

Furthermore, although the X-axis and the Y-axis are formed on the same surface and provided to cross each other, since the sensing electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and do not interfere with each other, the generation of static electricity can be effectively detected.

1 is a diagram illustrating a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing the touch sensing of the resin layer of the manufacturing method of the touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a resin layer of a method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 to 14 are flowcharts illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to clearly disclose the present invention, parts not related to the present invention are omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements in the drawings.

The objects and effects of the present invention may be naturally understood or more apparent from the following description, and the objects and effects of the present invention are not limited only by the following description.

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more vertical sensing electrodes 110 are formed on the upper surface of the resin layer 11 in one axial direction, and an intersecting region electrically insulated from the vertical sensing electrodes 110. Forming a plurality of first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 130, forming a first insulating portion 210 on the cross region through a mask, and performing a first etching process on the first etched region. Forming the first conductive portion 310, forming a second insulating portion 410 on the upper surface of the first conductive portion 310 through a mask, and performing a second etching process, and forming a second conductive portion in the second etched region. Forming 320).

Here, the first conductive part 310 and the second conductive part 320 are a bridge part 300 that electrically connects the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130. In addition, the second insulation portion 410 crosses the first insulation portion 210 so that the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 are electrically connected to each other through the bridge portion 300. Do not do it.

Meanwhile, when one vertical sensing electrode 110 is provided, the length of the first insulating part 210 is longer than the distance from the center of the vertical sensing electrode 110 to the side wall.

On the other hand, when a plurality of vertical sensing electrodes 110 are provided, the first insulating portion 210 is provided longer than the distance from the center of the plurality of vertical sensing electrodes 110 to the side wall located at the farthest distance.

In addition, the second conductive portion 320 is provided longer than the distance from the center of the first insulating portion 210 to the side wall.

Therefore, the vertical sensing electrode 110 provided in the vertical direction and the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 130 provided in the horizontal direction with the vertical sensing electrode 110 interposed therebetween are not electrically connected to each other. In detail, the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 130 having the vertical sensing electrode 110 interposed therebetween are electrically connected to each other through the bridge part 300, and thus, the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 120 and 130. ) May be electrically connected to each other without interference with the vertical sensing electrode 110.

The sensing electrodes 110, 120, and 130 formed on the resin layer 11 of the present invention may be formed of a conductive material. For example, it may be provided with ITO (Indium-Tim Oxide, phosphorus-tin oxide). In detail, ITO is mainly used in display panels such as PDP and LCD as a transparent material, and ITO film may be used in various forms because it is formed in a transparent state. The touch panel has a structure of a single or a plurality of ITO films so that a user can detect the static electricity generated by touching the touch panel to specify the touched position. More specifically, such an ITO film has a sensing electrode formed in one axis (X axis) or another axis (Y axis). When using a plurality of ITO films, a sensing electrode in one axis or another axis is formed on each ITO film. In the case of using one ITO film, a user's touch is sensed by forming sensing electrodes in one axis and the other axis in the front and rear surfaces of the ITO film, respectively. Here, the ITO film is more effective and the film having a smaller volume is more advanced by reducing the number of films. However, in addition to the structure in which the sensing electrodes are formed on the one side and the rear surface, respectively, when both the uniaxial and the other axis sensing electrodes are formed on one side, the uniaxial and the other axis sensing electrodes may flow current with each other, or interference may occur. Occurs. In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, both uniaxial and axial sensing electrodes are formed on one surface of the ITO film, but the sensing electrodes provide a structure of the ITO film and a manufacturing method that do not interfere with each other because current does not flow.

Now, each step will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 120 and 130 having cross regions electrically insulated from the vertical sensing electrode 110 and the vertical sensing electrode 110 are formed on the upper surface of the resin layer 11. The method may be formed by pressing the mold 20. In detail, the resin layer 11 may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate 10, and the mold 20 having the pattern formed thereon may be pressed and cured to form a pattern on the resin layer 11. In the case of <a> of FIG. 4, both the substrate 10 and the resin layer 11 are represented, but forming the resin on the upper surface of the substrate is a general technique, and the substrate 10 and the following will be described for more intuitive description. In the resin layer 11, the base material 10 is abbreviate | omitted and demonstrated. However, although the resin layer 11 mentioned later is not demonstrated with the base material 10, the resin layer 11 mentioned later is the resin layer 11 formed in the upper surface of the base material 10. As shown in FIG.

Then, the conductor 100 is injected into the groove patterned by the mold 20 and cured.

In this case, as a method of injecting and curing the conductor 100 into the patterned groove, the conductor 100 may be injected by applying the conductor 100 to the patterned groove and then pushing it through the blade 30. Therefore, when the conductor 100 is injected into the patterned groove and cured, the current flows along the patterned groove.

5 to 7, a first insulating part 210 is formed on the upper surface of an intersection area where the vertical sensing electrode 110 and the horizontal sensing electrode cross each other through a mask, and a first etching process is performed.

In detail, the first photosensitive layer 200 is formed by coating a photosensitive material whose properties are changed by light. Next, the first mask M1 patterned in advance on the upper surface of the first steel Guam layer is exposed to cure the first photosensitive layer 200 at a position corresponding to the pattern of the first mask M1. In addition, the first etching process is performed on the uncured first photosensitive layer 200 to develop while leaving only the hardened first photosensitive layer 200. Accordingly, the portion to be subjected to the first etching treatment refers to the first photosensitive layer 200 which is not exposed to the first mask M1 and is not cured in the first photosensitive layer 200.

In this case, the cured first photosensitive layer 200 is provided as an insulator through which no current flows, and this is defined as a first insulator 210.

In addition, the first insulation unit 210 is provided longer than the distance from the center of the vertical sensing electrode 110 to the side wall of the vertical sensing electrode 110 located at the longest distance.

Specifically, the first insulation unit 210 is formed on the upper surface of the vertical sensing electrode 110 so as not to be electrically connected to or interfere with another vertical sensing electrode 110, the horizontal sensing electrode, and the first conducting unit 310. It is preferable to provide. More specifically, the first insulation unit 210 is formed on the upper surface of the vertical sensing electrode 110 to be sealed to shield the upper surface of the vertical sensing electrode 110 from being exposed.

In this case, referring to FIG. 3, when one vertical sensing electrode 110 is provided, the length value L2 of the first insulation unit 210 may be defined by both sidewalls of the center T of the vertical sensing electrode 110. It is provided longer than the distance value L1.

In addition, when a plurality of vertical sensing electrodes 110 are provided, the length value L2 of the first insulation unit 210 is the distance farthest from the center T based on the centers T of the plurality of vertical sensing electrodes. It is provided longer than the distance value (L1) to both side walls located in.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a first conductive portion 310 is formed in the first etched region.

Since the first etching process is performed in a region other than the first insulating portion 210 cured through the first mask M1, the first photosensitive layer 200 in the first etched region is removed. Accordingly, grooves are formed as much as the region of the removed photosensitive layer, and the first conductive portion 310 is formed therein.

Here, the method of forming the first conductive portion 310 may be the same method as the coating and curing method using the blade 30 used to form the vertical sensing electrode 110 and the horizontal sensing electrode.

9 to 11, a second insulating portion 410 is formed on the upper surface of the first conductive portion 310 through a mask and then subjected to a second etching process.

In detail, the second photosensitive layer 400 is formed by coating a photosensitive material whose properties are changed by light. Next, the second mask M2 patterned in advance on the upper surface of the second photosensitive layer 400 is exposed to cure the second photosensitive layer 400 at a position corresponding to the pattern of the second mask M2. Then, a second etching treatment is performed on the uncured second photosensitive layer 400 to develop, leaving only the hardened second photosensitive layer 400.

Therefore, the portion to be etched first refers to the second photosensitive layer 400 that is not cured by being exposed by the second mask M2 in the second photosensitive layer 400.

In addition, the cured second photosensitive layer 400 is provided with an insulator through which no current flows, which is defined as a second insulator 410.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, a second conductive portion 320 is formed in the second etched region.

Since the second etching treatment is performed in a region except for the second insulating portion 410 cured through the second mask M2, the second photosensitive layer 400 of the second etching treatment region is removed. Accordingly, grooves are formed as much as the region of the removed photosensitive layer, and the second conductive portion 320 is formed therein.

Here, the method of forming the second conductive part 320 may be the same method as the coating and curing method using the blade 30 used when forming the vertical sensing electrode 110 and the horizontal sensing electrode.

In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the length value L3 of the second conductive part 320 is provided with a length longer than the distance value L2 from the center T of the first insulating part 210 to the side wall.

In detail, the second conductive part 320 is positioned on the upper surface of the first insulating part 210, and has a length value L3 longer than the length value L2 of the first insulating part 210. Accordingly, one end of the second conductive portion 320 is electrically connected to the first conductive portion 310, and the other end is electrically connected to another first conductive portion 310. More specifically, the length value L3 of the second conductive portion 320 is the first value so that the first conductive conductive portion and another first conductive portion 310 may be electrically connected to each other through the second conductive portion 320 formed on the upper surface thereof. It is preferable to have the length longer than the length value L2 from the center T of the insulation part 210 to both side walls.

Therefore, the first conductive part 310 and the second conductive part 320 are in surface contact with each other by a difference value of the length. That is, the length value L3 of the second conductive part 320 is in contact with each other by the length value obtained by subtracting the length value L2 of the first conductive part 310.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a thin film layer G including another resin layer G or a glass layer G may be further formed on the second conductive part 320 and the second insulating part 410. .

The touch panel manufactured by the method for manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention has a vertical sensing electrode 110 and one or more horizontal horizontal lines that are arranged on one or more axes along one axis on an upper surface of the resin layer 11. Although a plurality of sensing electrodes 130 are arranged to intersect with each other, the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 are formed of a first conductive part 310 and a second conductive part 320. Is electrically connected).

In this case, the first conductive part 310 and the second conductive part 320 are electrically insulated from the vertical sensing electrode 110 through the first insulating part 210 and the second insulating part 410 on the same layer line. No electrical interference

Therefore, in the touch panel manufactured by the method for manufacturing the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the vertical sensing electrode 110 and the first and second horizontal sensing electrodes 120 and 130 are formed of one resin layer 11. Since it is formed on one surface, the touch panel can be manufactured thinner. In addition, since all manufacturing processes are performed on the same surface, manufacturing time can be shortened, and the cost incurred in manufacturing is also low.

Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that each layer is provided for surface contact, and in order to form layers in turn, it is excellent in durability, and current does not flow in unnecessary positions, so that the current is not affected by interference.

Specifically, the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 are formed in contact with the upper surface of the first conductive portion 310, the first conductive portion 310 is the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 And because the surface contact with the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 is excellent in durability. In addition, since the first conductive portion 310 is in surface contact with the second conductive portion 320, the durability is excellent. In particular, in the case of the ITO film applied to the flexible display panel, a flexible specific phase and a portion in contact with the current may easily be damaged. In the present invention, the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 ) Is made of a layer is characterized by excellent durability due to the bridge portion 300 is formed by being attached to the surface contact with each other.

In addition, the bridge portion 300 electrically connecting the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode 130 to each other passes through the vertical sensing electrode 110. The bridge portion 300 and the vertical sensing electrode are connected to each other. 110 is provided so that the current does not flow with each other due to the first insulating portion 210 and the second insulating portion 410 so that interference does not occur. Furthermore, since the first insulating part 210 and the second insulating part 410 are provided in layer units in order to make surface contact with the first conductive part 310 and the second conductive part 320 as described above, they are more durable. This is characterized by excellentness. That is, the present invention is formed in order in each layer (Layer) unit, each layer is provided to the surface contact, and because the empty space is not formed is excellent in durability.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for purposes of illustration, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Should be regarded as falling within the scope of the above claims.

As those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various permutations, modifications, and changes are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It is not limited by.

10: base material 11: resin layer
20: mold 30: blade
100 conductor 110 vertical sensing electrode
120: first horizontal sensing electrode 130: second horizontal sensing electrode
200: first photosensitive layer 210: first insulating portion
300: bridge portion 310: first conductive portion
320: second conductive portion 400: second photosensitive layer
410: second insulation portion M1: first mask
M2: second mask G: glass or resin layer

Claims (6)

A plurality of first horizontal sensing electrodes 120 and second horizontal sensing electrodes 130 having at least one vertical sensing electrode 110 and an intersection area electrically insulated from the vertical sensing electrode 110 on an upper surface of the resin layer 11. Forming);
Forming a first insulating portion (210) on the upper surface of the crossing area through a mask and performing a first etching process;
Forming a first conductive portion 310 in the first etched region;
Forming a second insulating portion 410 on the top surface of the first conductive portion 310 through a mask and performing a second etching process; And
And forming a second conductive portion (320) in the second etched area.
The method of claim 1,
The first conductive portion 310 and the second conductive portion 320,
Method for manufacturing a touch panel, characterized in that the bridge portion 300 for electrically connecting the first horizontal sensing electrode 120 and the second horizontal sensing electrode (130).
The method of claim 1,
The second insulating portion 410 does not intersect the first insulating portion 210 manufacturing method of the touch panel.
The method of claim 1,
When the vertical sensing electrode (110) is one, the first insulating portion 210 is a manufacturing method of the touch panel, characterized in that provided longer than the distance from the center of the vertical sensing electrode (110) to the side wall.
The method of claim 1,
When there are a plurality of vertical sensing electrodes 110, the first insulating part 210 is longer than a distance from a center of the plurality of vertical sensing electrodes 110 to a side wall located at a longest distance. Method of manufacturing a touch panel.
The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The second conductive part 320 is a manufacturing method of the touch panel, characterized in that provided longer than the distance from the center of the first insulating portion 210 to the side wall.

Images