KR102275889B1 - Touch window - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch window according to the present invention includes a substrate and an electrode layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the electrode layer includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the first metal layer, 2 The metal layer contains Nb.
In addition, the touch window according to the present invention includes a substrate and an electrode layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the electrode layer includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the first metal layer, and a buffer layer disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

Description

touch window {TOUCH WINDOW}

The present invention relates to a touch window.

Recently, in various electronic products, a touch window for inputting an image by contacting an input device such as a finger or a stylus to an image displayed on a display device has been applied.

The touch window may detect a position by arranging a sensing electrode and a wiring electrode connected to the sensing electrode on a substrate, and sensing a change in capacitance or the like when a region in which the sensing electrode is disposed is touched.

For example, the touch signal sensed by the sensing electrode may be transmitted to the printed circuit board through the wiring electrode, and the touch signal may be transmitted to the main board chip through the chip mounted on the printed circuit board.

The sensing electrode may be made of a conductive material through which electricity passes, for example, may include a conductive material such as metal. Such a metal has a problem in that the visibility of the touch window is lowered because light incident from the outside is visually recognized from the outside due to its unique shiny properties.

In addition, there is a problem that the touch sensitivity may be lowered due to corrosion of the electrode layer.

Accordingly, there is a need for a touch window having a new structure capable of solving the above problems.

An object of the present invention is to provide a touch window having improved visibility and reliability.

A touch window according to the present invention includes a substrate and an electrode layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the electrode layer includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the first metal layer, 2 The metal layer contains Nb.

In addition, the touch window according to the present invention includes a substrate and an electrode layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the electrode layer includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the first metal layer, and a buffer layer disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

In the touch window according to the present invention, the electrode layer may include a first metal layer and a second metal layer.

The second metal layer may more easily protect the electrode layer by preventing deformation and corrosion of the first metal layer, and may prevent the electrode layer from being visually recognized according to a color change, thereby improving visibility of the touch window.

In addition, the buffer layer may relieve stress of the electrode layer and prevent deformation of the substrate and/or the electrode layer to improve reliability of the touch window.

Accordingly, the touch window according to the present invention may have improved reliability and efficiency, and may improve visibility.

1 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged area of FIG. 1 .
3 to 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating a section AA′ of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.
6 and 7 are other cross-sectional views taken along area AA′ of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.
8 to 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating a section AA′ of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment.
11 and 12 are other cross-sectional views taken along area AA′ of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment.
13 to 16 are diagrams for explaining various types of touch windows according to the first and second embodiments.
17 to 19 are diagrams for explaining a touch device in which a touch window and a display panel are coupled according to the first and second embodiments.
20 to 23 are diagrams illustrating an example of a touch device apparatus to which a touch window according to the first and second embodiments is applied.

In the description of embodiments, each layer (film), region, pattern or structure is “on” or “under” the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or patterns. The description of being formed in " includes all those formed directly or through another layer. The standards for upper/above or lower/lower layers of each layer will be described with reference to the drawings.

In addition, when a part is said to be "connected" with another part, it includes not only the case of being "directly connected" but also the case of being "indirectly connected" with another member interposed therebetween. In addition, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further provided without excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

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

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

1 to 12 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a substrate 100 , an electrode layer, and a printed circuit board 400 .

The substrate 100 may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate 100 may include glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate 100 includes chemically strengthened/semi-tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, or polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). , propylene glycol (PPG), reinforced or soft plastic such as polycarbonate (PC), or may include sapphire.

In addition, the substrate 100 may include a photoisotropic film. For example, the substrate 100 may include Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), Cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP), photoisotropic polycarbonate (PC), or photoisotropic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Sapphire has excellent electrical properties such as dielectric constant, so it can dramatically increase the touch response speed, and it can easily implement spatial touch such as hovering, and has high surface strength, so it can be applied as a cover substrate. Here, hovering refers to a technique for recognizing coordinates even at a distance slightly away from the display.

Also, the substrate 100 may be bent while having a partially curved surface. That is, the substrate 100 may be bent while partially having a flat surface and partially having a curved surface. In detail, the end of the substrate 100 may be curved while having a curved surface, or may have a surface including a random curvature and may be curved or bent.

In addition, the substrate 100 may be a flexible substrate having a flexible characteristic.

Also, the substrate 100 may be a curved or bent substrate. That is, the touch window including the substrate 100 may also be formed to have flexible, curved, or bent characteristics. For this reason, the touch window according to the embodiment is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

An electrode layer may be disposed on the substrate 100 . That is, the substrate may be a support substrate.

The substrate 100 may include a cover substrate. That is, the electrode layer may be supported by the cover substrate. Alternatively, a separate cover substrate may be further disposed on the substrate. That is, the electrode layer may be supported by a substrate, and the substrate and the cover substrate may be laminated through an adhesive layer.

An effective area AA and an ineffective area UA may be defined in the substrate 100 .

A display may be displayed in the effective area AA, and a display may not be displayed in the ineffective area UA disposed around the effective area AA.

Also, in at least one of the effective area AA and the ineffective area UA, the position of the input device (eg, a finger, etc.) may be detected. When an input device such as a finger is in contact with such a touch window, a difference in capacitance occurs at a portion in contact with the input device, and the portion in which the difference occurs may be detected as a contact position.

The electrode layer may include a sensing electrode 200 and a wiring electrode 300 .

The sensing electrode 200 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . In detail, the sensing electrode 200 may be disposed in at least one of the effective area AA and the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 . Preferably, the sensing electrode 200 may be disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate.

The sensing electrode 200 may include a first sensing electrode 210 and a second sensing electrode 220 .

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate 100 . That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other so as not to contact each other on the same surface of the substrate 100 .

At least one sensing electrode of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may include a transparent conductive material to allow electricity to flow without interfering with the transmission of light. At least one sensing electrode among the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, or tin oxide ( tin oxide), zinc oxide, or a metal oxide such as titanium oxide.

Alternatively, at least one sensing electrode of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, a carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, a conductive polymer or mixtures thereof may be included.

Alternatively, at least one of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may include various metals. For example, at least one of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver ( Ag), molybdenum (Mo). At least one of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof may be included.

The sensing electrode 200 may include a mesh shape. In detail, the sensing electrode 200 may include a plurality of sub-electrodes, and the sub-electrodes may be disposed while crossing each other in a mesh shape to form an overall mesh electrode.

In detail, referring to FIG. 2 , the sensing electrode 200 includes a mesh line LA and a second mesh opening OA between the mesh line LA by a plurality of sub-electrodes crossing each other in a mesh shape. can do. In this case, the line width of the mesh line LA may be about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. A mesh line having a line width of less than about 0.1 μm may be impossible in a manufacturing process, and when it exceeds about 10 μm, the sensing electrode pattern may be visually recognized from the outside and visibility may be reduced. Alternatively, the line width of the mesh line LA may be about 1 μm to about 5 μm. Alternatively, the line width of the mesh line LA may be about 1.5 μm to about 3 μm.

The mesh opening OA may be formed in various shapes. For example, the mesh opening OA may have various shapes, such as a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal polygonal shape, or a circular shape. In addition, the mesh opening OA may be formed in a regular shape or a random shape.

Since the sensing electrode has a mesh shape, the pattern of the sensing electrode may be invisible on the effective area AA or the non-effective area UA. That is, even if the sensing electrode is formed of a metal, the pattern may be invisible. In addition, even when the sensing electrode is applied to a large-sized touch window, the resistance of the touch window may be lowered.

The wiring electrode 300 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . In detail, the wire electrode 300 may be disposed on the same surface as the sensing electrode 200 .

The wiring electrode 300 may be disposed on at least one of the effective area AA and the non-effective area UA of the substrate 100 . For example, the wiring electrode 300 may be disposed on the effective area AA and the non-effective area UA of the substrate 100 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the wiring electrode 300 may be disposed to extend from the effective area AA to the ineffective area UA. In detail, the wiring electrode 300 may be connected to the sensing electrode 200 in the effective area AA and may be connected to the printed circuit board 400 in the ineffective area AA.

The printed circuit board 400 may be disposed between at least one of an effective area and an ineffective area of the board 100 .

The printed circuit board 400 may include a driving chip. Accordingly, the touch signal sensed by the sensing electrode 200 may be transmitted through the wiring electrode 300 , and the touch signal may be transmitted to the driving chip.

The wire electrode 300 may include the same or similar material to the sensing electrode 200 described above. Also, the wire electrode 300 may have a mesh shape like the sensing electrode.

1 and 2 , the wiring electrode 300 includes a first wiring electrode 310 disposed on an effective area AA and a second wiring electrode 320 disposed on an ineffective area UA. may include. At least one of the first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode 320 may include a mesh shape. For example, the first wire electrode 310 may be disposed in a mesh shape by a plurality of sub-electrodes crossing each other, and the second wire electrode 320 may be disposed as a bulk wire. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and both the first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode 320 are formed in a mesh shape, or the first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode ( 320) of course, all may be formed as bulk wiring.

Also, the first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode 320 may be integrally formed.

3 to 5 are views illustrating a cross-section of an electrode layer of the touch window according to the first embodiment. 3 to 5 illustrate the sensing electrode, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that the electrode layer may include a wiring electrode in addition to the sensing electrode in the following description.

3 to 5 , the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The first sensing electrode 210 may include a first metal layer 211 and a second metal layer 212 .

Also, the first metal layer 211 may be disposed in direct or indirect contact with the substrate 100 .

The second metal layer 212 may be disposed on at least one of one surface and the other surface of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the second metal layer 220 may be disposed to contact at least one surface of the first metal layer 211 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first metal layer 211 . The second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first metal layer 211 and may directly or indirectly contact the first metal layer 211 . In detail, the first metal layer 211 may include one surface in contact with the substrate 100 and the other surface opposite to the one surface, and the second metal layer 212 is formed on the other surface of the first metal layer 211 . can be placed.

The first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may include different metal layers.

In addition, the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may include conductive materials having different resistances.

The first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may be metal layers having different lattice constants.

For example, the first metal layer 211 may include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or molybdenum (Mo). At least one of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof may be included. In detail, the first metal layer 211 may include copper (Cu).

For example, the second metal layer 212 may include niobium (Nb). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a black-based material capable of preventing oxidation of the first metal layer 211 and suppressing reflectivity may be applied.

The second metal layer 212 may have a color. For example, the second metal layer 212 may include a black-based color. For example, the second metal layer 212 may include a black color, such as a black mixed color, in which other colors such as white and black are mixed.

The second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the first metal layer 211 to protect the first metal layer from infiltration of external impurities. For example, by being disposed on one surface of the first metal layer 211 to protect the first metal layer 211 from external impurities, corrosion and damage to the first metal layer 211 may be prevented.

That is, the second metal layer 212 may be discolored due to corrosion of the first metal layer 211 , thereby preventing the discolored first metal layer 211 from being visually recognized from the outside. For example, the second metal layer 212 may be an anti-oxidation layer of the first metal layer 211 .

In addition, the second metal layer 212 may include a black-based color. Accordingly, when the first metal layer 211 is formed of a material such as metal, it is possible to prevent the first metal layer 211 from being visually recognized from the outside due to the unique shiny properties of the metal. That is, the second metal layer 212 may be an anti-reflection layer.

Also, the second metal layer 212 may have conductivity. That is, the sensing electrode 200 includes the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 , and the second metal layer 212 may have conductivity and may have a black-based color. .

The thickness of the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may be different from each other. In detail, the thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be greater than the thickness of the second metal layer 212 .

For example, the thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be about 100 nm to about 500 nm. In detail, the thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be about 150 nm to about 250 nm. In more detail, the thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be about 180 nm to about 200 nm.

When the thickness of the first metal layer 211 is greater than about 500 nm, the thickness of the touch window may increase.

For example, the thickness of the second metal layer 212 may be about 1 nm to about 30 nm. In detail, the thickness of the second metal layer 212 may be about 10 nm to about 30 nm. In more detail, the thickness of the second metal layer 212 may be about 20 nm to about 30 nm.

When the thickness of the second metal layer 212 is less than about 1 nm, the anti-oxidation and/or anti-radiation properties of the first metal layer 211 may be deteriorated.

When the thickness of the second metal layer 212 is greater than about 30 nm, the second metal layer 212 may be thick and an etching defect may occur.

4 and 5 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the other surface of the first metal layer 211 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 and may directly or indirectly contact the first metal layer 211 .

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 , and may directly or indirectly contact the first metal layer 211 .

Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, the second metal layer 212 may also be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the first metal layer 211 .

6 and 7 are other views illustrating a cross-section of an electrode layer of the touch window according to the first embodiment. 6 and 7 illustrate the sensing electrode, it goes without saying that the electrode layer may include a wiring electrode in addition to the sensing electrode.

6 and 7 , the touch window according to another exemplary embodiment may further include an intermediate layer disposed on the substrate 100 , that is, the resin layer 600 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the resin layer 600 may include a first pattern 610 and a second pattern 620 . The first pattern 610 and the second pattern 620 may have different sizes. In detail, the second pattern 620 may have a larger size than the first pattern 610 . For example, the width of the first pattern 610 may have a size in nanometers (nm), and the width of the second pattern 620 may have a size in micrometers (㎛).

The first metal layer 211 may be disposed on the second pattern 620 . For example, after arranging the conductive material forming the first metal layer 211 on the first pattern 610 and the second pattern 620 , the bonding area and conductivity of the conductive material and the first pattern during etching The first metal layer 211 may remain only on the second pattern 620 by leaving the conductive material only on the second pattern according to the difference in the etching rate due to the difference in the bonding area between the material and the second pattern. .

The second metal layer 212 described above may be disposed on the first metal layer 211 . Although FIG. 6 illustrates that the second metal layer is disposed only on the top surface of the first metal layer 211 , the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second metal layer 212 is the top surface of the first metal layer 211 . , it may be disposed on at least one of the lower surface and the side surface.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the resin layer 600 may include a pattern P. For example, the resin layer 600 may include an intaglio pattern.

The first metal layer 211 may be disposed on the pattern P. For example, the first metal layer 211 may be disposed inside the engraved pattern.

The second metal layer 212 described above may be disposed on the first metal layer 211 . 7 illustrates that the second metal layer is disposed only on the top surface of the first metal layer 211, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second metal layer includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a lower surface of the first metal layer 211. It may be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces.

In the touch window according to the first embodiment, oxidation of the first metal layer 211 may be prevented by disposing the second metal layer 212 on at least one of one surface and the other surface of the first metal layer 211 . can In addition, reflection due to the total reflection characteristic of the first metal layer 211 may be prevented. Accordingly, reliability and visibility of the touch window according to the first embodiment may be improved.

8 to 10 are views illustrating a cross-section of an electrode layer of a touch window according to a second embodiment. 8 to 10 illustrate the sensing electrode, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in the following description, it goes without saying that the electrode layer may include a wiring electrode in addition to the sensing electrode.

8 to 10 , the first sensing electrode 210 and the buffer layer 500 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The first sensing electrode 210 may include a first metal layer 211 and a second metal layer 212 .

In addition, one surface of the buffer layer 500 may be disposed in contact with the first metal layer 211 , and the other surface opposite to one surface of the buffer layer 500 may be disposed in contact with the second metal layer 212 . have.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first metal layer 211 . The second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first metal layer 211 , and the buffer layer 500 may be disposed between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . In detail, the first metal layer 211 may include one surface in contact with the substrate 100 and the other surface opposite to the one surface, and the second metal layer 212 is formed on the other surface of the first metal layer 211 . can be placed.

For example, the buffer layer 500 may be disposed in direct contact with the other surface of the first metal layer 211 , and the second metal layer 212 may be disposed in indirect contact with each other.

For example, the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may include the same or similar material to that of the first embodiment.

The buffer layer 500 may include an oxide.

The buffer layer 500 may include a metal oxide. For example, the buffer layer 500 may be an oxide containing the same metal as the first metal layer 211 .

The buffer layer 500 may be an oxide including a material different from that of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the buffer layer 500 may include silicon dioxide.

The lattice constants of the first metal layer 211 , the second metal layer 212 , and the buffer layer 500 may be different from each other. For example, the lattice constant of the buffer layer 500 may have a value between the lattice constant of the first metal layer 211 and the lattice constant of the second metal layer 212 . Accordingly, the stress between the second metal layer 212 and the first metal layer 211 may be relieved.

That is, the buffer layer 500 having a value between the lattice constant of the first metal layer 211 and the lattice constant of the second metal layer 212 is applied to the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . By disposing between the , stress generated at the contact interface between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 can be relieved.

For example, when the first metal layer 211 is disposed on the substrate 100 and the second metal layer 212 is disposed on the first metal layer 211 , the difference between different materials and crystal lattices For this reason, the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may be delaminated, and as the stress increases, warpage may occur in the substrate and/or the electrode layer.

The buffer layer 500 may be a stress relieving layer or a stress dispersing layer. That is, the buffer layer 500 may relieve stress generated at a contact interface between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212, which are different materials. Accordingly, deformation of the substrate 100 and/or the electrode layer may be prevented.

For example, it is possible to prevent deformation of the substrate and/or the electrode layer caused by disposing the electrode layer on the flexible substrate.

In detail, it is possible to prevent the substrate 100 from being contracted or curled. In addition, it is possible to prevent hillocks or wrinkles from occurring on the surface of the electrode layer.

The thickness of the first metal layer 211 , the second metal layer 212 , and the buffer layer 500 may be different from each other. A thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be greater than a thickness of the second metal layer 212 . A thickness of the first metal layer 211 may be greater than a thickness of the buffer layer 500 .

For example, the thickness of the second metal layer 212 may be greater than the thickness of the buffer layer 500 .

For example, the thicknesses of the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 may be the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment.

For example, the buffer layer 500 may have a thickness of about 1 nm to about 30 nm. In detail, the buffer layer 500 may have a thickness of about 1 nm to about 20 nm. In more detail, the buffer layer 500 may have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 20 nm.

When the thickness of the buffer layer 500 is less than about 1 nm, the substrate 100 may be bent or curled, and thus, it may be difficult to uniformly form the electrode layer.

When the thickness of the buffer layer 500 is greater than about 30 nm, electrical characteristics of the touch window may be deteriorated.

9 and 10 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the other surface of the first metal layer 211 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the second metal layer 212 is disposed on the lower surface of the first metal layer 211 , and the buffer layer 500 is disposed between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . can be

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 10 , the second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first metal layer 211 . For example, the second metal layer 212 is disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first metal layer 211 , and the buffer layer 500 is disposed between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 , respectively. ) can be placed.

Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, the second metal layer 212 may also be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the first metal layer 211 .

11 and 12 are other views illustrating a cross-section of an electrode layer of a touch window according to the second embodiment. 11 and 12 illustrate the sensing electrode, it goes without saying that the electrode layer may include a wiring electrode in addition to the sensing electrode.

11 and 12 , the touch window according to another embodiment may further include an intermediate layer disposed on the substrate 100 , that is, the resin layer 600 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , the resin layer 600 may include a first pattern 610 and a second pattern 620 . The first pattern 610 and the second pattern 620 may have different sizes. In detail, the second pattern 620 may have a larger size than the first pattern 610 . For example, the width of the first pattern 610 may have a size in nanometers (nm), and the width of the second pattern 620 may have a size in micrometers (㎛).

The first metal layer 211 may be disposed on the second pattern 620 . For example, after arranging the conductive material forming the first metal layer 211 on the first pattern 610 and the second pattern 620 , the bonding area and conductivity of the conductive material and the first pattern during etching The first metal layer 211 may remain only on the second pattern 620 by leaving the conductive material only on the second pattern according to the difference in the etching rate due to the difference in the bonding area between the material and the second pattern. .

The above-described second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the first metal layer 211 , and the aforementioned buffer layer 500 may be disposed between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . 11 illustrates that the second metal layer is disposed only on the top surface of the first metal layer 211 , the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second metal layer includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 , and It may be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the resin layer 600 may include a pattern P. For example, the resin layer 600 may include an intaglio pattern.

The first metal layer 211 may be disposed on the pattern P. For example, the first metal layer 211 may be disposed inside the engraved pattern.

The above-described second metal layer 212 may be disposed on the first metal layer 211 , and the aforementioned buffer layer 500 may be disposed between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . Although FIG. 12 illustrates that the second metal layer is disposed only on the top surface of the first metal layer 211 , the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the second metal layer includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a lower surface of the first metal layer 211 , and It may be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces.

In the touch window according to the second embodiment, oxidation of the first metal layer 211 may be prevented by disposing the second metal layer 212 on at least one of one surface and the other surface of the first metal layer 211 . can In addition, reflection due to the total reflection characteristic of the first metal layer 211 may be prevented. Accordingly, reliability and visibility of the touch window according to the second embodiment may be improved.

In addition, in the touch window according to the second embodiment, deformation of the substrate 100 and/or the electrode layer may be prevented by disposing a buffer layer between the first metal layer 211 and the second metal layer 212 . . Accordingly, the reliability of the touch window according to the second embodiment may be improved.

Hereinafter, various types of touch windows according to the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 .

Referring to FIG. 13 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a cover substrate 101 . In addition, a first sensing electrode 210 and a second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the cover substrate 110 .

For example, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the cover substrate 101 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same surface of the cover substrate 101 .

A first sensing electrode 210 , a second sensing electrode 220 , the first sensing electrode 210 , and the second sensing electrode 220 extending in different directions are formed on the same surface of the cover substrate 101 , and Each of the interconnected wiring electrodes 300 may be disposed, and the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode may be spaced apart from each other or insulated from each other on the same surface of the cover substrate 101 . That is, the first sensing electrode 210 may extend in one direction, and the second sensing electrode 220 may extend in a direction different from the one direction.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a cover substrate 101 and a substrate 100 on the cover substrate 101 .

In addition, a first sensing electrode 210 and a second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the substrate 100 .

For example, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate 100 .

A first sensing electrode 210 , a second sensing electrode 220 , the first sensing electrode 210 , and the second sensing electrode 220 extending in different directions are formed on the same surface of the substrate 100 , respectively. A wiring electrode 300 to be connected may be disposed, and the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode may be spaced apart from each other or insulated from each other on the same surface of the substrate 100 . That is, the first sensing electrode 210 may extend in one direction, and the second sensing electrode 220 may extend in a direction different from the one direction.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a cover substrate 101 and a substrate 100 on the cover substrate 101 .

In addition, a first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on the cover substrate 101 , and a second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The substrate 100 may include the same or similar material as the cover substrate 110 .

In detail, a first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and a wiring electrode 300 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed on one surface of the cover substrate 110 , A second sensing electrode 220 extending in a direction different from that of the first sensing electrode 210 and a wiring electrode 300 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface.

Alternatively, both the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . For example, the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 , and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the other surface opposite to the one surface.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a cover substrate 101 , a first substrate 110 on the cover substrate 101 , and a second substrate 120 on the first substrate 110 . can

In addition, a first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on the first substrate 110 , and a second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the second substrate 120 .

In detail, a first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and a wiring electrode 300 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed on one surface of the first substrate 110, and the second substrate ( A second sensing electrode 220 extending in a direction different from that of the first sensing electrode 210 and a wiring electrode 300 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the 120 .

Hereinafter, a touch device in which the above-described touch window and the display panel are combined will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a display panel 800 and a touch window disposed on the display panel. For example, the display panel and the touch window may be bonded to each other through an adhesive layer 700 including an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

For example, in FIG. 17 , the cover substrate 101 and the substrate 100 are included, and the cover substrate 101 and the substrate 100 are adhered through an adhesive layer 700 , and are formed on the substrate 100 . Although the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 are provided to be spaced apart from each other and the display panel 800 is bonded to each other through the adhesive layer 700, the embodiment is not limited thereto, The touch window according to various embodiments described above may be adhered to the display panel 800 .

When the display panel 800 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 800 includes a first substrate 810 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode, and a second substrate 810 including color filter layers. ' The substrate 820 may be formed in a bonded structure with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

In addition, in the display panel 800 , a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix are formed on a first substrate 810 , and a second substrate 820 is formed on the first substrate 810 with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. ) and may be a liquid crystal display panel having a color filter on transistor (COT) structure. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate 810 , a protective film may be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer may be formed on the protective film. Also, a pixel electrode in contact with the thin film transistor is formed on the first substrate 810 . In this case, in order to improve the aperture ratio and simplify the mask process, the black matrix may be omitted, and the common electrode may also serve as the black matrix.

Also, when the display panel 800 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit that provides light from a rear surface of the display panel 800 .

When the display panel 800 is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel 800 may include a self-luminous device that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 800 , a thin film transistor may be formed on a first substrate 810 , and an organic light emitting diode contacting the thin film transistor may be formed. The organic light emitting device may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, a second substrate 820 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation may be further included on the organic light emitting device.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a touch device according to another exemplary embodiment may include a touch window integrally formed with a display panel. That is, the substrate supporting the at least one electrode may be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on at least one surface of the display panel 800 . The display panel 800 may include a first' substrate 810 and a second' substrate 820 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on one surface of at least one of the first substrate 810 or the second substrate 820 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , a first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on the upper surface of the display panel 800 . In addition, a first wire connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed. The substrate 100 on which the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring are disposed may be formed on the display panel 800 on which the first sensing electrode 210 is disposed. An adhesive layer 700 may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the display panel 800 .

The embodiment is not limited to the drawings, and the first sensing electrode 210 is formed on the upper surface of the display panel 800 , and the substrate 100 supporting the second sensing electrode 220 is the display panel 800 . ), and a structure in which the substrate 100 and the display panel 800 are bonded is sufficient.

Also, the substrate 100 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 220 may be formed on the upper surface or the rear surface of the polarizing plate. Accordingly, the second sensing electrode and the polarizing plate may be integrally formed.

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further included separately from the substrate 100 . In this case, the polarizing plate may be disposed under the substrate 100 . For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the display panel 800 . Also, the polarizing plate may be disposed on the substrate 100 .

The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel 800 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. Also, when the display panel 800 is an organic light emitting display panel, the polarizing plate may be an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate.

Referring to FIG. 19 , a touch device according to another exemplary embodiment may include a touch panel integrally formed with a display panel.

For example, a sensing electrode disposed in an effective area to serve as a sensor for sensing a touch and a wire for applying an electrical signal to the sensing electrode may be disposed inside the display panel. In detail, at least one sensing electrode or at least one wire may be disposed inside the display panel.

The display panel may include a first' substrate 810 and a second' substrate 820 . In this case, at least one sensing electrode among the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed between the first substrate 810 and the second substrate 820 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 810 or the second substrate 820 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , a first sensing electrode 210 and a first wiring may be disposed between the first substrate 810 and the second substrate 820 . In addition, the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The substrate 100 may be disposed on a display panel including the first substrate 810 and the second substrate 820 . That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the first wiring may be disposed inside the display panel, and the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring may be disposed outside the display panel.

The first sensing electrode 210 and the first wiring may be disposed on the upper surface of the first' substrate 810 or the rear surface of the second' substrate 820 . Also, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the first substrate 102 and the display panel. In this case, the first substrate 102 may serve as a cover substrate.

The embodiment is not limited to the drawings, and a structural surface in which the first sensing electrode 210 and the first wiring are disposed inside the display panel and the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring are disposed outside the display panel Suffice.

Also, the substrate 100 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 220 may be formed on the upper surface or the rear surface of the polarizing plate. Accordingly, the second sensing electrode and the polarizing plate may be integrally formed.

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further included separately from the substrate 100 . In this case, the polarizing plate may be disposed under the substrate 100 . For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the display panel. Also, the polarizing plate may be disposed on the substrate 100 .

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, when the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 810 , the sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode. Also, when the sensing electrode is formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 2200 , a color filter layer may be formed on the sensing electrode or a sensing electrode may be formed on the color filter layer. When the display panel is an organic light emitting display panel and the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 810 , the sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor or an organic light emitting device.

Hereinafter, an example of a display device to which a touch window according to the above-described embodiments is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , as an example of a touch device device, a mobile terminal is illustrated. The mobile terminal may include an effective area (AA) and an invalid area (UA). The effective area AA may sense a touch signal by a touch of a finger, and a command icon pattern unit and a logo may be formed in the ineffective area.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the touch window may include a flexible touch window that is bent. Accordingly, a touch device apparatus including the same may be a flexible touch device apparatus. Accordingly, the user can bend or bend it by hand.

Referring to FIG. 22 , such a touch window may be applied not only to a touch device such as a mobile terminal, but also to a car navigation system.

Also, referring to FIG. 23 , such a touch window may be applied in a vehicle. That is, the touch window may be applied to various parts within the vehicle to which the touch window may be applied. Accordingly, it is applied to not only a personal navigation display (PND), but also a dashboard, etc. to implement a center information display (CID). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that such a touch device may be used in various electronic products.

Features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified for other embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiments have been mainly described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains are exemplified above in the range that does not depart from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It can be seen that various modifications and applications that have not been made are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be implemented by modification. And the differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

A substrate and an electrode layer disposed on the substrate,
The electrode layer comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the first metal layer,
a buffer layer disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer;
The buffer layer is disposed in direct contact with the first metal layer and the second metal layer,
A touch window in which a sum of thicknesses of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is greater than a thickness of the buffer layer. The method of claim 1,
wherein the buffer layer is disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, respectively. The method of claim 1,
A thickness of the first metal layer is greater than a thickness of the second metal layer. The method of claim 1,
A thickness of the first metal layer is greater than a thickness of the buffer layer. The method of claim 1,
The electrode layer includes a sensing electrode and a wiring electrode connected to the sensing electrode,
At least one of the sensing electrode and the wiring electrode has a mesh shape. delete delete delete delete delete

Images