KR102288796B1 - Touch window - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch window according to an embodiment includes a substrate; and an electrode on the substrate, wherein the electrode includes a first mesh line and a second mesh line, and the size of an intersection area of the first mesh line and the second mesh line is the first mesh line and the second mesh line At least one of the mesh lines is different from the size of the mesh line.

Description

touch window {TOUCH WINDOW}

Embodiments relate to touch windows.

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.

Such a touch window may be typically divided into a resistive type touch window and a capacitive type touch window. The resistive touch window detects a position by detecting a change in resistance according to the connection between electrodes when pressure is applied to the input device. In the capacitive touch window, a position is detected by detecting a change in capacitance between electrodes when a finger touches the window. In consideration of the convenience and sensing power of the manufacturing method, the capacitive method has recently been attracting attention for small models.

Indium tin oxide (ITO), which is most widely used as a transparent electrode for such a touch window, is expensive and is easily physically damaged by bending and bending of the substrate, thereby deteriorating its properties as an electrode, and thereby There is a problem that it is not suitable for flexible) devices. In addition, when applied to a large-sized touch panel, a problem occurs due to high resistance.

In order to solve this problem, active research on alternative electrodes is being conducted, for example, research to replace ITO by forming an electrode material in a mesh shape is in progress.

Such a mesh-shaped electrode can reduce the resistance problem in a large-area touch window, but the line width or thickness of each mesh line may be partially non-uniform, and the mesh lines are formed by ESD in the non-uniform line width or thickness part. There is a problem with this disconnection.

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

The embodiment is intended to provide a touch window having improved reliability.

A touch window according to an embodiment includes a substrate; and an electrode on the substrate, wherein the electrode includes a first mesh line and a second mesh line, and the size of an intersection area of the first mesh line and the second mesh line is the first mesh line and the second mesh line At least one of the mesh lines is different from the size of the mesh line.

The touch window according to the embodiment may have improved reliability. ESD flowing into the touch window may flow to the mesh line, and cracks or short circuit may occur in the mesh line due to the ESD.

This ESD may be moved to a portion where the line width is small, the thickness is small, the resistance is large, or the line width or thickness becomes non-uniform. Accordingly, when the mesh lines overlap each other, that is, when the metal paste is filled in the intersection area of the mesh lines extending in different directions, the cross-sectional area of the electrode may be smaller than that of the mesh lines as the filling is less than that of other areas. There is a problem in that the ESD is moved to the intersection area and the mesh line is short-circuited or missing in the intersection area.

Accordingly, in the touch window according to the embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the cross-section is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the mesh lines by increasing the line width of the cross-section where the mesh lines are connected by the mesh line, so that the ESD flowing into the mesh electrode is reduced by the cross-section. can be moved to prevent the mesh line from being disconnected.

Accordingly, the touch window according to the embodiment may prevent the loss of the mesh electrode due to ESD, thereby improving the overall reliability of the touch window.

1 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing an enlarged area A of FIG. 1 .
3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating another enlarged plan view in which area A of FIG. 1 is enlarged.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a cross-sectional view taken along region BB′ of FIG. 2 .
6 is a view showing a cross-sectional view taken along the CC′ region of FIG. 2 .
7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating various types of touch windows according to an embodiment.
11 to 16 are diagrams for explaining a touch device including a touch window according to an embodiment.
17 to 20 are diagrams for explaining an example of a touch device apparatus including a touch window according to an embodiment.

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 the upper/above or lower/lower layers 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 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.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a substrate 100 and an electrode 200 .

The substrate 100 may support the electrode 200 . That is, the substrate 100 may be a support substrate.

The substrate 100 may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate 100 may include glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate 100 may include chemically strengthened glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, or plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

An effective area AA and an invalid 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.

In addition, the position of the input device (eg, a finger, etc.) may be detected in at least one of the effective area AA and the non-effective area UA. When an input device such as a finger is in contact with the 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 200 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The electrode 200 may be disposed directly on the substrate 100 or on the substrate 300 disposed on the substrate 100 .

The electrode 200 may include a sensing electrode 210 and a wiring electrode 220 .

The sensing electrode 210 may include a transparent conductive material to allow electricity to flow without interfering with the transmission of light. For example, the sensing electrode 210 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide. (indium zinc oxide), copper oxide (copper oxide), tin oxide (tin oxide), zinc oxide (zinc oxide), may include a metal oxide such as titanium oxide (titanium oxide).

Alternatively, the sensing electrode 210 may include nanowires, a photosensitive nanowire film, carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, or a conductive polymer.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode 210 may include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode 210 may include chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), titanium (Ti) aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo) and It may include at least one metal among these alloys.

The sensing electrode 210 may be disposed in a mesh shape. In detail, the sensing electrode 210 may include mesh lines crossing each other, and the overall shape of the sensing electrode 210 may have a mesh shape due to these mesh lines.

Here, the mesh lines may be defined as electrode structures constituting one unit sensing electrode. In detail, when forming the mesh lines in a desired pattern, for example, a bar pattern as shown in FIG. 1, or a polygonal pattern such as a diamond pattern. A plurality of mesh lines may be disposed while crossing each other on one unit sensing electrode.

In addition, the mesh shape means a shape formed while the mesh lines intersect each other, and may mean a mesh shape. That is, the substrate 100 may include a closed portion in which mesh lines intersecting each other are disposed and an opening through which one surface of the substrate is exposed by the mesh lines.

The mesh lines may extend in at least two directions to cross each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the mesh lines extend in two directions and cross each other, or extend in three or more directions as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and cross each other.

2 to 6 , the sensing electrode 220 may include mesh lines 230 crossing each other. In detail, the sensing electrode 220 may include the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 extending in different directions and crossing each other.

In detail, referring to FIG. 2 , the sensing electrode 220 includes a plurality of first mesh lines 231 and second mesh lines 232 intersecting each other in a mesh shape, and the first mesh line 231 . ) and the second mesh lines 232 may form a mesh opening OA between the mesh lines 230 . That is, the mesh opening may be an opening through which one surface of the substrate is exposed.

A line width of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may be about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. Making the line width of the mesh line LA less than about 0.1 μm may be difficult to implement, and process efficiency may be reduced. Visibility may be reduced. Preferably, the line width of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may be about 1 μm to about 5 μm. Alternatively, the line width of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 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 be formed in a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, or a hexagonal polygon shape as shown in FIG. 3 . Also, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the mesh opening OA may have various shapes, such as a pentagonal 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 not be visible on the effective area AA. 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.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may extend to cross each other. Accordingly, an area where the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 meet, that is, an intersection area 240 may be formed in the mesh line 230 .

3 and 4 , the first mesh line 231 , the second mesh line 232 , and the crossing region 240 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . For example, a substrate 300 including a UV resin or a thermosetting resin is disposed on the substrate 100 , and the first mesh line 231 , the second mesh line 232 , and the crossing region 240 . may be disposed on the substrate 300 .

For example, the substrate 300 may be a resin layer including a UV resin or a thermosetting resin. Patterns P filled with an electrode material may be formed on the substrate 300 . That is, first mesh-shaped patterns P1 for arranging mesh lines may be formed on the substrate 300 , and second patterns P2 for arranging reinforcing lines 240 may be formed.

The first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 may be formed using an embossed or engraved mold. For example, when forming an embossed pattern on the substrate 300, a pattern may be formed by imprinting an engraved mold, and when forming an engraved pattern as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pattern is formed by imprinting the embossed mold. can be formed

The first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 may be simultaneously formed, or the second pattern P2 may be formed after the first pattern P1 is formed.

Subsequently, in the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2, chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag) ), molybdenum (Mo), and by filling a metal paste containing at least one metal of alloys thereof, including the first mesh wire 231, the second mesh wire 232, and the crossing region 240 The electrode 200 may be formed.

At least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 and the size of the crossing area 240 may be different from each other. For example, the size of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may be smaller than the size of the crossing region 240 . That is, the crossing region 240 may be larger than the size of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

A width of the crossing region 240 may be greater than a width of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

For example, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the line width of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may have a first line width W1, The line width of the crossing region 240 may have a second line width W2. Also, the second line width W2 may be greater than the first line width W1 .

The second line width W2 may be less than twice the first line width W1. For example, the second line width W2 may be greater than the first line width W1 and less than twice the first line width W1 .

When the second line width W2 is smaller than the first line width W1, the ESD easily moves in the intersection area having a smaller width than the mesh lines, and a short or crack occurs in the intersection area of the mesh lines, thereby reducing reliability. can be In addition, when the second line width W2 exceeds twice the first line width W1, the cross region is formed from the outside due to the difference in size between the first line width W1 and the second line width W2. It may be recognized, and visibility may be deteriorated.

In addition, the cross-sectional area of the crossing region 240 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

For example, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may have a first cross-sectional area CR1, and the A cross-sectional area of the crossing region 240 may have a second cross-sectional area CR2 . Also, the second cross-sectional area CR2 may be larger than the first cross-sectional area CR1.

The second cross-sectional area CR2 may be less than twice the first cross-sectional area CR1. For example, the second cross-sectional area CR2 may be greater than the first cross-sectional area CR1 and less than twice the first cross-sectional area CR1 .

When the second cross-sectional area CR2 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area CR1, the ESD is moved to an intersection area having a smaller cross-sectional area than the mesh lines, and a short circuit or crack occurs in the intersection area of the mesh lines, resulting in reduced reliability. there is. Also, when the second cross-sectional area CR2 is more than twice the first cross-sectional area CR1, the cross-sectional area is formed from the outside due to the difference in size between the first cross-sectional area CR1 and the second cross-sectional area CR2. It may be recognized, and visibility may be deteriorated.

In addition, the thickness of the crossing region 240 may be the same as or different from the thickness of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

For example, the second thickness T2 of the crossing region 240 is smaller than the first thickness T1 of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 . , the second line width W2 of the intersection region 240 is greater than the first line width W1 of at least one mesh line among the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232, and the intersection The second cross-sectional area CR2 of the region 240 may be larger than the first cross-sectional area CR1 of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

The crossing region 240 may be formed in various shapes. For example, the intersection region 240 may be formed in a shape different from that of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

For example, the intersection region 240 may be formed in various shapes such as polygons or circles.

The touch window according to the embodiment may have improved reliability. ESD flowing into the touch window may flow to the mesh line, and cracks or short circuit may occur in the mesh line due to the ESD.

Such ESD may be facilitated by moving to a portion where the line width is small, the thickness is small, the resistance is large, or the line width or thickness is non-uniform. Accordingly, when the mesh lines overlap each other, that is, when the metal paste is filled in the intersection area of the mesh lines extending in different directions, the cross-sectional area of the electrode may be smaller than that of the mesh lines as the filling is less than that of other areas. There is a problem in that the ESD is moved to the intersection area and the mesh line is short-circuited or missing in the intersection area.

Accordingly, in the touch window according to the embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the cross-section is formed larger than the cross-sectional area of the mesh lines by increasing the line width of the cross-section where the mesh lines are connected by the mesh line, so that the ESD flowing into the mesh electrode is reduced by the cross-section. can be moved to prevent the mesh line from being disconnected.

Accordingly, the touch window according to the embodiment may prevent the loss of the mesh electrode due to ESD, thereby improving the overall reliability of the touch window.

The wire electrode 220 may be disposed while being connected to the sensing electrode 210 . In detail, one end of the wiring electrode 220 is connected to the sensing electrode 210 and the other end is connected to the printed circuit board, so that the touch signal sensed from the sensing electrode can be transmitted to the driving chip mounted on the printed circuit board. there is.

The wire electrode 220 may include the same material as the sensing electrode 210 .

In addition, the wire electrode 220 may include a mesh shape. Also, the mesh lines of the wiring electrode may include an intersecting area, and the intersecting area may be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the mesh lines, as described above. Since the description of the intersection area is similar to that described above, the following description will be omitted.

7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating various types of touch windows according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the touch window 10 according to the embodiment may include a first substrate 1100 and a first sensing electrode 2100 and a second sensing electrode 2200 on the first substrate 1100 . there is.

The first sensing electrode 2100 may be disposed while extending in the first direction on the effective area AA of the first substrate 1100 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 2100 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 1100 .

Also, the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed while extending in the second direction on the effective area AA of the first substrate 1100 . In detail, the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 1100 while extending in the second direction that is different from the first direction. That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed to extend in different directions on the same surface of the first substrate 1100 .

The first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed to be insulated from each other on the first substrate 1100 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 2100 is connected to each other by a first connection electrode 2110 , an insulating layer 2500 is disposed on the first connection electrode 2110 part, and the insulating layer 2500 is formed on the insulating layer 2500 . A second connection electrode 2210 may be disposed on the surface to connect the second sensing electrodes 2200 .

Accordingly, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 do not contact each other and are insulated from each other on the same surface of the first substrate 1100 , that is, one surface of the effective area AA, and are disposed together. can be

The first substrate 1100 may be a cover substrate. That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on the same surface of the cover substrate. Alternatively, a cover substrate may be further disposed on the first substrate 1100 .

A first wiring electrode 3100 and a second wiring electrode 3200 disposed in the non-effective area UA may be connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 , respectively.

In addition, at least one of the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring electrode 3100 , and the second wiring electrode 3200 may include a mesh shape. .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the touch window 10 according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 1100 and a second substrate 1200 , a first sensing electrode on the first substrate 1100 , and the second substrate A second sensing electrode on 1200 may be included.

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the first substrate 1100 , and the second A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 1200 .

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring electrode 3100 , and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed of a mesh.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the touch window 20 according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 1100 and a second substrate 1200 , and a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode on the second substrate 1200 . may include.

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the second substrate 1200 , and the second A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on the other surface of the substrate 1200 .

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring electrode 3100 , and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed of a mesh.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the touch window 20 according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 1100 , a second substrate 1200 , and a third substrate 1300 , and includes a first substrate on the second substrate 1200 . It may include a sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode on the third substrate 1300 .

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the second substrate 1200 , and the third A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 1300 .

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring electrode 3100 , and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed of a mesh.

The touch window described above may be applied to a touch device in combination with a display panel.

11 and 12 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch window integrally formed with the display panel 700 . That is, the substrate supporting the at least one sensing electrode may be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the display panel 700 . The display panel 700 includes a first substrate 701 and a second substrate 702 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 701 or the second substrate 702 .

When the display panel 700 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 700 includes a first substrate 701 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode, and a second substrate including color filter layers. 702 may be formed in a bonded structure with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

In addition, in the display panel 700 , a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix are formed on a first substrate 701 , and a second substrate 702 is bonded to the first substrate 101 with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. It 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 701 , 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 701 . 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 700 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 700 .

When the display panel 700 is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel 700 includes a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 700 , a thin film transistor is formed on a first substrate 701 , and an organic light emitting device in contact with the thin film transistor is 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 702 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation on the organic light emitting device may be further included.

In this case, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate disposed thereon. Although the drawing shows a configuration in which the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the second substrate 702 , when the first substrate 701 is disposed thereon, at least one sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701 . can be formed.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a first sensing electrode 2100 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700 . Also, a first wiring connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 may be formed. A touch substrate 105 having a second sensing electrode 2200 and a second wiring formed thereon may be formed on the display panel 700 on which the first sensing electrode 2100 is formed. A first adhesive layer 66 may be formed between the touch substrate 105 and the display panel 700 .

In the drawing, the cover substrate 400 is shown in which the second sensing electrode 2200 is formed on the upper surface of the touch substrate 105 and is disposed on the touch substrate 105 with the second adhesive layer 67 interposed therebetween. , but not limited thereto. The second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed on the rear surface of the touch substrate 105 , and in this case, the touch substrate 105 may serve as a cover substrate.

That is, without being limited to the drawings, the first sensing electrode 2100 is formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700 , and the touch substrate 105 supporting the second sensing electrode 2200 is formed on the display panel 700 . ), and a structure in which the touch substrate 105 and the display panel 700 are bonded is sufficient.

In addition, the touch substrate 105 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 2200 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 touch substrate 105 . In this case, the polarizing plate may be disposed under the touch substrate 105 . For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the touch substrate 105 and the display panel 700 . In addition, the polarizing plate may be disposed on the touch substrate 105 .

The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel 700 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel 700 is an organic light emitting display panel, the polarizing plate may be an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a first sensing electrode 2100 and a second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700 . Also, a first wiring connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 and a second wiring connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700 .

In addition, an insulating layer 600 formed on the first sensing electrode 2100 and exposing the second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed. A bridge electrode 230 for connecting the second sensing electrode 2200 may be further formed on the insulating layer 600 .

However, the drawings are not limited thereto, and a first sensing electrode 2100 , a first wiring, and a second wiring are formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700 , and are insulated on the first sensing electrode 2100 and the first wiring. A layer may be formed. A second sensing electrode 2200 is formed on the insulating layer and may further include a connector connecting the second sensing electrode 2200 and the second wiring.

In addition, the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring, and the second wiring may be formed in an effective area on the upper surface of the display panel 700 . The first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other and disposed adjacent to each other. That is, the insulating layer, the bridge electrode, and the like may be omitted.

That is, the drawings are not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 are formed on the display panel 700 without a separate sensing electrode supporting substrate.

A cover substrate 400 may be disposed on the display panel 700 with an adhesive layer 68 interposed therebetween. In this case, a polarizing plate may be disposed between the display panel 700 and the cover substrate 400 .

In the touch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one substrate supporting the sensing electrode may be omitted. For this reason, it is possible to form a thin and light touch device.

Next, a touch device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16 . A description that overlaps with the above-described embodiments may be omitted. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

13 to 16 , the touch device according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a touch window integrally formed with the display panel. That is, a substrate supporting at least one sensing electrode may be omitted, and all substrates supporting the sensing electrode may be omitted.

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

The display panel includes a first substrate 701 and a second substrate 702 . At this time, at least one sensing electrode of the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 is disposed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 701 or the second substrate 702 .

13 to 15 , a first sensing electrode 2100 , a second sensing electrode 2200 , a first wiring and a second wiring are interposed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702 . can be placed. That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 , the second sensing electrode 2200 , the first wiring, and the second wiring may be disposed inside the display panel.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a first sensing electrode 2100 and a first wiring are formed on an upper surface of a first substrate 701 of the display panel, and a second sensing electrode 2200 is formed on a rear surface of the second substrate 702 . ) and a second wiring may be formed. Referring to FIG. 16 , a first sensing electrode 2100 , a second sensing electrode 2200 , a first wiring and a second wiring may be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701 . An insulating layer 620 may be formed between the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 . Also, referring to FIG. 17 , a first sensing electrode 2100 and a second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 702 . An insulating layer 630 may be formed between the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 .

Referring to FIG. 16 , a first sensing electrode 2100 and a first wiring may be formed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702 . In addition, the second sensing electrode 2200 and the second wiring may be formed on the touch substrate 106 . The touch substrate 106 may be disposed on a display panel including the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702 . That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the first wiring may be disposed inside the display panel, and the second sensing electrode 2200 and the second wiring may be disposed outside the display panel.

The first sensing electrode 2100 and the first wiring may be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701 or the rear surface of the second substrate 702 . Also, an adhesive layer may be formed between the touch substrate 106 and the display panel. In this case, the touch substrate 105 may serve as a cover substrate.

Although the drawing shows a configuration in which the second sensing electrode 2200 is formed on the rear surface of the touch substrate 106 , the present invention is not limited thereto. The second sensing electrode 2200 may be formed on the upper surface of the touch substrate 106 , and a cover substrate disposed with the touch substrate 106 and an adhesive layer therebetween may be further formed.

That is, the drawings are not limited thereto, and a structure in which the first sensing electrode 2100 and the first wiring are disposed inside the display panel and the second sensing electrode 2200 and the second wiring are disposed outside the display panel is sufficient. do.

Also, the touch substrate 106 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 2200 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 touch substrate 106 . In this case, the polarizing plate may be disposed under the touch substrate 106 . For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the touch substrate 106 and the display panel. In addition, the polarizing plate may be disposed on the touch substrate 106 .

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel and the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701 , the sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode. In addition, when the sensing electrode is formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 702 , 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 701 , the sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor or an organic light emitting device.

Also, in the touch device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate substrate supporting the sensing electrode may be omitted. For this reason, it is possible to form a thin and light touch device. In addition, by forming the sensing electrode and the wiring together with the elements formed on the display panel, the process can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Hereinafter, an example of a display device to which a touch window including a fingerprint sensor according to the above-described embodiments is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , as an example of a touch device apparatus, 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. 18 , 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. 19 , 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. 20 , 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 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 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 a 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)

Board; and
an electrode on the substrate;
The electrode may include a first mesh wire and a second mesh wire; and a plurality of mesh openings formed by the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The size of the intersection area of the first mesh line and the second mesh line is greater than the size of at least one mesh line of the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The sizes of the plurality of mesh openings have different sizes by the intersection area,
The crossing area is formed integrally with the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The intersection area is formed by crossing only two mesh lines including the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The electrode comprises a sensing electrode,
The sensing electrode includes a plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other by disconnection of the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The width of the first mesh line and the width of the second mesh line are smaller than the width of the disconnection area of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method of claim 1,
A width of the intersection area is greater than a width of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method of claim 1,
A cross-sectional area of the crossing area is larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method of claim 1,
The cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area is greater than the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line and less than twice the cross-sectional area of the mesh line. The method of claim 1,
The thickness of the crossing region is smaller than the thickness of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
The width of the crossing region is greater than the width of at least one mesh line among the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
A cross-sectional area of the crossing area is larger than a cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method of claim 1,
The electrode may include at least one of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), and alloys thereof. A touch window comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The electrode is a touch window further comprising a wiring electrode. The method of claim 1,
A width of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line is in a range of 1 μm to 10 μm. The method of claim 1,
The shape of the intersection area is different from the shape of at least one mesh line among the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a substrate on the substrate,
A mesh-shaped engraved or embossed pattern is formed on the substrate,
The electrode is a touch window disposed in the pattern.

Images