KR102313976B1 - Touch window - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area; a sensing electrode on the effective area; a wiring electrode on the ineffective area; and a fingerprint sensor on at least one of the valid region and the ineffective region, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises: a first electrode on the substrate; an insulating layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the insulating layer.

Description

touch window {TOUCH WINDOW}

The embodiment relates to a touch window

A fingerprint sensor is a sensor that detects a person's fingerprint, and is widely used not only for devices such as door locks that have been widely applied in the past, but also for determining whether to turn on/off the power of electronic devices or release the sleep mode. is becoming

The fingerprint recognition sensor may be classified into an ultrasonic type, an infrared type, a capacitive type, and the like according to an operation principle thereof.

For example, the capacitive fingerprint sensor arranges the first electrode and the second electrode that play the role of transmitting and receiving on a substrate, and according to the touch of the fingerprint, the fingerprint is transmitted by transmitting and receiving the first electrode and the second electrode. can recognize

When such a fingerprint sensor is applied to a touch window, there is a problem in that the fingerprint sensing characteristic is deteriorated due to the thickness of the cover substrate.

Accordingly, there is a need for a touch window including a fingerprint recognition sensor having a new structure capable of solving such a problem.

An embodiment is to provide a touch window including a fingerprint sensor having an improved fingerprint detection function.

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate including an effective area and an ineffective area; a sensing electrode on the effective area; a wiring electrode on the ineffective area; and a fingerprint sensor on at least one of the valid region and the ineffective region, wherein the fingerprint sensor comprises: a first electrode on the substrate; an insulating layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the insulating layer.

In the touch window according to the embodiment, a groove may be formed in one region of the substrate on which the fingerprint sensor is disposed. That is, in the substrate, a groove may be formed in a region where the first electrode and the second electrode of the fingerprint sensor overlap. In addition, a conductive material may be filled in the groove.

Accordingly, when a touch operation is performed from one surface of the touch window in the direction of the fingerprint sensor, it is possible to reduce malfunctions and defects in touch according to the distance between the touch surface and the fingerprint sensor according to the thickness of the touch window.

That is, a groove is formed in a region where the first electrode and the second electrode for sensing a touch of the fingerprint sensor overlap, and a conductive material is filled in the groove, so that the touch operation on one surface of the touch window is controlled through the conductive material. By transferring to the first electrode and the second electrode, the reliability and characteristics of the fingerprint sensor can be improved.

In addition, since the region where the insulating layer is disposed is larger than the region where the fingerprint sensor is disposed, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in strength of the substrate due to the formation of holes or grooves on the substrate.

That is, when a hole or groove is formed on the substrate, the strength of the substrate may be reduced by the hole or groove, but as the insulating layer is widely disposed on the substrate, this decrease in strength is prevented, and the reliability of the touch window can improve

1 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment.
2 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a fingerprint sensor according to an embodiment.
3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating cross-sectional views of a fingerprint sensor according to an embodiment.
5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating another cross-sectional view of a fingerprint sensor according to an embodiment.
7 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a touch window according to another exemplary embodiment.
8 and 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating a fingerprint sensor according to another exemplary embodiment.
10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating another cross-sectional view of a fingerprint sensor according to another embodiment.
12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining various types of touch windows according to an embodiment.
16 to 18 are diagrams for explaining a touch device in which a touch window and a display panel are coupled according to an embodiment.
19 to 22 are diagrams illustrating an example of a touch device apparatus to which a touch window according to an embodiment 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 the upper/above or lower/lower layers of each layer will be described with reference to the drawings.

In addition, when it is said that a certain part is "connected" with another part, it includes not only the case where it is "directly connected" but also the case where it is "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.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a substrate 100 , a sensing electrode 200 , a wiring electrode 300 , and a fingerprint sensor 500 .

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 tip 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.

A sensing electrode and a wiring electrode 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 sensing electrode and the wiring electrode may be supported by a cover substrate.

Alternatively, a separate cover substrate may be further disposed on the substrate 100 . That is, the sensing electrode and the wiring electrode may be supported by a substrate, and the substrate and the cover substrate may be directly or indirectly bonded through an adhesive layer. Accordingly, since the cover substrate and the substrate can be formed separately, it can be advantageous for mass production of the touch window.

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 sensing electrode 200 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . For example, the sensing electrode 200 may be disposed on the effective area of the substrate 100 .

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 extend in different directions and may be disposed on the substrate 100 .

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 are disposed on the same surface of the substrate 100 , and are interposed between the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 . An insulating material may be disposed to insulate the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 .

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, for example, the sensing The electrode is a metal such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc. Oxides may be included. Accordingly, since the transparent material is disposed on the sensing effective area, the degree of freedom in forming the pattern of the sensing electrode may be improved.

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. Accordingly, when manufacturing the flexible and/or bending touch window, the degree of freedom may be improved.

When a nano-composite such as nanowire or carbon nanotube (CNT) is used, it can be configured in black, and has the advantage of being able to control color and reflectance while securing electrical conductivity by controlling the content of nanopowder. Accordingly, when manufacturing the flexible and/or bending touch window, the degree of freedom may be improved.

Alternatively, at least one of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode 200 is 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.

In addition, at least one of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed in a mesh 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. In addition, the sensing electrode and the wiring electrode can be simultaneously patterned with the same material.

The wiring electrode 300 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . In detail, 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 . Preferably, the wiring electrode 300 may be disposed on the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 .

The wire electrode 300 may include a first wire electrode 310 and a second wire electrode 320 . For example, the wiring electrode 300 includes a first wiring electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 and a second wiring electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 . can do.

The first wiring electrode 410 and the second wiring electrode 420 are disposed on the non-effective area UA of the substrate 100 , and the first wiring electrode 410 and the second wiring electrode 410 One end of the 420 may be connected to the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320, respectively, and the other end may be connected to the circuit board. Various types of circuit boards may be applied as the circuit board, and for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be applied.

The first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode 320 may include a conductive material. For example, the wiring electrode 300 may include the same and similar material as the sensing electrode 300 described above.

An outer dummy layer 400 may be disposed on the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 . The outer dummy layer 400 is made of a material having a predetermined color so that the wiring electrode disposed on the ineffective area UA and the printed circuit board connecting the wiring electrode to an external circuit are invisible from the outside. It can be formed by coating.

The outer dummy layer 400 may have a color suitable for a desired appearance, for example, black or white including black or white pigment. Alternatively, various color colors such as white or black, red, and blue may be implemented using a film or the like.

When the outer dummy layer 400 is formed of a film, when the substrate is flexible or includes a curved surface, the outer dummy layer can be easily disposed on one surface of the substrate, and thus, the film removal of the outer dummy layer By preventing it, the reliability of the touch window can be improved.

In addition, a desired logo may be formed on the outer dummy layer 400 in various ways. The outer dummy layer may be formed by deposition, printing, wet coating, or the like.

The outer dummy layer 400 may be disposed in at least one layer or more. For example, the outer dummy layer may be disposed as one layer or at least two layers having different widths.

Also, the outer dummy layer 400 may be disposed on at least one of one surface and the other surface of the substrate.

A fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . In detail, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on at least one of the effective area AA and the non-effective area UA of the substrate 100 .

2 to 6 , the fingerprint sensor 500 may include a first electrode 510 , a second electrode 520 , and an insulating layer 530 .

The first electrode 510 may be disposed on the substrate 100 . The first electrode 510 may include a conductive material. For example, the first electrode 510 may include the same or similar material to the above-described sensing electrode 200 or the wiring electrode 300 .

The insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the first electrode 510 . For example, the insulating layer 530 may be disposed while surrounding the first electrode 510 . In detail, the insulating layer 530 may be disposed while surrounding the side surface and the top surface of the first electrode 510 .

The insulating layer 530 may include a material different from that of the substrate 100 . For example, the insulating layer 530 may include a dielectric material.

For example, the insulating layer 530 may include, as an insulator series, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halogen compounds such as LiF, KCl, CaF2, MgF2, fused silica, SiO2, SiNX, etc.; As a semiconductor series, InP, InSb, etc.; Transparent oxides used in semiconductors and dielectrics, such as In compounds mainly used in transparent electrodes such as ITO and IZO, or transparent oxides used in semiconductors or dielectrics of ZnOx, ZnS, ZnSe, TiOx, WOx, MoOx, ReOx, etc.; Alq3, NPB, TAPC, 2TNATA, CBP, Bphen, etc. as organic semiconductor series; Silsesquioxane or a derivative thereof (hydrogen-silsesquioxane (H-SiO3/2)n, methyl-silsesquioxane (CH3-SiO3/2)n), porous silica or fluorine as a low dielectric constant material Alternatively, porous silica doped with carbon atoms, porous zinc oxide (porous ZnOx), fluorine-substituted polymer compound (CYTOP), or a mixture thereof may be included.

The insulating layer 530 may have a visible light transmittance of about 75% to about 99%.

In this case, the thickness of the insulating layer 530 may be smaller than the thickness of the substrate 100 . In detail, the thickness of the insulating layer 530 may be about 0.01 times to about 0.1 times the thickness of the substrate 100 . For example, the thickness of the substrate 100 may be about 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the insulating layer 530 may be about 0.001 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Also, a cross-sectional area of the insulating layer 530 may be different from a cross-sectional area of the substrate 100 . In detail, a cross-sectional area of the insulating layer 530 may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the substrate 100 .

The insulating layer 530 may be directly disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 100 . That is, the insulating layer 530 may be formed by directly applying a dielectric material to the upper surface of the substrate 100 on which the first electrode 510 is disposed. Thereafter, the second electrode 520 may be disposed on the insulating layer 530 .

Accordingly, a separate adhesive layer between the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 or between the substrate 100 and the electrodes, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically transparent resin Since (OCR) and the like may be omitted, the overall thickness of the fingerprint sensor may be reduced.

The second electrode 520 may be disposed on the insulating layer 530 . The second electrode 520 may include a conductive material. For example, the second electrode 520 may include the same or similar material to the above-described sensing electrode 200 or the wiring electrode 300 .

Also, the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may include the same or similar material. For example, the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may include a metal material.

Although not shown in the drawings, a wiring is connected to the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 , and the wiring is connected to a driving chip of a printed circuit board, so that a fingerprint recognition function according to a touch of a fingerprint is performed. can be

The first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may be disposed on the substrate 100 by the insulating layer 530 without contacting each other.

3 and 4 , the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate 100 . That is, the first electrode 510 , the second electrode 520 , and the insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate 100 .

A receiving part 550 may be formed in the substrate 100 . For example, a hole or a groove may be formed in the substrate 100 . In detail, a hole or groove may be formed in an area corresponding to an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed in the substrate 100 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , a groove 541 may be formed in the substrate 100 . In detail, the substrate 100 may include an effective area AA and an ineffective area UA, and an area FA in which the fingerprint sensor 500 is disposed may be formed in the effective area AA. The groove 541 may be formed in an area FA in which the fingerprint sensor 500 is disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate.

The groove 541 does not penetrate the substrate 100 . That is, one end of the substrate 100 may be open and the other end may be closed by the groove 541 .

In this case, the distance from the other end of the substrate 100 to the one surface of the substrate and the groove 541 may be about 50 μm or less. Accordingly, when the conductive material 550 is filled in the groove 541 , a conduction effect according to the conductive material may be exhibited.

The groove 541 may be formed at a position overlapping with at least one of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . In detail, the groove 541 may be formed at a position overlapping the first electrode 510 and the second electrode. That is, the groove 541 may be formed at an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 .

A conductive material 550 may be accommodated in the substrate 100 . In detail, the conductive material 550 may be filled in the substrate 100 through the groove 541 formed in the substrate 100 , that is, the conductive material 550 may be filled in the groove 541 . Accordingly, a conductive material 550 may be disposed on the substrate 100 at an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 .

The conductive material 550 may be disposed between the substrate and the electrode to conduct electricity. .

The sizes of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. For example, the width of the first electrode 510 and the width of the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. In detail, the width of the first electrode 510 may be smaller than the width of the second electrode 520 .

Also, the size of the groove 541 may be different from the size of at least one of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . In detail, the size of the groove 541 may be larger than the size of the first electrode 510 . Also, the size of the groove 541 may be smaller than the size of the second electrode 510 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , a hole 542 may be formed in the substrate 100 . In detail, the substrate 100 may include an effective area AA and an ineffective area UA, and an area FA in which the fingerprint sensor 500 is disposed may be formed in the effective area AA. The hole 542 may be formed in an area FA in which the fingerprint sensor 500 is disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate.

The hole 542 may pass through the substrate 100 . That is, one end and the other end of the substrate 100 may be opened by the hole 542 .

The hole 542 may be formed at a position overlapping with at least one of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . In detail, the hole 542 may be formed at a position overlapping the first electrode 510 and the second electrode. That is, the hole 542 may be formed in an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 .

A conductive material 550 may be accommodated in the substrate 100 . In detail, the conductive material 550 may be filled in the substrate 100 through the hole 542 formed in the substrate 100 , that is, the conductive material 550 may be filled in the hole 542 . Accordingly, a conductive material 550 may be disposed on the substrate 100 at an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 .

Accordingly, in a portion where the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 overlap, the conductive material filled in the hole 542 may conduct electricity between the input device and the electrode.

The sizes of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. For example, the width of the first electrode 510 and the width of the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. In detail, the width of the first electrode 510 may be smaller than the width of the second electrode 520 .

Also, the size of the hole 542 may be different from the size of at least one of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . In detail, the size of the hole 542 may be larger than the size of the first electrode 510 . Also, the size of the hole 542 may be smaller than the size of the second electrode 510 .

In the touch window according to the embodiment, a groove may be formed in one region of the substrate on which the fingerprint sensor is disposed. That is, in the substrate, a groove may be formed in a region where the first electrode and the second electrode of the fingerprint sensor overlap. In addition, a conductive material may be filled in the groove.

Accordingly, when a touch operation is performed from one surface of the touch window in the direction of the fingerprint sensor, it is possible to reduce malfunctions and defects in touch according to the distance between the touch surface and the fingerprint sensor according to the thickness of the touch window.

That is, a groove is formed in a region where the first electrode and the second electrode for sensing a touch of the fingerprint sensor overlap, and a conductive material is filled in the groove, so that the touch operation on one surface of the touch window is controlled through the conductive material. By transferring to the first electrode and the second electrode, the reliability and characteristics of the fingerprint sensor can be improved.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

5 and 6 , in the touch window according to another embodiment, an area in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed may be larger than an area in which a fingerprint sensor is disposed.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , a groove 541 or a hole 542 is formed in the substrate 100 , and the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 are formed on the substrate 100 . ) may be provided with an insulating layer 530 to insulate.

An area in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed may be larger than a fingerprint sensor area in which the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 are disposed. For example, the insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the entire area of the substrate 100 . In detail, the insulating layer 530 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 insulating layer 530 may be formed only on the effective region, or may be disposed on the effective region and the non-effective region, that is, the entire region of the substrate.

As the region in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed is larger than the region in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in strength of the substrate due to the formation of holes or grooves on the substrate.

That is, when a hole or groove is formed on the substrate, the strength of the substrate may be reduced by the hole or groove, but as the insulating layer is widely disposed on the substrate, this decrease in strength is prevented, and the reliability of the touch window can improve

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , a touch window according to another embodiment may include a substrate 100 , a sensing electrode 200 , a wiring electrode 300 , and a fingerprint sensor 500 .

In the touch window according to another exemplary embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the non-effective area UA of the substrate 100 differently from the touch window according to the above-described exemplary embodiment.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 . That is, the first electrode 510 , the second electrode 520 , and the insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the non-effective area AA of the substrate 100 .

The fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the outer dummy layer 400 . That is, the fingerprint sensor 500 may be disposed on the outer dummy layer 400 disposed on the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 .

Also, a hole or a groove may be formed in the substrate 100 . In detail, a hole or groove may be formed in an area corresponding to an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed in the substrate 100 .

Also, a hole or a groove may be formed in the outer dummy layer 400 . In detail, a hole or groove may be formed in an area corresponding to an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed in the substrate 100 .

That is, in the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400 , a hole or a groove may be formed in an area corresponding to an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed.

8 and 9 , a first groove 541a or a second hole 542a may be formed in the substrate 100 . In detail, a first groove 541a or a first hole 542a may be formed in an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed on the ineffective area UA of the substrate.

In addition, a second groove or a second hole 410 may be formed in the outer dummy layer 400 . 8 and 9 illustrate that a hole is formed in the outer dummy layer 400, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a groove that does not penetrate through the outer dummy layer may be formed.

In detail, the first groove 541a, the first hole 542a, the second groove, and the second hole 410 may be formed at positions overlapping the first electrode 510 and the second electrode. can That is, the first groove 541a , the first hole 542a , the second groove and the second hole 410 are formed at an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . can be formed.

A conductive material 550 may be accommodated in the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400 . In detail, a conductive material 550 may be filled in the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400 through the grooves or holes formed in the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400. Accordingly, A conductive material 550 may be disposed on the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400 at an overlapping portion of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 .

The sizes of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. For example, the width of the first electrode 510 and the width of the second electrode 520 may be different from each other. In detail, the width of the first electrode 510 may be smaller than the width of the second electrode 520 .

In addition, the size of the first groove 541a , the first hole 542a , the second groove and the second hole 410 is at least one of the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 . It may be different from the size of one electrode. In detail, the sizes of the first groove 541a , the first hole 542a , the second groove and the second hole 410 may be larger than that of the first electrode 510 . Also, the sizes of the first groove 541a , the first hole 542a , the second groove and the second hole 410 may be smaller than the size of the second electrode 510 .

10 and 11 , in the touch window according to another embodiment, an area in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed may be larger than an area in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , grooves or holes are formed in the substrate 100 and the outer dummy layer 400 , and the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 510 are formed on the outer dummy layer 400 . An insulating layer 530 to insulate the second electrode 520 may be disposed.

An area in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed may be larger than a fingerprint sensor area in which the first electrode 510 and the second electrode 520 are disposed. For example, the insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the entire area of the substrate 100 . In detail, the insulating layer 530 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 insulating layer 530 may be formed only on the ineffective region, or may be disposed on the effective region and the ineffective region, that is, the entire region of the substrate.

As the region in which the insulating layer 530 is disposed is larger than the region in which the fingerprint sensor is disposed, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in strength of the substrate due to the formation of holes or grooves on the substrate.

That is, when a hole or groove is formed on the substrate, the strength of the substrate may be reduced by the hole or groove, but as the insulating layer is widely disposed on the substrate, this decrease in strength is prevented, and the reliability of the touch window can improve

The touch window according to the above-described embodiments may be applied to various types of touch windows according to the position of the sensing electrode.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the touch window according to the embodiment may include a substrate 100 and a first sensing electrode 210 and a second sensing electrode 220 on the substrate 100 .

The first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed while extending in one direction on the effective area AA of the substrate 100 . In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 .

Also, the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 while extending in a direction different from the one direction on the effective area AA of the substrate 100 . That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed to extend in different directions on the same surface of the substrate 100 .

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed to be insulated from each other on the substrate 100 . In detail, the plurality of first unit sensing electrodes constituting the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed to be connected to each other, and the plurality of second unit sensing electrodes constituting the second sensing electrode 220 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other. can be The second unit sensing electrodes are connected by a bridge electrode 230 , and an insulating material 250 is disposed in a portion where the bridge electrode 203 is disposed, so that the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 210 are disposed. The electrodes 220 may be short-circuited to each other.

Accordingly, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may not be in contact with each other and may be disposed insulated from each other on the same surface of the substrate 100 , that is, on the same surface of the effective area AA. have.

An outer dummy layer 500 may be disposed in the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100 .

The substrate 100 may be a cover substrate. That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same surface of the cover substrate. Alternatively, a separate cover substrate may be further disposed on the substrate 100 .

A first wiring electrode 310 and a second wiring electrode 320 disposed in the non-effective area UA may be connected to the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 , respectively.

Referring to FIG. 13 , another type of touch window includes a cover substrate 101 and a substrate 100 , and a first sensing electrode 210 on the cover substrate 101 and a second sensing on the substrate 100 . An electrode 220 may be included.

In detail, a first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed on one surface of the cover substrate 101 , and the substrate 100 ), a second sensing electrode 220 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode may not be disposed on the cover substrate 101 , but the sensing electrode may be disposed only on both surfaces of the substrate 100 .

In detail, a first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 , and the substrate 100 . A second sensing electrode 220 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the other surface of the .

Referring to FIG. 14 , a touch window according to another type includes a cover substrate 101 , a first substrate 110 , and a second substrate 120 , and a first sensing electrode on the first substrate 110 and A second sensing electrode on the second substrate 120 may be included.

In detail, on one surface of the first substrate 110 , a first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 are disposed, and the second A second sensing electrode 220 extending in a direction different from the one direction and a second wiring electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 120 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , a touch window according to another type may include a substrate 100 , a first sensing electrode 210 on the substrate, and a second sensing electrode 220 .

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same surface of the substrate 100 . For example, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the same surface of the substrate 100 .

In addition, the first wiring electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 and a second wiring electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be included, and the first wiring electrode ( 310 may be disposed on the effective area and the non-effective area of the substrate 100 , and the second wiring electrode 320 may be disposed on the non-effective area of the substrate 100 .

The touch window described above may be applied to a touch device in combination with a display panel. For example, the touch window may be coupled to the display panel by an adhesive layer.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch window disposed on the display panel 900 .

In detail, referring to FIG. 16 , the touch device may be formed by combining the substrate 100 and the display panel 900 . The substrate 100 and the display panel 900 may be bonded to each other through an adhesive layer 800 . For example, the substrate 100 and the display panel 900 may be laminated to each other through an adhesive layer 800 including an optically clear adhesive (OCA, OCR).

The display panel 900 may include a first' substrate 910 and a second' substrate 920 .

When the display panel 900 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 900 includes a first substrate 910 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode and a second substrate 910 including color filter layers. ' The substrate 920 may be formed in a structure in which the liquid crystal layer is interposed therebetween.

In addition, in the display panel 900 , a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix are formed on a first substrate 910 , and a second substrate 920 is formed on the first substrate 910 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 910 , 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 910 . 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 900 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 900 .

When the display panel 900 is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel 900 includes a self-luminous device that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 900 , a thin film transistor is formed on a first substrate 910 , and an organic light emitting diode contacting 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 920 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation on the organic light emitting device may be further included.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch window integrally formed with the display panel 900 . That is, the substrate supporting the at least one sensing electrode may be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on at least one surface of the display panel 900 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 910 or the second substrate 920 .

In this case, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate disposed thereon.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 . In addition, a first wire connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed. Also, a second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the display panel 900 . In addition, a second wire connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed.

An adhesive layer 800 may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the display panel 900 so that the cover substrate and the display panel 900 may be laminated to each other.

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further included under 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 900 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel 900 is an organic light emitting display panel, the polarizing plate may be an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate.

The touch device according to the embodiment may omit at least one substrate supporting the sensing electrode. For this reason, it is possible to form a thin and light touch device.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch window integrally formed with the display panel 900 . That is, the substrate supporting the at least one sensing electrode may be omitted.

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 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 910 and a second' substrate 920 . In this case, at least one sensing electrode of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 is disposed between the first substrate 910 and the second substrate 920 . That is, at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on at least one surface of the first substrate 910 or the second substrate 920 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , a first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 . In addition, a first wire connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed. In addition, a second sensing electrode 220 and a second wiring may be formed between the first substrate 910 and the second substrate 920 . That is, the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring may be disposed inside the display panel, and the first sensing electrode 210 and the first wiring may be disposed outside the display panel.

The second sensing electrode 220 and the second wiring may be disposed on the top surface of the first substrate 910 or the rear surface of the second substrate 920 .

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further included under the substrate 100 .

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, when the second sensing electrode is formed on the first ' substrate 910, the sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode have. In addition, when the second sensing electrode is formed on the back surface of the second substrate 920 , 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, when the second sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 910 , the second sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor or an organic light emitting device .

The touch device according to the embodiment may omit at least one substrate supporting the sensing electrode. 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 according to the above-described embodiments is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , 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. 20 , 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. Such a flexible touch window may be applied to a wearable touch or the like.

Referring to FIG. 21 , 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. 22 , 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 (17)

a substrate comprising an effective area and an ineffective area;
a sensing electrode on the effective area;
a wiring electrode on the ineffective area; and
a fingerprint sensor on at least one of the valid region and the ineffective region;
The fingerprint sensor is
a first electrode on the substrate;
an insulating layer on the first electrode; and
a second electrode on the insulating layer;
A hole or groove is formed in the substrate,
The hole or the groove is formed at a position where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap,
A conductive material is disposed in the hole or the groove,
The cross-sectional area of the insulating layer is larger than the cross-sectional area of the fingerprint sensor,
The substrate includes a first region in which the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed and a second region in which the first electrode and the second electrode are not disposed;
The insulating layer is disposed on both the first area and the second area. delete The method of claim 1,
The insulating layer is a touch window disposed on the front surface of the substrate. delete The method of claim 1,
The hole is a touch window penetrating the substrate. delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
A size of the first electrode is smaller than a size of the second electrode. 10. The method of claim 9,
A size of the hole or the groove is different from a size of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. 11. The method of claim 10,
A size of the hole or the groove is larger than a size of the first electrode. 11. The method of claim 10,
A size of the hole or the groove is smaller than a size of the second electrode. The method of claim 1,
The fingerprint sensor is a touch window disposed on an effective area of the substrate. The method of claim 1,
The substrate is a touch window including a cover substrate. 15. The method of claim 14,
a printed layer is disposed on the ineffective area of the substrate;
and the fingerprint sensor is disposed on the printed layer on an ineffective area of the substrate. 16. The method of claim 15,
A first hole or a first groove is formed in the substrate,
A second hole or a second groove is formed on the printed layer,
The first hole and the second hole or the first groove and the second groove are formed at a position overlapping each other. 17. The method of claim 16,
The first hole and the second hole or the first groove and the second groove are formed at a position where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap.

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