KR20150014375A - Touch window and method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And a wiring portion electrically connecting the sensing electrode, wherein the wiring portion includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion having different directions, and the wiring portion is provided between the first extending portions or between the second extending portions And a dummy pattern to be placed.
A method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment includes preparing a substrate on which a valid region and a non-valid region are defined; Forming a sensing electrode on the effective region; Imprinting a main pattern and a dummy pattern on the ineffective area; Forming a conductive material on the main pattern and the dummy pattern; And etching the conductive material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a touch window and a method of manufacturing the touch window.

The present disclosure relates to a touch window and a method of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a touch panel has been applied to an image displayed on a display device in various electronic products by a method of touching an input device such as a finger or a stylus.

The touch panel is typically divided into a resistive touch panel and a capacitive touch panel. The resistance film type touch panel senses that the resistance changes according to the connection between the electrodes when the pressure is applied to the input device, and the position is detected. A capacitance type touch panel senses a change in electrostatic capacitance between electrodes when a finger touches them, thereby detecting the position. Considering the convenience of the manufacturing method and the sensing power, recently, in a small model, the electrostatic capacity method has attracted attention.

In such a touch panel, wirings for connecting the electrodes to the external circuit are located at least to the left, right, and bottom of the touch panel. Such wiring can be patterned through a photoresist process. However, there is a limit to the formation of wiring patterns through the conventional etching method. That is, there is a limitation in reducing the line width of the wiring, and the fine pattern is impossible. This may cause a problem of reducing the effective area.

In addition, a bezel for covering such a wiring can limit the design.

On the other hand, when such a wiring pattern is etched, there is a problem that the electrode material is not completely etched at portions other than the wiring and remains, resulting in electrical short circuit.

The embodiment attempts to provide a touch window with improved reliability.

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And a wiring portion electrically connecting the sensing electrode, wherein the wiring portion includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion having different directions, and the wiring portion is provided between the first extending portions or between the second extending portions And a dummy pattern to be disposed.

A method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment includes preparing a substrate on which a valid region and a non-valid region are defined; Forming a sensing electrode on the effective region; Imprinting a main pattern and a dummy pattern on the ineffective area; Forming a conductive material on the main pattern and the dummy pattern; And etching the conductive material.

The touch window according to an embodiment includes a wiring portion, and the wiring portion includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion bent from the first extending portion. Since the first extending portion and the second extending portion are formed in different directions, it is possible to prevent the remaining metal material from being etched at portions other than the wiring portion. That is, it is possible to prevent the etching phenomenon at portions other than the main pattern corresponding to the first extending portion and the second extending portion. Therefore, electrical shorting of the wiring portion can be prevented, and the electrical characteristics can be improved.

In addition, in the embodiment, the line width of the wiring portion is formed into a very fine fine pattern, so that the area of the non-effective region where the wiring portion is disposed can be reduced. Thus, a narrow bezel of the touch window can be realized. This ensures the size of the screen and ensures a variety of unrestricted design of the bezel.

1 is a schematic plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'in Fig.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to another embodiment.
5 is a plan view of a touch window according to another embodiment.
6 to 10 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.
11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device in which a touch window according to an embodiment is disposed on a display panel.

In the description of the embodiments, it is to be understood that each layer (film), area, pattern or structure may be referred to as being "on" or "under / under" Quot; includes all that is formed directly or through another layer. The criteria for top / bottom or bottom / bottom of each layer are described with reference to the drawings.

The thickness or the size of each layer (film), region, pattern or structure in the drawings may be modified for clarity and convenience of explanation, and thus does not entirely reflect the actual size.

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

First, a touch window according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'in Fig.

1 and 2, the touch window 10 according to the embodiment includes a valid area AA for sensing the position of an input device (e.g., a finger or the like) And a non-effective area UA is defined.

Here, the sensing electrode 200 may be formed in the effective area AA to sense the input device. A wiring portion 300 electrically connecting the sensing electrode 200 may be formed in the non-effective region UA. An external circuit or the like connected to the wiring part 300 may be located in the ineffective area UA.

When an input device such as a finger is brought into contact with such a touch window, a capacitance difference occurs at a portion where the input device is contacted, and a portion where such a difference occurs can be detected as the contact position.

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

The substrate 100 may be formed of various materials capable of supporting the sensing electrode 200, the wiring unit 300, and the circuit board formed thereon. The substrate 100 may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate 100 may comprise glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate includes chemically tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, or includes sapphire or plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyimide (PI) can do. Sapphire has excellent electrical properties such as dielectric constant, which not only remarkably improves the speed of touch reaction but also can easily realize space touch such as hovering and is suitable for a cover substrate because of its high surface strength. Hovering is a technique for recognizing coordinates even at a small distance from the display. An outer dummy layer is formed in the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100. [ The outer dummy layer may be formed by applying a material having a predetermined color so that the wiring portion 300 and the printed circuit board connecting the wiring portion 300 to an external circuit can not be seen from the outside. The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for a desired appearance, for example, a black color including black pigment and the like. A desired logo can be formed on the outer dummy layer by various methods. Such an outer dummy layer can be formed by vapor deposition, printing, wet coating or the like.

The sensing electrode 200 may be formed on the substrate 100. The sensing electrode 200 may sense whether an input device such as a finger is in contact. In FIG. 2, the sensing electrode 200 is shown extending in the second direction on the substrate, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the sensing electrode 200 may extend in a first direction intersecting the second direction. In addition, the sensing electrode 200 may include two types of sensing electrodes 200 having a shape extending in a first direction and a shape extending in a second direction.

In FIG. 2, the sensing electrode 200 is shown in the form of a bar, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, the sensing electrode 200 can be formed in various shapes to detect whether or not an input device such as a finger is contacted.

The sensing electrode 200 may include a transparent conductive material so that electricity can flow without disturbing the transmission of light. For this purpose, the sensing electrode 200 may be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, carbon nano tube (CNT), conductive polymer, interconnecting structure, and the like. The connecting structure may be a microstructure having a diameter of 10 nm to 200 nm. At this time, the sensing electrode 200 may include nanowires.

In addition, the sensing electrode 200 may include a metal material having excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the sensing electrode 200 may include at least one of Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof. Accordingly, the electrical characteristics of the touch window to which the sensing electrode 200 is applied can be improved.

In addition, the sensing electrode 200 may include a mesh shape. At this time, the sensing electrode 200 may include various metals having excellent conductivity.

2, the sensing electrode 200 extends in one direction, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, the sensing electrode may include two kinds of sensing electrodes, one sensing electrode extending in one direction and another sensing electrode extending in the other direction crossing the one direction.

The one sensing electrode pattern and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed in various ways according to the structure of the touch window.

For example, the one-touch sensing electrode pattern and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed on one side of the cover substrate.

Alternatively, the one-touch sensing electrode pattern may be formed on one surface of the cover substrate, and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed on one surface of the electrode substrate disposed on the cover substrate.

Alternatively, the one-touch sensing electrode pattern may be formed on one surface of the first electrode substrate disposed on the cover substrate, and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed on the second electrode substrate disposed on the first electrode substrate .

Alternatively, the one-touch sensing electrode pattern may be formed on one surface of a glass or film disposed on the cover substrate, and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed on the other surface of the glass or film.

The touch window according to the embodiment may have various structures depending on the positions of the one sensing electrode pattern and the other sensing electrode pattern. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the one-touch sensing electrode pattern and the other sensing electrode pattern may be formed at various positions.

A wiring portion 300 electrically connecting the sensing electrode 200 may be formed in the non-effective region UA.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wiring part 300 includes a first extension part 301 and a second extension part 302. The first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 have different directions. That is, the directions in which the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 extend are different from each other.

The first extension 301 may extend in a first direction. The first extension 301 may have a straight line shape.

The second extending portion 302 is bent from the first extending portion 301. The second extension 302 may extend in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second extending portion 302 may have a straight line shape. That is, since both the first extension portion 301 and the second extension portion 302 include a straight line, the wiring portion 300 does not include a curve. Accordingly, the wiring part 300 may have an L shape.

The angle? Formed by the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 may be a right angle. However, the angle &thetas; does not necessarily have to be right angles, and an angle within the tolerance range can be satisfied.

The wiring portion 300 may include a dummy pattern 320. At this time, the dummy pattern 320 may be disposed between the first extending portions 301 and the adjacent first extending portions 301. A dummy pattern 320 may be disposed between the second extending portion 302 and another adjacent second extending portion 302. That is, the dummy pattern 320 may be disposed between the first extending portions 301 or between the second extending portions 302.

The dummy pattern 320 extends in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the dummy pattern 320 may extend in a first direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wiring portion 300 includes a main pattern 310 and a conductive layer 311. That is, the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 include a main pattern 310 and a conductive layer 311, respectively.

The main pattern 310 is disposed on the substrate 100. The main pattern 310 may be embossed. The line width W1 of the main pattern 310 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the line width W1 of the main pattern 310 may be in the range of 5 탆 to 50 탆. More preferably, the line width W1 of the main pattern 310 may be between 10 μm and 30 μm.

In addition, the distance (pitch) P1 between the main patterns 310 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the distance (pitch) P1 between the main patterns 310 may be 5 占 퐉 to 50 占 퐉. More preferably, the distance (pitch) P1 between the main patterns 310 may be between 10 μm and 30 μm.

The pitch P1 may have the same value as the line width W1. In FIG. 3, the line width W1 of the main pattern 310 is shown to be smaller than the pitch P1 for the sake of convenience, but may be the same.

The dummy pattern 320 is disposed on the substrate 100. The dummy patterns 320 may be disposed between the main patterns 310. The dummy pattern 320 may be embossed. The line width W2 of the dummy pattern 320 is smaller than the line width W1 of the main pattern 310. [ The line width W2 of the dummy pattern 320 may be 50 nm to 300 nm. The distance (pitch) P2 between the dummy patterns 320 may be equal to or less than the line width W2 of the dummy pattern 320. [

The main pattern 310 and the dummy pattern 320 may include a resin or a polymer.

The conductive layer 311 is disposed on the main pattern 310. Since the conductive layer 311 is disposed on the main pattern 310, the line width of the conductive layer 311 may be the same as or similar to the line width of the main pattern 310.

In the embodiment, the line width of the conductive layer 311 is formed in a very fine pattern, so that the area of the ineffective area UA where the wiring part 300 is disposed can be reduced. Thus, a narrow bezel of the touch window can be realized. This ensures the size of the screen and ensures a variety of unrestricted design of the bezel.

The conductive layer 311 may be made of a metal having excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the conductive layer 311 may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof.

An electrode pad (not shown) is disposed at an end of the wiring part 300. Such an electrode pad can be connected to a printed circuit board. Specifically, although not shown in the drawings, a connection terminal is located on one side of the printed circuit board, and the electrode pad can be connected to the connection terminal. The electrode pad may have a size corresponding to the connection terminal.

As the printed circuit board, various types of printed circuit boards can be applied. For example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or the like can be applied.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the same or similar parts will not be described in detail. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the main pattern 310 has a depressed shape. The conductive layer 311 may be disposed in the main pattern 310 having a recessed shape. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the conductive layer 311 from being detached from the main pattern 310.

5, the wiring portion 300 includes a first extension portion 303 and a second extension portion 304, and the first extension portion 303 and the second extension portion 304 Directionality is different. That is, the directions in which the first extending portion 303 and the second extending portion 304 extend are different from each other.

And may include a curve at a portion where the first extension portion 303 and the second extension portion 304 are in contact with each other. That is, unlike the structure shown in FIG. 2, the first extending portion 303 and the second extending portion 304 may include a non-straight line.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG. 6 to 10 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.

First, although not shown in the drawing, a sensing electrode may be formed in an effective region of a substrate on which a valid region and a non-valid region are defined.

6 and 7, a mold M having a pattern formed on a resin 300 'to be disposed on the ineffective area may be positioned and imprinted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the main pattern 310 and the dummy pattern 320 may be formed through the imprinting process.

Referring to FIG. 9, a conductive material 311 'may be formed on the main pattern 310 and the dummy pattern 320. The conductive material 311 'may be formed by vapor deposition or plating.

Referring to FIG. 10, the conductive material 311 'may be etched. At this time, a difference in etching area occurs due to the difference in junction area between the structure of the main pattern 310 and the dummy pattern 320 and the conductive material 311 '. That is, since the bonding area between the main pattern 310 and the conductive material 311 'is larger than the bonding area with the dummy pattern 320 and the conductive material 311' The etching of the conductive material 311 ' That is, according to the same etching rate, the conductive material 311 'formed on the main pattern 310 remains, and the conductive material 311' formed on the dummy pattern 320 is etched and removed. Therefore, the conductive layer 311 may be formed only on the main pattern 310. [

2, the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 forming the main pattern 310 are at right angles to each other, so that portions other than the main pattern 310 It is possible to eliminate the remaining conductive material 311 'that is not etched. That is, it is possible to prevent the non-etching phenomenon at portions other than the main pattern 310. Therefore, electrical shorting of the wiring portion can be prevented, and the electrical characteristics can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 11, the touch window 10 may be disposed on the display panel 20 as a driving unit. The touch window 10 and the display panel 20 are bonded together to form a display device.

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

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

The features, structures, effects and the like described in the foregoing embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to one embodiment. Further, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in the embodiments may be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these combinations and modifications.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It can be seen that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

Claims (11)

Board;
A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And
And a wiring portion for electrically connecting the sensing electrode,
Wherein the wiring portion includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion having different directions,
Wherein the wiring portion includes a dummy pattern disposed between the first extending portions or between the second extending portions. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first extension and the second extension are straight. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first extension and the second extension comprise a main pattern; And
And a conductive layer disposed on the main pattern. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the line width of the dummy pattern is smaller than the line width of the main pattern. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the dummy pattern extends in one direction. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the main pattern and the dummy pattern comprise a resin. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the conductive layer comprises Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni or alloys thereof. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the main pattern is a bold or depressed touch window. Preparing a substrate on which a valid region and a non-valid region are defined;
Forming a sensing electrode on the effective region and imprinting a main pattern and a dummy pattern on the non-effective region;
Forming a conductive material on the main pattern and the dummy pattern; And
And etching the conductive material. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the conductive material remains only in the main pattern in the etching step. Touch window; And
And a driver disposed on the touch window,
The touch window includes:
Board;
A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And
And a wiring portion for electrically connecting the sensing electrode,
Wherein the wiring portion includes a first extending portion and a second extending portion having different directions,
Wherein the wiring portion includes a dummy pattern disposed between the first extending portions or between the second extending portions.

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