KR20150014376A - Touch window and touch device with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a touch window and a touch device including the same. According to an embodiment, the touch window includes: a substrate; a sensing electrode which is disposed on the substrate and senses a location; and a wiring unit which is connected electrically to the sensing electrode, wherein the wiring unit includes a first sub pattern and a conductive layer to be disposed on the first sub pattern.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a touch window and a touch device including the touch window.

The present disclosure relates to a touch window and a touch device including the touch window

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.

The embodiment attempts to provide a touch window capable of securing a variety of designs.

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And a wiring part electrically connecting the sensing electrode, wherein the wiring part comprises: a first sub pattern; And a conductive layer disposed on the first subpattern.

In the embodiment, the line width of the conductive layer is formed into a very thin fine pattern, so that the area of the ineffective area where the wiring part 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.
2 is a plan view of a touch window according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2A.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along line C-C 'in Fig.
5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2B.
6 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to the second embodiment.
7 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to another embodiment.
8 and 9 are enlarged views of a touch window according to another embodiment.
10 is a plan view of a touch window according to another embodiment.
11 is an enlarged view of D of Fig.
12 to 16 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.
17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a touch 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 5. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment. 2 is a plan view of a touch window according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2A. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along line C-C 'in Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2B.

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 spatial 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. 3 and FIG. 4, the wiring part 300 may include a first sub pattern 310, a second sub pattern 320, and a conductive layer 311.

The first subpattern 310 is disposed on the substrate 100. The first subpattern 310 may be embossed. The line width W1 of the first subpattern 310 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the line width W1 of the first subpattern 310 may be between 5 μm and 50 μm. More preferably, the line width W1 of the first subpattern 310 may be 10 to 30 占 퐉.

In addition, the distance (pitch) P1 between the first sub patterns 310 may be between 1 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the distance (pitch) P1 between the first sub patterns 310 may be between 5 μm and 50 μm. More preferably, the distance (pitch) P1 between the first sub 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. 4, the line width W1 of the first subpattern 310 is shown to be smaller than the pitch P1 for convenience, but may be the same.

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

The first sub pattern 310 and the second sub pattern 320 may include a resin or a polymer.

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

Referring to FIG. 5, the first sub pattern 310 includes a first extending portion 301 and a second extending portion 302. 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. The angle formed by the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302 may be a right angle.

The second sub pattern 320 may be disposed adjacent to the first extending portion 301 and the second extending portion 302. For example, a second sub-pattern 320 may be formed between the first extension 301 and another adjacent first extension 301. In addition, a second sub pattern 320 may be formed between the second extension 302 and another adjacent second extension 302. That is, the second sub pattern 320 may be formed between the first extending portions 301 or between the second extending portions 302.

The second sub-pattern 320 extends in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second subpattern 320 may extend in a first direction.

The electrode pad 400 is positioned at an end of the wiring part 300. The electrode pad 400 may be connected to a printed circuit board. Specifically, although not shown in the drawing, a connection terminal may be located on one surface of the printed circuit board, and the electrode pad 400 may be connected to the connection terminal. The electrode pad 400 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. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first subpattern 310 has a depressed shape. The conductive layer 311 may be disposed in the first subpattern 310, which is an engraved pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the conductive layer 311 from being detached from the first subpattern 310.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a touch window according to another embodiment. 8 and 9 are enlarged views of a touch window according to another embodiment. 10 is a plan view of a touch window according to another embodiment. 11 is an enlarged view of D of Fig.

7, an end 311e of the electrode layer 311 disposed on the first subpattern 310 may be disposed on a part of the side surface 310e of the first subpattern 310. In this case, That is, the electrode layer 311 may be disposed so as to surround the first sub pattern 310. At this time, the end 311e of the electrode layer 311 may be in direct contact with the side surface 310e of the first sub pattern 310 or may be disposed apart from the side surface 310e.

Referring to FIG. 8, the second sub patterns 323 may be arranged to intersect the first sub patterns 313. That is, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first sub pattern 313 and the second sub pattern 323 may be arranged so as not to be parallel to each other.

Also, referring to FIG. 9, the second sub patterns 325 may be arranged in a mesh shape.

8 and 9, it is possible to facilitate etching of the conductive material formed on the second sub patterns 323 and 325 at the time of forming the electrode layer. Thus, the conductive material may remain on only the first subpattern 313.

10 and 11, the first sub patterns 315 may be arranged in a mesh shape in the touch window according to another embodiment.

At this time, the first sub pattern 315 may include a mesh opening OA and a mesh line LA. At this time, the line width of the mesh line portion LA may be 0.1 μm to 10 μm. The mesh line portion LA having a line width of 0.1 mu m or less may not be possible in the manufacturing process. When the line width is 10 占 퐉 or less, the pattern of the electrode layer can be made invisible. Preferably, the line width of the mesh line portion LA may be between 1 탆 and 7 탆. More preferably, the line width of the mesh line portion LA may be 2 탆 to 5 탆.

As shown in Fig. 11, the mesh opening OA may have a rectangular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the mesh opening OA may be arranged in various shapes such as a diamond shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal polygonal shape, or a circular shape. In addition, the mesh opening OA may have an irregular shape. That is, the mesh opening OA may be formed in various shapes.

The second sub pattern 327 is disposed adjacent to the first sub pattern 315. The second sub patterns 327 may be disposed between the first sub patterns 315. Accordingly, the second sub pattern 327 is disposed in the mesh opening OA.

The line width of the second sub pattern 327 may be smaller than the line width of the mesh line portion LA of the first sub pattern 315. The line width of the second sub pattern 327 may be 50 nm to 300 nm.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. FIG. 12 to 16 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.

Next, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, 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. 14, the first subpattern 310 and the second subpattern 320 may be fabricated through the imprinting process.

Referring to FIG. 15, a conductive material 311 'may be formed on the first subpattern 310 and the second subpattern 320. The conductive material 311 'may be formed by vapor deposition or plating.

Referring to FIG. 16, 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 first sub pattern 310 and the second sub pattern 320 and the conductive material 311 '. That is, since the bonding area of the first sub pattern 310 and the conductive material 311 'is larger than the bonding area of the second sub pattern 320 and the conductive material 311' The etching of the conductive material 311 'formed on the pattern 310 occurs little. That is, according to the same etching rate, the conductive material 311 'formed on the first subpattern 310 remains and the conductive material 311' formed on the second subpattern 320 is etched and removed do. Therefore, the conductive layer 311 may be formed only on the first sub-pattern 310.

Referring to FIG. 17, 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 touch device.

The display panel 20 has a display area for outputting an image. The display panel applied to such a touch 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 can be formed in various forms depending on what type of touch device the touch device according to the present invention is. That is, the touch device according to the present invention may be applied to 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 (15)

Board;
A sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and sensing a position; And
And a wiring portion for electrically connecting the sensing electrode,
Wherein,
A first subpattern; And
And a conductive layer disposed on the first subpattern. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the wiring portion further comprises a second subpattern disposed adjacent to the first subpattern. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the line width of the first subpattern is 1 占 퐉 to 100 占 퐉. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the line width of the second subpattern is smaller than the line width of the first subpattern. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the line width of the second subpattern is 50 nm to 300 nm. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first subpattern is a raised or depressed touch window. The method according to claim 1,
The first sub-pattern includes a first extension extending in a first direction,
And a second extension extending from the first extension and extending in a second direction. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the second subpattern extends in one direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the conductive layer comprises Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni or alloys thereof. 3. The method of claim 2,
The first sub-patterns are arranged in a mesh shape,
Wherein the first sub-pattern comprises a mesh portion and a mesh opening. 11. The method of claim 10,
And the line width of the mesh line portion is 0.1 to 10 mu m. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the line width of the mesh line portion of the first sub pattern is larger than the line width of the second sub pattern. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the second subpattern is arranged in a mesh shape. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first subpattern and the second subpattern intersect each other. 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,
A first subpattern; And
And a conductive layer disposed on the first subpattern.

Images