KR20150040666A - Touch panel and display apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch panel capable of being folded or bent by one or more reference lines. The touch panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of conductive pattern units which are formed at both sides of the reference lines on the substrate; a plurality of conductive connection units which are connected to the conductive pattern units and are separate from the reference lines; and a separation area which is defined on the substrate, is placed between the conductive pattern units arranged at both sides of the reference lines, and is overlapped with the reference lines.

Description

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

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.

The touch panel is capable of functioning as an input device without a separate means such as a keyboard by touching a user's finger or a pen, and has been used in various fields in recent years.

Particularly, in recent years, display devices have been replaced by thin, flat-panel display devices that can be carried. Further, a technique of applying a touch panel function to such a flat panel display device is used.

Such a touch panel has a plurality of conductive patterns.

On the other hand, the touch panel may be formed to have an uneven surface according to the user's demand or from the time of manufacture in order to increase the user's convenience.

Materials and construction for realizing a touch panel having such a non-planar surface are being studied.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a touch panel capable of folding or folding around at least one reference line, the touch panel including a substrate, a plurality of conductive pattern portions formed on both sides of at least the reference line on the substrate, And a plurality of conductive connection parts connected to the plurality of conductive connection parts and spaced apart from the reference line and spaced apart from each other, the plurality of conductive connection parts being disposed between the plurality of conductive pattern parts defined on the substrate and disposed on both sides of the reference line, The touch panel is started.

In this embodiment, the spacing region may be formed in parallel with the reference line.

In this embodiment, the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern portions adjacent to the reference line may be formed in parallel with the reference line.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection portions may be formed in parallel with at least the reference line in a region corresponding to at least the plurality of conductive pattern portions.

In this embodiment, the conductive connection portions disposed adjacent to the reference line among the plurality of conductive connection portions may be formed in parallel to the reference line as a whole.

In this embodiment, each of the plurality of conductive pattern portions includes a plurality of conductive pattern members spaced apart from each other, and at least the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern members of the conductive pattern portion are adjacent to the reference line .

In this embodiment, the shape of the conductive pattern portion disposed closer to the center of the substrate and the conductive pattern portion disposed away from the center of the substrate may be different from each other around the reference line among the plurality of conductive pattern portions.

In this embodiment, the conductive pattern portion disposed near the center of the substrate around the reference line among the plurality of conductive pattern portions may have a larger area than the conductive pattern portion disposed away from the center of the substrate.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection portions extend to extend to one end of the substrate, and a plurality of conductive connection portions are formed in the region of the plurality of conductive connection portions, which do not correspond to the plurality of conductive pattern portions, At least a plurality of conductive connection portions of the plurality of conductive connection portions may have bent portions so as to increase a distance between each of the plurality of conductive connection portions.

In this embodiment, the bent portions of the plurality of conductive connection portions may be spaced apart from the reference line, and may be formed so that the side of the plurality of conductive pattern portions is not closer to the reference line than the side adjacent to the reference line.

In this embodiment, it may further include a circuit portion disposed at one end of the substrate so as to overlap the reference line, and electrically connected to the plurality of conductive connection portions and including a flexible material.

In this embodiment, the circuit unit may include a driving IC disposed to be spaced apart from the reference line.

In the present embodiment, the spacing region may be formed on the substrate such that the side surface of the conductive connection portion adjacent to the reference line among the plurality of conductive connection portions, the side surface of the conductive connection portion adjacent to the reference line, The conductive pattern portion may be defined as a side surface of the conductive pattern portion.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductive pattern portions may contain a conductive material or a plurality of metal nanowires.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection portions may be formed of the same material as the plurality of conductive pattern portions.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display device including a touch panel and a display panel disposed on one side of the touch panel, wherein the touch panel is foldable about at least one reference line, A plurality of conductive pattern portions formed on both sides of at least the reference line on the substrate, a plurality of conductive connection portions connected to the plurality of conductive pattern portions and spaced apart from the reference line, And a spacing region disposed between the plurality of conductive pattern portions disposed on both sides and overlapping the reference line.

In this embodiment, the display panel may include an organic light emitting element or a liquid crystal element.

In this embodiment, the spacing region may be in the form of a line aligned with the baseline.

In this embodiment, the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern portions adjacent to the reference line may be formed in parallel with the reference line.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection portions may be formed in parallel with at least the reference line in a region corresponding to at least the plurality of conductive pattern portions.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

The touch panel and the display device including the touch panel according to the present embodiment can easily improve the electrical characteristics and the durability.

1 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the touch panel of FIGS. 1 and 2A bent around a reference line.
3 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic side view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an enlarged view of K in Fig.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is capable of various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding components throughout the drawings, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted .

In the following embodiments, the terms first, second, and the like are used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another element, not the limitative meaning.

In the following examples, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as inclusive or possessive are intended to mean that a feature, or element, described in the specification is present, and does not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or elements may be added.

In the following embodiments, when a part of a film, an area, a component or the like is on or on another part, not only the case where the part is directly on the other part but also another film, area, And the like.

In the drawings, components may be exaggerated or reduced in size for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings.

In the following embodiments, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are not limited to three axes on the orthogonal coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense including the three axes. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but may refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

If certain embodiments are otherwise feasible, the particular process sequence may be performed differently from the sequence described. For example, two processes that are described in succession may be performed substantially concurrently, and may be performed in the reverse order of the order described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the touch panel of FIGS. 1 and 2A bent around a reference line.

1, 2A, and 2B, the touch panel 100 of the present embodiment includes a substrate 101, a plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113 and 114, a plurality of conductive connection portions 121, 122 and 123 124, and a spacing region 130.

The touch panel 100 may be folded or folded around one or more reference lines L1 and L2. That is, the touch panel 100 of the present embodiment is a bending type touch panel.

In Fig. 1, two reference lines L1 and L2 are shown. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this as one example. As an alternative embodiment, the touch panel 100 may be folded or folded about one reference line L1 or L2. As another example, the touch panel 100 may be formed to be folded or turned about three or more reference lines.

Each member will be described in detail.

The substrate 101 includes a foldable or flexible material, i.e., a flexible material. For example, the substrate 101 may be formed of a plastic material. At this time, the plastic material forming the substrate 101 may be at least one selected from various organic materials.

Further, as another alternative embodiment, the substrate 101 may include various flexible materials, for example, the substrate 101 may be formed of a metal thin film or a glass material.

A plurality of conductive pattern portions (111, 112, 113, 114) are formed on the substrate (101). The plurality of conductive pattern units 111, 112, 113 and 114 may include a first conductive pattern unit 111, a second conductive pattern unit 112, a third conductive pattern unit 113, 114).

The plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 are formed using a conductive material. For example, the plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 include ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3. As another example, the plurality of conductive pattern units 111, 112, 113, and 114 may be formed to include a plurality of metal nanowires such as Ag.

The first conductive pattern portion 111, the second conductive pattern portion 112, the third conductive pattern portion 113, and the fourth conductive pattern portion 114 are separated from each other.

The spacing region 130 is formed to overlap the reference line L1 between the first conductive pattern portion 111 and the second conductive pattern portion 112 and the other spaced region 130 is formed to overlap the third conductive pattern portion 113 ) And the fourth conductive pattern portion 114. [0064]

The plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 will be described in detail.

The first conductive pattern portion 111 includes a plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d. Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d is spaced apart from each other. Further, the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d have a shape similar to a rectangular shape. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d may have various shapes.

The plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d are sequentially disposed in one direction of the substrate 101, that is, in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d have different sizes, and are sequentially reduced in size. That is, the size of the conductive pattern member 111a, the conductive pattern member 111b, the conductive pattern member 111c, and the conductive pattern member 111d are reduced in that order.

Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d may have side surfaces that are parallel to each other. That is, the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d facing the reference line L1 may be formed in parallel with each other. The side surface of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d facing the reference line L1 is a portion defining the spacing region 130 on the substrate 101, Respectively.

The second conductive pattern portion 112 includes a plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d is spaced apart from each other. Further, the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d have a shape similar to a rectangular shape. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d may have various shapes.

The plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d are sequentially disposed in one direction of the substrate 101, that is, the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d have different sizes, and are sequentially formed to be reduced in size. That is, the size of the conductive pattern member 112a, the conductive pattern member 112b, the conductive pattern member 112c, and the conductive pattern member 112d are reduced in that order.

Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d may have side surfaces that are parallel to each other. That is, the opposite side faces of the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d toward the reference line L1 may be formed in parallel with each other. Further, as an alternative embodiment, the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d toward the reference line L1 may be formed in parallel with each other.

The third conductive pattern portion 113 includes a plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d. Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d is spaced apart from each other. Further, the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d have a shape similar to a rectangle. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d may have various shapes.

The plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d are sequentially arranged in one direction of the substrate 101, that is, the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d have different sizes, and are sequentially formed to be reduced in size. That is, the size of the conductive pattern member 113a, the conductive pattern member 113b, the conductive pattern member 113c, and the conductive pattern member 113d are reduced in that order.

Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d may have side surfaces that are parallel to each other. That is, the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d facing the reference line L2 may be formed in parallel with each other.

The side surface of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c and 113d facing the reference line L2 is a portion defining the spacing region 130 on the substrate 101, Respectively.

The fourth conductive pattern portion 114 includes a plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d. Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d is spaced apart from each other. Further, the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d have a shape similar to a rectangular shape. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d may have various shapes.

The plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d are sequentially disposed in one direction of the substrate 101, that is, the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d have different sizes, and are sequentially formed to be reduced in size. That is, the size of the conductive pattern member 114a, the conductive pattern member 114b, the conductive pattern member 114c, and the conductive pattern member 114d are reduced in that order.

Each of the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d may have side surfaces that are parallel to each other. That is, the opposite side faces of the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d toward the reference line L2 may be formed in parallel with each other. Further, as an alternative embodiment, the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d toward the reference line L2 may be formed parallel to each other.

The plurality of conductive connection portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 are formed to be connected to the plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113, and 114.

Specifically, the plurality of conductive connection parts 121, 122, 123, and 124 include a first conductive connection part 121, a second conductive connection part 122, a third conductive connection part 123, and a fourth conductive connection part 124 .

The plurality of conductive connection portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 include various conductive materials such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3. In this case, the plurality of conductive connection portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 may be patterned simultaneously with the plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113, and 114. As another example, the conductive connection portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 may be formed to include a plurality of metal nanowires such as Ag.

The plurality of conductive connection portions 121, 122, 123, and 124 will be described in detail.

The first conductive connection portion 121 includes a plurality of conductive connection members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d. Each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c and 121d is spaced apart from each other. Further, each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d has a long extending line type. The plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d extend to reach one side of the substrate 101, that is, the lower side of the substrate 101 with reference to FIG. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d may be connected to circuit members (not shown) at the lower side of the substrate 101.

The plurality of conductive connection members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d are connected to the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d, respectively. Specifically, the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d may be formed to be parallel to one side of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d, , And the four conductive connection portions 122, 123, and 124 are the same.

At least one of the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c and 121d, for example, the plurality of conductive connecting members 121b, 121c and 121d is formed in a region close to the lower side surface of the substrate 101, Can be bent in an area not opposed to the members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d. The distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d at the lower side of the substrate 101 is maximized. The distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d is maximized so that interference of the electric signal before the electric signal is transmitted through the circuit member (not shown) Thereby improving the connection characteristics of the conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c and 121d.

The plurality of conductive connection members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d are spaced apart from the reference line L1 by a predetermined distance. In particular, the plurality of conductive connection members 121a, 121b, 121c, 111b, 111c, and 111d are formed closer to the reference line L1 than the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d toward the reference line L1. That is, a side surface of the curved region of the conductive connecting member 121d disposed closest to the reference line L1 among the plurality of conductive connecting members 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d defines a portion defining the spacing region 130 .

The second conductive connection portion 122 includes a plurality of conductive connection members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d. Each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d is spaced apart from each other. Further, each of the plurality of electrically conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d has a long extending line type. The plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d extend to reach one side of the substrate 101, that is, the lower side of the substrate 101 with reference to Fig. As an alternative embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection members 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d may be connected to a circuit member (not shown) at the lower side of the substrate 101.

The plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are connected to the plurality of conductive pattern members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d, respectively. At least one of the plurality of conductive connection members 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d, for example, a plurality of conductive connection members 122b, 122c and 122d is formed in a region close to the lower side surface of the substrate 101, And can be bent in an area not opposed to the members 112a, 112b, 112c, and 112d. Thereby making the distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d at the lower side of the substrate 101 as far as possible. The distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d is maximized so that interference of the electric signal before the electric signal is transmitted through the circuit member (not shown) Thereby improving the connection characteristics of the conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d.

However, the plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are spaced apart from the adjacent plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d by a predetermined distance.

The plurality of conductive connecting members 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d are arranged so as to be distant from the reference line L1 in order. The conductive connecting member 122a disposed closest to the reference line L1 is a portion defining the spacing region 130 and is spaced apart from the reference line L1 by an appropriate distance.

In addition, the conductive connecting member 122a may be formed in parallel with the reference line L1.

The third conductive connection portion 123 includes a plurality of conductive connection members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d. Each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d is spaced apart from each other. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d has a long extending line type. The plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c and 123d extend to reach one side of the substrate 101, that is, the lower side of the substrate 101 with reference to Fig. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d may be connected to a circuit member (not shown) at the lower side of the substrate 101.

The plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are connected to the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d, respectively. At least one of the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c and 123d, for example, the plurality of conductive connecting members 123b, 123c and 123d is arranged in a region close to the lower side surface of the substrate 101, It can be bent in an area not opposed to the members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d. The distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d at the lower side of the substrate 101 is maximized. The distances between the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are made as far as possible and the interference of the electric signal before the electric signal is transmitted through the circuit member (not shown) Thereby improving the connection characteristics of the conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d.

The plurality of conductive connection members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are spaced apart from the reference line L2 by a predetermined distance. In particular, the plurality of conductive connection members 123a, 123b, 123c, 113b, 113c, and 113d are formed closer to the reference line L2 than the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d toward the reference line L1. That is, the side of the curved region of the conductive connecting member 123d, which is closest to the reference line L2, among the plurality of conductive connecting members 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d has a portion defining the spacing region 130 .

The fourth conductive connection portion 124 includes a plurality of conductive connection members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d. Each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d is spaced apart from each other. Further, each of the plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d has a long extending line type. The plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d extend to reach one side of the substrate 101, that is, the lower side of the substrate 101 with reference to FIG. As an alternative embodiment, the plurality of conductive connection members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d may be connected to a circuit member (not shown) at the lower side of the substrate 101.

The plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d are connected to the plurality of conductive pattern members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d, respectively. At least one of the plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c and 124d, for example, a plurality of the conductive connecting members 124b, 124c and 124d is formed in a region close to the lower side surface of the substrate 101, And can be bent in an area that is not opposed to the members 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d. Thereby making the distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d at the lower side of the substrate 101 as far as possible. The distance between the plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d is maximized so that interference of the electric signal before the electric signal is transmitted through the circuit member (not shown) Thereby improving the connection characteristics of the conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d.

The plurality of conductive connecting members 124a, 124b, 124c and 124d are arranged so as to be apart from the reference line L2 in order. The conductive connecting member 124a disposed closest to the reference line L2 is a portion defining the spacing region 130 and is spaced apart from the reference line L2 by an appropriate distance.

Further, the conductive connecting member 124a may be formed parallel to the reference line L2.

The spacing region 130 is formed to overlap the reference line L1 between the first conductive pattern portion 111 and the second conductive pattern portion 112 as described above. Specifically, the spacing region 130 is formed between the side faces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d of the first conductive pattern portion 111 toward the reference line L1 and the side faces of the conductive connecting member 122a and the conductive And the side surface of the pattern member 112a.

Another spacing region 130 is formed between the third conductive pattern portion 113 and the fourth conductive pattern portion 114. More specifically, the spacing region 130 is formed between the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d of the third conductive pattern portion 113 toward the reference line L2 and the side surfaces of the conductive connecting member 124a and the conductive And the side surface of the pattern member 114a.

A protective layer (not shown) containing an insulating material may be additionally formed on the plurality of conductive pattern portions 111, 112, 113 and 114 and the plurality of conductive connecting portions 121, 122, 123 and 124 . Further, a cover glass (not shown) may be further disposed on the protective layer (not shown). This also applies to the following embodiments.

The touch panel 100 of the present embodiment may be a capacitive touch panel. That is, when the user touches the touch panel 100, a change in capacitance occurs in the area where the touch of the touch panel 100 is generated, and the user senses the touch to recognize the touch.

Also, the touch panel 100 of the present embodiment can be bent or folded around the reference lines L1 and L2 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. Thereby easily implementing the touch panel 100 with increased user convenience.

At this time, the touch panel 100 has a spacing region 130 overlapping the reference lines L1 and L2. The touch panel 100 is prevented from being damaged or deformed when the touch panel 100 is flexed or folded through the spacing regions 130 disposed on the reference lines L1 and L2.

Particularly, the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d of the first conductive pattern portion 111 formed to be parallel to the reference line L1, and the conductive connecting member 122a, The side surface of the conductive pattern member 112a and the side surface of the conductive pattern member 112a are spaced apart from the reference line L1 to define the spacing region 130. Accordingly, when the touch panel 100 is bent or folded, Damage to the pattern portion 112, the first conductive connection portion 121, and the second conductive connection portion 122 is intrinsically blocked.

The same applies to the reference line L2 and the corresponding third conductive pattern part 113, the fourth conductive pattern part 114, the third conductive connecting part 123 and the fourth conductive connecting part 124.

As a result, the electrical characteristics and durability of the touch panel 100 are increased, and the touch panel 100 with improved user convenience is easily realized.

3 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3, the touch panel 200 of this embodiment includes a substrate 201, a plurality of conductive pattern portions 211, 112, 213 and 214, a plurality of conductive connection portions 221, 222, 223, and 224, (230) and a circuit portion (240). The circuit portion 240 includes one or more driving ICs 240C.

The touch panel 200 may be folded or rotated about one or more reference lines L1. That is, the touch panel 200 of this embodiment is a bending type touch panel.

One reference line L1 is shown in Fig. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this as one example. As an alternative embodiment, the touch panel 200 may be folded or rotated about a reference line L1 and another reference line (not shown) spaced apart from the reference line L1. As another embodiment, the touch panel 200 may be formed to be folded or turned around three or more reference lines.

For convenience of explanation, the description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

The touch panel 200 of the present embodiment differs from the touch panel 100 of the above-described embodiment in the configuration of the circuit portion 240. [ Therefore, the configuration of the circuit unit 240 will be mainly described.

The circuit portion 240 is disposed at the lower end of the substrate 201. The circuit portion 240 is formed of a material that is flexible so as to be folded or bent about the reference line L1 shown in Fig. However, the driving IC 240C may be spaced apart from the reference line L1 by a predetermined distance so as to be folded or not bent.

The driving IC 240C of the circuit portion 240, for example, the circuit portion 240 is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive connecting portions 221, 222, 223, and 224.

The touch panel 200 of the present embodiment can be bent or folded around the reference lines L1 and L2. Thereby easily implementing the touch panel 200 with increased user convenience.

At this time, the touch panel 200 has a spacing region 230 overlapping the reference line L1. The touch panel 200 is prevented from being damaged or deformed when the touch panel 200 is flexed or folded through the spacing region 230 disposed at the reference line L1.

Particularly, the side surfaces of the plurality of conductive pattern members 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d of the first conductive pattern portion 211 formed to be parallel to the reference line L1 and the conductive connecting member 222a, The side surface of the conductive pattern member 212a and the side surface of the conductive pattern member 212a are spaced apart from the reference line L1 to define the spacing region 230. Therefore, when the touch panel 200 is bent or folded, Damage to the pattern portion 212, the first conductive connection portion 221, and the second conductive connection portion 222 is intrinsically blocked.

The circuit part 240 may be disposed at one end of the substrate 201 so as to overlap the reference line L1 and the circuit part 240 may be formed of a flexible material to improve the overall folding or bending property of the touch panel 100, The driving IC 240C is separated from the reference line L1 to prevent damage to the driving IC 240C.

As a result, the electrical characteristics and durability of the touch panel 200 are increased, and the touch panel 200 with improved user convenience is easily realized.

4 is a schematic plan view showing a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4, the touch panel 300 of this embodiment includes a substrate 301, a plurality of conductive pattern portions 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, a plurality of conductive connection portions 321, 322, 323, 324, 325 And a spacing region 330.

The touch panel 100 may be folded or folded around one or more reference lines L1 and L2. That is, the touch panel 100 of the present embodiment is a bending type touch panel.

In Fig. 4, two reference lines L1 and L2 are shown. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this as one example. As an alternative embodiment, the touch panel 300 may be folded or rotated about one reference line L1 or L2. As another example, the touch panel 300 may be formed so as to be folded or turned around three or more reference lines.

For convenience of explanation, the description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

The touch panel 300 of the present embodiment is different from the touch panel 300 of the above-

The shapes of the plurality of conductive pattern portions 311, 312, 313, 314, and 315 are different. A conductive pattern portion 311 disposed to be away from the center of the substrate 301 around the reference line L1 and a conductive pattern portion 311 disposed away from the center of the substrate 301 about the reference line L2. (315) are different in size from the other conductive pattern portions (313, 314, 315). That is, the plurality of conductive pattern units 311 and 315 are disposed at the edge of the substrate 301 and relatively less in touch with the user. Since the conductive pattern units 311 and 315 are auxiliary areas in realizing an image through a display panel (not shown) 314, and 315 can be made smaller than those of the conductive pattern portions 313, 314, and 315.

Accordingly, various types of touch panels 300 can be easily implemented. In particular, when the touch panel 300 is bent or folded around the reference lines L1 and L2, the touch panel 300 is prevented from being damaged or deformed.

As a result, the electrical characteristics and durability of the touch panel 300 are increased, thereby easily realizing the touch panel 300 with improved user convenience.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of K in FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the display device 1000 includes a touch panel 100 and a display panel 500.

The touch panel 100 is the same as the above-described touch panel 100 of FIG. 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. It should be understood that the display device 1000 may include the touch panel 200 shown in FIG. 3 or the touch panel 300 shown in FIG.

It is also possible that the touch panel 100 and the display panel 500 can be coupled to each other without a separate member, and a member having various other characteristics can be inserted.

6, the touch panel 100 is disposed on the upper side of the display panel 500, but the touch panel 100 may be disposed on the lower side of the display panel 500. Further, the touch panel 100 may be disposed on the upper side and the lower side of the display panel 500, respectively.

The display panel 500 may have various shapes, for example, the display panel 500 may include an organic light emitting element or a liquid crystal element.

6 shows a specific form of the display panel 500. In this embodiment, a display panel 500 having an organic light emitting element will be described.

The display panel 500 is formed on the lower substrate 30. The lower substrate 30 may be formed of a glass material, a plastic material, or a metal material. The lower substrate 30 may be formed of flexible plastic or other material so that the display panel 500 and the touch panel 100 have flexibility so that the display device 1000 can be deformed at the user's convenience.

A buffer layer 31 containing an insulating material is formed on the lower substrate 30 to provide a flat surface on the lower substrate 30 and to prevent moisture and foreign matter from penetrating toward the lower substrate 30.

A thin film transistor (TFT) 40, a capacitor 50, and an organic light emitting device 60 are formed on the buffer layer 31. The thin film transistor 40 mainly includes an active layer 41, a gate electrode 42, a source electrode 43 and a drain electrode 44. The organic light emitting device 60 includes a first electrode 61, a second electrode 62, and an intermediate layer 63.

Specifically, an active layer 41 formed in a predetermined pattern is disposed on the upper surface of the buffer layer 31. The active layer 41 may contain an inorganic semiconductor material such as silicon, an organic semiconductor material, or an oxide semiconductor material, and may be formed by implanting a p-type or n-type dopant.

A gate insulating film 32 is formed on the active layer 41. A gate electrode 42 is formed on the gate insulating film 32 to correspond to the active layer 41. An interlayer insulating film 33 is formed so as to cover the gate electrode 42 and a source electrode 43 and a drain electrode 44 are formed on the interlayer insulating film 33. The source electrode 43 and the drain electrode 44 are in contact with a predetermined region of the active layer 41 . A passivation layer 34 may be formed to cover the source electrode 43 and the drain electrode 44 and an additional insulating layer may be formed on the passivation layer 34 for planarization of the thin film transistor 40.

A first electrode (61) is formed on the passivation layer (34). The first electrode 61 is formed to be electrically connected to one of the source electrode 43 and the drain electrode 44. The pixel defining layer 35 is formed so as to cover the first electrode 61. A predetermined opening 64 is formed in the pixel defining layer 35 and an intermediate layer 63 having an organic light emitting layer is formed in a region defined by the opening 64. [ And the second electrode 62 is formed on the intermediate layer 63.

An encapsulation layer (not shown) may be formed on the second electrode 62. The encapsulation layer (not shown) may be formed of various materials, and may include organic or inorganic materials, and alternatively may have a structure in which organic materials and inorganic materials are alternately laminated.

Further, the sealing layer (not shown) may be formed of a glass material. As another alternative, the substrate 101 of the touch panel 100 may be used as an encapsulating layer.

The display device 1000 of the present embodiment includes the touch panel 100, and the touch panel 100 has improved electrical characteristics and flexibility as described above, thereby enhancing convenience for the user.

In addition, the substrate 30 of the display panel 500 is formed of a flexible material, thereby enhancing convenience for the user when the display device 1000 is entirely folded or rolled.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

100, 200, 300: Touch panel
111 to 114, 211 to 214, and 311 to 314:
121 to 124, 221 to 224, 321 to 324:
130, 230, 330:
L1, L2: Baseline
500: display panel
1000: Display device

Claims (20)

The present invention relates to a touch panel capable of folding or folding around at least one reference line,
Board;
A plurality of conductive pattern portions formed on both sides of at least the reference line on the substrate;
A plurality of conductive connection portions connected to the plurality of conductive pattern portions and spaced apart from the reference line; And
And a spacing region which is defined on the substrate and is disposed between the plurality of conductive pattern portions disposed on both sides of the reference line and overlaps with the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the spacing region is in the form of a line aligned with the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a side surface of the plurality of conductive pattern portions adjacent to the reference line is disposed in parallel with the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conductive connection portions are arranged in parallel with at least the reference line in a region corresponding to at least the plurality of conductive pattern portions. 5. The method of claim 4,
And a conductive connection portion disposed adjacent to the reference line among the plurality of conductive connection portions is formed in parallel to the reference line as a whole. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the plurality of conductive pattern portions includes a plurality of conductive pattern members spaced from each other,
Wherein at least a side surface of the plurality of conductive pattern members of the conductive pattern portion is adjacent to the reference line at least along the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a shape of a conductive pattern portion disposed closer to the center of the substrate and a conductive pattern portion disposed away from a center of the substrate are different from each other about the reference line among the plurality of conductive pattern portions. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the conductive pattern portion disposed closer to the center of the substrate with respect to the reference line among the plurality of conductive pattern portions has a larger area than the conductive pattern portion disposed away from the center of the substrate. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conductive connection portions are extended to extend to one end of the substrate,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of conductive connection portions is formed so as to increase a distance between each of the plurality of conductive connection portions in an area not corresponding to the plurality of conductive pattern portions of the plurality of conductive connection portions and adjacent to one end of the substrate, Wherein the touch panel includes a bent portion. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the curved portions of the plurality of conductive connection portions are spaced apart from the reference line and are not closer to the reference line than a side of the plurality of conductive pattern portions adjacent to the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a circuit portion disposed at one end of the substrate so as to overlap with the reference line and electrically connected to the plurality of conductive connection portions and containing a flexible material. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the circuit portion includes a driving IC arranged to be spaced apart from the reference line. The method according to claim 1,
The spacing region may be formed on the substrate such that a side surface of the conductive connecting portion adjacent to the reference line among the plurality of conductive connecting portions and a side surface of the conductive connecting portion adjacent to the side surface of the conductive connecting portion, Touch panel defined by side. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conductive pattern portions include a conductive conductive material or a plurality of metal nanowires. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conductive connection portions are formed of the same material as the plurality of conductive pattern portions. Touch panel; And
And a display panel disposed on one side of the touch panel,
The touch panel may be folded around at least one reference line,
Board;
A plurality of conductive pattern portions formed on both sides of at least the reference line on the substrate;
A plurality of conductive connection portions connected to the plurality of conductive pattern portions and spaced apart from the reference line; And
And a spacing region that is defined on the substrate and is disposed between the plurality of conductive pattern portions disposed on both sides of the reference line and overlaps with the reference line. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the display panel includes an organic light emitting element or a liquid crystal element. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the spacing region is in the form of a line aligned with the reference line. 17. The method of claim 16,
And a side surface of the plurality of conductive pattern portions adjacent to the reference line is formed in parallel with the reference line. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the plurality of conductive connection portions are arranged in parallel with at least the reference line in a region corresponding to at least the plurality of conductive pattern portions.

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