KR20150104851A - Touch panel and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a touch panel and a display device including the same. The touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cover substrate; a detection electrode disposed on the cover substrate; a wire electrically connected to the detection electrode; and a protective layer disposed on the wire. The protective layer includes a micro unevenness.

Description

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

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

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.

Such a touch panel can largely be divided into a resistance film type touch panel and a capacitive type touch panel. In the resistive touch panel, the glass and the electrode are short-circuited by the pressure of 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.

The resistance film type touch panel may be deteriorated in performance by repeated use, and scratch may occur. As a result, there is a growing interest in capacitive touch panels having excellent durability and long life span.

In order to support such a touch panel, a set cover may be further disposed. However, the adhesion between the touch panel and the set cover may be deteriorated due to contact with oxygen or moisture absorption.

Embodiments provide a touch panel having improved reliability and a display device including the touch panel.

A touch panel according to an embodiment includes a cover substrate; A sensing electrode disposed on the cover substrate; A wiring electrically connected to the sensing electrode; And a protective layer disposed on the wiring, wherein the protective layer includes fine irregularities.

In the embodiment, the protective layer for protecting the wiring may include fine irregularities. Therefore, the protective layer serves not only to protect the wiring, but also to adhere to the set cover. Further, the set cover and the touch panel can be more firmly adhered through the protective layer and the film with a set cover.

In another embodiment, a part of the film with the set cover is disposed on the upper surface of the protective layer, thereby reducing the width of the bezel. Further, since the upper surface of the protective layer includes fine unevenness, adhesion and adhesion between the protective layer and the film with a set cover can be improved.

In another embodiment, the film with the set cover may be disposed entirely on the upper surface of the protective layer. This further reduces the width of the bezel. At this time, as the width of the protective layer becomes relatively wider, moisture penetration in the touch panel can be prevented and oxidation can be prevented. Further, the waterproof function of the touch panel can be ensured.

1 is a perspective view of a touch panel according to an embodiment.
2 is a plan view of a cover substrate according to an embodiment.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel according to an embodiment cut along AA 'of FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a display device including a touch panel according to an embodiment.
5 is a sectional view of a touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cover substrate according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB 'of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 and 12 are perspective views of a touch panel according to another type.
13 is a diagram showing an example of a display device to which the touch panel according to the embodiments is applied.

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.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the touch panel according to the embodiment may include a cover substrate 100.

The cover substrate 100 may include an effective region AA through which light is transmitted and an ineffective region UA disposed outside the effective region AA and not transmitting light. In more detail, the valid area AA refers to an area where a user can input a touch command. The non-valid area UA is a concept opposite to the valid area AA, and is not activated even when a user touches the area Which means that the touch command input is not performed

The cover substrate 100 may comprise glass or plastic. For example, the cover substrate 100 may comprise tempered glass, semi-tempered glass, soda lime glass, reinforced plastic or soft plastic.

The printed layer 200, the sensing electrode 300, and the wiring 400 may be disposed on one side of the cover substrate 100.

The print layer 200 and the wiring 400 may be disposed on the ineffective area UA and the sensing electrode 300 may be disposed on the effective area AA.

The sensing electrode 300 may include a conductive material. In detail, the sensing electrode 300 may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the sensing electrode 300 may include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The sensing electrode 300 may include a first sensing electrode 310, a second sensing electrode 320, and a bridge electrode 330. The first sensing electrode 310, the second sensing electrode 320, and the bridge electrode 330 may include the same material or may include different materials. In addition, the first sensing electrode 310, the second sensing electrode 320, and the bridge electrode 330 may be disposed on the same surface of the cover substrate.

The bridge electrode 330 may be disposed in the form of a bar, for example. In detail, the bridge electrodes 330 may be arranged in a bar shape spaced apart at regular intervals on the effective area AA. The bridge electrode 330 may serve to connect the first sensing electrode 310 to be described later.

An insulating layer 351 may be disposed on the bridge electrode 330. In detail, an insulating layer 351 may be partially disposed on the bridge electrode 330, and a portion of the bridge electrode 330 may be covered by the insulating layer 351. For example, when the bridge electrode 330 is formed in a bar shape, an insulating layer 351 may be disposed on a region except one end and the other end, that is, both end portions of the bridge electrode 330.

The first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed on the effective area AA to sense a touch. in details. The first sensing electrode 310 may extend in one direction on the effective region AA and the second sensing electrode 320 may extend in a direction different from the first direction.

One of the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed on the insulating layer 351 and the other may be connected to both ends of the bridge electrode 330. [ have.

2 and 3, the first sensing electrode 310 is disposed on the insulating layer 351 and the first sensing electrode 310 is connected to a connecting portion 340 connecting the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 310. [ As shown in Fig. The second sensing electrode 320 may be connected to both ends of the bridge electrode 330 and electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be electrically connected to each other without being short-circuited by the bridge electrode and the insulating material.

In the above description, the bridge electrode, the insulating material, and the sensing electrode are stacked in this order. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sensing electrode, the insulating material, and the bridge electrode may be stacked in this order.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be formed on the effective area AA. At this time, the first sensing electrode 310 may be connected by a connection unit 340, and the second sensing electrode 320 may be formed separately.

The insulating layer 352 surrounding the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed on the insulating layer 352 corresponding to the position of the second sensing electrode 320, A bridge electrode 330 may be disposed on the insulating layer 352 to connect the second sensing electrodes.

Accordingly, the first sensing electrode 310 and the second sensing electrode 320 may be electrically connected to each other without being short-circuited by the bridge electrode and the insulating material.

In the following description, an example in which the first sensing electrode, the insulating layer, and the second sensing electrode are sequentially stacked will be described as an example, and the structure applied to such an embodiment may be applied to other embodiments as well .

The print layer 200 may include a first print layer 210 and a second print layer 220 disposed on the ineffective area UA.

The first print layer 210 and the second print layer 220 may function to prevent an electrode or the like disposed on the print layer 200 from being visually recognized from the outside. Accordingly, the first print layer 210 and the second print layer 220 can be formed by applying black ink, white ink, or the like onto the ineffective area UA and curing the same.

Also, the print layer 200 can prevent light from leaking from the LCD at the interface between the effective region and the non-valid region.

Although the print layer 200 includes the first print layer 210 and the second print layer 220 in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this, And may further include a plurality of print layers.

The wiring 400 may be disposed on the print layer 200.

The wiring 400 may include a first wiring 410 and a second wiring 420. In detail, the wiring 400 may include the first wiring 410 connected to the first sensing electrode 310 and the second wiring 420 connected to the second sensing electrode 320 .

The first wiring 410 and the second wiring 420 may be connected to the printed circuit board 700. The first and second wirings 410 and 420 are formed on the same surface as the first and second sensing electrodes 310 and 320. The first and second wirings 410 and 420 are formed on the same surface as the first and second sensing electrodes 310 and 320, To the printed circuit board 700 to perform a touch operation. The printed circuit board 700 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

The first wiring 410 and the second wiring 420 may include a conductive material. In detail, the first wiring 410 and the second wiring 420 may include a metal material such as silver (Ag) or copper (Cu).

A protective layer 600 may be disposed on the wiring 400. The protection layer 600 may protect the wiring 400. Specifically, the protection layer 600 can prevent the reliability of the wiring 400 from being deteriorated due to oxidation or moisture permeation of the wiring 400 due to exposure to oxygen.

The protective layer 600 may include fine irregularities 610. In particular, the surface of the protective layer 600 may include fine irregularities 610. That is, the protective layer 600 may have a surface roughness.

The surface energy of the protective layer 600 may be between 35 dyne and 55 dyne. If the surface energy of the protective layer 600 is less than 35 dyne or greater than 55 dyne, the surface roughness of the protective layer 600 may be too small to reduce the adhesive properties. Preferably, the surface energy of the protective layer 600 may be between 38 dyne and 50 dyne.

The protective layer 600 may include a resin such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or PEG (polyethylene glycol).

Meanwhile, the protective layer 600 may include particles 611. The particles 611 may form irregularities in the protective layer 600. The particles 611 may form irregularities on the surface of the protective layer 600.

The diameter D of the particles 611 may be 0.3 탆 to 3 탆. When the diameter D of the particles 611 is less than 0.3 탆, it is difficult for the particles 611 to cohere to form roughness uniformly on the surface of the protective layer 600. When the diameter D of the particles 611 is larger than 3 mu m, the surface roughness of the protective layer 600 may be reduced. Preferably, the diameter (D) of the particles 611 may be between 0.5 μm and 2 μm.

The particles 611 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of silica, aluminum stearate, and polyethylene. At this time, the polyethylene may be a polyethylene wax. The electrical insulation properties of the protective layer 600 can be improved through these materials.

On the other hand, the surface of the protective layer 600 may include an '-OH' group. For example, the protective layer 600 may include a polyol having a -OH group. Specifically, the protective layer 600 may include any one selected from the group consisting of glycol, polyhydric alcohol, and polyether polyol. The surface energy of the passivation layer 600 may range from 35 dynes to 55 dynes, because the surface of the passivation layer 600 includes a '-OH' group. Therefore, the surface roughness can be improved, and the adhesion can be improved.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4, such a touch panel can be accommodated in the set cover 1000. Specifically, the display panel 10 may be disposed under the touch panel, and the first set cover 1001 may be disposed between the display panel 10 and the touch panel. The first set cover 1001 may support the touch panel.

An adhesive layer (900) may be disposed between the touch panel and the display panel (10). Therefore, the touch panel and the display panel 10 can be stably stuck together.

Meanwhile, a second set cover 1002 coupled to the first set cover 1001 may be further disposed. The second set cover 1002 can support the display panel 10.

Meanwhile, the main board 20 may be disposed under the display panel 10. The main board 20 may drive the display panel 10. Specifically, the main board 20 can set the execution environment of the display device and exchange data input / output. The main board 20 may include components such as a CPU, a microprocessor, a coprocessor, a memory, a BIOS, and a connection circuit.

Meanwhile, a third set cover 1003 coupled to the second set cover 1002 may be further disposed. The third set cover 1003 can support the main board 20.

The set cover 1000 may be formed in a rectangular shape. Further, the set cover 1000 may include plastic or metal.

The adhesive properties between the set cover 1000 and the touch panel can be improved through the protective layer 600. [ Therefore, the protective layer 600 can serve not only to protect the wiring 400 but also to adhere to the set cover 1000. That is, the adhesion between the set cover 1000 and the touch panel can be improved The reliability can be improved.

On the other hand, a film 800 with a set cover may be further formed on the cover substrate 100. The set cover film 800 may be formed on the print layer 200. The set cover attaching film 800 may attach the set cover 1000 and the touch panel together.

That is, the set cover 1000 and the touch panel can be more firmly adhered through the protective layer 600 and the film with a set cover 800.

Hereinafter, a touch panel according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. In the description of the touch panel according to another embodiment, description of the same parts as those of the touch panel according to the above-described embodiment is omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

Referring to Figure 5,

The ratio of the width BZ2 from the outermost edge of the cover substrate 100 to the boundary between the effective area AA and the ineffective area UA with respect to the width W2 of the protective layer 600 is 1: 1.1 to 1: 4. Hereinafter, the width from the outermost edge of the cover substrate 100 to the boundary between the effective region AA and the ineffective region UA is defined as a bezel.

Referring to FIG. 6, the touch panel shown in FIG. 5 may constitute a display device together with the display panel 10 and the main board 20. FIG. At this time, the film with a set cover 810 may overlap with the protective layer 600 at least partially. That is, a part of the film with a set cover 810 may be disposed on the upper surface of the protective layer 600. A portion of the film with the set cover 810 may be disposed on the print layer 200. [

A part of the film with a set cover 810 is disposed on the upper surface of the protective layer 600, thereby reducing the width of the bezel BZ2. That is, the width of the bezel BZ1 shown in FIG. 3 can be reduced. In addition, since the upper surface of the protective layer 600 includes the fine irregularities 610, adhesion and adhesion between the protective layer 600 and the film with a set cover 810 can be improved.

7, the ratio of the width W3 of the protective layer 600 to the width of the bezel BZ3 may be 1: 1.1 to 1: 3.

Referring to FIG. 8, the touch panel shown in FIG. 7 can constitute a display device together with the display panel 10 and the main board 20. FIG. At this time, the film with the set cover 820 may be disposed on the upper surface of the protective layer 600. That is, the film with the set cover 820 may be formed on the protective layer 600. As a result, the width of the bezel BZ3 can be further reduced as shown in Fig. That is, the ratio of the width W3 of the protective layer 600 to the width of the bezel BZ3 may be 1: 1.1 to 1: 3.

At this time, as the width W3 of the protective layer 600 becomes relatively wider, moisture penetration in the touch panel can be prevented and oxidation can be prevented. Further, the waterproof function of the touch panel can be ensured.

Hereinafter, a touch panel according to another type will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. In the description of the touch panel according to other types, description of similar parts to those of the above-described touch panel will be omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

Referring to FIG. 11, the touch panel according to another type may further include a substrate 500 disposed on the cover substrate 100. The substrate 500 may include plastic. In one example, the substrate 500 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The cover substrate 100 and the substrate 500 may be adhered using a transparent adhesive such as optical transparent adhesive (OCA).

The cover substrate 100 and the substrate 500 include a valid region and a non-valid region. The valid region and the non-valid region may be the same as those described above.

The first sensing electrode 310 may be disposed in an effective region of the cover substrate 100. A first wiring 410 connected to the first sensing electrode 310 may be disposed in a non-effective region of the cover substrate 100.

In addition, the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed in the effective region of the substrate 500. In addition, a second wiring 420 connected to the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed in a non-effective region of the substrate 500.

The first wiring 410 and the second wiring 420 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 700, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 12, another type of touch panel may further include a first substrate 510 and a second substrate 520 disposed on the cover substrate 100. The first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 may include plastic. For example, the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The cover substrate 100, the first substrate 510, and the second substrate 520 may be adhered using a transparent adhesive such as optical transparent adhesive (OCA).

The cover substrate 100, the first substrate 510, and the second substrate 520 may include a valid region and a non-valid region. The valid region and the non-valid region may be the same as those described above.

The first sensing electrode 310 may be disposed in an effective region of the first substrate 510. In addition, a first wiring 410 connected to the first sensing electrode 310 may be disposed in a non-effective region of the first substrate 510.

In addition, a second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed in an effective region of the second substrate 520. A second wiring 420 connected to the second sensing electrode 320 may be disposed in a non-effective region of the second substrate 520.

The first wiring 410 and the second wiring 420 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 700, respectively.

13 is a view showing a mobile terminal including the above-described touch panel.

Referring to FIG. 13, the mobile terminal 2000 may include a valid area AA and a non-valid area UA. The effective area AA senses a touch signal by touching a finger or the like, and a command icon pattern part and a logo are formed on the non-valid area.

In FIG. 13, for example, the mobile terminal is illustrated. However, it is needless to say that the above-described touch panel can be used in various electronic products such as a notebook, a home appliance, and the like, to which a touch panel can be applied. Also, CID (Center Information Display) can be implemented not only in PND (Personal Navigation Display) such as car navigation, but also in dashboard and the like.

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 (14)

A cover substrate;
A sensing electrode disposed on the cover substrate;
A wiring electrically connected to the sensing electrode;
And a protective layer disposed on the wiring,
Wherein the protective layer comprises fine irregularities. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the surface energy of the protective layer is between 35 dyne and 55 dyne.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the protective layer comprises particles forming fine irregularities. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the diameter of the particles is 0.3 탆 to 3 탆. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the particles comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of silica, aluminum stearate, and polyethylene. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the surface of the protective layer comprises a -OH group. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a substrate disposed on the cover substrate,
A first sensing electrode and a first wiring are disposed on the cover substrate,
And a second sensing electrode and a second wiring are disposed on the substrate. The method according to claim 1,
A first substrate disposed on the cover substrate; And a second substrate disposed on the first substrate,
A first sensing electrode and a first wiring are disposed on the first substrate,
And a second sensing electrode and a second wiring are disposed on the second substrate. A cover substrate including a light-transmitting effective region and an ineffective region disposed outside the effective region and not transmitting light;
A sensing electrode disposed on the cover substrate;
A wiring for protecting the sensing electrode; And
And a protective layer disposed on the wiring and protecting the wiring,
Wherein a ratio of a width from an outermost edge of the cover substrate to a width of the protective layer to a boundary portion between the effective region and the ineffective region is 1: 1.1 to 1: 4. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the protective layer comprises fine irregularities. Display panel; And
And a touch panel disposed on the display panel,
The touch panel includes:
A cover substrate;
A sensing electrode disposed on the cover substrate;
A wiring electrically connected to the sensing electrode;
And a protective layer disposed on the wiring,
Wherein the protective layer comprises fine irregularities. 12. The method of claim 11,
A first set cover for supporting the touch panel;
A second set cover that supports the display panel and is coupled to the first set cover;
And a set cover film disposed on the cover substrate and attaching the touch panel to the first set cover. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the film with the set cover overlaps at least part of the protective layer. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the film with the set cover is sandwiched between the protective layer and the first set cover.

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