KR20160014942A - Touch window - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a touch window. The touch window includes: a substrate; and an electrode on the substrate. The electrode includes: an adjacent first mesh line; an adjacent second mesh line; and a reinforcement line connected to at least one from the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The touch window can induce ESD to move in the reinforcement line, thereby preventing a short circuit of the electrode, caused by the ESD. Therefore, the touch window can have improved reliability.

Description

Touch window {TOUCH WINDOW}

An embodiment relates to a touch window.

[0002] In recent years, a touch window has been applied to input images in a manner of touching an input device such as a finger or a stylus to an image displayed on a display device in various electronic products.

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

Indium tin oxide (ITO), which is most widely used as a transparent electrode in such a touch window, is expensive and physically easily hit by bending and warping of the substrate, and the characteristics of the electrode are deteriorated. As a result, flexible) devices. In addition, when applied to a large size touch panel, a problem arises due to high resistance.

In order to solve such problems, active researches on alternative electrodes have been carried out. For example, studies have been made to replace ITO by forming an electrode material into a mesh shape.

Such a mesh-shaped electrode can reduce the resistance problem in a touch window having a large-sized size, but the line width or thickness of each of the mesh lines may be partially non-uniform. In such a non-uniform line width or thickness portion, There is a problem of disconnection.

Therefore, a touch window having a new structure capable of solving the above problems is required.

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

A touch window according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; And an electrode on the substrate, wherein the electrode includes a first mesh line adjacent to the first mesh line, a second mesh line adjacent to the first mesh line, and a reinforcement line connected to at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line.

The touch window according to the embodiment can have improved reliability. The ESD flowing into the touch window may flow through the mesh line, and the mesh line may be cracked or short-circuited due to ESD.

Such ESD can be carbonized by moving to a portion where the line width is small, the thickness is small, the resistance is large, or the line width or thickness becomes uneven.

Accordingly, the touch window according to the embodiment further includes a reinforcement line connected to the mesh lines. By forming the reinforcement line smaller in line width or thickness than the mesh lines, or increasing the resistance, As shown in FIG.

Therefore, the touch window according to the embodiment can improve the reliability of the entire touch window by preventing the short circuit of the electrode by the ESD by guiding the movement of the ESD to the reinforcement line.

1 is a plan view of a touch window according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the area A in Fig. 1. Fig.
3 is another enlarged view of the area A in Fig.
Fig. 4 is a view showing another enlarged view of the area A in Fig. 1. Fig.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are views showing various mesh shapes obtained by enlarging the area A of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the BB 'region of FIG. 4; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view showing another sectional view taken along line BB 'of FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view taken along line BB 'of FIG. 4. FIG.
Figs. 10 and 11 are enlarged views of the area C in Fig.
12 is a cross-sectional view showing the section DD 'of FIG.
Fig. 13 is another enlarged view of the area C in Fig. 4; Fig.
Figs. 14 and 15 are enlarged views of the area E in Fig.
FIGS. 16 to 18 are views for explaining an electrode forming process of the touch window according to the embodiment.
19 to 22 are views showing various types of touch windows to which a reinforcing line according to the embodiments is applied.
23 to 28 are views for explaining an on-cell and an inshell touch device to which a touch window according to the embodiment of the touch window is applied.
29 to 32 are views showing an example of a touch device device to which a touch window according to the embodiment 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 FIG. 1, a touch window according to an embodiment may include a substrate 100 and an electrode 200.

The substrate 100 may support the electrode 200. That is, the substrate 100 may be a supporting substrate.

The substrate 100 may be rigid or flexible. For example, the substrate 100 may comprise glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate 100 may include chemically tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, or may include plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In the substrate 100, a valid region AA and a non-valid region UA may be defined.

The display may be displayed in the effective area AA and the display may not be displayed in the non-valid area UA disposed around the valid area AA.

In addition, the position of the input device (e.g., a finger or the like) can be sensed in at least one of the valid area AA and 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 electrode 200 may be disposed on the substrate 100. The electrode 200 may be disposed directly on the substrate 100 or on the substrate 300 disposed on the substrate 100.

The electrode 200 may include a sensing electrode 210 and a wiring electrode 220.

For example, the sensing electrode 210 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide for example, metal oxides such as indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode 210 may include a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, a carbon nanotube (CNT), a graphene, or a conductive polymer.

Alternatively, the sensing electrode 210 may include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode 210 may be formed of a metal such as Cr, Ni, Cu, Au, Ti, Al, Ag, Mo, And at least one of the metals of these alloys.

Here, the mesh lines may be defined as an electrode structure constituting one unit sensing electrode. In detail, the mesh lines are formed in a desired pattern, for example, a bar pattern as shown in FIG. 1, or a polygonal pattern such as a diamond pattern. A plurality of mesh lines may be disposed on one unit sensing electrode so as to intersect with each other.

The mesh shape means a shape formed by intersecting the mesh lines, and may mean a net shape. That is, on the substrate 100, openings through which the one side of the substrate is exposed may be formed by the closure part where the mesh lines intersecting each other and the mesh lines.

The mesh wires may extend in at least two directions and intersect with each other. In FIGS. 2 to 5, the mesh wires extend in two directions and intersect with each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, the mesh wires may extend in three or more directions and intersect with each other.

The sensing electrode 210 may be disposed in a mesh shape. In detail, the sensing electrode 210 may include mesh lines intersecting with each other, and the overall shape of the sensing electrode 210 may have a mesh shape by the mesh lines.

2 to 4, the sensing electrode 210 may include a first mesh line 231 and a second mesh line 232. The first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may extend in different directions. For example, the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may extend in mutually different directions and may extend to intersect with each other.

The mesh opening (OA) between the mesh lines 230 may be formed by the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh lines 232. That is, the mesh opening may be an opening through which one side of the substrate is exposed.

The mesh opening OA may be formed in various shapes. For example, the mesh opening OA may be formed in a square or diamond shape as shown in FIGS. Or a hexagonal polygonal shape as shown in FIG. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the mesh opening OA may have various shapes such as a pentagon, a shape, or a circular shape. In addition, the mesh opening OA may be formed in a regular shape or a random shape.

Since the sensing electrode has a mesh shape, the pattern of the sensing electrode can be made invisible on the effective area AA. That is, even if the sensing electrode is formed of metal, the pattern can be made invisible. In addition, the resistance of the touch window can be lowered even when the sensing electrode is applied to a touch window of a large size.

The sensing electrode 210 may further include a reinforcing line 240. In detail, the sensing electrode 210 may include at least one reinforcing line 240 connected to at least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232. The reinforcing line 240 may be formed in the mesh opening OA.

The first mesh line 231, the second mesh line 232, and the reinforcement line 240 may include the same material.

The reinforcing line 240 may be connected to at least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232.

Referring to FIG. 2, the reinforcing wire 240 may be connected to the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 which are adjacent to each other.

Referring to FIG. 3, the reinforcing line 240 may be connected to the second mesh line 232.

4, the reinforcing line 240 may be connected to the first mesh line 231 adjacent to the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 adjacent to the first mesh line 231 so as to intersect with each other. For example, the reinforcement line 240 may extend in a direction corresponding to the first mesh line 231 adjacent to the second mesh line 232 and the first mesh line 231 and / And may intersect and be connected to the second mesh line 232.

The reinforcing wire 240 may be spaced apart from the intersecting area CA between the first and second mesh wires 231 and 232.

3, the reinforcing wire 240 is disposed between the first mesh lines 231 or between the second mesh lines 232, and the first mesh line and the second mesh line 232 are disposed between the first mesh lines 231, A first intersection area CA1 and a second intersection area CA2 may be formed on the mesh line so that the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 overlap each other.

The distance d1 between the reinforcing line 240 and the first intersection area CA1 is about 0.2 to about a distance d3 between the first intersection area CA1 and the second intersection area CA2 And may have a size of 0.4 times. Alternatively, the distance d2 between the reinforcing line 240 and the second intersection area CA2 may be about 0.2 times the distance d3 between the first intersection area CA1 and the second intersection area CA2 To about 0.4 times the size of the surface layer.

4, the reinforcing line 240 is connected to and disposed between the first mesh lines 231 and the second mesh lines 232, and the first mesh line and the second mesh line 232 are connected to each other, A first intersecting area CA1 and a second intersecting area CA2 may be formed on the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 so as to face each other.

The distance d1 between the reinforcing line 240 and the first intersection area CA1 is about 0.2 to about a distance d3 between the first intersection area CA1 and the second intersection area CA2 And may have a size of 0.4 times. Alternatively, the distance d2 between the reinforcing line 240 and the second intersection area CA2 may be about 0.2 times the distance d3 between the first intersection area CA1 and the second intersection area CA2 To about 0.4 times the size of the surface layer.

An ESD induced to the reinforcement line when the distance between the reinforcement line 240 and the first or second intersection area is less than about 0.2 times the distance between the first intersection area CA1 and the second intersection area CA2, The mesh line may be short-circuited due to its influence on the mesh line, and ESD can not be easily induced to the reinforcement line if it is about 0.4 times or more.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views taken along the line B-B 'of FIG. 7 to 9, a substrate 300 is disposed on the substrate 100, and electrodes are disposed in a pattern P having a depressed shape formed in the substrate 300. That is, the mesh line and the reinforcement line may be disposed in the pattern P formed in the base material 300.

The substrate 300 may be a resin layer including a UV resin or a thermosetting resin. Patterns P filled with the electrode material may be formed on the substrate 300. That is, the first patterns P1 may be formed on the base material 300 in order to arrange the mesh lines, and the second patterns P2 may be formed on the base material 300 to arrange the reinforcement lines 240.

The first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 may be formed using a positive or negative mold. For example, when a relief pattern is formed on the base material 300, the relief mold may be imprinted to form a pattern. In the case of forming the relief pattern as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, .

The reinforcing line 240 may have a size different from that of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, the reinforcement line 240 may have a line width different from that of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232. The line width W2 of the reinforcing line 240 may be smaller than the line width W1 of any one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 having a small line width.

8, the reinforcing line 240 may have a thickness different from that of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232. The thickness T2 of the reinforcing wire 240 may be smaller than the thickness T2 of any one of the first mesh wire 231 and the second mesh wire 232 having a small thickness.

Alternatively, the reinforcing line 240 may have a line width and a thickness different from at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232. The line width W2 and the thickness T2 of the reinforcing line 240 are set so that the line width W1 of any one of the first line 231 and the second line 232, ) And the thickness (T1).

In detail, at least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may have a line width of about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. If the mesh line is less than about 0.1 mu m, it may be difficult to realize. If the mesh line is more than about 10 mu m, the mesh line may be visually recognized from outside, resulting in decreased visibility. In detail, at least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 may have a line width of about 1 탆 to about 7 탆 or about 1.5 탆 to about 3.5 탆, The line 240 may have a line width smaller than that of any one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232.

The reinforcing line 240 may have a cross-sectional area different from that of at least one of the first and second mesh lines 231 and 232. The cross-sectional area of the reinforcing wire 240 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of any one of the first mesh wire 231 and the second mesh wire 232.

Sectional area of the reinforcing wire 240 may be about 50% or less of the cross-sectional area of at least one mesh line of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232. In detail, the cross-sectional area of the reinforcement line 240 may be about 15% to about 50% of the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232 .

If the cross-sectional area of the reinforcement line 240 is at least about 50% of the cross-sectional area of at least one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232, It can not be effectively moved from the first mesh line or the second mesh line to the reinforcement line 240. Also, if the size is less than about 15%, the process may not be feasible.

7 to 9 illustrate that the electrodes are disposed on the substrate on the substrate, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Needless to say, the electrodes, that is, the mesh lines and the reinforcing line may be disposed directly on the substrate.

The reinforcement line 240 may have a resistance different from that of at least one of the first and second mesh lines 231 and 232. In detail, the resistance of the reinforcement line 240 may be smaller than the resistance of any one of the first mesh line 231 and the second mesh line 232.

10 to 12, the size of the reinforcement line 240 may be entirely uneven.

For example, referring to FIG. 10, the line width of the reinforcement line 240 may be entirely non-uniform. The reinforcement line 240 may extend from one end E1 to the other end E2 and the line width of the reinforcement line 240 may be reduced from the one end E1 to the other end E2, have. In detail, the line width of the reinforcement line 240 may be reduced from the first width W2 'to the second width W2' 'while extending from the one end E1 to the other end E2.

11 and 12, the thickness of the reinforcement line 240 may be entirely non-uniform. The reinforcement line 240 may extend from one end E1 to the other end E2 and the thickness of the reinforcement line 240 may be reduced from the one end E1 to the other end E2, have. In detail, the line width of the reinforcement line 240 may be reduced from the first thickness T2 'to the second thickness T2' 'while extending from the one end E1 to the other end E2.

Although not shown in the drawing, the reinforcing line 240 may extend in the direction from the one end E1 to the other end E2, and both the width and the thickness may be reduced.

The reinforcement line 240 may include a cut region CA. Referring to FIG. 13, the reinforcement line 240 may include the cut area CA, and the reinforcement line 240 is divided into the first reinforcement line 241 and the second reinforcement line 240 by the cut- And can be separated by a reinforcing line 242.

One end of the first reinforcement line 241 and the second reinforcement line 242 may be formed in various shapes. For example, one end of the first reinforcement line 241 and one end of the second reinforcement line 242 are connected to a cut region CA where the first reinforcement line 241 and the second reinforcement line 242 face each other, And the width may be narrower as it extends in the direction.

14, one end of the first reinforcement line 241 and one end of the second reinforcement line 242 are connected to each other by cutting the first reinforcement line 241 and the second reinforcement line 242, And may be formed in a pointed shape so that the width becomes narrower as it extends in the area CA direction.

15, one end of the first reinforcement line 241 and one end of the second reinforcement line 242 may be connected to the first reinforcement line 241 and the second reinforcement line 242 in the cutting region direction The width may be reduced.

The touch window according to the embodiment can have improved reliability. The ESD flowing into the touch window can be moved to the mesh line, and the mesh line can be cracked or short-circuited by ESD.

Such an ESD can be moved to a portion where the line width is small, the thickness is small, the resistance is large, or the line width or thickness becomes uneven.

Accordingly, the touch window according to the embodiment further includes a reinforcement line connected to the mesh lines. By forming the reinforcement line smaller in line width or thickness than the mesh lines or increasing the resistance, the movement of the ESD introduced into the electrode It can be guided to the reinforcement line instead of the mesh line.

Therefore, the touch window according to the embodiment can improve the reliability of the touch window by preventing the short circuit of the electrode due to the ESD by guiding the movement of the ESD to the reinforcement line.

The wiring electrode 220 may be connected to the sensing electrode 210. One end of the wiring electrode 220 is connected to the sensing electrode 210 and the other end of the wiring electrode 220 is connected to a printed circuit board to transmit a touch signal sensed from the sensing electrode to a driving chip mounted on a printed circuit board have.

The wiring electrode 220 may include a material similar to the sensing electrode 210.

In addition, the wiring electrode 220 may include a mesh shape. The wiring electrode may further include a reinforcing line connected to the mesh-shaped wiring electrode. Since the description of the reinforcement line is the same as that described above, the following description will be omitted.

FIGS. 16 to 18 are views for explaining a process of forming electrodes of a sensing electrode and / or a wiring electrode in a mesh shape of a touch window according to an embodiment.

16, the sensing electrode and / or the wiring electrode according to the embodiment includes an electrode layer 200 including a metal on a front surface of a substrate 100, and etching the electrode layer in a mesh shape, An electrode can be formed. For example, a metal such as copper (Cu) is deposited on the entire surface of a substrate 100 such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), and the copper layer is etched to form a metal mesh electrode can do.

17, a sensing electrode and / or a wiring electrode according to an embodiment may be formed by disposing a substrate 300 including a UV resin or a thermosetting resin on a substrate 100, After forming the mesh-shaped intaglio pattern (P), the electrode layer (200) of the metal paste can be filled in the intaglio pattern. At this time, the engraved pattern of the substrate may be formed by imprinting a mold having a relief pattern.

The metal paste may be a metal paste containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, and alloys thereof. Accordingly, a metallic mesh electrode having a depressed shape can be formed by filling the metal paste in the meshed-shaped engraved pattern P and then curing it

18, a sensing electrode and / or a wiring electrode according to an embodiment may be formed by forming a substrate 300 including a UV resin or a thermosetting resin on a substrate 100, The electrode layer 200 including at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, and alloys thereof is sputtered on the substrate 300 .

At this time, the nanopattern and the micro pattern can be formed by imprinting a mold having an engraved pattern.

Then, the electrode pattern formed on the nano pattern and the micro pattern is etched to remove only the electrode layer formed on the nano pattern, and only the electrode layer formed on the micro pattern is left, so that a mesh-shaped metal electrode can be formed.

At this time, when the metal layer is etched, a difference in etching rate may occur depending on the difference in bonding area between the nano pattern 310 and the micro pattern 320 and the metal layer. That is, since the contact area between the micropattern and the metal layer is larger than the contact area between the nano pattern and the metal layer, etching of the electrode material formed on the micropattern is less likely to occur, and the metal layer formed on the micropattern, As the metal layer formed on the nano pattern 310 is etched and removed, a metal electrode of a micropatterned embossed mesh shape may be formed on the substrate 100.

19 to 22 are views showing various types of touch windows to which the reinforcing wire according to the embodiment is applied.

Referring to FIG. 19, a touch window 10 according to an embodiment may include a first substrate 1100 and a first sensing electrode 2100 and a second sensing electrode 2200 on the first substrate 1000 have.

The first sensing electrode 2100 may extend in the first direction on the effective area AA of the first substrate 1100. In detail, the first sensing electrode 2100 may be disposed on one side of the first substrate 1100.

The second sensing electrode 2200 may extend in the second direction on the effective area AA of the first substrate 1100. In detail, the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 1100 while extending in the second direction, which is different from the first direction. That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may extend in different directions on the same surface of the first substrate 1100.

The first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be insulated from each other on the first substrate 1100. The first sensing electrodes 2100 are connected to each other by a first connecting electrode 2110 and an insulating layer 2500 is disposed on the first connecting electrode 2110. The insulating layer 2500 is formed on the insulating layer 2500, A second connection electrode 2210 may be disposed on the second sensing electrode 2200 to connect the second sensing electrodes 2200.

Accordingly, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 are not in contact with each other, but are insulated from each other on the same surface of the first substrate 1100, that is, on one side of the effective area AA, .

The first substrate 1100 may be a cover substrate. That is, the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on the same surface of the cover substrate. Alternatively, a cover substrate may be further disposed on the first substrate 1100.

The first wiring electrode 3100 and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 and the second sensing electrode 2200 in the non-effective region UA, respectively.

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100, the second sensing electrode 2200, the first wiring electrode 3100 and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed in a mesh shape including a mesh line And the reinforcing wires described above may be disposed between the mesh wires.

Referring to FIG. 20, a touch window 10 according to an embodiment includes a first substrate 1100 and a second substrate 1200, and includes a first sensing electrode on the first substrate 1100, And a second sensing electrode on the second sensing electrode 1200.

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the first substrate 1100, A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the first direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 1200.

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100, the second sensing electrode 2200, the first wiring electrode 3100 and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed in a mesh shape including a mesh line And the reinforcing wires described above may be disposed between the mesh wires.

Referring to FIG. 21, the touch window 20 according to the embodiment includes a first substrate 1100 and a second substrate 1200, and a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode on the second substrate 1200, . ≪ / RTI >

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the second substrate 1200, A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the first direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on the other surface of the substrate 1200.

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100, the second sensing electrode 2200, the first wiring electrode 3100 and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed in a mesh shape including a mesh line And the reinforcing wires described above may be disposed between the mesh wires.

22, a touch window 20 according to an embodiment includes a first substrate 1100, a second substrate 1200, and a third substrate 1300, and the first window 1100, the second substrate 1200, A sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode on the third substrate 1300.

In detail, a first sensing electrode 2100 extending in one direction and a first wiring electrode 3100 connected to the first sensing electrode 2100 are disposed on one surface of the second substrate 1200, A second sensing electrode 2200 extending in a direction different from the first direction and a second wiring electrode 3200 connected to the second sensing electrode 2200 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 1300.

At least one of the first sensing electrode 2100, the second sensing electrode 2200, the first wiring electrode 3100 and the second wiring electrode 3200 may be formed in a mesh shape including a mesh line And the reinforcing wires described above may be disposed between the mesh wires.

The touch window described above can be applied to a touch device in combination with a display panel.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch window formed integrally with the display panel 700. That is, the substrate supporting at least one sensing electrode may be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the display panel 700. The display panel 700 includes a first substrate 701 and a second substrate 702. That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 701 or the second substrate 702.

When the display panel 700 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 700 includes a first substrate 701 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode, a second substrate 701 including color filter layers, The liquid crystal layer 702 may be bonded together with the liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween.

The display panel 700 may include a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix formed on a first substrate 701, and a second substrate 702 may be adhered to the first substrate 101 with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween Or a liquid crystal display panel having a COT (color filter on transistor) structure. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate 701, a protective film may be formed on the thin film transistor, and a color filter layer may be formed on the protective film. In addition, a pixel electrode is formed on the first substrate 701 in contact with the thin film transistor. At this time, in order to improve the aperture ratio and simplify the mask process, the black matrix may be omitted, and the common electrode may be formed to serve also as the black matrix.

In addition, when the display panel 700 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit for providing light from the back surface of the display panel 700. [

When the display panel 700 is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel 700 includes a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 700, a thin film transistor is formed on a first substrate 701, and an organic light emitting element which is in contact with the thin film transistor is formed. The organic light emitting device may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. The organic light emitting device may further include a second substrate 702 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation.

At this time, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate disposed above. Although the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the second substrate 702 in the drawing, when the first substrate 701 is disposed on the upper surface, at least one sensing electrode 702 is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701, Can be formed.

Referring to FIG. 23, a first sensing electrode 211 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700. In addition, a first wiring connected to the first sensing electrode 211 may be formed. A touch substrate 105 having a second sensing electrode 212 and a second wiring may be formed on the display panel 700 on which the first sensing electrode 211 is formed. A first adhesive layer 66 may be formed between the touch substrate 105 and the display panel 700.

A cover substrate 400 is shown in which a second sensing electrode 212 is formed on an upper surface of a touch substrate 105 and a second adhesive layer 67 is disposed on the touch substrate 105 , But is not limited thereto. The second sensing electrode 220 may be formed on the back surface of the touch substrate 105. In this case, the touch substrate 105 may serve as a cover substrate.

That is, the present invention is not limited to the drawings, and a first sensing electrode 211 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700, and a touch substrate 105 supporting the second sensing electrode 212 may be disposed on the display panel 700 And the structure in which the touch panel 105 and the display panel 700 are attached to each other is sufficient.

In addition, the touch substrate 105 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the upper surface or the rear surface of the polarizer. Accordingly, the second sensing electrode and the polarizing plate may be integrally formed.

In addition, the touch panel 105 may further include a polarizing plate. At this time, the polarizing plate may be disposed below the touch substrate 105. For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the touch substrate 105 and the display panel 700. The polarizing plate may be disposed on the touch substrate 105.

The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel 700 is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizer may be a linear polarizer. In addition, when the display panel 700 is an organic light emitting display panel, the polarizing plate may be an external light reflection preventing polarizing plate.

Referring to FIG. 24, a first sensing electrode 211 and a second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700. In addition, a first wiring connected to the first sensing electrode 211 and a second wiring connected to the second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700.

In addition, the insulating layer 600 may be formed on the first sensing electrode 211 to expose the second sensing electrode 212. A bridge electrode 250 for connecting the second sensing electrode 212 may be further formed on the insulating layer 600.

The first embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the drawings, and a first sensing electrode 211, a first wiring and a second wiring are formed on the upper surface of the display panel 700, and the first sensing electrode 211 and the first wiring An insulating layer may be formed on the insulating layer. A second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the insulating layer and a connection unit may be formed to connect the second sensing electrode 212 to the second wiring.

In addition, a first sensing electrode 211, a second sensing electrode 212, a first wiring, and a second wiring may be formed in the effective region on the upper surface of the display panel 700. The first sensing electrode 211 and the second sensing electrode 212 may be spaced apart from each other and disposed adjacent to each other. That is, the insulating layer, the bridge electrode, and the like may be omitted.

That is, the embodiment is not limited to the drawings, and it is sufficient that the first sensing electrode 211 and the second sensing electrode 212 are formed on the display panel 700 without a separate sensing electrode supporting substrate.

A cover substrate 400 may be disposed on the display panel 700 with an adhesive layer 68 interposed therebetween. At this time, a polarizing plate may be disposed between the display panel 700 and the cover substrate 400.

The touch device according to the embodiment of the present invention may omit at least one substrate supporting the sensing electrode. As a result, a touch device with a thin thickness and light weight can be formed.

Next, a touch device according to another embodiment to which the touch window according to the above-described embodiments is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 28. FIG. The description overlapping with the above-described embodiments may be omitted. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

25 to 28, the touch device according to the present embodiment may include a touch window formed integrally with the display panel. That is, the substrate supporting at least one sensing electrode may be omitted, and the substrate supporting the sensing electrode may be omitted altogether.

A sensing electrode disposed in the effective area and serving as a sensor for sensing a touch and a wiring for applying an electrical signal to the sensing electrode may be formed inside the display panel. In detail, at least one sensing electrode or at least one wiring may be formed inside the display panel.

The display panel includes a first substrate 701 and a second substrate 702. At least one of the first sensing electrode 211 and the second sensing electrode 212 is disposed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702. That is, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 701 or the second substrate 702.

25 to 27, a first sensing electrode 211, a second sensing electrode 212, a first wiring and a second wiring are formed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702, . That is, the first sensing electrode 211, the second sensing electrode 212, the first wiring, and the second wiring may be disposed inside the display panel.

25, a first sensing electrode 211 and a first wiring are formed on an upper surface of a first substrate 701 of the display panel and a second sensing electrode 212 And a second wiring may be formed. Referring to FIG. 26, a first sensing electrode 211, a second sensing electrode 212, a first wiring, and a second wiring may be formed on the first substrate 701. An insulating layer 620 may be formed between the first sensing electrode 211 and the second sensing electrode 212. Referring to FIG. 27, a first sensing electrode 211 and a second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 702. An insulating layer 630 may be formed between the first sensing electrode 211 and the second sensing electrode 212.

Referring to FIG. 28, a first sensing electrode 211 and a first wiring may be formed between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702. The second sensing electrode 212 and the second wiring may be formed on the touch substrate 106. The touch substrate 106 may be disposed on a display panel including the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702. That is, the first sensing electrode 211 and the first wiring are disposed on the inner side of the display panel, and the second sensing electrode 212 and the second wiring are disposed on the outer side of the display panel.

The first sensing electrode 211 and the first wiring may be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701 or on the back surface of the second substrate 702. An adhesive layer may be formed between the touch substrate 106 and the display panel. At this time, the touch substrate 105 may serve as a cover substrate.

Although the second sensing electrode 212 is formed on the back surface of the touch substrate 106, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the upper surface of the touch substrate 106 and a cover substrate may be further disposed between the touch substrate 106 and the adhesive layer.

That is, the embodiment is not limited to the drawings, in which the first sensing electrode 211 and the first wiring are disposed on the inner side of the display panel, and the second sensing electrode 212 and the second wiring are disposed on the outer side of the display panel The structure is sufficient.

In addition, the touch substrate 106 may be a polarizing plate. That is, the second sensing electrode 212 may be formed on the upper surface or the rear surface of the polarizer. Accordingly, the second sensing electrode and the polarizing plate may be integrally formed.

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further included in addition to the touch substrate 106. At this time, the polarizing plate may be disposed under the touch substrate 106. For example, the polarizing plate may be disposed between the touch substrate 106 and the display panel. In addition, the polarizer may be disposed on the touch substrate 106.

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, when the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701, the sensing electrode may be formed with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode. In addition, when the sensing electrode is formed on the back surface of the second substrate 702, a color filter layer may be formed on the sensing electrode, or a sensing electrode may be formed on the color filter layer. When the display panel is an organic light emitting display panel, when the sensing electrode is formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 701, the sensing electrode may be formed with a thin film transistor or an organic light emitting diode.

In the touch device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a separate substrate for supporting the sensing electrode may be omitted. As a result, a touch device with a thin thickness and light weight can be formed. Further, the sensing electrode and the wiring are formed together with the element formed on the display panel, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the cost.

Hereinafter, an example of a display device to which a touch window including a fingerprint sensor according to the above-described embodiments is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32. FIG.

Referring to Fig. 29, a mobile terminal is shown as an example of a touch device. The mobile terminal 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.

Referring to FIG. 30, the touch window may include a flexible flexible touch window. Accordingly, the touch device device including the same may be a flexible touch device device. Therefore, the user can bend or bend by hand.

Referring to FIG. 31, such a touch window can be applied not only to a touch device such as a mobile terminal, but also to a car navigation system. 32, such a touch window can also be applied to a vehicle. That is, the touch window can be applied to various parts to which a touch window can be applied in the vehicle. Therefore, not only PND (Personal Navigation Display) but also dashboard can be applied to implement CID (Center Information Display). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that such a touch device device can be used for various electronic products.

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)

Board; And
An electrode on the substrate,
Wherein the electrode comprises a first mesh line adjacent to each other, a second mesh line adjacent to the first mesh line, and a reinforcement line connected to at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the reinforcing line has at least one of a width and a thickness of at least one of the mesh lines of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the reinforcement line has at least one of a mesh width and a line width and a thickness of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the resistance of the reinforcing line is larger than the resistance of at least one of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method according to claim 1,
Sectional area of the reinforcing line is different from a cross-sectional area of at least one mesh line of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein a cross sectional area of the reinforcing line is smaller than a cross sectional area of at least one mesh line of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein a cross-sectional area of the reinforcing line is 15% to 50% of a cross-sectional area of at least one mesh line of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the reinforcement line extends from one end of the reinforcement line to the other end while reducing at least one of a width and a thickness. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the reinforcement line comprises a cutout area. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the reinforcing line has a smaller width as it extends in the direction of the cut region. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrode comprises a plurality of reinforcement lines. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrode comprises at least one of a sensing electrode and a wiring electrode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the reinforcing line crosses at least one mesh line of the first mesh line and the second mesh line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrode includes a first intersection region and a second intersection region formed by intersecting the first mesh line and the second mesh line,
Wherein the distance between the reinforcement line and the first or second intersection region is 0.2 to 0.4 times the distance between the first intersection region and the second intersection region.

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