KR20180113081A - Touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch panel according to an embodiment includes: a cover substrate including a valid region and a non-valid region; a first substrate disposed below the substrate; a first sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the first substrate; a second substrate disposed below the first substrate; a second sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the second substrate; and an intermediate layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A plurality of protrusions are disposed on one surface of the elastic layer, wherein a width of the protrusions is defined as a first distance, a height of the protrusions is defined as a second distance, a distance between the protrusions is defined as a third distance. The third distance is larger than the first distance and the second distance, and the first distance is larger than the second distance.

Description

TOUCH PANEL {TOUCH PANEL}

The embodiment relates to a 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.

Recently, attention has been paid to a pressure sensor that detects not only a position according to a touch but also a pressure due to a force of a touch or a pressure, and performs various operations.

This pressure can be sensed by measuring the change in capacitance according to the deformation value of the elastic body depending on the applied force when the user touches the touch panel.

At this time, depending on the strain or restoring force of the elastic body, the accuracy of pressure sensing applied by the user may be improved or decreased.

Therefore, a new structure of touch panel that realizes improved pressure sensing is required.

Embodiments provide a touch panel in which improved pressure sensitive sensitivity is realized.

A touch panel according to an embodiment includes: a cover substrate including a valid region and a non-valid region; A first substrate disposed below the substrate; A first sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the first substrate; A second substrate disposed below the first substrate; A second sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the second substrate; And an intermediate layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a plurality of protrusions are disposed on one surface of the elastic layer, the width of the protrusions is defined as a first distance, Wherein a distance between the protrusions is defined as a third distance and a size of the third distance is larger than a size of the first distance and the second distance and a size of the first distance is defined as a distance It is bigger than size.

The protrusion may be formed on one surface of the intermediate layer in which the thickness of the touch panel varies according to the touch of the user.

In detail, the intermediate layer includes a base substrate and an elastic layer disposed on the base substrate, and a plurality of protrusions spaced from each other may be formed on one surface of the elastic layer.

Accordingly, a region where the protrusions are not formed, that is, a void region is formed in the elastic layer, and the elasticity and the restoring force of the elastic body can be improved according to the formation of the void region.

In other words, by reducing the supporting force of the elastic layer by the void region, the elastic force pressed by the force externally applied to the elastic layer and the restoring force returned to the original state after being pressed can be increased.

Accordingly, when the user applies a force on the input surface of the touch panel, the distance between the sensing electrodes due to the thickness change of the elastic layer can be more accurately recognized according to the magnitude of the force.

Accordingly, the touch panel according to the embodiment can have improved pressure sensitive sensitivity.

1 is a perspective view of a touch panel according to the first embodiment.
2 is a sectional view of the touch panel according to the first embodiment.
3 is a perspective view of the intermediate layer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'of FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is a view for explaining various shapes of protrusions of the intermediate layer according to the first embodiment.
FIGS. 6 to 10 are views showing another cross-sectional view taken along the line AA 'in FIG.
11 is a perspective view of a touch panel according to the second embodiment.
12 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel according to the second embodiment.
13 is a perspective view of a touch panel according to the third embodiment.
14 is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel according to the third embodiment.
15 is a cross-sectional view of a touch device in which a display panel is coupled to a touch panel according to embodiments.
16 and 17 are views showing an example of a touch device device to which a touch device 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.

Also, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only a case of being "directly connected" but also a case of being "indirectly connected" with another member in between. Also, when an element is referred to as "comprising ", it means that it can include other elements, not excluding other elements unless specifically stated otherwise.

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, a touch panel according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 10, the touch panel according to the first embodiment may include a cover case 100 and a touch member.

The cover case 100 may receive the touch member. That is, the touch member may be disposed inside the cover case 100.

The cover case 100 may be rigid or may comprise a flexible material. For example, the cover case may comprise metal or plastic. For example, the cover case 100 may include reinforced or flexible plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), propylene glycol (PPG) polycarbonate (PC) can do.

The cover case 100 may be a middle frame. For example, the cover case 100 may be a middle frame in which a plurality of components are mounted for driving a touch device.

The cover case 100 may include a lower support portion and a side support portion. In detail, the cover case 100 may include a side support portion bending and extending in an edge region of the lower support portion and the lower support portion. The lower support portion and the side support portion may be integrally formed.

In detail, the side support portion extends in a direction different from a direction in which the lower support portion extends from an end of the lower support portion, and can be bent from the lower support portion.

For example, the side support may be bent and extended from the end of the lower support such that the lower support and the side support have an angle of vertical, acute, or obtuse angle.

Although the lower supporting portion has a rectangular shape in the drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto. The lower supporting portion may have various shapes such as a circular shape.

The side support portion may surround the edge region of the lower support portion 110.

The side support may include a first side support and a second side support. For example, the side support portion may include a first side support portion bent and extended from an edge of the lower support portion, and a second side support portion extending from the first side support portion in a direction in which the first side support portion 121 extends. . ≪ / RTI >

The first side support portion and the second side support portion may be integrally formed.

The first side support portion and the second side support portion may be formed to have different widths. In detail, the width of the first side support may be greater than the width of the second side support.

Accordingly, the upper surface of the first side support portion can be partially exposed. The first side support portion may be formed with a step difference from the lower support portion. Further, the side surface of the second side support portion can be exposed.

The touch member may be disposed inside the cover case 100.

The cover substrate 200 may be rigid or flexible.

For example, the cover substrate 200 may comprise glass or plastic. In detail, the cover substrate 200 may include chemically reinforced / semi-tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, or may be formed of a material such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ), Propylene glycol (PPG) polycarbonate (PC), or the like, or may include sapphire.

In addition, the cover substrate 200 may include an optically isotropic film. For example, the cover substrate 200 may include a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a cyclic olefin polymer (COP), a polycarbonate (PC), a light polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or the like .

Sapphire has excellent electrical properties such as dielectric constant, which not only greatly improves the speed of touch reaction but also can easily realize spatial touch such as hovering and is applicable as a cover substrate because of its high surface strength. Here, hovering means a technique of recognizing coordinates even at a small distance from the display.

In addition, the cover substrate 200 may be curved with a partially curved surface. That is, the cover substrate 200 may have a flat surface in part, and may have a curved surface in part. In detail, the end of the cover substrate 200 may be curved with a curved surface or may have a curved surface with a curvature.

Also, the cover substrate 200 may be a flexible substrate having a flexible property.

In addition, the cover substrate 200 may be a curved or bended substrate. That is, the touch device including the substrate 300 may be formed to have a flexible, curved, or bent characteristic. Accordingly, the touch device according to the embodiment is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

The touch member may be disposed below the cover substrate 200.

The touch member may include a first substrate 310, a second substrate 320, and a third substrate 330. The touch member includes a first substrate 310 disposed under the cover substrate 200, a second substrate 320 disposed under the first substrate 310, and a first substrate 310 And a third substrate 330 disposed between the first substrate 320 and the second substrate 320.

The first substrate 310, the second substrate 320, and the third substrate 330 may include the same or similar materials as the cover substrate 200 described above.

The first substrate 310, the second substrate 320, and the third substrate 330 may be adhered to each other. For example, the first substrate 310, the second substrate 320, and the third substrate 330 may be adhered to each other through the adhesive layer 500. The adhesive layer 500 may be transparent. For example, the adhesive layer 500 may include an optical transparent adhesive (OCA) or the like, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

A sensing electrode may be disposed on the substrates. In detail, a first sensing electrode 410 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 310. A second sensing electrode 420 may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate 320. A third sensing electrode 430 may be disposed on one surface of the third substrate 330.

The first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 420 may extend in different directions. In addition, the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 may extend in different directions. In addition, the first sensing electrode 410 and the second sensing electrode 430 may extend in the same or similar directions.

The first sensing electrode 410 may be connected to a first wiring electrode 410a. The second sensing electrode 420 may be connected to a second wiring electrode 420a. A third wiring electrode 430a may be connected to the third sensing electrode 430.

The first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 may sense a touch position of a user. In detail, when an input device such as a finger is brought into contact with one surface of the cover substrate 200, the difference in capacitance between the first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 And a portion where such difference occurs can be detected as the contact position.

In addition, the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 may sense the touch pressure of the user. In detail, when a finger or other input device touches one surface of the cover substrate 200 and pressure is applied, the distance between the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 The capacitance and the capacitance can be detected according to various differences.

The first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may include a transparent conductive material to allow electricity to flow without interfering with transmission of light.

For example, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (ITO), copper oxide and may include metal oxides such as copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide. Accordingly, when manufacturing a flexible and / or bent touch panel, the degree of freedom can be improved.

Alternatively, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may be formed of nanowires, photosensitive nanowire films, carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, Conductive polymers or mixtures thereof. Accordingly, when manufacturing a flexible and / or bent touch panel, the degree of freedom can be improved.

When nanocomposites such as nanowires or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used, they may be made of black. The color and reflectance can be controlled while securing the electric conductivity by controlling the content of the nano powder.

Alternatively, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may include various metals. For example, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may be formed of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, , Silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo). Gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof. Accordingly, when manufacturing a flexible and / or bent touch panel, the degree of freedom can be improved.

Alternatively, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may be arranged in a mesh shape. For example, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may include a plurality of sub-electrodes disposed to intersect with each other, The first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may be disposed in a mesh shape as a whole.

The touch panel may further include an intermediate layer 600. The intermediate layer 600 may be disposed between the first substrate 310 and the second substrate 320. In detail, the intermediate layer 600 may be disposed between the second substrate 320 and the third substrate 330. In detail, the intermediate layer 600 may be disposed between the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430.

The intermediate layer 600 may include a base substrate 610 and an elastic layer 620 disposed on the base substrate 610.

The base substrate 610 may include a resin material. For example, the base substrate 610 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The elastic layer 620 may include at least one resin selected from a group consisting of a cryol-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a urethane-based resin, and an epoxy-based resin. Preferably, the intermediate layer 600 may include a silicone resin.

When the intermediate layer 600 includes a silicone resin, formation of protrusions using a mold can be facilitated and damage to the base substrate can be minimized when the elastic layer is formed because the curing temperature is low.

For example, the elastic layer 620 may have a Youngs modulus of from about 1 MPa to about 2 MPa, a compressive modulus of from about 150 MPa to about 200 MPa, a shear modulus, Of from about 0.4 MPa to about 0.7 MPa, and a bulk modulus of from about 2 psi to about 3.5 psi.

When the input device contacts the one surface of the cover substrate 200 by the second sensing electrode 420, the third sensing electrode 430 and the intermediate layer 600, the pressure according to the force of the input device is sensed can do.

In detail, the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 are disposed at different positions with respect to the intermediate layer 600. That is, the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 are disposed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the intermediate layer 600. The third sensing electrode 430 may be disposed on the upper portion of the intermediate layer 600 and the second sensing electrode 420 may be disposed on the lower portion of the middle layer 600. That is, the third sensing electrode 430 may be disposed on the elastic layer 620 and the second sensing electrode 420 may be disposed on the bottom of the base substrate 610.

At this time, a force is applied on one surface of the cover base material 200 by the input device, and the thickness of the elastic layer 620 having elasticity can be changed by the force. Accordingly, the first distance between the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode electrode 430 before the force is applied by the input device is changed to a second distance after a force is applied by the input device .

That is, the pressure of the force applied from the input device can be sensed through the amount of change of the first distance and the second distance.

The thickness of the elastic layer 620 may be about 300 탆 or less. In detail, the thickness of the elastic layer 620 may be about 100 탆 to about 300 탆. More specifically, the thickness of the elastic layer 620 may be about 150 탆 to about 300 탆.

When the thickness of the elastic layer 620 exceeds about 300 탆, the accuracy of the pressure applied to the input device may be degraded as the amount of change between the first distance and the second distance decreases .

Referring to FIG. 3, the protrusion 650 may be disposed on one side of the elastic layer 620. The protrusion 650 may be disposed in direct contact with one surface of the elastic layer 620. The protrusion 650 may include the same or similar material as the elastic layer 620. The protrusion 650 may be integrally formed with the elastic layer 620.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of protrusions 650 may be disposed on one side of the elastic layer 620. The protrusion may have a shape protruding from one surface of the elastic layer 620.

Referring to FIG. 5, the protrusions 650 may be formed in various shapes. 5 (a), the protrusions 650 may be formed in a hemispherical or semi-elliptical shape. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5B, the protrusions 650 may be formed in a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5 (c), the protrusion 650 may be formed in a rectangular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the protrusions 650 may have various shapes, and the plurality of protrusions may be formed in the same or different shapes.

The plurality of protrusions 650 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of protrusions 650 may be disposed at the same distance or spaced apart from each other on one surface of the intermediate layer 600.

Referring to FIG. 4, the protrusions 650 may have a constant width and thickness. The width of the protrusions 650 is defined as a first distance d1 and the height of the protrusions 650 is defined as a second distance d2 and the distance between the protrusions 650 is defined as a third distance d3 ). ≪ / RTI > Here, the width of the protrusions may be defined according to the shape of the protrusions. For example, the diameter of the protrusion may be defined as the diameter of the protrusion when the protrusion is circular, and may be defined as the width of the protrusion when the protrusion is polygonal.

The first distance d1, that is, the width of the protrusion 650 may be about 100 탆 or less. When the width of the protrusion 650 exceeds about 100 mu m, the volume of the gap formed between the protrusions can be reduced, thereby increasing the overall supporting force of the elastic layer 620, / Or the restoring force may be lowered.

The second distance d1, that is, the height of the protrusion 650 may be about 70 mu m or less. If the width of the protrusion 650 is greater than about 70 mu m, the process efficiency of forming the protrusions may be reduced and it may be difficult to form the protrusions of uniform shape.

That is, the second distance d1, that is, the height of the protrusion 650 is about 70 μm or less, so that the force applied to the elastic layer is uniformly transmitted, and the pressure can be recognized with a uniform sensitivity.

The third distance d3, that is, the distance between the protrusions 650 may be about 750 mu m or more. When the interval between the protrusions 650 is less than about 750 占 퐉, the interval between the protrusions can be reduced, the protrusions can contact with each other, and the volume of the gap formed between the protrusions can be reduced. Accordingly, the overall supporting force of the elastic layer 620 is increased, so that the elasticity and / or restoring force of the elastic layer can be lowered.

The number of the protrusions may vary depending on at least one of the first distance d1, the second distance d2, and the third distance d3.

For example, the number of the protrusions may be varied by the third distance d3. In detail, when the interval between the protrusions 650 is about 750 μm, the number of protrusions may be about 150 to about 200.

The first distance d1, the second distance d2, and the third distance d3 may have different sizes.

In detail, the size of the third distance may be larger than the size of the first distance and the second distance. That is, the interval between the protrusions may be greater than the width and thickness of the protrusions.

The size of the first distance may be larger than the size of the second distance. That is, the width of the protrusion may be greater than the height of the protrusion.

The size ratio of the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 may be 1: 1 to 5: 1. That is, the width of the protrusions 650 and the height ratio of the protrusions 650 may be 1: 1 to 5: 1.

If the size ratio of the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 is less than 1: 1, the height of the protrusions may be increased and the process for forming the protrusions may be difficult. In detail, the intermediate layer can be manufactured using a mold in which protrusion patterns are formed. In detail, a resin material for forming an intermediate layer may be injected into the mold to form an intermediate layer in which protrusions are formed. At this time, the height of the protrusion corresponds to the depth of the pattern portion, and when the height of the protrusion is large, it may be difficult to inject the resin material into the pattern portion, and the intermediate layer may be damaged or deformed during the release process.

If the size ratio of the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 exceeds 5: 1, the number of protrusions formed on one surface of the intermediate layer 600 may be reduced. Further, as the width of the projection increases, the supporting force of the intermediate layer increases, and the overall elastic force of the intermediate layer may deteriorate.

The size ratio between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 may be 1: 1 to 1:20. That is, the width of the protrusions 650 and the spacing of the protrusions 650 may be 1: 1 to 1:20.

If the size ratio of the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 is less than 1: 1, the spacing of the protrusions is reduced, and the supporting force of the intermediate layer is increased, so that the overall elastic force of the intermediate layer may be lowered.

When the size ratio of the first distance d1 and the third distance d3 exceeds 1:20, the width of the protrusions increases, and the number of protrusions formed on one surface of the intermediate layer 600 decreases .

The ratio of the thickness of the elastic layer 620 to the size of the second distance d2 may be 1.4: 1 to 5: 1.

When the ratio of the thickness of the elastic layer 620 to the size of the second distance d2 is less than 1.4: 1, the thickness of the elastic layer 620 decreases and the distance difference of the sensing electrode along the middle layer decreases, The sensitivity may be lowered.

If the ratio of the thickness of the elastic layer 620 to the size of the second distance d2 exceeds 5: 1, the thickness of the elastic layer 620 may be increased to increase the overall thickness of the touch panel .

The plurality of protrusions 650 may improve elasticity and / or restoring force of the elastic layer 620. In detail, the elastic layer may have a region where the protrusions are formed and a region where the protrusions are not formed, that is, an air gap region AG. That is, the elasticity and restoring force of the elastic layer can be improved by forming the void region AG.

That is, by reducing the supporting force of the elastic layer, that is, the supporting force of the force opposite to the elastic force by the void region, the elastic force pressed by the force externally applied to the elastic layer and the restoring force returned to the original state after being pressed can be increased .

Accordingly, when the user applies a force on the input surface of the touch panel, the distance between the sensing electrodes due to the thickness change of the elastic layer can be more accurately recognized according to the magnitude of the force.

Accordingly, the touch panel according to the embodiment can have improved pressure sensitive sensitivity.

Hereinafter, various shapes of the intermediate layer according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a hole H or a groove G may be formed in the intermediate layer 600. In detail, the elastic layer 620 may have a plurality of holes or grooves penetrating the elastic layer (H) in whole or in part.

The hole H or the groove H may be formed in a region that does not overlap the region where the protrusion 650 is formed. In detail, the hole (H) or the groove (G) may be formed between the protrusions (650).

Accordingly, the hole (H) and the groove (G) can increase the void region of the elastic layer. Accordingly, elasticity and restoring force of the elastic layer 620 can be improved while reducing the number of the protrusions 650.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the protrusions 650 may be disposed on both sides of the intermediate layer 600. In detail, the protrusion 650 may include a first protrusion 650a disposed on one side of the intermediate layer 600 and a second protrusion 650b disposed on the other side.

9 and 10, the protrusion 650 is disposed on one surface and the other surface of the intermediate layer 600, and a hole H or a groove G is formed in the intermediate layer 600 .

Accordingly, the protrusion 650 is disposed on both surfaces of the intermediate layer 600, and the hole H and the groove G are formed in the intermediate layer, thereby increasing the void area of the elastic layer have. Accordingly, elasticity and restoring force of the elastic layer 620 can be improved while reducing the number of the protrusions 650.

Hereinafter, the touch panel according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. In the description of the touch panel according to the second embodiment, description of the same or similar explanations to those of the touch device according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

In the touch panel according to the second embodiment, the first substrate may be omitted. In detail, the first sensing electrode 410 is disposed on one surface of the cover substrate 200, the second sensing electrode 420 is disposed on one surface of the second substrate 320, The sensing electrode 430 may be disposed on one side of the third substrate 330.

That is, the first sensing electrode 410 may be disposed on one side of the cover substrate 200, unlike the touch device according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, one substrate supporting the sensing electrode can be omitted.

The intermediate layer 600 may be disposed between the second substrate 320 and the third substrate 330. That is, the intermediate layer 600 includes the second sensing electrode 420 disposed on one side of the second substrate 320 and the third sensing electrode 430 disposed on one side of the third substrate 330 As shown in FIG.

In the touch panel according to the second embodiment, at least one of the sensing electrodes may be directly disposed on a cover substrate instead of a separate substrate, thereby omitting one substrate supporting the sensing electrodes.

Accordingly, the touch panel according to the second embodiment can realize a slim thickness.

Hereinafter, the touch panel according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. Fig. In the description of the touch panel according to the third embodiment, description of the same or similar explanations to those of the touch panel according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

In the touch panel according to the third embodiment, the second substrate and the second sensing electrode may be omitted. The first sensing electrode 410 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 310 and the third sensing electrode 420 may be disposed on a surface of the third substrate 310.

The intermediate layer 600 may be disposed between the first substrate 310 and the third substrate 330. That is, the intermediate layer 600 includes the first sensing electrode 410 disposed on one surface of the first substrate 310 and the third sensing electrode 430 disposed on one surface of the third substrate 330 As shown in FIG.

The first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 may simultaneously sense a position and a pressure of a user's touch.

In detail, the first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 may sense a touch position of a user. In detail, when an input device such as a finger is brought into contact with one surface of the cover substrate 200, the difference in capacitance between the first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 And a portion where such difference occurs can be detected as the contact position.

In addition, the first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 may sense the touch pressure of the user. In detail, when a finger or other input device touches one surface of the cover substrate 200 and pressure is applied, the distance between the first sensing electrode 410 and the third sensing electrode 430 The capacitance and the capacitance can be detected according to various differences.

In the touch panel according to the third embodiment, the first and third sensing electrodes simultaneously detect the position and the pressure, thereby omitting the substrate supporting the second sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

Accordingly, the touch panel according to the third embodiment can realize a slim thickness.

The touch panel according to the above-described embodiments can be applied to a touch device. For example, the touch panel according to the embodiments can be applied to various kinds of touch devices such as a touch device in which a display is displayed or a touch device in which a display is not displayed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the touch panel according to the embodiments is applied to a touch device in which a display is displayed will be described with reference to FIG. 8. A touch device according to embodiments includes a display device .

In the cover substrate 200, 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.

Also, at least one of the effective area AA and the ineffective area UA can sense the pressure and / or the position of the input device (e.g., a finger or a stylus pen).

That is, the cover substrate 200 may include one surface contacting the input device and a surface opposite to the one surface, and when the input device contacts the surface of the substrate 210, And / or pressure.

A decor layer 700 may be disposed on the ineffective area UA of the cover substrate 200. The decor layer 700 may be formed of a material having a predetermined color so that the wiring electrode disposed on the ineffective area, the printed circuit board connecting the wiring electrode to an external circuit, and the like can be hidden from the outside .

The decor layer 700 may have a color suitable for a desired appearance. For example, the decor layer 700 may include black or white pigment and may represent black or white. Or various color films can be used to display various color colors such as red, blue, and the like.

A desired logo or the like may be formed on the decor layer 700 by various methods. This decor layer 700 may be formed by vapor deposition, printing, wet coating or adhesion.

The decor layer 700 may be disposed in at least one layer. For example, the decor layer 700 may be disposed in one layer or in at least two layers having different widths.

The decor layer 700 may be adhered and fixed to one surface of the first side support portion of the cover case 100 through a separate adhesive member 800 or the like.

When the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 have a mesh shape, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, The patterns of the second sensing electrode 420 and the third sensing electrode 430 can be made invisible. That is, even if the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 are formed of metal, the pattern can be made invisible. Also, the resistance of the touch panel can be lowered even if the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 are applied to a touch panel of a large size.

In detail, the first sensing electrode 410, the second sensing electrode 420, and the third sensing electrode 430 may include a mesh line formed by a plurality of sub-electrodes intersecting with each other, And may include openings.

The line width of the mesh line may be about 0.1 탆 to about 10 탆. The mesh line having a line width of the mesh line less than about 0.1 탆 may not be possible in the manufacturing process, and when the line width is more than about 10 탆, the sensing electrode pattern may be visually recognized from outside and visibility may be deteriorated. Alternatively, the line width of the mesh wire may be from about 1 [mu] m to about 5 [mu] m. Or, the line width of the mesh line may be about 1.5 탆 to about 3 탆.

Further, the thickness of the mesh line may be about 100 nm to about 500 nm. If the thickness of the mesh wire is less than about 100 nm, the electrode resistance may increase and the electrical characteristics may deteriorate. If the mesh wire thickness exceeds about 500 nm, the overall thickness of the touch panel may become thick and the process efficiency may be lowered. Preferably, the thickness of the mesh line may be from about 150 nm to about 200 nm. More preferably, the thickness of the mesh line may be from about 180 nm to about 200 nm.

The display panel 900 may be disposed inside the cover case 100. For example, the display panel 900 may be disposed on the lower support within the cover case 100.

The display panel 900 may be disposed below the touch panel. The display panel 900 may be bonded to the touch panel. For example, the touch panel and the display panel 900 may be bonded to each other through a transparent adhesive layer for optical or the like.

The display panel 900 may include a first substrate 910 and a second substrate 920.

When the display panel 900 is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel 900 includes a first substrate 910 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode, a second substrate 910 including color filter layers, The substrate 920 may be formed as a structure in which the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the substrates.

The display panel 300 may include a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix formed on a first substrate 910 and a second substrate 920 on the first substrate 910 Or a color filter on transistor (COT) structure. That is, a thin film transistor may be formed on the first substrate 910, 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 that is in contact with the thin film transistor is formed on the first substrate 910. 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 900 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 900.

When the display panel 900 is an organic light emitting display panel, the display panel 900 includes a self-luminous element that does not require a separate light source. In the display panel 900, a thin film transistor is formed on a first substrate 310, 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. Further, the organic light emitting device may further include a second substrate 920 serving as an encapsulation substrate for encapsulation.

Hereinafter, an example of a display device to which a touch device is applied will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17.

Referring to Fig. 16, a mobile terminal is shown as an example of a display device. The mobile terminal may include a valid region and a non-valid region. The effective area senses a touch signal and a pressure 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. 17, the display device may also include a flexible device that is bent or folded. Therefore, the display device including the same may be a flexible device device. Therefore, the user can bend or bend by hand. Such a flexible device device can be applied to a wearable touch such as a smart watch.

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 (9)

A cover substrate including a valid region and a non-valid region;
A first substrate disposed below the substrate;
A first sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the first substrate;
A second substrate disposed below the first substrate;
A second sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the second substrate; And
And an intermediate layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
Wherein the intermediate layer comprises a base substrate and an elastic layer on the base substrate,
A plurality of protrusions are disposed on at least one surface of the elastic layer,
The width of the protrusions is defined as a first distance,
The height of the protrusions is defined as a second distance,
The spacing of the protrusions is defined as a third distance,
Wherein the size of the third distance is greater than the size of the first distance and the second distance,
Wherein a size of the first distance is greater than a size of the second distance. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the ratio of the first distance to the second distance is 1: 1 to 5: 1. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the ratio of the first distance to the third distance is 1: 1 to 1:20. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the ratio of the thickness of the elastic layer to the second distance is from 1.4: 1 to 5: 1. The method according to claim 1,
The first distance is 100 mu m or less,
The second distance is 70 mu m or less,
And the third distance is 750 m or more. The method according to claim 1,
The protrusion may include: a first protrusion disposed on one surface of the intermediate layer; And a second protrusion disposed on the other surface of the intermediate layer. The method according to claim 1,
The protrusion may include: a first protrusion disposed on one surface of the intermediate layer; And a second protrusion disposed on the other surface of the intermediate layer. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a hole or a groove is formed in the elastic layer. The method according to claim 1,
A third substrate disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; And a third sensing electrode disposed on one surface of the third substrate,
And the intermediate layer is disposed between the second substrate and the third substrate.

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