TW201616311A - Touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch panel of the embodiment includes a substrate including an active area and an unactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; a wire electrode on the unactive area; and a connection electrode connected to at least one of the sensing electrode and the wire electrode, wherein at least one of the sensing electrode and the wire electrode includes a plurality of openings, and the openings are divided by the connection electrode. A touch panel of another embodiment includes a substrate including an active area and an unactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; and a wire electrode on the unactive area, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a plurality of openings, and the openings extend in a direction corresponding to an extension direction of the sensing electrode.

Description

Touch panel

This case relates to a touch panel.

Recently, a touch panel that performs an input function by touching an image displayed on a display device such as a stylus or a finger input device has been applied to various electronic appliances.

In the touch panel, the sensing electrodes are disposed on the sensing area for detecting a touch, and the wire electrodes connected to the sensing electrodes are disposed on another area.

However, the sensing electrode and the wire electrode may be subjected to cracks or scratches due to external impact or electrostatic discharge (ESD), and the electrodes may be disconnected due to damage of the electrodes.

Therefore, there is a need for a touch panel having a novel structure capable of solving the above problems.

This case provides a touch panel with improved reliability.

According to an embodiment, a touch panel includes: a substrate including an active area and an inactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; a wire electrode on the inactive area; and a connection And an electrode connected to at least one of the sensing electrode and the wire electrode, wherein at least one of the sensing electrode and the wire electrode comprises a plurality of openings, and the openings are separated by the connecting electrode.

According to another embodiment, a touch panel includes: a substrate including an active area and an inactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; and a wire electrode on the inactive area, Wherein the sensing electrode comprises a plurality of openings, and the openings extend in a direction corresponding to one of the extending directions of the sensing electrodes.

According to the touch panel of the embodiment, an opening may be formed on the sensing electrode or the guide One of the wire electrodes and one of the connection electrodes may be disposed in the opening to connect the sub-electrodes.

Therefore, when cracks appear in the sub-electrodes due to scratches and one of the sub-electrodes is broken due to cracks, charges can be moved to the other sub-electrodes via the connection electrodes to prevent the electrodes from being completely prevented. Disconnect, thereby improving the reliability of the touch panel.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the touch panel, a plurality of openings may be formed in the sensing electrode or the wire electrode to prevent cracks from appearing in the electrodes to prevent complete disconnection of the electrodes. The reliability of the improved touch panel.

100‧‧‧Substrate

101‧‧‧ Covering substrate

110‧‧‧First substrate

120‧‧‧second substrate

150‧‧‧Printing layer

200‧‧‧Sensor electrode

201‧‧‧First sub-sensing electrode

202‧‧‧Second sub-sense electrode

210‧‧‧First sensing electrode

220‧‧‧Second sensing electrode

230‧‧‧Bridge electrodes

250‧‧‧Insulation

300‧‧‧ wire electrode

300a‧‧‧First wire electrode

300b‧‧‧Second wire electrode

301‧‧‧First sub-wire electrode

302‧‧‧Second sub-wire electrode

310‧‧‧First wire electrode

320‧‧‧Second wire electrode

410‧‧‧First connecting electrode

420‧‧‧Second connection electrode

430‧‧‧ third connecting electrode

500‧‧‧Printed circuit board

600‧‧‧ pad section

700‧‧‧ openings

710‧‧‧ first opening

720‧‧‧second opening

800‧‧‧ adhesive layer

900‧‧‧ display panel

910‧‧‧First substrate

920‧‧‧second substrate

1000‧‧‧Mobile terminal

2000‧‧‧Portable laptop

2100‧‧‧Touch sheet

2200‧‧‧ touch panel

2300‧‧‧Circuit board

A‧‧‧ area

AA‧‧‧Action area

C‧‧‧ area

D‧‧‧ area

d‧‧‧Distance distance between the first connecting electrodes

E‧‧‧ area

OA‧‧ overlapping area

T1‧‧‧The thickness of the first sub-sense electrode

T2‧‧‧ thickness of the first connecting electrode

TA‧‧ touch area

UA‧‧‧inactive area

W1‧‧‧ sub-sensing electrode width

W2‧‧‧The width of the first connecting electrode

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a touch panel according to an embodiment.

2 and 3 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the A area shown in Fig. 1 according to the first embodiment.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' of FIG. 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area C shown in Figure 1.

6 and 7 are enlarged views of the D area shown in Fig. 1.

8 to 10 are enlarged views of the E area shown in Fig. 1 according to the second embodiment.

11 through 14 are views for explaining various types of touch windows according to an embodiment.

15 to 17 are views for explaining a touch device including a touch window coupled to a display panel according to an embodiment.

18 to 21 are views showing an example of a touch device using a touch window according to an embodiment.

In the following description of the embodiments, it will be understood that when a layer (film), region, pattern or structure is referred to as being "above" or "under" a substrate, another layer (film), region, pad or pattern, It may be "directly" or "indirectly" on another layer (film), region, pattern or structure, or one or more intervening layers may be present. This position of each layer will be described with reference to the drawings.

In addition, when a predetermined portion is "connected" to another portion, this means not only that the predetermined portion is directly connected to another portion, but also means that the predetermined portion is indirectly connected to another portion, while another component is inserted in the predetermined portion and the other portion Between the parts. In addition, when a predetermined portion "includes" a predetermined component, the predetermined portion does not exclude other components, and may further include other components, except Unless otherwise stated.

The thickness and size of each layer (film), region, pattern or structure shown in the drawings may be modified so that the size of the elements shown in the drawings does not fully reflect the actual size.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a touch panel according to an embodiment may include a substrate 100 , a sensing electrode 200 , a wire electrode 300 , and a printed circuit board 500 .

The substrate 100 can be flexible or rigid. For example, the substrate 100 can include glass or plastic.

In detail, the substrate 100 may include chemically tempered/semi-tempered glass (such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass), reinforced or soft plastic (such as polyimine (PI)), polyparaphenylene. Ethyl diacetate (PET), propylene glycol (PPG), or polycarbonate (PC) or sapphire.

Additionally, substrate 100 can include an optically isotropic film. For example, substrate 100 can include a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a cyclic olefin polymer (COP), an optically isotropic polycarbonate (PC), or an optically isotropic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Sapphire has excellent electrical characteristics such as permittivity to significantly increase the touch response speed and can easily implement a spaced touch such as floating. Floating means a technique for recognizing coordinates even at a short distance from the display.

In addition, the cover substrate 100 may be bent to have a partially curved surface. In other words, the substrate 100 is bendable such that one portion of the substrate has a flat surface and another portion of the substrate has a curved surface. In detail, the end portion of the substrate 100 may be bent with a curved surface or bent or bent with a surface having a random curvature.

In addition, the substrate 100 may include a flexible substrate having flexible properties.

Further, the substrate 100 may include a curved substrate or a bent substrate. In other words, the touch window including the substrate 100 can be formed to have flexibility, bending or bending characteristics. Thus, touch windows in accordance with embodiments can be easily carried by a user and can be modified with a variety of designs.

The sensing electrode, the wire electrode, and the printed circuit board may be disposed on the substrate 100. That is, the substrate 100 can be a support substrate.

The substrate 100 may include a cover substrate. That is, the sensing electrode, the wire electrode, and the printed circuit board can be supported on the cover substrate. Additionally, an additional cover substrate can be disposed on the substrate 100. That is, the sensing electrode, the wire electrode, and the printed circuit board can be supported by the substrate, and the substrate can be The adhesive layer is combined with the cover substrate.

The substrate 100 can have an active area AA and a non-active area UA defined therein.

The image can be displayed on the active area AA. The image may not be displayed on the inactive area UA disposed at the peripheral portion of the active area AA.

Additionally, the location of the input device (eg, a finger) can be detected in at least one of the active area AA and the non-active area UA. If an input device such as a finger touches the touch window, a capacitance change occurs in a portion touched by the input device, and the touched portion where the capacitance change occurs is detected as a touch point.

The printed layer can be disposed on the non-active area UA of the substrate. The printed layer can be formed by coating a material having a predetermined color such that the wire electrode disposed on the non-active area UA and the printed circuit board connecting the wire electrode to the external circuit cannot be externally viewed.

The printed layer can have a color suitable for its desired appearance. For example, the printed layer can include a black or white pigment such that the printed layer can appear black or white. In addition, various color films are used to present various colors such as red and blue.

Additionally, the desired indicia can be formed in the printed layer via a variety of methods. The printed layer can be formed via deposition, printing, and wet coating methods.

The printed layer can include at least one layer. For example, the printed layer can comprise a single layer or at least two layers having different widths from one another.

The sensing electrode 200 may be disposed on the substrate 100. For example, the sensing electrode 200 can be disposed on the active area AA of the substrate 100.

The sensing electrode 200 can include a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. For example, the sensing electrode 200 may include a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode that extend in directions different from each other.

Although FIG. 1 shows the sensing electrodes extending in one direction, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Another sensing electrode extending in the other direction may be further provided.

In addition, although FIG. 1 shows the sensing electrodes extending in one direction in a strip shape, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The sensing electrodes may be formed in various shapes, such as a polygonal shape including a triangular shape or a rectangular shape, or a curved shape.

The sensing electrode 200 can include a condition that allows power to be transmitted without interrupting light transmission A transparent conductive material that flows through it. For example, the sensing electrode 200 can include a metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide.

The sensing electrode 200 may include a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, a carbon nanotube (CNT), a graphite film, a conductive polymer, or a mixture thereof. If a nanocomposite such as a nanowire or CNT is used, the sensing electrode can have a black color. In this case, it is possible to control the color and the reflectance while ensuring the conductivity by controlling the content of the nano powder.

Additionally, the sensing electrode 200 can include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode 200 can include at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, Au, Ti, and alloys thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the sensing electrode 200 can include an opening 700.

For example, the sensing electrode 200 can include a first sub-sense electrode 201 and a second sub-sense electrode 202. The first sub-sense electrode 201 can be spaced apart from the second sub-sense electrode 202.

The first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202 may be connected to each other. For example, the first connection electrode 410 may be disposed in the opening 700 and the first sub-sense electrode 201 may be connected to the second sub-sense electrode 202 via the first connection electrode 410.

At least one first connection electrode 410 may be disposed in the opening 700. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of first connection electrodes 410 may be disposed in the opening 700.

Therefore, the opening 700 can be divided into a plurality of openings by the first connection electrodes 410.

The first connection electrode 410 may extend in a direction different from an extending direction of at least one of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the first connection electrode 410 may extend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202.

In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the first connection electrode 410 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the extending direction of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202.

The first connection electrode 410 may include a material corresponding to at least one of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202. For example, the first connection electrode 410 can include a material that is the same or similar to the sensing electrode 200 described above. Therefore, the sensing electrode 200 and the first connection electrode 410 can be simultaneously formed via one process.

In addition, the first connection electrode 410 may be integrally formed with at least one of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202 . For example, the first connection electrode 410 may be integrally formed with the first sub-sensing electrode 201 and the second sub-sense electrode 202 without being separated therefrom.

The first connection electrodes 410 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the pitch distance d between the first connection electrodes 410 may be about 4.5 mm or less. In detail, the pitch distance d between the first connection electrodes 410 may range from about 3.5 mm to about 4.5 mm.

If the pitch distance d between the first connection electrodes 410 is less than about 3.5 mm, the first connection electrodes 410 may be connected to each other, thus causing a coupling phenomenon. In addition, if the distance d between the first connection electrodes 410 exceeds about 4.5 mm, when the first sub-sensing electrode 201 or the second sub-sensing electrode 202 is disconnected, the electric charge may not be easily felt. The measuring electrode moves to the other sub sensing electrode.

Referring to FIG. 4, the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 may be different from the width W1 of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sense electrode. For example, the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 may be smaller than the width W1 of the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode.

For example, the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 may be about 0.1 mm or less. In detail, the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 may range from about 0.03 mm to about 0.1 mm.

If the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 is less than about 0.03 mm, the surface resistance of the first connection electrode 410 will increase, so that the charging time of the connection electrode becomes long. If the width W2 of the first connection electrode 410 exceeds about 0.1 mm, the coverage of the connection electrodes will increase, causing the connection electrodes to interfere with each other, thus causing a coupling phenomenon.

In addition, the width W1 of the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode may be about 0.5 mm or less. In detail, the width W1 of the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode may be in the range of about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

If the width W1 of the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode is less than about 0.2 mm, the surface resistance of the sub sensing electrode increases, so that the charging time of the sub sensing electrode becomes longer. If the width W1 of the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode exceeds about 0.5 mm, the coverage of the sub sensing electrodes increases, causing the sub sensing electrodes to interfere with each other, thus causing a coupling phenomenon.

In addition, the first connection electrode 410 can be combined with the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second At least one of the sub-sensing electrodes 202 is in contact. For example, the first connection electrode 410 can be in contact with at least one of a side edge and a top surface of at least one of the first sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202.

Although FIG. 4 shows the first connection electrode 410 in contact with the side of the first sub-sense electrode 201 and the side of the second sub-sense electrode 202, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first connection electrode 410 may be connected to at least one of a side and a top surface of the first sub-sense electrode 201 and a side and a top surface of the second sub-sense electrode 202.

The first connection electrode 410 may have a thickness corresponding to at least one of the first sub sensing electrode 201 and the second sub sensing electrode 202. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the thickness T2 of the first connection electrode 410 may correspond to the thickness T1 of the first sub-sense electrode.

The touch panel according to the embodiment may include a first connection electrode connecting the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode.

Therefore, when a disconnection occurs from a scratch generated in the first sub sensing electrode or the second sub sensing electrode, the electric charge can be moved to the other sub sensing electrode via the first connecting electrode to prevent the sensing electrode from being disconnect.

Therefore, the touch panel according to the embodiment can improve reliability by preventing electrical failure caused by disconnection of the sensing electrodes.

The wire electrode 300 may be disposed on the substrate 100. For example, the wire electrode 300 can be disposed on the non-active area UA of the substrate 100.

The wire electrode 300 can be connected to the sensing electrode 200. For example, wire electrode 300 can be coupled to sensing electrode 200 via pad portion 600.

Pad portion 600 can include a conductive material. For example, the pad portion 600 can include an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

Wire electrode 300 can include a conductive material. For example, wire electrode 300 can comprise a material that is the same or similar to sensing electrode 200 described above.

The wire electrode 300 can include a first wire electrode and a second wire electrode. For example, the wire electrode 300 may include a first wire electrode and a second wire electrode respectively connected to the first and second sensing electrodes extending in mutually different directions.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5, the wire electrode 300 (ie, the first wire electrode and the first At least one of the two wire electrodes may include a first wire electrode 300a and a second wire electrode 300b.

The second wire electrode 300b is connectable to the pad portion 600 and the first wire electrode 300a. For example, one end of the second wire electrode 300b may be connected to the pad portion 600 and the other end of the second wire electrode 300b may be connected to the first wire electrode 300a.

The second wire electrode 300b may have a width of about 0.8 mm or less. In detail, the second wire electrode 300b may have a width in the range of about 0.03 mm to about 0.8 mm.

If the second wire electrode 300b has a width of less than about 0.03 mm, the connection between the sensing electrode and the wire electrode may be incomplete. If the second wire electrode 300b has a width exceeding one of about 0.8 mm, the non-active area UA can be increased, so that the grooved frame area is increased.

In addition, the first wire electrode 300a may be connected to the second wire electrode 300b and the printed circuit board 500. For example, one end of the first wire electrode 300a may be connected to the second wire electrode 300b and the other end of the first wire electrode 300a may be connected to the printed circuit board 500.

Printed circuit board 500 can include a flexible printed circuit board. The driving chip can be mounted on the printed circuit board 500 and the printed circuit board 500 can perform an operation corresponding to the touch by receiving the touch signal from the sensing electrode via the wire electrode.

It comprises at least one second wire electrode 300b. For example, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of second wire electrodes 300b can be provided. The second wire electrodes 300b are respectively connectable to the pad portion 600 and the first wire electrode 300a while being spaced apart from each other.

Although FIG. 5 shows the second wire electrode 300b extending in the same direction, the embodiment is not limited thereto. At least one of the second wire electrodes 300b may extend in a direction different from the extending direction of the other second wire electrodes 300b.

The touch panel according to an embodiment may include a plurality of second wire electrodes connected to the first wire electrode and the pad portion.

Therefore, when the sensing electrode is connected to the wire electrode via the pad portion, the disconnection caused by the defect of the second wire electrode can be prevented. In other words, when one of the second wire electrodes is damaged, the electric charge can be moved to the other second wire electrode to prevent the wire electrode from being broken by the defect of the second wire electrode.

Therefore, the touch panel according to the embodiment can prevent the wire electrode from being broken. Electrical faults to improve reliability.

Hereinafter, a wire electrode according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring to FIG. 6, the wire electrode 300 may include a first sub-wire electrode 301 and a second sub-wire electrode 302. The first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302 may be spaced apart from each other.

Accordingly, the wire electrode 300 can include an opening 700.

The first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302 may be connected to each other. In detail, the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302 may be connected to each other via the second connection electrode 420 disposed in the opening 700.

At least one second connection electrode 420 may be disposed in the opening 700. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of second connection electrodes 420 may be disposed in the opening 700.

Therefore, the opening 700 can be divided into a plurality of openings by the second connection electrodes 420.

The second connection electrode 420 may extend in a direction different from an extending direction of at least one of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, the second connection electrode 420 may extend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302.

However, the embodiment is not limited to the above case. For example, the second connection electrode 420 may extend in a direction different from one of the extending directions of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302.

The second connection electrode 420 may include a material corresponding to at least one of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302. For example, the second connection electrode 420 can include a material of the same or similar to the wire electrode 300 described above. Therefore, the wire electrode 300 and the second connection electrode 420 can be simultaneously formed via one process.

In addition, the second connection electrode 420 may be integrally formed with at least one of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302. For example, the second connection electrode 420 may be integrally formed with the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302 without being separated therefrom.

A plurality of second connection electrodes 420 may be disposed in the opening 700 while being spaced apart from each other. For example, the second connection electrodes 420 can be spaced apart from each other by about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm. One of the distances. In detail, the second connection electrodes 420 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm. In more detail, the second connection electrodes 420 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of from about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm.

If the pitch distance between the second connection electrodes 420 is less than about 0.1 mm, the second connection electrodes 420 may be connected to each other. In addition, if the distance between the second connection electrodes 420 exceeds about 0.3 mm, the width or thickness of the first and second sub-wire electrodes disposed between the second connection electrodes 420 may be disposed in other The widths and thicknesses of the first and second sub-wire electrodes between the second connection electrodes 420 are different, so that the wire electrodes can weaken the electrostatic discharge (ESD).

That is, the second connection electrodes 420 may allow the first and second sub-wire electrodes to have a uniform width or thickness.

Referring to FIG. 7, the wire electrode 300 according to an embodiment may further include a third connection electrode 430.

The third connection electrode 430 may extend in a direction different from an extending direction of at least one of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302. The second connection electrode 420 and the third connection electrode 430 may extend in line with each other.

Therefore, the second connection electrode 420 and the third connection electrode 430 may extend in a direction different from the extending direction of at least one of the first sub-wire electrode 301 and the second sub-wire electrode 302.

The third connection electrode 430 may be disposed between the second connection electrodes 420. For example, at least one third connection electrode 430 can be disposed between the second connection electrodes 420.

For example, a plurality of third connection electrodes 430 may be disposed between the second connection electrodes 420 while being spaced apart from each other.

For example, the third connection electrodes 430 can be spaced apart from one another by a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.3 mm. In detail, the third connection electrodes 430 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm. In more detail, the third connection electrodes 430 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.18 mm to about 0.22 mm.

If the distance between the third connection electrodes 430 is less than about 0.1 mm, Then, the third connection electrodes 430 can be connected to each other. In addition, if the distance between the third connection electrodes 430 exceeds about 0.3 mm, the width or thickness of the first and second sub-wire electrodes disposed between the third connection electrodes 430 may be disposed in other The width and thickness of the first and second sub-wire electrodes between the third connection electrodes 430 are different, so that the wire electrodes can reduce electrostatic discharge (ESD).

That is, the third connection electrodes 430 may allow the first and second sub-wire electrodes to have a uniform width or thickness.

The first sub-wire electrode 301, the second sub-wire electrode 302, the second connection electrode 420, and the third connection electrode 430 may include materials corresponding to each other. Therefore, the wire electrode 300 and the connection electrode 400 can be simultaneously formed via one process.

In addition, the first sub-wire electrode 301, the second sub-wire electrode 302, the second connection electrode 420, and the third connection electrode 430 may be integrally formed with each other.

The touch panel according to the embodiment can uniformly form the width or thickness of the wire electrodes (that is, the first and second sub-wire electrodes). In detail, the second connection electrodes and the third connection electrodes may be regularly spaced between the first sub-wire electrode and the second sub-wire electrode to connect the first and second sub-wire electrodes, thereby allowing the The first and second sub-wire electrodes have a uniform width or thickness.

Therefore, electrostatic discharge generated when the wire electrode has an irregular width or thickness can be prevented, thereby preventing cracking or breaking of the wire electrode.

Therefore, the touch panel according to the embodiment can improve reliability by preventing wire electrode damage.

Hereinafter, a touch panel according to the second embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of openings 700 may be formed in the sensing electrode 200. The opening 700 may be formed through the sensing electrode 200 such that one surface of the substrate 100 may be exposed through the opening 700.

The opening 700 may extend in a direction corresponding to an extending direction of the sensing electrode 200.

The opening 700 can be formed using a mask when etching the sensing electrode.

Since the opening 700 is formed in the sensing electrode, the opening 700 is broken When the scratch occurs and occurs in the sensing electrode 200, the expansion of the crack is prevented, thereby preventing the electrical opening of the sensing electrode 200, that is, the disconnection of the sensing electrode 200.

In other words, the opening 700 formed longitudinally along the sensing electrode 200 may be perpendicular to the crack formed laterally along the sensing electrode 200. Therefore, even when a crack appears laterally along the sensing electrode 200, the opening 700 can prevent the crack from expanding to prevent the sensing electrode 200 from being completely electrically disconnected.

The opening 700 can have a width in the range of from about 30 [mu]m to about 100 [mu]m. Additionally, the opening 700 can have a length in the range of from about 30 [mu]m to about 800 [mu]m.

If the opening 700 has a width of less than about 30 μm and a length of less than about 30 μm, the opening 700 cannot prevent the crack from expanding when the crack occurs in the sensing electrode 200 due to scratches, so that the sensing electrode 200 is broken. In addition, if the opening 700 has a width greater than about 400 μm and a length greater than about 800 μm, the resistance of the sensing electrode 200 may increase such that the charging/discharging operation is delayed due to an increase in the time constant.

Accordingly, the opening 700 can be configured to have a width in a range of about 30 μm to about 100 μm and a length in a range of about 30 μm to about 800 μm in such a manner that the resistance of the sensing electrode 200 can be in the sensing electrode 200 The crack is enlarged while being minimized, thereby improving the reliability and electrical characteristics of the touch panel.

Referring to FIG. 9, the opening 700 can include a first opening 710 and a second opening 720.

The first openings 710 and the second openings 720 can be configured in a zigzag manner.

For example, when a plurality of columns are defined in the sensing electrode 200, the first openings 710 and the second openings 720 may be disposed in different columns from each other in a zigzag manner.

The first openings 710 and the second openings 720 may extend in directions corresponding to each other.

In addition, the first openings 710 and the second openings 720 may include an overlap region OA, wherein the first openings 710 and the second openings 720 overlap each other.

For example, when a plurality of rows are defined in the sensing electrode 200, the first openings 710 and the second openings 720 can be disposed in rows that partially overlap each other.

Therefore, when the crack appears in the overlap region OA of the sensing electrode 200, the crack can be prevented from being enlarged by the first opening 710 and the second openings 720, thereby preventing the feeling The electrode 200 is disconnected.

In detail, when the crack appears in the upper portion of the first opening 710 in the overlap region OA, the crack can be prevented from being enlarged due to the first opening 710. When the crack occurs between the first opening 710 and the second opening 720 in the overlap region OA, the crack can be prevented from being enlarged due to the first opening 710 and the second opening 720. In addition, when the crack appears in the lower portion of the second opening 720 in the overlap region OA, the crack can be prevented from being enlarged by the second opening 720.

Therefore, when a crack occurs in a partial region of the sensing electrode 200, the crack can be prevented from being enlarged due to the first opening 710 and the second opening 720 to prevent the sensing electrode 200 from being completely disconnected.

Referring to Figure 10, the openings 700 can have a variety of shapes. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the openings 700 can have a rectangular shape. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the openings 700 can have a sloped trapezoidal shape. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the openings 700 can have a polygonal shape (such as a triangular shape or a hexagonal shape) and an annular shape having a curved surface.

Although FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate the configuration of the sensing electrodes, the configuration of the sensing electrodes can also be applied to the wire electrodes to prevent the wire electrodes from being broken.

It is differently set according to the position of the visible electrode of the touch panel of the above embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the touch panel according to the embodiment may include a substrate 100 and first and second sensing electrodes 210 and 220 formed on the substrate 100 .

The first sensing electrode 210 may extend in one direction on the active area AA of the substrate 100. In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100.

In addition, the second sensing electrode 220 may extend in another direction on the active area AA of the substrate 100 and may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100. That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same plane of the substrate 100 while extending in different directions from each other.

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be insulated from each other on the substrate 100. In addition, the plurality of first unit sensing electrodes constituting the first sensing electrode 210 may be connected to each other, and the plurality of second unit sensing electrodes constituting the second sensing electrode 220 may be spaced apart from each other. The second unit sensing electrodes may be connected to each other by the bridge electrode 230, and the insulating layer 250 may be disposed in the bridge electrode 230 to insulate the first sensing electrode 210 from the second sensing electrode 220.

Therefore, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 are not in contact with each other on the same plane of the substrate 100, that is, insulated from each other on the same plane of the active area AA.

The printed layer 150 can be disposed on the non-active area UA of the substrate 100.

The substrate 100 can be a cover substrate. That is, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same plane covering the substrate. Conversely, an additional cover substrate can be disposed on the substrate 100.

The first wire electrode 310 and the second wire electrode 320 disposed in the inactive area UA may be respectively connected to the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220.

Referring to FIG. 12 , another type of touch panel may include a cover substrate 101 and a substrate 100 , and a first sensing electrode 210 formed on the cover substrate 101 and a second sensing electrode 220 formed on the substrate 100 .

In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and the first wire electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the cover substrate 101 and extended in the other direction. The second sensing electrode 220 and the second wire electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100.

On the contrary, the sensing electrodes may be disposed only on both surfaces of the substrate 100 and not on the cover substrate 101.

In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and the first wire electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100 and extend in the other direction. The sensing electrode 220 and the second wire electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the other surface of the substrate 100.

Referring to FIG. 13 , another type of touch panel may include a cover substrate 101 , a first substrate 110 , and a second substrate 120 , and a first sensing electrode formed on the first substrate 110 and formed on the second substrate 120 . Second sensing electrode.

In detail, the first sensing electrode 210 extending in one direction and the first wire electrode 310 connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the first substrate 110 and extended in the other direction. The second sensing electrode 220 and the second wire electrode 320 connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the second substrate 120.

Referring to FIG. 14, another type of touch panel may include a substrate 100 and be formed The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 on the substrate 100.

The first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on the same plane of the substrate 100. For example, the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be spaced apart from each other on the same plane of the substrate 100.

In addition, the first wire electrode 310 may be connected to the first sensing electrode 210 and the second wire electrode 320 may be connected to the second sensing electrode 220. The first wire electrode 310 may be disposed on the active area and the inactive area of the substrate 100, and the second wire electrode 320 may be disposed on the inactive area of the substrate 100.

The touch panel described above can be combined with a display panel for use in a touch device. For example, the touch panel can be combined with the display panel by an adhesive layer.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the touch device according to the embodiment may include a touch panel disposed on the display panel 900 .

In detail, referring to FIG. 15 , the touch device can be implemented by combining the substrate 100 and the display panel 900 . For example, the substrate 100 can be combined with the display panel 900 by an adhesive layer 800 that includes an optically clear adhesive such as OCA or OCR.

The display panel 900 can 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 can be formed in a structure in which a first substrate 910 including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode is combined with a second substrate 920 including a color filter layer. At the same time, the liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate 910 and the second substrate 920.

In addition, the display panel 900 may be a liquid crystal display panel having a COT (Color Filter on a Transistor) structure, in which a thin film transistor, a color filter, and a black matrix are formed on the first substrate 910, and The first substrate 910 is combined with the second substrate 920 while the liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate 910 and the second substrate 920. In other words, the thin film transistor can be formed on the first substrate 910, the protective layer can be formed on the thin film transistor, and the color filter layer can be formed on the protective layer. In addition, a pixel electrode contacting the thin film transistor is formed on the first substrate 910. In this case, in order to improve the porosity and simplify the mask process, the black matrix may be omitted, and the common electrode may serve as a black matrix.

In addition, when the display panel 900 is a liquid crystal panel, the display device may further include A backlight unit is included for providing light from a rear surface of the display panel 900.

When the display panel 900 is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the display panel 900 includes a self-illuminating device that does not require any additional light source. The display panel 900 includes a thin film transistor formed on the first substrate 910 and an organic light emitting device (OLED) contacting the thin film transistor. The organic light-emitting device may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic light-emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, the second substrate 920 may be further formed on the organic light emitting device to perform a function of a package substrate for packaging.

Referring to FIG. 16 , the touch device according to an embodiment may include a touch panel integrally formed with the display panel 900 . In other words, the substrate to support the at least one sensing electrode can be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on at least one surface of the display panel 900. In other words, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on at least one surface of the first substrate 910 or the second substrate 920.

In this case, at least one sensing electrode may be formed on a top surface of the substrate disposed at a high position.

Referring to FIG. 16, the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100. In addition, a first wire connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed. The second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed on one surface of the display panel 900. In addition, a second wire connected to the second sensing electrode 220 may be disposed.

The adhesive layer 800 can be inserted between the substrate 100 and the display panel 900 such that the substrate 100 can be combined with the display panel 900.

In addition, the polarizing plate may be additionally disposed under the substrate 100. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an anti-reflective polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel 900 is a liquid crystal panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel 900 is an organic electroluminescence display panel, the polarizing plate may be an anti-reflection polarizing plate.

At least one substrate for supporting the sensing electrodes may be omitted from the touch device according to the embodiment. Therefore, a thin and lightweight touch device can be formed.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the touch device according to an embodiment may include a touch panel integrally formed with the display panel 900 . In other words, the base to support the at least one sensing electrode may be omitted board.

For example, a sensing electrode disposed in the active region to serve as a sensor for sensing touch and a wire 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 wire may be formed inside the display panel.

The display panel 900 can include a first substrate 910 and a second substrate 920. In this case, at least one of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second sensing electrode 220 may be inserted between the first substrate 910 and the second substrate 920. In other words, the at least one sensing electrode may be disposed on at least one surface of the first substrate 910 or the second substrate 920.

Referring to FIG. 17, the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed on one surface of the substrate 100. In addition, a first wire connected to the first sensing electrode 210 may be disposed. The second sensing electrode 220 and the second wire may be inserted between the first substrate 910 or the second substrate 920. In other words, the second sensing electrode 220 and the second wire may be disposed inside the display panel, and the first sensing electrode 210 and the first wire may be disposed outside the display panel.

The second sensing electrode 220 and the second wire may be disposed on a top surface of the first substrate 910 or a rear surface of the second substrate 920.

In addition, the polarizing plate may be additionally disposed under the substrate 100.

When the display panel is a liquid crystal panel, and when the second sensing electrode is formed on the top surface of the first substrate 910, the second sensing electrode may be formed together with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode. In addition, when the second sensing electrode is formed on the rear surface of the second substrate 920, the color filter layer may be formed on the sensing electrode or the sensing electrode may be formed on the color filter layer. When the display panel is an organic electroluminescence display panel, and when the second sensing electrode is formed on the top surface of the first substrate 910, the second sensing electrode may be formed together with the thin film transistor or the organic light emitting device.

At least one substrate for supporting the sensing electrodes may be omitted from the touch device according to the embodiment. Therefore, a thin and lightweight touch device can be formed. In addition, the sensing electrodes and wires can be formed together with devices formed on the display panel to simplify the process and reduce costs.

18 to 21 are views showing an example of a touch device using a touch panel according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 18, the mobile terminal 1000 can include an active area AA and a non-active area UA. The action area AA is an area where the touch signal is sensed by the touch of the finger, and the instruction graphic pattern is The portion and the identification may be formed in the inactive area UA.

Referring to Figure 19, a portable laptop is an example of a display device. The portable laptop 2000 can include a touch panel 2200, a touch sheet 2100, and a circuit board 2300. The touch sheet 2100 can be disposed on a top surface of the touch panel 2200. The touch sheet 2100 can protect the touch area TA. In addition, the touch sheet 2100 can improve the user's touch feeling. In addition, the circuit board 2300 can be electrically connected to the touch panel 2200 on the bottom surface of the touch panel 2200. The circuit board 2300 can be the printed circuit board described above for mounting various components of the portable laptop.

In addition, referring to FIG. 20, the touch panel can be applied to the vehicle navigation system 3000.

Referring to Figure 21, the touch panel can be applied to the interior of the vehicle. In other words, the touch panel can be applied to various parts of the vehicle in which the touch panel is applied. Therefore, the touch panel is applied to a dashboard and a personal navigation display (PND), thereby implementing a central information display (CID). However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In other words, the touch panel can be used in various electronic products. In addition, the touch panel can be applied to a wearable device worn on a human body.

Any reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment" or the like in this specification means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any of the embodiments, it is considered to be within the scope of those skilled in the art.

While the embodiments have been described with reference to the embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or configuration of the subject combination of the inventions and the scope of the invention. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or configurations, those skilled in the art will be apparently.

100‧‧‧Substrate

200‧‧‧Sensor electrode

300‧‧‧ wire electrode

500‧‧‧Printed circuit board

600‧‧‧ pad section

A‧‧‧ area

AA‧‧‧Action area

C‧‧‧ area

D‧‧‧ area

E‧‧‧ area

UA‧‧‧inactive area

Claims (20)

A touch panel includes: a substrate including an active area and an inactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; a wire electrode on the inactive area; and a connecting electrode connected to the sense At least one of the measuring electrode and the wire electrode, wherein at least one of the sensing electrode and the wire electrode comprises a plurality of openings, and the openings are separated by the connecting electrode. The touch panel of claim 1, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode, and the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed on the substrate On the same plane. The touch panel of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode comprises a first sub sensing electrode and a second sub sensing electrode spaced apart from each other And the connecting electrode includes a plurality of first connecting electrodes to connect the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first connection electrodes are spaced apart from each other by an interval of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first connection electrodes are connected to at least one of a lateral side and a top surface of the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first connection electrodes extend in a direction different from a direction in which one of the first sub sensing electrodes and the second sub sensing electrodes extends. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode and the first connecting electrode are integrally formed with each other. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode and the first connecting electrodes comprise materials corresponding to each other. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first connection electrode has a width smaller than the first Width of at least one of a sub-sensing electrode and the second sub-sensing electrode. The touch panel of claim 9, wherein the width of the first connection electrode is in a range of 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, and at least the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode are This width of one is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The touch panel of claim 3, wherein the first sub sensing electrode and the second sub sensing electrode are connected to the wire electrode via a pad portion, the wire electrode comprising at least one first wire electrode and at least one a second wire electrode, and the first wire electrode is connected to the pad portion and the second wire electrode. The touch panel of claim 1, wherein the wire electrode comprises a first sub-wire electrode and a second sub-wire electrode spaced apart from each other, the connection electrode comprising a plurality of second connection electrodes to connect the first sub-electrode a wire electrode and the second sub-wire electrode, and the second connection electrodes are spaced apart from each other by an interval of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The touch panel of claim 12, wherein the first sub-wire electrode, the second sub-wire electrode, and the second connection electrodes comprise materials corresponding to each other. The touch panel of claim 12, wherein the first sub-wire electrode, the second sub-wire electrode, and the second connection electrode are integrally formed with each other. The touch panel of claim 12, wherein the second connection electrodes extend in a direction different from a direction in which one of the first sub sensing electrodes and the second sub sensing electrodes extends. A touch panel includes: a substrate including an active area and an inactive area; a sensing electrode on the active area; and a wire electrode on the inactive area, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a plurality of Openings, and the openings extend upward in a direction corresponding to a direction in which one of the sensing electrodes extends. The touch panel of claim 16, wherein the openings have a width in a range of from 30 μm to 100 μm. The touch panel of claim 16, wherein the openings have a length in a range from one of 30 μm to 800 μm. The touch panel of claim 16, wherein the openings comprise a plurality of first openings and second openings aligned in a zigzag manner, and the first openings and the second openings comprise an overlap region . The touch panel of claim 16, wherein the wire electrode comprises a plurality of openings, and the openings extend upward in a direction corresponding to a direction in which one of the wire electrodes extends.