Touch sensor, window laminate, and image display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a touch sensor, a window laminate, and an image display device. The touch sensor includes: a sensing electrode; a bent portion having edges bent back at four sides; and a cutout portion joined after being cut at a vertex of the bent portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch sensor, and in particular to a touch sensor in which four edges are implemented as display areas. Background Art

[0002] A display device is a device that displays information externally, and examples thereof include liquid crystal display devices, plasma display panel devices, electroluminescent display devices, and organic light-emitting diode display devices. A display device includes a touch sensor, which is a device for inputting user commands by touching the content displayed on the screen with a finger or a pen.

[0003] The touch sensor may include: a sensing portion (display portion) having a plurality of sensing electrodes for sensing a touch position on a substrate; a frame portion (non-display portion) having traces, bonding pads, etc. for transmitting touch input signals to an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board).

[0004] The sensing electrodes are arranged in the directions of the X-axis and the Y-axis and connected to each other, and the outer ends of the sensing electrodes are electrically connected to the conductive wires of the traces. The conductive wires may be connected to the FPCB through bonding pads.

[0005] Figure 1 A smartphone with a touch sensor according to the prior art is shown.

[0006] like Figure 1 As shown, the smartphone of the related art realizes a so-called two-edge display, in which the left and right edge areas and the center area are configured as display areas 10. In this case, the upper and lower edges remain as non-display areas 20.

[0007] Recently, there has been a growing demand for smartphones with so-called four-edge displays, rather than two-edge displays, where the top and bottom edges, as well as the left and right edges, are configured as display areas. However, the industry has yet to provide a touch sensor that can implement a four-edge display. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the related art, and it aims to provide a touch sensor that can be smoothly bent even in the vertex area of ​​the curved edge when implementing a four-edge display.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] The touch sensor of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object may include: a sensing electrode; a bent portion having edges bent back at four sides; and a cutout portion cut and joined at an apex of the bent portion.

[0012] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the cutout portion may be in a form in which a cutout width increases from the front to the rear in the cutout state.

[0013] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the cutout portion may include, in the cutout state, a first cutout portion extending from front to rear with a first length and a second cutout portion extending rearward from the first cutout portion with a second length.

[0014] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the curved portion may include: a first curved portion that extends from front to rear while being bent with a first bending radius; and a second curved portion that extends rearward from the first curved portion in a straight line or extends rearward from the first curved portion in a bent state while being bent with a second bending radius greater than the first bending radius.

[0015] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the first cutout portion of the cutout portion may be formed in the first bent portion, and the second cutout portion of the cutout portion may be formed in the second bent portion.

[0016] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the first cutout portion and the second cutout portion may respectively have a first concave portion with a first concave radius and a second concave portion with a second concave radius at the cutout ends.

[0017] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the first concave radius may be smaller than the second concave radius.

[0018] The touch sensor of the present invention may further include a first black matrix on a lower surface of the second curved portion.

[0019] The touch sensor of the present invention may further include wirings formed along both edges of the cutout portion and an upper non-bent portion of the cutout portion.

[0020] In the touch sensor of the present invention, the wiring may be formed of a transparent conductive material. As the transparent conductive material, at least one selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, oxide / metal / oxide structure stacks, and metal meshes may be used.

[0021] The touch sensor of the present invention may further include a second black matrix on a lower surface of the cutout end portion of the cutout portion.

[0022] A window laminate according to the present invention may include the above-mentioned touch sensor and a cover window coupled to the touch sensor.

[0023] An image display device according to the present invention may include the above-mentioned touch sensor and a display panel coupled to the touch sensor.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to the touch sensor of the present invention having such a configuration, by forming the cutout portion that becomes wider toward the end in the apex region, it is possible to implement the display of a smartphone on the upper and lower edges as well as the left and right edges.

[0026] Furthermore, the touch sensor of the present invention, when implementing a four-edge display, can flexibly respond to the curvature and degree of curvature of the curved portion by configuring the cutout portion so that its width increases toward the ends and the cutout ends become concave. As a result, the touch sensor can be smoothly curved in the vertex region of the curved portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A smartphone with a touch sensor according to the prior art is shown.

[0028] Figure 2A The touch sensor according to the present invention is shown in an unbent (unfolded) state.

[0029] Figure 2B The touch sensor according to the present invention is shown in a bent state.

[0030] Figure 3A is an enlarged view showing a vertex area of ​​the touch sensor according to the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0031] Figure 3B is an enlarged view showing a vertex area of ​​the touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0032] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view showing a vertex region of a touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0033] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view showing an edge region of a touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0034] Figure 4A The touch sensor according to the present invention, in which wiring is formed at the edge of the sensing portion, is shown in a non-bent (expanded) state.

[0035] Figure 4B The touch sensor according to the present invention, in which wirings are formed at the edge of a sensing portion, is shown in a bent state.

[0036] Figure 5A is an enlarged view showing a vertex area of ​​a touch sensor according to the present invention in a deployed state in which wirings are formed at an edge of a sensing portion.

[0037] Figure 5Bis an enlarged view showing a vertex region of a touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state in which wiring is formed at an edge of a sensing portion.

[0038] [Explanation of Reference Signs]

[0039] 10: Display area 20: Non-display area

[0040] 100: Sensing part 200: Trace part

[0041] 210: Wire 220: Bonding pad

[0042] 300: Cover window 400: Black matrix

[0043] 500: Base layer B1~B4: Curved part

[0044] L: Bending starting line S1~S4: Cutting part

[0045] S21: First incision portion S22: Second incision portion DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 2A The touch sensor according to the present invention is shown in an unbent (unfolded) state.

[0048] like Figure 2A As shown, the touch sensor may include a sensing portion 100 having a plurality of sensing electrodes, a trace portion 200 transmitting a touch signal of the sensing portion 100 to an FPCB, and the like.

[0049] The sensing portion 100 may be composed of an isolation layer, an electrode layer, an insulating layer, etc., and it may be coupled to a display panel, etc. to form a display area.

[0050] The isolation layer may be an organic polymer film and may be made of, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamic acid, polyamide, polyethylene, polystyrene, polynorbornene phenylmaleimide copolymer, polyazobenzene, polyphenylene phthalamide, polyester, polymethyl methacrylate, polyarylate, cinnamate polymer, coumarin polymer, phthalimide polymer, chalcone polymer, and aromatic acetylene polymer. The thickness of the isolation layer may be 10 to 1000 nm, preferably 50 to 500 nm.

[0051] The electrode layer may be formed on the isolation layer. The electrode layer may include sensing electrodes that sense whether it has been touched. The sensing electrodes may be arranged in the directions of the X-axis and the Y-axis and connected to each other. The electrode layer may be a transparent conductive layer and may be formed from one or more materials selected from metals, metal nanowires, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene, conductive polymers, and conductive inks.

[0052] An insulating layer may be formed on the electrode layer. The insulating layer may prevent corrosion of the electrode layer and protect the surface of the electrode layer. The insulating layer may be composed of a curable prepolymer, a curable polymer, a plastic polymer, or the like.

[0053] The sensing portion 100 may include cutout portions S1 to S4 at vertex regions of the edge. The cutout portions S1 to S4 may be configured in a form in which the cutout width increases from the inside to the outside, for example, they may have a substantially triangular shape.

[0054] The bending start line ( Figure 2B The L)) in FIG. 1 causes the sensing portion 100 to bend backward.

[0055] The trace portion 200 may include a conductive line 210 , a bonding pad 220 , etc., and may form a non-display area when coupled to a display panel, etc.

[0056] One side of the wire 210 may be connected to the sensing electrode of the sensing portion 100, and the other side may be connected to the bonding pad 220. The wire 210 may be formed of a conductor such as metal, metal nanowire, metal oxide, carbon nanotube, graphene, conductive polymer, conductive ink, etc., and may be formed in a straight line shape.

[0057] One side of the bonding pad 220 can be connected to the wire 210, and the other side can be connected to the FPCB. The bonding pad 220 can be formed of a conductor such as metal, metal nanowire, metal oxide, carbon nanotube, graphene, conductive polymer, conductive ink, etc., and can be formed in a pad shape with a certain area.

[0058] Figure 2B The touch sensor according to the present invention is shown in a bent state.

[0059] like Figure 2B As shown, the edges of the four sides of the sensing portion 100 may be bent backward to form bent portions B1 to B4. The bent portions B1 to B4 may be formed on all four sides (i.e., left / right and top / bottom) of the sensing portion 100, and the entire area may be used as a display area.

[0060] The bent portions B1 to B4 may be bent at a bending start line L with a bending radius of 0.2R or more, preferably, 0.3R. The bent portions B1 to B4 may have a bending angle of 40° to 80°.

[0061] like Figure 2B As shown, cutout portions S1 to S4 are formed in the bent portions B1 to B4. When the bent portions B1 to B4 are bent, the cutout ends come into contact with each other, thereby closing the cutout portions.

[0062] Figure 3A is an enlarged view showing a vertex area of ​​the touch sensor according to the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0063] like Figure 3A As shown, the cutout portion S2 may be composed of a first cutout portion S21 and a second cutout portion S22. The first cutout portion S21 and the second cutout portion S22 may have a shape in which the cutout ends are spaced apart in an expanded state, and the second cutout portion S22 is cut to be wider than the first cutout portion S21.

[0064] The first cutout portion S21 forms the upper portion of the cutout portion S2 and can be formed to a predetermined length from the bending start line L. The first cutout portion S21 can include a first recessed portion in which the cutout ends are recessed inward. The first recessed portion can have a predetermined first recessed radius, which is adjusted based on the width, curvature radius, and other factors of the curved portions B1 and B4. Thus, after the curved portions B1 and B4 are bent, the cutout ends abut against each other in the region of the first cutout portion S21, closing the cutout portion S2.

[0065] The second cutout portion S22 constitutes the lower portion of the cutout portion S2 and can be formed from the rear end portion of the first cutout portion S21 to the rear end portion of the curved portions B1 and B4. Like the first cutout portion S21, the second cutout portion S22 can have a second recessed portion inwardly recessed at the cutout end portion. The second recessed portion can have a predetermined second recessed radius, and the second recessed radius can be adjusted according to the width, curvature radius, etc. of the curved portions B1 and B4. The recessed radius of the second recessed portion can be greater than the recessed radius of the first recessed portion of the first cutout portion S21. If the corresponding areas of the curved portions B1 and B4 are close to a straight line, the second recessed radius can become infinite, that is, it can have a straight-line-shaped cutout end portion.

[0066] Figure 3B is an enlarged view showing a vertex area of ​​the touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0067] like Figure 3B As shown, in a state where the bent portions B1 and B4 are completely bent, the cut portion S2 may be in a state where the cut ends are joined.

[0068] The first cutout portion S21 is bent with a small radius above the curved portions B1 and B4, with the cutout ends joined. The second cutout portion S22 is bent with a large radius below the curved portions B1 and B4. For example, the cutout ends may be joined in a nearly straight line (i.e., without bending).

[0069] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view showing a vertex region of a touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0070] like Figure 3C As shown, in the cutout portion S2, the black matrix 400 may be coupled to the rear of the sensing portion 100. The black matrix 400 may be coupled in a straight line along the cutout end of the cutout portion S2. The black matrix 400 may be formed to have a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0071] like Figure 3C As shown, the cover window 300 may be coupled to the front of the sensing portion 100 , and the base layer 500 may be coupled to the rear of the sensing portion 100 .

[0072] The cover window 300 may be formed of a glass layer, a shock absorbing layer coupled to a lower portion of the glass layer, and the like. The glass layer may be chemically strengthened glass, and the shock absorbing layer may be a silicone compound formed on one surface of the glass layer. The glass layer may have a thickness of 5 to 500 μm, and the shock absorbing layer may have a thickness of 50 nm to 5 μm.

[0073] The base layer 500 may be a polarizer, a polarizing plate, a phase difference film, a reflective sheet, a brightness enhancement film, a refractive index matching film, or the like.

[0074] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view showing an edge region of a touch sensor according to the present invention in a bent state.

[0075] like Figure 3D As shown, the black matrix 400 may be coupled to the rear of the sensing portion 100 along the rear end of the curved portions B1 to B4. The black matrix 400 may be formed in a straight line shape. The black matrix 400 may be formed to have the same width as the second cutout portion S22. The black matrix 400 may be formed to have a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0076] exist Figure 3D In the case of the present invention, the black matrix 400 may be formed on the rear end portions of the bent portions B1 to B4 and the cutout portions S1 to S4. Alternatively, it may not be formed on the cutout portions S1 to S4, but may be formed only on the rear end portions of the bent portions B1 to B4.

[0077] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The touch sensor according to the present invention, in which wirings are formed at the edge of the sensing portion, is shown in a non-bent (expanded) state and a bent state, respectively.

[0078] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the conductive line 210 may be formed along the edge of the sensing portion 100. In this case, the conductive line 210 may be formed along both edges of the cutout portions S2 and S3 and the upper non-bent portions of the cutout portions S2 and S3 in the cutout portions S2 and S3 region. The conductive line 210 may be formed on the insulating layer and connected to the electrode layer through a contact penetrating the insulating layer.

[0079] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, when the wire 210 is formed on the edge of the sensing portion 100, the wire 210 can be made of a transparent conductive material to ensure visibility. As the transparent conductive material, metal oxides, oxide / metal / oxide structure stacks, metal meshes, etc. can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0080] because Figure 4A and Figure 4B The rest of the structure and Figure 2A and Figure 2B The corresponding construction of is the same, so the detailed description of the remaining constructions is given by Figure 2A and Figure 2B Replace with the relevant description.

[0081] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Enlarged views of a vertex region of a touch sensor in which wirings are formed at an edge of a sensing portion according to the present invention are shown in an expanded state and a bent state, respectively.

[0082] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the conductive line 210 may be formed to be arranged along the curved edge of the cutout portion S2 and the uncurved upper non-curved portion of the cutout portion S2 .

[0083] The image display device according to the present invention may include the touch sensor and a display panel coupled to one side of the touch sensor. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescent display panel, an organic light emitting diode display panel, or the like.

[0084] The present invention has been described above by various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to change or modify these embodiments in other forms. However, since the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims, it is understood that such changes or modifications are included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, characterized in that: include: sensing electrodes; a curved portion having edges that curve back at four sides; as well as A cutout portion joined after cutting at the apex of the bent portion, wherein The cutout width of the cutout portion increases from front to rear in the cutout state, and the cutout portion includes: a first cutout portion extending from front to rear with a first length and a second cutout portion extending rearward from the first cutout portion with a second length in the cutout state. The curved portion includes: a first curved portion extending from front to rear while being curved at a first curved radius; and a second curved portion extending rearward from the first curved portion in a straight line or extending rearward from the first curved portion in a curved state while being curved at a second curved radius larger than the first curved radius. The first cutout portion is formed in the first bent portion, the second cutout portion is formed in the second bent portion, and The first cutout portion and the second cutout portion respectively have a first recessed portion with a first recessed radius and a second recessed portion with a second recessed radius at the cutout ends, and the first recessed radius is smaller than the second recessed radius, Thus, by changing the concave radii of the first concave portion and the second concave portion, the curvature of the curved portion can be flexibly responded to and the curvature at the apex region of the curved portion can be smoothed.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: A first black matrix is ​​also included on a lower surface of the second curved portion.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 2, wherein: A second black matrix is ​​further included on a lower surface of the cutout end portion of the cutout portion.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a wiring formed along both edges of the cutout portion and an upper non-bent portion of the cutout portion.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The wiring is formed of a transparent conductive material.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The wiring uses at least one selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, oxide / metal / oxide structure laminate, and metal mesh.

7. A window laminate, characterized in that: include: Covered windows; as well as The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, coupled to the cover window.

8. An image display device, characterized in that: include: Display panel; as well as The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, coupled to the display panel.

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