Antenna element and display device including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides an antenna element and a display device including the same. The antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a dielectric layer; a first antenna pattern having a bent structure and extending along the upper surface, side surface, and lower surface of the dielectric layer; and a second antenna pattern having a bent structure and extending along the side surface and lower surface of the dielectric layer. The antenna element of the present invention can be disposed on the side of the display device, and the space occupied by the antenna element can be reduced.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications and claim of priority

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10 - 2019 - 0112962 and 10 - 2020 - 0041053, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on September 11, 2019 and April 3, 2020, respectively, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an antenna element and a display device including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antenna element including an electrode and a dielectric layer and a display device including the antenna element. Background Art

[0004] With the development of information technology, in the configuration of, for example, a smart phone, wireless communication technologies such as Wi - Fi and Bluetooth are combined with a display device. In this case, an antenna can be combined with the display device to provide a communication function.

[0005] Due to the rapid development of mobile communication technology, an antenna capable of achieving high - frequency or ultra - high - frequency communication is required in a display device. In addition, since the display device equipped with an antenna becomes thinner and lighter, the space for the antenna also decreases. Therefore, it is not easy to achieve high - frequency and broadband signal transmission and reception in a limited space. For example, in recent 5G high - band communication, as the wavelength becomes shorter, signal transmission and reception are hindered. Therefore, multi - axis signaling is advantageous for reducing signal loss.

[0006] In addition, in the case of applying a film - type or patch - type antenna to a thin display device, it may not be easy to achieve radiation reliability in high - frequency or ultra - high - frequency communication.

[0007] For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 2016 - 0059291 discloses an antenna integrated in a display panel, which cannot provide sufficient high - frequency radiation reliability in a limited space. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna element with improved gain and signaling efficiency.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device including an antenna element with improved gain and signaling efficiency.

[0010] (1) An antenna element, comprising: a dielectric layer; a first antenna pattern having a curved structure and extending along an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface of the dielectric layer; and a second antenna pattern having a curved structure and extending along the side surface and the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0011] (2) The antenna element as described in (1) above, wherein the side surface of the dielectric layer has a curved shape.

[0012] (3) The antenna element as described in (1) above, wherein the first antenna pattern includes a first radiation pattern, a first transmission line extending from the first radiation pattern, and a first signal pad connected to an end of the first transmission line, and the second antenna pattern includes a second radiation pattern, a second transmission line extending from the second radiation pattern, and a second signal pad connected to an end of the second transmission line.

[0013] (4) The antenna element as described in (3) above, wherein the first radiation pattern is disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, the first transmission line is disposed on the side surface of the dielectric layer, and the first signal pad is disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0014] (5) The antenna element as described in (3) above, wherein the second radiation pattern is disposed on the side surface of the dielectric layer, the second signal pad is disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer, and the second transmission line extends between the second radiation pattern and the second signal pad.

[0015] (6) The antenna element as described in (5) above, wherein the second radiation pattern has a curved shape.

[0016] (7) The antenna element as described in (5) above, further comprising a ground pattern disposed inside the dielectric layer, and the ground pattern is opposite to the second radiation pattern across the dielectric layer.

[0017] (8) The antenna element as described in (3) above, wherein the first antenna pattern further includes a first ground pad disposed around the first signal pad in a manner spaced apart from the first transmission line and the first signal pad, and the second antenna pattern further includes a second ground pad disposed around the second signal pad in a manner spaced apart from the second transmission line and the second signal pad.

[0018] (9) The antenna element as described in (1) above, wherein the dielectric layer is formed by folding a preliminary dielectric layer in a planar state including a first region, a second region, and a third region so that the second region is bent with the first region and the third region facing each other, and the surface of the second region of the preliminary dielectric layer corresponds to the side surface of the dielectric layer.

[0019] (10) The antenna element as described in (1) above, wherein a plurality of the first antenna patterns and a plurality of the second antenna patterns are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0020] (11) The antenna element as described in (1) above, wherein the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern include a grid structure.

[0021] (12) The antenna element as described in (11) above, further comprising a dummy grid pattern disposed around the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern in a manner spaced apart from the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern.

[0022] (13) The antenna element as described in (1) above, further comprising a third antenna pattern including a third radiation pattern disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0023] (14) The antenna element as described in (13) above, wherein the third antenna pattern further comprises a third transmission line extending from the third radiation pattern and a third signal pad connected to an end of the third transmission line.

[0024] (15) The antenna element as described in (14) above, wherein the third transmission line and the third signal pad are disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer together with the third radiation pattern.

[0025] (16) A display device, comprising: a display panel including an electrode structure; and an antenna element disposed on the display panel according to the above-described embodiments.

[0026] (17) The display device as described in (16) above, wherein the electrode structure serves as a ground layer for the first antenna pattern.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the antenna element may include a dielectric layer and an antenna pattern disposed on the upper surface, side surface, and / or lower surface of the dielectric layer, and has a curved structure. Thus, the antenna element can be disposed on the side of the display device, and the space occupied by the antenna element can be reduced.

[0028] Multiple antenna patterns can be formed, and the radiation patterns of the respective antenna patterns can be disposed on the upper surface, side surface, and lower surface of the dielectric layer. Thus, dual-polarization or multi-axis directional signal transmission and reception can be achieved within a limited space, and high-frequency and broadband signal transmission and reception can also be achieved.

[0029] In some embodiments, multiple radiation patterns may be alternately and repeatedly disposed on the upper surface and the side surface of the dielectric layer. Thus, radiation coverage of substantially the entire area can be achieved, thereby improving signal transmission / reception efficiency and sensitivity.

[0030] The above-described antenna element can be applied to a display device including a mobile communication device capable of transmitting and receiving high-frequency / ultra-high-frequency bands of 3G, 4G, and above 5G, thereby improving optical performance such as transmittance and radiation performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figures 2 - 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic top view showing an antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing an antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Figure 10 and 11 is a schematic top view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an antenna element including a dielectric layer and a plurality of antenna patterns that can be disposed on the entire upper surface, side surface, and / or lower surface, and may have a bent structure.

[0040] The above-described antenna element can be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna manufactured in the form of a transparent film. The above-described antenna element can be applied to a communication device for high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency mobile communication corresponding to, for example, 3G, 4G, and above 5G mobile communication.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a display device including the above-described antenna element.

[0042] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided for further understanding of the spirit of the present invention, rather than limiting the specific embodiments and the gist to be protected disclosed in the appended claims.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1 In, two directions parallel to the upper surface of the dielectric layer 100 and intersecting each other are defined as a first direction and a second direction. For example, the above-mentioned first direction and second direction may be perpendicular to each other. The direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the dielectric layer 100 is defined as a third direction. For example, the above-mentioned first direction may correspond to the width direction of the antenna element, the second direction may correspond to the length direction of the antenna element, and the third direction may correspond to the thickness direction of the antenna element. The definition of the above directions can be equally applied to all the drawings.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 , the antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include the above-mentioned dielectric layer 100, a first antenna pattern 110, and a second antenna pattern 130. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned antenna element may further include a third antenna pattern 150.

[0046] The above-mentioned dielectric layer 100 may include a first surface 100a, a second surface 100b, and a third surface 100c. For example, the above-mentioned first surface 100a, second surface 100b, and third surface 100c may respectively correspond to the upper surface, side surface, and lower surface of the dielectric layer 100. For example, Figure 1 is a side view of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 in the second direction.

[0047] The above dielectric layer 100 may include an insulating material having a predetermined dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric layer 100 may include, for example, a flexible transparent resin material. For example, the dielectric layer 100 may include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose resins such as diacetyl cellulose and triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate resins; acrylic resins such as poly(methyl) methacrylate and poly(ethyl) methacrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cycloolefins or polyolefins having a norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride resins; amide resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide resins; polyethersulfone resins; sulfone resins; polyetheretherketone resins; polyphenylene sulfide resins; vinyl alcohol resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinyl butyral resins; allylated resins; polyoxymethylene resins; epoxy resins; urethane or acrylic urethane resins; silicone resins, etc. They may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0048] In some embodiments, the above dielectric layer 100 may include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the above dielectric layer 100 may include an inorganic insulating material such as glass, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the above dielectric layer 100 may be adjusted in the range of about 1.5 to about 12. When the dielectric constant is greater than 12, the signal loss in the transmission line may increase excessively, and the signal sensitivity and efficiency in high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency band communication may decrease.

[0051] The above antenna pattern may include a radiation pattern, a transmission line branched and extended from the above radiation pattern, and a signal pad connected to an end of the above transmission line. For example, the above first antenna pattern 110 may include a first radiation pattern 112, a first transmission line 114, and a first signal pad 116. The above second antenna pattern 130 may include a radiation pattern 132, a second transmission line 134, and a second signal pad 136. The above third antenna pattern 150 may include a third radiation pattern 152, a third transmission line 154, and a third signal pad 156.

[0052] In one embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the first radiation pattern 112 of the first antenna pattern 110 can be disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 100. The first transmission line 114 can extend from one side of the first radiation pattern 112 and extend along the contour of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100. The first signal pad 116 can be connected to the end of the first transmission line 114 and can be disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100.

[0053] The second radiation pattern 132 of the second antenna pattern 130 can be disposed on the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100. The second transmission line 134 can extend from one side of the second radiation pattern 132 and extend along the contour of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100. The second signal pad 136 can be connected to the end of the second transmission line 134 and can be disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the third antenna pattern 150 including the third radiation pattern 152 can be disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100.

[0055] For example, the third antenna pattern 150 can include a third transmission line 154 branched and extending from the third radiation pattern 152 and a third signal pad 156 connected to the end of the third transmission line 154. The third transmission line 154 and the third signal pad 156 can be disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100 together with the third radiation pattern 152.

[0056] The radiation patterns 112, 132, and 152 can have, for example Figure 1 the polygon shape shown, but the shapes of the radiation patterns 112, 132, and 152 can be appropriately modified in consideration of the radiation efficiency.

[0057] The first antenna pattern 110, the second antenna pattern 130, and the third antenna pattern 150 can each further include a first ground pad 118, a second ground pad 138, and a third ground pad 158. For example, the ground pads 118, 138, 158 can be separated from the transmission lines 114, 134, 154 and the signal pads 116, 136, 156 in such a way that a pair of ground pads 118, 138, and 158 are opposite to each other across the signal pads 116, 136, and 156 around the signal pads 116, 136, and 156. Therefore, the noise generated during the transmission and reception of the radiation signal can be effectively filtered or reduced by the ground pads 118, 138, 158, and the horizontal radiation characteristics can also be achieved.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may be arranged in an array shape along the above-described first direction. In one embodiment, the above-described first antenna pattern 110 and the second antenna pattern 130 may have the same total length. In one embodiment, the driving frequency may be controlled by adjusting the overall lengths of the respective first antenna pattern 110, second antenna pattern 130, and third antenna pattern 150. In this case, the plurality of antenna patterns may have sensitivities for different frequencies, thereby enabling improvement of the frequency coverage and gain amount of the antenna element.

[0059] For example, the above-described antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may include silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. They may be used alone or in combination.

[0060] For example, in order to achieve low resistance, the above-described antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy such as a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy. In one embodiment, considering low resistance and a fine linewidth pattern, the above-described antenna pattern may include copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., a copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy).

[0061] In some embodiments, the above-described antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may include transparent metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), etc.

[0062] In some embodiments, the above-described antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may have a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer - metal layer - transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the flexible characteristics can be improved due to the metal layer and the resistance can be reduced, and the corrosion resistance can be improved due to the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0063] Figures 2 - 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 1 I-I' line. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 1 II-II' line. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 1 III-III' line.

[0064] Refer to Figure 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the first radiation pattern 112 of the first antenna pattern 110 may be disposed on the first surface 100a of the dielectric layer 100, the first transmission line 114 may be disposed on the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100, and the first signal pad 116 may be disposed on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100.

[0065] In this case, the first ground pad 118 may also be used as a ground layer for the first radiation pattern 112, and the radiation performance in the third direction can be achieved through the first radiation pattern 112.

[0066] In some embodiments, a separate ground layer may be formed under the first radiation pattern 112, or a conductive member of the display device to which the above antenna element is applied may be used as a ground layer for the first radiation pattern 112.

[0067] The conductive member may include, for example, various wirings such as gate electrodes, scan lines, and data lines of thin film transistors (TFTs) included in the display panel, or various electrodes such as pixel electrodes and common electrodes.

[0068] In one embodiment, a metal member such as a SUS board disposed at the rear of the display device, a sensor member such as a digital converter, etc. may be used as a ground layer.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 may have a substantially curved shape. For example, the perimeter of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 may have a substantially curved profile such as a semi-circular contour.

[0070] Refer to Figure 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, the second radiation pattern 132 of the second antenna pattern 130 may be disposed on the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100, and the second signal pad 136 may be disposed on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100.

[0071] In this case, the second transmission line 134 may extend between the second radiation pattern 132 and the second signal pad 136, and the second radiation pattern 132 may have a curved shape along the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100. Thus, the radiation coverage of the second antenna pattern 130 can be further improved through the curved second radiation pattern 132, and substantially multi-axis radiation characteristics can be achieved.

[0072] Refer to Figure 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, the third radiation pattern 152, the third transmission line 154, and the third signal pad 156 of the third antenna pattern 150 may be disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100, such as the third surface 100c.

[0073] In this case, the third antenna pattern 150 described above can be utilized by patterning a conductive member of a mobile device employing the antenna element described above. For example, a metal coating included in the back cover of the mobile device can be patterned and used as the third antenna pattern 150. Thereby, the space occupied by the antenna element can be reduced, and dual-polarization or multi-axis directional signal transmission and reception can be achieved within a limited space.

[0074] In some embodiments, a separate ground layer may be formed to overlap the third radiation pattern 152 in the vertical direction, or a metal member or a sensor member of a display device to which the antenna element described above is applied may be used as the ground layer of the third radiation pattern 152.

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments. A detailed description of components and structures that are substantially the same as or similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 - 4 is omitted herein.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5 , in an exemplary embodiment, the antenna element before bending in a planar state may include a preliminary dielectric layer 90, and antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 are formed on the preliminary dielectric layer 90.

[0077] The preliminary dielectric layer 90 may refer to a dielectric layer in a planar state before being bent into the Figures 1 - 4 form shown, and the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may include a first region I, a second region II, and a third region III.

[0078] After the antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 are formed on the preliminary dielectric layer 90, the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may be folded in such a manner that the first region I and the third region III face each other with the second region II therebetween. For example, the second region II may be bent so that the preliminary dielectric layer 90 can be substantially folded.

[0079] In this case, the first region I and the third region III may overlap each other in the third direction. Thereby, after bending, the first region I and the third region III may be used as the upper and lower portions of the dielectric layer 100, respectively, and the surface of the second region II may correspond to the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100.

[0080] The first radiation pattern 112 of the first antenna pattern 110 described above may be disposed in the first region I, the second radiation pattern 132 of the second antenna pattern 130 may be disposed in the second region II, and the third radiation pattern 152 of the third antenna pattern 150 may be disposed in the third region III. In this case, the signal pads 116, 136, and 156 may be disposed in the third region III.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of first antenna patterns 110, a plurality of second antenna patterns 130, and a plurality of third antenna patterns 150 may be alternately and repeatedly arranged in a horizontal direction. Thus, radiation coverage of substantially the entire region can be achieved, thereby improving signal transmission / reception efficiency and sensitivity. In addition, an interval distance for suppressing mutual radiation interference between adjacent antenna patterns can be obtained.

[0082] According to the above exemplary embodiment, the antenna pattern can be three-dimensionally designed by using the first surface 110a, the second surface 110b, and the third surface 110c of the dielectric layer 100. Thus, the area occupied by the antenna pattern can be reduced, and the border area where the antenna element is located in, for example, an image display device can also be reduced.

[0083] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Figure 6 and 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' of Figure 1 . A detailed description of components and structures that are substantially the same as or similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 - 5 is omitted here.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6 , the antenna element according to some embodiments may further include a ground pattern 160. The ground pattern 160 may be formed inside the dielectric layer 100 and face the second radiation pattern 132 across the dielectric layer 100 in the second direction. Thus, capacitance or inductance can be generated in the length direction of the antenna element, thereby enabling adjustment of the frequency band that the antenna element can drive. In addition, lateral radiation through the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 can be achieved.

[0085] For example, the distance between the antenna pattern and the ground pattern 160 may be 40 μm to 1,000 μm. In this case, resonance frequencies with, for example, high frequencies or ultra-high frequencies of 3G, 4G, 5G and above can be easily achieved.

[0086] Referring to Figure 7, the second antenna pattern 130 described above may be formed on the upper surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90, and the ground pattern 160 described above may be formed on the lower surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90.

[0087] For example, the second radiation pattern 132 described above may be formed on the upper surface of the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90, and the second signal pad 136 may be formed on a part of the upper surface of the third region III of the preliminary dielectric layer 90. The second transmission line 134 may extend between the second radiation pattern 132 and the second signal pad 136. The ground pattern 160 may be formed on the lower surface of the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90.

[0088] The preliminary dielectric layer formed with the second antenna pattern 130 and the ground pattern 160 may be bent by means of the second region II in such a manner that the ground pattern 160 is located inside the dielectric layer 100. Thus, the ground pattern 160 may be substantially surrounded by the first region I and the third region III. In some embodiments, the ground pattern 160 may be substantially embedded in the dielectric layer 100.

[0089] As Figure 6 shown, the second radiation pattern 132 and the ground pattern 160 may have a curved pattern shape such as a C-shape. Therefore, the radiation direction can be expanded to improve the radiation coverage.

[0090] Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing the antenna element before bending according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0091] Referring to Figure 8 , the antenna element may include antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 formed on the preliminary dielectric layer 90 and a dummy grid pattern 170 spaced apart from and disposed around the antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may include a grid structure. For example, the radiation patterns 112, 132, and 152 and the transmission lines 114, 134, and 154 may include a grid structure. Thus, the transmittance of the antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 can be improved, and the flexibility of the antenna element can also be enhanced.

[0093] In some embodiments, in order to suppress the increase in resistance, the electrode lines included in the grid structure may be formed of a low-resistance metal such as copper, copper alloy (e.g., CuCa), silver, silver alloy (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC)). Therefore, a transparent antenna element with low resistance and high sensitivity can be effectively realized.

[0094] The above-described dummy grid pattern 170 and antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 may include substantially the same grid structure. Thus, the electrodes disposed around the antenna pattern become uniform, thereby preventing a user of a display device to which the antenna element is applied from visually recognizing the grid structure or electrode lines included therein.

[0095] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element according to some exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of Figure 1 . A detailed description of components and configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 - 5 is omitted herein.

[0096] Referring to Figure 9 , the above-described antenna element may be disposed on the display panel 230. For example, the above-described display panel 230 may include a flat or curved LCD panel or OLED panel, and the above-described antenna element may be formed in a curved shape along the side of the display panel 230.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, after forming the antenna patterns 110, 130, and 150 on the preliminary dielectric layer 90, the second region II may be folded such that the first region I and the third region III face each other, and then the antenna element may be disposed on the display panel 230. For example, the above-described display panel 230 and the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may be joined to each other by an adhesive, and the adhesive layer may include a material having a dielectric constant.

[0098] The above-described display panel 230 may be used as a ground layer for the antenna pattern. For example, the above-described display panel 230 may include an electrode layer 210 formed on a panel substrate 220, and a conductive member of the electrode layer 210 may be used as the ground layer of the above-described antenna element.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the first region I of the dielectric layer 100 may be disposed on the electrode layer 210, and the second region II of the dielectric layer 100 may be folded along the side of the display panel 230. For example, in the case where a curved OLED is used as the display panel 230, a conductive member of the above-described display panel 230 may be used as a ground layer for the first radiation pattern 112 disposed in the first region I and the second radiation pattern 132 disposed in the second region II.

[0100] In some embodiments, the third region III of the dielectric layer 100 may be disposed below the display panel 230. Thus, a conductive member formed on the lower surface of the display panel 230 can be used as a ground layer for the third radiation pattern 152.

[0101] Figure 10And 11 is a schematic top view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 10 is a schematic top view showing an electrode structure included in a display panel. Figure 11 shows the outer shape of the display device including a window.

[0102] Referring to Figure 10 , the above-mentioned display device may include antenna elements formed on the display panel 230, and the above-mentioned display panel 230 may include a panel substrate 220 and an electrode layer 210. For example, the above-mentioned display panel 230 may be a display panel such as an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

[0103] The above-mentioned electrode layer 210 may include a pixel structure, a wiring structure, and an electrode structure including thin film transistors (TFTs). For example, various wiring structures such as TFTs including an active layer 250, scan lines 265, and data lines 260 included in the display panel, and electrode structures such as a source electrode 262, a gate electrode 267, a drain electrode 270, and a pixel electrode 280 may be conductive members of the display panel 230.

[0104] Therefore, the conductive members included in the display panel can be used as a ground layer without forming an additional ground layer under the radiation patterns 112, 132, and 152 of the antenna elements.

[0105] Referring to Figure 11 , the above-mentioned display device 300 may include a display area 310 and a peripheral area 320. The above-mentioned peripheral area 320 may be disposed on two sides and / or two ends of the display area 310.

[0106] The above-mentioned peripheral area 320 may correspond to, for example, a light-shielding portion or a border portion of an image display device. An integrated circuit (IC) chip for controlling the driving / radiation performance of the antenna elements and providing a feeding signal may be disposed in the above-mentioned peripheral area 320.

[0107] The antenna elements according to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be embedded in the peripheral area 320 in the form of, for example, an antenna film or an antenna patch. As described above, the above-mentioned antenna elements may be three-dimensionally arranged by means of the second surface 100b or the second region II. Thus, the area or volume of the above-mentioned peripheral area 320 can be reduced, and thereby the size of the display area 310 for displaying an image can be relatively increased.

[0108] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned antenna elements may be at least partially in the display area 310. In this case, as described with reference to Figure 8 , the antenna pattern may include a grid structure, so as to prevent the image quality from deteriorating due to the antenna pattern.

Claims

1. An antenna element, comprising: A dielectric layer; A first antenna pattern having a curved structure and extending along the upper surface, side surface, and lower surface of the dielectric layer; And A second antenna pattern having a curved structure and extending along the side surface and lower surface of the dielectric layer, Wherein, the first antenna pattern includes a first radiation pattern disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, a first transmission line extending from the first radiation pattern and disposed on the side surface of the dielectric layer, and a first signal pad connected to an end of the first transmission line and disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer, and The second antenna pattern includes a second radiation pattern disposed on the side surface of the dielectric layer, a second transmission line extending from the second radiation pattern, and a second signal pad connected to an end of the second transmission line and disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The side surface of the dielectric layer has a curved shape.

3. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The second radiation pattern has a curved shape.

4. The antenna element according to claim 1, further comprising a ground pattern disposed inside the dielectric layer, the ground pattern being opposite to the second radiation pattern across the dielectric layer.

5. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The first antenna pattern further includes a first ground pad disposed around the first signal pad in a manner spaced apart from the first transmission line and the first signal pad, The second antenna pattern further includes a second ground pad disposed around the second signal pad in a manner spaced apart from the second transmission line and the second signal pad.

6. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric layer is formed by folding a preliminary dielectric layer in a planar state including a first region, a second region, and a third region so that the second region is bent with the first region and the third region facing each other, and the surface of the second region of the preliminary dielectric layer corresponds to the side surface of the dielectric layer.

7. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, A plurality of the first antenna patterns and a plurality of the second antenna patterns are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the horizontal direction.

8. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern include a grid structure.

9. The antenna element according to claim 8, wherein, It further includes a dummy grid pattern disposed around the first antenna pattern and the second antenna pattern in a manner spaced apart from them.

10. The antenna element according to claim 1, further comprising a third antenna pattern including a third radiation pattern disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

11. The antenna element according to claim 10, wherein, The third antenna pattern further includes a third transmission line extending from the third radiation pattern and a third signal pad connected to an end of the third transmission line.

12. The antenna element according to claim 11, wherein, The third transmission line and the third signal pad are disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer together with the third radiation pattern.

13. A display device, comprising: A display panel including an electrode structure; and The antenna element according to claim 1 disposed on the display panel.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein, The electrode structure serves as a ground layer for the first antenna pattern.

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