Antenna structure and image display device

Abstract

An antenna structure and an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention include a substrate layer including a touch sensing area and a touch sensing-antenna area, a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes disposed on the touch sensing area of the substrate layer and arranged in directions crossing each other, a third sensing electrode disposed on the touch sensing-antenna area of the substrate layer and formed as a single electrode, and an antenna pattern disposed on the touch sensing-antenna area of the substrate layer. The antenna pattern includes a radiation pattern inserted into the third sensing electrode in a plan view.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference and priority claims of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0134917, filed on October 28, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an antenna structure and an image display device including the antenna structure. More specifically, this invention relates to an antenna structure combined with a touch sensor structure and an image display device including the antenna structure. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, electronic devices have been developed in various forms, such as tablet computers, that allow users to input directions by using their hands or objects to select instructions displayed on the image display device by combining touch sensors with an image display device.

[0005] Furthermore, image display devices are integrated with communication devices such as smartphones. Therefore, antennas used for high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency band communication can be applied to image display devices.

[0006] As mentioned above, when a touch sensor and antenna are included in an image display device, a design configuration requiring the insertion of multiple electrodes within a limited space is necessary. Furthermore, the electrodes may cause optical interference to the display panel of the image display device and the image generated therefrom. Additionally, the current or signals from the sensing electrodes of the touch sensor and the antenna may collide or interfere with each other.

[0007] For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 2014-0092366 discloses a recently developed touchscreen panel in which a touch sensor is connected to various image display devices. Korean Patent Publication No. 2013-0095451 discloses an antenna integrated into a display panel. However, no image display device in which the antenna and touch sensor are effectively arranged together has been provided. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna structure with improved electrical and optical characteristics and space efficiency is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image display device is provided, comprising an antenna structure having improved electrical and optical characteristics and space efficiency.

[0010] (1) An antenna structure comprising: a substrate layer including a touch sensing area and a touch sensing-antenna area; a plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes disposed on the touch sensing area of the substrate layer and arranged in directions crossing each other; a third sensing electrode disposed on the touch sensing-antenna area of the substrate layer and formed as a single electrode; and an antenna pattern disposed on the touch sensing-antenna area of the substrate layer, the antenna pattern including a radiation pattern inserted into the third sensing electrode in a plan view.

[0011] (2) The antenna structure according to the above (1), wherein the radiation pattern includes a plurality of radiation patterns inserted into the third sensing electrode.

[0012] (3) The antenna structure according to the above (1), further comprising a bridge electrode electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in a first direction parallel to a top surface of the substrate layer.

[0013] (4) The antenna structure according to the above (3), further comprising a connection portion for electrically connecting the second sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in a second direction parallel to the top surface of the substrate layer and perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the connection portion is integrally connected with the second sensing electrodes.

[0014] (5) The antenna structure according to the above (4), wherein a plurality of first sensing electrode rows are defined by the plurality of first sensing electrodes electrically connected to each other by the bridge electrode, and a plurality of second sensing electrode columns are defined by the plurality of second sensing electrodes connected to each other by the connection portion.

[0015] (6) The antenna structure according to the above (5), further comprising a first trace extending from each of the first sensing electrode rows and a second trace extending from each of the second sensing electrode columns.

[0016] (7) The antenna structure according to the above (6), further comprising a third trace extending from the third sensing electrode.

[0017] (8) The antenna structure according to the above (1), wherein the radiation pattern is located in the same layer or the same level as the first sensing electrodes, the second sensing electrodes, and the third sensing electrode.

[0018] (9) The antenna structure according to the above (1), wherein the radiation pattern and the third sensing electrode include a mesh structure having the same shape.

[0019] (10) The antenna structure according to (9) above, further comprising a dummy pattern formed between the third sensing electrode and the radiation pattern.

[0020] (11) The antenna structure according to (10) above, wherein the dummy pattern comprises a mesh structure having the same shape as the third sensing electrode and the radiation pattern.

[0021] (12) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein a first sensing electrode of the plurality of first sensing electrodes or a second sensing electrode of the plurality of second sensing electrodes disposed adjacent to an outer periphery of the touch sensing area of the touch sensing-antenna area comprises an extension portion extending into the touch sensing-antenna area.

[0022] (13) The antenna structure according to (12) above, wherein the extension portion at least partially interposes into the third sensing electrode in a plan view.

[0023] (14) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein the antenna pattern further comprises a transmission line branched from the radiation pattern and extending, and a signal pad electrically connected to a distal end of the transmission line.

[0024] (15) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein the touch sensing area comprises a central portion of the substrate layer, and the touch sensing-antenna area is positioned at one end portion of the substrate layer.

[0025] (16) The antenna structure according to (15) above, wherein the substrate layer further comprises a circuit connection area positioned at another end portion of the substrate layer.

[0026] (17) An image display apparatus comprising the antenna structure according to the above embodiments.

[0027] The antenna structure according to the embodiments of the present application can include a sensing electrode and a radiation pattern of an antenna pattern in the same area or the same level. Thus, an additional separate space and process for forming an antenna pattern can be omitted, and an antenna pattern substantially integrated with a touch sensor layer can be provided.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, a sensing electrode adjacent to an antenna pattern can be formed as a single electrode. Thus, touch sensing with a predetermined sensitivity can be maintained by a sensing electrode formed around an antenna pattern.

[0029] In some embodiments, a sensing electrode and an antenna pattern can include a mesh structure having, for example, the same structure, and visibility of the electrode to a user can be reduced by enhancing pattern uniformity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view showing a region and structure of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are a schematic top plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view, respectively, showing an arrangement of sensing electrodes in a touch sensing region of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic top plan view showing an arrangement of sensing electrodes and antenna patterns of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view showing an arrangement of sensing electrodes and antenna patterns of an antenna structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view showing an image display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an antenna structure including sensing electrodes and antenna patterns in the same region is provided. The antenna structure can be a touch sensor-antenna structure combined or integrated with a touch sensor.

[0036] Further, an image display apparatus including the antenna structure is also provided.

[0037] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that such embodiments described with reference to the drawings are provided to further understand the spirit of the present application, and do not limit the subject matter to be protected disclosed in the specific embodiments and the appended claims.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view showing a region and structure of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] For convenience of description, the illustration of sensing electrodes and antenna patterns is omitted in Figure 1 , which will be described later with reference to Figures 2 to 6 in more detail.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , the antenna structure can include a substrate layer 100 on which the sensing electrodes and the antenna patterns are arranged.

[0041] The substrate layer 100 or the antenna structure can include a touch sensing region TR and a touch sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0042] The touch sensing area TR can include a central portion of the substrate layer 100, and can serve as a basic effective area of a touch sensor in which a touch input of a user can be sensed.

[0043] The touch sensing-antenna area TAR can be, for example, an area in which an antenna pattern for implementing high frequency or ultra-high frequency communication corresponding to 3G, 4G, 5G or more communication is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, some of the sensing electrodes of the touch sensor can be distributed in the touch sensing-antenna area TAR together with the antenna pattern.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1A, the touch sensing-antenna area TAR can be allocated to one end portion of the substrate layer 100 to be adjacent to the touch sensing area TR. Figure 1

[0045] The antenna structure can further include integrated circuit (IC) chips for driving and controlling the touch sensor and the antenna pattern. For example, an antenna driving IC chip 260 can be disposed adjacent to the touch sensing-antenna area TAR and electrically connected to the antenna pattern. A touch sensor driving IC chip 250 can be disposed adjacent to the touch sensing area TR at the other end portion of the substrate layer 100 to be electrically connected to the ends of the traces branching from the sensing electrodes.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1A, the touch sensing-antenna area TAR can be allocated to one end portion of the substrate layer 100 to be adjacent to the touch sensing area TR. Figure 1

[0047] In some embodiments, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) can be respectively disposed between the antenna driving IC chip 260 and the antenna pattern and between the touch sensor driving IC chip 250 and the end portion of the traces.

[0048] In some embodiments, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) can be respectively disposed between the antenna driving IC chip 260 and the antenna pattern and between the touch sensor driving IC chip 250 and the ends of the traces.

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are a schematic top plan view and a schematic cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the arrangement of the sensing electrodes in the touch sensing area of the antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic top plan view showing the arrangement of the sensing electrodes and the antenna pattern of the antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. ​​

[0050] For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the I-I' line in the thickness direction. Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the arrangement of the electrodes in the touch sensing-antenna region TAR and the touch sensing region TR adjacent to the touch sensing-antenna region TAR. Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the arrangement of the electrodes in the touch sensing-antenna region TAR and the touch sensing region TR adjacent to the touch sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130 can be arranged on the touch sensing region TR of the substrate layer 100 with reference to Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, touch sensing can be achieved on the touch sensing region TR by mutual capacitance formed between the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130.

[0052] In the drawings, two directions crossing each other in parallel to the top surface of the substrate layer 100 are defined as a first direction and a second direction. For example, the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other.

[0053] The antenna structure can include the sensing electrodes 110 and 130, the bridge electrode 115, and the connection portion 135 arranged on the touch sensing region TR of the substrate layer 100.

[0054] The substrate layer 100 can broadly include a support layer or a film type member for forming the sensing electrodes 110 and 130 and the antenna pattern to be described later. For example, the substrate layer 100 can include a film material commonly used for a touch sensor, and can include, for example, glass, a polymer, and / or an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the polymer can include a cyclic olefin polymer (COP), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyacrylate (PAR), a polyetherimide (PEI), a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a polyallylate, a polyimide (PI), cellulose acetate-propionate (CAP), a polyethersulfone (PES), cellulose triacetate (TAC), a polycarbonate (PC), a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or the like. Examples of the inorganic insulating material include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, a metal oxide, or the like.

[0055] In some embodiments, a layer or a film member of an image display device in which the antenna structure is inserted can be used as the substrate layer 100. For example, an encapsulation layer or a passivation layer included in a display panel can be used as the substrate layer 100.

[0056] The first sensing electrode 110 can be arranged along a first direction. Each first sensing electrode 110 can have an independent island pattern shape, and adjacent first sensing electrodes 110 in the first direction can be electrically connected to each other through a bridging electrode 115.

[0057] Therefore, a first row of sensing electrodes extending in a first direction can be defined, and multiple rows of first sensing electrodes can be arranged along a second direction.

[0058] The second sensing electrode 130 can be arranged along a second direction. Second sensing electrodes 130 adjacent to each other in the second direction can be connected to each other via a connecting portion 135. The second sensing electrode 130 and the connecting portion 135 can be integrally connected to each other to serve as a basic single component. In this case, the second sensing electrode 130 and the connecting portion 135 can be patterned together from the same conductive layer and can be positioned on the same layer or at the same level.

[0059] Therefore, a second sensing electrode array extending in the second direction can be defined, and multiple second sensing electrode arrays can be arranged along the first direction.

[0060] The traces can branch out and extend from each of the first row of sensing electrodes and the second column of sensing electrodes. For example, the first trace 140 can branch out and extend from each of the first rows of sensing electrodes. The second trace 145 can branch out and extend from each of the second columns of sensing electrodes.

[0061] The first traces 140 and 145 may extend along, for example, the outer periphery of the substrate layer 100, and may be concentrated in... Figure 1 The circuit connection area BR is shown. Therefore, as described above, bonding with the touch sensor driver IC chip 50 can be achieved through the ends of the first trace 140 and the second trace 145.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, an insulating layer 120 can be formed on the substrate layer 100 to at least partially cover the first sensing electrode 110 and the connection portion 135. A bridging electrode 115 can be disposed on the insulating layer 120 to electrically connect adjacent first sensing electrodes 110 to each other through, for example, contact holes formed in the insulating layer 120.

[0063] A passivation layer 150 for protecting the touch sensor can be formed on the insulating layer 120 and the bridging electrode 115.

[0064] In some embodiments, the touch sensor included in the antenna structure can have a bottom bridge structure in which a bridge electrode 115 including a metal is disposed under the sensing electrodes 110 and 130. The bridge electrode 115 including a low-resistance metal can be disposed away from a visible face (e.g., a top surface of the passivation layer 150), so that light reflection and channel resistance can be reduced.

[0065] The insulating layer 120 and the passivation layer 150 can include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, etc., and / or an organic insulating material such as an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, etc.

[0066] The sensing electrodes 110 and 130, the bridge electrode 115, and / or the traces 140 and 145 can 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), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy including at least one of the above metals (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC) or copper-calcium (CuCa)). They can be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0067] The sensing electrodes 110 and 130, the bridge electrode 115, and / or the traces 140 and 145 can include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), tin cadmium oxide (CTO), etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sensing electrodes 110 and 130, the bridge electrode 115, and / or the traces 140 and 145 can include a stacked structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer. For example, the sensing electrodes 110 and 130, the bridge electrode 115, and / or the traces 140 and 145 can have a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, flexibility and signal transmission speed can be improved by the metal layer, and corrosion resistance and transparency can be improved by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sensing electrodes 110 and 130 can include a mesh structure including a plurality of electrode lines that cross each other.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4 As described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130 can be arranged on the touch sensing area TR of the substrate layer 100 according to an arrangement of a mutual capacitance operation type.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 can be arranged together on the touch-sensing-antenna region TAR of the substrate layer 100.

[0072] The antenna pattern 200 can include a radiating pattern 210, a transmission line 220, and a signal pad 230. The radiating pattern 210 can have, for example, a polygonal plate shape, and the transmission line 220 can branch and extend from the radiating pattern 210. The signal pad 230 can be electrically connected to an end portion of the transmission line 220.

[0073] The antenna pattern 200 can include a conductive material substantially the same as or similar to the sensing electrodes 110 and 130. For example, the antenna pattern 200 can include the above-described metal or alloy or transparent conductive oxide, and can have a multi-layer structure of a metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0074] In some embodiments, the radiating pattern 210 and the transmission line 220 can have a mesh structure including a plurality of electrode lines crossing each other. In one embodiment, the radiating pattern 210 and the transmission line 220 can be formed as a substantially single member including the mesh structure.

[0075] The signal pad 230 can be formed, for example, as a solid pattern including the above-described metal or alloy to reduce a feeding resistance. Figure 1 The illustrated antenna driving IC chip 260 can be electrically connected to the signal pad 230 of the antenna pattern 200 via, for example, an FPCB.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the transmission line 220 can be formed as a solid pattern.

[0077] The third sensing electrode 160 can have a single electrode shape. In one embodiment, one third sensing electrode 160 can continuously extend over the entire touch-sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0078] For example, the third sensing electrode 160 can function as an independent single sensing domain. In this case, the third sensing electrode 160 can function as a self-capacitance sensing electrode.

[0079] In one embodiment, the third sensing electrode 160 can generate a touch sensing signal through mutual capacitance with the adjacent first sensing electrode 110 or the second sensing electrode 130.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna pattern 200 can be disposed not to overlap the third sensing electrode 160 in a plan view. As Figure 4 As illustrated, at least a portion of the antenna pattern 200 can be inserted into the third sensing electrode 160 while being physically and electrically isolated from the third electrode in a plan view.

[0081] For example, the radiation pattern 210 can be disposed inside the third sensing electrode 160, and at least a portion of the transmission line 220 can extend into the third sensing electrode 160.

[0082] In some embodiments, a plurality of the antenna patterns 200 or the radiation patterns 210 can be included in the third sensing electrode 160 in the form of an array in a plan view.

[0083] For example, one third sensing electrode 160 can continuously extend over the touch sensing-antenna region TAR to surround a plurality of the antenna patterns 200 or the radiation patterns 210.

[0084] The third sensing electrode 160 can be physically and electrically separated from the antenna pattern 200. For example, when in Figure 4 The third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 can be separated from each other by a dummy region DR when viewed in the plan view shown. Accordingly, mutual electrical interference and signal interference between touch sensing and antenna driving can be prevented.

[0085] For example, the dummy region DR can extend along the outer periphery of the radiation pattern 210 and the transmission line 220, and can separate the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 from each other.

[0086] The third trace 170 can branch from the third sensing electrode 160 and extend. For example, the third trace 170 can extend along an outer peripheral portion of the substrate layer 100 to Figure 1 the circuit connection region BR shown. For example, one third trace 170 can extend from the third sensing electrode 160 disposed as a single electrode.

[0087] For example, the end of the third trace 170 can be electrically connected to the touch sensor driving IC chip 250. Accordingly, the touch sensing operation in the touch sensing region TR and the touch sensing-antenna region TAR can be controlled by the touch sensor driving IC chip 250.

[0088] The third sensing electrode 160 can include substantially the same or similar conductive material as the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130. For example, the third sensing electrode 160 can include the metal, the alloy, and / or the transparent conductive oxide described above.

[0089] In some embodiments, the third sensing electrode 160 can include a mesh structure. For example, the third sensing electrode 160 can include substantially the same or similar mesh structure as the radiation pattern 210 of the antenna pattern 200. Accordingly, electrode visibility due to a shape change of the conductive pattern in the touch sensing-antenna region TAR can be reduced or prevented.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first sensing electrode 110, the second sensing electrode 130, the third sensing electrode 160, and the radiating pattern 210 can all have a substantially same or similar mesh structure.

[0091] The third sensing electrode 160 can be located in the same layer or the same level as the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130. For example, the third sensing electrode 160 can be disposed together with the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130 on the substrate layer 100.

[0092] In some embodiments, the radiating pattern 210 of the antenna pattern 200 can be disposed in the same layer or the same level as the third sensing electrode 160. For example, the radiating pattern 210 can be disposed together with the third sensing electrode 160 on the substrate layer 100. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, the radiating pattern 210 can be inserted or embedded in the third sensing electrode 160. Figure 4

[0093] In some embodiments, the radiating pattern 210 of the antenna pattern 200 can be located in a different layer or a different level than the third sensing electrode 160. For example, the radiating pattern 210 can be disposed at a higher level than the third sensing electrode 160.

[0094] For example, the antenna pattern 200 can be disposed together with the bridging electrode 115 on the insulating layer 120 (see FIG. 2C). Figure 3 In this case, referring again to FIG. 2B, the antenna pattern 200 can be disposed so as not to overlap the third sensing electrode 160 in a plan view. Figure 4

[0095] Therefore, signal reception and field formation by the radiating pattern 210 can be prevented from being interfered with or obstructed by the third sensing electrode 160.

[0096] As described above, the antenna pattern 200 or the radiating pattern 210 can be formed together in the same layer or the same level as the sensing electrodes 110 and 130 or the bridging electrode 115 included in the touch sensing area TR. Therefore, a structure in which a touch sensor and an antenna can be integrated into one product or unit can be implemented while maintaining the independence of antenna driving by the radiating pattern 210.

[0097] In addition, the third sensing electrode 160 can be arranged in the form of a single electrode around the antenna pattern 200, so that a touch sensing function can also be provided in an area adjacent to the antenna pattern 200.

[0098] ​​The first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130 can be arranged in the touch sensing area TR by mutual capacitance to form a first trace 140 and a second trace 145 for each row and column of sensing electrodes, respectively. Therefore, the number of traces can be relatively reduced to increase the density of sensing electrodes.

[0099] Therefore, in the actual effective touch area, high sensitivity and high resolution touch sensing can be achieved through the first sensing electrode 110 and the second sensing electrode 130. Furthermore, touch sensing requiring predetermined sensitivity, such as the operation of a home button and key buttons, can be achieved in the area adjacent to the antenna pattern 200 in conjunction with the antenna drive.

[0100] Figure 5 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the arrangement of sensing electrodes and antenna patterns according to some exemplary embodiments of an antenna structure. References are omitted here. Figure 4 A detailed description of the basic identical or similar components and constructions.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 The first sensing electrode 110 and / or the second sensing electrode 130 disposed on the periphery of the touch sensing-antenna region TAR adjacent to the touch sensing region TR may include an extension portion 165 extending into the touch sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0102] In some implementations, the extension portion 165 may be formed from one end of a second sensing electrode array that extends in a second direction to extend over the touch sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0103] Alternatively, the extension portion 165 may be formed by one end of a first sensing electrode row extending in the first direction to the touch sensing-antenna region TAR.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the extension 165 may have a shape that is inserted into the third sensing electrode in a plan view. For example, a plurality of extensions 165 may protrude into the touch sensing-antenna region (TAR), and the third sensing electrode 160 may be spaced apart from the extensions 165 and may at least partially surround the extensions 165 along the contour of the extensions 165.

[0105] As described above, the extension portion 165 can extend from the sensing electrodes 110 and 130 and can be disposed adjacent to the third sensing electrode 160. Therefore, mutual capacitance between the third sensing electrode 160 and the extension portion 165 can be additionally generated, thereby increasing the touch sensing sensitivity in the touch sensing-antenna region (TAR).

[0106] Figure 6is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of a sensing electrode and an antenna pattern of an antenna structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6 A dummy pattern 240 can be formed in a dummy region DR in which the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 are spaced apart from each other.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the dummy pattern 240 can be formed in a mesh structure in which a plurality of electrode lines including the above-described metal, alloy, or transparent conductive oxide can intersect each other. In one embodiment, the dummy pattern 240 can have substantially the same or similar mesh structure as the third sensing electrode 160 and the radiating pattern 210.

[0109] The dummy pattern 240 can be patterned to be electrically and physically spaced apart from the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200. Due to the insertion of the dummy pattern 240, the shape and arrangement uniformity of the conductive pattern in the touch sensing-antenna region TAR can be more improved, and thus the visual recognition of the electrode pattern can be effectively prevented.

[0110] Further, the noise between the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 can be shielded or absorbed by the dummy pattern 240. Thus, the independence and reliability of the touch sensing through the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna feeding / radiation through the antenna pattern 200 can be further improved.

[0111] In some embodiments, the dummy pattern 240 can include a cutting region from which an electrode line can be cut. In this case, self-electric interference caused by the dummy pattern 240 can be prevented, and the handling reliability of the third sensing electrode 160 and the antenna pattern 200 can be further improved.

[0112] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing an image display apparatus according to exemplary embodiments. For example, Figure 7 An external shape of the image display apparatus including a window is shown.

[0113] Referring to Figure 7 , the image display apparatus 300 can include a display region 310 and a peripheral region 320. For example, the peripheral region 320 can be disposed at both lateral portions and / or both end portions of the display region 310. The peripheral region 320 can correspond to, for example, a light-shielding portion or a bezel portion of the image display apparatus

[0114] The above-described antenna structure can be disposed on the display region 310 and the peripheral region 320 of the image display apparatus 300, and the first and second sensing electrodes 110 and 130 of the touch sensing region TR can be arranged in the display region 310.

[0115] The touch sensing-antenna area TAR can be located on the display area 310 and the outer peripheral area 320. For example, the radiation pattern 210 of the antenna pattern 200 and the third sensing electrode 160 around the radiation pattern 210 can also be arranged at least partially in the display area 310. As described above, the radiation pattern 210 and the third sensing electrode 160 can be formed using a mesh structure to prevent being visually recognized by a user.

[0116] The antenna pattern 200 and the third sensing electrode 160 can also be distributed in the outer peripheral area 320. For example, the touch sensing sensitivity for recognizing a home button or a key button in the outer peripheral area 320 can be provided by the third sensing electrode 160.

[0117] Figure 4 The signal pad 230 of the illustrated antenna pattern 200 can be provided in the outer peripheral area 320. In addition, the touch sensor driving IC chip 250 and the antenna driving IC chip 260 can be provided in the outer peripheral area 320 to be electrically connected to the pads connected to the sensing electrodes 110, 130, and 160 and the signal pad 230 of the antenna pattern 200, respectively.

[0118] According to the above-described exemplary embodiments, the antenna pattern 200 of the antenna structure can be integrated with the sensing electrodes 110, 130, and 160 of the touch sensor in the same area or the same portion, so that the spatial degree of freedom of the image display apparatus can be increased.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that, include: A substrate layer, comprising a touch sensing region and a touch sensing-antenna region; A plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes are disposed on the touch sensing area of ​​the substrate layer and arranged in directions intersecting each other; The third sensing electrode is disposed on the touch sensing-antenna region of the substrate layer and is formed as a single electrode; as well as Multiple antenna patterns are disposed on the touch sensing-antenna region of the substrate layer, the antenna patterns including radiation patterns inserted into the third sensing electrode in a planar view. The third sensing electrode and the radiation pattern are located on the same layer or at the same level to be separated from each other by dummy regions, and the third sensing electrode extends continuously to surround the plurality of radiation patterns. Multiple of the radiation patterns are inserted into the third sensing electrode, which serves as a single electrode for use as an independent single sensing domain.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bridging electrode that electrically connects the first sensing electrodes that are adjacent to each other in a first direction parallel to the top surface of the substrate layer.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a connection portion for electrically connecting adjacent second sensing electrodes in a second direction parallel to the top surface of the substrate layer and perpendicular to the first direction. The connecting portion is integrally connected to the second sensing electrode.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of first sensing electrode rows are defined by the plurality of first sensing electrodes electrically connected to each other via the bridging electrodes, and A plurality of second sensing electrode columns are defined by the plurality of second sensing electrodes connected to each other through the connection portion.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a first trace extending from each of the first row of sensing electrodes and a second trace extending from each of the second column of sensing electrodes.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a third trace extending from the third sensing electrode.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation pattern is located on the same layer or at the same level as the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

8. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation pattern and the third sensing electrode both comprise a mesh structure of the same shape.

9. The antenna structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a dummy pattern formed between the third sensing electrode and the radiation pattern.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The dummy pattern includes a mesh structure with the same shape as the third sensing electrode and the radiation pattern.

11. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensing electrode of the plurality of first sensing electrodes disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the touch sensing-antenna region in the touch sensing region, or the second sensing electrode of the plurality of second sensing electrodes, includes an extension portion extending into the touch sensing-antenna region.

12. The antenna structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The extension portion is at least partially inserted into the third sensing electrode in the plan view.

13. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna pattern also includes transmission lines branching from and extending from the radiation pattern, and signal pads electrically connected to the ends of the transmission lines.

14. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch sensing area includes the central portion of the substrate layer, and the touch sensing-antenna area is located at one end portion of the substrate layer.

15. The antenna structure according to claim 14, characterized in that, The substrate layer also includes a circuit connection area located at another end portion of the substrate layer.

16. An image display device, characterized in that, Includes the antenna structure according to claim 1.

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