Touch sensor, window stack structure including the same, and image display apparatus

Abstract

A touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate layer; a first electrode layer including a first dummy electrode and a first sensing electrode disposed on a top surface of the substrate layer, the first sensing electrode including a first hole therein; an insulating interlayer formed on the substrate layer and covering the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer including a second dummy electrode and a second sensing electrode disposed on a top surface of the insulating interlayer, the second sensing electrode including a second hole therein. Visual recognition of the electrodes can be suppressed by an overlapping arrangement of the holes and the electrode patterns. A window stack structure and an image display device including the touch sensor are also provided.

Description

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0173839, filed on December 24, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a touch sensor and an image display device including the touch sensor. More specifically, the invention relates to a touch sensor including a plurality of sensing electrode layers and an image display device including the touch sensor. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of information technology, there is an increasing demand for display devices that are thinner, lighter, and more energy efficient. Display devices can include flat panel display devices, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, electroluminescent display devices, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices, etc.

[0005] Touch panels or touch sensors have also been developed that allow users to input instructions by selecting commands displayed on the screen using their fingers or input tools. These touch panels or touch sensors can be integrated with display devices, enabling display and information input functions to be combined into a single electronic device.

[0006] In touch sensors, sensing electrodes formed of a conductive material such as metal can be arranged on a substrate for touch sensing. However, when a touch sensor is inserted into a display device, the image quality realized from the image display device may be degraded by the sensing electrodes. For example, the sensing electrodes may be visually recognized by the user and interfere with the image. Furthermore, the sensing electrodes may alter the color perception of the image.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to construct sensing electrodes that have improved optical performance for enhancing image quality while maintaining the desired conductivity and sensitivity for touch sensing.

[0008] For example, as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2014-0092366, various image display devices incorporating touchscreen panels including touch sensors have recently been developed. However, as mentioned above, there is a growing need for touch sensors or touch panels with improved optical performance. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a touch sensor with improved optical performance and electrical reliability is provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image display device including a touch sensor is provided.

[0011] The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention will be achieved through the following features or constructions:

[0012] (1) A touch sensor, comprising: a substrate layer; a first electrode layer, the first electrode layer including a first dummy electrode and a first sensing electrode disposed on a top surface of the substrate layer, the first sensing electrode including a first hole; an insulating interlayer formed on the substrate layer, the insulating interlayer covering the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer including a second dummy electrode and a second sensing electrode disposed on a top surface of the insulating interlayer, the second sensing electrode including a second hole.

[0013] (2) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein, in a plan view, each of the second holes is stacked above each of the first dummy electrodes.

[0014] (3) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein, in a plan view, each of the second dummy electrodes is stacked above each of the first holes.

[0015] (4) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein the first dummy electrode, the second dummy electrode, the first hole and the second hole have the same shape and size.

[0016] (5) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein a first space is defined between adjacent first dummy electrodes in the first dummy electrodes.

[0017] (6) The touch sensor according to (5) above, wherein each of the second sensing electrodes includes a second unit pattern that is regularly repeated and integrally connected to each other, and in a plan view, each of the second unit patterns is superimposed on each of the first space.

[0018] (7) The touch sensor according to (5) above, wherein the first space has a polygonal shape with open vertices.

[0019] (8) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein a second space is defined between adjacent second dummy electrodes in the second dummy electrode.

[0020] (9) The touch sensor according to (8) above, wherein each of the first sensing electrodes includes a first unit pattern that is regularly repeated and integrally connected to each other, and in a plan view, each of the second space is superimposed on each of the first unit patterns.

[0021] (10) The touch sensor according to (8) above, wherein the second space has a polygonal shape with open vertices.

[0022] (11) According to the touch sensor described in (1) above, the first electrode layer further includes a first connection portion for connecting adjacent first sensing electrodes in the first sensing electrodes along the row direction, and the second electrode layer further includes a second connection portion for connecting adjacent second sensing electrodes in the second sensing electrodes along the column direction.

[0023] (12) The touch sensor according to (11) above, wherein the first hole extends through the first sensing electrode and the first connection portion, and the second hole extends through the second sensing electrode and the second connection portion.

[0024] (13) The touch sensor according to (1) above, wherein the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer each include a transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0025] (14) According to the touch sensor described in (13) above, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer each have a multilayer structure including the transparent conductive oxide layer and the metal layer.

[0026] (15) A window stack structure, comprising: a window substrate; and a touch sensor according to the embodiment described above, the touch sensor being stacked on the window substrate.

[0027] (16) An image display device, comprising: a display panel; and a touch sensor according to the embodiment described above, the touch sensor being stacked on the window substrate.

[0028] In a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode can be arranged at different levels from each other, with an insulating layer inserted between them. Therefore, the conventional bridge electrode can be eliminated, thereby reducing electrode recognition.

[0029] A first hole and a second hole can be formed in the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode respectively, and a dummy electrode can be formed to fill the first hole and the second hole in the plan view.

[0030] The difference in refractive index and reflectivity throughout the stacked structure can be reduced by using dummy electrodes, and the spatial frequency of the pattern arrangement can be converted into high-frequency components. Therefore, the visual recognition of electrodes in touch sensors can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the overlap of electrode patterns can be reduced, thereby preventing sensing errors and sensitivity degradation caused by parasitic capacitance. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figures 2 to 4 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the first electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figures 5 to 7 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the second electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a window stacking structure and an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a touch sensor is provided, wherein a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer can be arranged at different levels, an insulating layer is inserted between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and electrode recognition and parasitic capacitance can be avoided. Furthermore, a window stacking structure and an image display device including the touch sensor are provided.

[0037] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such embodiments described with reference to the drawings are provided to further understand the spirit of the invention and do not limit the subject matter to be protected as disclosed in the detailed specification and appended claims.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, two directions parallel to the top surface or base layer 100 of the touch sensor and intersecting each other are defined as the first direction and the second direction. For example, the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other.

[0039] The terms “first,” “second,” “row direction,” and “column direction” used here are used to specify different elements and directions that intersect each other in a relative way, rather than to indicate an absolute order and direction.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The touch sensor may include a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer disposed on a substrate layer 100. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may be spaced apart from each other along the thickness direction, with an insulating interlayer 130 inserted between them.

[0042] The substrate 100 may include a support layer or film-type substrate for forming the electrode layer and the insulating interlayer 130. For example, the substrate 100 may include a film material commonly used in touch sensors. For example, the substrate 100 may comprise glass, polymers, and / or inorganic insulating materials. Polymers may include, for example, cyclic olefin polymers (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide (PI), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), polyethersulfone (PES), cellulose triacetate (TAC), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc. Inorganic insulating materials may include, for example, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, metal oxides, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, the layer or film component for applying a touch sensor in the image display device may also be used as the substrate layer 100. For example, an encapsulation layer or passivation layer included in the display panel may be used as the substrate layer 100.

[0044] The first electrode layer may include a first sensing electrode 110 and a first dummy electrode 120. The first electrode layer may be formed on the top surface of the substrate layer 100. A first hole 115 may be formed inside the first sensing electrode 110. (See later reference.) Figures 2 to 4 The components and structure of the first electrode layer are described in more detail.

[0045] An insulating interlayer 130 may be formed on the top surface of the substrate 100 to cover the first electrode layer. The insulating interlayer 130 may comprise, for example, organic insulating materials such as epoxy resins, acrylic resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, or inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0046] The second electrode layer may include a second sensing electrode 140 and a second dummy electrode 150. A second hole 145 may be formed inside the second sensing electrode 140. The second electrode layer may be formed on the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130. (See below for reference.) Figures 5 to 7 The components and structure of the second electrode layer are described in more detail.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may each comprise a transparent conductive oxide. For example, the transparent conductive oxide may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), cadmium tin oxide (CTO), etc. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may comprise metals. For example, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may comprise 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 comprising at least two of these metals (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC) or copper-calcium (CuCa)).

[0049] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may comprise a multilayer structure, which includes a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer. For example, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may each have a two-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer or a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the metal layer can enhance flexibility and reduce resistance, thereby also improving signal transmission speed. Furthermore, the transparent conductive oxide layer can improve corrosion resistance and transparency.

[0050] A passivation layer 160 covering the second electrode layer can be formed on the insulating intermediate layer 130. The passivation layer may contain organic insulating materials, such as epoxy resins, acrylic resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, etc., or inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0051] Figures 2 to 4 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the first electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 This is a separate top plan view of the first sensing electrode 110. Figure 2 This is a separate top view of the first dummy electrode 120. Figure 4 This is a top plan view showing the first sensing electrode 110 and the first dummy electrode 120 together.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 The first sensing electrode 110 may have a polygonal pattern shape, such as a rhombus. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of first sensing electrodes 110 may be arranged along a first direction (e.g., the X direction or the row direction). Adjacent first sensing electrodes 110 along the first direction may be physically and electrically connected via a first connection portion 117.

[0053] For example, a plurality of first sensing electrodes 110 may be integrally connected to each other via a first connecting portion 117 to form a first sensing channel row extending along a first direction. The plurality of first sensing channel rows may be arranged along a second direction (e.g., the Y direction or the column direction). The first connecting portion 117 may be considered as essentially a single component with the first sensing electrodes 110.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, a first hole 115 may be formed in the first sensing electrode 110. Each first hole 115 may substantially have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus.

[0055] The first hole 115 can be formed regularly (e.g., at predetermined intervals and in a predetermined shape) over the entire area of ​​the first sensing electrode 110. The first hole 115 can also be formed in the first connecting portion 117.

[0056] The first hole 115 can penetrate the first sensing electrode 110 and the first connection portion 117. For example, the top surface of the substrate layer 100 can be exposed through the first hole 115.

[0057] The first hole 115 can be formed regularly and repeatedly in the first sensing electrode 110, such that the first sensing electrode 110 can have a shape including a first unit pattern, which can have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus and can be integrally connected to each other.

[0058] refer to Figure 3 The first dummy electrode 120 can be arranged on the substrate layer 100.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed along a planar direction, the first dummy electrode 120 may be disposed on the portion of the top surface of the substrate layer 100 where the first sensing electrode 110 and the first connection portion 117 are not formed. The first dummy electrode 120 may be disposed around the first sensing electrode 110 and the first connection portion 117, and may be spaced apart from the first sensing electrode 110 and the first connection portion 117.

[0060] Each first dummy electrode 120 may have a separate floating pattern or island pattern shape. For example, each first dummy electrode 120 may have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus.

[0061] In some embodiments, each first dummy electrode 120 may have an interface with the second hole 145 (see...). Figure 5 The first dummy electrode 120 may also have a shape that is basically the same as or similar to that of the first hole 115.

[0062] A first space 125 may be defined between adjacent first dummy electrodes 120. For example, a first space 125 may be defined between four adjacent first dummy electrodes 120.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the first space 125 may have a rhomboid shape with open vertices. The first space 125 may have a shape that is substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the first hole 115 and / or the second hole 145.

[0064] refer to Figure 4 As described above, the first electrode layer may include a first sensing electrode 110 and a first dummy electrode 120 arranged together on the top surface of the substrate layer 100.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the first dummy electrode 120 may be adjacent to the first sensing electrode 110 and may be arranged around the first sensing electrode 110. In addition, a first space 125 having a shape substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the first hole 115 may be repeatedly arranged between the first dummy electrodes 120.

[0066] Therefore, a structure in which electrode patterns and holes / spaces are regularly repeated can be formed on the top surface of the substrate 100. For example, the top surface of the substrate 100 can be made uniform by a spatial frequency arrangement structure comprising high-frequency components consisting entirely of electrode patterns and holes / spaces.

[0067] Figures 5 to 7 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the second electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 This is a separate top plan view of the second sensing electrode 140. Figure 6 This is a separate top view of the second dummy electrode 150. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the second sensing electrode 140 and the second dummy electrode 150 together.

[0068] refer to Figure 5 The second sensing electrode 140 may have a polygonal pattern shape, such as a rhombus. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of second sensing electrodes 140 may be arranged along a second direction. Adjacent second sensing electrodes 140 along the second direction may be physically and electrically connected via a second connection portion 147.

[0069] For example, multiple second sensing electrodes 140 can be integrally connected to each other via a second connecting portion 147 to form a second sensing channel array extending along a second direction. The multiple second sensing channel arrays can be arranged along a first direction. The second connecting portion 147 can be considered essentially a single component with the second sensing electrodes 140.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, a second hole 145 may be formed in the second sensing electrode 140. Each second hole 145 may substantially have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus.

[0071] The second hole 145 can be formed regularly (e.g., at predetermined intervals and in a predetermined shape) over the entire area of ​​the second sensing electrode 140. The second hole 145 can also be formed in the second connecting portion 147.

[0072] The second hole 145 can penetrate the second sensing electrode 140 and the second connection portion 147. For example, the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130 can be exposed through the second hole 115.

[0073] The second hole 145 can be formed regularly and repeatedly in the second sensing electrode 140, such that the second sensing electrode 140 can have a shape including a second unit pattern, which can have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus and can be integrally connected to each other.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hole 145 may have a shape and size substantially the same as or similar to that of the first dummy electrode 120 of the first electrode layer. In some embodiments, the second hole 145 may also have a shape and size substantially the same as or similar to that of the first hole 115.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 The second dummy electrode 150 can be arranged on the insulating interlayer 130.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed along a planar direction, the second dummy electrode 150 may be disposed on the portion of the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130 where the second sensing electrode 140 and the second connection portion 147 are not formed. The second dummy electrode 150 may be disposed around the second sensing electrode 140 and the second connection portion 147, and may be spaced apart from the second sensing electrode 140 and the second connection portion 147.

[0077] Each second dummy electrode 150 may have a separate floating pattern or island pattern shape. For example, each second dummy electrode 150 may have a polygonal shape such as a rhombus.

[0078] In some embodiments, each second dummy electrode 150 may have a shape substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the first hole 115 included in the first sensing electrode 110. The second dummy electrode 150 may also have a shape substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the first dummy electrode 120.

[0079] A second space 155 may be defined between adjacent second dummy electrodes 150. For example, a second space 155 may be defined between four adjacent second dummy electrodes 150.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, the second space 155 may have a rhomboid shape with open vertices. The second space 155 may have a shape that is substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the first space 125, the first hole 115 and / or the second hole 145.

[0081] refer to Figure 7 As described above, the second electrode layer may include a second sensing electrode 140 and a second dummy electrode 150 arranged together on the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the second dummy electrode 150 may be adjacent to the second sensing electrode 140 and may be disposed around the second sensing electrode 140. In addition, a second space 155 having a shape substantially the same as or similar to the shape of the second hole 145 may be repeatedly arranged between the second dummy electrodes 150.

[0083] Therefore, a structure in which electrode patterns and holes / spaces are regularly repeated can be formed on the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130. For example, the top surface of the insulating interlayer 130 can be made uniform by a spatial frequency arrangement that includes high-frequency components consisting entirely of electrode patterns and holes / spaces.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the electrode layer of a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 It is one of them Figure 4 The first electrode layer and Figure 7 A planar view of the second electrode layer projected together from the plane direction.

[0085] refer to Figure 8 In a plan view, the second hole 145 included in the second sensing electrode 140 can be stacked on the first dummy electrode 120 included in the first electrode layer. In an exemplary embodiment, in a plan view, the first dummy electrode 120 can be completely included in the second hole 145.

[0086] In a plan view, the second dummy electrode 150 included in the second electrode layer can be stacked on the first hole 115 included in the first sensing electrode 110. In an exemplary embodiment, in a plan view, the second dummy electrode 150 can be completely included in the first hole 115.

[0087] In some embodiments, in a plan view, the first space 125 formed between the first dummy electrodes 120 may be covered by the aforementioned second unit pattern included in the second sensing electrode 140. Furthermore, in a plan view, the second space 155 formed between the second dummy electrodes 150 may be superimposed on the aforementioned first unit pattern included in the first sensing electrode 110.

[0088] According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may be disposed on different layers or at different levels, with an insulating interlayer inserted between them. In a comparative example, when the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are formed on the same layer, a bridge electrode is formed on a separate layer to electrically connect the first sensing electrode (or the second sensing electrode) to each other. In this case, the user can visually identify the bridge electrode due to reflection and refraction caused by the bridge electrode.

[0089] However, according to the exemplary implementation, the bridge electrode can be omitted, thereby reducing the visual recognition of the electrode.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the holes (spaces) and electrode patterns can be arranged to overlap each other in a planar view. Therefore, when viewed from, for example, the top surface of a touch sensor, pattern irregularities can be substantially eliminated, and the top surface of the touch sensor can become uniform due to high-frequency components that are not visually perceptible to the user.

[0091] Furthermore, from the perspective of the top surface of the touch sensor, the reflectivity and refractive index may become uniform or completely equal. Therefore, the electrodes of the touch sensor can be essentially eliminated or reduced for visual recognition.

[0092] The apertures (spaces) and electrode patterns can be arranged to overlap each other, thereby suppressing parasitic capacitance caused when the electrode patterns overlap along the thickness direction. Therefore, parasitic capacitance can be sufficiently suppressed without increasing the thickness of the insulating interlayer 130, thus enabling a thin-layer touch sensor.

[0093] exist Figures 2 to 8 In the diagram, the shape of the hole (space) and the dummy electrode is shown as a rhombus shape, but it is not limited to this and can be appropriately changed to various shapes, including other polygonal shapes such as hexagonal shapes, circular shapes, etc.

[0094] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a window stacking structure and an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0095] refer to Figure 9 According to the exemplary embodiment described above, the window stack structure 250 may include a window substrate 230, a polarizing layer 210, and a touch sensor 200.

[0096] The window substrate 230 may include, for example, a hard coating. In one embodiment, a light-shielding pattern 235 may be formed on a peripheral portion of the surface of the window substrate 230. The light-shielding pattern 235 may include a color-printed pattern and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The bezel portion or non-display area of ​​the image display device may be defined by the light-shielding pattern 235.

[0097] The polarizing layer 210 may include a coated polarizer or a polarizing plate. The coated polarizer may include a liquid crystal coating, which may contain a crosslinkable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. In this case, the polarizing layer 210 may include an alignment layer for providing orientation of the liquid crystal coating.

[0098] For example, a polarizer may include a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer and a protective film attached to at least one surface of the polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer.

[0099] The polarizing layer 210 can be directly attached to the surface of the window substrate 230, or it can be attached via the first adhesive layer 220.

[0100] The touch sensor 200 may be included as a film or panel in the window stack structure 250. In one embodiment, the touch sensor 200 may be bonded to the polarizing layer 210 via a second adhesive layer 225.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown, the window substrate 230, polarizing layer 210, and touch sensor 200 can be positioned sequentially from the observer's side. In this case, the electrode layer of the touch sensor 200 can be disposed below the polarizing layer 210, thereby effectively preventing the observer from recognizing the electrode pattern.

[0102] If the touch sensor 200 includes a substrate, the substrate may contain, for example, triacetyl cellulose, cyclic olefins, cyclic olefin copolymers, polynorbornene copolymers, etc., and preferably, may have an in-plane delay value of ±2.5 nm or lower.

[0103] In one embodiment, the touch sensor 200 can be directly transferred to the window substrate 230 or the polarizing layer 210. In another embodiment, the window substrate 230, the touch sensor 200, and the polarizing layer 210 can be positioned sequentially from the observer's side.

[0104] The image display device may include a display panel 360 and a window stacking structure 250 disposed on the display panel 360.

[0105] The display panel 360 may include a pixel electrode 310, a pixel defining layer 320, a display layer 330, an opposite electrode 340, and an encapsulation layer 350 disposed on the panel substrate 300.

[0106] Pixel circuits including thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be formed on the panel substrate 300, and an insulating layer covering the pixel circuits can be formed. Pixel electrodes 310 can be electrically connected to, for example, the drain of a TFT on the insulating layer.

[0107] The pixel defining layer 320 can be formed on the insulating layer, and the pixel electrode 310 can be exposed through the pixel defining layer 320, thereby defining a pixel area. The display layer 330 can be formed on the pixel electrode 310, and the display layer 330 may include, for example, a liquid crystal layer or an organic light-emitting layer.

[0108] The opposite electrode 340 can be disposed on the pixel defining layer 320 and the display layer 330. The opposite electrode 340 can be used as, for example, a common electrode or a cathode of an image display device. The encapsulation layer 350 can be disposed on the opposite electrode 340 to protect the display panel 360.

[0109] In some embodiments, the display panel 360 and the window stack structure 250 can be bonded to each other via an adhesive layer 260. For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer 260 can be greater than the thickness of each of the first adhesive layer 220 and the second adhesive layer 225. The viscoelasticity of the adhesive layer 260 can be about 0.2 MPa or less at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 80°C. In this case, noise from the display panel 360 can be blocked, and interface stress during bending can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the window stack structure 250. In one embodiment, the viscoelasticity of the adhesive layer 260 can be in the range of about 0.01 MPa to about 0.15 MPa.

[0110] According to the exemplary embodiments described above, the touch sensor 200 may include the construction of holes (spaces) and electrode patterns, thereby enabling improved touch sensitivity while preventing degradation of the image quality of the display panel 360.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, comprising: basal layer; A first electrode layer, the first electrode layer including a first dummy electrode and a first sensing electrode disposed on the top surface of the substrate layer, each of the first sensing electrodes including a first hole; An insulating interlayer is formed on the substrate layer and covers the first electrode layer; and The second electrode layer includes a second dummy electrode and a second sensing electrode disposed on the top surface of the insulating interlayer, each of the second sensing electrodes including a second hole. In the plan view, each of the second holes is stacked above each of the first dummy electrodes, and in the plan view, each of the second dummy electrodes is stacked above each of the first holes. In the plan view, each of the first dummy electrodes is completely included in each of the second holes, and each of the second dummy electrodes is completely included in each of the first holes. The first dummy electrode, the second dummy electrode, the first hole, and the second hole have the same shape and size.

2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, A first space is defined between adjacent first dummy electrodes of the first dummy electrode.

3. The touch sensor according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the second sensing electrodes includes a second unit pattern that is regularly repeated and integrally connected to each other, and In the plan view, each of the second unit patterns is superimposed on top of each of the first space.

4. The touch sensor according to claim 2, wherein, The first space has a polygonal shape with open vertices.

5. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, A second space is defined between adjacent second dummy electrodes of the second dummy electrode.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the first sensing electrodes includes a first unit pattern that is regularly repeated and integrally connected to each other, and In the plan view, each of the second spaces is superimposed on top of each of the first unit patterns.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein, The second space has a polygonal shape with open vertices.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer further includes a first connecting portion, which is used to connect adjacent first sensing electrodes in the row direction, and The second electrode layer further includes a second connection portion for connecting adjacent second sensing electrodes in the second sensing electrode along the column direction.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 8, wherein, The first hole extends over the first sensing electrode and the first connection portion, and The second hole extends over the second sensing electrode and the second connection portion.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer each include a transparent conductive oxide layer.

11. The touch sensor according to claim 10, wherein, The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer each have a multilayer structure including the transparent conductive oxide layer and the metal layer.

12. A window stacking structure, comprising: Window substrate; and The touch sensor according to claim 1 is stacked on the window substrate.

13. An image display device, comprising: Display panel; and The touch sensor according to claim 1 is stacked on the display panel.

Images