Antenna stack structure and display device including the same

Abstract

An antenna stack structure includes a protective layer and an antenna electrode layer, the antenna electrode layer is directly formed on the surface of the protective layer. The antenna electrode layer includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer has a reflectivity lower than that of the first electrode layer. Visual recognition of the electrode is prevented by the second electrode layer.

Description

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0015473 filed on February 10, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0020767 filed on February 20, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. background 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to an antenna stack structure and a display device including the antenna stack structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antenna stack structure including an antenna electrode layer and an insulating structure, and a display device including the antenna stack structure. 2. Background technology

[0006] With the development of information technology, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. are combined with display devices in the form of, for example, smart phones. In this case, an antenna may be combined with the display device to provide a communication function.

[0007] As the size of the display device becomes smaller, the antenna may also be disposed at the display area. In this case, the user may recognize the conductive pattern included in the antenna, thereby reducing the image quality of the display device.

[0008] The display device may include an optical structure such as a polarizing plate and various sensor structures. Therefore, when the display device includes an antenna, interference with the optical structure and the sensor structure may be caused.

[0009] Additionally, the space for accommodating the antenna may be limited by the optical structure and the sensor structure. When an additional film or structure is formed to insert the antenna, the overall thickness and volume of the display may increase.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for antenna configurations that achieve adequate radiation and gain properties without interfering with other functional structures.

[0011] For example, Korean Published Patent Application No. 2013-0113222 discloses an antenna structure embedded in a portable terminal, but does not provide an antenna configuration for achieving sufficient optical and radiation properties in a display device. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna stack structure with improved radiation and optical properties is provided.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device including an antenna stack structure having improved radiation and optical properties.

[0014] The above aspects of the present invention will be achieved through one or more of the following features or configurations:

[0015] (1) An antenna stack structure includes: a protective layer; and an antenna electrode layer, wherein the antenna electrode layer is directly formed on a surface of the protective layer, the antenna electrode layer includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer having a reflectivity lower than a reflectivity of the first electrode layer.

[0016] (2) The antenna stack structure according to (1) above, wherein the second electrode layer is directly formed on the bottom surface of the protective layer, and the first electrode layer is formed on the second electrode layer, wherein the top surface of the protective layer corresponds to a visible surface for a user.

[0017] (3) The antenna stack structure according to (1) above, wherein the second electrode layer includes a copper-oxygen composite material.

[0018] (4) An antenna stacking structure according to (3) above, wherein the copper-oxygen composite material further comprises an additional metal, the additional metal comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lanthanum (La), cesium (Ce) and indium (In).

[0019] (5) The antenna stack structure according to (1) above, wherein the first electrode layer includes a metal layer.

[0020] (6) The antenna stack structure according to (5) above, wherein the first electrode layer has a multilayer structure of the metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0021] (7) According to the antenna stack structure described in (1) above, it also includes: a polarization layer, which is arranged below the antenna electrode layer; and a first adhesive layer, which is formed between the antenna electrode layer and the polarization layer.

[0022] (8) According to the antenna stack structure described in (7) above, it also includes a touch sensor layer, and the touch sensor layer is arranged below the polarization layer.

[0023] (9) The antenna stack structure according to (8) above, further comprising a second adhesive layer formed between the polarization layer and the touch sensor layer.

[0024] (10) The antenna stack structure according to (1) above, wherein the thickness of the protective layer is less than 100 μm.

[0025] (11) An antenna stack structure, comprising: a polarization layer; an antenna electrode layer, the antenna electrode layer being arranged on the polarization layer, the antenna electrode layer comprising a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer being formed on the first electrode layer, the second electrode layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first electrode layer; and a protective layer, the protective layer being arranged on the second electrode layer with a visible surface facing a user.

[0026] (12) The antenna stack structure according to (11) above, wherein the second electrode layer includes a copper-oxygen composite material.

[0027] (13) An antenna stacking structure according to (12) above, wherein the copper-oxygen composite material further includes an additional metal, the additional metal comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lanthanum (La), cesium (Ce) and indium (In).

[0028] (14) The antenna stack structure according to (11) above, wherein the first electrode layer includes a metal layer.

[0029] (15) The antenna stack structure according to (14) above, wherein the first electrode layer has a multilayer structure of the metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0030] (16) The antenna stack structure according to (11) above, wherein the antenna electrode layer has a thickness of 1000 to 1000 mm. Thickness.

[0031] (17) According to the antenna stack structure described in (11) above, it also includes a basic dielectric layer, which is arranged below the polarization layer.

[0032] (18) According to the antenna stack structure described in (11) above, it also includes an antenna substrate layer, and the antenna substrate layer is arranged between the polarization layer and the antenna electrode layer.

[0033] (19) A display device includes: a display panel; and the antenna stack structure according to the above embodiment, wherein the antenna stack structure is provided on the display panel.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the antenna stack structure may include an antenna electrode layer formed directly on the protective layer. Therefore, an adhesive layer for attaching the antenna electrode layer to the protective layer may be omitted, so that the radiation intensity toward the top surface of the protective layer may be further increased.

[0035] For example, an adhesive layer may be formed between the antenna electrode layer and the polarizing plate. Thus, the adhesive layer may be used together with the polarizing plate as an antenna dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer. Thus, a sufficient thickness of the antenna dielectric layer may be achieved, thereby preventing signal loss and further improving radiation reliability.

[0036] The antenna stack structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an antenna electrode layer disposed between a protective layer and a polarization layer. The antenna electrode layer may be disposed below the protective layer, thereby serving as, for example, a window film or a cover glass, so that the sensitivity to external signals may be increased and the radiation properties may also be improved. Additionally, the polarization layer may be used as a dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer, and thus the radiation reliability may be further improved while preventing signal loss.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna electrode layer may include a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first electrode layer. While preventing the antenna electrode layer from being visually recognized by a user through the second electrode layer, improved optical and gain properties may be maintained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an antenna pattern included in an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an antenna pattern included in an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an antenna stack structure including a plurality of antenna electrode layers and a protection layer.

[0046] The antenna electrode layer included in the antenna stack structure may be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna manufactured in the form of a transparent film. The antenna stack structure may be applied to a communication device for high-frequency band or ultra-high-frequency band mobile communication corresponding to, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G or higher mobile communications.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a display device including an antenna stack structure. The application of the antenna stack structure is not limited to the display device, and the antenna stack structure can be applied to various objects or structures such as vehicles, home appliances, buildings, etc.

[0048] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the spirit of the present invention, rather than to limit the subject matter to be protected as disclosed in the specific description and the appended claims.

[0049] The terms “first” and “second” included in the present application are used to distinguish different components and members and are not intended to limit absolute positions or sequences.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 The antenna stack structure may include a protection layer 150 and an antenna electrode layer 100 . The antenna stack structure may further include a polarization layer 140 disposed below the antenna electrode layer 100 .

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer 150 may be used as, for example, a window cover, a cover glass (eg, ultra-thin glass (UTG)), a protective cover film, or a protective cover layer of a display device. In this case, the protective layer 150 may provide a user's visible surface or the outermost surface of the display device.

[0053] The protective layer 150 may include, for example, glass or a flexible resin material such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic resin, silicone resin, or the like.

[0054] In some embodiments, the thickness of the protective layer 150 may be less than about 100 μm. For example, the thickness of the protective layer 150 may be about 10 μm or more and less than about 100 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the protective layer 150 may be about 10 to 50 μm. Interference with the radiation axis and the resonance frequency passing through the antenna electrode layer 100 can be prevented within the thickness range.

[0055] The antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed under the protective layer 150. For example, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be stacked on an inner surface (eg, a bottom surface) opposite to a visible surface (eg, a top surface) of the protective layer 150.

[0056] The antenna electrode layer 100 may include a first electrode layer 110 and a second electrode layer 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrode layer 120 may be closer to a visible surface or protective layer 150 than the first protective layer 110 and may include a conductive material having a lower reflectivity than the first electrode layer 110.

[0057] For example, the first electrode layer 110 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), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these metals. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0058] For example, the first electrode layer 110 may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (eg, silver-palladium-copper (APC)), or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (eg, copper-calcium (CuCa)) to achieve low resistance and a fine pattern.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 110 may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), tin oxide (SnOx), zinc oxide (ZnOx), and the like.

[0060] For example, the first electrode layer 110 may have a multilayer structure including a metal layer or alloy layer and a transparent metal oxide layer. In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 110 may include a double-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer or a triple-layer structure of a first transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-second transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0061] The first electrode layer 110 may be formed on the second electrode layer 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode layer 110 may be directly formed on a surface of the second electrode layer 120.

[0062] As described above, the second electrode layer 120 may include a conductive material having a lower reflectivity than the first electrode layer 110. For example, the second electrode layer 120 may substantially function as a black coating layer.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second electrode layer 120 may include a copper-oxygen conductive composite material. In some embodiments, the second electrode layer 120 may further include an additional metal M other than copper.

[0064] The additional metal M may include, for example, chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lanthanum (La), cesium (Ce), indium (In), etc. These may be used alone or in combination.

[0065] In an embodiment, the additional metal M may include indium in consideration of improving transmittance through the antenna electrode layer 100. In this case, the second electrode layer 120 may include a copper-indium-oxygen (Cu-In-O) composite or a composite of a copper-oxygen compound and an indium-oxygen compound.

[0066] In the second electrode layer 120 , oxygen elements may be doped or incorporated into the second electrode layer 120 without losing conductivity of copper and / or the additional metal M. The second electrode layer 120 may be blackened or partially oxidized by oxygen elements to provide an anti-reflective layer for the first electrode layer 110 .

[0067] For example, the second electrode layer 120 may be formed through a sputtering process using a copper target (or a copper-oxygen target) and an additional metal target (or an additional metal-oxygen target) or a copper-additional metal-oxygen target.

[0068] In an embodiment, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be formed in a mesh structure. The antenna electrode layer 100 may include an antenna pattern 105, and the reference Figure 5 The elements and structure of the antenna pattern 105 are described in more detail.

[0069] In some embodiments, the thickness of the antenna electrode layer 100 may be about or less, and preferably about 1000 to Within the above range, the color shift phenomenon on the visible surface of the antenna stack structure can be suppressed while preventing the resistance of the antenna electrode layer 100 from increasing.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be directly formed on the protective layer 150. The protective layer 150 may be used as an antenna substrate for forming the antenna electrode layer 100.

[0071] For example, the second electrode layer 120 may be directly formed on the bottom surface of the protective layer 150 by the above-mentioned sputtering process. Subsequently, the first electrode layer 110 may be formed on the second electrode layer 120.

[0072] As described above, the top surface of the antenna electrode layer 100 may directly contact the protection layer 150. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the antenna electrode layer 100 may be combined with the polarization layer 140.

[0073] The polarizing layer 140 may include a coated polarizer or a polarizing plate. The coated polarizer may include a liquid crystal coating including a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. In this case, the polarizing layer 140 may further include an alignment layer for providing orientation of the liquid crystal coating.

[0074] For example, the polarizing plate may include a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer and a protective film attached to at least one surface of the polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer.

[0075] The first adhesive layer 130 may be provided between the polarizing layer 140 and the antenna electrode layer 100. For example, the first adhesive layer 130 may be formed on a surface of the first electrode layer 110 or the polarizing layer 140, and then the antenna electrode layer 100 and the polarizing layer 140 may be attached to each other. The first adhesive layer 130 may include, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA) including acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0076] An end portion of the antenna electrode layer 100 may be electrically connected to the circuit connection structure 180. The circuit connection structure 180 may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0077] According to the above exemplary embodiment, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed between the polarization layer 140 and the protection layer 150. Therefore, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed closer to the visible surface or outer surface of the display device, so that the radiation intensity and sensitivity may be further improved.

[0078] Additionally, the polarization layer 140 may be disposed under the antenna electrode layer 100 , and may function as an antenna dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer 100 together with the first adhesive layer 130 .

[0079] In a comparative example, the polarizing layer 140 may be attached to the protective layer 150 through an adhesive layer, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed under the polarizing layer 140, and the antenna substrate layer may be disposed under the antenna electrode layer 100. In this case, the antenna substrate layer may substantially function as a single antenna dielectric layer.

[0080] However, according to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna substrate layer may be omitted, and the antenna electrode layer 100 may be directly formed on the protective layer 150, so that the thickness of the entire stacked structure may be reduced. In addition, the first adhesive layer 130 and the polarizing layer 140 may be used as the antenna dielectric layer, so that the total thickness of the antenna dielectric layer may be increased.

[0081] According to the above exemplary embodiments, a sufficient thickness of the antenna dielectric layer can be achieved for the antenna electrode layer 100. Therefore, for example, the radiation independence and radiation efficiency through the antenna electrode layer 100 can be improved while preventing signal loss and signal interference from electrodes and wiring included in a display panel to which an antenna stack structure is applied.

[0082] The antenna electrode layer 100 may be adjacent to a viewing surface so that light reflection and electrode visibility that may occur from the viewing surface may be reduced by the second electrode layer 120. Thus, an antenna stack structure having improved optical and antenna radiation properties may be achieved.

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 Detailed description of elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar.

[0084] refer to Figure 2 , the antenna stack structure may further include a touch sensor layer 160. The touch sensor layer 160 may include, for example, capacitive sensing electrodes. For example, the column-direction sensing electrodes and the row-direction sensing electrodes may be arranged to cross each other. The touch sensor layer 160 may further include traces connecting the sensing electrodes and the driving IC chip to each other. The touch sensor layer 160 may further include a substrate on which the sensing electrodes and the traces are formed.

[0085] The touch sensor layer 160 may be combined with the polarization layer 140 through the second adhesive layer 135. In this case, the second adhesive layer 135 together with the first adhesive layer 130 and the polarization layer 140 may also function as an antenna dielectric layer.

[0086] The sensing electrodes and / or traces included in the touch sensor layer 160 may serve as an antenna ground layer (eg, the radiation pattern 102 ) of the antenna electrode layer 100 .

[0087] As described above, sufficient thickness of the antenna dielectric layer may be achieved between the antenna electrode layer 100 and the touch sensor layer 160 so that signal absorption and gain reduction by the sensing electrodes and / or traces may be prevented while maintaining the function of the antenna ground layer.

[0088] Figure 3 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Detailed description of elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar.

[0089] refer to Figure 3 , as referenced Figure 1As described, the antenna stack structure may include a protective layer 150, an antenna electrode layer 100, and a polarization layer 140. As described above, the antenna electrode layer 100 may include a first electrode layer 110 and a second electrode layer 120. The antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed between the protective layer 150 and the polarization layer 140.

[0090] In some embodiments, the base dielectric layer 145 may be disposed below the polarizing layer 140 .

[0091] The base dielectric layer 145 may include an insulating material having a predetermined dielectric constant. The base dielectric layer 145 may include, for example, an inorganic insulating material such as glass, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or metal oxide, or an organic insulating material such as epoxy-based resin, acrylic resin, or imide-based resin.

[0092] For example, a transparent film may be used as the base dielectric layer 145 . For example, the transparent film may include: polyester-based resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose-based resins, such as diacetyl cellulose and triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate-based resins; acrylic resins, such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate; styrene-based resins, such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin-based resins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cycloolefin or polyolefin with a norbornene structure and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride-based resins; amide-based resins, such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide-based resins; polyether sulfone-based resins; sulfone-based resins; polyether ether ketone-based resins; polyphenylene sulfide resins; vinyl alcohol-based resins; vinylidene chloride-based resins; vinyl butyral-based resins; allylated resins; polyoxymethylene-based resins; epoxy resins; urethane or acrylic urethane-based resins; silicone resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments, an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), etc. may be included in the base dielectric layer 145 .

[0094] In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the base dielectric layer 145 may be adjusted within a range of about 1.5 to about 12. When the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may be excessively reduced so that a desired high frequency band driving may not be achieved.

[0095] According to the above exemplary embodiment, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed between the polarization layer 140 and the protection layer 150. Therefore, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be closer to the visible surface or outer surface of the display device, so that the radiation intensity and sensitivity may be further improved.

[0096] Additionally, the polarization layer 140 may be disposed below the antenna electrode layer 100 to provide a dielectric layer for the antenna electrode layer 100. In some embodiments, the polarization layer 140 may be used as a dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer 100 together with the base dielectric layer 145.

[0097] Therefore, when compared with the case where the antenna electrode layer 100 is disposed under the polarization layer 140 and the base dielectric layer 145 is disposed under the antenna electrode layer 100, the thickness of the entire dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer 100 may be increased while maintaining the thickness of the entire stacked structure.

[0098] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, a sufficient thickness of the dielectric layer of the antenna electrode layer 100 can be achieved. Therefore, for example, the radiation independence and radiation efficiency through the antenna electrode layer 100 can be improved while preventing signal loss and signal interference from electrodes and wiring included in a display panel adopting an antenna stack structure.

[0099] The antenna electrode layer 100 may be adjacent to a viewing surface so that light reflection and electrode visibility that may occur from the viewing surface may be reduced by the second electrode layer 120. Thus, an antenna stack structure having improved optical properties and antenna radiation properties may be achieved.

[0100] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 3 Detailed description of elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar.

[0101] refer to Figure 4 , the antenna electrode layer 100 may be attached to the protective layer 150 by an adhesive layer 147. The adhesive layer 147 may include, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) including acrylic resin, silicone resin, etc., or an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0102] The antenna electrode layer 100 may be formed on the antenna substrate layer 90. The antenna substrate layer 90 may be used as a substrate or a base layer for the deposition and etching processes of the antenna electrode layer 100.

[0103] The antenna substrate layer 90 may function as a dielectric layer together with the polarization layer 140. Therefore, the thickness of the antenna dielectric layer may be additionally increased.

[0104] The antenna substrate layer 90 may include an insulating film material commonly used in the display manufacturing process. For example, the antenna substrate layer 90 may include the same as the reference Figure 3 The material of the base dielectric layer 145 is substantially the same or similar material as described.

[0105] As reference Figure 3As described, the base dielectric layer 145 may also be included under the polarization layer 140 .

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an antenna pattern included in an antenna stack structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0107] refer to Figure 5 , the antenna pattern 105 may include a radiation pattern 102 , a transmission line 104 and a pad 106 .

[0108] The radiation pattern 102 may have, for example, a polygonal plate shape, and the transmission line 104 may extend from one side of the radiation pattern 102 to be electrically connected to the signal pad 107. The transmission line 104 may be formed as a single member substantially integral with the radiation pattern 102.

[0109] In some embodiments, pads 106 may include signal pads 107 and may further include ground pads 109. For example, a pair of ground pads 109 may be provided with signal pads 107 interposed therebetween. Ground pads 109 may be electrically separated from signal pads 107 and transmission line 104.

[0110] In one embodiment, the ground pad 109 may be omitted. In addition, the signal pad 107 may be formed at the end of the transmission line 104 as an integral member.

[0111] The pads 107 may be connected to a circuit connection structure 180 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) is electrically connected to an antenna driving integrated circuit (IC) chip. Therefore, feeding and driving control of the antenna pattern 105 can be performed by the antenna driving IC chip.

[0112] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an antenna pattern included in an antenna stack structure according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0113] refer to Figure 6 , the radiation pattern 102 may have a mesh structure. In some embodiments, the transmission line 104 connected to the radiation pattern 102 may also have a mesh structure.

[0114] The radiation pattern 102 may include a mesh structure so that transmittance may be improved even when the radiation pattern 102 is disposed in a display region of a display device, thereby preventing degradation of electrode visibility and image quality.

[0115] The dummy mesh pattern 103 may be disposed around the radiation pattern 102 and the transmission line 104. The dummy mesh pattern 103 may be electrically and physically separated from the radiation pattern 102 and the transmission line 104 by the separation region 85.

[0116] For example, as described above, the antenna electrode layer 100 including the first electrode layer 110 and the second electrode layer 120 may be formed on the antenna substrate layer 90. Thereafter, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be etched to form a mesh structure, and the separation region 85 may be formed by partially etching along the contours of the radiation pattern 102 and the transmission line 104. Thus, a portion of the antenna electrode layer 100 may be converted into the dummy mesh pattern 103.

[0117] In some embodiments, the pad 106 may be formed as a solid structure to reduce feeding resistance. For example, the pad 106 may be disposed in a non-display area or a light shielding area of ​​the display device so as to be bonded or connected to a flexible circuit board and / or an antenna driving IC chip.

[0118] Therefore, the pad 106 may be disposed outside the viewing area of ​​the user. In an embodiment, the pad 106 may be formed of a metal or an alloy. In an embodiment, the pad 106 may not include the second electrode layer 120 .

[0119] In an implementation, at least a portion of the transmission line 104 also has a solid structure and may be disposed in the non-display area together with the pad 106 .

[0120] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 , the antenna stack structure as described above may be stacked on the display panel 200 .

[0122] The display panel 200 may include a pixel electrode 210 , a pixel defining layer 220 , a display layer 230 , an opposite electrode 240 , and an encapsulation layer 250 disposed on a panel substrate 205 .

[0123] A pixel circuit including a thin film transistor TFT may be formed on the panel substrate 205, and an insulating layer may be formed to cover the pixel circuit. The pixel electrode 210 may be electrically connected to, for example, a drain electrode of the TFT on the insulating layer.

[0124] The pixel defining layer 220 may be formed on the insulating layer to expose the pixel electrode 210 to define the pixel region. The display layer 230 may be formed on the pixel electrode 210, and the display layer 230 may include, for example, a liquid crystal layer or an organic light emitting layer. Preferably, the display layer 230 may include an organic light emitting layer, and the display panel 200 may be an OLED panel.

[0125] The opposite electrode 240 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 220 and the display layer 230. The opposite electrode 240 may be used as, for example, a common electrode or a cathode of the display device. An encapsulation layer 250 for protecting the display panel 200 may be stacked on the opposite electrode 240.

[0126] The above-described antenna stack structure may be stacked on the display panel 200 , such that the touch sensor layer 160 , the polarization layer 140 , and the antenna electrode layer 100 may be stacked in sequence from the display panel 200 .

[0127] Adhesive layers 130 and 135 and polarizing layer 140 may collectively function as an antenna dielectric layer, making it possible to prevent signal absorption and signal loss caused by electrodes and wiring included in touch sensor layer 160 and display panel 200 while achieving sufficient inductance or capacitance for driving the antenna.

[0128] Additionally, the polarization layer 140 may be disposed on the touch sensor layer 160 so that light reflection of the sensing electrodes included in the touch sensor layer 160 and electrode visual recognition may be reduced.

[0129] As described above, the antenna electrode layer 100 may be disposed adjacent to the protective layer 150 , which may be configured as, for example, a window cover, so that signal sensitivity and gain may be enhanced, and light reflection may be reduced by the second electrode layer 120 to prevent visual recognition of the antenna electrode layer 100 .

[0130] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are proposed to more specifically describe the present invention. However, the following embodiments are given only for illustrating the present invention, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand that these embodiments do not limit the appended claims, but various changes and modifications can be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Such changes and modifications are appropriately included in the appended claims.

[0131] Experimental Example 1: Evaluation of electrode visual recognition

[0132] Example 1

[0133] A polarizing plate (thickness: 98 μm) was prepared, which included a PVA polarizer and a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) protective film formed on both sides of the polarizer. A first electrode layer formed of APC was formed on the polarizing plate, and CuO+In 2 O 3 Second electrode layer: The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer have thicknesses of 2000 Å and 300 Å, respectively.

[0134] The antenna electrode layer including the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer was etched into a mesh structure having a line width of 1.8 μm, and a glass cover (thickness: 500 μm) was attached on the antenna electrode layer.

[0135] Example 2

[0136] The antenna stack was manufactured by the same method as in Example 1, except that the line width of the mesh structure in the antenna electrode layer was formed to be 3 μm.

[0137] Comparative Examples

[0138] The antenna stack structure was manufactured by the same method as in Example 2, except that the positions of the antenna electrode layer and the polarization plate were changed (ie, antenna electrode layer-polarization plate-glass cover stack structure) and the second electrode layer was omitted from the antenna electrode layer.

[0139] 10 panels The antenna stack structures of the embodiment and the comparative embodiment were observed on a glass cover to determine whether the pattern included in the antenna electrode layer was visually recognized in the following grades:

[0140] i) Level 0: The electrodes are completely invisible

[0141] ii) Level 1: Identified by 1 to 2 panels

[0142] iii) Level 2: Identified by 3 to 4 panels

[0143] iv) Level 3: Identified by 5 to 6 panels

[0144] v) Level 4: Recognized by 7 to 9 panels

[0145] vi) Level 5: Recognized by 10 panels

[0146] Example 1 was evaluated as level 0, Example 2 was evaluated as level 1, and Comparative Example was evaluated as level 3.

[0147] Experimental Example 2: Evaluation of Color Shift

[0148] The total thickness of the antenna electrode layer was adjusted by changing the thickness of the first electrode layer in the antenna stack structure of Example 1 used in Experimental Example 1. While changing the total thickness of the antenna electrode layer, color shift generation was evaluated when observed on a cover glass.

[0149] When the R, G, and B chromaticity coordinate values ​​according to the thickness of the electrode layer measured using a colorimeter (OPS-200, manufactured by Olympus) deviate from reference values, it is determined that a color shift occurs.

[0150] Specifically, (R: 0.683, 0.314), (G: 0.249, B: 0.701), and (B: 0.136, 0.052) were set as reference values ​​of the color coordinates, and when the measured values ​​were not within the range of ±0.005 of the reference values, it was determined that the color shift occurred.

[0151] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0152] [Table 1]

[0153]

[0154] Referring to Table 1, when the thickness of the antenna electrode layer exceeds about Based on the above results, it can be predicted that when the antenna electrode layer is formed to have a thickness of, for example, 1000 to When the thickness is , the image degradation and electrode visibility caused by color shift can be suppressed while the resistance is sufficiently reduced.

[0155] Experimental Example 3: Evaluation of antenna operation according to the thickness of the protective layer (cover glass)

[0156] CuO+In is formed on the protective cover film formed of glass by a sputtering process. 2 O 3 The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer respectively have and Thickness.

[0157] A polarizing plate (thickness: 98 μm) including a PVA polarizer and triacetyl cellulose (TAC) protective films formed on both sides of the polarizer was prepared. The polarizing plate was attached to the second electrode layer using a commercially available OCA film (thickness: 100 μm).

[0158] While changing the thickness of the cover glass, antenna stack structure samples shown in Table 2 were prepared. The angle of the radiation axis and the resonance frequency of the sample (thickness 0) from which the cover glass was omitted were used as reference values.

[0159] Power was applied to the antenna electrode layer, and the tilt angle of the main resonance frequency was detected using a communication module (Anoki Board) at a tilt angle range of 90° to 180° of the radiation axis and at a resonance frequency of 0 to 40 GHz.

[0160] The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0161] [Table 2]

[0162]

[0163] Referring to Table 2, the OCA layer and the polarization plate are collectively provided as the antenna dielectric layer, so that substantially completely vertical radiation (tilt angle 180°) and high frequency radiation properties are achieved when the cover glass is omitted.

[0164] When the thickness of the cover glass exceeds 100 μm, the tilt angle of the radiation axis changes excessively and the shift of the resonance frequency intensifies.

Claims

1. An antenna stacking structure, wherein include: a protective layer, the protective layer comprising a top surface corresponding to a user-visible surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, the protective layer serving as a protective cover layer; an antenna electrode layer, the antenna electrode layer being directly formed on the surface of the protective layer, the antenna electrode layer comprising a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, the second electrode layer having a reflectivity lower than that of the first electrode layer; a polarization layer, the polarization layer being arranged below the antenna electrode layer; and a touch sensor layer, the touch sensor layer being arranged below the polarizing layer, The second electrode layer is directly formed on the bottom surface of the protection layer as a black coating layer, and the first electrode layer is disposed between the second electrode layer and the polarization layer. 2 . The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , wherein the second electrode layer comprises a copper-oxygen composite material.

3. The antenna stacking structure according to claim 2, wherein the copper-oxygen composite material further includes an additional metal, and the additional metal includes at least one selected from the group consisting of: chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lanthanum (La), cesium (Ce) and indium (In). The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode layer comprises a metal layer. 5 . The antenna stack structure according to claim 4 , wherein the first electrode layer has a multi-layer structure of the metal layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer.

6. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1, further comprising: include: A first adhesive layer is formed between the antenna electrode layer and the polarization layer. 7 . The antenna stack structure according to claim 6 , further comprising a second adhesive layer formed between the polarization layer and the touch sensor layer. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the protection layer is less than 100 μm.

9. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the antenna electrode layer has to Thickness. 10 . The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , further comprising a base dielectric layer, wherein the base dielectric layer is disposed below the polarization layer. 11 . The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , further comprising an antenna substrate layer, wherein the antenna substrate layer is disposed between the polarization layer and the antenna electrode layer.

12. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer serves as a window cover. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , wherein the protective layer serves as a cover glass. The antenna stack structure according to claim 1 , wherein the protective layer serves as a protective cover film.

15. A display device, include: Display panel; and According to any one of claims 1 to 14, the antenna stack structure is arranged on the display panel.

Images