Antenna coupling module and display device including the same

Abstract

The antenna coupling module of the embodiment of the present application comprises a touch sensor layer with a plurality of sensing electrodes, an antenna layer stacked as an independent layer on the touch sensor layer and comprising an antenna pattern, and a polarization layer stacked on the antenna layer. According to the arrangement of the antenna pattern, the touch sensing reliability and the antenna radiation efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an antenna coupling module and a display device including the same. More particularly, this invention relates to an antenna coupling module including an antenna pattern and sensor electrodes, and a display device including the antenna coupling module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of information technology, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are being combined with display devices, such as smartphones. In this case, an antenna can be integrated with the display device to provide communication functionality.

[0003] Based on recent developments in mobile communication technology, display devices require antennas capable of enabling high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency communication, such as 3G to 5G.

[0004] Furthermore, touch panels or touch sensors have been developed that allow users to input commands by selecting instructions 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 implemented in a single electronic device. For example, as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2014-0092366, various image display devices integrated with touchscreen panels including touch sensors have recently been developed.

[0005] When an antenna and a touch sensor coexist in a display device, mutual signal interference may prevent the antenna from achieving its desired gain characteristics, and the impedance characteristics used to receive the desired frequency may be disrupted. Furthermore, when the display device is implemented, for example, in the form of a mobile phone, the space available to house the antenna may be reduced. When the antenna overlaps with the electrodes of the touch sensor, visual recognition of the electrodes may occur.

[0006] For example, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2003-0095557 discloses an antenna structure embedded in a portable terminal, but does not take into account compatibility with other electronic devices such as touch sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna coupling module with improved signal transmission and reception reliability and optical characteristics is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided that includes an antenna coupling module having improved reliability of signal transmission and reception and optical characteristics.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] 1. An antenna coupling module, comprising: a touch sensor layer including a plurality of sensing electrodes; an antenna layer stacked as a separate layer on the touch sensor layer, the antenna layer including an antenna pattern; and a polarization layer on the antenna layer.

[0012] 2. The antenna coupling module according to 1 above, wherein,

[0013] The touch sensor layer has an active region where the sensing electrodes are arranged and a peripheral region surrounding the active region, and the antenna pattern is arranged to overlap with at least one region of the peripheral region in a plan view.

[0014] 3. The antenna coupling module according to 2 above, wherein the antenna pattern does not overlap with the sensing electrode in the planar view.

[0015] 4. The antenna coupling module according to 3 above, wherein the antenna pattern is arranged on the active region and the surrounding region in a plan view.

[0016] 5. The antenna coupling module according to 3 above, wherein the touch sensor layer further includes a virtual electrode disposed between the sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in the end region of the active region.

[0017] 6. The antenna coupling module according to 5 above, wherein the antenna pattern at least partially overlaps with the virtual electrode in a planar view.

[0018] 7. The antenna coupling module according to 2 above, wherein the touch sensor layer further includes a trace that branches off from the sensing electrode and extends to the peripheral area.

[0019] 8. The antenna coupling module according to 7 above further includes: a touch sensing integrated circuit (IC) chip, which is electrically connected to the wiring.

[0020] 9. The antenna coupling module according to 8 above further includes: an antenna driver IC chip electrically connected to the antenna pattern and disposed in a region of the peripheral region different from the region where the touch sensing IC chip is disposed.

[0021] 10. The antenna coupling module according to 9 above, wherein the touch sensing IC chip and the antenna driving IC chip are respectively disposed at both ends in the length direction of the antenna coupling module.

[0022] 11. The antenna coupling module according to 9 above, wherein the touch sensing IC chip is disposed at one end in the length direction of the antenna coupling module, and the antenna driving IC chip is disposed at at least one side of two sides in the width direction of the antenna coupling module.

[0023] 12. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1 above, wherein the antenna pattern includes a radiating pattern, pads, and transmission lines that electrically connect the radiating pattern and the pads to each other.

[0024] 13. The antenna coupling module according to 12 above, wherein the pad further includes a signal pad connected to the transmission line and a grounding pad spaced apart from the signal pad and electrically isolated from the transmission line.

[0025] 14. The antenna coupling module according to 1 above, wherein the antenna layer further includes a dielectric layer disposed between the antenna pattern and the touch sensor layer.

[0026] 15. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1 further includes: an adhesive layer formed between the antenna layer and the touch sensor layer.

[0027] 16. A display device, comprising: a display panel; and an antenna coupling module according to the above embodiments stacked on the display panel.

[0028] 17. The display device according to 16 above, wherein the touch sensor layer of the antenna coupling module faces the display panel, and the polarization layer is configured to face the user's viewing side.

[0029] The effects of the invention

[0030] An antenna coupling module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an antenna pattern formed as a separate layer between a touch sensor layer and a polarization layer. This increases the degree of freedom in arranging the antenna pattern and allows it to be arranged while avoiding sensing electrodes and traces included in the touch sensor layer. Therefore, the reliability of the radiation characteristics of the antenna pattern can be improved without disrupting the generation of electrical signals in the sensing electrodes.

[0031] The antenna pattern can be configured below the polarization layer, thereby preventing visual recognition of the electrodes due to light reflection and improving the image quality of the display device. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna coupling module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the antenna pattern layer in an antenna coupling module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of an antenna pattern layer in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and the antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and the antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic, partially enlarged top view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and the antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, an antenna coupling module is provided, wherein a touch sensor layer, an antenna layer, and a polarization layer are stacked sequentially, and visual recognition of the antenna pattern and touch sensor electrodes is prevented, thereby improving the reliability of their interaction. Furthermore, a display device is provided, which features improved signal / sensing reliability and image quality through the use of the antenna coupling module.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna coupling module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 The antenna coupling module includes a touch sensor layer 120, an antenna layer 150, and a polarization layer 180.

[0042] The touch sensor layer 120 may include a sensor base layer 100 and a touch sensor electrode layer 110 disposed on the sensor base layer 100.

[0043] The sensor substrate 100 may include a support layer for forming the electrodes included in the touch sensor electrode layer 110 or a thin-film component for protecting the electrodes. For example, the sensor substrate 100 may include a thin-film material commonly used in touch sensors without any particular limitation.

[0044] For example, the sensor substrate layer 100 may include resin materials such as cyclic olefin polymer (COP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyacrylate, polyimide (PI), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), polyethersulfone (PES), cellulose triacetate (TAC), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, a protective layer or encapsulation layer covering the touch sensor electrode layer 110 may also be formed on the sensor substrate layer 100. The structure and components of the touch sensor electrode layer 110 will be described with reference to... Figure 4 Details will be discussed later.

[0046] Antenna layer 150 may be disposed on touch sensor electrode layer 110. In an exemplary embodiment, antenna layer 150 may be stacked on touch sensor electrode layer 110 as a separate layer or film layer, separate from or independent of touch sensor layer 120. In some embodiments, antenna layer 150 may be bonded or adhered to touch sensor layer 120 using a first adhesive layer 80.

[0047] Antenna layer 150 may include dielectric layer 130 and antenna pattern layer 140 disposed on dielectric layer 130.

[0048] The dielectric layer 130 may include, for example, a transparent resin material. For example, dielectric layer 130 may include: polyester-based resins, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose-based resins, such as diacetylcellulose and triacetylcellulose; polycarbonate-based resins; acrylic-based resins, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyethyl methacrylate; styrene-based resins, such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin-based resins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyolefins with cyclic or norbornene structures; vinyl chloride resins; amide-based resins, such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide-based resins; polyethersulfone-based resins; sulfone-based resins; polyetheretherketone-based resins; polyphenylene sulfide-based resins; vinyl alcohol-based resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinyl butyral-based resins; allyl resins; polyoxymethylene-based resins; epoxy-based resins; urethane-based or acrylic polyurethane-based resins; and silicone-based resins. These can be used alone or in combination.

[0049] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 130 may include inorganic materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, etc.

[0050] The dielectric layer 130 may be substantially a single layer or may have a multilayer structure comprising at least two layers.

[0051] Capacitors or inductors can be created in dielectric layer 130 to control the frequency range of the antenna pattern included in antenna pattern layer 140. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of dielectric layer 130 can be in the range of about 1.5 to about 12. If the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may be excessively reduced, potentially failing to achieve the desired high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency radiation (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher frequency bands). Preferably, the dielectric constant of dielectric layer 130 can be in the range of about 2 to 12.

[0052] For example, the antenna pattern layer 140 can be formed on the top surface of the dielectric layer 130. The components and structure of the antenna pattern layer 140 will be described with reference to... Figure 2 More details will follow.

[0053] Antenna devices (e.g., thin-film antennas or antenna layers) may be defined, for example, by an antenna pattern layer 140 and a dielectric layer 130. The antenna device may be a microstrip patch antenna fabricated as a transparent thin film. The antenna device can be applied to communication equipment or display devices for high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher) mobile communications.

[0054] In some embodiments, a ground layer (not shown) may be disposed on the bottom surface of dielectric layer 130. In one embodiment, a conductive component of a display device to which antenna devices may be applied may be used as the ground layer. The conductive component may include the gate of a thin-film transistor (TFT) included in the display device, various wirings such as scan lines or data lines, various electrodes such as pixel electrodes, common electrodes, etc.

[0055] In one embodiment, various structures including conductive material disposed beneath the display panel can be used as a ground layer. For example, a metal plate (e.g., a stainless steel plate such as an SUS plate), a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a heat sink, a digitizer, etc., can be used as the ground layer.

[0056] In one embodiment, the distance between the antenna pattern layer 140 and the ground layer (e.g., the thickness of the dielectric layer 130) can be in the range of about 40 to about 1,000 μm. In this case, for example, the above-described high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency communication can be effectively realized.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer 80 disposed between the antenna layer 150 and the touch sensor layer 120 can be used as a dielectric layer of the antenna pattern layer 140. In this case, Figure 1 The additional dielectric layer 130 shown can be omitted.

[0058] An insulating protective layer (not shown) for protecting the antenna pattern included in the antenna pattern layer 140 may be formed on the antenna pattern layer 140.

[0059] Polarizing layer 180 may be disposed on antenna layer 150. Polarizing layer 180 may include a coating-type polarizer or polarizer. The coating-type polarizer may include a liquid crystal coating comprising a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. In this case, polarizing layer 180 may further include an alignment layer for providing orientation to the liquid crystal coating.

[0060] For example, the polarizing plate may include a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer and a protective film attached to at least one side of the polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer.

[0061] In some embodiments, the polarization layer 180 and the antenna layer 150 may be coupled or bonded to each other via the second adhesive layer 90.

[0062] The first adhesive layer 80 and the second adhesive layer 90 can be formed using, for example, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) or optically transparent adhesives (OCA) that may include acrylic resins, polyurethane-based resins, silicone-based resins, etc.

[0063] The aforementioned antenna coupling module can be configured on a display panel included in, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor layer 120 may be configured toward the display panel, and the polarization layer 180 may be configured toward the user's viewing side. The antenna layer 150 may be included as a separate film or layer from the touch sensor layer 120, thereby increasing the space or area for arranging the antenna pattern.

[0065] Furthermore, the antenna pattern layer 140 can be disposed on the touch sensor electrode layer 110 so that the radiation and impedance characteristics of the antenna pattern are not interfered with or disturbed by the touch sensor electrode layer 110.

[0066] Furthermore, the polarization layer 180 can be disposed on the antenna layer 150, thereby reducing light reflection from the antenna pattern layer 140 to prevent the antenna pattern from being visually recognized by the user and to prevent degradation of the image quality of the display device.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of the antenna pattern layer in an antenna coupling module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] Reference Figure 2Multiple antenna patterns can be arranged on dielectric layer 130. Each antenna pattern may include a radiating pattern 142, a transmission line 144, and a pad 145. The pad 145 may include a signal pad 146 and a ground pad 148.

[0069] The radiating pattern 142 may have, for example, a polygonal plate shape, and the transmission line 144 may extend from the central portion of the radiating pattern 142 and be electrically connected to the signal pad 146. The transmission line 144 may be formed as a single component substantially integrated with the radiating pattern 142.

[0070] In some embodiments, a pair of ground pads 148 may be configured across the signal pad 146. The ground pads 148 may be electrically isolated from the signal pads 146 and the transmission line 144. In this case, horizontal radiation can be substantially achieved by the antenna pattern. Furthermore, a ground layer may be formed on the bottom surface of the dielectric layer 130, thereby also substantially achieving vertical radiation by the antenna pattern.

[0071] The radiating pattern 142, transmission line 144, and / or pad 145 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), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0072] In one embodiment, the radiating pattern 142 may be considered as a pattern formation with low resistance and fine linewidth, and may include silver (Ag) or silver alloys (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloys), or copper (Cu) or copper alloys (e.g., copper-calcium (Cu-Ca) alloys).

[0073] The radiating pattern 142, transmission line 144 and / or pad 145 may include transparent conductive oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), cadmium tin oxide (CTO), etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the radiating pattern 142, transmission line 144, and / or pad 145 may include a multilayer structure comprising a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer. For example, the radiating pattern 142, transmission line 144, and / or pad 145 may have a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-a metal layer-a transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, flexibility can be enhanced by the metal layer, thereby reducing resistance. Furthermore, corrosion resistance and transparency can be enhanced by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the construction of an antenna pattern layer in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 A virtual pattern 147 with a mesh structure can be formed around the radiating pattern 142. In one embodiment, the radiating pattern 142 may also include a mesh structure that is substantially the same as or similar to the virtual pattern 147.

[0077] For example, the radiating pattern 142 and the virtual pattern 147 can be separated and insulated from each other by a separation region 143 formed along the boundary of the radiating pattern 142.

[0078] The radiating pattern 142 and the virtual pattern 147 can be formed to include substantially the same or similar mesh structures, thereby improving the transmittance of the thin-film antenna and preventing visual recognition of the radiating pattern 142 due to deviations in the pattern shape.

[0079] In some embodiments, the transmission lines 144 branching from the radiating pattern 142 may also include a mesh structure. In one embodiment, Figure 2 The pad 145 shown can have a solid pattern structure to achieve increased signal speed and reduced resistance.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and the antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 The antenna coupling module includes components configured on the touch sensor electrode layer 110 (see...). Figure 1 The antenna pattern layer 140 on the antenna pattern layer 140 may include multiple antenna patterns 141.

[0082] The touch sensor electrode layer 110 may include sensing electrodes 103 and 105, and traces 117 and 119. Sensing electrodes 103 and 105 may include a first sensing electrode 103 and a second sensing electrode 105. Traces 117 and 119 may include a first trace 117 and a second trace 119.

[0083] The sensor substrate 100 may include an active region and a peripheral region. The active region may be the area that detects touch input and substantially performs touch sensing. Sensing electrodes 103 and 105 may be disposed on the active region, and traces 117 and 119 may be disposed on the peripheral region.

[0084] The first sensing electrode 103 may be arranged along a row direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) parallel to, for example, the top surface of the sensor substrate 100. In some embodiments, adjacent first sensing electrodes 103 in the row direction may be physically or electrically connected to each other via a connector 113. For example, the connector 113 may be formed as a single component substantially integral with the first sensing electrode 103 at the same level.

[0085] Thus, a first row of sensing electrodes extending along the row direction can be formed by the first sensing electrode 103 and the connector 113. A plurality of the first rows of sensing electrodes can be arranged along the column direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0086] The second sensing electrode 105 may be arranged along, for example, a column direction parallel to the top surface of the sensor substrate layer 100. In some embodiments, the second sensing electrode 105 may be physically spaced apart from each other as island-shaped unit electrodes. In this case, adjacent second sensing electrodes 105 in the column direction may be electrically connected to each other via bridge electrodes 115.

[0087] Thus, a second sensing electrode column extending in the column direction can be formed by the second sensing electrode 105 and the bridge electrode 115. Multiple second sensing electrode columns can be arranged along the row direction.

[0088] For example, an insulating pattern (not shown) may be formed that at least partially covers the connector 113, and a bridge electrode 115 may be formed on the insulating pattern to contact or electrically connect with a second sensing electrode 105 adjacent in the column direction.

[0089] Each sensing electrode 103 and 105 may have, for example Figure 4 The shape shown is a rhombus. However, the shapes of the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 can be appropriately changed to take into account electrode density, circuit design, sensitivity, etc.

[0090] For example, sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and / or bridge electrode 115 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), tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC), copper-calcium (Cu-Ca)). These may be used individually or in combination.

[0091] The sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and / or the bridge electrode 115 may include transparent conductive oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), cadmium tin oxide (CTO), etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and / or bridge electrode 115 may include a multilayer structure comprising a transparent conductive oxide and a metal. For example, sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and / or bridge electrode 115 may have a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-a metal layer-a transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, flexibility can be enhanced by the metal layer, and resistance can also be reduced, thereby improving signal transmission speed. Furthermore, corrosion resistance and transparency can be enhanced by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0093] The first trace 117 can branch from each of the first row of sensing electrodes. For example, the first trace 117 can be distributed and extended on two sides of the substrate layer 100 in the row direction. The second trace 119 can branch from each of the second column of sensing electrodes and extend.

[0094] The first trace 117 and the second trace 119 can be assembled to the pad area of ​​the touch sensor electrode layer 110 for electrical connection with the touch sensing integrated circuit (IC) chip 210. The touch sensing IC chip 210 can convert the physical signals sensed by the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 into electrical signals to realize touch sensing.

[0095] For reference Figure 2 As described, antenna pattern 141 may include radiating pattern 142, transmission line 144, and pad 145. Multiple antenna patterns 141 may be configured on the touch sensor electrode layer 110. For ease of description, Figure 4 The components of the antenna pattern 141 and the touch sensor electrode layer 110 are shown together on the same plane.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna pattern 141 may be arranged so that it does not overlap with the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and the traces 117 and 119 of the touch sensor electrode layer 110 in a plan view. For example, the antenna pattern 141 may be configured to be offset from or intersect with the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and the traces 117 and 119 in a plan view.

[0097] For example, antenna pattern 141 can be configured on the plane on the active region and the peripheral region, and can be configured between adjacent sensing electrodes so that the end of the active region does not overlap with the sensing electrode.

[0098] The sensing electrodes 103 and 105, as well as the traces 117 and 119 used to generate and transmit touch sensing signals, can be arranged so as not to overlap with the antenna pattern 141, so that the touch sensing signal path is not disturbed by the antenna pattern 141. Thus, signal interference caused by the antenna pattern 141 can be suppressed while improving touch sensing sensitivity.

[0099] Furthermore, the antenna pattern 141 can be disposed on the touch sensor electrode layer 110 in a manner spaced apart from the touch sensor electrode layer 110, thereby improving radiation efficiency and gain characteristics. Further, impedance mismatch caused by disturbance of the predetermined impedance value of the antenna pattern 141 by electrical signals in the touch sensor electrode layer 110 can be prevented.

[0100] The pads 145 included in the antenna pattern 141 can be electrically connected to the antenna driver integrated circuit (IC) chip 220 to perform feeding and signal transmission. For example, the antenna pattern 141 can be electrically connected to the antenna driver IC chip 220 via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown).

[0101] For example, multiple antenna patterns 141 can be configured in an array to improve the directivity and radiation intensity through the antenna pattern layer 140. Figure 4 As shown, multiple antenna patterns 141 can be selectively arranged along the row direction only in the peripheral area of ​​the antenna coupling module where sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and traces 117 and 119 are not arranged.

[0102] In one embodiment, multiple antenna patterns 141 can be independently and individually controlled and driven by one or more antenna driver IC chips 220.

[0103] As described above, the virtual pattern 147, including the mesh structure (see...) Figure 3 The dummy pattern 147 can be formed around the radiation pattern 142 of the antenna pattern 141. In some embodiments, the dummy pattern 147 can be aligned with the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 or the dummy electrode 107 of the touch sensor electrode layer 110 in a planar view (see...). Figure 6 They are essentially overlapping.

[0104] The touch sensing IC chip 210 and the antenna driving IC chip 220 can be separately configured in the peripheral area of ​​the sensor substrate 100 or the antenna coupling module. For example, the touch sensing IC chip 210 and the antenna driving IC chip 220 can be respectively configured at both ends in the column direction of the peripheral area. In this case, the separation distance or spacing between the touch sensing IC chip 210 and the antenna driving IC chip 220 can be increased to suppress mutual sensing / driving disturbances and interference.

[0105] Furthermore, the antenna pattern 141 can be configured in a region opposite to the pad region of the sensor electrode layer 110 on which the traces 117 and 119 are assembled, thereby effectively achieving independence from the signal action in the touch sensor electrode layer 110.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments. References will be omitted here. Figures 1 to 4 A detailed description of substantially the same or similar elements and structures.

[0107] Reference Figure 5 The antenna pattern 141 and the antenna driver IC chip 220 can be configured on the side of the row direction in the peripheral region. For example, the antenna pattern 141 and the antenna driver IC chip 220 can be configured on at least one of a first side and a second side in the row direction of the peripheral region.

[0108] Figure 5 Antenna pattern 141 and antenna driver IC chip 220 are shown configured on one of the first and second sides in the row direction (e.g., the first side), but multiple antenna patterns 141 may typically be distributed on the first and second sides.

[0109] In this case, the antenna driver IC chip 220 may include a first antenna driver IC chip connected to the antenna pattern 141 configured on the first side and a second antenna driver IC chip connected to the antenna pattern 141 configured on the second side.

[0110] Furthermore, traces 117 and 119 can be distributed on two sides (first side and second side) in the row direction in a manner that does not overlap with antenna pattern 141 in the plan view.

[0111] Figure 6 This is a schematic, partially enlarged top view illustrating the mutual arrangement of the touch sensor electrode layer and the antenna pattern in an antenna coupling module according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0112] Reference Figure 6 The touch sensor electrode layer 110 may also include a virtual electrode 107 located outside the active region. For example, the virtual electrode 107 may be configured between sensing electrodes 103 and 105 that are adjacent to each other outside the active region.

[0113] The virtual electrode 107 can be configured in the space between the sensing electrodes 103 and 105, so that the overall reflectivity and electrode distribution in the active region can become uniform and average. Therefore, visual recognition of the electrodes caused by local differences in reflectivity and electrode arrangement can be prevented.

[0114] As described above, the antenna pattern 141 can be configured on the touch sensor electrode layer 110 in a manner spaced apart from the touch sensor electrode layer 110, and can not overlap with the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 in a planar view.

[0115] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, antenna pattern 141 may be configured to at least partially overlap with the virtual electrode 107 of touch sensor layer 120. In one embodiment, a portion of antenna pattern 141 (e.g., radiation pattern 142) may overlap with the virtual electrode 107 of touch sensor layer 120 in a planar view.

[0116] The virtual electrode 107 can be an electrode that does not substantially perform touch sensing. Therefore, even if the virtual electrode 107 overlaps with the antenna pattern 141 in the planar view, it will not affect the touch sensing in the touch sensor electrode layer 110. Thus, the independence of the antenna and touch sensor operations can be maintained while gaining additional space for arranging the antenna pattern 141.

[0117] Furthermore, the virtual electrode 107 of the touch sensor layer 120 overlaps with the radiation pattern 142 in the planar view across the dielectric layer 130, so that the virtual electrode 107 can be substantially used as the ground electrode of the antenna pattern 141. Thus, noise from the radiation pattern 142 can be absorbed by the virtual electrode 107 of the touch sensor layer 120.

[0118] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic top plan view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0119] Reference Figure 7 The display device 400 may include the antenna coupling module and the display panel 300 described above.

[0120] The display panel 300 may include a pixel electrode 310, a pixel definition layer 320, a display layer 330, a counter electrode 340, and an encapsulation layer 350 disposed on a panel substrate 305.

[0121] Pixel circuits including thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be formed on the panel substrate 305, and an insulating layer covering the pixel circuits can be formed. Pixel electrodes 310 can be electrically connected to, for example, the drain electrode of a TFT on the insulating layer.

[0122] A pixel definition layer 320 may be formed on the insulating layer to expose the pixel electrode 310 to define the pixel region. A display layer 330 may 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.

[0123] Counter electrode 340 can be disposed on pixel definition layer 320 and display layer 330. Counter electrode 340 can be used as a common electrode or cathode, for example, in an image display device. Encapsulation layer 350 for protecting display panel 300 can be stacked on counter electrode 340.

[0124] The antenna coupling module may include a touch sensor layer 120, an antenna layer 150, and a polarization layer 180 stacked sequentially as described above.

[0125] For example, the touch sensor layer 120 can be bonded to the display panel 300 using a third adhesive layer 60. For example, the thickness of the third adhesive layer 60 can be greater than the thickness of each of the first adhesive layer 80 and the second adhesive layer 90, and the viscoelasticity of the third adhesive layer 60 at -20 to 80°C can be less than about 0.2 MPa. In this case, noise from the display panel 300 can be shielded, and interface stress can be reduced when bending. In one embodiment, the viscoelasticity can be from about 0.01 to 0.15 MPa.

[0126] The polarizing layer 180 can be configured to face the viewing side of the display device 400, and the window substrate 260 can be stacked on the polarizing layer 180. For example, the window substrate 260 can be attached to the polarizing layer 180 using a fourth adhesive layer 70.

[0127] Reference Figure 8 The display device 400 may include a display area 410 and a peripheral area 420. The peripheral area 420 may correspond to, for example, a side portion in the width direction and / or an end portion in the length direction of the display area 410. The peripheral area 420 may correspond to, for example, a light-shielding portion or a bezel portion of an image display device. The peripheral area 420 may substantially correspond to the peripheral area of ​​the aforementioned antenna coupling module.

[0128] In some embodiments, the antenna coupling module is disposed across the entire display area 410 and the peripheral area 420 of the display device 400, and the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 of the touch sensor electrode layer 11 can be arranged within the display area 410.

[0129] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, antenna pattern 141 can be located in peripheral region 420. Furthermore, traces 117 and 119 of touch sensor electrode layer 110 can be configured within peripheral region 420.

[0130] Furthermore, the touch sensing IC chip 210 and the antenna driver IC chip 220 can be configured in the peripheral region 420. The pads 145 of the antenna pattern 141 can be configured to be adjacent to the antenna driver IC chip 220 in the peripheral region 420, thereby shortening the signal transmission / reception path to suppress signal loss. The touch sensing IC chip 210 and the antenna driver IC chip 220 can be separated from each other in the peripheral region 420.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the radiation pattern 142 included in the antenna pattern 141 may be configured within the display area 410. In this case, the radiation pattern 142 may be configured to be offset from the sensing electrodes 103 and 105 and may be configured to overlap with the virtual electrode 107 of the touch sensor layer 120.

Claims

1. An antenna coupling module, comprising: A touch sensor layer includes a plurality of sensing electrodes, the touch sensor layer having: an active region on which the sensing electrodes are arranged and a peripheral region surrounding the active region; An antenna layer, which is stacked as a separate layer on the touch sensor layer, includes multiple antenna patterns; as well as The polarization layer on the antenna layer Each of the plurality of antenna patterns includes: a radiator, a pad, and a transmission line electrically connecting the radiator and the pad to each other. The plurality of antenna patterns overlap with the end regions of the active region, and the entirety of each antenna pattern does not overlap with the plurality of sensing electrodes in a planar view; Each of the plurality of antenna patterns is configured between adjacent sensing electrodes at the end region of the active region.

2. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of antenna patterns are arranged to overlap with at least one region of the surrounding area in the plan view.

3. The antenna coupling module according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of antenna patterns are arranged on the active region and the surrounding region in the plan view.

4. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, wherein, The touch sensor layer also includes a virtual electrode disposed between adjacent sensing electrodes in the end region of the active region.

5. The antenna coupling module according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of antenna patterns at least partially overlap with the virtual electrodes in the plan view.

6. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, wherein, The touch sensor layer also includes traces that branch off from the sensing electrodes and extend to the surrounding area.

7. The antenna coupling module according to claim 6, further comprising: A touch-sensing integrated circuit (IC) chip is electrically connected to the aforementioned wiring.

8. The antenna coupling module according to claim 7, further comprising: An antenna driver IC chip is electrically connected to the plurality of antenna patterns and is configured in a region of the peripheral area that is different from the region where the touch sensing integrated circuit IC chip is configured.

9. The antenna coupling module according to claim 8, wherein, The touch sensing integrated circuit (IC) chip and the antenna driver IC chip are respectively disposed at both ends of the antenna coupling module along its length.

10. The antenna coupling module according to claim 8, wherein, The touch sensing integrated circuit (IC) chip is disposed at one end of the antenna coupling module along its length, and The antenna driver IC chip is disposed on at least one of the two sides in the width direction of the antenna coupling module.

11. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, wherein, The pads also include signal pads connected to the transmission line and grounding pads spaced apart from the signal pads and electrically isolated from the transmission line.

12. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna layer further includes a dielectric layer disposed between the plurality of antenna patterns and the touch sensor layer.

13. The antenna coupling module according to claim 1, further comprising: An adhesive layer is formed between the antenna layer and the touch sensor layer.

14. A display device, comprising: Display panel; as well as The antenna coupling module according to claim 1 is stacked on the display panel.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The touch sensor layer of the antenna coupling module faces the display panel, and the polarization layer is configured to face the user's viewing side.

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