Antenna device and display device including the same

Abstract

Antenna elements according to embodiments of the present invention each include a dielectric layer and an antenna pattern arranged across at least two of the upper, side, and lower surfaces of the dielectric layer and having a curved structure. This curved structure allows the antenna element to be mounted on a side surface of a display device, reducing signal loss in transmission lines and improving radiation and signal reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device and a display device including the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna device including a dielectric layer and an antenna pattern, and a display device including the same. Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. are combined with display devices such as smart phones. In this case, an antenna can be combined with the display device to provide a communication function.

[0003] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, display devices require antennas capable of high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency communication. Furthermore, as display devices equipped with antennas become thinner and lighter, the space available for antennas may also decrease. Consequently, high-frequency and broadband signal transmission / reception may not be easily achieved in a limited space.

[0004] Therefore, the antenna may be applied to the display device in a film shape or a patch shape, and an antenna structure for achieving reliability of radiation characteristics even in a thin structure is required.

[0005] For example, Korean published patent application No. 2016-0059291 discloses an antenna integrated into a display panel, which may not provide sufficient radiation reliability for high-frequency band communications in a limited space. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Goals]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna device having improved signal efficiency and radiation characteristics is provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device including an antenna device having improved signal efficiency and radiation characteristics.

[0009] [Technical means]

[0010] (1) An antenna device includes: a dielectric layer; and an antenna pattern provided on at least two of an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface of the dielectric layer to have a bent structure.

[0011] (2) The antenna device according to (1) above, wherein the side surface of the dielectric layer has a curved surface.

[0012] (3) The antenna device according to (1) above, wherein the antenna pattern includes a radiation pattern, a transmission line branched from the radiation pattern and connected to the radiation pattern, and a signal pad connected to an end portion of the transmission line.

[0013] (4) The antenna device according to (3) above, wherein the radiation pattern is provided on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, the transmission line is provided on the side surface of the dielectric layer, and the signal pad is provided on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0014] (5) The antenna device according to (3) above, wherein the radiation pattern and the transmission line are provided on the upper surface of the dielectric layer, and the signal pad is provided on the side surface and the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0015] (6) The antenna device according to (3) above, wherein the radiation pattern and the transmission line are provided on the side surface of the dielectric layer.

[0016] (7) The antenna device according to (6) above, further comprising a ground pattern provided inside the dielectric layer so as to face the radiation pattern, wherein the dielectric layer is located between the ground pattern and the radiation pattern.

[0017] (8) The antenna device according to (6) above, wherein the signal pad is provided on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0018] (9) The antenna device according to (6) above, wherein a portion of the signal pad is provided on the side surface of the dielectric layer, and a remaining portion of the signal pad is provided on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

[0019] (10) The antenna device according to (3) above, further comprising a ground pad that is spaced apart from the transmission line and provided around the signal pad.

[0020] (11) The antenna device according to (1) above, wherein the dielectric layer is formed by folding an initial dielectric layer in a planar state including a first region, a second region, and a third region, and the second region is folded so that the first region and the third region face each other, and a surface of the second region of the initial dielectric layer corresponds to the side surface of the dielectric layer.

[0021] (12) The antenna device according to (11) above, wherein the first region of the dielectric layer is provided on an electrode structure included in a display panel, and the electrode structure serves as a ground layer of the antenna pattern.

[0022] (13) The antenna device according to (12) above, wherein the second region of the dielectric layer is folded along a side surface of the display panel.

[0023] (14) The antenna device according to (13) above, wherein the third region of the dielectric layer is provided below the display panel.

[0024] (15) The antenna device according to (3) above, wherein the radiation pattern has a mesh structure.

[0025] (16) The antenna device according to (15) above, further comprising a virtual mesh pattern arranged around the radiation pattern and spaced apart from the radiation pattern.

[0026] (17) A display device including the antenna device according to the above-described embodiment.

[0027] [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] An antenna device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a dielectric layer and an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface, a side surface, and / or a lower surface of the dielectric layer and having a curved structure. Accordingly, the antenna device may be disposed on a side of a display device and may transmit and receive high-frequency / ultra-high-frequency and broadband signals within a limited space.

[0029] In some embodiments, the radiation pattern of the antenna pattern can be provided on the upper surface or side surface of the dielectric layer, and the signal pad can be provided on the lower surface of the dielectric layer. Thus, it is possible to achieve transmission and reception at a desired frequency while reducing the size of the frame area of an image display device to which the antenna pattern is applied.

[0030] In some embodiments, the antenna pattern can be disposed on the display panel. For example, the antenna pattern can be folded and disposed along the side surface of the display panel. Thus, the conductive member included in the display panel can serve as a ground layer for the antenna pattern without forming a separate ground layer.

[0031] The antenna pattern may include a mesh structure, and a virtual mesh pattern may be arranged around the antenna pattern. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visual recognition of the electrode and the degradation of the image quality of the display device on which the antenna device is provided due to the difference in pattern shape.

[0032] The antenna device can be applied to a display device including a mobile communication device capable of transmitting and receiving signals in 3G, 4G, 5G or higher of a high frequency or ultra-high frequency band to improve optical characteristics and radiation characteristics such as transmittance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some example embodiments.

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some example embodiments.

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some example embodiments.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some example embodiments.

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device in which an antenna device is provided according to some example embodiments.

[0043] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a schematic top plan view illustrating a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an antenna device including a dielectric layer and an antenna pattern disposed on at least two of an upper surface, a side surface, and / or a lower surface of the dielectric layer and having a bent structure.

[0045] The antenna device may be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna manufactured in the form of a transparent film. The antenna device may be applied to a communication device for mobile communications in high or ultra-high frequency bands (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher). However, the application of the antenna device is not limited to display devices, and the antenna device may be applied to various objects or structures such as vehicles, home appliances, buildings, etc.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided a display device including the antenna device.

[0047] 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, and do not limit the subject matter to be protected to that disclosed in the specific embodiments and the appended claims.

[0048] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figures, two directions parallel to the top surface of dielectric layer 100 and intersecting each other are defined as a first direction and a second direction. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other. A direction perpendicular to the top surface of dielectric layer 100 is defined as a third direction. For example, the first direction may correspond to the width direction of the antenna device, the second direction may correspond to the length direction of the antenna device, and the third direction may correspond to the thickness direction of the antenna device. The definition of the directions may be the same in all figures.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , the antenna device according to the exemplary embodiment may include a dielectric layer 100 and an antenna pattern having a bent structure on a surface of the dielectric layer 100 .

[0051] The dielectric layer 100 may include a first surface 100a, a second surface 100b, and a third surface 100c. For example, the first surface 100a, the second surface 100b, and the third surface 100c may correspond to the upper surface, the side surface, and the lower surface of the dielectric layer 100, respectively.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 may have a substantially curved shape. For example, the perimeter of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100 may have a substantially curved contour, such as a semicircular shape.

[0053] The dielectric layer 100 may include an insulating material having a predetermined dielectric constant. For example, the dielectric layer 100 may include a transparent resin material having flexible and foldable properties. Figure 2 As described above, the dielectric layer 100 including the curved surface can be easily realized by bending the initial dielectric layer 90 .

[0054] For example, the dielectric layer 100 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 copolymer; polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cycloolefin or polyolefin having a norbornene structure and ethylene-propylene copolymer; vinyl chloride-based resins; amide-based resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide-based resins; polyethersulfone-based resins; sulfone-based resins; polyetheretherketone-based resins; polyphenylene sulfide resins; vinyl alcohol-based resins; vinylidene chloride-based resins; vinyl butyral-based resins; allyl salt-based resins; polyoxymethylene-based resins; epoxy-based resins; urethane or acrylic urethane-based resins; silicone resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, an adhesive film such as a solid transparent optical adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), etc. may be included in the dielectric layer 100 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 100 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, or the like.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 100 may be adjusted within a range of about 1.5 to about 12. When the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, signal loss through the transmission line 120 may excessively increase to reduce signal sensitivity and efficiency in high-band communications.

[0058] The antenna pattern may include a radiation pattern 110, a transmission line 120, and a signal pad 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the radiation pattern 110 may be disposed on the first surface 100a of the dielectric layer 100, the transmission line 120 may be disposed on the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100, and the signal pad 130 may be disposed on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100.

[0059] The radiation pattern 110 may have, for example, Figure 2 The polygonal plate shape shown. Figure 2 The shape of the radiation pattern 110 shown is an example and may be appropriately changed in consideration of radiation efficiency and the like.

[0060] The transmission line 120 may branch from one side of the radiation pattern 110 and extend along the contour of the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100. The signal pad 130 may be connected to a terminal portion of the transmission line 120 and may extend on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100.

[0061] The antenna pattern may include silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these metals. These may be used alone or in combination of at least two thereof.

[0062] For example, the antenna pattern may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy to reduce resistance, and may include, for example, a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy.

[0063] In one embodiment, the antenna pattern may include copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (eg, copper-calcium (CuCa)) to achieve low resistance and fine line width patterning.

[0064] In some embodiments, the antenna pattern may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), or the like.

[0065] In some embodiments, the antenna pattern may have a three-layer structure comprising a transparent conductive oxide layer, a metal layer, and a transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the metal layer can improve flexibility while reducing resistance. The transparent conductive oxide layer can improve corrosion resistance and transparency.

[0066] The antenna device may be formed by forming an antenna pattern on a preliminary dielectric layer 90 and then bending the preliminary dielectric layer 90. The preliminary dielectric layer 90 may refer to a dielectric layer in a planar state before bending, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0067] refer to Figure 2 The preliminary dielectric layer 90 may include a first region I, a second region II, and a third region III. The radiation pattern 110, the transmission line 120, and the signal pad 130 may be disposed on the first region I, the second region II, and the third region III of the preliminary dielectric layer 90, respectively.

[0068] The antenna pattern may be formed on the preliminary dielectric layer 90, and then the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may be folded so that the first region I and the third region III may face each other through the second region II. For example, the second region II may be bent to substantially fold the preliminary dielectric layer.

[0069] In this case, the first region I and the third region III may overlap each other in the third direction. Therefore, after bending, the first region (I) and the third region (III) may be respectively disposed as the upper and lower portions of the dielectric layer 100, and the surface of the second region (II) may correspond to the second surface 100b of the dielectric layer 100.

[0070] The antenna pattern may further include a ground pad 132 spaced apart from the transmission line 120 and the signal pad 130, surrounding the signal pad 130. Therefore, noise generated during transmission and reception of a radiation signal through the signal pad 130 may be effectively filtered or reduced.

[0071] For example, a pair of ground pads 132 may be disposed toward each other with the signal pad 130 interposed therebetween. In this case, the antenna pattern may also provide horizontal radiation characteristics.

[0072] As described above, since the second region II may be bent, the ground pad 132 may be disposed on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100 together with the signal pad 130. Therefore, the ground pad 132 may overlap the radiation pattern 110 in the third direction.

[0073] In this case, the ground pad 132 may also serve as a ground layer for the radiation pattern 110 , and vertical radiation may be achieved through the radiation pattern 110 .

[0074] In some embodiments, an additional ground layer may be formed under the first radiation pattern 110 , and a conductive member of a display device to which the antenna element is applied may serve as a ground layer for the radiation pattern 110 .

[0075] The conductive member may include, for example, a gate electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) included in the display panel, various wirings such as a scan line and a data line, or various electrodes such as a pixel electrode and a common electrode.

[0076] In one embodiment, for example, various structures including a conductive material disposed below the display panel may be used as a ground layer. For example, a metal plate (e.g., a stainless steel plate such as a SUS plate), a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a heat sink, a digitizer, etc. may be used as a ground layer.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, a plurality of antenna patterns may be arranged in an array along a first direction, for example. In one embodiment, the antenna patterns may have the same shape or size and may have the same resonant frequency.

[0078] In one embodiment, the plurality of antenna patterns may include antenna patterns having sensitivities to different frequencies and may have different shapes or sizes, thereby increasing the frequency coverage and gain characteristics of the antenna device.

[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment, the antenna pattern can be three-dimensionally designed by utilizing the first surface 100a, the second surface 100b, and the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100. Therefore, the area occupied by the antenna pattern can be reduced, and for example, the frame area of an image display device to which the antenna device is applied can be reduced.

[0080] The signal pad 130 may be electrically connected to an antenna driver integrated circuit (IC) chip through a conductive connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The signal pad 130 may be disposed below the radiation pattern 110 on the third surface 100c of the dielectric layer 100 so that a space into which the conductive connection member can be inserted may be additionally realized.

[0081] In one embodiment, the signal pads 130 may be directly connected or bonded to pads of the antenna driving IC chip on the third surface 100 c of the dielectric layer 100 without using a conductive connecting member.

[0082] In one embodiment, the antenna device may further include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The antenna device may further include a driving integrated circuit (IC) chip electrically connected to the antenna through the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0083] In one embodiment, a direct-drive integrated circuit (IC) chip can be directly disposed on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). For example, a circuit or contact electrically connecting the driver IC chip and a feeder line can be formed in the FPCB. The FPCB and the driver IC chip can be adjacent to each other, shortening the signal transmission / reception path to suppress signal loss.

[0084] In one embodiment, an intermediate circuit board such as a rigid printed circuit board (Rigid-PCB) may be further disposed between the flexible circuit board and the driving IC chip.

[0085] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Detailed description of elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 According to some exemplary embodiments, the antenna device may include a dielectric layer 100, a radiation pattern 110 and a transmission line 120 provided on a first surface 100a of the dielectric layer, and a signal pad 130 continuously provided on a second surface 100b and a third surface 100c of the dielectric layer. Therefore, the distance between the radiation pattern 110 and the signal pad 130 may be reduced, and the signal transmission / reception path may be shortened, thereby preventing an increase in resistance or signal loss through the transmission line 120.

[0087] refer to Figure 4 , the radiation pattern 110 and the transmission line 120 may be formed on the first region I of the preliminary dielectric layer 90 , and the signal pad 130 may be formed on the second region II and the third region III.

[0088] After forming the antenna pattern on the preliminary dielectric layer 90, the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may be folded so that the first region I and the third region III face each other via the second region II. Figure 3 As shown, the radiation pattern 110 and the transmission line 120 may be disposed on the first surface 100 a of the dielectric layer 100 , and the signal pad 130 may be disposed on both the second surface 100 b and the third surface 100 c of the dielectric layer 100 .

[0089] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Detailed description of the elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar structures and elements.

[0090] refer to Figure 5 , an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments may include a dielectric layer 100, a radiation pattern 110 and a transmission line 120 disposed on a second surface 100b of the dielectric layer, and a signal pad 130 disposed on a third surface 100c of the dielectric layer.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna device may further include a ground pattern 140 that may be disposed inside or buried in the dielectric layer 100 to face the radiation pattern 110 in the second direction, with the dielectric layer 100 interposed therebetween.

[0092] Lateral radiation through the second surface 100 b of the dielectric layer 100 may be achieved.

[0093] For example, the distance between the antenna pattern and the ground pattern 140 may be from 40 to 1000 μm. In this case, a resonant frequency characteristic corresponding to a high frequency / ultra-high frequency band of 3G, 4G, 5G or higher may be easily achieved.

[0094] refer to Figure 6 , the antenna pattern may be formed on an upper surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90 , and the ground pattern 140 may be formed on a lower surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90 .

[0095] For example, the radiation pattern 110 and the transmission line 120 may be formed on a portion of the upper surface in the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90, and the signal pad 130 may be formed on a portion of the upper surface in the third region III of the preliminary dielectric layer 90. The ground pattern 140 may be formed on a portion of the lower surface in the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90.

[0096] The preliminary dielectric layer 90 on which the antenna pattern and the ground pattern 140 are formed may be bent using the second region II so that the ground pattern 140 may be inserted into the dielectric layer 100. Thus, the ground pattern 140 may be disposed in the bent inner portion of the dielectric layer 100 and may be substantially surrounded by the first region I and the third region III of the dielectric layer 100.

[0097] In one embodiment, the ground pattern 140 may have a structure substantially buried in the dielectric layer 100, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the radiation pattern 110 and the ground pattern 140 may have a curved pattern shape such as a C-shape. Therefore, the radiation direction may be expanded to increase the radiation coverage.

[0099] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some exemplary embodiments. Figures 1 to 6 Detailed description of elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar.

[0100] refer to Figure 7 , an antenna device according to some exemplary embodiments may include a dielectric layer 100, a radiation pattern 110 and a transmission line 120 disposed on a second surface 100b of the dielectric layer, and a signal pad 130 disposed over the second surface 100b and a third surface 100c of the dielectric layer.

[0101] The transmission line 120 may be formed only on the second surface 100 b of the dielectric layer, so that the length of the transmission line 120 may be shortened and signal loss through the transmission line 120 may be suppressed.

[0102] refer to Figure 8 , the antenna pattern may be formed on an upper surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90 , and the ground pattern 140 may be formed on a lower surface of the preliminary dielectric layer 90 .

[0103] For example, the radiation pattern 110 and the transmission line 120 may be formed on a portion of the upper surface in the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90, and the signal pad 130 may be formed on a portion of the upper surface above the second region II and the third region III of the preliminary dielectric layer 90. The ground pattern 140 may be formed on a portion of the lower surface in the second region II of the preliminary dielectric layer 90.

[0104] The preliminary dielectric layer 90 on which the antenna pattern and the ground pattern 140 are formed may be bent using the second region II so that the ground pattern 140 may be disposed inside the dielectric layer 100. In one embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the ground pattern 140 may be substantially buried in the dielectric layer 100 .

[0105] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna device in a planar state before being bent according to some example embodiments.

[0106] refer to Figure 9 , the antenna device may include an antenna pattern and a dummy mesh pattern 150 surrounding the antenna pattern and spaced apart from the antenna pattern.

[0107] The antenna pattern may include a mesh structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the radiation pattern 110 and the transmission line 120 may include a mesh structure. Therefore, the transmittance of the antenna pattern may be increased, and the flexibility of the antenna device may be improved.

[0108] In some embodiments, the radiation pattern 110 may include a mesh structure and the transmission line 120 may include a solid metal structure. In this case, the transmission line 120 may be located at the side surface (second surface 100b) of the dielectric layer and may not be visible to the user. Therefore, the feed resistance can be reduced and signal loss through the transmission line 120 can be prevented.

[0109] In some embodiments, when a mesh structure is employed, the electrode lines included in the mesh structure may be formed of a low-resistance metal such as copper, silver, APC alloy, or CuCa alloy, thereby suppressing an increase in resistance. Thus, a low-resistance and high-sensitivity transparent antenna device can be effectively implemented.

[0110] The dummy mesh pattern 150 and the antenna pattern may include mesh structures having substantially the same shape. Therefore, the electrode arrangement around the antenna pattern may become uniform, preventing the mesh structure or electrode lines included in the antenna pattern from being recognized by a user of a display device to which the antenna device is applied.

[0111] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device in which an antenna device is provided according to some exemplary embodiments. Figures 1 to 9 Detailed description of the elements and structures described that are substantially the same or similar structures and elements.

[0112] refer to Figure 10 , the antenna device may be provided on the display panel 230. For example, the display panel 230 may include a flat or curved LCD panel and an OLED panel, and the antenna device may be formed in a curved shape along a side surface of the display panel 230.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna pattern can be formed on the initial dielectric layer 90, and then the antenna device can be folded along the lateral portion of the display panel 230 using the second region II of the initial dielectric layer 90 so that the first region I and the third region III of the initial dielectric layer 90 can face each other.

[0114] For example, the display panel 230 and the preliminary dielectric layer 90 may be bonded to each other by an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer may include an insulating material having a dielectric constant.

[0115] The display panel 230 may provide a ground layer for the antenna pattern. For example, the display panel 230 may include an electrode layer 210 formed on the panel substrate 220, and a conductive member of the electrode layer 210 may serve as a ground layer for the antenna pattern.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the first region I of the dielectric layer 100 may be disposed on the electrode layer 210 included in the display panel 230 , and the electrode layer 210 may serve as a ground layer of the antenna pattern.

[0117] The second region II of the dielectric layer 100 may be folded along the side surface of the display panel 230. Therefore, a curved OLED may be used as the display panel 230 so that the conductive member of the display panel 230 may serve as a ground layer of the radiation pattern 110 without an additional ground layer.

[0118] In example embodiments, the third region III of the dielectric layer 100 may be disposed under the display panel 230 .

[0119] Figure 11 and Figure 12is a schematic top plan view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 11 is a schematic top plan view for describing an electrode structure included in a display panel. Figure 12 Shows the outer shape of a window including a display device.

[0120] refer to Figure 11 , the display device may include an antenna device formed on a display panel 230, and the display panel 230 may include a panel substrate 220 and an electrode layer 210. For example, the display panel 230 may be a display panel such as an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

[0121] The electrode layer 210 may include a pixel structure including a thin film transistor (TFT), a wiring structure, and an electrode structure. For example, the TFT included in the display panel 230 (including the active layer 250, various wiring structures such as the scan line 265 and the data line 260, and the electrode structure such as the source electrode 262, the gate electrode 267, the drain electrode 270, and the pixel electrode 280) may be a conductive member of the display panel 230. Therefore, the conductive member included in the display panel 230 can be used as a ground layer without forming an additional ground layer under the radiation pattern 110 of the antenna device.

[0122] refer to Figure 12 , the display device 300 may include a display area 310 and a peripheral area 320. The peripheral area 320 may be located at both sides and / or ends of the display area 310.

[0123] The peripheral region 320 may correspond to, for example, a light shielding portion or a frame portion of the image display device. An integrated circuit (IC) chip for controlling driving / radiation characteristics of the antenna device and supplying a feed signal may be provided in the peripheral region 320 .

[0124] The antenna device according to the above exemplary embodiment can be inserted into the peripheral area 320 in the form of, for example, an antenna film or an antenna patch. As described above, the antenna device can be three-dimensionally arranged using the second surface 100b or the second area II, so that the area or volume of the peripheral area 320 can be reduced and the size of the display area 310 from which an image is displayed can be relatively increased.

[0125] In one embodiment, the antenna arrangement may be located at least partially in the display area 310. In this case, as described with reference to Figure 9 As described above, the antenna pattern may include a mesh structure, and image quality may be prevented from being deteriorated due to the antenna pattern.

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising: dielectric layer; as well as an antenna pattern provided on at least two of the upper surface, the side surface, and the lower surface of the dielectric layer to have a bent structure, The antenna pattern includes: Radiation pattern; a transmission line branched from the radiation pattern and connected to the radiation pattern, the transmission line being provided on the side surface of the dielectric layer; a signal pad directly connected to an end portion of the transmission line and provided on the lower surface of the dielectric layer; and a ground pad physically and electrically spaced apart from the transmission line and the signal pad around the signal pad; The ground pad and the signal pad are disposed together on the lower surface of the dielectric layer. 2 . The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the side surface of the dielectric layer has a curved surface. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the radiation pattern is provided on the upper surface of the dielectric layer. 4 . The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the radiation pattern and the transmission line are provided on the side surface of the dielectric layer. 5 . The antenna device according to claim 4 , further comprising a ground pattern provided on an inner side of the dielectric layer to face the radiation pattern, wherein the dielectric layer is located between the ground pattern and the radiation pattern. 6 . The antenna device according to claim 4 , wherein a portion of the signal pad is disposed on the side surface of the dielectric layer, and a remaining portion of the signal pad is disposed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

7. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the dielectric layer is formed by folding an initial dielectric layer in a planar state including a first region, a second region, and a third region, and the second region is folded so that the first region and the third region face each other, and A surface of the second region of the preliminary dielectric layer corresponds to the side surface of the dielectric layer.

8. The antenna device according to claim 7, wherein the first region of the dielectric layer is provided on an electrode structure included in a display panel, and The electrode structure serves as a ground layer for the antenna pattern. 9 . The antenna device according to claim 8 , wherein the second region of the dielectric layer is folded along a side surface of the display panel. 10 . The antenna device according to claim 9 , wherein the third region of the dielectric layer is disposed below the display panel. The antenna device according to claim 1 , wherein the radiation pattern has a mesh structure. 12 . The antenna device according to claim 11 , further comprising a dummy mesh pattern arranged around the radiation pattern and spaced apart from the radiation pattern. 13 . A display device comprising the antenna device according to claim 1 .

Images