Antenna Structure and Image Display Device

Abstract

An antenna structure and an image display device are provided. The antenna structure includes a support layer having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, a light-shielding pattern provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first surface of the support layer, a radiator provided at the same level as the light-shielding pattern on the first surface of the support layer, and a signal pad provided on the light-shielding pattern and electrically connected to the radiator. The spatial efficiency of the antenna structure can be improved and the thickness of the image display device can be reduced to enhance the bending characteristics.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0177293, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on Dec. 17, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an antenna structure and an image display device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna structure including an antenna unit and a light-shielding pattern, and an image display device including the antenna structure. Background Art

[0004] With the development of information technology, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are combined with image display devices in the form of smartphones. In this case, an antenna can be combined with the image display device to provide a communication function.

[0005] Recently, as a bendable image display device such as a flexible display, the demand for an antenna that can be applied to a flexible display is increasing.

[0006] However, when forming an additional thin film or structure for introducing an antenna, the overall thickness of the flexible display may increase, or the laminated structure for folding the flexible display may change. Therefore, the ideal folding or bending characteristics of the flexible display may deteriorate.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a configuration for introducing an antenna in a limited space while achieving sufficient radiation and gain characteristics of the antenna.

[0008] For example, Korean Patent Laid-Open Application No. 2013-0113222 discloses an antenna integrated into a mobile terminal, but does not sufficiently consider the antenna configuration as described above. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna structure having improved spatial efficiency and reliability.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display device including an antenna structure having improved spatial efficiency and reliability.

[0011] (1) An antenna structure, comprising: a support layer having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a light-shielding pattern provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first surface of the support layer; a radiator provided at the same level as the light-shielding pattern on the first surface of the support layer; and a signal pad provided on the light-shielding pattern and electrically connected to the radiator.

[0012] (2) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, wherein the signal pad is in contact with the top surface of the light-shielding pattern, and the radiator is in contact with the first surface of the support layer.

[0013] (3) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, wherein a step difference is formed between the top surface of the signal pad and the top surface of the radiator.

[0014] (4) According to the antenna structure of (3) above, it further includes a transmission line that electrically connects the signal pad and the radiator to each other.

[0015] (5) According to the antenna structure of (4) above, wherein the transmission line is bent along the side wall of the light-shielding pattern and the first surface of the support layer.

[0016] (6) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, it further includes a passivation layer formed on the first surface of the support layer to cover the radiator and at least partially expose the top surface of the signal pad.

[0017] (7) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, wherein the radiator has a mesh structure, and the signal pad has a solid metal pattern.

[0018] (8) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, it further includes a transparent film formed on the second surface of the support layer.

[0019] (9) According to the antenna structure of (1) above, wherein the support layer includes a first intermediate layer including the first surface and a second intermediate layer including the second surface, and the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer include different dielectric materials.

[0020] (10) An image display device, comprising: a display panel; and an antenna structure according to the above-described embodiment provided on the display panel.

[0021] (11) According to the image display device of (10) above, it further includes a ground layer provided below the display panel.

[0022] (12) According to the image display device of (10) above, it further includes a cover window provided on the antenna structure, wherein the second surface of the support layer of the antenna structure faces the cover window.

[0023] (13) According to the image display device of (12) above, it further includes: a first adhesive layer provided between the antenna structure and the display panel; and a circuit board provided between the light-shielding pattern of the antenna structure and the first adhesive layer and thus bonded to the signal pad.

[0024] (14) According to the image display device of (13) above, it further includes a second adhesive layer provided between the antenna structure and the cover window.

[0025] (15) The image display device according to (14) above, wherein the thickness of the first adhesive layer is 50 μm to 500 μm, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer is 20 μm to 200 μm.

[0026] (16) The image display device according to (13) above, further comprising an optical layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna structure may include a support layer, a light-shielding film disposed on the support layer, and an antenna unit. The antenna unit includes a radiator formed at the same level as the light-shielding film and a signal pad formed on the light-shielding film. Therefore, the antenna unit can be included at the same level as the light-shielding pattern of the image display device without adding an antenna substrate layer to the antenna structure.

[0028] Therefore, the total thickness of the image display device including the antenna structure can be not increased, and the neutral plane for smoothly folding the image display device can be maintained. Therefore, flexibility and mechanical durability can be enhanced while maintaining the antenna radiation performance, and thus an image display device including an antenna with high reliability can be achieved.

[0029] The first adhesive layer may be disposed between the antenna structure and the display panel of the image display device. The thickness of the first adhesive layer may be within a predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ground layer and / or the conductive member of the display panel from excessively absorbing the signal radiated from the antenna unit, and the circuit board can be stably disposed.

[0030] In some embodiments, a ground layer may be disposed under the display panel included in the image display device. In this case, the conductive member and the ground layer of the display panel may be together provided as the ground portion of the antenna unit. Therefore, the vertical radiation characteristics of the antenna unit can be achieved with high efficiency and high reliability. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view showing an antenna unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic top plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an antenna structure including a light-shielding pattern and an antenna unit is provided.

[0036] The antenna structure may include, for example, a microstrip patch antenna, a monopole antenna, or a dipole antenna in the form of a transparent film. The antenna structure may be applied to a communication device for mobile communication in a high-frequency band or an ultra-high frequency band corresponding to, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an image display device including the antenna structure is also provided. The application of the antenna structure is not limited to an image display device, and the antenna structure may be applied to various objects or structures, such as vehicles, household appliances, buildings, and the like.

[0038] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are for further understanding the spirit of the present invention and are not intended to limit the subject matter to be protected disclosed in the detailed description and the appended claims.

[0039] Terms such as "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. used in the text do not represent absolute positions but are relatively used to distinguish different elements or different positions.

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

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 , the antenna structure may include a support layer 100 having a first surface 100a and a second surface 100b facing each other, a light-shielding pattern 110 provided on the first surface 100a of the support layer 100, and an antenna unit 120 adjacent to the light-shielding pattern 110.

[0042] The support layer 100 may be used, for example, as a protective layer for a transparent film 140 to be described later and / or a base layer for the antenna unit 120. In this case, an additional substrate for the antenna unit 120 may not be inserted. Therefore, the thickness and / or volume of the antenna structure may be reduced. Therefore, the space efficiency of the antenna structure may be improved, and the flexibility, durability, and driving reliability may also be improved.

[0043] The support layer 100 may include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose resins such as diacetyl cellulose and triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate resins; acrylic resins such as poly(methyl)methacrylate and poly(methyl)ethyl acrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cycloolefin or polyolefin having a norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymer; vinyl chloride resins; amide resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide resins; polyethersulfone resins; sulfone resins; polyetheretherketone resins; polyphenylene sulfide resin; vinyl alcohol resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinyl butyral resins; allylated compounds; polyoxymethylene resins; epoxy resins; polyurethane or acrylic polyurethane resins; silicone resins, etc. They may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0044] In some embodiments, the support layer 110 may include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR). In some embodiments, the support layer 110 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the support layer 110 can be adjusted to 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 it may not be possible to achieve driving at a desired high frequency band or ultra-high frequency band.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the support layer 100 may include a first intermediate layer 102 having a first surface 100a and a second intermediate layer 104 having a second surface 100b.

[0047] For example, the first intermediate layer 102 can be used as a protective layer capable of protecting the antenna unit 120 and the light-shielding pattern 110 from external impacts during the lamination process of the antenna structure. The first intermediate layer 102 may include a material selected from materials that can be used as a protective layer, such as the above-mentioned organic and / or inorganic insulating materials.

[0048] For example, the second intermediate layer 104 can be used as a separation adhesive layer to attach the carrier substrate to the second surface 100b of the support layer 100 during the lamination process of the antenna structure. For example, the transparent film 140 can be attached to the second surface 100b of the support layer 100 after peeling off the carrier substrate. The second intermediate layer 104 may include a material that takes into account easy attachment / detachment, and may include, for example, the above-mentioned organic insulating materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, considering the functions of each layer, the first intermediate layer 102 and the second intermediate layer 104 may include different dielectric materials. Accordingly, the support layer 100 can serve as both a protective layer and a separation adhesive layer.

[0050] In some embodiments, the total thickness of the support layer 100 may be 5 μm or less. In this case, the antenna unit 120 can be disposed on a substrate having a relatively thin thickness. Accordingly, compared with the case where a separate antenna base layer is inserted, the thickness of the antenna structure can be reduced.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the light-shielding pattern 110 can be disposed on the outer peripheral portion (e.g., the edge portion) of the first surface 100a of the support layer 100.

[0052] For example, the support layer 100 may include a central portion positioned at a display area of an image display device to be described later and an outer peripheral portion positioned at a non-display area of the image display device. The light-shielding pattern 110 can be disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the first surface 100a of the support layer 100. Accordingly, opaque conductive wiring patterns and various circuits present in the non-display area can be blocked by the light-shielding pattern 110 and not recognized by the user.

[0053] For example, the light-shielding pattern 110 can serve as a black matrix. For example, the light-shielding pattern 110 may include an opaque resin containing a colorant. The colorant may include carbon black, a pigment mixed with an alloy containing silver and tin, or a combination thereof.

[0054] For example, an arbitrary pattern or design can be included on one surface of the light-shielding pattern 110. For example, an arbitrary pattern or design can be included on one surface of the light-shielding pattern 110 disposed on the viewer side of the image display device. Accordingly, the aesthetic characteristics of the antenna structure or the image display device can be optionally added by forming an appropriate pattern or design.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may include a radiator 122 disposed at the same level as the light-shielding pattern 110 on the first surface 100a of the support layer 100 and a signal pad 126 disposed on the light-shielding pattern 110 to be electrically connected to the radiator 122.

[0056] Accordingly, the signal pad 126 can be prevented from being visually recognized on the user viewing side of the image display device, and thus the image quality degradation can be prevented.

[0057] For example, the signal pad 126 of the antenna unit 120 can be in contact with the top surface of the light-shielding pattern 110, and the radiator 122 can be in contact with the first surface 100a of the support layer 100.

[0058] In some embodiments, the light-shielding pattern 110 may be disposed under the signal pad 126 to form a step D between the top surface of the signal pad 126 and the top surface of the radiator 122. Accordingly, the pressure applied when the circuit board 150 is bonded to the signal pad 126 may be partially buffered to suppress cracks that may occur during the bonding process.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may further include a transmission line 124 that electrically connects the signal pad 126 and the radiator 122 to each other.

[0060] For example, the transmission line 124 may be bent along the sidewall of the light-shielding pattern 110 and the first surface 100a of the support layer 100 to connect the signal pad 126 and the radiator 122. Accordingly, the signal pad 126 and the radiator 122 may be electrically connected while maintaining the step difference D between the top surface of the signal pad 126 and the top surface of the radiator 122.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna structure may further include a passivation layer 130 formed on the first surface 100a of the support layer 100 to cover the radiator 122. The top surface of the signal pad 126 may be at least partially exposed from the passivation layer 130.

[0062] For example, the passivation layer 130 may serve as an insulating layer that electrically isolates the antenna unit 120 from other materials.

[0063] For example, the passivation layer 130 may include an organic insulating material such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, or a polyimide resin, or an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0064] In some embodiments, the thickness of the passivation layer 130 may be 5 μm or less. Accordingly, the thickness of the antenna structure may become smaller compared to the case where an additional antenna substrate is inserted.

[0065] In some embodiments, the passivation layer 130 may at least partially expose the top surface of the signal pad 126, and the circuit board 150 may be bonded and electrically connected to the exposed portion of the signal pad 126. The circuit board 150 may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0066] For example, the circuit board 150 may extend to be electrically connected to the main board of the image display device. In this case, the antenna unit 120 and an antenna driving integrated circuit (IC) chip mounted on the main board may be electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, a power supply / control signal (e.g., a phase signal, a beam tilt signal, etc.) may be applied from the antenna driving IC chip to the antenna unit 120.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna structure may include a transparent film 140 formed on the second surface 100b of the support layer 100.

[0068] The transparent film 140 can, for example, protect the antenna unit 120 and the display panel of the image display device from external impacts.

[0069] For example, the transparent film 140 may include at least one of the above-mentioned transparent resin films. Preferably, the transparent film 140 may include polyethylene terephthalate.

[0070] Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view showing an antenna unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2 , the antenna unit 120 may be formed on the first surface 100a of the support layer and the light-shielding pattern 110. For example, a plurality of antenna units 120 may be arranged in an array along the width direction of the support layer 100 or the antenna structure, thereby forming a horizontal row of antenna units.

[0072] As described above, the antenna unit 120 may include a radiator 122 and a transmission line 124. The radiator 122 may have, for example, the shape of a polygonal flat plate, and the transmission line 124 may extend from one side portion of the radiator 122. The transmission line 124 may be formed as a single member substantially integral with the radiator 122 and may have a narrower width than the radiator 122.

[0073] The antenna unit 120 may further include a signal pad 126. The signal pad 126 may be connected to the end portion of the transmission line 124. In one embodiment, the signal pad 126 may be provided as a member substantially integral with the transmission line 124, and the end portion of the transmission line 124 may be used as the signal pad 126.

[0074] In some embodiments, a ground pad 128 may be provided around the signal pad 126. For example, a pair of ground pads 128 may be provided to face each other with the signal pad 126 interposed therebetween. The ground pad 128 may be electrically and physically separated from the transmission line 124 and the signal pad 126.

[0075] In some embodiments, the transmission line 124 may extend across the first surface 100a of the support layer 100 and the light-shielding pattern 110.

[0076] For example, the transmission line 124 may include a first portion 124a connected to the radiator 122 and disposed on the first surface 100a of the support layer 100 and a second portion 124b connected to the signal pad 126 and disposed on the light-shielding pattern 110. Thus, the radiator 122 and the signal pad 126 may be electrically connected while forming a step difference D.

[0077] The antenna unit 120 or the radiator 122 can be designed, for example, to have a resonance frequency corresponding to a high frequency band or an ultra-high frequency band of, for example, a frequency band such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher. For example, the resonance frequency of the antenna unit can be above approximately 10 GHz, or within a range of approximately 20 GHz to 45 GHz.

[0078] In some embodiments, radiators 122 having different sizes can be arranged on the first surface 100a of the support layer 100. In this case, the antenna unit 120 can be used as a multi-radiator or multi-band antenna that radiates in multiple resonance frequency bands.

[0079] The antenna unit 120 can include silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these metals. They can be used alone or in combination.

[0080] In one embodiment, the antenna unit 120 can include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC)) or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., copper-calcium (CuCa)) to achieve a low resistance and a fine line width pattern.

[0081] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 can include a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 can include a stacked structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer. For example, the antenna unit can include a bilayer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer - metal layer, or a trilayer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer - metal layer - transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, flexibility can be improved by the metal layer, and the signal transmission speed can be increased by the low resistance of the metal layer. Corrosion resistance and transparency can be improved by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0083] The antenna unit 120 can include a blackened portion, so that the reflectivity of the surface of the antenna unit 120 can be reduced to suppress the visual recognition of the antenna unit due to light reflection.

[0084] In one embodiment, the surface of the metal layer included in the antenna unit 120 may be converted into a metal oxide or a metal sulfide to form a blackening layer. In one embodiment, the blackening layer may be formed on the antenna unit 120 or the metal layer, such as a black material coating or plating. The black material or plating may include silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, nickel, cobalt, or an oxide, sulfide, or alloy containing at least one of them.

[0085] Considering the reflection reduction effect and the antenna radiation characteristics, the composition and thickness of the blackening layer may be adjusted.

[0086] In some embodiments, the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124 may include a mesh pattern structure to improve the light transmittance. In this case, a dummy mesh pattern (not shown) may be formed around the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124.

[0087] Considering the reduction of the feed resistance, the noise absorption efficiency, the improvement of the horizontal radiation characteristics, etc., the signal pad 126, the ground pad 128, and the second portion 124b of the transmission line 124 may be formed as a solid pattern including the above-mentioned metal or alloy.

[0088] In some embodiments, the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124 have a mesh pattern structure, and the signal pad 126, the ground pad 128, and the second portion 124b of the transmission line 124 may have a solid metal structure.

[0089] The radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124 may be disposed in the display area of the image display device, and the signal pad 126, the ground pad 128, and the second portion 124b of the transmission line 124 may be disposed in the non-display area or the border area of the image display device.

[0090] The above antenna structure may be disposed on the image display device to provide the functions of a transparent film and an antenna. The support layer 100 may be used as a substrate of the antenna unit 120, so an additional base layer or a substrate for the antenna may not be inserted.

[0091] Therefore, the total thickness of the image display device including the antenna structure may be reduced while maintaining the antenna radiation performance, thereby improving the flexibility and durability to provide an image display device including an antenna with high reliability.

[0092] If an additional separate substrate layer for the antenna is inserted, the neutral layer for folding the image display device may be changed, thereby generating excessive stress at the weak part of the image display device.

[0093] However, according to an exemplary embodiment, an additional antenna substrate may not be inserted, so that the neutral layer of the image display device can be maintained. Accordingly, stress applied to a weak portion inside the image display device can be suppressed while maintaining the antenna radiation performance. Accordingly, an image display device including an antenna with enhanced folding characteristics and reliability can be realized.

[0094] In addition, an additional film or layer may not be inserted in the display area, so that a decrease in the brightness of the image display device can be prevented.

[0095] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Referring to Figure 3 , the image display device 200 may include a display panel 210 and the above-described antenna structure disposed on the display panel 210. For example, the antenna structure may be stacked on the display panel 210.

[0097] The display panel 210 may include a pixel electrode 212, a pixel defining layer 214, a display layer 216, a counter electrode 218, and a encapsulation layer 219 disposed on a panel substrate 211.

[0098] A pixel circuit including a thin film transistor (TFT) may be formed on the panel substrate 211, and an insulating layer may be formed to cover the pixel circuit. The pixel electrode 212 may be electrically connected to, for example, the drain electrode of the TFT on the insulating layer.

[0099] The pixel defining layer 214 may be formed on the insulating layer to expose the pixel electrode 212, thereby defining a pixel region. The display layer 216 may be formed on the pixel electrode 212, and the display layer 216 may include, for example, a liquid crystal layer or an organic light emitting layer. Preferably, the display layer 216 may include an organic light emitting layer, and the display panel 210 may be an OLED panel.

[0100] The counter electrode 218 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 214 and the display layer 216. The counter electrode 218 may be used as, for example, a common electrode or a cathode of the image display device 200. The encapsulation layer 219 for protecting the display panel 210 may be stacked on the counter electrode 218.

[0101] In some embodiments, a conductive member included in the display panel 210 may be used as a ground portion of the antenna unit 120. The conductive member may include, for example, a gate electrode of a TFT, various wirings such as a scan line or a data line, or various electrodes such as the pixel electrode 212 and the counter electrode 218.

[0102] In one embodiment, various structures including a conductive material disposed below the display panel 210 can be used as an antenna ground portion. For example, a metal plate (such as a stainless steel plate, such as a SUS plate), a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a heat sink, a digital converter, etc. can be used as the ground portion of the antenna unit 120.

[0103] In some embodiments, a ground layer 250 can be disposed below the display panel 210. In this case, the conductive member of the display panel 210 and the ground layer 250 can jointly serve as the ground portion of the radiator 122. Therefore, the vertical radiation characteristics from the radiator 122 can be achieved with high efficiency and high reliability.

[0104] For example, the ground layer 250 can be disposed below the display panel 210 and can be configured as a metal plate, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a heat sink, or a digital converter.

[0105] For example, the ground layer 250 can include the above-mentioned metal or alloy.

[0106] In some embodiments, a cover window 240 can be disposed on the above-mentioned antenna structure. For example, the second surface 100b of the support layer 100 of the antenna structure can be oriented or facing the cover window 240. In this case, the second surface 100b of the support layer 100 can be closer to the cover window 240 than the first surface 100a.

[0107] For example, the cover window 240 can be used as a window cover plate, a glass cover plate, a protective cover film, or a protective cover layer of the image display device. In this case, the cover window 240 can provide a viewing surface or the outermost surface to the user of the image display device 200.

[0108] The cover window 240 can include, for example, glass or a flexible resin material such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic resin, silicone resin, etc.

[0109] In some embodiments, a first adhesive layer 220 can be disposed between the antenna structure and the display panel 210. The first adhesive layer 220 can include, for example, a transparent resin film, an adhesive material, or an inorganic insulating material that can be included in the above-mentioned support layer 100.

[0110] For example, the first adhesive layer 220 can adhere the display panel 210 or the optical layer 230 to the antenna structure. In this case, the first adhesive layer 220 can include, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive (OCA) containing acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second adhesive layer 245 may be disposed between the transparent film 140 of the antenna structure and the cover window 240. For example, the second adhesive layer 245 may include a material substantially the same as that of the first adhesive layer 220.

[0112] For example, the transparent film 140 and the cover window 240 may be attached through the second adhesive layer 245.

[0113] For example, if the distance between the display panel 210 or the ground layer 250 and the antenna unit 120 is too small, the applied signal may not form an electric field in the radiator 122 and may be absorbed by the conductive member of the display panel 210 or the ground layer 250.

[0114] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 220 may be from 50 μm to 500 μm, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer 245 may be from 20 μm to 200 μm.

[0115] Within the above ranges, improved flexibility of the antenna structure or the image display device 200 can be achieved while preventing signal loss of the antenna unit 120 to provide sufficient radiation characteristics. Therefore, an antenna structure or an image display device with improved signal efficiency, radiation characteristics, and reliability can be obtained.

[0116] In addition, the circuit board 150 may be disposed between the first adhesive layer 220 and the light-shielding pattern 110, so that a sufficient thickness of the first adhesive layer 220 can be achieved and the circuit board 150 can be stably fixed. Therefore, an image display device 200 with enhanced durability and reliability can be achieved.

[0117] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 220 may be greater than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 245.

[0118] In some embodiments, the optical layer 230 may be disposed between the first adhesive layer 220 and the display panel 210.

[0119] The optical layer 230 may be a polarizing layer, for example, including a coating type polarizer or a polarizing film. The coating type polarizer may include a liquid crystal coating including a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a dichroic dye. In this case, the optical layer 230 may further include an alignment layer for providing alignment to the liquid crystal coating.

[0120] For example, the polarizing film may include a polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer and a protective film attached to at least one surface of the polyvinyl alcohol-based polarizer.

[0121] Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an image display device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is provided.

[0122] For example, a laminate can be prepared that may include a support layer 100 having a first intermediate layer 102 and a second intermediate layer 104, and a carrier substrate adhered to the second surface 100b of the second intermediate layer 104. For example, the carrier substrate may include an inorganic insulating material such as glass.

[0123] For example, a light-shielding pattern 110 can be formed on the outer peripheral portion of the first surface 100a of the support layer 100.

[0124] The first surface 100a of the support layer 100 and the conductive layer including the above-mentioned metal or alloy on the light-shielding pattern 110 can be patterned to form an antenna unit 120. For example, a radiator 122 can be formed at the same level as the light-shielding pattern 110, and pads 126 and 128 can be formed on the top surface of the light-shielding pattern 110.

[0125] For example, a passivation layer 130 can be formed on the top surface of the antenna unit 120 and the first surface 100a of the support layer 100. For example, the passivation layer 130 can be formed to cover the radiator 122 and at least partially expose the top surface of the signal pad 126.

[0126] Thereafter, the carrier substrate can be separated from the second intermediate layer 104, and a transparent film 140 can be attached to the second surface 100b of the second intermediate layer 104 to form an antenna structure.

[0127] For example, the signal pad 126 of the antenna unit 120 can be bonded to a circuit board 150.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the above antenna structure can be flipped and laminated on a stack of a first adhesive layer 220 - an optical layer 230 - a display panel 210.

[0129] Thereafter, an image display device 200 can be formed by laminating a second adhesive layer 245 and a cover window 240 on the transparent film 140.

[0130] Figure 4 is a schematic top plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 4 For the sake of description convenience, the antenna unit 120 is enlarged relative to the actual size of the antenna unit 120.

[0131] Referring to Figure 4 , the image display device 200 can be formed in the form of a smart phone, for example, and Figure 4 shows the front or window surface of the image display device 200.

[0132] The front portion of the image display device 200 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA may correspond to, for example, a light-shielding portion or a border portion of the image display device.

[0133] The antenna unit 120 included in the above antenna structure may be disposed toward the front portion of the image display device 200.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the above antenna structure may be disposed on the display panel 210. In this case, the antenna unit 120 may be integrated with the image display device 200 without a separate antenna substrate layer. Accordingly, the thickness and / or volume of the image display device 200 may be reduced, and thus the bending characteristics and durability of the image display device 200 may be improved.

[0135] In one embodiment, the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124 may be at least partially disposed in the display area DA. In this case, the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124 may include a mesh pattern structure to prevent a reduction in light transmittance due to the radiator 122 and the first portion 124a of the transmission line 124.

[0136] The signal pad 126, the ground pad 128, and the second portion 124b of the transmission line 124 included in the antenna unit 120 may be formed as solid metal patterns and may be disposed in the non-display area NDA together with the light-shielding pattern 110 to prevent a degradation in image quality.

[0137] In some embodiments, the circuit board 150 may be bent and extended to the rear portion of the image display device 200 and may be electrically connected to the main board on which the antenna driving IC chip is mounted. Accordingly, feeding and antenna driving control of the antenna unit 120 by the antenna driving IC chip may be achieved.

[0138] As described above, the antenna unit 120 may be substantially integrated with the transparent film 140 without a separate antenna substrate layer. Accordingly, the thickness of the antenna structure and the image display device 200 may be reduced. Thus, an antenna structure and an image display device 200 having improved flexibility and reliability may be provided.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, characterized in that, it comprises: a support layer having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a light-shielding pattern provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first surface of the support layer; a radiator provided at the same level as the light-shielding pattern on the first surface of the support layer; a signal pad provided on a top surface of the light-shielding pattern and electrically connected to the radiator; a transmission line electrically connecting the signal pad and the radiator to each other; and a circuit board joined to a top surface of the signal pad, wherein a step difference is formed between a top surface of the signal pad and a top surface of the radiator, wherein the transmission line extends from the signal pad on the top surface of the light-shielding pattern, bends along a sidewall of the light-shielding pattern and the first surface of the support layer, and is connected to the radiator at the same level as the light-shielding pattern on the first surface of the support layer.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the signal pad is in contact with the top surface of the light-shielding pattern, and the radiator is in contact with the first surface of the support layer.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further comprises a passivation layer formed on the first surface of the support layer to cover the radiator and at least partially expose the top surface of the signal pad.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the radiator has a mesh structure, and the signal pad has a solid metal pattern.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further comprises a transparent film formed on the second surface of the support layer.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, the support layer includes a first intermediate layer including the first surface and a second intermediate layer including the second surface, and the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer include different dielectric materials.

7. An image display device, characterized in that, it comprises: a display panel; and the antenna structure according to claim 1 provided on the display panel.

8. The image display device according to claim 7, characterized in that, it further comprises a ground layer provided below the display panel.

9. The image display device according to claim 7, characterized in that, it further comprises a cover window provided on the antenna structure, wherein the second surface of the support layer of the antenna structure faces the cover window.

10. The image display device according to claim 9, characterized in that, it further comprises: a first adhesive layer provided between the antenna structure and the display panel; and a circuit board provided between the light-shielding pattern of the antenna structure and the first adhesive layer and thus joined to the signal pad.

11. The image display device according to claim 10, characterized in that, it further comprises a second adhesive layer provided between the antenna structure and the cover window.

12. The image display device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The thickness of the first adhesive layer is from 50 μm to 500 μm, and the thickness of the second adhesive layer is from 20 μm to 200 μm.

13. The image display device according to claim 12, wherein, it further includes an optical layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel.

Images