Antenna structure and image display device

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna structure and an image display device including the same. The antenna structure includes: a dielectric layer; an antenna unit disposed on the dielectric layer, the antenna unit including a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad to each other; and a ground separated from the antenna unit in a thickness direction, the dielectric layer being interposed between the ground and the antenna unit. At least one of a shortest distance between the ground and the radiator in the thickness direction, a shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and a shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 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 dielectric layer, and an image display device including the antenna structure. Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. are being applied to or embedded in image display devices, electronic devices, and architectures.

[0003] In addition, according to the development of mobile communication technology, antennas for communicating in high frequency or ultra-high frequency bands are applied to public transportation such as buses and subways, building structures, various mobile devices, etc. For example, an antenna that can operate in 3G, 4G, 5G or higher high frequency or ultra-high frequency communication bands can be combined with an image display device, an electronic device, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, electronic devices having an image display function and an information input function by combining a touch panel or a touch sensor are being developed, in which a user can input a command by selecting an instruction on a screen with a human hand or an object.

[0005] As image display devices using antennas become thinner and lighter, the space for the antennas can also be reduced. When the antenna is included in a limited space together with the display panel and the touch panel, the electrical characteristics and radiation characteristics of the antenna may be disturbed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a design of an antenna structure that can reduce or avoid signal loss and radiation interference caused by other electronic devices within a limited space. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an antenna structure having improved operational reliability and signal transmission efficiency is provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image display device having improved operation reliability and signal transmission efficiency is provided.

[0009] (1) An antenna structure, comprising: a dielectric layer; an antenna unit disposed on the dielectric layer, the antenna unit comprising a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad to each other; and a ground separated from the antenna unit in a thickness direction, the dielectric layer being interposed between the ground and the antenna unit, wherein at least one of the shortest distance between the ground and the radiator in the thickness direction, the shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and the shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.

[0010] (2) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein the shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line is greater than the shortest distance between the ground and the radiator.

[0011] (3) The antenna structure according to the above (1), wherein the shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line is greater than the shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad.

[0012] (4) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein the radiator, the transmission line, and the signal pad are provided at the same level on the dielectric layer.

[0013] (5) The antenna structure according to (1) above, wherein the ground includes a first ground layer and a second ground layer provided at different levels, and the first ground layer is closer to the antenna unit than the second ground layer.

[0014] (6) The antenna structure according to (5) above, wherein the antenna unit includes a solid portion having a solid structure and a mesh portion having a mesh structure.

[0015] (7) The antenna structure according to (6) above, wherein the solid portion includes an overlapping region overlapping with the first ground layer and a non-overlapping region not overlapping with the first ground layer.

[0016] (8) The antenna structure according to (7) above, wherein the non-overlapping area includes the transmission line, and the overlapping area includes at least a portion of the signal pad.

[0017] (9) An antenna structure, comprising: a dielectric layer; an antenna unit arranged on the dielectric layer; a first ground layer, arranged below the dielectric layer and separated from the antenna unit, the dielectric layer being between the first ground layer and the antenna unit; and a second ground layer, arranged below the first ground layer, wherein a partial area of ​​the antenna unit overlaps with the second ground layer and does not overlap with the first ground layer.

[0018] (10) The antenna structure according to (9) above, wherein the antenna unit includes a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad to each other.

[0019] (11) The antenna structure according to (10) above, wherein the transmission line overlaps with the second ground layer and does not overlap with the first ground layer.

[0020] (12) The antenna structure according to (11) above, wherein the radiator and the signal pad are at least partially superimposed on the first ground layer.

[0021] (13) An image display device, comprising: a display panel, including a dielectric layer and a conductive element; and an antenna unit, arranged on the display panel and separated from the conductive element in the thickness direction, the dielectric layer being interposed between the antenna unit and the conductive element, the antenna unit comprising a radiator, a transmission line and a signal pad, wherein at least one of a first shortest distance between the conductive element and the radiator in the thickness direction, a second shortest distance between the conductive element and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and a third shortest distance between the conductive element and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.

[0022] (14) The image display device according to (13) above, wherein the second shortest distance is the largest of the first to third shortest distances.

[0023] (15) An image display device according to the above (13), wherein the conductive element includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element arranged at different levels, wherein each of the radiator, the transmission line and the signal pad overlaps with at least one of the first conductive element and the second conductive element in the thickness direction.

[0024] (16) The image display device of (15) above, wherein the first conductive element does not overlap with the radiator, the transmission line, or the signal pad in the thickness direction.

[0025] (17) The image display device according to (15) above, wherein the first conductive element does not overlap with the transmission line in the thickness direction, and the radiator and the signal pad are at least partially superimposed on the first conductive element in the thickness direction.

[0026] (18) The image display device according to (15) above, wherein the first conductive element is used as an electrode structure of a touch panel or an electrode structure of a display device.

[0027] (19) The image display device according to (15) above, wherein the second conductive element includes a heat sink, a digitizer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a SUS plate of the image display device.

[0028] The antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an antenna unit, a dielectric layer and a ground separated from the antenna unit, wherein the dielectric layer is between the ground and the antenna unit. The distance between the antenna unit and the ground may be different at different areas of the antenna structure. The signal characteristics of the antenna may be improved by adjusting the thickness of the dielectric layer under the antenna unit.

[0029] The antenna unit may include a radiator, a transmission line and a signal pad. The transmission line may be arranged farther from the ground than the radiator and the signal pad in the thickness direction. Therefore, line loss may be reduced, and signal efficiency and gain may be increased.

[0030] Even when the overall thickness of the antenna structure is reduced, a relatively thick dielectric region can be formed under the transmission line. Therefore, a thin-layer antenna structure can be realized while improving space efficiency and increasing antenna gain.

[0031] The grounding may include a plurality of grounding layers arranged at different levels. The grounding layer closest to the antenna unit among the plurality of grounding layers may partially overlap the antenna unit. The grounding efficiency may be further improved by the plurality of grounding layers.

[0032] A metal member of the image display device may be provided as a ground layer. For example, electrodes and wiring of a display panel or a touch panel, or a metal sheet such as a heat sink or a SUS plate may be used as a ground layer. Therefore, the signal characteristics of the antenna structure may be improved without adding an additional separate dielectric layer and an additional ground electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7is a schematic plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a graph showing antenna gains of antenna structures according to the embodiment and the comparative example.

[0042] Fig.10 : is a graph showing the antenna gain at the maximum resonance frequency according to the thickness ratio (D2 / D1) of the dielectric layers.

[0043] Fig.11 is a graph showing the antenna gain of the antenna structure according to the embodiment.

[0044] Fig.12 : is a graph showing the antenna gain at the maximum resonance frequency according to the ratio of the overlapping area (L1 / (L1+L2)). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an antenna structure includes a dielectric layer and an antenna unit. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an image display device including the antenna structure is also provided.

[0046] The antenna unit may be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna manufactured in the form of a transparent film. The sensor element including the antenna unit may be applied to, for example, a communication device for high frequency or ultra-high frequency (eg, 3G, 4G, 5G or higher) mobile communication.

[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 these embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided for further understanding of the spirit of the present invention and are not limited to the subject matter disclosed in the detailed description and the appended claims.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "one end", "the other end", "upper side", "lower side", "upper side", "lower side", etc. are not intended to limit the absolute position or order, but are used in a relative sense to distinguish different parts or elements.

[0049] The sizes of configurations / structures shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes shown in the drawings.

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

[0051] refer to Figure 1 , the antenna structure may include a dielectric layer 110, an antenna unit 120, and a ground 130. The antenna unit 120 may be disposed on the dielectric layer 110.

[0052] The ground 130 may be disposed under the antenna unit 120. For example, the ground 130 may be separated from the antenna unit 120, with the dielectric layer 110 interposed between the ground 130 and the antenna unit 120.

[0053] The antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may at least partially overlap each other in a first direction (eg, thickness direction), and a capacitance may be formed between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 to achieve vertical radiation characteristics in the first direction.

[0054] The dielectric layer 110 may include an insulating material having a predetermined dielectric constant. The dielectric layer 110 may include, for example, a transparent resin material.

[0055] For example, the dielectric layer 110 may include, for example, a transparent resin material. For example, the dielectric layer 110 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 polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cycloolefins or polyolefins having a norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride resins; amide resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide resins; polyether sulfone resins; sulfone resins; polyether ether ketone resins; polyphenylene sulfide resins; vinyl alcohol resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinyl butyral resins; allyl resins; polyoxymethylene resins; epoxy resins; urethane or acrylic urethane resins; silicone resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0056] The dielectric layer 110 may include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or the like.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 110 may include an inorganic insulating material, such as glass, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like.

[0058] The dielectric layer 110 may form a capacitance or inductance of the antenna structure, thereby adjusting the frequency band in which the antenna structure is driven or operated. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 110 may be adjusted within a range of about 1.5 to about 12. If the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 110 exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may be excessively reduced, and the desired high frequency or ultra-high frequency band driving may not be achieved.

[0059] The antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may include a metal, an alloy, or a metal oxide having a predetermined conductivity.

[0060] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 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 the above metals. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0061] In one embodiment, the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy) or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., a copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy) for low resistance implementation and fine line width patterns.

[0062] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), and the like.

[0063] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may include a stacked structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer. For example, the antenna unit 120 may include a double-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer, or a triple-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the flexibility characteristics may be improved by the metal layer, and the signal transmission speed may also be improved by the low resistance of the metal layer. Corrosion resistance and transparency may be improved by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0064] The antenna unit 120 may include a blackened portion so that reflectivity at the surface of the antenna unit 120 may be reduced to suppress visual recognition of the antenna unit due to light reflection.

[0065] In a certain 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 black layer. In a certain embodiment, a black layer such as a black material coating or plating may be formed on the antenna unit 120 or the metal layer. The black material layer or plating may include silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or an oxide, sulfide, or alloy containing at least one thereof.

[0066] The composition and thickness of the blackened layer may be adjusted in consideration of the reflectivity reduction effect and antenna radiation characteristics.

[0067] The distance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may be different in different regions of the antenna structure. According to the region of the antenna unit 120, the distance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may be determined in consideration of dielectric properties, flexibility, thickness, etc. Therefore, the antenna gain, radiation directivity, etc. may be further improved.

[0068] In addition, the distance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 can be adjusted in consideration of the space, size, etc. of the object to which the antenna is applied (e.g., an image display device). Therefore, the signal characteristics and radiation reliability of the antenna unit 120 can be achieved while effectively applying the antenna structure in a limited space.

[0069] In an example embodiment, the ground 130 may include a plurality of ground layers disposed at different levels. For example, the ground 130 may include a first ground layer 132 disposed under the antenna unit 120 and a second ground layer 134 disposed under the first ground layer 132 .

[0070] The shortest distance Da between the first ground layer 132 and the antenna unit 120 in the first direction and the shortest distance Db between the second ground layer 134 and the antenna unit 120 in the first direction may be different from each other.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first ground layer 132 may partially overlap the antenna unit 120 in the first direction. For example, a portion of the antenna unit 120 may not overlap the first ground layer 132 in the first direction. Therefore, the thickness of the dielectric layer 110 may be increased under the area of ​​the antenna unit 120 that does not overlap the first ground layer 132.

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure when viewed in a first direction, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the antenna structure when viewed in the third direction.

[0073] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the antenna unit 120 may include a radiator 122 , a transmission line 124 , and a signal pad 126 .

[0074] For example, the radiator 122 has a polygonal plate shape. The transmission line 124 has a width smaller than that of the radiator 122 and may be connected to at least one end portion of the radiator 122. The radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 may be formed as a single member integrally connected to each other.

[0075] The target resonant frequency of the antenna may be adjusted according to the shape / size of the radiator 122. In a non-limiting embodiment, the radiator 122 may be designed to radiate in a high frequency / ultra-high frequency band of 3G, 4G, 5G or higher. For example, a radiation band in a frequency band of 0.5 GHz or more, 1 GHz or more, 10 GHz or more, 20 GHz or more, 30 GHz or more, or 40 GHz or more may be achieved by the radiator 122.

[0076] The transmission line 124 may include a first transmission line 124a and a second transmission line 124b connected to the radiator 122 while facing each other. Therefore, two polarization directions (dual polarization) may be provided in one radiator 122.

[0077] In some implementations, each of the first transmission line 124 a and the second transmission line 124 b may be connected to both ends (eg, two vertices) of the lower side of the radiator 122 .

[0078] The first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may branch from the radiator 122 and extend in different directions. For example, the angle formed by the extending directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be approximately 90°. For example, the extending directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be orthogonal to each other. In an embodiment, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may extend toward the center of the radiator 122.

[0079] The signal pad 126 may be connected to an end portion of the transmission line 124. The transmission line 124 may electrically connect the radiator 122 and the signal pad 126 to each other.

[0080] In a certain embodiment, the signal pad 126 may be a single member substantially integral with the transmission line 124. In this case, the terminal portion of the transmission line 124 may serve as the signal pad 126.

[0081] In some embodiments, the radiator 122 , the transmission line 124 , and the signal pad 126 may be disposed at the same level on the dielectric layer 110 .

[0082] In example embodiments, at least one of the shortest distance D1 between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 in the first direction, the shortest distance D2 between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 , and the shortest distance D3 between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 may be different.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first ground layer 132 may not overlap with the transmission line 124 in the first direction. For example, the transmission line 124 may overlap with the second ground layer 134 and may not overlap with the first ground layer 132.

[0084] Therefore, the thickness of the dielectric region under the transmission line 124 can be relatively increased, and the antenna gain and signal efficiency can be improved by suppressing line loss. In addition, for example, even when the total thickness of the antenna structure is reduced, the dielectric region under the transmission line 124 can maintain a predetermined thickness. Therefore, a thin layer structure of the antenna structure can be achieved while suppressing signal and feed losses.

[0085] In some embodiments, the shortest distance D2 between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 may be greater than the shortest distance D1 between the ground 130 and the radiator 122. For example, the first ground layer 132 may not overlap with the transmission line 124 in the first direction and may be at least partially covered by the radiator 122 in the first direction.

[0086] The thickness of the area between the radiator 122 and the ground 130 (which can be used as, for example, the lower dielectric area of ​​the radiator 122) can be reduced so that the antenna unit can be easily inserted into a limited space, and the thickness of the lower dielectric area of ​​the transmission line 124 can be relatively increased. Therefore, the space efficiency of the antenna structure can be improved while preventing line loss in the high frequency band.

[0087] In a certain embodiment, the antenna structure may satisfy Equation 1 below.

[0088] [Equation 1]

[0089] 1 <D2 / D1≤4.0

[0090] In Equation 1, D1 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the radiator 122, and D2 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124. In the above range, line loss can be further suppressed, and thus antenna gain can be enhanced and the space efficiency of the antenna structure can be improved.

[0091] In some embodiments, 1 < D2 / D1 ≤ 3.6, 1.1 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.5, 1.17 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.5, 1.5 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.4, 1.7 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.4, and preferably 2.1 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.4.

[0092] In one embodiment, the radiator 122 can be at least partially superimposed over the first ground layer 132 and the second ground layer 134. The first ground layer 132 and the second ground layer 134 can form a hybrid ground, thereby further improving the radiation directivity and signal characteristics.

[0093] In some embodiments, the shortest distance D2 between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 can be greater than the shortest distance D3 between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126. For example, the first ground layer 132 can be at least partially covered by the signal pad 126 in a first direction.

[0094] In one embodiment, the antenna structure can satisfy Equation 2 below.

[0095] [Equation 2]

[0096] 1 < D2 / D3 ≤ 4.0

[0097] In Equation 2, D2 is the shortest distance between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 in a first direction, and D3 is the shortest distance between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 in a first direction. Within the above range, the line loss can be further suppressed, and thus the antenna gain and the spatial efficiency of the antenna structure can be enhanced.

[0098] In some embodiments, 1 < D2 / D3 ≤ 3.6, 1.1 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.5, 1.17 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.5, 1.5 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.4, or 1.7 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.4. Preferably, 2.1 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.4.

[0099] In one embodiment, the shortest distance D1 between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 in a first direction can be substantially the same as the shortest distance D3 between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 in a first direction. In one embodiment, the shortest distance between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 in a first direction, and the shortest distance between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 in a first direction can be different from each other.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric layer 110 can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first dielectric layer 112 can be interposed between the antenna unit 120 and the first ground layer 132, and the second dielectric layer 114 can be interposed between the first ground layer 132 and the second ground layer 134. The second dielectric layer 114 can be used as a base layer of the antenna structure.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may include a solid portion SR having a solid structure and a mesh portion MR having a mesh structure.

[0102] In some embodiments, the mesh portion MR may be provided on an object to which the antenna structure is applied, for example, in a display area of ​​an image display device. Thus, visual recognition of the antenna structure may be prevented.

[0103] In a certain embodiment, the mesh portion MR may include at least a portion of the radiator 122. For example, the radiator 122 may be at least partially formed in a mesh structure. In an embodiment, the transmission line 124 may also at least partially include a mesh structure.

[0104] In some embodiments, the solid portion SR may be disposed in an invisible region of the object. The resistance of the antenna unit 120 may be reduced by the solid portion SR, and signal and feeding efficiency may be improved.

[0105] In a certain embodiment, the solid portion SR may include the transmission line 124 and the signal pad 126. For example, the transmission line 124 and the signal pad 126 may be formed as a solid metal or alloy pattern.

[0106] In a certain embodiment, the solid portion SR may include at least a portion of the radiator 122. For example, at least a portion of the radiator 122 may be formed as a solid metal or alloy pattern.

[0107] In some embodiments, the solid portion SR may partially overlap the first ground layer 132 in the first direction. For example, the solid portion SR may include an overlap region SR2 overlapping the first ground layer 132 and a non-overlap region SR1 not overlapping the first ground layer 130.

[0108] In one embodiment, the transmission line 124 may be disposed in the non-overlapping region SR1. The signal pad 126 and the radiator 122 may be disposed in the overlapping region SR2. In one embodiment, the signal pad 126 and the radiator 122 may also be partially disposed in the non-overlapping region SR1.

[0109] In an embodiment, the antenna structure may satisfy the following Equation 3.

[0110] [Equation 3]

[0111] 0.1≤L1 / (L1+L2)≤1.0

[0112] In Equation 3, L1 is the length of the overlap region SR2 in the second direction, and L2 is the length of the non-overlap region SR1 in the second direction. The second direction is parallel to the upper surface of the antenna structure and may be the direction in which the antenna unit 120 or the transmission line 124 extends.

[0113] Within the above range, a relatively thick dielectric region can be formed under the signal / feed path, thereby further enhancing signal efficiency and antenna gain. In addition, a bonding area between the antenna structure and an external device (e.g., a circuit board) can be implemented to prevent charging, interference, and discharge to improve stability.

[0114] In a certain embodiment, 0.1≤L1 / (L1+L2)≤0.8, or 0.1≤L1 / (L1+L2)≤0.6.

[0115] Preferably, the length of the non-overlapping region SR1 may be greater than or equal to the length of the overlapping region SR2, for example, 0.1≤L1 / (L1+L2)≤0.5, or 0.1≤L1 / (L1+L2)≤0.4.

[0116] In some embodiments, the ground pad 128 may be disposed around the signal pad 126. For example, a pair of ground pads 128 may be disposed opposite to each other with the signal pad 126 interposed therebetween. The ground pad 128 may be formed as a solid metal or alloy pattern. The ground pad 128 may be physically and electrically separated from the signal pad 126.

[0117] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0118] See also Figure 4 , the first ground layer 132 may at least partially overlap the transmission line 124 in the first direction. The first ground layer 132 may not overlap the radiator 122 or the signal pad 126 in the first direction.

[0119] For example, the shortest distance D2 between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 may be smaller than the shortest distance D1 between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 and / or smaller than the shortest distance D3 between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 .

[0120] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer 110 may include an insulating layer 116 and an adhesive layer 118. For example, the first ground layer 132 and the insulating layer 116 may be stacked on the second dielectric layer 114, and the first dielectric layer 112 may be combined with the first ground layer 132 through the adhesive layer 118, or may be stacked on the insulating layer 116.

[0121] The insulating layer 116 may include the above-mentioned organic insulating material or inorganic insulating material. The adhesive layer 118 may include an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film, such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0122] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0123] See also Figure 5 , the antenna structure may further include a dummy mesh pattern 125 .

[0124] In a certain embodiment, a dummy mesh pattern 125 may be formed around the mesh portion MR. The dummy mesh pattern 125 may include a mesh structure substantially the same as the mesh structure included in the mesh portion MR. Therefore, the spatial distribution of the conductive pattern around the radiator 122 and / or the transmission line 124 may become uniform, thereby preventing the antenna unit 120 from being visually recognized.

[0125] The dummy mesh pattern 125 may be formed together with the radiator 122 and / or the transmission line 124. The dummy mesh pattern 125 may be physically isolated or separated from the radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 by the isolation region BR.

[0126] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0127] See also Figure 6 The image display device may include a display panel and an antenna unit 220 disposed on the display panel.

[0128] The display panel may include a dielectric layer and conductive elements 232 and 234. The antenna unit 220 may be electrically and physically separated from the conductive elements 232 and 234 with the dielectric layer interposed therebetween.

[0129] The conductive elements 232 and 234 may be used as a ground for the antenna structure described above. For example, capacitance and inductance may be formed between the antenna unit 220 and the conductive elements 232 and 234 through a dielectric layer.

[0130] In a certain embodiment, the conductive element may include a first conductive element 232 and a second conductive element 234. For example, the first conductive element 232 may serve as a first ground plane of the antenna structure, and the second conductive element 234 may serve as a second ground plane of the antenna structure.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first conductive element 232 and the second conductive element 234 may be electrically and physically separated by a dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the first conductive element and the second conductive element may be connected to each other through vias or contacts penetrating the dielectric layer.

[0132] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer may include a base layer 214, an insulating layer 218, and an antenna dielectric layer 212. For example, the base layer 214 may be stacked on the second conductive element 234, and the first conductive element 232 and the insulating layer 218 may be formed on the base layer 214. The antenna dielectric layer 212 may be disposed on the insulating layer 218.

[0133] The base layer 214, the insulating layer 218, and the antenna dielectric layer 212 may include the above-mentioned transparent resin material and the insulating material. For example, the dielectric constants of the base layer 214, the insulating layer 218, and the antenna dielectric layer 212 may be adjusted in the range of about 1.5 to 12, respectively. The use of a multi-layer dielectric structure may finely adjust the dielectric constant and impedance suitable for the desired target frequency.

[0134] The window substrate 240 may be disposed on the antenna unit 220. The window substrate 240 may include, for example, a hard coating film or a glass substrate such as ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0135] In one embodiment, antenna insulating layer 254 may be formed on antenna unit 220. In one embodiment, first adhesive 216 may be disposed between antenna dielectric layer 212 and insulating layer 218, and second adhesive layer 252 may be disposed between antenna insulating layer 254 and window substrate 240.

[0136] In some embodiments, an electrode structure included in a display panel (eg, an electrode structure of a display element or an electrode structure of a touch panel) may be used as the first conductive element 232 of the display panel.

[0137] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 The illustration of components between the antenna unit and the touch panel is omitted.

[0138] See also Figure 7 , the electrode structure of the touch panel may be used as the first conductive element 232. For example, the electrode structure of the touch panel may overlap with the antenna unit 220.

[0139] For example, the electrode structure of the touch panel may include electrodes or wirings, such as sensing electrodes 312 , bridging electrodes 314 , traces 316 , and the like.

[0140] The sensing electrode 312, the bridging electrode 314, and the trace 316 may be arranged on the base layer 214. The sensing electrode 312, the bridging electrode 314, and the trace 316 may be separated from the antenna unit 220 in a first direction with an insulating layer and / or an antenna dielectric layer interposed therebetween.

[0141] In one embodiment, the sensing electrodes 312 may include sensing electrodes 312 arranged in different directions from the planar direction. For example, the sensing electrodes 312 may include first sensing electrodes 312a arranged in the second direction and second sensing electrodes 312b arranged in the third direction.

[0142] The first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b may be disposed at the same level on the base layer 214. The bridge electrode 314 may electrically connect the second sensing electrodes 312b adjacent to each other.

[0143] The trace 316 may be connected to the sensing electrode 312. For example, the trace 316 may branch from the first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b, and may extend to a peripheral area of ​​the touch panel.

[0144] An electrical signal may be generated by the capacitance change of the first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b. For example, the electrical signal may be transmitted to a driving circuit via the trace 316.

[0145] The radiator of the antenna unit 220 may partially cover the sensing electrode 312 and the bridge electrode 314 in the first direction. For example, the sensing electrode 312 or the bridge electrode 314 of the touch panel may be used as the ground layer 232a of the radiator.

[0146] The signal pad of the antenna unit 220 may partially cover the trace 316 in the first direction. For example, the trace 316 of the touch panel may be used as the ground layer 232b of the signal pad.

[0147] The electrode structure of the touch panel may not overlap with the transmission line of the antenna unit 220 in the first direction.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 220 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 260. For example, the antenna unit 220 may be attached or bonded to the circuit board 260 through a signal pad.

[0149] The antenna driving IC chip and the antenna unit 220 may be electrically connected through the circuit board 260 , and may perform signal transmission / reception and / or feeding to the antenna unit 220 .

[0150] In a certain embodiment, the circuit board 260 may include a rigid circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0151] In a certain embodiment, the antenna unit 220 and the circuit board 260 may be attached or joined to each other through a conductive intermediate structure. For example, the signal pad, the conductive intermediate structure and the circuit board 260 may be sequentially contacted or stacked.

[0152] In a certain embodiment, the conductive intermediate structure may include an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0153] A circuit board 260 such as a flexible printed circuit board may be bent under the touch panel or the display panel to be disposed at the rear side of the image display device, and may extend toward the intermediate circuit board 260 on which the antenna driving IC chip is mounted.

[0154] The circuit board 260 and the intermediate circuit board may be joined or connected to each other through a connector, so that the feeding and driving control of the antenna unit may be performed by the antenna driving IC chip.

[0155] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0156] See also Figure 8 , the electrode structure of the display device 410 may be used as the first conductive element. For example, the antenna unit 220 may be partially superimposed on the electrode structure of the display device 410.

[0157] For example, the electrode structure of the display device 410 may include electrodes or wirings included in a thin film transistor (TFT) array panel, such as gate electrodes, source / drain electrodes, pixel electrodes, common electrodes, data lines, scan lines, etc.

[0158] A pixel electrode 412, a pixel defining layer 415, a display layer 414, a common electrode 416, and an electrode line 418 may be formed on a panel substrate 411. The electrode line 418 may include a data line, a scan line, and the like.

[0159] A pixel defining layer 415 may be formed on the panel substrate 411 to expose the pixel electrode 412. A pixel region may be defined by the pixel defining layer 415. A display layer 414 may be formed on the pixel electrode 412. For example, the display layer 414 may include a liquid crystal layer or an organic light emitting layer.

[0160] The common electrode 416 may be disposed on the pixel defining layer 415 and the display layer 414. For example, the pixel electrode 412 may be used as an anode of the display panel, and the common electrode 416 may be used as a cathode of the display panel.

[0161] In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 420 may be formed on the common electrode 416. The antenna unit 220 may be separated from the electrode structure of the display device 410 with the encapsulation layer 420 interposed therebetween. For example, the encapsulation layer 420 may serve as a dielectric region between the antenna unit 220 and the electrode structure.

[0162] In one embodiment, a pixel circuit including a thin film transistor (TFT) array and an insulating layer covering the pixel circuit may be formed on the panel substrate 411. The pixel electrode 412 may be electrically connected to, for example, a drain of the thin film transistor array on the insulating layer.

[0163] In one embodiment, the pixel electrode 412 , the common electrode 416 , or the electrode line 418 may serve as the first conductive element. For example, the antenna unit 220 may partially overlap with the pixel electrode 412 , the common electrode 416 , and the electrode line 418 .

[0164] In a certain embodiment, the radiator 222 may overlap the pixel electrode 412, the common electrode 416 and / or the electrode line 418 in the first direction. In a certain embodiment, the signal pad 226 may overlap the electrode line 418 in the first direction.

[0165] The electrode structure of the display device 410 may not overlap the transmission line 224 of the antenna unit 220 in the first direction. Therefore, a dielectric region having a relatively large thickness may be formed under the transmission line 224, and signal loss may be suppressed and antenna efficiency / gain may be further improved.

[0166] In a certain embodiment, the second conductive element 234 may have a lower resistance than the first conductive element 232 .

[0167] In some embodiments, a metal element in the display device (eg, a stainless steel (SUS) plate, a heat dissipation plate, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, or a sensor element (eg, a digitizer, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, etc.)) may be provided as a second conductive element.

[0168] In a certain embodiment, the conductive element of the touch panel may be used as the first conductive element, and the conductive element of the display panel may be used as the second conductive element.

[0169] The electrode structure of the image display device can be provided as a ground for the antenna unit 220, thereby implementing high frequency and high gain signal characteristics without forming a separate ground layer. Therefore, the mechanical design of the image display device and the antenna structure can be easily performed, and the space efficiency can be improved.

[0170] In one embodiment, a light shielding pattern 245 may be formed on a peripheral portion of one surface of the window substrate 240. The light shielding pattern 245 may include a color printed pattern and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The light shielding pattern 245 may define a display area and a non-display area of ​​the image display device. For example, the light shielding pattern 245 may be disposed in a non-display area (e.g., a light shielding portion or a frame portion) of the image display device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the solid portion of the antenna structure may be disposed in a non-display area of ​​the image display device. In a certain embodiment, at least a portion of the mesh portion of the antenna structure may be disposed in a display area of ​​the image display device.

[0172] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are proposed to more specifically describe the present invention. However, the following examples are only used to illustrate the present invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Such changes and modifications are appropriately included in the appended claims.

[0173] Experimental Example 1

[0174] Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples

[0175] A second dielectric layer is stacked on a copper (Cu) sheet, and a conductive layer including Cu is partially formed on the second dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is formed on the Cu conductive layer, and a Cu alloy is used to form a conductive layer such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The antenna unit is shown.

[0176] The resonant frequency of the antenna unit was adjusted to about 26 GHz to about 32 GHz. L1 / (L1+L2) of the antenna structure was adjusted to 0.2, and the total length (L1+L2) of L1 and L2 was set to 450 μm.

[0177] As shown in the following Table 1, D2 / D3 of the antenna structure is adjusted. D2 / D1 of the antenna structure is adjusted to be the same as D2 / D3.

[0178] [Table 1]

[0179] <![CDATA[D2 / D3]]> Example 1 3.37 Example 2 2.05 Example 3 1.17 Comparative Example 1 1.00

[0180] The antenna gain of the radiator of each antenna structure manufactured according to the embodiment and the comparative example was measured in a radiation chamber.

[0181] Fig. 9 is a graph showing antenna gains of antenna structures according to the embodiment and the comparative example.

[0182] See also Fig. 9 , the antenna gain in the embodiment increases in both the 26 GHz and 32 GHz bands, but the antenna gain of the comparative example is smaller than that of the embodiment.

[0183] Fig.10 is a graph showing antenna gain at a maximum resonance frequency according to a thickness ratio ( D2 / D1 ) of a dielectric layer.

[0184] See also Fig.10, as the thickness ratio of the dielectric layer increases, the antenna gain at the maximum peak becomes higher.

[0185] Experimental Example 2

[0186] Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 4 to 7

[0187] A second dielectric layer is stacked on a copper (Cu) sheet, and a conductive layer including Cu is partially formed on the second dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is formed on the Cu conductive layer, and a Cu alloy is used to form a conductive layer such as Figure 2 and 3 The antenna unit is shown.

[0188] The resonant frequency of the antenna unit was adjusted to about 26 GHz and about 32 GHz. D2 / D1 and D2 / D3 of the antenna structure were adjusted to 3.37, and the total length of L1 and L2 (L1+L2) was set to 450 μm.

[0189] As shown in Table 2 below, L1 / (L1+L2) of the antenna structure is adjusted.

[0190] [Table 2]

[0191] <![CDATA[L1 / (L1+L2)]]> Example 1 0.20 Example 4 0.40 Example 5 0.60 Example 6 0.80 Example 7 1.00

[0192] The antenna gain of the radiator of each antenna structure manufactured according to the embodiment and the comparative example was measured in a radiation chamber.

[0193] Fig.11 is a graph showing the antenna gain of the antenna structure according to the embodiment.

[0194] Fig.12 : is a graph showing the antenna gain at the maximum resonance frequency according to the ratio of the overlapping area (L1 / (L1+L2).

[0195] See also Fig.11 and Fig.12 , as the ratio of the overlapping area of ​​the solid part decreases, the antenna gain becomes higher.

Claims

1. An antenna structure, comprising: Dielectric layer; an antenna unit disposed on the dielectric layer, the antenna unit comprising a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad to each other; as well as A ground separated from the antenna unit in a thickness direction, the dielectric layer being interposed between the ground and the antenna unit, Wherein, at least one of the shortest distance between the ground and the radiator in the thickness direction, the shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and the shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.

2. The antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein: The shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line is greater than the shortest distance between the ground and the radiator.

3. The antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein: The shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line is greater than the shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad.

4. The antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein: The radiator, the transmission line, and the signal pad are disposed at the same level on the dielectric layer.

5. The antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein: The grounding includes a first grounding layer and a second grounding layer disposed at different levels, and The first ground layer is closer to the antenna unit than the second ground layer.

6. The antenna structure according to claim 5, wherein: The antenna unit includes a solid portion having a solid structure and a mesh portion having a mesh structure.

7. The antenna structure according to claim 6, wherein: The solid portion includes an overlapping region overlapping with the first ground layer and a non-overlapping region not overlapping with the first ground layer.

8. The antenna structure according to claim 7, wherein: The non-overlapping region includes the transmission line, and the overlapping region includes at least a portion of the signal pad.

9. An antenna structure, comprising: Dielectric layer; An antenna unit disposed on the dielectric layer; A first ground layer, disposed below the dielectric layer and separated from the antenna unit, wherein the dielectric layer is between the first ground layer and the antenna unit; as well as A second grounding layer is arranged below the first grounding layer, Wherein, a partial area of ​​the antenna unit overlaps with the second ground layer and does not overlap with the first ground layer.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 9, wherein: The antenna unit includes a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad to each other.

11. The antenna structure according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission line overlaps the second ground layer and does not overlap the first ground layer.

12. The antenna structure according to claim 11, wherein: The radiator and the signal pad are at least partially superimposed on the first ground layer.

13. An image display device, comprising: A display panel including a dielectric layer and a conductive element; as well as an antenna unit, which is disposed on the display panel and is separated from the conductive element in a thickness direction, wherein the dielectric layer is interposed between the antenna unit and the conductive element, and the antenna unit includes a radiator, a transmission line, and a signal pad, Wherein, at least one of a first shortest distance between the conductive element and the radiator in the thickness direction, a second shortest distance between the conductive element and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and a third shortest distance between the conductive element and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.

14. The image display device according to claim 13, wherein: The second shortest distance is the largest of the first shortest distance to the third shortest distance.

15. The image display device according to claim 13, wherein: The conductive element includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element disposed at different levels, Wherein, each of the radiator, the transmission line, and the signal pad overlaps with at least one of the first conductive element and the second conductive element in the thickness direction.

16. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein: The first conductive element does not overlap the radiator, the transmission line, or the signal pad in the thickness direction.

17. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein: The first conductive element does not overlap the transmission line in the thickness direction, and the radiator and the signal pad at least partially overlap the first conductive element in the thickness direction.

18. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein: The first conductive element is used as an electrode structure of a touch panel or an electrode structure of a display device.

19. The image display device according to claim 15, wherein: The second conductive element includes a heat sink of the image display device, a digitizer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor or a SUS plate.

Images