Antenna structure and image display device

Abstract

To provide: an antenna structure which has improved operation reliability and signal efficiency; and an image display unit including the same.SOLUTION: An antenna structure includes: a dielectric layer 110, an antenna unit 120 which is arranged on the dielectric layer 110, and includes a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line interconnecting the radiator and signal pad to each other; and a ground 130 which is separated from the antenna unit 120 in a thickness direction across the dielectric layer 110. At least one of a shortest distance between the ground 130 and the radiator, a shortest distance between the ground 130 and the transmission line, and a shortest distance between the ground 130 and the signal pad in the thickness direction is different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna structure and an image display device, and more particularly to an antenna structure including an antenna unit and a dielectric layer, and an image display device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advancement of the information society, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are being applied to or built into image display devices, electronic devices, buildings, and the like.

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

[0004] On the other hand, electronic devices have been developed that realize both image display and information input functions by combining an image display device with a touch panel or touch sensor, which is an input device that allows a user to select instructions displayed on a screen with their hand or an object and input commands from the user.

[0005] As image display devices in which antennas are mounted become thinner and lighter, the installation space for the antennas may become smaller. If an antenna is mounted together with a display panel and a touch panel in a limited space, the electrical characteristics and radiation characteristics of the antenna may be disturbed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to design an antenna structure that can avoid or reduce signal loss and disturbance of radiation characteristics caused by other electrical elements within a limited space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna structure having improved operational reliability and signal efficiency.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an image display device having improved operational reliability and signal efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] 1. 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; and a ground separated from the antenna unit in a first direction by the dielectric layer; An antenna structure, wherein in the first direction, at least one of a shortest distance between the ground and the radiator, a shortest distance between the ground and the transmission line, and a shortest distance between the ground and the signal pad is different.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 4. The antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein the radiator, the transmission line and the signal pad are disposed at the same level as each other on the dielectric layer.

[0013] 5. The antenna structure according to item 1 above, wherein the ground includes a first ground layer and a second ground layer arranged at different levels from each other, and the first ground layer is arranged further adjacent to the antenna unit than the second ground layer.

[0014] 6. In the above item 5, the antenna unit includes an antenna structure including a solid portion having a solid structure and a mesh portion having a mesh structure.

[0015] 7. The antenna structure according to item 6, wherein the solid portion includes an overlapping region that overlaps with the first ground layer and a non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the first ground layer.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 9. A device including a 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 by the dielectric layer, and a second ground layer disposed below the first ground layer; An antenna structure, 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. In the above item 9, the antenna unit includes an antenna structure including 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 claim 9, 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 claim 11, wherein the radiator and the signal pad at least partially overlap the first ground layer.

[0021] 13. A display panel including a dielectric layer and a conductive member; and an antenna unit disposed on the display panel, separated from the conductive member in a first direction by the dielectric layer, the antenna unit including a radiator, a transmission line, and a signal pad; An image display device, wherein in the first direction, at least one of the shortest distance between the conductive member and the radiator, the shortest distance between the conductive member and the transmission line, and the shortest distance between the conductive member and the signal pad is different.

[0022] 14. The image display device according to claim 13, wherein the shortest distance between the conductive member and the transmission line is the longest.

[0023] 15. In the above-mentioned item 13, the conductive member includes a first conductive member and a second conductive member arranged in different layers. An image display device, wherein each of the radiator, the transmission line and the signal pad overlaps with at least one of the first conductive member and the second conductive member in the first direction.

[0024] 16. An image display device according to item 15, wherein the first conductive member does not overlap any one of the radiator, the transmission line, and the signal pad in the first direction.

[0025] 17. An image display device according to item 15, wherein the first conductive member does not overlap the transmission line in the first direction, and at least partially overlaps the radiator and the signal pad.

[0026] 18. An image display device according to item 15, wherein the first conductive member is provided by an electrode structure of a touch panel or an electrode structure of a display element.

[0027] 19. An image display device according to item 15, wherein the second conductive member is provided as a heat dissipation sheet, a digitizer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor or a SUS plate of the image display device. Effect of the Invention

[0028] An antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna unit, a dielectric layer, and a ground separated from the antenna unit by the dielectric layer. The distance between the antenna unit and the ground may be different in different regions of the antenna structure. The signal characteristics of the antenna can 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 disposed farthest from the ground in the thickness direction than the radiator and the signal pad. This reduces line loss and increases signal efficiency and gain.

[0030] Even if the overall thickness of the antenna structure is reduced, a relatively thick dielectric region can be formed under the transmission line, which improves space efficiency and increases antenna gain while realizing a thinner antenna structure.

[0031] The ground may include a plurality of ground layers arranged at different levels. Among the ground layers, the ground layer closest to the antenna unit may partially overlap the antenna unit. The use of a plurality of ground layers can further improve ground efficiency.

[0032] A metallic member of an image display device can be provided as the ground layer. For example, electrodes and wiring of a display panel or a touch panel, or metal sheets such as a heat dissipation sheet and a SUS plate can be used as the ground layer. This makes it possible to improve the signal characteristics of the antenna structure without forming a separate dielectric layer and ground electrode. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic plan view of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing antenna gains of antenna structures according to an embodiment and a comparative example. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing antenna gain at maximum resonant frequency as a function of the thickness ratio (D2 / D1) of the dielectric layers. [Figure 11] 4 is a graph showing antenna gain of the antenna structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a graph showing antenna gain at maximum resonance frequency depending on the ratio (L1 / (L1+L2)) of overlapping regions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna structure, which includes a dielectric layer and an antenna unit, and an image display device, which includes the antenna structure.

[0035] The antenna unit may be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna made in the form of a transparent film. The sensor element including the antenna unit may be applied, for example, to communication devices for high frequency or ultra-high frequency (e.g. 3G, 4G, 5G or higher) mobile communication.

[0036] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to aid in further understanding of the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters depicted in the drawings.

[0037] As used in this application, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "lower," etc. are not intended to specify absolute positions but are used to distinguish between different features or the relative positions of features.

[0038] The sizes of components and structures shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes, and the present disclosure is not limited to the sizes shown in the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The ground 130 may be disposed below the antenna unit 120. For example, the ground 130 may be disposed separated from the antenna unit 120 with the dielectric layer 110 in between.

[0042] The antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may be at least partially overlapped in a first direction (e.g., a thickness direction). A capacitance is formed between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130, and a vertical radiation characteristic may be realized in the first direction.

[0043] The dielectric layer 110 may include an insulating material having a predetermined dielectric constant, for example, a transparent resin material.

[0044] For example, the dielectric layer 110 may include polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulose-based resins such as diacetyl cellulose and triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate-based resins; acrylic resins such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate; styrene-based resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefins having a cyclo- or norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride-based resins; amide-based resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide-based resins; polyethersulfone-based resins; sulfone-based resins; polyetheretherketone-based resins; polyphenylene sulfide-based resins; vinyl alcohol-based resins; vinylidene chloride-based resins; vinyl butyral-based resins; arylate-based resins; polyoxymethylene-based resins; epoxy-based resins; urethane-based or acrylic urethane-based resins; silicone-based resins, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 110 may also include an adhesive film such as an Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA), an Optically Clear Resin (OCR), or the like.

[0046] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 110 can include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, or the like.

[0047] The dielectric layer 110 forms an impedance or inductance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130, and can adjust the frequency band in which the antenna structure can be driven or sensed. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 110 can be adjusted in the range of about 1.5 to 12. If the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 110 exceeds about 12, the driving frequency is too low and driving in a high frequency band may not be realized.

[0048] The antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may include a metal, an alloy, or a metal oxide having a predetermined electrical conductivity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 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. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0050] 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) to achieve low resistance and fine linewidth patterning.

[0051] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnOx), or the like.

[0052] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may include a laminated structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer, for example, a two-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer, or a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the metal layer can improve flexibility and reduce resistance to improve signal transmission speed, and the transparent conductive oxide layer can improve corrosion resistance and transparency.

[0053] The antenna unit 120 may include a blackening treatment portion, which reduces the reflectance on the surface of the antenna unit 120 and reduces the visibility of the pattern due to light reflection.

[0054] In one embodiment, the surface of a metal layer included in the antenna unit 120 may be converted to a metal oxide or metal sulfide to form a blackening layer. In one embodiment, a blackening layer such as a black material coating layer or a plating layer may be formed on the antenna unit 120 or the metal layer. The black material or plating layer may include silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or an oxide, sulfide, alloy, etc. containing at least one of these elements.

[0055] The composition and thickness of the blackening layer can be adjusted taking into consideration the effect of reducing reflectance and the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

[0056] The distance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 may be different in different regions of the antenna structure. The distance between the antenna unit 120 and the ground 130 can be determined taking into consideration the dielectric properties, bendability, thickness, etc., of the antenna unit 120 depending on the region. This makes it possible to further increase the antenna gain and radiation directivity while suppressing the signal loss of the antenna unit 120.

[0057] 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 (for example, an image display device). This makes it possible to efficiently apply the antenna structure within a limited space while ensuring the signal characteristics and radiation reliability of the antenna unit 120.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ground 130 may include multiple ground layers disposed at different levels. For example, the ground 130 may include a first ground layer 132 disposed below the antenna unit 120 and a second ground layer 134 disposed below the first ground layer 132.

[0059] The shortest distance (Da) in the first direction between the first ground layer 132 and the antenna unit 120 and the shortest distance (Db) in the first direction between the second ground layer 134 and the antenna unit 120 may be different from each other.

[0060] 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. This allows the thickness of the dielectric layer 110 to be increased under the area of ​​the antenna unit 120 that does not overlap with the first ground layer 132.

[0061] 2 and 3 are schematic plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment, for example, FIG 2 is a schematic view of the antenna structure viewed from a first direction, and FIG 3 is a schematic view of the antenna structure viewed from a third direction.

[0062] 2 and 3, the antenna unit 120 may include a radiator 122, a transmission line 124, and a signal pad 126.

[0063] For example, the radiator 122 has a polygonal plate shape. The transmission line 124 can have a width smaller than the width of the radiator 122 and can be connected to at least one end of the radiator 122. The radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 can also be formed as a single member that is integrally connected to one another.

[0064] The shape and size of the radiator 122 can be used to adjust the target resonant frequency of the antenna. In a non-limiting embodiment, the radiator 122 can be designed to radiate in high frequency and ultra-high frequency bands of 3G, 4G, 5G, or higher. For example, the radiator 122 can achieve a radiation band of 0.5 GHz or higher, 1 GHz or higher, 10 GHz or higher, 20 GHz or higher, 30 GHz or higher, or 40 GHz or higher.

[0065] The transmission line 124 may include a first transmission line 124a and a second transmission line 124b that are connected to the radiator 122 and face each other. This allows one radiator 122 to provide two polarization directions (dual polarization).

[0066] In some embodiments, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may each be connected to both ends (eg, both vertices) of the bottom side of the radiator 122.

[0067] The first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may branch out from the radiator 122 and extend in different directions. For example, the angle between the extension directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be about 90°. For example, the extension directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be perpendicular to each other. In one embodiment, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may extend toward the center of the radiator 122.

[0068] The signal pad 126 may be connected to an end of the transmission line 124. The transmission line 124 may electrically connect the radiator 122 and the signal pad 126 to each other.

[0069] In one embodiment, the signal pad 126 may be a unitary member that is substantially integral with the transmission line 124. In this case, the transmission line 124 may terminate at the signal pad 126.

[0070] 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 .

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the first direction, at least one of the shortest distance (D1) between the ground 130 and the radiator 122, 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.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first ground layer 132 may not overlap in the first direction with the transmission line 124. For example, the transmission line 124 may overlap with the second ground layer 134 but not with the first ground layer 132.

[0073] This allows the thickness of the dielectric region below the transmission line 124 to be relatively thick, suppressing line loss and improving antenna gain and signal efficiency. Also, even if the thickness of the entire antenna structure is reduced, a predetermined thickness can be ensured for the dielectric region below the transmission line 124. Therefore, it is possible to realize a thin antenna structure while suppressing signal and power supply losses.

[0074] 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 the transmission line 124 in the first direction and may at least partially overlap the radiator 122.

[0075] By reducing the thickness of the region between the radiator 122 and the ground 130, for example, the dielectric region below the radiator 122, the antenna unit can be easily inserted into a limited space, and the thickness of the dielectric region below the transmission line 124 can be relatively increased. This makes it possible to improve the space efficiency of the antenna structure while preventing line loss in the high frequency region.

[0076] In one embodiment, the antenna structure may satisfy Equation 1 below:

[0077] [Formula 1] 1 <D2 / D1≦4.0

[0078] 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 this range, the line loss is further suppressed, the antenna gain can be increased, and the space efficiency of the antenna structure can be improved.

[0079] 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, or 1.7 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.4 may be satisfied, and preferably, 2.1 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 3.4 may be satisfied.

[0080] In one embodiment, the radiator 122 can at least partially overlap with the first ground layer 132 and the second ground layer 134. The first ground layer 132 and the second ground layer 134 form a ground complex, and the radiation directivity and signal characteristics can be further improved.

[0081] In some embodiments, the shortest distance (D2) between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124 may be greater than the shortest distance (D3) between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126. For example, the first ground layer 132 can at least partially overlap with the signal pad 126 in the first direction.

[0082] In one embodiment, the antenna structure can satisfy the following formula 2.

[0083] [Formula 2] 1 < D2 / D3 ≤ 4.0

[0084] In formula 2, D2 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the transmission line 124, and D3 is the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126. Within the above range, the line loss can be further suppressed, the antenna gain can be increased, and the spatial efficiency of the antenna structure can be improved.

[0085] 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 may be satisfied, and preferably, 2.1 ≤ D2 / D3 ≤ 3.4 may be satisfied.

[0086] In one embodiment, the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 (D1) and the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 (D3) may be substantially the same. In one embodiment, the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the radiator 122 and the shortest distance in the first direction between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126 may be different.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric layer 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, a first dielectric layer 112 may be interposed between the antenna unit 120 and a first ground layer 132, and a second dielectric layer 114 may be interposed between the first ground layer 132 and a second ground layer 134. The second dielectric layer 114 may be provided as a base layer of the antenna structure.

[0088] According to 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.

[0089] In some embodiments, the mesh portion MR can be disposed on a target object to which the antenna structure is applied, for example, on a display area of ​​an image display device, thereby preventing visual recognition of the antenna structure.

[0090] In one 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 of a mesh structure. In one embodiment, the transmission line 124 may also at least partially include a mesh structure.

[0091] In some embodiments, the solid portion SR can be disposed in a non-visible area of ​​the object, and the solid portion SR can reduce the resistance of the antenna unit 120, and can improve the signal efficiency and power supply efficiency.

[0092] In one embodiment, the solid portion SR may include a transmission line 124 and a signal pad 126. For example, the transmission line 124 and the signal pad 126 may be solid metal or alloy patterns.

[0093] In one 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 a solid metal or alloy pattern.

[0094] 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 overlapping region SR2 that overlaps with the first ground layer 132 and a non-overlapping region SR1 that does not overlap with the first ground 130.

[0095] 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 disposed partially in the non-overlapping region SR1.

[0096] In one embodiment, the antenna structure may satisfy Equation 3 below:

[0097] [Formula 3] 0.1≦L1 / (L1+L2)≦1.0

[0098] In Equation 3, L1 is the length of the overlapping region SR2 in the second direction, and L2 is the length of the non-overlapping region SR1 in the second direction. The second direction is parallel to the top surface of the antenna structure and may be the direction in which the antenna unit 120 or the transmission line 124 extends.

[0099] In this range, a relatively thick dielectric region can be formed under the signal / power supply path, which can improve signal efficiency and antenna gain, and also ensures a bonding region between the antenna structure and an external element, such as a circuit board, which can prevent static electricity, interference, and discharge, and improve stability.

[0100] In one embodiment, 0.1≦L1 / (L1+L2)≦0.8, or 0.1≦L1 / (L1+L2)≦0.6.

[0101] Preferably, the length of the non-overlapping region SR1 may be equal to or greater than the length of the overlapping region SR2, for example, 0.1≦L1 / (L1+L2)≦0.5, or 0.1≦L1 / (L1+L2)≦0.4.

[0102] In some embodiments, the ground pads 128 may be disposed around the signal pads 126. For example, a pair of ground pads 128 may be disposed on opposite sides of the signal pads 126. The ground pads 128 may be formed of a solid metal or metal alloy pattern. The ground pads 128 may be physically and electrically isolated from the signal pads 126.

[0103] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 the shortest distance (D3) between the ground 130 and the signal pad 126.

[0106] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer 110 can include an insulating layer 116 and an adhesive layer 118. For example, a first ground layer 132 and an insulating layer 116 are laminated on a second dielectric layer 114, and the first dielectric layer 112 can be coupled to the first ground layer 132 via the adhesive layer 118 or laminated on the insulating layer 116.

[0107] The insulating layer 116 may include the above-mentioned organic insulating material or inorganic insulating material, and the adhesive layer 118 may include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0108] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, the antenna structure may further include a dummy mesh pattern 125 .

[0110] In one embodiment, the dummy mesh pattern 125 can be formed around the mesh portion MR. The dummy mesh pattern 125 can include a mesh structure that is substantially the same as the mesh structure included in the mesh portion MR. This can, for example, make the space distribution of the conductive pattern around the radiator 122 and / or the transmission line 124 uniform, and prevent the antenna unit 120 from being visually recognized.

[0111] 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 separated and isolated from the radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 by a separation region BR.

[0112] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 6, an image display device can include a display panel and an antenna unit 220 disposed on the display panel.

[0114] The display panel may include a dielectric layer and conductive members 232, 234. The antenna unit 220 may be electrically and physically separated from the conductive members 232, 234 by the dielectric layer.

[0115] The conductive members 232, 234 may provide a ground for the antenna structure as described above. For example, the dielectric layer may provide capacitance and inductance between the antenna unit 220 and the conductive members 232, 234.

[0116] In one embodiment, the conductive members can include a first conductive member 232 and a second conductive member 234. For example, the first conductive member 232 can be provided in a first ground plane of the aforementioned antenna structure, and the second conductive member 234 can be provided in a second ground plane of the aforementioned antenna structure.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first conductive member 232 and the second conductive member 234 may be electrically and physically separated by the dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the first conductive member and the second conductive member may be connected to each other by vias or contacts that extend through the dielectric layer.

[0118] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer can include a substrate layer 214, an insulating layer 218, and an antenna dielectric layer 212. For example, the substrate layer 214 can be laminated on the second conductive member 234, and the first conductive member 232 and the insulating layer 218 can be formed on the substrate layer 214. The antenna dielectric layer 212 can be disposed on the insulating layer 218.

[0119] The base layer 214, the insulating layer 218, and the antenna dielectric layer 212 may include the transparent resin material and the insulating material described above. For example, the dielectric constants of the base layer 214, the insulating layer 218, and the antenna dielectric layer 212 may each be adjusted to a range of about 1.5 to 12. The dielectric constant and impedance may be fine-tuned to suit the desired target frequency by utilizing the multi-layer dielectric structure.

[0120] A window substrate 240 may be disposed on the antenna unit 220. The window substrate 240 may include, for example, a hard coat film or a glass substrate, such as Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG).

[0121] In one embodiment, an antenna insulation layer 254 can be formed on the antenna unit 220. In one embodiment, a first adhesive layer 216 can be disposed between the antenna dielectric layer 212 and the insulation layer 218, and a second adhesive layer 252 can be disposed between the antenna insulation layer 254 and the window substrate 240.

[0122] In some embodiments, an electrode structure included in a display panel, for example an electrode structure of a display element or an electrode structure of a touch panel, may be provided by the first conductive member 232 of the display panel.

[0123] 7 is a schematic plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the configuration between the antenna unit and the touch panel is omitted in FIG.

[0124] 7, an electrode structure of the touch panel may be provided by the first conductive member 232. For example, the electrode structure of the touch panel may partially overlap the antenna unit 220.

[0125] For example, the electrode structure of the touch panel can include electrodes or wiring, such as sensing electrodes 312, bridge electrodes 314, and traces 316.

[0126] The sensing electrode 312, the bridge electrode 314, and the traces 316 may be arranged on the base layer 214. The sensing electrode 312, the bridge electrode 314, and the traces 316 may be separated in a first direction from the antenna unit 220 by an insulating layer and / or an antenna dielectric layer.

[0127] In one embodiment, the sensing electrodes 312 may include sensing electrodes 312 arranged in different directions in a planar direction. For example, the sensing electrodes 312 may include a first sensing electrode 312a arranged in a second direction and a second sensing electrode 312b arranged in a third direction.

[0128] The first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b may be disposed at the same level as one another on the substrate layer 214. A bridge electrode 314 may electrically connect the second sensing electrodes 312b to one another.

[0129] The traces 316 can connect with the sensing electrodes 312. For example, the traces 316 can branch off from the first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b and extend to a peripheral area of ​​the touch panel.

[0130] A change in capacitance by the first sensing electrode 312a and the second sensing electrode 312b can generate an electrical signal. For example, the electrical signal can be transmitted via trace 316 to a drive circuit.

[0131] The radiator of the antenna unit 220 may partially overlap in a first direction with the sensing electrode 312 and the bridge electrode 314. For example, the sensing electrode 312 or the bridge electrode 314 of the touch panel may be provided with a ground layer 232a of the radiator.

[0132] The signal pad of the antenna unit 220 may partially overlap in a first direction with the trace 316. For example, the trace 316 of the touch panel may be provided with a ground layer 232b of the signal pad.

[0133] The electrode structure of the touch panel does not need to overlap with the transmission line of the antenna unit 220 in the first direction.

[0134] According to an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 220 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 260. For example, the antenna unit 220 may be bonded to the circuit board 260 via a signal pad.

[0135] The antenna driving IC chip and the antenna unit 220 can be electrically connected via the circuit board 260, and signal transmission / reception and / or power supply to the antenna unit 220 can be performed.

[0136] In one embodiment, the circuit board 260 may include a rigid circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0137] In one embodiment, the antenna unit 220 and the circuit board 260 can be bonded or joined through a conductive intermediary structure. For example, the signal pad, the conductive intermediary structure, and the circuit board 260 can be contacted or stacked in sequence.

[0138] In one embodiment, the conductive intermediary structure may include an Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF).

[0139] The circuit board 260 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board) can be bent under the touch panel or display panel and placed on the rear side of the image display device, and can extend toward the intermediate circuit board 260 on which the antenna driving IC chip is mounted.

[0140] The circuit board 260 and the intermediate circuit board are connected to each other by bonding or a connector, and power supply and drive control of the antenna unit can be performed by an antenna driving IC chip.

[0141] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0142] 8, the electrode structure of the display element 410 may be provided by the first conductive member. For example, the electrode structure of the display element 410 may partially overlap the antenna unit 220.

[0143] For example, the electrode structure of the display element 410 may include electrodes or wirings such as gate electrodes, source / drain electrodes, pixel electrodes, common electrodes, data lines, scan lines, etc. included in a thin film transistor (TFT) array panel.

[0144] A pixel electrode 412, a pixel definition film 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 and a scan line.

[0145] The pixel defining film 415 may be formed on the panel substrate 411 and may expose the pixel electrodes 412. The pixel defining film 415 may define a pixel area. The display layer 414 may be formed on the pixel electrodes 412. For example, the display layer 414 may include a liquid crystal layer or an organic light emitting layer.

[0146] A common electrode 416 may be disposed on the pixel defining film 415 and the display layer 414. For example, the pixel electrode 412 may serve as an anode of the display panel, and the common electrode 416 may serve as a cathode of the display panel.

[0147] In one embodiment, an 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 element 410 by the encapsulation layer 420. For example, the encapsulation layer 420 may be provided in a dielectric region between the antenna unit 220 and the electrode structure.

[0148] In one embodiment, a pixel circuit including a thin film transistor (TFT) array and an insulating film covering the pixel circuit may also be formed on the panel substrate 411. The pixel electrode 412 may be electrically connected to, for example, a drain electrode of the thin film transistor array on the insulating film.

[0149] In an embodiment, the pixel electrode 412, the common electrode 416, or the electrode line 418 may be provided by the first conductive member. For example, the antenna unit 220 may partially overlap the pixel electrode 412, the common electrode 416, and the electrode line 418.

[0150] In one embodiment, the emitter 222 can overlap in the first direction with the pixel electrode 412, the common electrode 416, and / or the electrode line 418. In one embodiment, the signal pad 226 can overlap in the first direction with the electrode line 418.

[0151] The electrode structure of the display element 410 does not need to overlap with the transmission line 224 of the antenna unit 220 in the first direction. This allows a dielectric region with a relatively large thickness to be formed under the transmission line 224, thereby suppressing signal loss and further improving antenna efficiency and gain.

[0152] In one embodiment, the second conductive member 234 can have a lower resistance than the first conductive member 232 .

[0153] In some embodiments, a metallic member such as a stainless steel plate of a display device, a heat dissipation sheet, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, or a sensor member such as a digitizer, a pressure sensor, or a fingerprint sensor may be provided with the second conductive member.

[0154] In one embodiment, the conductive members of the touch panel may be provided by a first conductive member, and the conductive members of the display panel may be provided by a second conductive member.

[0155] The electrode structure of the image display device is provided at the ground of the antenna unit 220, and high frequency and high gain signal characteristics can be achieved without forming a separate ground layer. This simplifies the mechanical design of the image display device and the antenna structure, and improves space efficiency.

[0156] In one embodiment, a light-shielding pattern 245 can be formed on the periphery of one surface of the window substrate 240. The light-shielding pattern 245 can include, for example, a color printing pattern and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The light-shielding pattern 245 can define a display area and a non-display area of ​​the image display device. For example, the light-shielding pattern 245 can be disposed in a light-shielding portion or a non-display area such as a bezel portion of the image display device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the solid portion of the antenna structure may be disposed within a non-display area of ​​the visual display device, while in one embodiment, at least a portion of the mesh portion of the antenna structure may be disposed within a viewable area of ​​the visual display device.

[0158] Below, preferred embodiments are presented to aid in understanding the present invention. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the scope and technical spirit of the present invention, and it is natural that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. EXAMPLES

[0159] [Experimental Example 1] Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example A second dielectric layer was laminated on a copper (Cu) sheet, and a conductive layer containing Cu was partially formed on the second dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer was formed on the Cu conductive layer, and an antenna unit was fabricated on the first dielectric layer using a copper alloy (Cu-alloy) as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0160] The resonant frequency of the antenna unit was adjusted to a band of about 26 GHz and about 32 GHz. The L1 / (L1+L2) of the antenna structure was adjusted to 0.2, and the total length of L1 and L2 (L1+L2) was set to 450 μm.

[0161] D2 / D3 of the antenna structure was adjusted as shown in Table 1 below. D2 / D1 of the antenna structure was adjusted in the same manner as D2 / D3.

[0162] [Table 1]

[0163] The antenna gain of the radiator of the antenna structures manufactured in the examples and comparative examples was measured in a radiation chamber.

[0164] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the antenna gain of the antenna structures according to the example and the comparative example.

[0165] With reference to FIG. 9, in the example, the antenna gain was measured to be high in both the 26 GHz and 32 GHz frequency bands, but in the comparative example, the antenna gain was measured to be lower than that of the example.

[0166] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the antenna gain at maximum resonant frequency as a function of the thickness ratio (D2 / D1) of the dielectric layers.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 10, the higher the ratio of the dielectric layer thickness, the higher the measured antenna gain at the maximum peak.

[0168] [Experimental Example 2] Example 1 and Examples 4 to 7 A second dielectric layer was laminated on a copper (Cu) sheet, and a conductive layer containing Cu was partially formed on the second dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer was formed on the Cu conductive layer, and an antenna unit was fabricated on the first dielectric layer using a copper alloy (Cu-alloy) as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0169] The resonant frequencies of the antenna unit were adjusted to bands of approximately 26 GHz and approximately 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.

[0170] The L1 / (L1+L2) of the antenna structure was adjusted as shown in Table 2 below.

[0171] [Table 2]

[0172] The antenna gain of the radiator of the antenna structure manufactured in the example was measured in a radiation chamber.

[0173] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the antenna gain of the antenna structure according to the embodiment.

[0174] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the antenna gain at the maximum resonance frequency depending on the ratio (L1 / (L1+L2)) of the overlapping areas.

[0175] 11 and 12, the lower the ratio of the overlapping area in the solid portion, the higher the measured antenna gain. [Industrial Applicability]

[0176] The present invention can be used in an antenna structure including an antenna unit and a dielectric layer, and in an image display device including the same. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 110 Dielectric layer 120 Antenna unit 122 Emitter 124 Transmission Lines 126 Signal Pad 130 Grand D1 Shortest distance D2 shortest distance D3 Shortest distance

Claims

1. a dielectric layer; an antenna unit disposed on the dielectric layer and including a radiator, a signal pad, and a transmission line connecting the radiator and the signal pad; and a ground separated from the antenna unit in a thickness direction by the dielectric layer; An antenna structure, 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. 2. The antenna structure of 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. 2. The antenna structure of claim 1, wherein the shortest distance between said ground and said transmission line is greater than the shortest distance between said ground and said signal pad.

4. The antenna structure of claim 1 , wherein the radiator, the transmission line and the signal pad are disposed at the same level as one another on the dielectric layer.

5. 2. The antenna structure of claim 1, wherein the ground includes a first ground layer and a second ground layer disposed at different levels, the first ground layer being disposed closer to the antenna unit than the second ground layer.

6. 6. The antenna structure of claim 5, wherein the antenna unit includes a solid portion having a solid structure and a mesh portion having a mesh structure.

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

8. The antenna structure of 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. a 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 by the dielectric layer; and a second ground layer disposed below the first ground layer; An antenna structure, wherein a partial area of ​​the antenna unit overlaps with the second ground layer and does not overlap with the first ground layer.

10. 10. The antenna structure of 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 of claim 10 , wherein the transmission line overlaps the second ground plane and does not overlap the first ground plane.

12. The antenna structure of claim 11 , wherein the radiator and the signal pad at least partially overlap the first ground plane.

13. a display panel including a dielectric layer and a conductive member; and an antenna unit disposed on the display panel, separated in a thickness direction from the conductive member with the dielectric layer sandwiched therebetween, the antenna unit including a radiator, a transmission line, and a signal pad; An image display device, wherein at least one of a first shortest distance between the conductive member and the radiator in the thickness direction, a second shortest distance between the conductive member and the transmission line in the thickness direction, and a third shortest distance between the conductive member and the signal pad in the thickness direction are different.

14. 14. The image display device according to claim 13, wherein the second shortest distance is the longest among the first to third shortest distances.

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

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

18. The image display device according to claim 15 , wherein the first conductive member is provided by an electrode structure of a touch panel or an electrode structure of a display element.

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

Images