Display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device. A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a cover plastic disposed on the display panel; a touch electrode layer disposed on one surface of the cover plastic and including a base film and a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed on at least one surface of the base film; and a support member disposed to be in contact with the base film and formed of a shape memory alloy. Accordingly, the low rigidity and heat resistance of the cover plastic are compensated for by the shape memory alloy, thereby providing excellent high-temperature reliability, and the distance from the outermost surface of the display device to the touch electrode layer is reduced, thereby enabling the realization of a display device with excellent touch sensitivity.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device having excellent touch sensitivity and high-temperature reliability, and being easy to implement in a curved form of various shapes and sizes. Background Technology

[0002] Touch functional layers, such as touch screen panels (TSPs), detect user touch inputs, such as screen touches or gestures on a display device, and are widely used as input devices for displays in various fields due to their excellent convenience. Touch functional layers can be classified into resistive, capacitive, optical, and electromagnetic (EM) types depending on their operating method; however, the capacitive method is generally used because it offers fast response speeds and can be implemented in a thin thickness. A capacitive touch functional layer is implemented by recognizing the location where the amount of current changes due to static electricity when a glass or plastic substrate coated with a transparent conductive film is touched, and then determining the coordinates of the touched area.

[0003] Recently, products across various fields are trending toward electrification, smartification, and digitalization, and the demand for in-vehicle displays, in particular, is surging. Accordingly, continuous technological development is underway to implement diverse sizes and shapes for the high functionality of displays installed inside vehicles. Conventional displays use glass as a cover material, but its poor flexibility makes it difficult to manufacture curved shapes. Furthermore, as the size increases, processing costs rise significantly and production yield drops sharply. Therefore, there is a need for technological development of touch display devices that utilize cover plastic instead of cover glass to enable diverse display sizes and shapes. The problem to be solved

[0004] Cover plastics have superior bending characteristics compared to cover glass, so replacing cover glass with cover plastics allows for the easy implementation of display devices of various sizes and shapes and significantly reduces process costs. However, cover plastics have low high-temperature rigidity and easily deform. When such cover plastics are applied to curved display devices with curved shapes, there was a problem of reduced high-temperature reliability because the curved shape could not be maintained at high temperatures.

[0005] Meanwhile, touch sensitivity increases as the dielectric constant of the material increases and as the distance from the surface where the user's touch is input to the touch electrode decreases. However, the dielectric constant of plastic is very low, at half the level of glass. Therefore, there was a problem where touch sensitivity was reduced due to the inherent physical properties of plastic.

[0006] Accordingly, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device having excellent high-temperature reliability by applying a support member formed of a shape memory alloy to a touch electrode layer in a display device including a cover plastic.

[0007] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device with excellent touch performance by forming the cover plastic and the touch electrode layer integrally, thereby reducing the distance from the outer surface of the cover plastic where the user's touch is input to the touch electrode layer.

[0008] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a display device that has excellent touch sensitivity and high-temperature reliability, and is easy to implement in curved forms of various shapes and sizes by applying cover plastic.

[0009] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, a cover plastic disposed on the display panel, a base film disposed on one surface of the cover plastic, a touch electrode layer comprising a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed on at least one surface of the base film, and a support member disposed to be in contact with the base film and formed of a shape memory alloy.

[0011] A support member formed of a shape memory alloy exhibits higher rigidity at high temperatures compared to room temperature, thereby compensating for the low rigidity and heat resistance of the plastic substrate and improving the high-temperature reliability of the display device. Additionally, by forming the touch electrode layer integrally with the cover plastic, the distance from the outermost surface of the cover plastic, where the user's touch is input, to the touch electrode layer can be reduced.

[0012] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0013] The present invention applies a support member formed of a shape memory alloy having higher rigidity at high temperatures compared to room temperature to a display device using a cover plastic. Accordingly, the display device of the present invention provides the advantage of excellent high-temperature reliability, as the low rigidity and heat resistance of the plastic substrate at high temperatures are compensated for by the support member.

[0014] The present invention forms a touch electrode layer integrally with a cover plastic, thereby reducing the distance from the outermost surface of the cover plastic, where a user's touch is input, to the touch electrode layer. This provides the advantage of excellent touch sensitivity even when using a cover plastic with a relatively low dielectric constant instead of cover glass.

[0015] In addition, the present invention can be easily implemented as a curved display device by replacing the cover glass with cover plastic, and can contribute to reducing process costs and improving productivity in manufacturing the curved display device.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention can maintain a curved shape well as rigidity is reinforced by a support member, even when using cover plastic. Accordingly, it can be applied to curved display devices of various shapes, such as those fixed to a specific curved surface or having a curved surface with multiple curvatures.

[0017] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included within the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view along I-I' of Figure 1a. FIG. 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1d is a plan view of a touch electrode layer in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a is a plan view of a touch electrode layer in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view along II-II' of FIG. 3a. FIG. 4a is a plan view of a touch electrode layer in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along III-III' of Figure 4a. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example in which a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be utilized. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0020] Shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in the present invention, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it is included in the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0022] In the case of describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as "on" another element or layer, it includes cases where another layer or element is placed directly on top of or in between.

[0024] Additionally, terms such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0025] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0026] The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the illustrated components.

[0027] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and may technically enable various interlocking and operation. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in an associated relationship.

[0028] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view along I-I' of FIG. 1a. Referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel (110), an optical control layer (120), an adhesive layer (131, 132), a hard coating layer (171, 172), a touch electrode layer (140), a black matrix (180), and a cover plastic (160).

[0030] The display panel (110) includes a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) is an area where a plurality of pixels are arranged to display an image. In the display area (DA), pixels including a light-emitting area for displaying an image and a driving circuit for driving the pixels may be arranged. The non-display area (NDA) is arranged to surround the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where an image is not displayed, and various wiring, driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc., for driving the pixels and driving circuits arranged in the display area (DA) are arranged. Various ICs, such as gate driver ICs and data driver ICs, may be arranged in the non-display area (NDA). Meanwhile, as described above, driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc., may be arranged in the non-display area (NDA), and a predetermined area is required for driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc., to be arranged.

[0031] For example, the display panel (110) may be a liquid crystal display panel that includes a liquid crystal layer and displays an image by controlling the light transmittance of the liquid crystal. As another example, the display panel (110) may be an organic light-emitting display panel that includes an organic light-emitting layer and displays an image using light emitted therefrom. Unlike the liquid crystal display panel (110), the organic light-emitting display panel (110) is a self-emissive element that does not require a separate light source and has the advantage of being thin and highly flexible.

[0032] An optical control layer (120) is disposed on a display panel (110). For example, the optical control layer (120) may be a polarizing layer (121) and a viewing angle control film (122). The polarizing layer (121) uniformly transmits light emitted from the display panel (110) to the outside without reducing the brightness of the display device (100), and improves display quality by minimizing external light reflectivity. Light transmitted from the outside of the display device (100) may be reflected by a metal layer inside the display panel (110) with high reflectivity, thereby reducing visibility and contrast ratio. The polarizing layer (121) can minimize the reduction of visibility and contrast ratio by transmitting light emitted from the display panel (110) while absorbing or reflecting external light.

[0033] The viewing angle adjustment film (122) is a film configured to control the direction of transmitted light. When the display device (100) is used as a vehicle display, the image displayed by the display panel (110) is reflected on the car's windshield, obstructing the driver's view, and this reflection of the image is more severe during night driving. The viewing angle adjustment film (122) includes multiple transmitting and non-transmitting areas and is configured to block the viewing angle in a specific direction, thereby minimizing the reflection of the image on the windshield as described above.

[0034] The display device (100) may further include a light diffusion film, etc., as needed. The light diffusion film may include transparent beads that scatter light or have an uneven pattern on its surface to scatter external light. Accordingly, the reduction in visibility and contrast ratio caused by external light can be minimized. The optical control layer (120) is not limited to a polarizing layer (121), a viewing angle control film (122), and a light diffusion film. Additionally, the optical control layer (120) may be composed of a single layer, or it may be formed into a multilayer structure by combining layers with different functions in various ways.

[0035] A first adhesive layer (131) is disposed between the polarizing layer (121) and the viewing angle adjustment film (122). The first adhesive layer (131) bonds the polarizing layer (121) and the viewing angle adjustment film (122). The first adhesive layer (131) may be an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), but is not limited thereto.

[0036] A second adhesive layer (132) may be placed between the optical control layer (120) and the first hard coating layer (171). The second adhesive layer (132) is placed on the viewing angle control film (122) and bonds the optical control layer (120) and the first hard coating layer (171). The second adhesive layer (132) may be an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), just like the first adhesive layer (131), but is not limited thereto. The first hard coating layer (171) may be omitted as needed, in which case the second adhesive layer (132) bonds the optical control layer (120) and the touch electrode layer (140).

[0037] The cover plastic (160) has lower heat resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength compared to the cover glass. A hard coating layer (171, 172) is formed on at least one surface of the cover plastic (160) to complement the heat resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties of the cover plastic (160). In terms of complementing the mechanical properties of the cover plastic (160), the hard coating layer (171, 172) requires a relatively high modulus and surface hardness. For example, the hard coating layer (171, 172) may have a modulus of 1,000 MPa to 4,000 MPa. For example, the surface hardness of the hard coating layer (171, 172) may be 4H to 9H.

[0038] The first hard coating layer (171) is placed on the lower part of the cover plastic (160) to support the cover plastic (160) and can minimize deterioration and deformation of the cover plastic (160) under harsh conditions such as high temperature and high humidity. The first hard coating layer (171) may include, for example, one or more of acrylic resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, and polyester resin, but is not limited thereto. The first hard coating layer (171) may be formed as a single layer and may be formed as a multilayer structure as needed.

[0039] A second hard coating layer (172) is disposed on the upper surface of the cover plastic (160). The second hard coating layer (172) contains a material with high surface hardness, and thus has excellent wear resistance, scratch resistance, etc., and thus protects the cover plastic (160) from external impact or scratches. For example, the second hard coating layer (172) may include one or more of acrylic resin, urethane resin, silicone resin, and polyester resin, but is not limited thereto. The second hard coating layer (172) may be formed as a single layer and may be formed as a multilayer structure as needed.

[0040] A functional film may be disposed on the upper portion of the second hard coating layer (172). For example, the functional film may be one or more selected from an anti-fingerprint film, an anti-contamination film, an anti-reflection film, and an anti-glare film, but is not limited thereto. The functional film may be appropriately selected and combined as needed.

[0041] Hereinafter, the touch electrode layer (140) and the support member (150) in a display device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1c and 1d together. FIG. 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the touch electrode layer and the support member in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1d is a plan view of the touch electrode layer in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1c, for convenience of explanation, the display panel (110), the polarizing layer (121), the first adhesive layer (131), the viewing angle adjustment film (122), the second adhesive layer (132), and the first hard coating layer (171) are omitted from the illustration.

[0042] First, referring to FIGS. 1b and 1c together, the touch electrode layer (140) is disposed between the first hard coating layer (171) and the cover plastic (160) and includes a base film (141), a plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144).

[0043] The base film (141) is a substrate for forming a plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144). The base film (141) may be formed of a transparent insulating resin so as not to reduce the visibility of the display device (100). For example, the transparent insulating resin may be one or more selected from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), triacetylcellulose (TAC), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto.

[0044] A black matrix (180) may be placed on the lower surface of a base film (141) corresponding to a non-display area (NDA). The black matrix (180) is placed on the lower surface of the base film (141) corresponding to the non-display area (NDA) so that wiring, driving ICs, printed circuit boards, etc. placed in the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (110) are not visible from the outside. The black matrix (180) may be placed on a layer other than the lower surface of the base film (141) as needed. For example, the black matrix (180) may be formed on the lower surface of a cover plastic (160), but is not limited thereto.

[0045] A plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) are disposed on the upper surface of a base film (141) facing a cover plastic (160). Each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be arranged in different directions on the upper surface of the base film (141) corresponding to the display area (DA). For example, the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) are arranged in a first direction on the upper surface of the base film (141), and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) are arranged in a second direction that intersects the first direction. Accordingly, the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) intersect each other. A capacitance for detecting touch input may be formed in the intersection area where the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) intersect each other. A plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) are defined by intersecting each other, thereby forming a plurality of touch cells. The size of the touch cells can be determined to correspond to the average finger size of the user.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1d, the shape of each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be a rhombus shape. However, it is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various shapes such as polygons, circles, and ellipses, excluding the rhombus shape.

[0047] A plurality of first touch electrodes (142) are electrically connected to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1d, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) may be electrically connected to each other through a connecting electrode (143). The connecting electrode (143) may be formed of the same material as the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) so as not to degrade the visibility of the display device (100). Additionally, a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) are electrically connected to each other. When the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) are arranged on the same plane, the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode (145) formed of a transparent conductive material. For example, an insulating layer made of a transparent insulating material may be formed on the front surface of a base film to cover the first touch electrodes (142) and the second touch electrodes (144). A bridge electrode (145) is disposed on an insulating layer and can electrically connect the second touch electrode (144) by contacting it through a contact hole formed in the insulating layer. Additionally, an insulating layer is disposed only in the intersection area of ​​the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), and the bridge electrode (145) is disposed on the insulating layer to cover the insulating layer, thereby electrically connecting the separated second touch electrodes (144).

[0048] A plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be formed of a transparent conductive material to prevent the visibility of the display device (100) from being reduced. For example, the transparent conductive material may be selected from transparent metal oxides such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), SnO2, AZO (aluminum doped zinc oxide), IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide), and ATO (antimony tin oxide), and carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene, but is not limited thereto. As another example, a plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be formed of low-resistance metal materials such as molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto. When using low-resistance metal materials, they can be formed with a very thin thickness to ensure transparency.

[0049] Each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be attached to one side of the base film (141) using a transparent adhesive such as OCA or SVR (Super View Resin), but is not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) may be formed directly on one side of the base film (141) by methods such as sputtering, printing, or slit coating.

[0050] One side of the touch electrode layer (140) may extend to the outside of the display panel (110), and a pad portion may be disposed in the extended area. In this case, a separate process for forming the pad portion may be omitted, thereby simplifying the process and allowing the pad portion to be easily attached. The pad portion is intended to operate the touch electrode layer (140) and includes components for supplying a signal to the touch electrode and receiving a touch sensing signal from the touch electrode. For example, routing wiring, pad electrodes, etc. are disposed in the pad portion.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1c, a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a support member (150) formed of a shape memory alloy to compensate for the low heat resistance and rigidity of the cover plastic (160). The shape memory alloy has the characteristic that its rigidity increases when heat above a certain temperature is applied, and exhibits higher rigidity at high temperatures compared to room temperature. Accordingly, the low rigidity of the plastic base film (141) or the cover plastic (160) can be compensated for by the support member (150). Plastic has the advantage of having significantly lower rigidity at room temperature and higher flexibility compared to glass or shape memory alloy. However, due to its low heat resistance, its rigidity further decreases at high temperatures and it deforms easily. The shape memory alloy has a rigidity that is intermediate between that of glass and plastic at room temperature, but at high temperatures, its rigidity increases to a level equal to or greater than that of glass. Accordingly, when the support member (150) formed of the shape memory alloy is applied to a plastic film, the low rigidity of the plastic at high temperatures is compensated for by the shape memory alloy, so that it can exhibit higher rigidity than a plastic film alone. Accordingly, a display device (100) including a support member (150) formed of a shape memory alloy provides the advantage of high-temperature reliability due to improved heat resistance and rigidity. In addition, the support member (150) formed of a shape memory alloy has excellent rigidity and can maintain the shape of the display device (100). In the case of a curved display device that is fixed to a specific curved surface or has a curved surface with multiple curvatures, if a cover plastic (160) is applied, the rigidity of the cover plastic (160) decreases at high temperatures, so the curved shape cannot be maintained and deformation such as sagging may occur. A display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can maintain a shape fixed to a desired curved surface as rigidity is improved by the support member (150).

[0052] The support member (150) includes a first support member (151) and a second support member (152). The first support member (151) is placed on a base film (141) corresponding to a display area (DA). For example, the first support member (151) may be placed on the lower surface of the base film (141) corresponding to the empty space between a plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (144). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1d, the first support member (151) is formed in a mesh shape.

[0053] The second support member (152) is placed on the base film (141) to correspond to the non-display area (NDA). For example, the second support member (152) may be placed on the lower surface of the black matrix (180) corresponding to the non-display area (NDA). For example, the second support member (152) may be placed in a frame shape on the front surface to correspond to the non-display area (NDA). As another example, the second support member (152) may be placed to correspond to a portion of the non-display area. As described above, the black matrix (180) may be placed on a layer other than the lower surface of the base film (141) as needed, in which case the second support member (152) directly contacts the lower surface of the base film (141) to correspond to the non-display area (NDA).

[0054] The support member (150) may be formed from a shape memory alloy. For example, the shape memory alloy may be one or more selected from Ni-Ti alloy, Cu-Zn-Al alloy, and Cu-Al-Zn alloy, but is not limited thereto. The shape memory alloy may be appropriately selected and used as long as it is a material that can improve the heat resistance and rigidity of the plastic film and does not reduce the visibility of the display device (100).

[0055] It is desirable for the support member (150) to have a refractive index within an appropriate range so as not to degrade the visibility of the display device (100). For example, the refractive index of the support member (150) may be 1.3 to 2.5, 1.8 to 2.5, 1.8 to 2.2, or 2.2 to 2.5. Since the first support member (151) is placed on the display area (DA), it is desirable to match the refractive index of the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144). In particular, if the first support member (151) is patterned in a shape corresponding to the empty space between the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), and the difference between the refractive index of the support member (151) and the refractive index of the first and second touch electrodes (142, 144) is large, the support member (151) may be visible from outside the display device, and the display quality may be degraded as a result. Accordingly, in order to maintain high visibility of the display device (100), it is preferable to form a support member (151) using a shape memory alloy having a refractive index similar to that of the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144). For example, when ITO is used for the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), since the refractive index of ITO is about 1.8 to 2.0, the first support member (151) can be formed with a Ni-Ti-based (1.9 to 2.1) shape memory alloy having a similar refractive index.

[0056] A cover plastic (160) is placed on the touch electrode layer (140). Since the cover plastic (160) has a relatively lower dielectric constant compared to the cover glass, the touch sensitivity is reduced. To compensate for this, the cover plastic (160) is positioned to directly contact the side and top surfaces of the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), as well as the top surface of the base film (141). Accordingly, the distance from the outermost surface where the user's touch is input to the touch electrode layer (140) is significantly reduced, thereby providing the advantage of excellent touch sensitivity even when using a cover plastic (160) with a relatively low dielectric constant.

[0057] For example, the cover plastic (160) may be selected from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The cover plastic (160) and the touch electrode layer (140) can be formed integrally through an injection molding process. A method for forming the cover plastic (160) and the touch electrode layer (140) integrally through an injection molding process is described below.

[0059] First, a base film (141) is prepared, and a first touch electrode (142) and a second touch electrode (144) are patterned on one side of the base film (141) so as not to come into contact with each other. The first and second touch electrodes (144) can be formed by applying methods such as sputtering, ion plating, thermal evaporation, spray coating, or printing using an electrode forming material. Next, the first and second touch electrodes (144) are installed in a cavity of a mold so that the surface on which they are formed faces upward. At this time, the bottom surface of the mold may be flat or have a curved shape. Next, a cover plastic forming composition is injected into the cavity and injection molded to obtain an injection molded product in which the cover plastic (160) formed from the cover plastic forming composition is integrated with the touch electrode layer (140).

[0060] By using an injection molding process, a cover plastic (160) can be bonded onto a touch electrode layer (140) without using an adhesive. Thus, the display device (100) can be made slimmer and lighter. In addition, the distance from the outermost surface where the user's touch is input to the touch electrode layer (140) is significantly reduced, so that even with the application of a cover plastic (160), touch sensitivity equivalent to that of a cover glass can be provided. Furthermore, when the substrate has a curved shape, it was difficult to form a material with a uniform thickness on the substrate, but the present invention integrates the touch electrode layer (140) and the cover plastic (160) through an injection molding process, thereby providing process advantages and enabling the provision of a display device (100) of various shapes.

[0061] In FIGS. 1a to 1d, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the touch electrode layer (140) is disposed on the lower surface of the cover plastic (160) is described as an example, but is not limited thereto. The touch electrode layer (140) may also be disposed on the upper surface of the cover plastic (160), in which case the lower surface of the cover plastic (160) is in direct contact with the first hard coating layer (171). When the touch electrode layer (140) is disposed on the upper surface of the cover plastic (160) in this manner, the distance from the outermost surface where touch input is made to the touch electrode layer (140) is further reduced, thereby providing superior touch sensitivity.

[0062] In a display device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as the touch electrode layer (140) is integrally formed on the upper or lower surface of the cover plastic (160), the distance from the outermost surface where touch input is made to the touch electrode layer (140) can be reduced to a level of 200 μm to 2000 μm. Accordingly, high touch sensitivity is provided even when using the cover plastic (160).

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the display panel, polarizing layer, first adhesive layer, viewing angle adjustment film, second adhesive layer, first hard coating layer, and second hard coating layer are omitted in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, in a display device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the touch electrode layer (240) includes a base film (241), a first touch electrode (242), a second touch electrode (244), and an overcoating layer (248). The display device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 is substantially identical to the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1c, except that it further includes an overcoating layer (248) and a cover plastic (260) is disposed on the overcoating layer (248). Therefore, descriptions of redundant components are omitted.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of first touch electrodes (242) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (244) are disposed on one side of a base film (241) facing a cover plastic (260).

[0065] The overcoating layer (248) is positioned to cover the side and top surfaces of a plurality of first touch electrodes (242) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (244). Additionally, the overcoating layer (248) is positioned to be in direct contact with a portion of the base film (241). Accordingly, the overcoating layer (248) flattens the upper surface of the touch electrode layer (240). By applying the overcoating layer (248) in this manner, the rainbow phenomenon of the cover plastic (260) can be improved. The rainbow phenomenon is an optical phenomenon in which stains of various colors appear when light shines on a surface. In an injection molding process to integrate the touch electrode layer (240) and the cover plastic (260), a composition for forming the cover plastic is injected into a surface that is not flat, where a plurality of first touch electrodes (242) and second touch electrodes (244) are formed. When the composition for forming the cover plastic is injected into a surface that is not flat in this way, directionality occurs in the flow of the composition, causing a fine difference in coating thickness. Due to this, a rainbow effect may appear on the cover plastic (260) depending on the angle.

[0066] The overcoating layer (248) is positioned to cover the first touch electrode (242) and the second touch electrode (244) to flatten the surface of the touch electrode layer (240). Accordingly, the rainbow phenomenon described above is reduced, thereby further improving the display quality. In addition, the overcoating layer (248) can act as a protective layer to prevent disconnection and damage to the first and second touch electrodes (242, 244) during the injection molding process. This can provide the advantage of superior touch performance.

[0067] For example, the overcoating layer (248) may include one or more of acrylic resins, polyester resins, or silicone resins, but is not limited thereto. The overcoating layer (248) may include a resin of the same family as the hard coating layer (171, 172). In the case of the hard coating layer (171, 172), a high modulus is required to reinforce the heat resistance, mechanical strength, etc. of the cover plastic (160), but the overcoating layer (248) may have a lower modulus and surface hardness than the hard coating layer (171, 172) as a configuration for flattening the touch electrode layer (240). For example, the overcoating layer (248) may have a modulus of 100 MPa to 1,000 MPa. For example, the overcoating layer (248) may have a surface hardness of 2H to 3H.

[0068] The first support member (151) is disposed on the lower surface of the base film (241) corresponding to the empty space between the plurality of first touch electrodes (242) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (244). The first support member (151) is formed of a shape memory alloy to improve the high-temperature rigidity and high-temperature reliability of the display device (200).

[0069] The display device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 is arranged so that the cover plastic (260) contacts the first touch electrode (242) and the second touch electrode (244) of the touch electrode layer (240), thereby allowing the adhesive layer between the cover plastic (260) and the touch electrode layer (240) to be omitted. Accordingly, the display device (200) can be made slimmer while providing the effect of excellent touch sensitivity. In addition, the introduction of an over-coating layer (248) improves the rainbow phenomenon, thereby providing the advantage of even better display quality.

[0070] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a touch electrode layer in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view along III-III'. A display device (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the display device illustrated in FIG. 1c, except that the first support member (351) is placed on the same plane as the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144). Therefore, description of redundant components is omitted.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the first support member (351) is disposed in the empty space between the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) placed on one side of the base film (141) facing the cover plastic (160). Accordingly, the first support member (351) is located on the same plane as the plurality of first touch electrodes (142) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (144). The first support member (351) is formed of a shape memory alloy and is therefore disposed on the same plane so as not to come into contact with the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144).

[0072] The cover plastic (160) is positioned to cover a plurality of first touch electrodes (142), a plurality of second touch electrodes (144), and a first support member (351). Accordingly, the cover plastic (160) is in direct contact with the side and top surfaces of the plurality of first touch electrodes (142), second touch electrodes (144), and the first support member (351). Additionally, the cover plastic (160) is in direct contact with a portion of the base film (141).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3b, the cover plastic (160) can be implemented more slimly compared to the display device (100) shown in FIG. 1c by having a plurality of first touch electrodes (142), a plurality of second touch electrodes (144) and a first support member (351) arranged on the same plane.

[0074] FIG. 4a is a plan view of a touch electrode layer in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view along IV-IV'. The display device (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1c, except that the first touch electrode (442) and the second touch electrode (444) are arranged on different planes from each other, and the first touch electrode (442) and the first support member (451) are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, descriptions of redundant components are omitted.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, a plurality of first touch electrodes (442) are disposed on the upper surface of a base film (441) facing a cover plastic (160). The plurality of first touch electrodes (442) are arranged in a first direction on the upper surface of the base film (441), and each of the plurality of first touch electrodes (442) is electrically connected to one another through a connecting electrode (443).

[0076] A plurality of second touch electrodes (444) are disposed on the lower surface of the base film (441) and are located on a plane different from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of second touch electrodes (444) may be arranged in a second direction. The plurality of second touch electrodes (444) may be disposed on the lower surface of the base film (441) so as not to overlap with the plurality of first touch electrodes (442). The plurality of second touch electrodes (444) are electrically connected to each other. As the first touch electrode (442) and the second touch electrode (444) are disposed on different planes, each of the plurality of second touch electrodes (444) may be electrically connected to each other through a connecting electrode.

[0077] As described in FIG. 1c, when the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) are placed on the same plane, the first touch electrode (142) is electrically connected to each other through a connecting electrode (143), and the second touch electrode (144) is electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode (145). In this case, each of the plurality of second touch electrodes (144) is electrically connected by forming an insulating layer in the area where the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) intersect, and forming a bridge electrode (145) on top thereof. In the display device (400) illustrated in FIG. 4b, the plurality of first touch electrodes (442) and the plurality of second touch electrodes (444) are placed on different planes, so the complex bridge electrode formation process can be omitted. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the touch electrode layer (440) can be simplified.

[0078] The first support member (451) is disposed on the upper surface of the base film (441) facing the cover plastic (160). Accordingly, the first support member (451) is disposed on the same plane as the first touch electrode (442). The first support member (451) may be disposed on the upper surface of the base film (441) to correspond to the second touch electrode (444) disposed on the lower surface of the base film (441). The first support member (451) can improve the rigidity and high-temperature reliability of the display device (400) by compensating for the low heat resistance and rigidity of the cover plastic (160). Although FIG. 4b exemplarily illustrates the first support member (451) being disposed on the same plane as the first touch electrode (442), it is not limited thereto. For example, the first support member (451) may be disposed between the electrodes of a plurality of second touch electrodes (444) so ​​as to be located on the same plane as the second touch electrode (444). In this case, the first support member (451) overlaps with the first touch electrode (442). As another example, the first support member (451) may be placed between the electrodes of the first touch electrode (442) and between the electrodes of the second touch electrode (444). That is, the first support member (451) is placed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the base film (441), the first support member (451) placed on the upper surface of the base film (441) overlaps with the second touch electrode (444), and the first support member (451) placed on the lower surface of the base film (441) overlaps with the first touch electrode (442). When the first support member (451) is placed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the base film (441) in this manner, the rigidity at high temperatures of the display device (400) is further increased, thereby providing the advantage of high high-temperature reliability. In particular, it can be applied more advantageously to a curved display device having multiple curvatures. A first support member (451) is disposed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the base film (441) so that a cover plastic with a complex curved shape can be fixed without deformation.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a region including a touch electrode layer and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device (500) illustrated in FIG. 5 is substantially identical to the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1c, except for the arrangement of the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544). Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, one side of the base film (541) facing the cover plastic (560) is in direct contact with the cover plastic (560), and a plurality of first touch electrodes (542) and a plurality of second touch electrodes (544) are disposed on the other side of the base film (541). A first support member (551) is disposed in the empty space between the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544) so ​​as not to come into contact with the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544).

[0081] That is, the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544) do not come into direct contact with the cover plastic (560), and one side of the touch electrode layer (540) facing the cover plastic (560) has a flat surface. Accordingly, the rainbow phenomenon of the cover plastic (560) can be minimized.

[0082] In addition, the first touch electrode (542), the second touch electrode (544), and the first support member (551) are all arranged on the same plane so that the display device (500) can be made slimmer.

[0083] The cover plastic (560) and the touch electrode layer (540) can be integrally formed through an injection molding process. For example, the method may include the steps of manufacturing the touch electrode layer (540) by forming the first and second touch electrodes (542, 544) and the first support member (551) on one side of a base film (541), laminating a protective film to protect the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544), or forming an overcoating layer or a hard coating layer to cover the first touch electrode (542) and the second touch electrode (544), and integrating the cover plastic (560) on the other side of the base film (541) through an injection molding process. Accordingly, the cover plastic (560) can be bonded onto the touch electrode layer (540) without using an adhesive.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an area including a cover plastic, a touch electrode layer, and a support member in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device (600) illustrated in FIG. 6 is substantially identical to the display device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1c, except that the support member (650) is not patterned and is formed on one side of the base film (141), and the arrangement of the black matrix (680). Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, a first touch electrode (142) and a second touch electrode (144) are formed on the upper surface of a base film (141) facing a cover plastic (160), and a support member (650) can be formed on the lower surface of the base film (141). In this case, a complex patterning process can be omitted, and the process of forming the support member (650) can be simplified. Additionally, since the support member (650) is formed on the front surface, it can provide the effect of having superior rigidity at high temperatures and excellent high-temperature reliability. When the support member (650) is formed on the lower surface of the base film (141) in this manner, a black matrix (680) can be placed on the lower surface of the support member (650). However, it is not limited thereto, and the position of the black matrix (680) can be varied as needed.

[0086] When a support member (650) is formed on the front surface of a base film (141), the support member (650) can be formed with a shape memory alloy having a refractive index similar to that of the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) to match the refractive index. As another example, the support member (650) can be formed with a shape memory alloy having a higher refractive index than that of the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), and a refractive index matching layer including a low refractive index material can be laminated on the support member (650). For example, the low refractive index material may be one or more selected from SiO2, alumina, talc, and mica. For example, when ITO is used for the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144), a support member (650) can be formed with a Cu-Al-Zn-based (2.3 to 2.5) shape memory alloy with a higher refractive index than ITO, and a refractive index matching layer including SiO2 (1.4 to 1.5) can be laminated on the support member (650) to compensate for the refractive index.

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which a support member (650) is formed on the lower surface of the base film (141), but is not limited thereto. For example, the support member (650) may be formed on the upper surface of the base film (141) facing the cover plastic (160), in which case the first touch electrode (142) and the second touch electrode (144) are placed on the lower surface of the base film (141).

[0088] The display device according to the embodiments of the present invention described above uses a cover plastic made of plastic material as a cover member and includes a support member formed of a shape memory alloy having superior rigidity at high temperatures compared to room temperature. The heat resistance and rigidity of the cover plastic are reinforced by the support member, thereby providing the advantage of improved high-temperature reliability. Furthermore, the rigidity is enhanced by the support member, allowing it to be applied to display devices of various shapes and maintain their shape. For example, the display device of the present invention can be applied to a curved display device having a specific curved surface or a curved surface with multiple curvatures, and can contribute to improving the degree of design freedom of the display device.

[0089] In addition, the display device according to the embodiments of the present invention has a touch electrode layer formed integrally with the cover plastic. Accordingly, the distance from the outermost surface where touch input is made to the touch electrode layer is significantly reduced, thereby providing the effect of excellent touch sensitivity even when using a cover plastic with a low dielectric constant. Furthermore, the display device according to the embodiments of the present invention has excellent flexibility and high-temperature reliability, so it can be easily implemented as a flexible display device.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be utilized. Referring to FIG. 7, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be utilized for an instrument panel (720) or a navigation system (710) of a vehicle (700). The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention has improved rigidity due to a support member formed of a shape memory alloy, so it can be advantageously utilized for curved displays such as an instrument panel (720) or a navigation system (710).

[0091] The effects of the present invention described above will be explained in more detail below through experimental examples. However, the following experimental examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0092] The stiffness and dimensional stability of various materials that can be used as cover and support members were measured and summarized in Table 1 below.

[0093] Stiffness (Unit: GPa): The modulus of the sample was measured under conditions of a load of 0.2 N using a DMA (Dynamic mechanical analyzer).

[0094] Dimensional change (unit: mm): The dimensions of the sample were measured at room temperature, and after storing it at 150℃ for 500 hours, the dimensional change was measured.

[0095] division glass PC SUS shape memory alloy PC / Ni-Ti PC / SUS Thickness (mm) 2 2 1 2 2 / 0.2 2 / 0.3 Stiffness (GPa) Room temperature (20℃) 70 2.1 100~180 10~40 3.5 4.2 High temperature (105℃) 70 1.7 20~50 60~75 2.1 2.3 Dimension change (mm) 0 1.6 0 0 0.3 1.5

[0096] Referring to Table 1, it can be observed that glass exhibits high stiffness at room temperature, with identical stiffness at both room and high temperatures and no dimensional change. In contrast, polycarbonate shows significantly lower room-temperature stiffness compared to glass at the same thickness, and its stiffness further deteriorates at high temperatures. Additionally, due to its low stiffness at high temperatures, polycarbonate exhibits the most severe dimensional change among the various materials. SUS shows the highest stiffness at room temperature, and while its stiffness drops significantly to less than half at high temperatures, it does not show any dimensional change. Meanwhile, in the case of shape memory alloys Ni-Ti, Cu-Zn-Al, and Cu-Al-Zn, their stiffness at room temperature is intermediate between that of glass and plastic, and at high temperatures, their stiffness increases further without dimensional change. When a Ni-Ti thin film, a shape memory alloy, is laminated onto polycarbonate, it is observed that the material exhibits stiffness equivalent to that of polycarbonate at room temperature, while displaying higher stiffness than polycarbonate at high temperatures. In addition, when polycarbonate is used alone, the dimensional change at high temperature is 1.6 mm, but when a Ni-Ti thin film is laminated, it can be seen that the dimensional change is significantly reduced.

[0097] Meanwhile, when SUS, which maintains high rigidity at high temperatures, is laminated with polycarbonate, it exhibits high rigidity at high temperatures but can be observed to have significant dimensional changes.

[0098] From the above experimental results, it can be confirmed that shape memory alloys can be appropriately used as a material to supplement the rigidity and heat resistance of plastic cover plastics.

[0099] A display device according to various embodiments of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0100] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, a cover plastic disposed on the display panel, a touch electrode layer disposed on one surface of the cover plastic and including a base film and a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed on at least one surface of the base film, and a support member disposed to be in contact with the base film and formed of a shape memory alloy.

[0101] According to another feature of the present invention, the shape memory alloy may be one or more selected from Ni-Ti alloy, Cu-Zn-Al alloy and Cu-Al-Zn alloy.

[0102] According to another feature of the present invention, the support member may have a refractive index of 1.3 to 2.5.

[0103] According to another feature of the present invention, the support member may include a first support member formed or patterned on the front surface of a base film corresponding to a display area so as not to contact a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode, and a second support member formed in a frame shape on the front surface of a touch electrode layer corresponding to a non-display area.

[0104] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on one surface of a base film facing a cover plastic and are electrically connected to each other, and a plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the same plane as the first touch electrodes and are electrically connected to each other.

[0105] According to another feature of the present invention, the support member may be disposed in the empty space between a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0106] According to another feature of the present invention, a support member may be disposed on the other side of a base film corresponding to the empty space between a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0107] According to another feature of the present invention, a support member may be formed on the other side of a base film on which a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes are disposed.

[0108] According to another feature of the present invention, the cover plastic can cover the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode so as to be in contact with at least one surface of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode, and one surface of the base film.

[0109] According to another feature of the present invention, one surface of a base film facing a cover plastic is in direct contact with the cover plastic, a plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on the other surface of the base film and are electrically connected to each other, a plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the same plane as the first touch electrodes and are electrically connected to each other, and a support member may be disposed between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0110] According to another feature of the present invention, a plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on one surface of a base film facing a cover plastic and are electrically connected to each other, and a plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the other surface of the base film and are electrically connected to each other.

[0111] According to another feature of the present invention, a support member may be disposed between the electrodes of a plurality of second touch electrodes so as to overlap with a plurality of first touch electrodes.

[0112] According to another feature of the present invention, a support member may be disposed between the electrodes of a plurality of first touch electrodes so as to overlap with a plurality of second touch electrodes.

[0113] According to another feature of the present invention, a support member may be disposed between electrodes of a plurality of first touch electrodes so as to overlap with a plurality of second touch electrodes, and between electrodes of a plurality of second touch electrodes so as to overlap with the first touch electrodes.

[0114] According to another feature of the present invention, the touch electrode layer may further include an overcoating layer disposed to be in direct contact with a plurality of first touch electrodes, second touch electrodes, or all of them.

[0115] According to another feature of the present invention, one side of the touch electrode layer extends to the outside of the display panel, and a pad portion may be disposed in the extended area.

[0116] According to another feature of the present invention, a hard coating layer is disposed on at least one surface of a cover plastic, and a touch electrode layer may be disposed between the cover plastic and the hard coating layer.

[0117] According to another feature of the present invention, it may include an optical control layer disposed on a display panel, an adhesive layer disposed on the optical control layer, a touch electrode layer disposed on the adhesive layer, and a cover plastic disposed on the touch electrode layer.

[0118] According to another feature of the present invention, the cover plastic and the touch electrode layer can be formed integrally through an injection molding process.

[0119] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not to limit, the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0120] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600: Display device 110: Display panel 120: Optical control layer 121: Polarization layer 122: Viewing Angle Adjustment Film 131: First adhesive layer 132: Second adhesive layer 140, 240, 440, 540, 650: Touch electrode layer 141, 241, 441, 541: Base film 142, 242, 442, 542: First touch electrode 143, 443: Connecting electrodes 144, 244, 444, 544: Second touch electrode 145: Bridge electrode 150: Support member 151, 351, 451, 551: First support member 152: Second support member 160, 260, 560: Cover plastic 171: First hard coating layer 172: Second hard coating layer 180, 680: Black Matrix 248: Overcoating layer 700: Car 710: Navigation 720: Instrument panel DA: Display area NDA: Non-display area

Claims

Claim 1 A display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a cover plastic disposed on the display panel; a touch electrode layer disposed on the display panel, comprising a base film, a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes disposed on one side of the cover plastic, and disposed on one side of the base film or on the other side opposite to the one side; and a support member formed of a shape memory alloy disposed to be in contact with one side or the other side of the base film, wherein the support member is disposed in a void space between the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, or disposed on the other side of the base film corresponding to the void space between the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes, or disposed in a void space between the plurality of first touch electrodes, or disposed in a void space between the plurality of second touch electrodes, or disposed on the front side of the base film on which the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are disposed. Claim 2 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy is one or more selected from Ni-Ti alloy, Cu-Zn-Al alloy and Cu-Al-Zn alloy. Claim 3 In claim 1, the support member is a display device having a refractive index of 1.2 to 2.

5. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises: a first support member formed or patterned on the front surface of the base film corresponding to the display area so as not to contact the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode; and a second support member formed in a frame shape on the front surface of the touch electrode layer corresponding to the non-display area. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on one surface of the base film facing the cover plastic and are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the same plane as the first touch electrodes and are electrically connected to each other. Claim 6 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the cover plastic covers the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode so as to be in contact with at least one surface of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode and the one surface of the base film. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the base film facing the cover plastic is in direct contact with the cover plastic, the plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on the other surface of the base film and are electrically connected to each other, the plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the same plane as the first touch electrodes and are electrically connected to each other, and the support member is disposed between the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. Claim 8 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first touch electrodes are arranged in a first direction on one surface of the base film facing the cover plastic and are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of second touch electrodes are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction on the other surface of the base film and are electrically connected to each other. Claim 9 A display device according to claim 8, wherein the support member is disposed between the plurality of second touch electrodes on the other surface of the base film so as to overlap with the plurality of first touch electrodes. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 8, wherein the support member is disposed between the plurality of first touch electrodes on one surface of the base film so as to overlap with the plurality of second touch electrodes. Claim 11 In claim 8, the support member is positioned between the electrodes of the plurality of first touch electrodes so as to overlap with the plurality of second touch electrodes; and the display device is positioned between the electrodes of the plurality of second touch electrodes so as to overlap with the first touch electrodes. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 1, wherein one side of the touch electrode layer extends to the outside of the display panel, and a pad portion is disposed in the extended area. Claim 13 A display device according to claim 1, wherein a hard coating layer is disposed on at least one surface of the cover plastic, and the touch electrode layer is disposed between the cover plastic and the hard coating layer. Claim 14 A display device according to claim 1, comprising an optical control layer disposed on the display panel, an adhesive layer disposed on the optical control layer, a touch electrode layer disposed on the adhesive layer, and a cover plastic disposed on the touch electrode layer. Claim 15 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the cover plastic and the touch electrode layer are integrally formed through an injection molding process. Claim 16 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the cover plastic is integrally formed with the touch electrode layer and the cover plastic is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base film. Claim 17 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel is an organic light-emitting display panel comprising an anode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a cathode.

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