Digitizer and display device including the same

Abstract

One embodiment provides a digitizer that is folded along a folding axis and divided into a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area spaced apart from the folding area, comprising: a first base layer; a second base layer disposed on top of the first base layer; a third base layer disposed on top of the second base layer; a first sensing wire disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and extending in the direction of the folding axis; a second sensing wire that extends in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis and is disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer, comprising a first sub-wiring section disposed in the first non-folding area, a second sub-wiring section disposed in the second non-folding area, and a third sub-wiring section disposed between the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section in correspondence with the folding area, thereby providing a digitizer in which the fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section is greater than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section, so as to prevent damage to the wiring caused by the folding operation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a digitizer and a display device including the same, and more specifically, to a digitizer including flexible wiring and a display device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, and game consoles are activated by receiving electrical signals. The electronic device includes a sensing sensor that detects input applied from outside a display panel that displays images. The electronic device may include various electrode patterns to be activated by electrical signals. The areas where the electrode patterns are activated display information or respond to signals applied from the outside.

[0003] Electronic devices are equipped with display devices for providing information. With the recent technological advancement of electronic devices, various types of display devices are being developed. For example, flexible display devices that can be folded (or bent) or rolled are being developed. Research is being conducted in various directions to prevent damage to components included in the folding parts of folding display devices. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a digitizer capable of preventing damage to sensing wiring in a folding area and a display device including the same. means of solving the problem

[0005] A digitizer of one embodiment is folded with respect to a virtual folding axis extending in a first direction and is divided into a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area spaced apart from the folding area, and includes a first base layer, a second base layer disposed on top of the first base layer, a third base layer disposed on top of the second base layer, a first sensing wiring disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and extending in the first direction, and a second sensing wiring that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, is disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer, and includes a first sub-wiring section disposed in the first non-folding area, a second sub-wiring section disposed in the second non-folding area, and a third sub-wiring section disposed between the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section in correspondence with the folding area, wherein the fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section is greater than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section. Provides

[0006] The above third sub-wiring section may have a fracture strain of 2% or more.

[0007] The first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section may include copper, and the third sub-wiring section may include a conductive filler and a flexible polymer.

[0008] The conductive filler may include at least one of copper, silver, and graphite.

[0009] The above flexible polymer may include at least one of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber.

[0010] The resistivity of the third sub-wiring section may be greater than the resistivity of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section.

[0011] The resistivity of the above third sub-wiring section is 1.72 × 10⁻⁶ -8 Ω·m or greater than 1.00×10⁻⁶ -4 It can be less than Ω·m.

[0012] The width of the third sub-wiring section in the second direction may be 3mm or more and less than 15mm.

[0013] The first base layer, the second base layer, and the third base layer may each include polyimide.

[0014] It may further include a first adhesive layer disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and covering the first sensing wiring, and a second adhesive layer disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer and covering the second sensing wiring.

[0015] In the above folding area, a first opening is defined in the first base layer, and a second opening may be defined in the first adhesive layer by overlapping with the first opening.

[0016] The second opening is defined by an exposed surface adjacent to the folding area, and the exposed surface may be closer to the folding axis than the first sensing wiring. In a folded state with respect to the folding axis, the distance between the facing third base layers may be closer than the distance between the facing first base layers.

[0017] In the above folding area, the first sensing wiring may not be placed, and only the third sub-wiring portion of the second sensing wiring may be placed. The first sensing wiring may be placed directly on the lower surface of the second base layer, and the second sensing wiring may be placed directly on the lower surface of the third base layer.

[0018] The first sensing wiring may be placed directly on the lower surface of the second base layer, and the second sensing wiring may be placed directly on the upper surface of the second base layer.

[0019] A display device of another embodiment is divided into a folding area, a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area spaced apart from the folding area by being folded with respect to a virtual folding axis extending in a first direction, and includes a digitizer, a display panel disposed above the digitizer, and a window disposed above the display panel, wherein the digitizer includes a first base layer, a second base layer disposed on the first base layer, a third base layer disposed on the second base layer, a first sensing wire disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and extending in the first direction, and a second sensing wire that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer, and includes a first sub-wiring section disposed in the first non-folding area, a second sub-wiring section disposed in the second non-folding area, and a third sub-wiring section disposed between the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section in correspondence with the folding area, and the breakage of the third sub-wiring section The device provides a fracture strain greater than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section.

[0020] The third base layer may be positioned closer to the display panel than the first base layer.

[0021] The materials of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section and the material of the third sub-wiring section are different, and the third sub-wiring section may have a fracture strain of 2% or more.

[0022] It may further include a first adhesive layer disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and covering the first sensing wiring, and a second adhesive layer disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer and covering the second sensing wiring. Effects of the invention

[0023] One embodiment aims to provide a digitizer and a display device including the same, wherein the damage to the wiring caused by folding is reduced by including flexible wiring in the folding area. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing the folding operation of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1c is a plan view of a display device in a folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 1d is a perspective view showing the folding operation of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment, cut along the line I-I' shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3a is a plan view showing a digitizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of a part of a digitizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment, cut along the line II-II' shown in FIG. 3b. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment, cut along the line II-II' of FIG. 3b. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment, cut along the line II-II' of FIG. 3b. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0026] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "on," "connected," or "combined" with another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / combined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0027] Meanwhile, in the present application, "direct placement" may mean that there are no additional layers, films, regions, plates, etc. added between a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate and another part. For example, "direct placement" may mean that two layers or two members are placed without using additional members such as adhesive members between them.

[0028] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content.

[0029] "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated configurations can define.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components illustrated in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings. In this specification, "placed on" may refer to a case where a component is placed not only on the upper side but also on the lower side.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and unless interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense, they are interpreted as explicitly defined herein.

[0033] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Hereinafter, a digitizer according to one embodiment and a display device including the same will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a display device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a folding operation of a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 1c is a plan view of a display device in a folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 1d is a perspective view showing a folding operation of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1a, the display device (DD) may be a device that is activated according to an electrical signal. The display device (DD) may include various embodiments. In one embodiment, the display device (DD) is illustrated as a smartphone, but the display device (DD) may include various embodiments. For example, it may include a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a smart television, etc.

[0037] The display device (DD) can display an image (IM) toward a third direction (DR3) using a first display surface (FS) parallel to each of the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The first display surface (FS) on which the image (IM) is displayed may correspond to the front surface of the display device (DD). The image (IM) may include a still image as well as a dynamic image. In FIG. 1a, an internet search window and a clock window are shown as examples of the image (IM).

[0038] In one embodiment, the front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of each component are defined based on the direction in which the image (IM) is displayed. The front and back surfaces are opposite to each other in a third direction (DR3), and the normal direction of each of the front and back surfaces may be parallel to the third direction (DR3).

[0039] The distance between the front and back sides in the third direction (DR3) may correspond to the thickness / height of the display device (DD) in the third direction (DR3). Meanwhile, the directions indicated by the first to third directions (DR1, DR2, DR3) can be converted to other directions as relative concepts.

[0040] The display device (DD) can detect external inputs applied from the outside. The external input may include various forms of inputs provided from outside the display device (DD). For example, the external input may include contact by a part of the body, such as a user's hand, as well as external inputs applied when in close proximity to the display device (DD) or at a predetermined distance (e.g., hovering). Additionally, it may have various forms such as force, pressure, temperature, light, etc.

[0041] FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary external input through a user's pen (SP). The display device (DD) can detect the external input through electromagnetic resonance (EMR) caused by electromagnetic induction between the magnetic field generated inside the display device (DD) and the pen (SP). Although not illustrated, the pen (SP) can be mounted and detached inside or outside the display device (DD), and the display device (DD) can provide and receive signals corresponding to the mounting and detachment of the pen (SP).

[0042] A display device (DD) according to one embodiment may include a first display surface (FS). The first display surface (FS) may include a first active area (F-AA) and a first peripheral area (F-NAA). The first active area (F-AA) may be an area that is activated according to an electrical signal. The first active area (F-AA) is an area where an image (IM) is displayed and various forms of external input can be detected. The first peripheral area (F-NAA) is adjacent to the first active area (F-AA). The first peripheral area (F-NAA) may have a predetermined color. The first peripheral area (F-NAA) may surround the first active area (F-AA). Accordingly, the shape of the first active area (F-AA) may be substantially defined by the first peripheral area (F-NAA). However, this is illustrated as an example, and the first peripheral area (F-NAA) may be positioned adjacent to only one side of the first active area (F-AA) or may be omitted.

[0043] A display device (DD) according to one embodiment may be divided into at least one folding region (FA) and a plurality of non-folding regions (NFA1, NFA2) extending from the folding region (FA). The non-folding regions (NFA1, NFA2) may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (DR2) with the folding region (FA) in between.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1b, a display device (DD) according to one embodiment can be folded along a folding axis (FX), which is a virtual line extending in a first direction (DR1). The display device (DD) can be folded along the folding axis (FX) to transform into an in-folding state in which a first non-folding area (NFA1) and a second non-folding area (NFA2) of a first display surface (FS) face each other.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1c, a display device (DD) according to one embodiment may have a second display surface (RS) visible to the user when folded. At this time, the second display surface (RS) may include a second active area (R-AA) for displaying an image. The second active area (R-AA) may be an area that is activated according to an electrical signal. The second active area (R-AA) is an area where an image is displayed and various forms of external input can be detected.

[0046] The second peripheral area (R-NAA) is adjacent to the second active area (R-AA). The second peripheral area (R-NAA) may have a predetermined color. The second peripheral area (R-NAA) may surround the second active area (R-AA). Additionally, although not illustrated, the second display surface (RS) may further include an electronic module area in which an electronic module comprising various configurations is disposed, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1d, the display device (DD) can be folded along the folding axis (FX) to transform into an out-folding state in which the first non-folding area (NFA1) and the second non-folding area (NFA2) of the second display surface (RS) face each other.

[0048] However, it is not limited thereto, and the first display surface (FS) and the second display surface (RS) may be folded based on multiple folding axes so that a portion of each of them faces each other, and the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas accordingly are not limited to any one.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment, cut along the line I-I' shown in FIG. 1a. Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (DD) of one embodiment may include a window (WM), an optical member (POL), a display panel (DP), a lower film (FL), a protective layer (CL), and a digitizer (DZ).

[0050] A window (WM) is placed on a display panel (DP). The window (WM) is combined with an unillustrated housing to define the appearance and can protect the display panel (DP).

[0051] The window (WM) may include a material with high light transmittance. For example, the window (WM) may include a glass substrate, a sapphire substrate, or a plastic film. The window (WM) may have a multilayer or single-layer structure. For example, the window (WM) may have a laminated structure of multiple plastic films bonded with an adhesive, or a laminated structure of a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded with an adhesive. Although not illustrated, the window (WM) may further include functional layers that protect the window (WM). For example, the functional layers may include at least one of an anti-fingerprint layer and a shock-absorbing layer.

[0052] An optical element (POL) is positioned at the bottom of the window (WM). The optical element (POL) can reduce the external light reflectivity of the display panel (DP) for light incident on the display panel (DP). Although not illustrated, the optical element (POL) may further include at least one of an anti-reflective film, a polarizing film, a color filter, and a gray filter.

[0053] A display panel (DP) can be positioned below an optical element (POL). The display panel (DP) can function as an output device. For example, the display panel (DP) can display an image in the active areas (F-AA, R-AA, FIG. 1a and FIG. 1c) and the user can obtain information through the image. Additionally, the display panel (DP) can function as an input device that detects external inputs applied to the active areas (F-AA, R-AA, FIG. 1a and FIG. 1c).

[0054] The lower film (FL) is placed on the bottom of the display panel (DP). The lower film (FL) can reduce the stress applied to the display panel (DP) when the electronic device (EA) is folded. In addition, the lower film (FL) can prevent external moisture from penetrating the display panel (DP) and absorb external shocks.

[0055] The lower film (FL) may further include a functional layer formed on a plastic film. The functional layer may include a resin layer. The functional layer may be formed by a coating method.

[0056] A protective layer (CL) is disposed below a lower film (FL). The protective layer (CL) may include at least one functional layer that protects the display panel (DP). For example, the protective layer (CL) may include a light-blocking layer, a heat-dissipating layer, a cushioning layer, and a plurality of adhesive layers. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least one of the light-blocking layer, the heat-dissipating layer, and the cushioning layer may be omitted, and the plurality of layers may be provided as a single layer, and it is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0057] Although not illustrated, the combination between the components included in the display device (DD) may be bonded by an adhesive layer disposed between the components. The adhesive layer described below in the present invention may be an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA). Additionally, the adhesive layer may include a photocurable adhesive material or a thermocurable adhesive material, and the material is not particularly limited.

[0058] The digitizer (DZ) may be placed below the protective layer (CL). However, this is merely exemplary, and the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the digitizer (DZ) may be placed between the protective layer (CL) and the lower film (FL) or between the lower film (FL) and the display panel (DP). The digitizer (DZ) can detect a signal transmitted by the pen (SP, FIG. 1a) among external inputs. The digitizer (DZ) can detect external inputs using an Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) method. In the Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) method, a magnetic field is generated in a resonant circuit configured inside the pen (SP), and the vibrating magnetic field induces signals in a plurality of wires included in the digitizer (DZ), and the position of the pen (SP) can be detected through the signals induced in the wires. A detailed description of the digitizer (DZ) will be provided later.

[0059] FIG. 3a is a plan view showing a digitizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of a part of a digitizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment cut along the line II-II' shown in FIG. 3b.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 4, a digitizer (DZ) according to one embodiment may be divided into a folding area (FA), a first non-folding area (NFA1), and a second non-folding area (NFA2) corresponding to the folding area (FA), the first non-folding area (NFA1), and the second non-folding area (NFA2) of a display device (DD, FIG. 1a), respectively.

[0061] A digitizer (DZ) according to one embodiment may include a first base layer (RL1), a second base layer (RL2), a third base layer (RL3), a first sensing wire (SL1), and a second sensing wire (SL2).

[0062] The first base layer (RL1), the second base layer (RL2), and the third base layer (RL3) may be arranged sequentially in the thickness direction. That is, the second base layer (RL2) may be placed on top of the first base layer (RL1), and the third base layer (RL3) may be placed on top of the second base layer (RL2). The third base layer (RL3) may be closer to the display panel (DP, FIG. 2) than the first base layer (RL1). In one embodiment, the distance between the third base layers (RL3) facing each other in a folded state may be closer than the distance between the first base layers (RL1) facing each other. However, this is merely exemplary and the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the distance between the first base layers (RL1) facing each other in a folded state may be closer than the distance between the third base layers (RL3) facing each other.

[0063] The first base layer (RL1), the second base layer (RL2), and the third base layer (RL3) may each include a polymer resin. For example, the first base layer (RL1), the second base layer (RL2), and the third base layer (RL3) may each include polyimide.

[0064] The first sensing wire (SL1) can be placed between the first base layer (RL1) and the second base layer (RL2). As shown in FIG. 4, the first sensing wire (SL1) can be placed directly on the lower surface of the second base layer (RL2) adjacent to the first base layer (RL1).

[0065] The first sensing wiring (SL1) may not be placed in the folding area (FA). That is, the first sensing wiring (SL1) may be placed only in the first non-folding area (NFA1) and the second non-folding area (NFA2).

[0066] The first sensing wire (SL1) may extend in a first direction (DR1). When viewed in a planar view, the first sensing wire (SL1) may be formed as a closed line. The shape of the closed line formed by the first sensing wire (SL1) may be a rectangular shape including a long side and a short side extending in a second direction (DR2). However, this is merely illustrative, and the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the closed line formed by the first sensing wire (SL1) may have various shapes.

[0067] The second sensing wire (SL2) can be placed between the second base layer (RL2) and the third base layer (RL3). As shown in FIG. 4, the second sensing wire (SL2) can be placed directly on the lower surface of the third base layer (RL3) adjacent to the second base layer (RL2).

[0068] The second sensing wire (SL2) may extend in the second direction (DR2). When viewed in a planar view, a single second sensing wire (SL2) may form a closed line. The shape of the closed line formed by a single second sensing wire (SL2) may be a rectangular shape including a long side extending in the second direction (DR2) and a short side extending in the first direction (DR1). However, this is merely illustrative, and the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the shape of the closed line formed by a single second sensing wire (SL2) may have various shapes.

[0069] The second sensing wiring (SL2) may include a first sub-wiring section (SSL1) disposed in the first non-folding area (NFA1), a second sub-wiring section (SSL2) disposed in the second non-folding area (NFA2), and a third sub-wiring section (SSL3) disposed in the folding area (FA). That is, the second sensing wiring (SL2) may only have the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) disposed in the folding area (FA).

[0070] The third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may have different physical properties from the first sub-wiring section (SSL1) and the second sub-wiring section (SSL2). The first sub-wiring section (SSL1) and the second sub-wiring section (SSL2) may have lower resistivity and lower fracture strain than the third sub-wiring section (SSL3).

[0071] The first sub-wiring section (SSL1) and the second sub-wiring section (SSL2) do not include a flexible conductor and may include copper. The third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may include a flexible conductor. The flexible conductor may include a conductive filler and a flexible polymer. The third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may have electrical conductivity by including a conductive filler and elasticity by including a flexible polymer. The conductive filler may include at least one of copper, silver, and graphite. The flexible polymer may include at least one of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber.

[0072] The physical properties of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may vary depending on the ratio of the conductive filler to the flexible polymer. As the ratio of the conductive filler increases, the resistivity of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may increase, and the fracture strain may decrease. As the ratio of the flexible polymer increases, the resistivity of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may decrease, and the fracture strain may increase. The ratio of the conductive filler to the flexible polymer can be adjusted to have a small resistivity and a large fracture strain in order to sense an external input and prevent damage to the second sensing wiring (SL2) due to the folding motion.

[0073] The fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may be smaller than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section (SSL1) and the second sub-wiring section (SSL2). The fracture strain of the sub-wiring sections (SSL1, SSL2, SSL3) may be determined by the ratio of the conductive filler to the flexible polymer. The fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may be 2% or more. If the fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) is less than 2%, there is insufficient elasticity, and it is not possible to prevent damage to the second sensing wiring (SL2) when the digitizer (DZ) is folded.

[0074] The resistivity of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) may be greater than the resistivity of the first sub-wiring section (SSL1) and the second sub-wiring section (SSL2). The resistivity of the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) is 1.72 × 10⁻⁶ -8 Ω·m or greater than 1.00×10⁻⁶ -4 It can be Ω·m or less. The resistivity of the sub-wiring sections (SSL1, SSL2, SSL3) can be determined according to the ratio of conductive filler to flexible polymer. As the ratio of conductive filler increases and the ratio of flexible polymer decreases, the resistivity decreases, and as the ratio of flexible polymer increases and the ratio of conductive filler decreases, the resistivity may increase. The resistivity is 1.72 × 10⁻⁶ -8 If it is less than Ω·m, the proportion of the flexible polymer decreases, so the third sub-wiring section (SSL3) cannot have the elasticity to prevent damage to the wiring, and 1.00×10 -4 If it exceeds Ω·m, electrical conductivity decreases and external input cannot be sensed.

[0075] Width (L) of the third sub-sensing wiring section (SSL3) in the second direction (DR2) -1 ) may be 3mm or more and less than 15mm. Width (L) of the third sub-sensing wiring section (SSL3) in the second direction (DR2). -1If ) is less than 3mm, the elasticity of the second sensing wire (SL2) is insufficient, so damage to the second sensing wire (SL2) due to folding operation cannot be prevented, and the width (L -1 If ) is 15mm or more, the electrical conductivity of the second electrical sensing wire (SL2) decreases, so it cannot sense external input.

[0076] The first sensing wire (SL1) and the second sensing wire (SL2) may intersect and overlap each other in non-folding regions (NFA1, NFA2). Each first sensing wire (SL1) may intersect and overlap with all second sensing wires (SL2) in the non-folding regions (NFA1, NFA2), and each second sensing wire (SL2) may intersect and overlap with all first sensing wires (SL1) in the non-folding regions (NFA1, NFA2).

[0077] A digitizer (DZ) of one embodiment may further include a first adhesive layer (AD1) disposed between a first base layer (RL1) and a second base layer (RL2) and covering a first sensing wire (SL1), and a second adhesive layer (AD2) disposed between a second base layer (RL2) and a third base layer (RL3) and covering a second sensing wire (SL2). However, this is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second base layer (RL2) may be disposed directly on top of the first base layer (RL1), and the third base layer (RL3) may be disposed directly on top of the second base layer (RL2).

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment. The digitizer according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may correspond to the portion cut along the line II-II' of FIG. 3b. Hereinafter, a digitizer according to one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. Content identical to that described with reference to FIG. 1a to FIG. 4 will not be described again, and the differences will be explained primarily.

[0079] The digitizer (DZ-1) of one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 differs from the digitizer described with reference to FIG. 1a to FIG. 4 in that a first opening (OP-RL1) is defined in the first base layer (RL1) in the folding region (FA).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, a digitizer (DZ-1) of one embodiment may include a first base layer (RL1) in which a first opening (OP-RL1) is defined in a folding region (FA). The first opening (OP-RL1) may be defined by an exposed surface (DA-RL1) of the first base layer (RL1) and a second base layer (RL2). By defining the first opening (OP-RL1) in the first base layer (RL1) in the folding region (FA), the thickness of the folding region (FA) is reduced, making the folding operation easier.

[0081] A digitizer (DZ-1) of one embodiment may further include a first adhesive layer (AD1) disposed between a first base layer (RL1) and a second base layer (RL2). A second opening (OP-AD1) may be defined in the first adhesive layer (AD1) in a portion overlapping with a first opening (OP-RL1). The second opening (OP-AD1) may be defined by the exposed surface of the first adhesive layer (AD1) and the second base layer (RL2). The exposed surface of the first (RL2) may be adjacent to the folding axis (FX) than the first sensing wiring (SL1).

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a digitizer according to one embodiment. The digitizer according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may correspond to the portion cut along the line II-II' of FIG. 3b. A digitizer according to one embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6. Content identical to that described with reference to FIG. 1a through FIG. 4 will not be described again, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0083] The digitizer (DZ-2) of one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from the digitizer described with reference to FIG. 1a to FIG. 4 in that the second sensing wiring (SL2) is each disposed on the upper surface of the second base layer (RL2).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the digitizer (DZ-2) may have a first sensing wire (SL1) disposed on the lower surface of the second base layer (RL2) and a second sensing wire (SL2) disposed on the upper surface of the second base layer (RL2). In one embodiment, the digitizer (DZ-2) may further include a second adhesive layer (AD2) that is disposed on the upper surface of the second sensing wire (SL2) and covers the second sensing wire (SL2). The second adhesive layer (AD) may be disposed adjacent to the third base layer (RL3) than the second sensing wire (SL2).

[0085] The present invention will be explained in more detail below through specific embodiments and comparative examples. The following embodiments are merely examples to aid in understanding the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0086] Table 1 below shows the configuration of the digitizer in the comparative example and the example.

[0087] Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 composition Stacked structure 2 single-sided CCL sheets Double-sided CCL 2 single-sided CCL sheets Non-folding area first detection wiring Cu Folding area first detection wiring X Non-folding area 2 detection wiring Cu All the singers Cu Folding area second detection wiring Musical Challenge Length of the folding area second detection wiring 13mm Full coverage 15mm Folding base layer O X O X O O

[0088] In the laminated structure section of Table 1, "two single-sided CCL sheets" refers to a single-sided CCL structure in which sensing wiring is disposed on only one side of the base layer, and in the laminated structure section, "double-sided CCL" refers to a double-sided CCL structure in which sensing wiring is disposed on both sides of the base layer. In Table 1, the flexible conductor comprises at least one of copper, silver, and graphite as a conductive filler, and the flexible polymer comprises at least one of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber, having a fracture strain of 2% or more and a resistivity of 1.72 × 10⁻⁶. -8 Ω·m or greater than 1.00×10⁻⁶ -4 It refers to a material with a value of Ω·m or less.

[0089] The stacked structure of the digitizer according to Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 is a single-sided CCL structure in which a first sensing wire and a second sensing wire are arranged on each of the two base layers as shown in FIG. 4, and the stacked structure of the digitizer according to Example 3 and Example 4 is a double-sided CCL structure in which a first sensing wire is arranged on one side of a single base layer as shown in FIG. 6, and a second sensing wire is arranged on the other side opposite to the side of the base layer where the first sensing wire is arranged.

[0090] The configurations of the embodiments and comparative examples differ in that the first sensing wiring is identical, while the second sensing wiring is different. The second sensing wiring of the embodiments is disposed in a non-folding area and includes a wiring portion containing copper, which does not contain a flexible polymer, and a wiring portion disposed in a folding area and formed of a conductive filler and a flexible polymer, and the width of the folding area in the horizontal direction is 13 mm. In comparison, Comparative Example 1 differs from the embodiments in that the second sensing wiring includes a wiring portion formed of a conductive filler and a flexible polymer without distinction between the folding area and the non-folding area, and Comparative Example 2 differs in that the width of the folding area of ​​the second sensing wiring in the horizontal direction is 15 mm.

[0091] Table 2 below shows the minimum number of foldings at which damage to the second sensing wire occurs and whether pen sensing is performed according to the comparative example and the embodiment. The minimum number of foldings at which damage to the second sensing wire occurs was determined by repeating the folding process and measuring the number of foldings at the point at which damage to the second sensing wire occurs. Pen sensing was evaluated by using an electromagnetic pen to determine whether the display device can detect an external input through resonance caused by electromagnetic induction.

[0092] Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 evaluation Minimum number of foldings at which the second detection wiring is damaged 200,000 times 300,000 times 100,000 times 200,000 times 200,000 times 200,000 times Pen sensing O O O O X X

[0093] When comparing the examples and comparative examples, it can be confirmed that if a flexible conductor with lower electrical conductivity than copper is placed at a length of 15 mm or more, external input cannot be sensed due to insufficient electrical conductivity. Additionally, it can be confirmed that Comparative Examples 1 and 2 have superior folding characteristics due to their superior elasticity compared to Example 3, but pen sensing is impossible due to insufficient electrical conductivity. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the example possesses superior folding characteristics and pen sensing characteristics simultaneously compared to the comparative examples.

[0094] It can be confirmed that, as shown in FIG. 5, the minimum number of foldings at which damage to the second sensing wiring occurs is greater in Example 2 than in Example 1, and that reducing the thickness of the folding area by defining an opening in the base layer in the folding area can more effectively prevent damage to the wiring caused by folding.

[0095] When comparing Examples 1 and 2 with Examples 3 and 4, it can be confirmed that the damage to the wiring caused by folding is reduced when using the single-sided CCL structure, as the single-sided CCL structure has a greater minimum number of foldings at which damage to the second sensing wiring occurs than the double-sided CCL structure.

[0096] One embodiment can provide a digitizer in which the risk of damage to wiring due to folding is reduced by including a first sensing wiring parallel to the folding axis and disposed only in a non-folding area, a first sub-wiring section and a second sub-wiring section disposed in the non-folding area, a third sub-wiring section disposed in the folding area with a fracture strain greater than that of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section, and a second sensing wiring perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0097] One embodiment can provide a display device capable of pen input without damaging the wiring of the digitizer by including a digitizer comprising flexible and highly electrically conductive wiring.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as described in the claims set forth below.

[0099] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0100] FX: Folding axis FA: Folding area NFA1, NFA2: 1st non-folding region, 2nd non-folding region DZ: Digitizer DP: Display panel WM: Windows DD: Display device RL1, RL2, RL3: 1st base layer, 2nd base layer, 3rd base layer SL1, SL2: First sensing wiring, second sensing wiring SSL1, SSL2, SSL3: 1st sub-wiring section, 2nd sub-wiring section, 3rd sub-wiring section AD1, AD2: First adhesive layer, second adhesive layer

Claims

Claim 1 A digitizer that is folded based on a virtual folding axis extending in a first direction and is divided into a folding area and a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area spaced apart from the folding area, comprising: a first base layer; a second base layer disposed on top of the first base layer; a third base layer disposed on top of the second base layer; a first sensing wire disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and extending in the first direction; and a second sensing wire that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer, and includes a first sub-wiring section disposed in the first non-folding area, a second sub-wiring section disposed in the second non-folding area, and a third sub-wiring section disposed between the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section in correspondence with the folding area. A digitizer comprising, wherein the fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section is greater than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section. Claim 2 In claim 1, the third sub-wiring portion is a digitizer having a fracture strain of 2% or more. Claim 3 A digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-wiring portion and the second sub-wiring portion comprise copper, and the third sub-wiring portion comprises a conductive filler and a flexible polymer. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the conductive filler comprises at least one of copper, silver, and graphite. Claim 5 In claim 4, the flexible polymer comprises at least one of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber. Claim 6 In claim 1, the resistivity of the third sub-wiring section is greater than the resistivity of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section, in a digitizer Claim 7 In claim 1, the resistivity of the third sub-wiring section is 1.72 × 10 -8 Ω·m or greater than 1.00×10⁻⁶ -4 Digitizer with a value of Ω·m or less. Claim 8 A digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the width of the third sub-wiring section in the second direction is 3mm or more and less than 15mm. Claim 9 In claim 1, the first base layer, the second base layer, and the third base layer each comprise a polyimide in the digitizer. Claim 10 A digitizer according to claim 1, further comprising: a first adhesive layer disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and covering the first sensing wiring; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer and covering the second sensing wiring. Claim 11 A digitizer according to claim 10, wherein a first opening is defined in the first base layer in the folding area, and a second opening is defined in the first adhesive layer overlapping with the first opening. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the second opening is defined by an exposed surface adjacent to the folding area, and the exposed surface is a digitizer adjacent to the folding axis than the first sensing wiring. Claim 13 A digitizer according to claim 1, in a folded state with respect to the folding axis, in which the distance between the third base layers facing each other is shorter than the distance between the first base layers facing each other. Claim 14 A digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the first sensing wiring is not placed in the folding area, and only the third sub-wiring portion of the second sensing wiring is placed. Claim 15 A digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the first sensing wiring is placed directly on the lower surface of the second base layer and the second sensing wiring is placed directly on the lower surface of the third base layer. Claim 16 A digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the first sensing wiring is directly disposed on the lower surface of the second base layer and the second sensing wiring is directly disposed on the upper surface of the second base layer. Claim 17 A display device comprising a folding area, a first non-folding area and a second non-folding area spaced apart from the folding area, wherein the folding area is divided based on a virtual folding axis extending in a first direction, the display device comprises: a digitizer; a display panel disposed above the digitizer; and a window disposed above the display panel, wherein the digitizer comprises: a first base layer; a second base layer disposed on the first base layer; a third base layer disposed on the second base layer; a first sensing wire disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and extending in the first direction; and a second sensing wire extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer, and comprising a first sub-wiring section disposed in the first non-folding area, a second sub-wiring section disposed in the second non-folding area, and a third sub-wiring section disposed between the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section in correspondence with the folding area. A display device comprising, wherein the fracture strain of the third sub-wiring section is greater than the fracture strain of the first sub-wiring section and the second sub-wiring section. Claim 18 In claim 17, the third base layer is a display device positioned closer to the display panel than the first base layer. Claim 19 In claim 17, the above-mentioned third sub-wiring section is a display device having a fracture strain of 2% or more. Claim 20 A display device according to claim 17, further comprising: a first adhesive layer disposed between the first base layer and the second base layer and covering the first sensing wiring; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the second base layer and the third base layer and covering the second sensing wiring.

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