Touch window

This invention relates to a touch window. The touch window includes a substrate; a plurality of sensing electrodes on the substrate; and an opening part between the sensing electrodes. In addition, the touch window has an opening part formed between the electrode parts, so that the electrode parts may be prevented from being short-circuited with each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2015/001353, filed Feb. 10, 2015, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0018130, filed Feb. 17, 2014 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0034928, filed Mar. 25, 2014, whose entire disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a touch window.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, a touch panel, which performs an input function through the touch of an image displayed on a display device by an input device, such as a stylus pen or a finger, has been applied to various electronic appliances.

The touch window may be representatively classified into a resistive touch window and a capacitive touch window. In the resistive touch panel, the position of the touch point is detected by detecting the variation of resistance according to the connection between electrode parts when pressure is applied to an input device. In the capacitive touch window, the position of the touch point is detected by detecting the variation in capacitance when a finger of the user is touched on the capacitive touch window between electrode parts. When taking of the convenience of a fabrication scheme and a sensing power, recently, the capacitive touch window has been spotlighted in a smaller model.

Indium tin oxide (ITO), which has been most extensively used as a transparent electrode of the touch window, is expensive and is easily subject to physical damage due to the bending or the flection of a substrate, so that the characteristic of the ITO for the electrode is deteriorated. Accordingly, the ITO is not suitable for a flexible device. Further, when the ITO is applied to a touch window having a large size, a problem occurs due to high resistance.

In order to solve the problem, researches and studies on an alternative electrode have been actively performed. Specifically, although the substitute for ITO is formed by making the shape of a mesh using a metallic material, a problem occurs in visibility or conductivity due to a short circuit existing between channels in such a mesh pattern.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The embodiment provides a touch window which is improved in reliability and visibility, and a display including the same.

Solution to Problem

According to one embodiment, there is provided a touch window which includes a substrate; a plurality of sensing electrodes on the substrate; and an opening part between the sensing electrodes.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a touch window which includes a substrate; a sensing electrode disposed on the substrate and including a first conductive pattern; and an opening part disposed between the sensing electrodes.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the embodiment, the touch window includes the opening part formed between the electrode parts, so that the electrode parts may be prevented from being short-circuited with each other.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

In the following description, when a part is referred as to be connected to the other part, the parts are not only directly connected to each other, but also indirectly connected to each other while interposing another part therebetween. In the following description, when a predetermined part is referred as to “include” a predetermined component, the predetermined part does not exclude other components, but may further include other components unless indicated otherwise.

The thickness and size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted or schematically drawn for the purpose of convenience or clarity. In addition, the size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure does not utterly reflect an actual size.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, a touch window10according to the embodiment may include a substrate100, a sensing electrode300, an opening part400and a wire electrode500.

First, the substrate100may be flexible or rigid. For example, the substrate100may include glass or plastic. In detail, the substrate100may include chemically tempered/half-tempered glass such as soda lime glass or aluminosilicate glass, reinforced or flexible plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), propylene glycol (PPG), or polycarbonate (PC), or sapphire.

In addition, the substrate100may include an optical isotropic film. For example, the substrate100may include cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), optical isotropic polycarbonate (PC), or optical isotropic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

The sapphire has superior electric characteristics, such as permittivity, so that a touch response speed may be greatly increased and a space touch such as hovering may be easily implemented. In addition since the sapphire has a high surface hardness, the sapphire is applicable to a cover substrate. The hovering signifies a technique for recognizing a coordinate even in a position spaced apart from a display by a short distance.

In addition, the substrate100may be bent to have a partial curved surface. That is, the substrate100may be bent to have a partial flat surface and a partial curved surface. In detail, an end of the substrate100may be bent to have a curved surface or may be bent or flexed to have a surface including a random curvature.

Further, the substrate100may include a flexible substrate100having a flexible property.

In addition, the substrate100may include a curved or bended substrate100. That is, a touch window including the substrate100may be formed to have a flexible, curved or bended property. For this reason, the touch window according to the embodiment may be easily portable and may be variously changed in design.

The sensing electrode300, the wire electrode500and a printed circuit board may be disposed on the substrate100. That is, the substrate100may be a support substrate100.

The substrate100may include a cover substrate100. That is, the sensing electrode300, the wire electrode500and the printed circuit board100may be supported by a cover substrate. In addition, an additional cover substrate may be further disposed on the substrate100. That is, the sensing electrode300, the wire electrode500and the printed circuit board may be supported by the substrate100, and the substrate100and the cover substrate may be combined (adhesive to) with each other through an adhesive layer.

The substrate100may have an active area AA and an unactive area UA defined therein.

An image may be displayed in the active area AA. The image is not displayed in the unactive area UA provided at a peripheral portion of the active area AA.

In addition, the position of an input device (e.g., finger) may be sensed in at least one of the active area AA and the unactive area UA. If the input device, such as a finger, touches the touch window, the variation of capacitance occurs in the touched part by the input device, and the touched part subject to the variation of the capacitance may be detected as a touch point.

The active area AA signifies an area through which a touch instruction of a user may be input. In addition, the unactive area UA, which is provided at an outer portion of the active area AA, is not activated even if a user touches the unactive area UA, so the unactive area UA signifies an area through which any touch instructions cannot be input.

When the touch window10is attached to a display panel in use, the active area AA and the unactive area UA of the touch window10may correspond to a display area and a non-display area of the display device. The display area is an area to display an image and the non-display area is an area in which the image is not displayed. Thus, the active area AA of the touch window10may be configured to transmit light and the unactive area UA of the touch window10may be configured not to transmit light.

The sensing electrode300may be formed in the active area AA such that the input device may be sensed. The wire electrode500electrically connected to the sensing electrode300may be formed in the unactive area UA. In addition, an external circuit connected to the wire electrode500may be placed in the unactive area UA.

When an input device such as a finger is touched onto the touch window10, the difference in capacitance is made on a touched portion by the input device, and the touched portion representing the difference in capacitance may be detected as a touch point.

An outer dummy layer may be formed in the unactive area UA of the substrate100. The outer dummy layer may be coated with a material having a predetermined color so that the wires and the printed circuit board100connecting the wires to the external circuit cannot be viewed from the outside.

The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for a desired outer appearance thereof. For example, the outer dummy layer includes black pigments to represent black or white pigments to represent white. In addition, various colors such as red or blue may be represented by using various color films.

In addition, a desired logo may be formed in the outer dummy layer through various schemes. The outer dummy layer may be formed through deposition, print, and wet coating schemes.

The outer dummy layer may be disposed in at least one layer. For example, the outer dummy layer may be disposed in one layer or in two layers having mutually different widths.

The plurality of sensing electrodes300may be formed on the substrate100. The sensing electrodes300may be capable of sensing whether the input device such as the finger is touched.FIG. 1illustrates the sensing electrode300extending in one direction on the substrate100, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the sensing electrodes300may include two types of sensing electrodes300having a sensing electrode extending in one direction and a sensing electrode extending in another direction crossing the one direction.

The sensing electrode300may include a transparent conductive material that allows electricity to flow therethrough without interrupting transmission of light. For example, the sensing electrode200may include metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium oxide.

Differently from the above, the sensing electrode300may include a nano wire, a photo sensitive nano wire film, a carbon nano tube (CNT), graphene, conductive polymer or a mixture thereof.

In addition, the sensing electrode300may include various metals. For example, the sensing electrode300may include at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, Au, Ti and the alloy thereof.

The wire electrode500may include a conductive material. For example, the wire electrode500may include a material equal or similar to that of the sensing electrode300described above, the sensing electrode300(or wire electrode) may be formed in a mesh shape. In detail, the sensing electrode300may include a plurality of conductive patterns and the conductive patterns may be disposed in the mesh shape while crossing each other.

In detail, the sensing electrode300includes a conductive pattern opening OA and a conductive pattern line LA. The sensing electrode300may be disposed in the mesh shape. In this case, the mesh shape may be formed in random to prevent a moire phenomenon. The moire phenomenon occurs when periodical stripes overlap with each other. Since adjacent strips overlap with each other, a thickness of a strip is thickened so that the strip is spotlighted as compared with other stripes. Thus, in order to prevent such a moire phenomenon, the conductive pattern line LA may be provided in various shapes.

As shown inFIG. 1, the conductive pattern line LA may have a regular shape. The shape of the conductive pattern opening OA may be determined by the shape of the conductive pattern line LA.

The shape of the conductive pattern opening OA may be formed in various shapes. For example, the conductive pattern opening OA may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape including a rectangular shape, a diamond shape, a pentagonal shape or a hexagonal shape, or a circular shape. The conductive pattern opening OA may be formed in a regular or random shape. The sensing electrode300may have a mesh shape, so that the pattern of the sensing electrode300may not be viewed on the active area AA. That is, even though the sensing electrode300is formed of metal, the conductive pattern line LA may not be viewed.

In addition, even if the sensing electrode300is applied to a large-size touch window, the resistance of the touch window may be lowered. In addition, even when the sensing electrode300is formed through a printing process, the printing quality can be improved so that the high-quality touch window can be ensured.

The opening part400may be formed between the plurality of sensing electrodes300. The opening part400may allow the adjacent sensing electrodes300to be electrically open circuited to each other. Any conductive pattern lines LA may not be formed in the opening part400.

The opening part400may be formed in a direction parallel to the wire electrode500. The opening part400may separate the sensing electrodes300from each other, which are electrically connected to the wire electrodes500, respectively.

The opening part400is formed between the sensing electrodes300, such that the adjacent sensing electrodes300are prevented from being short circuited to each other. Thus, an electric short of the wire electrode500may be prevented, so that a touch position may be exactly sensed.

FIGS. 4 and 5are views illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch window according to an embodiment.

The sensing electrode300according to an embodiment may be formed in a mesh shape by etching an electrode layer disposed on an entire surface of the substrate100. For example, a Cu mesh electrode having an embossed mesh shape may be formed by etching the Cu layer after metal such as Cu is deposited on the entire surface of a substrate100such as polyethyleneterephthalate.

In more detail, referring toFIG. 4, an electrode layer310is formed on the substrate100.

The electrode layer310may be formed on an entire surface of the active area AA of the substrate100in a mesh shape. The electrode layer310may be coated on the substrate100to have a regular or irregular shape.

The electrode layer310may include metal having superior electric conductivity. For example, the electrode layer310may include at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, Au, Ti and the alloy thereof.

Referring toFIG. 5, the opening part400may be formed in the substrate100on which the electrode layer310is coated. A plurality of sensing electrodes300may be defined by the opening part400.

The opening part400may be formed by penetrating the electrode layer310. The opening part may be formed by exposing a portion of the substrate100.

The opening part400may be formed by selectively etching the electrode layer310. In addition, the opening part400may be formed through a laser cutting scheme.

The opening part400may be formed in a direction parallel to the wire electrode500. The opening part400may separate the sensing electrodes300from each other, which are electrically connected to the wire electrodes500, respectively, so that a touch position may be exactly sensed.

FIGS. 6 and 7are views showing the touch window according to another embodiment, whereFIG. 6is a perspective view of the touch window when viewed in the direction of C.FIG. 7is a sectional view taken along line D-D′ ofFIG. 6.

According to the touch window10of another embodiment, the sensing electrode300may be formed by forming a resin layer110(or intermediate layer) including photocurable resin (UV resin) or thermosetting resin on the substrate100, forming an intaglio part113having a mesh shape on the resin layer110and then filling the intaglio part113with a conductive material. In this case, the intaglio part113of the resin layer110may be formed by imprinting the mold having an embossed pattern.

In the following description of another embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same components and the details of structures or components the same as or similar to those of the embodiment will be omitted.

In detail, referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the touch window10according to another embodiment includes a resin layer110formed on the substrate100.

A plurality of intaglio parts113may be formed in the resin layer110. The intaglio parts113may be formed by recessing the top surface of the resin layer110.

The region between the intaglio parts113may be defined as the opening part400. The opening part400may be provided on the same plane as the top surface of the resin layer110. In other words, the intaglio parts113may be formed in the resin layer110and the opening part400may be defined as the region in which any intaglio parts113are not formed. That is, the opening part400may be formed to have a thickness greater than that of the intaglio part113.

The intaglio part113may be formed through an imprinting process. In addition, the intaglio part113may be formed through a photolithography process.

An electrode material may be introduced into the intaglio part113to form the sensing electrode300. The sensing electrode300may be formed to have a height equal to that of the intaglio part113. In addition, the sensing electrode300may be formed to have a height less than that of the intaglio part113. The electrode material may include a metal having superior electric conductivity. For example, the electrode material may include Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo, or the alloy thereof.

Since the intaglio part113into which the electrode material is introduced corresponds to the conductive pattern line LA and the top surface of the resin layer100in which the intaglio part113is not formed corresponds to the conductive pattern opening OA, the mesh shape of the sensing electrode300may be defined by the shape of the intaglio part113.

The shapes of the sensing electrodes300may be defined by that of the opening part400. The sensing electrodes300may be prevented from being short-circuited with each other through the opening part400. The opening part400may be formed to have a thickness greater than the intaglio part113, so that the electrode material is prevented from overflowing during the manufacturing process or electrons are effectively prevented from moving in use. Even when the electrode material moves to an outside of the intaglio part113during the manufacturing process or in use, charges or materials may be prevented from moving through the opening part400, so that the sensing electrodes300are prevented from being short-circuited with each other.

FIG. 8is an enlarged view showing a touch window according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the touch window ofFIG. 8when viewed in the direction of C.FIG. 10is a sectional view taken along line D-D′ ofFIG. 9.

According to the touch window10of still another embodiment, the sensing electrode300may be formed by forming a resin layer120(or intermediate layer) including photocurable resin (UV resin) or thermosetting resin on the substrate100, forming first and second sub-patterns210and220having an embossed or intaglio mesh shape on the resin layer120and then depositing an electrode layer on the resin layer120with at least one of Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Ag, Mo and the alloy thereof through a sputtering process.

The embossed patterns of the first and second sub-patterns210and220may be formed by imprinting a mold an intaglio pattern. The intaglio patterns of the first and second sub-patterns210and220may be formed by imprinting a mold having an embossed pattern.

Then, the electrode layer formed on the first and second sub-patterns210and220may be etched such that the electrode layer on the second sub-pattern220is removed and the electrode layer on the first sub-pattern210remains, thereby forming the metal electrode having the mesh shape.

In this case, when the electrode layer is etched, an etching rate may vary depending on the bonding area of the electrode layer with respect to the first and second sub-patterns210and220. That is, since the bonding area between the first sub-pattern210and the electrode layer is wider than the bonding area between the second sub-pattern220and the electrode layer, the electrode material formed on the first sub-pattern210may be less etched. Thus, as the etching process is performed at the same etch rate, the electrode layer formed on the first sub-pattern210remains and the electrode layer formed on the second sub-pattern220is etched to be removed, so that the metal electrode may be formed on the substrate100corresponding to the embossed or intaglio shape of the first sub-pattern210.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing still another embodiment will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10. The touch window10according to still another embodiment includes a resin layer120formed on the substrate100.

The first and second sub-patterns210and220may be formed on the resin layer120.

The first and second sub-patterns210and220may be formed through an imprinting process by a mold130.

The sensing electrode300is formed on the first sub-pattern210. The first sub-pattern210may be formed on an area corresponding to the conductive pattern line LA. The shape of the sensing electrode300may be defined by the shape of the first sub-pattern210. Thus, the first sub-pattern210may be disposed in a mesh shape. The first sub-pattern210may protrude from the resin layer120.

The electrode layer310may be formed by coating an electrode material on the first sub-pattern210. As described above, the electrode material may include metal having superior electric conductivity.

The second sub-pattern220may be formed on the conductive pattern opening OA. Thus, the second sub-pattern220may be formed on an area between the first sub-patterns210. The second sub-pattern220may protrude from the resin layer120. A line width of the second sub-pattern220may be less than that of the first sub-pattern210. A height of the second sub-pattern220may be less than that of the first sub-pattern210.

The first and second sub-patterns210and220may be formed integrally with the resin layer120. The first and second sub-patterns210and220may include resin or polymer.

An opening part400may be formed in the first sub-pattern210. The opening part400may be defined as an area between the first sub-patterns210. The opening part400may be provided on the same plane as the top surface of the resin layer110. In other words, the first sub-patterns210may be formed on the resin layer110and the opening part400may be defined as the area between the first sub-patterns210in a longitudinal direction of the first sub-patterns210. The opening part400may be more recessed than the first sub-pattern210.

The shapes of the sensing electrodes300may be defined by the shape of the opening part400. The sensing electrodes300may be prevented from being short-circuited with each other through the opening part400. The opening part400may be formed to be more recessed than the first sub-pattern210, so that the electrode material is prevented from overflowing during the manufacturing process or charge transfer can be effectively prevented in use. Even when the electrode material moves to an area between the first sub-patterns210during the manufacturing process or in use, charges or materials may be prevented from moving through the opening part400, so that the sensing electrodes300are prevented from being short-circuited with each other.

Hereinafter, a touch window according to still another embodiment will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring toFIG. 11, the touch window10according to still another embodiment includes a substrate100in which an active area AA for sensing a position of an input device (e.g., finger) and an unactive area UA provided at a peripheral portion of the active area AA are defined.

The sensing electrode300may be formed in the active area AA such that the input device may be sensed. The wire electrode500electrically connected to the sensing electrode300may be formed in the unactive area UA. In addition, an external circuit connected to the wire electrode500may be placed in the unactive area UA.

When an input device such as a finger is touched onto the touch window, the difference in capacitance is made on a touched portion by the input device, and the touched portion representing the difference in capacitance may be detected as a touch point.

Such a touch window will be described in more detail as follows.

The substrate100may be formed of various materials capable of supporting the sensing electrode300, the wire electrode500and a circuit substrate100which are formed on the substrate100. The substrate100may include a glass substrate100or a plastic substrate100.

An outer dummy layer may be formed in the unactive area UA of the substrate100.

The outer dummy layer may be coated with a material having a predetermined color so that the wire electrode500and the printed circuit board100connecting the wire electrode500to the external circuit cannot be viewed from the outside. The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for a desired outer appearance thereof. For example, the outer dummy layer includes black pigments to represent black. In addition, a desired logo may be formed in the outer dummy layer through various schemes. The outer dummy layer may be formed through deposition, print, and wet coating schemes.

The sensing electrode300may be formed on the substrate100. The sensing electrode300may be capable of sensing whether the input device such as the finger is touched.FIG. 8illustrates the sensing electrode300extending in one direction on the substrate100, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the sensing electrode300may include two types of sensing electrodes300having a sensing electrode extending in one direction and a sensing electrode extending in another direction crossing the one direction.

Meanwhile, the sensing electrode300includes a first conductive pattern. For example, the sensing electrode300may be disposed in a mesh shape. In this case, the mesh shape may be formed in random to prevent a moire phenomenon. The moire phenomenon occurs when periodical stripes overlap with each other. Since adjacent strips overlap with each other, a thickness of a strip is thickened so that the strip is spotlighted as compared with other stripes. Thus, in order to prevent such a moire phenomenon, the conductive pattern may be provided in various shapes.

In detail, the sensing electrode300includes a conductive pattern opening OA and a conductive pattern line LA. Conductive pattern lines are disposed on the conductive pattern line LA. In this case, the conductive pattern line LA may have a line width in the range of 0.1 μm to 10 μm. The conductive pattern line LA having a line width of 0.1 μm or less may not be formed due to the characteristics of the manufacturing process. If the line width is 10 μm or less, the pattern of the sensing electrode300may not be viewed. Preferably, the line width of the conductive pattern line LA may be in the range of 1 μm to 10 μm.

Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 11, the conductive pattern may have a regular shape. That is, the conductive pattern opening OA may have a rectangular shape, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The conductive pattern opening OA may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape including a diamond shape, a pentagonal shape or a hexagonal shape, or a circular shape.

In addition, the embodiment is not limited to the above. The conductive pattern may have an irregular shape. The conductive pattern opening may be variously provided in one conductive pattern. Thus, the sensing electrode300may include various shapes of conductive pattern openings.

The sensing electrode300may have a mesh shape, so that the pattern of the sensing electrode300may not be viewed on the active area AA. That is, even though the sensing electrode300is formed of metal, the pattern may not be viewed. In addition, even if the sensing electrode300is applied to a large-size touch window, the resistance of the touch window may be lowered. In addition, even when the sensing electrode300is formed through a printing process, the printing quality can be improved so that the high-quality touch window can be ensured.

Referring toFIG. 12, the sensing electrode300may include a first sub-pattern210, a second sub-pattern220and an electrode layer310.

The first sub-pattern210is disposed on the substrate100. The first sub-pattern210is disposed on the mesh line LA. Thus, the first sub-pattern210is disposed in a mesh shape. The first sub-pattern210may be embossed.

The second sub-pattern220is provided on the substrate100. The second sub-pattern220is provided in the mesh opening OA. Accordingly, the second sub-pattern220may be provided between the first sub-patterns210. The second sub-pattern220may be embossed. The line width of the second sub-pattern220may be less than that of the first sub-pattern210.

The first and second sub-patterns210and220may include resin or polymer.

The electrode layer310is provided on the first sub-pattern210in the sensing electrode300. Accordingly, the electrode layer310is provided on the mesh line LA. The electrode layer310may be provided in a mesh shape. The electrode layer310may include various metals representing superior electric conductivity. For example, the electrode layer310may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or the alloy thereof.

Meanwhile, an opening part400is disposed between the sensing electrodes300. The opening part400may include the second conductive pattern. That is, the opening part400may include the sensing electrode300and another conductive pattern. The interval D2of the opening part400may be larger than the line width T1of the conductive pattern line and may be less than the interval D1between the conductive pattern lines. For example, the interval D2of the opening part400may be in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm. Thus, the electric property of the sensing electrode300and the visibility of the touch window may be improved. That is, the possibility of electric conduction due to the non-etching of the electrode layer310included in the sensing electrode300may be reduced and the sensing electrode300may be prevented from being viewed. Therefore, the reliability of the touch window may be improved.

The opening part400may include dummy patterns410and a short-circuited pattern420.

The dummy pattern410may include the first sub-pattern210and a dummy layer411disposed on the first sub-pattern210. Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 2, the intervals d1between the dummy patterns410may be constant.

Meanwhile, the interval d1between the dummy patterns410is larger than the line width T1of the conductive pattern line and may be less than the interval D1between the conductive pattern lines. For example, the interval d2between the dummy patterns410may be in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm.

In addition, the interval between the dummy pattern410and the first conductive pattern may be larger than the line width T1of the conductive pattern line and may be less than the interval D2between the conductive pattern lines. For example, the interval between the dummy pattern410and the first conductive pattern may be in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm. When the interval between the dummy pattern410and the first conductive pattern may be less than the line width T1of the conductive pattern line, the electrodes may be short-circuited with each other so that an error occurs. In addition, when the interval between the dummy pattern410and the first conductive pattern is larger than the interval D1between the conductive pattern lines, a milky phenomenon (blur phenomenon) may occur, causing the result the same as the case having no dummy pattern.

In this case, the dummy layer411may include the same material as the electrode layer310.

The short-circuited pattern420is disposed adjacently to the dummy pattern410. The short-circuited pattern420includes the first sub-pattern210. That is, the short-circuited pattern420may be a pattern that does not include a dummy layer411on the first sub-pattern210.

Meanwhile, Hereinafter, a touch window according to still another embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 to 16, and the details of structures or components the same as or similar to those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted for the purpose of convenience or clarity.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, the sensing electrode300of a touch window according to still another embodiment may include another type of a conductive pattern. That is, the sensing electrode300may include a conductive pattern different from the conductive pattern depicted inFIG. 8. In this case, the conductive pattern of an opening part400may be changed.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the sensing electrode300may include a first sub-pattern210, a second sub-pattern220and an electrode layer310.

The first sub-pattern210is disposed on the substrate100. The first sub-pattern210is disposed on the mesh line LA. Thus, the first sub-pattern210is disposed in a mesh shape. The first sub-pattern210may be embossed.

The second sub-pattern220is provided on the substrate100. The second sub-pattern220is provided in the mesh opening OA. Accordingly, the second sub-pattern220may be provided between the first sub-patterns210. The second sub-pattern220may be embossed. The line width of the second sub-pattern220may be narrower than that of the first sub-pattern210.

The first and second sub-patterns210and220may include resin or polymer.

The electrode layer310is provided on the first sub-pattern210. Accordingly, the electrode layer310is provided on the mesh line LA. The electrode layer310may be provided in a mesh shape. The electrode layer310may include various metals representing superior electric conductivity. For example, the electrode layer310may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or the alloy thereof.

The opening part400may include a short-circuited pattern420and dummy patterns410.

The dummy pattern410may include the first sub-pattern210and a dummy layer411disposed on the first sub-pattern210. Meanwhile, as shown inFIG. 4, the intervals between the dummy patterns410may be constant.

In this case, the dummy layer411may include the same material as the electrode layer310.

Referring toFIGS. 14 and 16, the short-circuited pattern420is disposed adjacently to the dummy pattern410. The short-circuited pattern420includes the first sub-pattern210. That is, the short-circuited pattern420may be a pattern that does not include a dummy layer411on the first sub-pattern210.

Referring toFIG. 18, the number of dummy patterns410disposed in the opening part400may vary. That is, the number of dummy patterns410may be less than that of the dummy patterns410depicted inFIG. 4. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above, but more many dummy patterns410may be provided. In this case, the intervals d1and d2between the dummy patterns410may be constant. That is, the intervals d1and d2between the dummy patterns410may be equal to each other.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG. 18, the number of dummy patterns410disposed in the opening part400may vary. In this case, the intervals d1and d2between the dummy patterns410may be provided in two or more types. That is, the intervals d3and d4between the dummy patterns410may be variously provided. For example, the intervals d3and d4between the dummy patterns410may be different from each other.

In addition, referring toFIG. 18, the line widths d3and d4of the short-circuited patterns420disposed in the opening part400may be variously provided. That is, the line widths d3and d4of the short-circuited patterns420may be provided in two or more types. For example, the line widths d3and d4between the short-circuited patterns420may be different from each other.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG. 19, the line widths T2, T3and T4of the dummy patterns410disposed in the opening part400may be variously provided. That is, the line widths T2, T3and T4of the dummy patterns410may be provided in two or more types. As shown inFIG. 17, the line widths T2, T3and T4of the dummy patterns410may be provided in three types.

Meanwhile, referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, the dummy patterns410disposed in the opening part400may have various shapes. For example, as shown inFIG. 20, the dummy patterns410may have various sizes of rectangular shapes. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and the dummy patterns410may have various shapes such as a circular shape, a polygonal shape or a diamond shape.

Specifically, referring toFIG. 21, the opening part400may include a first sub-pattern210and a dummy layer411, and the dummy layer411may be disposed only on a part of the first sub-pattern210.

Next, referring toFIG. 22, the dummy patterns410disposed in the opening part400may have directionality different from that of the conductive pattern line of the sensing electrode300. Therefore, the dummy patterns410may be disposed while crossing the conductive pattern of the sensing electrode300. Thus, the short-circuited pattern420may have various directionality and various shapes.

Meanwhile, a touch window according to still another embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 23 and 24. Referring toFIGS. 23 and 24, the touch window according to the embodiment includes a dummy pattern410and short-circuited patterns420.

In this case, the dummy pattern410may include a first sub-pattern210and a dummy layer411disposed on the first sub-pattern210.

The short-circuited pattern420may include only a resin layer201supporting the first sub-pattern210. That is, the short-circuited pattern420may not include the first sub-pattern210.

The interval d1between the dummy pattern410and the sensing electrode300may be larger than the line width T1of the conductive pattern line and may be less than the interval D1between the conductive pattern lines. For example, the interval d1between the dummy pattern410and the sensing electrode300may be in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm.

The touch windows according to various embodiments described above may have various structures according to embodiments. A touch window according to still another embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 25 to 27. The details of structures or components the same as or similar to those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted for the purpose of convenience or clarity.

Referring toFIG. 25, a touch window10according to still another embodiment may include a substrate100and a sensing electrode300. The sensing electrode300may include first and second sensing electrodes301and302.

The first sensing electrode301may be disposed on the active area AA of the substrate100while extending in a first direction. In this case, the substrate100may be a cover substrate.

The first sensing electrode301may be disposed to make direct contact with the substrate100. In addition, the second sensing electrode302may be disposed on the active area AA of the substrate100while extending in a second direction. In detail, the second electrode302may extend in the second direction different from the first direction and may be disposed to make direct contact with the substrate. The first and second sensing electrodes301and302may be disposed to make direct contact with the same surface of the surface100and may extend in mutually different directions on the same surface of the substrate100.

The first and second sensing electrodes301and302may be disposed on the substrate100while being insulated from each other.

A bridge electrode may be disposed on one surface of the substrate100on which the sensing electrode300is disposed. For example, the bridge electrode may be disposed in a bar shape. In detail, the bridge electrodes may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval on the active area AA in the bar form.

An insulating material may be provided on the bridge electrode. In detail, an insulating material may be partially provided on the bridge electrode and a part of the bridge electrode may be coated with the insulating material. For example, when the bridge electrode is formed in a bar form, the insulating material may be provide on an area except for one end and the opposite end, that is, both ends of the bridge electrode.

The first sensing electrodes301may extend while being connected to each other on the insulating material. For example, the first sensing electrodes301extending in the first direction may extend while being connected to each other on the insulating material.

In addition, the second sensing electrodes302may extend on the insulating material while be connected to each other. In detail, the second sensing electrodes302spaced apart from each other may be connected to the bridge electrode, such that the second sensing electrodes302are disposed to extend in the second direction.

Thus, the first and second sensing electrodes301and302may be electrically connected to the bridge electrode without be short-circuited with each other due to the insulating material.

Referring toFIG. 26, a touch window10according to still another embodiment may include a substrate100including first and second substrates101and102and a sensing electrode300including first and second sensing electrodes301and302.

At least one of the first and second substrates101and102may be a cover substrate.

The first and second substrates101and102may be bonded to each other through an adhesive layer. For example, the substrates100may be bonded to each other through optical clear adhesive (OCA).

The sensing electrode300may be disposed on the first and second substrates101and102. For example, the first sensing electrode301may be disposed on the substrate100and the second sensing electrode302may be disposed on the substrate100.

In addition, the wire electrode500may include a first wire electrode501connected to the first sensing electrode301and a second wire electrode502connected to the second sensing electrode302. The first wire electrode501may be disposed on an outer dummy layer on the substrate100and the second wire electrode502may be disposed on the substrate100.

Hereinafter, a touch device, in which the touch window described above and a display panel are coupled to each other, will be described with reference toFIGS. 27 to 30.

In detail, referring toFIG. 27, a touch device may be formed by coupling the substrate100and the display panel600to each other. The substrate100and the display panel600may be adhesive to each other through an adhesive layer700. For example, the substrate100and the display panel600may be bonded to each other through an adhesive layer950including optical clear adhesive (OCA).

In addition, referring toFIG. 28, when the second substrate102is further disposed on the first substrate101, the touch device may be formed by coupling the substrate100and the display panel600. The second substrate102and the display panel600may be adhesive to each other. The second substrate102and the display panel600may be adhesive to each other through the adhesive layer700. For example, the first substrate101and the display panel600may be bonded to each other through the adhesive layer700including optical clear adhesive (OCA).

The display panel600may include first and second panel substrates610and620.

If the display panel600is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel600may have a structure in which the first panel substrate610including a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode is combined with the second panel substrate620including color filter layers while a liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and second panel substrates610and620.

Further, the display panel600may be a liquid crystal display panel having a color filter on transistor (COT) structure formed by combining the first panel substrate610formed thereon with the TFT, a color filter, and a black matrix with the second panel substrate620while the liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and second panel substrates610and620. In other words, the TFT may be formed on the first panel substrate610, a protective layer may be formed on the TFT, and the color filter layer may be formed on the protective layer. In addition, the pixel electrode, which makes contact with the TFT, is formed on the first panel substrate610. In this case, to improve an aperture ratio and simplify a mask process, the black matrix may be omitted, and a common electrode may perform a function of the black matrix together with the inherent function thereof.

In addition, when the display panel600is a liquid crystal panel, the display device may further include a backlight unit for providing light at the back of the display panel600.

When the display panel600is an organic light emitting device, the display panel600includes a self light-emitting device which does not require any additional light source. A thin film transistor is formed on the first panel substrate610of the display panel600, and an organic light-emitting device (OLED) making contact with the thin film transistor is formed. The OLED may include an anode, a cathode and an organic light-emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, the display panel600may further include the second panel substrate620, which performs the function of an encapsulation substrate100for encapsulation, on the OLED.

Referring toFIG. 29, a touch device according to an embodiment may include a touch panel formed integrally with the display panel600. That is, a substrate100supporting at least one sensing electrode300may be omitted.

In detail, at least one sensing electrode300may be disposed on at least one surface of the display panel600. That is, at least one sensing electrode300may be formed on at least one surface of the first or second panel substrate610or620.

In this case, at least one sensing electrode300may be formed on a top surface of the substrate100disposed at an upper portion.

Referring toFIG. 29, a first sensing electrode301may be disposed on one surface of the substrate100. In addition, the first wire connected to the first sensing electrode301may be disposed on the one surface of the substrate100. In addition, the second sensing electrode302may be disposed on one surface of the display panel600. Further, the second wire connected to the second sensing electrode302may be disposed on the one surface of the display panel600.

The adhesive layer700may be disposed between the substrate100and the display panel600so that the substrate100is combined with the display panel600.

In addition, the substrate100may further include a polarizing plate below the substrate100. The polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate or an anti-reflection polarizing plate. For example, when the display panel600is a liquid crystal display panel, the polarizing plate may be a linear polarizing plate. In addition, when the display panel600is an organic electroluminescent display panel, the polarizing plate may be an anti-reflection polarizing plate.

According to a touch device of an embodiment, at least one substrate100for supporting the sensing electrode300may be omitted. Thus,

Hereinafter, a touch device according to still another embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 30. In the following description, the parts similar or identical to those of the previously described embodiment will be omitted for the purpose of clear and brief description. The same reference numbers will be assigned to the same elements.

Referring toFIG. 30, a touch device according to an embodiment may include a touch panel integrated with the display panel600. That is, the substrate100for supporting at least one sensing electrode may be omitted.

For example, a sensing electrode, which serves as a sensor disposed in an active area to sense a touch, and a wire, through which an electrical signal is applied to the sensing electrode, may be formed inside the display panel. In detail, at least one sensing electrode300or at least one wire may be disposed inside the display panel.

The display panel includes the first and second substrates610and620. In this case, at least one of the first and second sensing electrodes301and302is disposed between the first and second panel substrates610and620. That is, at least one sensing electrode300may be disposed on at least one surface of the first or second substrate610or620.

Referring toFIG. 30, the first sensing electrode301may be disposed on one surface of the substrate100. In addition, the first wire connected to the first sensing electrode301may be disposed. Further, the second sensing electrode302and the second wire may be formed between the first and second panel substrates610and620. That is, the second sensing electrode302and the second wire may be disposed inside the display panel, and the first sensing electrode301and the first wire may be disposed outside the display panel.

The second sensing electrode302and the second wire may be disposed on the top surface of the first panel substrate610or the rear surface of the second panel substrate620.

In addition, a polarizing plate may be further provided at a lower portion of the substrate100.

When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel and the second sensing electrode302is formed on the top surface of the first substrate610, the sensing electrode300may be formed with a thin film transistor (TFT) or a pixel electrode. In addition, when the second sensing electrode302is formed on the rear surface of the second panel substrate620, a color filter layer may be formed on the sensing electrode300or the sensing electrode300may be formed on the color filter layer. When the display panel is an organic light emitting device and the second sensing electrode302is formed on the top surface of the first panel substrate610, the second sensing electrode302may be formed with a thin film transistor or an organic light emitting device.

The touch device according to an embodiment may allow at least one substrate100supporting a sensing electrode300to be omitted. For this reason, the touch device having a thin thickness and a light weight may be formed. In addition, the sensing electrode300and the wire are formed with a device formed on the display panel, so that the process may be simplified and the cost may be reduced.

Hereinafter, one example of a display to which a touch window or a touch device according to one embodiment described above is applied to will be described with reference toFIGS. 31 to 34.

Referring toFIG. 31, a mobile terminal is shown as one example of the touch device.

The mobile terminal may include an active area AA and an unactive area UA. The active area AA may sense a touch signal through the touch by a finger, and a command icon pattern part and a logo may be formed in the unactive area UA.

Referring toFIG. 32, the touch window may include a flexible touch window that is capable of being bent. Accordingly, the touch display including the flexible touch window may be a flexible touch display. Thus, a user may bend or curve the flexible touch window with the hand of the user. The flexible touch window may be applied to a wearable device.

Referring toFIG. 33, the touch window may be applied to a vehicle navigation system as well as a touch device such as a mobile terminal.

In addition, referring toFIG. 34, the touch window may be applied to an inner part of a vehicle. In other words, the touch window may be applied to various parts in the vehicle. Accordingly, the touch window may be applied to a dashboard100as well as a PND (Personal Navigation Display), so that a CID (Center Information Display) may be realized. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and such a touch device may be used for various electronic appliances.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The touch window according to an embodiment has reliability and visibility.