KR20140065999A - Touch panel and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch panel according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; And an electrode portion arranged in a mesh shape on the substrate, wherein the electrode portion includes a first sub pattern; And an electrode disposed on the first subpattern, wherein an area between the electrode and the first subpattern is larger than an area between the substrate and the first subpattern.
A method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment includes preparing a substrate; Forming a first subpattern and a second subpattern on the substrate; Forming an electrode material on the first and second subpatterns; And etching the electrode material, wherein an area between the electrode material and the first subpattern is larger than an area between the substrate and the first subpattern.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel,

The present invention relates to a touch panel and a manufacturing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a touch panel has been applied to an image displayed on a display device in various electronic products by a method of touching an input device such as a finger or a stylus.

The touch panel can be largely divided into a resistance film type touch panel and a capacitive type touch panel. In the resistive touch panel, the glass and the electrode are short-circuited by the pressure of the input device and the position is detected. A capacitance type touch panel senses a change in electrostatic capacitance between electrodes when a finger touches them, thereby detecting the position.

The resistance film type touch panel may be deteriorated in performance by repeated use, and scratch may occur. As a result, there is a growing interest in a capacitive touch panel having excellent durability and long life span.

Indium tin oxide (ITO), which is most widely used as a transparent electrode of a touch panel, is expensive and is physically easily hit by bending and warping of the substrate, thereby deteriorating the characteristics of the electrode. As a result, flexible) devices. In addition, when applied to a large size touch panel, a problem arises due to high resistance.

In order to solve such problems, active researches on alternative electrodes are under way. Particularly, although the electrode material is formed into a mesh shape to replace ITO, there is a problem that undercut occurs due to an etchant between the subpattern and the electrode material at the time of forming the mesh. This reduces the adhesion between the subpattern and the electrode material. As a result, there is a problem that the electrode material is peeled off due to weak external stimuli or chemicals during the manufacturing process of the touch panel.

Embodiments provide a touch panel with improved reliability and a manufacturing method thereof.

A touch panel according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; And an electrode portion arranged in a mesh shape on the substrate, wherein the electrode portion includes a first sub pattern; And an electrode disposed on the first subpattern, wherein an area between the electrode and the first subpattern is larger than an area between the substrate and the first subpattern.

A method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment includes preparing a substrate; Forming a first subpattern and a second subpattern on the substrate; Forming an electrode material on the first and second subpatterns; And etching the electrode material, wherein an area between the electrode material and the first subpattern is larger than an area between the substrate and the first subpattern.

The electrode portion of the touch panel according to the embodiment has a mesh shape, so that the pattern of the electrode portion can be made invisible on the effective region. That is, even if the electrode part is formed of metal, the pattern can be made invisible. In addition, the resistance of the touch panel can be lowered even when the electrode unit is applied to a touch panel of a large size. In addition, when the electrode portion is formed by a printing process, the printing quality can be improved and a high-quality touch panel can be secured.

In the touch panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the embodiment, the contact area between the electrode and the first sub pattern can be increased. Thus, the adhesion between the electrode and the first subpattern can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the electrode is peeled or removed from the first subpattern due to external action or stimulation by the chemical during the touch panel manufacturing process. In addition, it is possible to prevent an undercut phenomenon that may occur during etching after the electrode material is formed. That is, stabilization of the manufacturing process of the touch panel can be expected, and the reliability of the touch panel can be improved by minimizing manufacturing defects.

1 is a plan view of a touch panel according to an embodiment.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A 'in Fig.
3 to 6 are sectional views of a touch panel according to various embodiments.
7 to 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a touch panel according to an embodiment.

In the description of the embodiments, it is to be understood that each layer (film), area, pattern or structure may be referred to as being "on" or "under / under" Quot; includes all that is formed directly or through another layer. The criteria for top / bottom or bottom / bottom of each layer are described with reference to the drawings.

The thickness or the size of each layer (film), region, pattern or structure in the drawings may be modified for clarity and convenience of explanation, and thus does not entirely reflect the actual size.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, a touch panel according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a touch panel according to an embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A 'in Fig. 3 to 6 are sectional views of a touch panel according to various embodiments.

1, the touch panel according to the present embodiment includes a valid area AA for sensing the position of an input device (e.g., a finger or the like), and a non-valid area 0.0 > (UA) < / RTI > is defined.

Here, the electrode unit 210 may be formed in the effective area AA to sense the input device. A wiring 300 electrically connecting the electrode unit 210 may be formed in the ineffective area UA. An external circuit or the like connected to the wiring 300 may be located in the ineffective area UA. An outer dummy layer may be formed in the ineffective area UA, and a logo or the like may be formed on the outer dummy layer.

When such an input device such as a finger touches the touch panel, a difference in capacitance occurs at a portion where the input device is contacted, and a portion where the difference occurs can be detected as the contact position.

The touch panel will be described in more detail as follows.

The substrate 100 may be formed of various materials capable of supporting the electrode unit 210, the wiring 300, and the circuit substrate formed thereon. The substrate 100 may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate, for example.

An outer dummy layer is formed in the ineffective area UA of the substrate 100. [ The outer dummy layer may be formed by applying a material having a predetermined color so that the wiring 300 and a printed circuit board connecting the wiring 300 to an external circuit can not be seen from the outside. The outer dummy layer may have a color suitable for a desired appearance, for example, a black color including black pigment and the like. A desired logo can be formed on the outer dummy layer by various methods. Such an outer dummy layer can be formed by vapor deposition, printing, wet coating or the like.

The electrode unit 210 may be formed on the substrate 100. The electrode unit 210 can detect whether or not an input device such as a finger is in contact.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode unit 210 includes a first electrode 212 and a second electrode 214.

The first electrode 212 includes a plurality of first sensor portions 212a for sensing whether an input device such as a finger is contacted and a first connection electrode portion 212b for connecting the plurality of first sensor portions 212a. . The first connection electrode part 212b connects the plurality of first sensor parts 212a in a first direction (X axis direction in the drawing), and the first electrode 212 extends in the first direction .

Similarly, the second electrode 214 includes a plurality of second sensor units 214a for sensing whether an input device such as a finger is contacted, and a second connection electrode 214a for connecting the plurality of second sensor units 214a. And a portion 214b. The second connection electrode portion 214b connects the plurality of second sensor portions 214a in a second direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) intersecting the first direction, and the second electrode 214 And extend in the second direction.

An insulating layer 250 may be disposed between the first connection electrode part 212b and the second connection electrode part 214b to prevent an electrical short circuit. The insulating layer 250 may include a transparent insulating material capable of insulating the first electrode 212 and the second electrode 214.

Meanwhile, the electrode unit 210 is disposed in a mesh shape. Specifically, the electrode unit 210 includes a mesh opening OA and a mesh line LA. At this time, the line width of the mesh line portion LA may be 2 占 퐉 to 10 占 퐉. The mesh line portion LA having a line width of 2 탆 or less is impossible in the manufacturing process. When the line width is 10 μm or less, the pattern of the electrode unit 210 can be made invisible. Preferably, the line width of the mesh line portion LA may be about 5 mu m.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the mesh opening OA may have a rectangular shape. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the mesh opening OA may have various shapes such as a diamond shape, a pentagon, a hexagonal polygonal shape, or a circular shape.

Since the electrode part 210 has a mesh shape, the pattern of the electrode part 210 on the effective area AA can be made invisible. That is, even if the electrode unit 210 is formed of metal, the pattern can be made invisible. Also, even if the electrode unit 210 is applied to a touch panel of a large size, the resistance of the touch panel can be reduced. Further, when the electrode unit 210 is formed by a printing process, a high-quality touch panel can be secured by improving the print quality.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode unit 210 includes a first sub pattern 216, a second sub pattern 217, and an electrode 218.

The first sub-pattern 216 is disposed on the substrate 100. The first sub-pattern 216 may be in direct contact with the substrate 100. On the other hand, the first sub pattern 216 is disposed on the mesh line portion LA. Accordingly, the first sub patterns 216 are arranged in a mesh shape.

The second sub pattern 217 is disposed on the substrate 100. The second sub pattern 217 may be in direct contact with the substrate 100. On the other hand, the second sub pattern 217 is disposed in the mesh opening OA. Accordingly, the second sub patterns 217 may be disposed between the first sub patterns 216. [

The electrode 218 is disposed on the first sub-pattern 216. The electrode 218 may be in direct contact with the first sub-pattern 216. Accordingly, the electrode 218 is disposed on the mesh line portion LA, and the electrode 218 is disposed in a mesh shape.

A boundary area A1 between the electrode 218 and the first sub pattern 216 may be larger than a boundary area A2 between the substrate 100 and the first sub pattern 216. [ The contact area A1 between the electrode 218 and the first sub pattern 216 may be greater than the contact area A2 between the substrate 100 and the first sub pattern 216. [ 2, the cross section of the first subpattern 216 may have a trapezoidal shape, and the electrode 218 may be disposed on the first subpattern 216. As shown in FIG. The electrodes 218 are disposed on the top and side surfaces along the shape of the first sub pattern 216. Accordingly, the contact area A1 between the electrode 218 and the first sub pattern 216 can be increased. Thus, the adhesion between the electrode 218 and the first sub pattern 216 can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the electrode 218 is peeled or removed from the first sub-pattern 216 due to external action or stimulation by the chemical during the touch panel manufacturing process. In addition, it is possible to prevent an undercut phenomenon that may occur during etching after the electrode material is formed. That is, stabilization of the manufacturing process of the touch panel can be expected, and the reliability of the touch panel can be improved by minimizing manufacturing defects.

3, a first distance D1 between the second sub patterns 217 and a second distance D2 between the first sub pattern 216 and the second sub pattern 217 are defined And the second distance D2 may be greater than the first distance D1. That is, the distance D2 between the first sub-pattern 216 and the second sub-pattern 217 may be longer than the distance D1 between the second sub-patterns 217. Accordingly, when the electrode material is formed on the first sub pattern 216 and the second sub pattern 217, the electrode material is also formed on the second distance D2. Therefore, the area of the electrode 218 formed on the first sub-pattern 216 can be maximized during later etching.

Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of protrusions 216a are disposed on the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216. FIG. Accordingly, the roughness of the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216 is larger than the roughness of the upper surface of the second sub pattern 217. The surface roughness of the first sub pattern 216 can be increased by plasma treatment. Therefore, the contact area with the electrode 218 disposed on the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216 can be secured, and the adhesion can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of convex portions 216b are disposed on the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216. FIG. The convex portion 216b can be formed by processing the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216. [ Accordingly, the convex portion 216b may be formed integrally with the first sub-pattern 216. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a separate convex portion 216b may be formed on the first sub pattern 216 through secondary processing.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of recesses 216c are disposed on the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216. FIG. The concave portion 216c can be formed by processing the upper surface of the first sub pattern 216. [

Next, a manufacturing method of the touch panel according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, a first sub pattern 216 and a second sub pattern 217 are formed on a substrate 100. The first sub pattern 216 and the second sub pattern 217 may be formed using a UV resin or a polymer.

Referring to FIG. 8, an electrode material 219 may be formed on the first sub pattern 216 and the second sub pattern 217. The electrode material 219 may be formed by vapor deposition or plating.

Thereafter, the electrode material 219 may be etched. At this time, a difference in etching area occurs due to the difference in the bonding area between the structure of the first sub pattern 216 and the second sub pattern 217 and the electrode material 219. That is, since the bonding area of the first sub pattern 216 and the electrode material 219 is larger than the bonding area of the second sub pattern 217 and the electrode material 219, The etching of the electrode material 219 formed on the insulating film 216 occurs little. That is, according to the same etching rate, the electrode material 219 formed on the first subpattern 216 remains and the electrode material 219 formed on the second subpattern 217 is etched and removed. 9, the electrodes 218 may be formed on the first sub pattern 216, and the electrodes 218 may be disposed in a mesh shape.

The features, structures, effects and the like described in the foregoing embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to one embodiment. Further, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in the embodiments may be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these combinations and modifications.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It can be seen that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

Claims (12)

materials; And
And an electrode portion arranged on the substrate in a mesh form,
The electrode portion includes a first sub pattern; And
And an electrode disposed on the first subpattern,
Wherein a boundary area between the electrode and the first sub pattern is larger than a boundary area between the substrate and the first sub pattern. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electrode portion includes a mesh opening portion and a mesh front end portion,
And a second sub pattern is disposed in the mesh opening. The method according to claim 1,
And the electrode is disposed on an upper surface of the first sub pattern. The method according to claim 1,
And the electrode is disposed on the upper surface and the side surface of the first sub pattern. 3. The method of claim 2,
And the distance between the first sub pattern and the second sub pattern is longer than the distance between the second sub patterns. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the roughness of the upper surface of the first sub pattern is larger than the roughness of the upper surface of the second sub pattern. The method according to claim 1,
And a convex portion is further disposed on an upper surface of the first sub pattern. The method according to claim 1,
And a concave portion is further disposed on an upper surface of the first sub pattern. Preparing a substrate;
Forming a first subpattern and a second subpattern on the substrate;
Forming an electrode material on the first and second subpatterns; And
Etching said electrode material,
Wherein a boundary area between the electrode material and the first sub-pattern is larger than a boundary area between the substrate and the first sub-pattern. 10. The method of claim 9,
In the forming of the first sub pattern and the second sub pattern,
And the distance between the first sub pattern and the second sub pattern is longer than the distance between the second sub patterns. 10. The method of claim 9,
In the forming of the first sub pattern and the second sub pattern,
Wherein the upper surface of the first sub-pattern is plasma-processed. 10. The method of claim 9,
In the forming of the first sub pattern and the second sub pattern,
And forming a convex portion or a concave portion on the first sub pattern.

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