U.S. patent application number 15/246741 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for touch panel and method of manufacturing touch panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sung-Ki JUNG, Jung-Hyun KIM.
Application Number | 20160364077 15/246741 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53043392 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160364077 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUNG; Sung-Ki ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
TOUCH PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TOUCH PANEL
Abstract
A manufacturing method of a touch panel includes: forming a
graphene electrode on a metal substrate; adhering a transfer film
on the graphene electrode; patterning the metal substrate to form
electrode wiring; adhering a base substrate under the electrode
wiring; and removing the transfer film. In the manufacturing
method, the metal layer used when forming the graphene electrode is
not removed after forming the graphene, and the metal layer is
patterned to be used as the electrode wiring, such that the removal
process of the metal layer and the forming process of the electrode
wiring are unified into one. Accordingly, in the manufacturing
process of the touch panel using the graphene as the transparent
electrode, the manufacturing process is simplified.
Inventors: |
JUNG; Sung-Ki; (Busan,
KR) ; KIM; Jung-Hyun; (Asan-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
53043392 |
Appl. No.: |
15/246741 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14303362 |
Jun 12, 2014 |
9446571 |
|
|
15246741 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2310/0831 20130101;
G06F 3/0446 20190501; B32B 2037/243 20130101; G06F 2203/04112
20130101; B32B 2037/246 20130101; G06F 3/0443 20190501; B32B 37/12
20130101; H01L 27/323 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101; B32B 2457/208
20130101; B32B 37/24 20130101; G06F 3/0416 20130101; Y10T 156/10
20150115; G06F 3/044 20130101; B32B 37/025 20130101; B32B 2457/20
20130101; G06F 2203/04103 20130101; G06F 3/04164 20190501 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; B32B 37/12 20060101 B32B037/12; G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; B32B 37/24 20060101 B32B037/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0137147 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a touch panel, comprising: forming a
graphene electrode on a metal substrate; adhering a base substrate
on the graphene electrode; and patterning the metal substrate into
electrode wiring.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal substrate comprises a
single layer of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag),
titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), or combinations
thereof, a double layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver (Ag), or a triple
layer of silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper (Cu).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the graphene electrode
comprises patterning a graphene layer.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein disposing the base substrate on
the graphene electrode comprises coating a photo-hardening resin on
a surface where the electrode wiring and the base substrate contact
each other, and radiating a light thereto.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the photo-hardening resin
comprises at least one of a polyester-based resin, an epoxy-based
resin, a urethane-based resin, a polyether-based resin, a
polyacryl-based resin, an acryl-based resin, and a siloxane-based
resin.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrode wiring comprises an
end electrically connected to the graphene electrode, a wiring
section extending parallel to an edge of the touch panel, and a
second end overlapping an edge of the touch panel where a
controller is disposed.
7. A touch panel, comprising: a base substrate; an adhesive layer
disposed on the base substrate; electrode wiring disposed on the
adhesive layer; and a graphene electrode disposed on the electrode
wiring, wherein the electrode wiring comprises metal, a first end
electrically connected to the graphene electrode, a wiring section
extending parallel to an edge of the base substrate, and a second
end overlapping an edge of the base substrate.
8. A touch panel, comprising: a base substrate; an adhesive layer
disposed on the base substrate; a graphene electrode disposed on
the adhesive layer; and metal electrode wiring disposed on the
graphene electrode, wherein the electrode wiring comprises metal, a
first end electrically connected to the graphene electrode, a
wiring section extending parallel to an edge of the base substrate,
and a second end overlapping an edge of the base substrate.
9. A display device, comprising: a display panel comprising an
upper substrate and a lower substrate; an adhesive layer disposed
on the display panel; electrode wiring disposed on the adhesive
layer; and a graphene electrode disposed on the electrode wiring,
wherein the electrode wiring comprises metal, a first end
electrically connected to the graphene electrode, a wiring section
extending parallel to an edge of the base substrate, and a second
end overlapping an edge of the base substrate.
10. A display device, comprising: a display panel comprising an
upper substrate and a lower substrate; an adhesive layer disposed
on the upper substrate; electrode wiring disposed on the adhesive
layer; and a graphene electrode disposed on the electrode wiring,
wherein the electrode wiring comprises metal, a first end
electrically connected to the graphene electrode, a wiring section
extending parallel to an edge of the base substrate, and a second
end overlapping an edge of the base substrate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/303,362, filed on Jun. 12, 2014, and claims priority to
and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0137147,
filed on Nov. 12, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference
for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Field
[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a
touch panel and a manufacturing method of a touch panel.
[0004] Discussion of the Background
[0005] With the development of computer technologies and digital
techniques, peripheral assistance devices have also been developed.
Users of personal computers, portable data transfer devices, and
other personal information processing devices perform text
processes and graphics processes by using various input devices,
such as a keyboard and a mouse.
[0006] Use of computers is expanding day by day due to the rapid
growth of an information-oriented society. Currently, however,
there is difficulty in realizing efficient user driving of
computerized device by only using the keyboard and the mouse as the
input devices. Accordingly, the necessity for a device capable of
easily inputting information that has a simple and low-error
operation has increased.
[0007] As a response to this need, an input device has been
developed having superior reliability, durability, innovation,
design, and processing related techniques. That is, a touch panel
has been realized as an input device capable of inputting
information such as text and graphics.
[0008] The touch panel is used on a display surface of an image
display device, such as a flat display device of an electronic
notebook, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel
(PDP), and electroluminescent (EL) display, or a cathode ray tube
(CRT), and is a tool used to select desired information while a
user views the image display device.
[0009] Touch panels are divided into a resistive type, a capacitive
type, an electro-magnetic type, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) type,
and an infrared type. The type of touch panel is selected for use
in an electronic device by considering signal amplification, a
resolution difference, difficulty of design and processing, optical
characteristics, electronic characteristics, mechanical
characteristics, inner characteristics, input characteristics,
durability, and economy. Currently, the capacitive type of touch
panel is most widely applied in the field.
[0010] In the case of the capacitive type of touch panel, an upper
substrate formed with a first transparent electrode and a lower
substrate formed with a second transparent electrode are spaced
apart from each other with an insulating member not contacting the
first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode
therebetween. Further, the upper substrate and the lower substrate
include electrode wiring connected to the transparent electrode.
The electrode wiring transmits a change of a capacitance generated
in the first transparent electrode and the second transparent
electrode to a controller as the touchscreen is contacted for
input.
[0011] Conventionally, the transparent electrode is formed by using
ITO (indium tin oxide) or a conductive polymer such as polyethylene
dioxythiophene (PEDOT)/polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). In the case of
ITO, electrical conductivity is excellent, however, indium as a raw
material is an expensive rare earth metal, and exhaustion thereof
is predicted in the next 10 years. Thus, soon, supply may be
outweighed by demand. The conductive polymer as a material provided
to substitute for ITO has excellent flexibility and is easily
processed; however, its electrical conductivity is low.
[0012] Recently, an attempt has been made to use a graphene as the
transparent electrode of the capacitive type touch panel. However,
when using the graphene as the transparent electrode, additional
process steps involving graphene growth and an electrode forming
are needed, such that the manufacturing process is more
complicated.
[0013] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the
invention and therefore it may contain information that does not
form the prior art that is already known in this country to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a
shortened manufacturing method of a touch panel by patterning and
using a metal catalytic layer without removal when forming graphene
as electrode wiring in transparent electrode, and a touch panel
manufactured thereof.
[0015] Additional features of the invention will be set forth in
the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from
the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention.
[0016] A manufacturing method of a touch panel according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a
graphene electrode on a metal substrate; adhering a transfer film
on the graphene electrode; patterning the metal substrate to form
electrode wiring; adhering a base substrate under the electrode
wiring; and removing the transfer film.
[0017] A manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention also includes: forming a graphene
electrode on a metal substrate; adhering a base substrate on the
graphene electrode; and patterning the metal substrate to form
electrode wiring.
[0018] A touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes: a base substrate; an adhesive layer
formed on the base substrate; electrode wiring formed on the
adhesive layer; and a graphene electrode formed on the electrode
wiring, wherein the electrode wiring is made of a metal, one end of
the electrode wiring is connected to the graphene electrode, and
the electrode wiring progresses according to an edge of the base
substrate and is grouped to one side.
[0019] A touch panel according to another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention includes: a base substrate; an adhesive layer
formed on the base substrate; a graphene electrode formed on the
adhesive layer; and metal electrode wiring formed on the graphene
electrode, wherein the electrode wiring is made of a metal, one end
of the electrode wiring is connected to the graphene electrode, and
the electrode wiring progresses according to an edge of the base
substrate and is grouped to one side.
[0020] A display device according to still another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel
including an upper substrate and a lower substrate; an adhesive
layer formed on the display panel; electrode wiring formed on the
adhesive layer; and a graphene electrode formed on the electrode
wiring, wherein the electrode wiring is made of a metal, one end of
the electrode wiring is connected with the graphene electrode, and
the electrode wiring progresses according to an edge of the base
substrate and is grouped to one side.
[0021] A display device according to another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention includes: a display panel including an
upper substrate and a lower substrate; an adhesive layer formed on
the upper substrate; electrode wiring formed on the adhesive layer;
and a graphene electrode formed on the electrode wiring, wherein
the electrode wiring is made of a metal, one end of the electrode
wiring is connected with the graphene electrode, and the electrode
wiring progresses according to an edge of the base substrate and is
grouped to one side.
[0022] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the touch
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the metal layer used when forming the graphene electrode
is not removed after forming the graphene, and the metal layer is
patterned to be used as the electrode wiring such that the removal
process of the metal layer and the forming process of the electrode
wiring are unified into one. Accordingly, in the manufacturing
process of the touch panel using the graphene as the transparent
electrode, the manufacturing process is simplified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are views sequentially showing
a manufacturing process of a touch panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E are cross-sectional views
sequentially showing a manufacturing process of a touch panel
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views sequentially
showing a manufacturing process of a touch panel according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are views sequentially showing a
manufacturing process of a touch panel according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, and 5G are cross-sectional
views sequentially showing a manufacturing process of a touch panel
according to a comparative example.
[0028] FIG. 6A is a top view of a touch panel according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a
cross-sectional view of a touch panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7A is a top view of a touch panel according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7B is a
cross-sectional view of a touch panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a view of a liquid crystal display applied with a
touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a view of a liquid crystal display applied with a
touch panel according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a view of an organic light emitting diode display
applied with a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a view of an organic light emitting diode display
applied with a touch panel according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. As those skilled
in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified
in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present invention.
[0035] In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels,
regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals
designate like elements throughout the specification. It will be
understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or
substrate is referred to as being "on" or "connected to" another
element, it can be directly on or connected to the other element or
intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly
connected to" another element, there are no intervening elements
present. It will be understood that for the purposes of this
disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" can be construed as X
only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y,
and Z (e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, ZZ).
[0036] A manufacturing method of a touch panel according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to accompanying drawings.
[0037] Firstly, a manufacturing method of a touch panel according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1E and FIGS. 2A to 2E.
FIGS. 1A to 1E are views sequentially showing a manufacturing
process of a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E are cross-sectional views
sequentially showing a manufacturing process of a touch panel
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a
first step, a graphene electrode is formed on a metal substrate
310. FIGS. 1A and 2A show the first step.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1A, graphene 200 is formed on a metal
substrate 310. The formed graphene 200 may be patterned in a shape.
In FIG. 1A, the graphene includes at least one graphene having a
quadrangle grid-shape. However, the embodiments are not limited
thereto. For example, the pattern of the graphene may have a grid
shape such as quadrangular, circular, rectangular, and/or a
honeycomb (hexagonal) shape. Also, the graphene may be formed as
one structure without division.
[0040] Since the metal substrate 310 is later patterned to function
as wiring for the touch panel, an appropriate material is selected.
In detail, the metal substrate 310 may have various layered
structures. For example, the metal substrate 310 may include a
single layer of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au),
silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr),
combinations thereof, a double layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver
(Ag), or a triple layer of silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper (Cu).
However, these are examples and the material of the metal substrate
is not limited thereto.
[0041] In the first step, graphene 200 is formed on the metal
substrate 310. For example, the graphene 200 may be formed on the
metal substrate 310 through a CVD (chemical vapor deposition)
method, or oxidized graphene may be coated on the substrate 310 and
may then be reduced into the graphene layer. However, the method of
forming graphene 200 is not limited thereto and may include any
method of graphene formation.
[0042] For example, the graphene 200 may be formed through the
chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The chemical vapor
deposition method is a method of synthesizing the graphene by using
a transition metal that easily absorbs carbon as a catalytic layer
at a high temperature. That is, a mixed gas is supplied to the
substrate 310 formed with a metal layer including nickel (Ni) or
copper (Cu) to be used as the catalytic layer, and the graphene 200
is formed from the surface of the metal layer. For example, if a
mixed gas of methane and hydrogen is supplied into a reaction
chamber at a high temperature of about 800.degree. C. to
1000.degree. C., carbon atoms are absorbed on the metal substrate
of the catalytic layer, thereby generating the graphene.
[0043] In the first step, the graphene 200 may be patterned to
function as an electrode element of the touch sensor. The
patterning of the graphene may use a photolithography technique,
but is not limited thereto.
[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the patterning of the
graphene may be performed by using a transfer sacrificial layer.
The transfer sacrificial layer includes a polymer material having
reactivity to a light source. For example, the transfer sacrificial
layer may include PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) having reactivity
to an electron beam. After the transfer sacrificial layer is
patterned by using electron beam lithography, the underlying
graphene layer is etched using the patterned transfer sacrificial
layer as an etching mask through oxygen plasma etching, thereby
obtaining the patterned graphene layer.
[0045] The patterning method described above is only one example,
and the patterning of the graphene electrode is not limited
thereto. The graphene may not be patterned, and the graphene single
layer may be used as the electrode structure.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a
second step, a transfer film 400 is adhered to the graphene 200.
FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B show the graphene to which the transfer film is
adhered.
[0047] The transfer film 400 may include various materials such as
polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyimide
film, a polyurethane film, and/or glass. The transfer film 400 may
be a thermal stripping film of which adherence is lost at a certain
temperature.
[0048] The transfer film 400 is positioned on the graphene 200 and
pressure is applied to adhere the graphene 200 to the transfer film
400. If the transfer film is heated, the flexibility between the
transfer film 400 and the graphene 200 is increased, and adherence
may still exist even if there are protrusions, depressions,
patterns, and/or other deformities at the surface of the graphene
200. However, the heating temperature may not be greater than the
temperature at which the transfer film 400 loses the adherence.
[0049] Typically, a transfer film is used to transfer pre-formed
graphene onto another material. However in an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, the final location of the graphene 200 is
on the material on which the graphene 200 is initially formed, so
transfer of the graphene is not needed. Accordingly, in an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transfer film
400 performs the same function as the substrate by temporarily
adhering the graphene 200 in the manufacturing process of the touch
panel instead of transferring the graphene onto the other
material.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a
third step, the metal substrate 310 is patterned to form electrode
wiring 300. FIGS. 1C and 2C show the touch panel in which the metal
substrate is patterned to form the electrode wiring.
[0051] In the capacitive type of touch panel, the upper substrate
formed with the first transparent electrode and the lower substrate
formed with the second transparent electrode are spaced apart from
each other with an insulating therebetween. In this manner, the
first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode do
not contact each other. As described above, in the touch panel
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode
are graphene electrodes. Hereinafter, the first transparent
electrode and the second transparent electrode are collectively
called graphene electrodes.
[0052] Also, in a capacitive type of touch panel, the upper
substrate and the lower substrate include the electrode wiring
connected to the transparent electrode. The electrode wiring
performs the function of transmitting a change of capacitance
generated in the first transparent electrode and the second
transparent electrode to the controller when the input means
contacts the touch screen.
[0053] Accordingly, the electrode wiring 300 may include a material
having high electrical conductivity, such as a metal. Further,
since the metal catalytic layer used in the formation process of
the graphene may be a metal, in an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, the metal layer used in the forming process of
the graphene is not removed after forming the graphene and is used
as the electrode wiring through the patterning. Accordingly, after
forming the graphene, the removal process of the metal catalytic
layer and the formation process of the metal layer for the metal
wiring electrode are simplified into one process.
[0054] Therefore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, the metal catalytic layer used when forming the graphene
and the material of the electrode wiring may be the same. That is,
the electrode wiring 300 is formed by patterning the metal
substrate 310 such that the electrode wiring 300 may also include
the single layer of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold
(Au), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), or
combinations thereof, a double layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver
(Ag), or a triple layer of silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper
(Cu).
[0055] When the metal substrate 310 is patterned into the electrode
wiring 300, the metal substrate may be patterned into the electrode
wiring by using etching of a dry or wet type. The etching method
and a composition of an etchant may be changed according to a kind
of the metal. However, this is merely an example, and any method of
metal patterning may be used.
[0056] The metal substrate 310 is patterned with a shape of the
electrode wiring 300 of the touch panel. That is, the electrode
wiring 300 is connected to one side or both sides of the graphene
electrode. One end of the electrode wiring is connected to the
graphene electrode, and the other end is connected to the
controller. The metal substrate 310 disposed under the graphene 200
is patterned to form the electrode wiring 300 such that the
electrode wiring 300 contacts the graphene from below the
graphene.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1C, the electrode wiring 300 is connected
to each graphene electrode 200, continues in a direction parallel
to the edge of the panel, and is grouped into one side where the
controller is positioned.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a
fourth step, a base substrate 100 is adhered below the electrode
wiring. FIGS. 1D and 2D show the touch panel adhered to the base
substrate 100.
[0059] The base substrate 100 may include at least one of
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC),
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),
polyether sulfonate (PES), a cyclic olefin polymer (COC), a
triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a
polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene (PS), biaxially oriented
polystyrene (BOPS) including K resin, glass, and tempered glass,
but it is not limited thereto.
[0060] The base substrate 100 may be an upper substrate of the
display panel. That is, the graphene 200 may be adhered to the
upper substrate of the display panel without an additional base
substrate. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel, an electrophoretic display panel (EDP), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED) panel, or a plasma display panel (PDP), and
the kind of the upper substrate may be changed according to the
panel. At this time, the upper substrate of each panel becomes the
base substrate 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0061] Next, an additional adhering process may be used to adhere
the electrode wiring 300 and the base substrate 100 to each
other.
[0062] The electrode wiring 300 and the base substrate 100 may be
adhered by using a photo-hardening resin. That is, at least one of
a polyester-based, epoxy-based, urethane-based, polyether-based,
polyacryl-based, acryl-based, and siloxane-based resin may be
coated on adhesion surfaces of the electrode wiring and the base
substrate, and UV rays may be radiated to adhere them to each
other.
[0063] However, the adhesion method of the electrode wiring 300 and
the base substrate 100 is not limited to the adhesion using the
photo-hardening resin, and any method of adhering the electrode
wiring 300 and the base substrate 100 may be used without
limitation.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a
fifth step, the transfer film 400 on the graphene layer is removed.
FIGS. 1E and 2E show the touch panel of which the transfer film is
removed.
[0065] The transfer film 400 may include at least one of various
materials such as polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), a polyimide film, a polyurethane film, and glass, but is not
limited thereto. Also, the transfer film 400 may be a thermal
separation film that loses adherence at a certain temperature.
[0066] When the transfer film 400 is the thermal separation film
that loses adherence at a certain temperature, the fifth step may
be performed through a method of heating the touch panel adhered to
the transfer film 400 to more than the temperature at which the
transfer film loses adhesion properties. Thus, when using the
thermal separation film as the transfer film 400 and the transfer
film 400 is heated, the adherence of the transfer film is
eliminated such that the transfer film may be easily separated from
the graphene 200.
[0067] As described above, the manufacturing method of the touch
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
does not remove the metal substrate used when forming the graphene
but uses it as the wiring of the touch panel through the
patterning, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the
touch panel.
[0068] A manufacturing process of a touch panel according to a
comparative example to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A
to 5G.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5G, in the manufacturing process of
the touch panel according to the comparative example to the present
invention, the step of removing the metal catalytic layer 310 used
when forming the graphene and the step of forming the metal layer
320 to form the metal electrode wiring for the touch panel are
separated such that there are a total of seven steps in the
comparative example.
[0070] That is, the manufacturing method of the touch panel
according to the comparative example of the present invention
includes a step (step A, FIG. 5A) of forming the graphene 200 on
the metal substrate 310, a step (step B, FIG. 5B) of adhering the
transfer film 400 on the graphene, a step (step C, FIG. 5C) of
removing the metal substrate 310, a step (step D, FIG. 5D) of
transferring the graphene 200 to the base substrate 100, a step
(step E, FIG. 5E) of removing the transfer film 400, a step (step
F, FIG. 5F) of forming a metal layer 320 on the graphene 200, and a
step (step G, FIG. 5G) of patterning the metal layer 320 to form
the electrode wiring 300.
[0071] This method separately includes the step (step C) of
removing the metal substrate 310 and the step (step F) of forming
the metal layer 320 on the graphene such that the manufacturing
process is more complicated than that according exemplary
embodiments of the present invention.
[0072] However, the manufacturing method of the touch panel
according exemplary embodiments of the present invention does not
remove the metal substrate used as the catalytic layer when forming
the graphene, and instead uses it as the wiring of the touch panel
through the patterning, thereby simplifying the manufacturing
process of the touch panel.
[0073] Next, a manufacturing method of a touch panel according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4C.
FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views sequentially showing a
manufacturing process of a touch panel according to the current
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4A to 4C are
views sequentially showing a manufacturing process of a touch panel
according to the current exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the
first step, the graphene 200 and the transparent electrode are
formed on the metal substrate 310. FIGS. 3A and 4A show the first
step.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4A, the graphene 200 is formed on the
metal substrate 310. The formed graphene 200 may be patterned in a
shape. In FIG. 4A, a plurality of graphene shapes of the quadrangle
grid-shape are formed, however the embodiments are not limited
thereto. For example, the pattern of the graphene may be the grid
shape of various shapes such as the quadrangular, circular,
rectangular, and honey comb (hexagonal) type. Further, the graphene
may be formed as one structure without division.
[0076] Since the metal substrate 310 is later patterned to function
as wiring for the touch panel, an appropriate material is selected.
In detail, the metal substrate 310 may include the single layer of
nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag),
titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), combinations thereof,
the double layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver (Ag), or the triple
layer of silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper (Cu). However, these are
examples, and the material of the metal substrate is not limited
thereto.
[0077] In the first step, graphene 200 is formed on the metal
substrate 310. For example, the graphene 200 may be formed on the
metal substrate 310 through the CVD (chemical vapor deposition)
method, or an oxidized graphene may be coated on the substrate 310
and may then be reduced into the graphene layer. However, the
method of forming graphene 200 is not limited thereto and may
include any method of graphene formation.
[0078] For example, the graphene 200 may be formed through the
chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The chemical vapor
deposition method is a method of synthesizing the graphene by using
the transition metal that easily absorbs carbon as the catalytic
layer at a high temperature. That is, the mixed gas is supplied to
the substrate 310 formed with the metal layer including nickel (Ni)
or copper (Cu) to be used as the catalytic layer, and the graphene
200 is formed from the surface of the metal layer. For example, if
the mixed gas of methane and hydrogen is supplied into a reaction
chamber at a high temperature of about 800.degree. C. to
1000.degree. C., carbon atoms are absorbed on the metal substrate
of the catalytic layer, thereby generating the graphene.
[0079] In the first step, the graphene 200 may be patterned to
function as an electrode element of the touch sensor. The
patterning of the graphene may use a photolithography technique,
but is not limited thereto.
[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the patterning of the
graphene may be performed by using the transfer sacrificial layer.
The transfer sacrificial layer includes a polymer material having
reactivity to a light source. For example, the transfer sacrificial
layer may include PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) having reactivity
to an electron beam. The transfer sacrificial layer is patterned by
using electron beam lithography. The underlying graphene layer is
etched using the patterned transfer sacrificial layer as an etching
mask through oxygen plasma etching, thereby obtaining the patterned
graphene layer.
[0081] The patterning method described above is only one example,
and the patterning of the graphene electrode is not limited to
thereto. The graphene may not be patterned and the graphene single
layer may be used as the electrode structure.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the
second step, the base substrate 100 is adhered to the graphene
electrode. FIGS. 3B and 4B show the touch panel on which the base
substrate 100 is adhered.
[0083] The base substrate 100 may include polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfonate (PES),
a cyclic olefin polymer (COC), a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, a
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene
(PS), biaxially oriented polystyrene (BOPS) including K resin,
glass, and/or tempered glass, but it is not limited thereto.
[0084] The base substrate 100 may be an upper substrate of the
display panel. That is, the graphene 200 may be adhered to the
upper substrate of the display panel without the additional base
substrate. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display panel
(LCD) panel, an electrophoretic display panel (EDP), an organic
light emitting diode (OLED) panel, or a plasma display panel (PDP),
and a kind of the upper substrate may be changed according to the
panel. At this time, the upper substrate of each panel becomes the
base substrate 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0085] In the second step, an additional adhesion process adheres
the graphene electrode 200 and the base substrate 100 to each
other.
[0086] The graphene electrode 200 and the base substrate 100 may be
adhered by using a photo-hardening resin. That is, at least one of
a polyester-based, epoxy-based, urethane-based, polyether-based,
polyacryl-based, acryl-based, and siloxane-based resin may be
coated on adhesion surfaces of the graphene electrode and the base
substrate, and UV rays may be radiated to adhere them to each
other.
[0087] The adhesion method of the graphene electrode 200 and the
base substrate 100 is not limited to the adhesion using the
photo-hardening, and any method of adhering the graphene electrode
200 and the base substrate 100 may be used without limitation.
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the
third step, the metal substrate 310 is patterned to form the
electrode wiring 300. FIGS. 3C and 4C show the touch panel in which
the metal substrate 310 is patterned to form the electrode wiring
300.
[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
metal substrate 310 used in the formation process of the graphene
is not removed after forming the graphene, but is used as the
electrode wiring 300 after patterning. Accordingly, the metal
substrate 310 used when forming the graphene and the electrode
wiring 300 are the same material. That is, the electrode wiring 300
is formed by patterning the metal substrate 310 such that the
electrode wiring 300 may include the single layer of nickel (Ni),
copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti),
palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), or combinations thereof, the double
layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver (Ag), and/or the triple layer of
silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper (Cu).
[0090] When the metal substrate 310 is patterned into the electrode
wiring 300, the metal substrate may be patterned into the electrode
wiring by using etching of a dry or wet type. The etching method
and a composition of the etchant may be changed according to a kind
of the metal. However, this is merely an example, and any method of
metal patterning may be used.
[0091] The metal substrate 310 is patterned with the general shape
of the electrode wiring 300. That is, the electrode wiring 300 may
be connected to one side or both sides of the graphene electrode.
One end of the electrode wiring is connected to the graphene
electrode, and the other end is connected to the controller. In an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the metal substrate
310 on the graphene electrode is patterned to form the electrode
wiring 300 such that the electrode wiring 300 and the graphene 200
contact each other on the graphene 200.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 4C, the electrode wiring 300 is
respectively connected to each graphene electrode 200, continues in
a direction parallel to the edge of the panel, and is grouped into
one side where the controller is positioned.
[0093] As described above, the manufacturing method of the touch
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
does not remove the metal layer when forming the graphene, but is
instead patterned to be the electrode wiring, thereby simplifying
the manufacturing process. Also, the graphene formed on the metal
catalytic layer is not transferred onto the different material such
that the adhering process and the removing process of the transfer
film are omitted, thereby simplifying the manufacturing
process.
[0094] Next, the touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are
views of a touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the electrode wiring 300
is disposed on the base substrate 100.
[0096] The base substrate 100 may be formed of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfonate (PES),
a cyclic olefin polymer (COC), a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, a
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene
(PS), biaxially oriented polystyrene (BOPS) including K resin,
glass, and/or tempered glass, but it is not limited thereto.
[0097] Also, the base substrate 100 may be an upper substrate of
the display panel. That is, the graphene 200 may be adhered to the
upper substrate of the display panel without an additional base
substrate. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel, an electrophoretic display panel (EDP), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED) panel, and a plasma display panel (PDP), and
a kind of the upper substrate may be changed according to the
panel. At this time, the upper substrate of each panel becomes the
base substrate 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0098] The electrode wiring 300 may be formed by patterning the
metal substrate 310 such that the electrode wiring 300 may include
a single layer of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), gold
(Au), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), or
combinations thereof, the double layer of molybdenum (Mo)/silver
(Ag), or the triple layer of silver (Ag)/palladium (Pd)/copper
(Cu). One end of the electrode wiring 300 is connected to the
graphene electrode 200 at the bottom surface of the graphene
electrode 200, and the other end thereof is connected to the
controller.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 6B, the electrode wiring 300 is connected
to graphene 200, continues in a direction parallel to the edge of
the panel, and is grouped into one side where the controller is
disposed. The electrode wiring 300 is connected to a lower portion
of the graphene electrode 200.
[0100] An adhesive layer (not shown) is disposed between the base
substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300 to adhere the base
substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300 together. The adhesive
layer may include at least one resin selected from a group
including a polyester-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a
urethane-based resin, a polyether-based resin, a polyacryl-based
resin, an acryl-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, and
combinations thereof.
[0101] The graphene electrode 200 is positioned on the electrode
wiring 300. The graphene electrode 200 may be patterned in various
shapes. In FIG. 6B, the graphene having a quadrangle grid-shape is
disposed in plural. However, the embodiments are not limited
thereto. For example, the pattern of the graphene may have a
grid-shape such as quadrangular, circular, rectangular, and/or a
honeycomb (hexagonal) types. Also, the graphene may be formed of
one structure without division. Alternatively, the graphene may not
be patterned, and the graphene single layer of the mesh structure
may be used as the electrode structure.
[0102] Next, a touch panel according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7A and
FIG. 7B are views of a touch panel according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the graphene electrode 200
is disposed on the base substrate 100.
[0104] The base substrate may be formed of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether sulfonate (PES),
a cyclic olefin polymer (COC), a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film, a
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film, polystyrene
(PS), biaxially oriented polystyrene (BOPS) including K resin,
glass, and/or tempered glass, but it is not limited thereto.
[0105] The graphene electrode 200 is disposed on the base
substrate. The graphene electrode 200 may be patterned with the
various shapes. In FIG. 7B, the graphene having a quadrangle
grid-shape is disposed in plural. However, the embodiments are not
limited thereto. For example, the pattern of the graphene may be a
grid shape such as quadrangular, circular, rectangular, and/or
honeycomb (hexagonal) types. Also, the graphene may be formed of
one structure without division. Alternatively, the graphene may not
be patterned, and the graphene single layer of the mesh structure
may be used as the electrode structure as it is.
[0106] The adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between the
base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200 to adhere of the
base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200 together. The
adhesive layer may include at least one resin selected from a group
including a polyester-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a
urethane-based resin, a polyether-based resin, a polyacryl-based
resin, an acryl-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, and
combinations thereof.
[0107] The electrode wiring 300 is disposed on the graphene
electrode 200. The electrode wiring 300 may be formed by patterning
the metal substrate 310 such that the electrode wiring 300 may also
include the single layer of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum
(Al), gold (Au), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd),
chromium (Cr), combinations thereof, the double layer of molybdenum
(Mo)/silver (Ag), or the triple layer of silver (Ag)/palladium
(Pd)/copper (Cu). One end of the electrode wiring 300 is connected
to the graphene electrode 200 at the top surface of the graphene
electrode 200, and the other end is connected to the controller.
The electrode wiring 300 and the graphene 200 contact each other at
the top surface of the graphene 200.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 7B, the electrode wiring 300 is connected
to each graphene 200, continues in a direction parallel to the edge
of the panel, and is grouped into one side where the controller is
positioned.
[0109] Next, a display device including a touch panel according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are views of
a liquid crystal display including a touch panel according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11
are views of an organic light emitting diode display including a
touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0110] As described above, the touch panel according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention may adhere the
graphene to the upper substrate of the display panel by using the
upper substrate of the display panel as the base substrate.
[0111] The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel, an electrophoretic display panel (EDP), an organic light
emitting diode (OLED) panel, or a plasma display panel (PDP). The
kind of the upper substrate may be changed according to the
panel.
[0112] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are views of the liquid crystal display
including the touch panel according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. The description of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is the
same as described above. The detailed description for similar
constituent elements is omitted.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, a liquid crystal panel 40 including a
lower substrate 110, an upper substrate 100, and a liquid crystal
layer 3 interposed between the two substrates. The lower substrate
110 includes a plurality of pixel areas. A gate line (not shown)
extending in a first direction, a data line (not shown) extending
in a second direction intersecting the first direction and
insulated from the gate line, and a pixel electrode (not shown) may
be formed in each pixel area. Also, a thin film transistor (not
shown) electrically connected to the gate line and the data line
and electrically connected to the corresponding pixel electrode may
be provided in each pixel. The thin film transistor may provide a
driving signal to a side of the corresponding pixel electrode. A
driver IC (not shown) may be formed at one side of the first
substrate. The driver IC may receive various signals from the
outside, and may output the driving signal driving the display
panel 40 to a side of the thin film transistor in response to the
various input control signals.
[0114] The upper substrate 100 may include RGB color filters
generating predetermined colors by using light provided from a
backlight unit (not shown) on one surface, and a common electrode
(not shown) formed on the RGB color filters and facing the pixel
electrode. The RGB color filters may be formed through a thin film
process. The color filters are formed at the upper substrate in an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, but it is not
limited thereto. For example, the color filters may be formed on
the lower substrate. Further, the common electrode of the upper
substrate may be formed at the lower substrate.
[0115] The liquid crystal layer 3 is arranged with a predetermined
orientation by the voltage applied to the pixel electrode and the
common electrode such that transmittance of the light provided from
the backlight unit is changed, thereby displaying the image through
the display panel 40. In the case that the backlight unit does not
exist, the transmittance of the light incident to the front surface
of the display panel and reflected is controlled, thereby
displaying the images.
[0116] The electrode wiring 300 is disposed on the upper substrate
100 of the liquid crystal panel 40. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the upper substrate 100 becomes the base substrate. An
adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between the base
substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300 to adhere the base
substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300. The graphene electrode
200 is positioned on the electrode wiring 300. The detailed
description of the base substrate 100, the graphene electrode 200,
the adhesive layer, and the electrode wiring 300 is the same as
that described above.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 9, the graphene electrode 200 is disposed
on the upper substrate 100 of the liquid crystal panel 40. In the
present exemplary embodiment, the upper substrate 100 is the base
substrate. An adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between
the base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200 to adhere the
base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200 to each other.
The electrode wiring 300 is disposed on the graphene electrode 200.
The detailed description of the liquid crystal panel 40, the base
substrate 100, the graphene electrode 200, the adhesive layer, and
the electrode wiring 300 is the same as described above.
[0118] In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the liquid crystal panel 40 is simply
shown, and in the present invention, the liquid crystal panel 40 of
various structures may be used.
[0119] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are views of an organic light emitting
diode display including a touch panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The description of the touch
panel of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is the same as described above. The
detailed description for similar constituent elements is
omitted.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 10, an organic light emitting panel 50
including the lower substrate 110, a semiconductor layer 120, an
organic emission layer 130, and the upper substrate 100 is
provided. The semiconductor layer 120 may include a polysilicon or
oxide semiconductor, and the semiconductor layer 120 may include a
gate insulating layer, a gate line, a data line, and a pixel
electrode formed on a semiconductor. The semiconductor layer 120
may include the thin film transistor, and may include a driving
transistor supplying a current to the organic emission layer 130.
The organic emission layer 130 may include a plurality of layers
including one or more of an emission layer, a hole-injection layer
(HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer
(ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL). If the organic
emission layer 130 includes all of them, the hole injection layer
(HIL) may be placed on a pixel electrode, that is, an anode, and
the hole transport layer (HTL), the emission layer, the electron
transport layer (ETL), and the electron injection layer (EIL) may
be sequentially stacked over the hole injection layer (HIL). The
emission layer may be made of an organic material emitting one
light among primary colors such as three primary colors of red,
green, and blue.
[0121] The electrode wiring 300 is disposed on the upper substrate
100 of the organic light emitting panel 50. In the present
exemplary embodiment, the upper substrate 100 is the base
substrate. An adhesive layer (not shown) may be disposed between
the base substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300 to adhere the
base substrate 100 and the electrode wiring 300 to each other. The
graphene electrode 200 is disposed on the electrode wiring 300. The
detailed description of the base substrate 100, the graphene
electrode 200, the adhesive layer, and the electrode wiring 300 is
the same as described above.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 11, the graphene electrode 200 is disposed
on the upper substrate 100 of the organic light emitting panel 50.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the upper substrate 100 is the
base substrate. An adhesive layer (not shown) is disposed between
the base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200 to adhere the
base substrate 100 and the graphene electrode 200. The electrode
wiring 300 is disposed on the graphene electrode 200. The detailed
description of the organic light emitting panel 50, the base
substrate 100, the graphene electrode 200, the adhesive layer, and
the electrode wiring 300 is the same as described above.
[0123] In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the organic light emitting panel 50
is simply shown, but in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the organic light emitting panel 50 of various
structures may be used.
[0124] While this invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *