U.S. patent application number 15/125494 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for film member for electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is ELK CORPORATION, SAMWON ST. Invention is credited to Chul PARK.
Application Number | 20170075386 15/125494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54072112 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170075386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Chul |
March 16, 2017 |
FILM MEMBER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed is a film member for an electronic device capable of
preventing malfunction of an electrostatic touch screen and
expressing a design characteristic of unique texture. The film
member used for the electrostatic touch screen of the electronic
device having the electrostatic touch screen, includes: a
transparent film; and a window decoration made of a metallic
material and provided on one surface of the transparent film,
wherein the window decoration includes a plurality of metallic thin
film figures which are electrically insulated from each other.
Inventors: |
PARK; Chul; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMWON ST
ELK CORPORATION |
Chungcheongbuk-do
Daejeon |
|
KR
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
54072112 |
Appl. No.: |
15/125494 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
March 12, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2015/002424 |
371 Date: |
September 12, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0412 20130101;
G06F 3/04164 20190501; G06F 3/0446 20190501; G06F 3/0416 20130101;
G06F 2203/04103 20130101; G06F 1/1643 20130101; G06F 3/044
20130101; G06F 1/1637 20130101; G06F 3/0418 20130101; G06F 1/1626
20130101; G06F 2203/04107 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0028750 |
Apr 1, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0038445 |
May 2, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0053301 |
Jun 13, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0071775 |
Jul 21, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0091978 |
Nov 28, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0167942 |
Nov 28, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0167944 |
Claims
1. A film member for an electronic device used for an electrostatic
touch screen in the electronic device having the electrostatic
touch screen, the film member comprising: a transparent film; and a
window decoration made of a metallic material and provided on one
surface of the transparent film, wherein the window decoration
includes a plurality of metallic thin film figures electrically
insulated from each other.
2. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, finely
curved parts corresponding the window decoration are formed on the
transparent film.
3. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, wherein the
finely curved parts are formed on one surface of the transparent
film and the window decoration is provided on the one surface of
the transparent film to cover the finely curved parts.
4. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, wherein the
finely curved parts are provided on the other surface of the
transparent film.
5. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, wherein the
finely curved parts are provided on one surface of the transparent
film to cover the window decoration.
6. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, wherein a
flat part is provided between the outermost edge of the transparent
film and the finely curved parts.
7. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, wherein the
finely curved parts are formed by processing the surface of the
transparent film by using at least one processing method of
sandblasting, etching, plasma etching, laser processing, and
mechanical processing or provided by forming a polymer resin layer
having a curve on the surface of the transparent film or a
scattering layer including micro beads.
8. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of metallic thin film figures is formed by at least one
form of polygons, circles, ovals, and hairlines which are
electrically insulated from each other.
9. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of metallic thin film figures is formed to have any one
of a width, a horizontal length, a diameter, a long axis, or a
short axis which is relatively smaller than a pitch distance as a
distance where the signal lines of the touch screen are spaced
apart from each other, and the signal lines of the touch screen are
disposed on different metallic thin film figure areas which are
electrically insulated from each other in the pitch distance
direction, respectively.
10. The film member for an electronic device of claim 9, wherein
the plurality of metallic thin film figures has any one of a width,
a horizontal length, a diameter, a long axis, or a short axis
within 1/2 of the pitch distance.
11. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of metallic thin film figures have sizes of 0.1 .mu.m
to 0.5 mm and thicknesses of 10 to 500 nm.
12. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein
the plurality of metallic thin film figures is provided in a
single-layered or multilayered structure by using at least one of
chromium, aluminum, tin, palladium, molybdenum, and copper.
13. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, further
comprising: a printing layer formed on the lower surface of the
window decoration.
14. The film member for an electronic device of claim 13, wherein
the printing layer is made of an electric conductive material.
15. The film member for an electronic device of claim 14, wherein
the printing layer has a specific resistance larger than 1
.OMEGA.cm.
16. The film member for an electronic device of claim 14, wherein
the printing layer is connected to a ground of the electronic
device.
17. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, further
comprising: a metal line formed along the outermost edge of the
transparent film.
18. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, further
comprising: an oxide thin film layer formed on the transparent
film, wherein the window decoration is formed on the surface of the
oxide thin film layer.
19. The film member for an electronic device of claim 2, further
comprising: an inorganic thin film coating layer formed to cover
the finely curved parts.
20. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, further
comprising: a protective coating layer formed on one surface of the
transparent film to cover the window decoration.
21. The film member for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein
the transparent film is provided to be laminated on cover glass of
the electronic device, and the window decoration is formed on the
cover glass to be provided on one surface of the transparent film.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a film member for an
electronic device, and more particularly, to a film member for an
electronic device having a window decoration made of a metallic
material capable of preventing malfunction of a touch screen.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, in devices installed with a touch screen in
electronic devices, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop,
a monitor, and the like having a touch screen, a transparent cover
is attached to the front surface of the touch screen.
[0003] Further, a window decoration may be formed at the edge of
the transparent cover. The window decoration may be provided as a
use of covering non-transparent components disposed therebelow, for
example, a wire member (not illustrated) and a circuit board (not
illustrated) which are disposed at the edge of a touch panel
sensor, and formed by a general printing process and the like.
[0004] Meanwhile, recently, the performance of the electronic
device is important, but an external design of the electronic
device us equally important. For example, according to a survey
focused on purchasers, it is shown that the first thing considered
when purchasing products is just a `design`. It is a result that
the external design of the product has a large effect on the
purchase of the product as much as that.
[0005] The window decoration plays a basic role of covering the
non-transparent components disposed therebelow and may express the
external design of the electronic device. To this end, recently,
various studies for window decoration materials capable of having
unique design effects have been conducted so as to satisfy the
rapidly changing needs of consumers.
[0006] As an example, recently, various attempts for forming the
window decoration by color printing or with novel materials such as
oxide multicoating have been conducted.
[0007] Meanwhile, when a metallic material is used as the material
of the window decoration, a unique design characteristic of metal
texture may be expressed by using the window decoration. However,
when the window decoration is formed of a metallic material, there
is a problem in that malfunction of the touch screen is caused by a
unique electric characteristic of the metal.
[0008] Particularly, in the case where the window decoration made
of a metallic material is used, when a touch operation is performed
at the edge of an electrostatic touch screen adjacent to the window
decoration, there are problems in that it is difficult to
accurately sense the touch operation of the electrostatic touch
screen by an electric effect of the window decoration and undesired
malfunction is caused.
[0009] Further, since a plurality of wire members transferring a
touch signal of the electrostatic touch screen is disposed below
the metallic window decoration, even in the case where the touch
operation is performed at the center other than the edge of the
electrostatic touch screen, there are problems in that interference
occurs by the electric characteristic of the window decoration or
malfunction occurs by transferring the signal to another undesired
wire member, when the signal by the touch operation is transferred
according to a specific wire member.
[0010] Accordingly, recently, various studies for the window
decoration capable of preventing malfunction of the touch screen
and expressing the unique design characteristic have been
conducted, but are not yet sufficient and thus the development
thereof has been required.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0011] The present invention is directed to provide a film member
for an electronic device capable of preventing malfunction of a
touch screen and expressing a design characteristic of unique
texture.
[0012] Particularly, the present invention is also directed to
provide a film member for an electronic device having a window
decoration capable of expressing a design characteristic of metal
texture by using a metallic material and preventing malfunction of
an electrostatic touch screen.
[0013] Further, the present invention is also directed to provide a
film member for an electronic device capable of preventing
reflection of light caused by the metal window decoration by
forming finely curved parts and a flat part on the transparent film
and expressing an advanced and unique design effect by reflecting
the light at the outermost edge.
[0014] Further, the present invention is also directed to provide a
film member for an electronic device capable of preventing
malfunction of an electrostatic touch screen by preventing charges
from being accumulated in the metal window decoration.
[0015] Further, the present invention is also directed to provide a
film member for an electronic device capable of improving a window
decoration effect by forming the window decoration in a
multilayered metal structure.
[0016] Further, the present invention is also directed to provide a
film member for an electronic device capable of improving a product
value, contributing to the advanced product, and enhancing the
satisfaction of consumers.
Technical Solution
[0017] One aspect of the present invention provides a film member
for an electronic device in the film member used for an
electrostatic touch screen in the electronic device having the
electrostatic touch screen, the film member comprising: a
transparent film; and a window decoration made of a metallic
material and provided on one surface of the transparent film, in
which the window decoration includes a plurality of metallic thin
film figures electrically insulated from each other.
[0018] For reference, in the present invention, the film member may
be understood as a meaning including both a film member disposed on
the outermost front surface of the touch screen to be directly
exposed to the outside and a film member configuring an LCD panel
in an in-cell or on-cell type touch screen. Further, the film
member of the present invention may be attached on the front
surface or the bottom of a case of the electronic device or
integrated with the case by a double injection method when
injection-molding the case, and may be used as a protective film
having an adhesive.
[0019] The window decoration is formed by a plurality of metallic
thin film figures which is electrically insulated from each other.
For reference, the metallic thin film figures may be understood as
a meaning including at least one shape of polygons, circles, ovals,
and hairlines.
[0020] The sizes of the metallic thin film figures may be
appropriately changed depending on requirements and design
specifications. Preferably, the metallic thin film figures may be
provided with sizes capable of minimizing interference in an
operation of the touch screen.
[0021] As an example, the plurality of metallic thin film figures
may be formed to have any one of a width, a horizontal length, a
diameter, a long axis, or a short axis which is relatively smaller
than a pitch distance as a distance where the signal lines of the
touch screen are spaced apart from each other, and the signal lines
of the touch screen may be disposed on different metallic thin film
shape areas which are electrically insulated from each other in the
pitch distance direction, respectively. More particularly, the
plurality of metallic thin film figures may be formed to have any
one of a width, a horizontal length, a diameter, a long axis, or a
short axis within 1/2 of the pitch distance. The plurality of
metallic thin film figures may be formed to have sizes of 0.1 .mu.m
to 0.5 mm. In such a structure, different signal lines may be
disposed in the metallic thin film figures which are electrically
insulated from each other along the pitch distances to prevent
interference caused by the metallic thin film figures made of the
metal.
[0022] The finely curved parts corresponding to the window
decoration may be formed on the transparent film so as to prevent
reflection (a reflective mirror effect) of light caused when the
window decoration is made of the metal.
[0023] For reference, in the present invention, the case where that
the finely curved parts corresponding to the window decoration are
formed on the transparent film may be understood as the case where
the window decoration and the finely curved parts are disposed in
an overlapped area in planar projection.
[0024] The finely curved parts may be formed on one surface or the
other surface of the transparent film according to requirements and
design specifications. As an example, the finely curved parts may
be formed on the lower surface (one surface) of the transparent
film and the window decoration may be formed on one surface of the
transparent film to cover the finely curved parts. In some cases,
the window decoration may be formed on the lower surface of the
transparent film and the finely curved parts may be formed on the
upper surface of the transparent film. Unlike this, the finely
curved parts may be provided on one surface of the transparent film
to cover the window decoration.
[0025] Further, a non-processed flat part may be provided between
the outermost edge and the transparent film and the finely curved
parts. Herein, the flat part may be understood as a flat portion
where the finely curved parts are not formed (not processed or not
treated).
[0026] Further, the film member for the electronic device may
further include a printing layer formed on the lower surface of the
window decoration. The printing layer may express a new design
effect through a texture difference from the metallic thin film
figures in addition to a light leakage prevention effect.
[0027] Furthermore, the printing layer may be made of an electric
conductive material to prevent static electricity from being
accumulated in the metallic thin film figures, and preferably, the
printing layer may be made of a high resistive material of which
the specific resistance is larger than 1 .OMEGA.cm. Further, the
printing layer may be connected to a ground of the electronic
device so that the static electricity accumulated in the printing
layer is discharged.
[0028] Further, the film member according to the present invention
may further include a metal line formed along the outermost edge of
the transparent film, an oxide thin film layer formed on the
transparent film, an inorganic thin film layer formed to cover the
finely curved parts, and a protective coating layer formed to cover
the window decoration.
Advantageous Effects
[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to
prevent malfunction of a touch screen while expressing a design
characteristic of metal texture by using the window decoration
including the plurality of metallic thin film figures.
[0030] Particularly, it is possible to prevent malfunction
according to interference caused by a metallic characteristic and
mis-transmission of the signal while expressing an advanced design
characteristic of metal texture by using a plurality of metallic
thin film figures which is electrically insulated from each other
as the window decoration.
[0031] Further, the finely curved parts are formed on the
transparent film to prevent reflection (a reflective mirror effect)
of light caused when the window decoration is made of the
metal.
[0032] Further, the finely curved parts and the window decoration
made of the metal are formed on different surfaces of the
transparent film and the light incident to the transparent film may
be first scattered while passing through the finely curved parts to
minimize reflecting of light caused by the window decoration.
[0033] Further, since the finely curved parts serving as the
scattering layer where the light is scattered and the flat part
serving as a mirror surface where the light is reflected coexist on
the transparent film, the light is reflected at the outermost edge
of the transparent film and the light may be scattered at the inner
edge thereof, thereby expressing an more advanced and unique design
effect.
[0034] Further, the high-resistive printing layer is formed to
cover the window decoration to prevent malfunction of the touch
screen caused by accumulating charges in the window decoration made
of the metal. Further, the static electricity accumulated through
the printing layer flows out to the ground of the electronic device
to prevent malfunction of the touch screen caused by the static
electricity.
[0035] Further, the window decoration is formed in a multilayered
metal structure to more improve the window decoration effect.
[0036] Further, it is possible to improve a design characteristic
and improve a product value. Therefore, it is possible to
contribute to the advanced product and enhance satisfaction of
customers.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a film member for an
electronic device according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a window decoration as
the film member for the electronic device according to the present
invention.
[0039] FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams for describing a method for
manufacturing a film member for an electronic device according to
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a film member for an
electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams for describing a method for
manufacturing a film member for an electronic device according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a film member for an
electronic device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a metal line, as the
film member for the electronic device according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an oxide thin film layer
as the film member for the electronic device according the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an inorganic thin film
layer as the film member for the electronic device according the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a protective coating
layer as the film member for the electronic device according the
present invention.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a laminated structure
with the transparent film, as the film member for the electronic
device according the present invention.
MODES OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, but the present invention is not limited by the exemplary
embodiments. For reference, in the present invention, like
reference numerals designate substantially like constituent
elements, the contents disclosed in different drawings under the
rule can be cited and described, and the contents which are
determined to be apparent to those skilled in the art or repeated
can be omitted.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a film member for an
electronic device according to the present invention and FIG. 2 is
a diagram for describing a window decoration as the film member for
the electronic device according to the present invention. Further,
FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams for describing a method for manufacturing
the film member for the electronic device according to the present
invention.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a film member 10 for an
electronic device according to the present invention includes a
transparent film 100 and a window decoration 200.
[0051] For reference, in the present invention, the electronic
device may include a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, a laptop
computer, a monitor, and the like which have an electrostatic touch
screen 500, and the present invention is not limited or restricted
by a type and a characteristic of electronic device.
[0052] The film member 10 is installed on the front surface of the
touch screen 500, and the window decoration 200 is formed at the
edge of the film member 10 to be used for covering a wire member
(not illustrated) and a circuit board (not illustrated) which are
disposed at the edge of the touch screen 500.
[0053] For reference, in the present invention, as the touch screen
500, a general electrostatic touch screen 500 capable of
static-electrically sensing a touch operation may be used. As an
example, the electrostatic touch screen 500 may include a
transmitter line 510 and a receiver line 520 which are disposed in
a laminated structure and signals of the electrodes 510 and 520 may
be transmitted through signal lines (wires) 512 and 522 connected
to the respective electrodes. For reference, the transmitter
electrode and the receiver electrode may be provided as a structure
using a single or a plurality of films or coating layers, and the
present invention is not limited or restricted by the laminated
structure of each electrode. In other words, the respective
electrodes may be formed on a single film (coating layer) or
different films (coating layers) in a general laminated
structure.
[0054] The transparent film 100 may be made of a general plastic
material such as polycarbonate having transmissivity and excellent
strength, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by
a material and a characteristic of the transparent film 100. For
reference, the transparent film may be disposed on the front
surface of the touch screen to be directly exposed to the outside,
but in some cases, other substrates can be laminated on the front
surface of the transparent film.
[0055] The window decoration 200 is made of a metallic material and
formed on one surface of the transparent film 100. Herein, one
surface of the transparent film 100 may be understood as a meaning
including both the lower surface and the upper surface of the
transparent film 100. Hereinafter, an example in which the window
decoration 200 is formed on the lower surface of the transparent
film 100 will be described.
[0056] More particularly, the window decoration 200 is formed by a
plurality of metallic thin film figures 203 which are electrically
insulated from each other. For reference, the metallic thin film
figures 203 may be understood as a meaning including at least one
shape of a polygon, a circle, an oval, and a hairline.
[0057] As such, in the present invention, the window decoration 200
formed by the plurality of metallic thin film figures 203 which is
electrically insulated from each other is formed, thereby
expressing a design characteristic of metal texture through the
window decoration 200 and preventing malfunction according to
interference and mistransmission of the signals caused when the
window decoration 200 is made of a metallic material.
[0058] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the film member 10
for the electronic device according to the present invention will
be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.
[0059] The method for manufacturing the film member 10 for the
electronic device having the electrostatic touch screen 500
according to the present invention includes providing the
transparent film 100, and forming the window decoration 200 made of
a metallic material on one surface of the transparent film 100. The
window decoration 200 is provided by including the plurality of
metallic thin film figures 203 which is electrically insulated from
each other.
[0060] The window decoration 200 including the metallic thin film
figures 203 may be formed by various methods according to
requirements.
[0061] As an example, referring to FIG. 3, first, the transparent
film 100 is provided, a metallic thin film layer 201 is formed on
the transparent film 100, and then the metallic thin film layer 201
is partially removed to form the metallic thin film figures
203.
[0062] The metallic thin film layer 201 may be formed on the
surface of the transparent film 100 by a general method including
thermal deposition, e-beam deposition, sputtering, and the like.
The present invention is not limited or restricted by a kind and a
characteristic of the material forming the metallic thin film layer
201. As an example, the metallic thin film layer 201 may be formed
in a single-layered or multilayered structure by using at least one
of chromium, aluminum, tin, palladium, molybdenum, and copper.
Preferably, the metallic thin film layer 201 may be formed with a
thickness of 10 to 500 nm.
[0063] In some cases, before the metallic thin film layer is
formed, an oxide thin film layer such as alumina (Al.sub.2O.sub.3),
silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), and titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) is
coated on the surface of the transparent film, and then the
metallic thin film layer may be formed on the surface of the oxide
thin film.
[0064] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention
described and illustrated above, an example in which the metallic
thin film layer 201 is formed by a single metal layer is described.
However, in some cases, the metallic thin film layer may be
provided in a multilayered structure made of different or similar
materials, and the metallic thin film figures formed by removing
the metallic thin film layer may also be provided in the
multilayered metal structure.
[0065] Thereafter, after a mask layer (not illustrated) is formed
on the surface of the metallic thin film layer 201, the metallic
thin film layer 201 is partially etched by using the mask layer to
form the plurality of metallic thin film figures 203 which is
insulated from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 4. For reference,
the plurality of metallic thin film figures 203 may be formed by a
general photolithography process. Further, when the metallic thin
film figures 203 are formed, a screen area may be etched
together.
[0066] The plurality of metallic thin film figures 203 may be
spaced apart from each other to correspond to the mask layer in the
etching process, and the metallic thin film figures 203 may be
spaced apart from each other to be electrically insulated from each
other. By such a structure, the metallic thin film figures 203 may
be electrically insulated from each other, and a radio signal of
the touch screen 500 may be prevented from being transferred to
other adjacent signals through the metallic thin film figures 203.
Furthermore, the mask layer used for etching the metallic thin film
figures may be removed before a printing layer is formed, but in
some cases, the printing layer may be formed without removing the
mask layer.
[0067] For reference, in the present invention, an example in which
the metallic thin film figures 203 are formed in quadrangular
shapes will be described. In some cases, the metallic thin film
figures may be formed in other polygonal shapes such as triangles
and hexagons or formed in shapes such as circles, ovals, or
amorphous shapes. Unlike this, the metallic thin film figures may
be formed in hairline shapes.
[0068] Meanwhile, the sizes of the metallic thin film figures 203
may be appropriately changed depending on requirements and design
specifications.
[0069] Preferably, the metallic thin film figures 203 may be
provided with sizes capable of minimizing interference in the touch
panel sensor.
[0070] Preferably, referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of metallic
thin film figures 203 is formed to have relatively smaller sizes
than pitch distances which are separation distances between the
signal lines (for example, 512) of the touch screen. The signal
lines (for example, 512) of the touch screen may be disposed on
different metallic thin film shape areas which are electrically
insulated from each other in pitch distance directions,
respectively. In other words, different signal lines may be
disposed in the metallic thin film figures which are electrically
insulated from each other along the pitch distances to prevent
interference caused by the metallic thin film figures made of the
metal.
[0071] Herein, the case where the metallic thin film shape has a
relatively smaller size than the pitch distance between the signal
lines of the touch screen may be understood as the case where a
horizontal length W (alternatively, a width, a diameter, a long
axis, and a short axis) of the metallic thin film shape has a
relatively smaller size (P>W) than a separation distance between
any one signal line and the other signal line which are adjacent to
each other. Meanwhile, a vertical length (a length in a
perpendicular direction to the pitch distance direction) of the
metallic thin film shape may be provided with various sizes
regardless of the pitch distance between the signal lines.
[0072] Preferably, in order to prevent signal interference of the
touch screen 500, the size of the metallic thin film shape 300 may
be formed within 1/2 of a pitch P (a separation distance between
wires) of the signal line of the touch screen 500. Generally, the
metallic thin film shape 203 having a size within approximately 1
mm may be used, but the size of the metallic thin film shape 203
may be adjusted according to the separation distance (pitch
distance) between the signal lines and other conditions. If the
pitch of the signal line (wire) of a bezel part of the touch screen
500 is 0.2 mm, the metallic thin film shape 203 may be formed to
have a width, a horizontal length, a diameter, a long axis, and a
short axis within approximately 0.1 mm. More preferably, the
plurality of metallic thin film figures may be formed to have sizes
of 0.1 .mu.m to 0.5 mm.
[0073] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the film member 10 for the
electronic device according to the present invention may include a
printing layer 300 formed on the lower surface of the window
decoration 200 to cover the window decoration 200. The printing
layer 300 may express a new design effect through a texture
difference from the metallic thin film shape 203 in addition to a
light leakage prevention effect.
[0074] The printing layer 300 may be formed through a general
silkscreen printing method and the like and provided to have a
thickness of approximately 5 to 20 mm.
[0075] Further, the printing layer 300 may prevent static
electricity from being accumulated in the metallic thin film
figures 203. To this end, the printing layer 300 may be formed of
an electrically conductive material, and preferably, the printing
layer 300 may be made of a high resistive material having a
specific resistance which is larger than 1 .OMEGA.cm.
[0076] For reference, the printing layer 300 may have electric
conductivity by adding at least one of carbon powder, metal powder,
and nanoconductive powder to printing ink. In some cases, the
printing layer may be configured to have electric conductivity by
other methods.
[0077] The printing layer 300 may be printed once or many times,
and a formation condition of the printing layer 300 may be
appropriately changed depending on requirements and design
specifications.
[0078] Meanwhile, generally, the specific resistance of the metal
is 10(-7) .OMEGA.cm, whereas the printing layer 300 has the
specific resistance of 1 .OMEGA.cm to have a very high resistance
as compared with the metal. Such a printing layer 300 having the
high resistance is characterized in that the signal of the touch
screen 500 is not interfered while the static electricity is
reduced.
[0079] Further, the printing layer 300 may be connected to a ground
of the electronic device so that the static electricity accumulated
in the printing layer 300 is discharged. As an example, the
printing layer 300 may be connected to the ground of the electronic
device through general FPCB (see 60 of FIG. 1) connection. Such a
structure allows the static electricity accumulated through the
printing layer 300 to flow out to the ground of the electronic
device, thereby preventing malfunction of the touch screen 500
caused by the static electricity.
[0080] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a film member
10 for an electronic device according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams
for describing a method for manufacturing the film member 10 for
the electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. Further, FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing
a film member 10 for an electronic device according to yet another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the
same and much the same parts as the aforementioned configurations
designate the same or much the same reference numerals, and the
detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the film member 10 for the
electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a transparent film 100 and a window
decoration 200, and finely curved parts 102 corresponding to the
window decoration 200 may be formed on the transparent film
100.
[0082] The finely curved parts 102 may be formed to prevent
reflection (a reflective mirror effect) of light caused when the
aforementioned window decoration 200 is made of the metal.
[0083] For reference, in the present invention, the case where the
finely curved parts 102 corresponding to the window decoration 200
are formed on the transparent film 100 may be understood as the
case where the window decoration 200 and the finely curved parts
102 are disposed in an overlapped area in planar projection.
[0084] The finely curved parts 102 may be formed on one surface or
the other surface of the transparent film 100 according to
requirements and design specifications. As an example, the finely
curved parts 102 may be formed on the lower surface (one surface)
of the transparent film 100, and the window decoration 200 may be
formed on one surface of the transparent film 100 to cover the
finely curved parts 102.
[0085] The finely curved parts 102 may be formed by processing the
surface of the transparent film 100 by using at least one
processing method of sandblasting, etching, plasma-etching, laser
processing, and mechanical processing, and the present invention is
not limited or restricted by the processing method of the finely
curved parts 102. In some cases, without surface processing of the
transparent film, a polymer resin layer having a curve or a
scattering layer including micro beads is formed on the surface of
the transparent film, and thus the scattering layer may serve as
the finely curved parts. The scattering layer may be provided by
mixing and then curing micro beads in a general resin such as an UV
curing resin or ink.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, first, after a masking pattern 410 is
formed on the transparent film 100 through a printing or
photomasking process, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the finely curved
parts 102 having random shapes and sizes of 1 to 10 mm may be
formed by sandblasting a part without the masking pattern 410. On
the other hand, in the case of forming the finely curved parts 102
by laser processing and the like, the finely curved parts 102 may
be formed to have regular distances and sizes.
[0087] Furthermore, the part with the finely curved parts 102 may
have a hazy effect that looks cloudy in addition to a scattering
effect in which the light is scattered.
[0088] For reference, the transparent film 100 may be provided to
correspond to at least one touch screen 500 and tailored and
provided by forming the finely curved parts 102 and then removing
the making pattern 410.
[0089] Further, a flat part 104 may be provided between the
outermost edge of the transparent film 100 and the finely curved
parts 102. Herein, the flat part 104 may be understood as a flat
portion in which the finely curved parts 102 are not formed (not
processed or not treated). For example, the flat part 104 may be
provided to have a width within approximately 1 mm so as to
minimize the reflection of light through the flat part 104.
[0090] The flat part 104 may be provided by forming the masking
pattern 410 at the portion corresponding to the flat part 104 and
removing the masking pattern 410 after forming the finely curved
parts 102, when forming the masking pattern 410 for forming the
finely curved parts 102.
[0091] As such, according to the present invention, the finely
curved parts 102 and the flat part 104 are provided on the
transparent film 100 to prevent the reflection of light caused by
the window decoration 200 made of the metal. Simultaneously, the
light is reflected at the outermost edge to express a unique design
effect.
[0092] Referring back to FIG. 6, after the finely curved parts 102
are formed, the window decoration 200 may be formed to cover the
finely curved parts 102 and the flat part 104 together.
[0093] Further, referring to FIG. 9, after the window decoration
200 is formed to cover the finely curved parts 102 and the flat
part 104 of the transparent film 100, the printing layer 300 may be
formed to cover the window decoration 200.
[0094] Meanwhile, in the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention described above, an example in which the finely curved
parts and the window decoration are formed on the same surface
(lower surface) of the transparent film is described, but in some
cases, the finely curved parts and the window decoration may be
configured to be formed on opposite surfaces of the transparent
film.
[0095] That is, referring to FIG. 10, the window decoration 200 may
be formed on the lower surface of the transparent film 100, and
finely curved parts 102' and a flat part 104' may be formed on the
upper surface of the transparent film 100 corresponding to the
window decoration 200. Similarly, the printing layer 300 may be
formed below the window decoration 200 to cover the window
decoration 200. In such a structure, light incident to the
transparent film 100 may be first scattered by passing through the
finely curved parts 102' to minimize the reflection of light caused
by the window decoration 200.
[0096] In some cases, the window decoration and the finely curved
parts are formed on the same surface (for example, the lower
surface) of the transparent film, but after the window decoration
is first formed on the lower surface of the transparent film, the
finely curved parts may be formed to cover the lower surface of the
window decoration. In this case, the aforementioned scattering
layer may be used as the finely curved parts.
[0097] Further, in the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention described and illustrated above, an example in which the
window decoration 200 is directly formed on the surface of the
transparent film 100 is described. However, in some cases, after
the window decoration is formed on a cover glass of the electronic
device, the transparent film may be attached to the cover glass.
Further, unlike this, a coating layer made of a metallic material
or other materials may be formed to cover the window
decoration.
[0098] Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a metal line as
the film member for the electronic device according the present
invention, FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an oxide thin film
layer as the film member for the electronic device according the
present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an
inorganic thin film layer as the film member for the electronic
device according the present invention. Further, FIG. 14 is a
diagram for describing a protective coating layer as the film
member for the electronic device according the present invention,
and FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a laminated structure with
a glass substrate as the film member for the electronic device
according the present invention. Furthermore, the same and much the
same parts as the aforementioned configurations designate the same
or much the same reference numerals, and the detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 11, the film member for the electronic
device according to the present invention may include a metal line
500 formed along the outermost edge of the transparent film
100.
[0100] Since the metal line 500 is formed in an area which does not
interfere with the signal lines, the metal line 500 needs not to be
provided as the insulated structure like the metallic thin film
figures 203. As an example, the metal line 500 may be formed in an
area corresponding to the area with the aforementioned flat part
and made of the same or similar materials as or to the
aforementioned metallic thin film figures.
[0101] The metal line 500 may reflect the metallic light at the
outermost edge of the transparent film 100 to express a more
advanced and unique design effect.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 12, the film member for the electronic
device according to the present invention may include an oxide thin
film layer 600 formed on the transparent film 100, and the metallic
thin film figures 203 forming the window decoration may be formed
on the surface of the oxide thin film layer 600.
[0103] The oxide thin film layer 600 may express much various
colors by a refractive effect of light. The oxide thin film layer
600 may be provided by coating general metal oxide such as
TiO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, and Al.sub.2O.sub.3 in a single-layered or
laminated structure, and may be formed by general e-beam
evaporation, sputtering, thermal deposition, PECVD, and the like.
As an example, the oxide thin film layer may be generally coated
with a thickness of about 10 to 100 nm.
[0104] Further, the printing layer 300 (for example, a black,
white, or color printing layer) may be formed on the surface of the
metallic thin film figures 203. In such a structure, when the
thickness of the metallic thin film shape 203 is small, the printed
color may be transmitted and the transmitted color is mixed with a
multi-coating color of the oxide thin film layer 600 to show a
final color, and thus the printed colors may be more variously
formed.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 13, the film member for the electronic
device according to the present invention may include an inorganic
thin film layer 700 formed to cover the finely curved parts
102.
[0106] The inorganic thin film layer 700 may be provided to have a
different refractive index from the finely curved parts 102. As the
inorganic thin film layer 700, a transparent thin film such as a
metallic oxide film, a metallic nitride film, and a metallic
fluoride film may be used. As an example, the inorganic thin film
layer may be provided by coating various types of thin films
consisting of SiO.sub.2 (1.46), Al.sub.2O.sub.3 (1.7), TiO.sub.2
(2.45), Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 (2.2), ZrO.sub.2 (2.05), HfO.sub.2 (2.0),
Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 (2.33), Si.sub.3N.sub.4 (2.02), MgF.sub.2 (1.38),
and the like in the single-layered or laminated structure by a
method of sputtering, e-beam evaporation, PECVD, and the like.
[0107] The inorganic thin film layer 700 having a different
refractive index from the finely curved parts 102 allows the light
incident to the metallic thin film figures to be incident in much
various forms to express an advanced design characteristic.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 14, the film member for the electronic
device according to the present invention may include a protective
coating layer 800 formed on one surface of the transparent film 100
to cover the surface of the window decoration.
[0109] As an example, when the protective coating layer 800 is
formed in a structure where the metallic thin film figures 203 are
exposed to the outside, the protective coating layer 800 may be
formed to cover the surface of the metallic thin film figures in
order to protect the metallic thin film figures 203. Further, the
protective coating layer 800 is formed to cover the surface of the
metallic thin film figures 203 to minimize the reflection of light
of the metal. In some cases, the protective coating layer and the
window decoration may be disposed on opposite surface of the
transparent film, respectively.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 15, the film member for the electronic
device according to the present invention may be provided to be
laminated on the cover glass 110, and the metallic thin film
figures 203 forming the window decoration may be formed on the
cover glass 110 to be provided to one surface of the transparent
film 100.
[0111] For reference, in the present invention, the film member may
be understood as a meaning including both a glass disposed on the
outermost front surface of the touch screen to be directly exposed
to the outside and a glass configuring an LCD panel in an in-cell
or on-cell type touch screen.
[0112] That is, the window decoration may be formed on the cover
glass 110, and the finely curved parts 102 may be formed on the
transparent film 100 laminated on the cover glass 110. For
reference, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an
example in which the finely curved parts are formed on the
transparent film and the window decoration is formed on the cover
glass is described. However, in some cases, the wind decoration may
be formed on the transparent film and the finely curved parts may
be formed on the cover glass.
[0113] The transparent film 100 may be adhered to the cover glass
110 by using a general adhesive layer 106 or an adhesive film and
the printing layer 300 may be formed on the lower surface of the
cover glass 110. Unlike this, the window decoration and the finely
curved parts are formed on the transparent film and the printing
layer may be formed on the cover glass.
[0114] As described above, the present invention has been described
with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications
and changes of the present invention can be made without departing
from the spirit and the scope of the present invention which are
defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *