JP6233689B2 - Touch panel sensor, touch panel sensor manufacturing method, and display device with touch position detection function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor and a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. The present invention also relates to a display device with a touch position detection function obtained by combining a touch panel sensor and a display device.

  Today, touch panel devices are widely used as input means. The touch panel device includes a touch panel sensor, a control circuit that detects a contact position on the touch panel sensor, wiring, and an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). In many cases, the touch panel device is used together with the display device as an input means for various devices including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display (for example, a ticket vending machine, an ATM device, a mobile phone, a game machine). ing. In such a device, the touch panel sensor is disposed on the display surface of the display device, thereby enabling extremely direct input to the display device. The area | region which faces the display area of a display apparatus among touch panel sensors is transparent, and this area | region of a touch panel sensor comprises the active area which can detect a contact position (approach position).

  Touch panel devices are classified into various types based on the principle of detecting a contact position (approach position) on a touch panel sensor. In recent years, capacitive touch panel devices have attracted attention because they are optically bright, have good design properties, have a simple structure, and are superior in function. In a capacitively coupled touch panel device, when an external conductor (typically a finger) whose position is to be detected contacts (approaches) the touch panel sensor via a dielectric, a new strange capacitance is generated. The position of the object on the touch panel sensor is detected based on the change in capacitance caused by this strange capacity. The capacitive coupling method includes a surface type and a projection type, but the projection type is attracting attention because it is suitable for multi-touch recognition (multi-point recognition).

  The projected capacitively coupled touch panel sensor includes a dielectric, a transparent conductive pattern formed in the above active area of the dielectric, and an inactive area (so-called frame region) outside the active area of the dielectric. And a formed extraction pattern. The extraction pattern is for transmitting a signal from the transparent conductive pattern to a control circuit provided outside the touch panel sensor, and is generally formed of a material having high conductivity such as metal. On the other hand, the transparent conductive pattern is formed from a material having translucency and a conductive layer, such as a metal oxide.

  As described above, generally, a non-transparent pattern such as an extraction pattern is arranged in the inactive area. In this case, a decoration layer may be provided in the inactive area at a position closer to the observer than the extraction pattern in order to prevent the extraction pattern and the like from being viewed by the user located on the observer side and thereby improve the design. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4965006

  In order to sufficiently prevent the extraction pattern and the like from being visually recognized by the user, it is preferable to configure the decorative layer so that the light transmittance of the decorative layer is sufficiently low. However, if the light transmittance of the decorative layer is to be lowered, the thickness of the decorative layer is increased, and as a result, a large step is generated between the decorative layer and the surrounding portion. If such a large level difference exists, it is considered that productivity and workability in various processes performed after the touch panel manufacturing process, such as a transport process and a combination process with a display device, are reduced. . In addition, when there is a wiring that extends over both the active area and the inactive area, the wiring straddles such a large step, and as a result, the disconnection of the wiring is likely to occur at the step portion. Is also possible.

  In recent years, touch panel sensors are often used in fields in which designability is important, such as smartphones and tablet PCs. In such a field, not only the conventional black color but also a color other than black, such as white, pink or light blue, is adopted as the color of the decorative layer. However, generally the light transmittance of the decoration layer which exhibits colors other than black is larger than the light transmittance of the decoration layer which exhibits black. For this reason, when a decoration layer other than black is employed, a decoration layer having a larger thickness is required to sufficiently shield the extraction pattern from the user. As a result, it is conceivable that the level difference generated between the decorative layer and the surrounding portion is further increased.

  An object of this invention is to provide the touchscreen sensor and display apparatus with a touch position detection function which can solve such a subject effectively.

  The present invention is a touch panel sensor, and includes a base material including an active area corresponding to a region where a touch position can be detected, a non-active area positioned around the active area, and the active area of the base material. A transparent conductive pattern that is disposed; a decorative layer that is disposed in the inactive area of the substrate and configured to exhibit a predetermined color; and a reflective layer that is provided on the decorative layer and includes a metal material; The overcoat layer provided on the reflective layer, the inner edge of the overcoat layer extending along the inner edge of the decorative layer, and electrically connected to the transparent conductive pattern And an extraction pattern provided on the overcoat layer, wherein the decorative layer has an inner portion including an inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner portion. Is a touch panel sensor that is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer, and the reflective layer is configured such that its inner edge is located on the inner portion of the decorative layer. .

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the inner portion of the decorative layer may be configured as a tapered portion whose thickness decreases toward the active area.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the decorative layer may be configured to exhibit a color other than black.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the decorative layer may include at least a colorant for exhibiting a predetermined color and a photosensitive agent.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the overcoat layer may be configured such that an inner edge thereof is located between an inner edge of the decorative portion and an inner edge of the reflective layer.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the distance between the inner edge of the reflective layer and the inner edge of the decorative layer is preferably 5 μm or less.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the base material may function as a protective plate for a display device. In this case, all of the transparent conductive pattern, the decorative layer, the reflective layer, the overcoat layer, and the extraction pattern are provided on the surface of the substrate on the display device side.

  The present invention is a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor, comprising: preparing a base material including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected; and an inactive area located around the active area; A decorative layer forming step of forming a decorative layer exhibiting a color of the base material in the non-active area of the substrate, a reflective layer forming step of forming a reflective layer containing a metal material on the decorative layer, and an overcoat layer An overcoat layer forming step of forming an overcoat layer forming step on the reflective layer, wherein an inner edge of the overcoat layer extends along an inner edge of the decorative layer; and A step of forming in the active area of the substrate, and an extraction pattern, the overcoat so that the extraction pattern is electrically connected to the transparent conductive pattern The decorative layer has an inner part including the inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer. In the reflective layer forming step, the reflective layer is formed so that an inner edge thereof is positioned on the inner portion of the decorative layer.

  In the method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the decorative layer includes at least a colorant for exhibiting a predetermined color and a photosensitive agent, and configures the decorative layer simultaneously with the decorative layer forming step. A step of forming the alignment mark using the same material as the material may be performed.

  The present invention includes a display device and a touch panel sensor disposed on a display surface of the display device, and the touch panel sensor includes an active area corresponding to an area in which a touch position can be detected, and a periphery of the active area. A non-active area positioned, a transparent conductive pattern disposed in the active area of the base material, and disposed in the non-active area of the base material and configured to exhibit a predetermined color A decorative layer, a reflective layer provided on the decorative layer and including a metal material, and an overcoat layer provided on the reflective layer, wherein an inner edge of the overcoat layer is an inner edge of the decorative layer An overcoat layer extending along the line, and an extraction pattern electrically connected to the transparent conductive pattern and provided on the overcoat layer. The decorative layer has an inner part including an inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer, and the reflective layer Is a display device with a touch position detection function, the inner edge of which is configured to be located on the inner portion of the decorative layer.

  According to this invention, the decoration layer comprised so that a predetermined color may be exhibited, the reflection layer containing a metal material, and the overcoat layer are laminated | stacked in order in the inactive area of a base material. Among these, the decoration layer has an inner part including the inner edge of the decoration layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decoration layer. And the reflection layer is comprised so that the inner edge may be located on the inner side part of a decoration layer. By providing such a reflective layer, the light transmitted through the decorative layer after entering the decorative layer from the viewer side can be returned to the viewer side. For this reason, the coloring property of a decoration layer can be improved using the light reflected by the reflection layer after permeate | transmitting a decoration layer. Thereby, the request | requirement regarding the light-shielding property of a decoration layer can be made lower than before, Therefore, the thickness of a decoration layer can be made smaller than before. Thereby, it can suppress that a level | step difference arises between a decoration layer and its peripheral part.

FIG. 1 is a development view showing a display device with a touch position detection function in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a touch panel sensor in the display device with a touch position detection function of FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel sensor of FIG. 2 along the line III. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel sensor of FIG. 2 taken along line IV. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel sensor of FIG. 2 along the V line. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a decorative layer of the touch panel sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a multi-sided board to which a plurality of touch panel sensors are assigned. FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8D is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8E is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8F is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8G is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the touch panel sensor.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8G. In the drawings attached to the present specification, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, the vertical / horizontal dimension ratio, and the like are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual ones.

Touch Panel Device and Display Device with Touch Position Detection Function First, a display device 10 with a touch position detection function including a touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device with a touch position detection function 10 is configured by combining a touch panel sensor 30 and a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) 15. The illustrated display device 15 is configured as a flat panel display. The display device 15 includes a display panel 16 having a display surface 16 a and a display control unit (not shown) connected to the display panel 16. The display panel 16 includes an active area A1 that can display an image, and an inactive area (also referred to as a frame area) A2 that is disposed outside the active area A1 so as to surround the active area A1. . The display control unit processes information regarding the video to be displayed, and drives the display panel 16 based on the video information. The display panel 16 displays a predetermined image on the display surface 16a based on a control signal from the display control unit. That is, the display device 15 plays a role as an output device that outputs information such as characters and drawings as video.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel sensor 30 is disposed on the display surface 16 a of the display device 15. The touch panel sensor 30 is bonded to the display surface 16a of the display device 15 via an adhesive layer (not shown), for example.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel sensor 30 is configured not only to provide a touch position detection function but also to protect the display device. Specifically, the base material 32 of the touch panel sensor 30 is configured to function as a protective plate for a display device. In this case, the surface 32b on the viewer side of the base material 32 constitutes the surface most positioned on the viewer side in the display device 10 with a touch position detection function. Each component of the touch panel sensor 30, for example, transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 and an extraction pattern 43 described later are all provided on the surface 32 a of the base material 32 on the display device side. The base material 32 is made of a material having sufficient strength for protecting the display device 15.

Touch Panel Sensor Next, the touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the touch panel sensor 30.

  The touch panel sensor 30 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a projection-type capacitive coupling method, and can detect a contact position (also referred to as a touch position) of an external conductor (for example, a human finger) to the touch panel sensor 30. It is configured. In addition, when the detection sensitivity of the capacitive coupling type touch panel sensor 30 is excellent, it is detected which area of the touch panel device the external conductor is approaching just by approaching the external conductor to the touch panel sensor 30. be able to. Accordingly, the “contact position” used here is a concept including an approach position that is not actually in contact but can be detected. The “capacitive coupling” method is also referred to as “capacitance” method or “capacitance coupling” method in the technical field of touch panels. It is treated as a term synonymous with the “capacitive coupling” method.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the touch panel sensor 30 includes a base material 32 including an active area Aa1 corresponding to a region where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area Aa2 positioned around the active area Aa1, and a base material A plurality of transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 arranged in the active area Aa1 of 32 and a plurality of extraction patterns 43 connected to the corresponding transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 and arranged in the non-active area Aa2 of the substrate 32 And a plurality of terminal portions 44 connected to the corresponding extraction pattern 43. The active area Aa1 and the inactive area Aa2 of the base material 32 are respectively partitioned corresponding to the active area A1 and the inactive area A2 of the display panel 16.

  The base material 32 functions as a dielectric in the touch panel sensor 30. As described above, the base material 32 also functions as a protective plate for the display device. For example, the base material 32 is made of glass or the like so as to have sufficient strength.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 include a plurality of first transparent conductive patterns 41 extending along the first direction, for example, along the x direction of FIG. 2, and a second orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of second transparent conductive patterns 42 extending along the direction, for example, along the y direction of FIG. 2 are included. The 1st transparent conductive pattern 41 may have the 1st line part 41a extended linearly along ax direction, and the 1st bulging part 41b bulged from the 1st line part 41a. The first bulging portion 41 b is a portion that bulges from the first line portion 41 a along the surface of the base material 32. Similarly, the 2nd transparent conductive pattern 42 may have the 2nd line part 42a extended along the y direction, and the 2nd bulge part 42b bulged from the 2nd line part 42a.

The extraction pattern 43 is provided in the inactive area Aa2 in order to transmit signals detected by the corresponding transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 to the terminal portion 44. As shown in FIG. 2, the extraction patterns 43 are arranged in the inactive area Aa2 at a predetermined interval.
For example, the plurality of extraction patterns 43 connected to the second transparent conductive pattern 42 include a portion extending along the y direction to transmit a signal to the lower inactive area Aa2 in FIG. And a portion extending along the x direction. In the plurality of extraction patterns 43, the portions extending along the y direction are arranged at a predetermined interval in the x direction, and the portions extending along the x direction are respectively spaced at a predetermined interval in the y direction. Are lined up.
The signal transmitted to the terminal unit 44 by the extraction pattern 43 is transmitted to the detection control unit via a flexible substrate (not shown) attached to the terminal unit 44.

  As described above, in general, the non-active area Aa2 of the touch panel sensor 30 is provided with a decorative layer so as to hide the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 from the user so as to surround the active area Aa1. . In FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, the outer edge 46c and the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines. However, as described above, there is an upper limit to the thickness of the decorative layer. For this reason, when the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal part 44 are provided directly on the decorative layer, the decorative layer is transmitted from the observer side to the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal part 44, and then It is conceivable that there is a considerable amount of light that is reflected by the extraction pattern 43 or the terminal portion 44 and returns to the viewer side. Further, after being emitted from the display device 15, light that enters the decorative layer through a region where the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 are not provided, and passes through the decorative layer and reaches the viewer side. May also exist. In this case, there is a possibility that the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 are visually recognized by the user on the viewer side. In addition, the color of the inactive area Aa2 visually recognized by the user may be influenced by the color included in the external light or the light from the display device, the color of the extraction pattern 43, or the like. That is, the color of the inactive area Aa2 visually recognized by the user may deviate from the color exhibited by the decorative layer, for example, the color of the colorant included in the decorative layer. In addition, when such a color shift partially occurs, the color of the inactive area Aa2 is visually recognized as non-uniform.

  In consideration of such problems, the touch panel sensor 30 in the present embodiment further includes a reflective layer interposed between the decorative layer, the extraction pattern 43, and the terminal portion 44, as will be described later. . By providing this reflective layer, a desired color in the non-active area Aa2 can be realized without increasing the thickness of the decorative layer as will be described later. Hereinafter, the layer configuration of the touch panel sensor 30 including such a reflective layer will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. 3 to 5 are sectional views taken along lines III to V of the touch panel sensor 30 of FIG.

  First, the layer configuration of the components arranged in the active area Aa1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first line portion 41a, the first bulging portion 41b, and the second bulging portion 42b may be formed on the same plane. In this case, the first line portion 41a, the first bulging portion 41b, and the second bulging portion 42b are simultaneously formed by patterning the transparent conductive layer 51 made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Is possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first line portion 41 a and the second line portion 42 a are formed so as to partially overlap each other when viewed from the normal direction of the base material 32. In this case, it is possible to prevent electrical conduction between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a by interposing the insulating layer 49 between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a. . Although not shown, the insulating layer 49 is provided not only between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a but also on the first bulge portion 41b and the second bulge portion 42b. Also good.

  As long as the 2nd line part 42a has electroconductivity, the material which comprises the 2nd line part 42a is not specifically limited. For example, the 2nd line part 42a may be comprised from transparent conductive materials, such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) similarly to the 1st line part 41a, the 1st bulging part 41b, and the 2nd bulging part 42b. Or you may be comprised from the metal material. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the second line portion 42 a is configured by the metal layer 52 also included in the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44.

(Decoration layer)
Next, the layer configuration of the components arranged in the inactive area Aa2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a decoration layer 46 configured to exhibit a predetermined color is disposed on the surface 32 a on the display device side in the inactive area Aa <b> 2 of the base material 32. In FIG. 3, the outer edge of the decoration layer 46 is represented by reference numeral 46c, and the inner edge of the decoration layer 46 is represented by reference numeral 46d. Here, the inner edge 46d is an edge located on the active area Aa1 side in the edge of the decorative layer 46, and the outer edge 46c is a side far from the active area Aa1 in the edge of the decorative layer 46. It is the edge part located in.

  The color of the decoration layer 46 is selected according to the design property calculated | required with respect to the touchscreen sensor 30 and the display apparatus 10 with a touch position detection function. Here, the case where the decoration layer 46 is comprised so that colors other than black may be demonstrated is demonstrated. Examples of colors other than black include white, light blue, pink, and green. Although the material which comprises the decorating layer 46 is determined according to the selected color, for example, when white is calculated | required, as for the decorating layer 46, the titanium oxide used as a coloring agent for exhibiting white is disperse | distributed. It is composed of a resin material.

  In addition to the colorant for exhibiting a predetermined color, the decorative layer 46 may further include a photosensitizer that changes its physical properties when irradiated with light. When the decoration layer 46 contains a photosensitizer, a photolithography method including an exposure process and a development process can be used as a method for patterning the decoration layer 46 into a desired shape, as will be described later. . The photosensitizer contained in the decorative layer 46 may be a photocurable type or a photodissolvable type. Here, an example in which a photocurable type is used will be described.

(Reflective layer)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the reflective layer 47 described above is provided on the surface of the decorative layer 46 on the display device side. The reflective layer 47 is configured to reflect light. Specifically, the reflective layer 47 includes a metal material. For this reason, the light that has entered the decorative layer 46 from the viewer side and is reflected by the colorant (coloring component) such as titanium oxide and then reaches the reflective layer 47 is reflected by the reflective layer 47 and is viewed by the viewer side. Will return. The reflective layer 47 also serves to prevent the light emitted from the display device 15 from passing through the decorative layer 46 and the base material 32 and reaching the viewer side. For this reason, the color presented by the decorative layer 46 can be clearly recognized by the user. That is, the color developability of the decorative layer 46 can be improved.

(Overcoat layer)
Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the above-described extraction pattern 43 is provided on the display device side of the reflective layer 47. In order to prevent these extraction patterns 43 from being electrically connected to each other through the reflective layer 47, the touch panel sensor 30 is provided on the surface of the reflective layer 47 on the display device side, as shown in FIGS. The overcoat layer 48 is further provided. The overcoat layer 48 may have a function of protecting the decorative layer 46 and the reflective layer 47 as well as a function of preventing the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 from conducting each other. Further, the overcoat layer 48 may have a function of shielding outgas discharged from the decoration layer 46 in the manufacturing process of the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device 10 with a touch position detection function. As a material of the overcoat layer 48, for example, an acrylic resin can be used. In the case where a photolithography method is used in the step of forming the overcoat layer 48, the overcoat layer 48 may further contain a photosensitizer as in the case of the decorative layer 46. In the overcoat layer forming step to be described later, the case where the overcoat layer 48 contains a photocurable photosensitive agent will be described.

(Extraction pattern and terminal part)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a plurality of extraction patterns 43 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the surface of the overcoat layer 48 on the display device 15 side. These extraction patterns 43 include a metal layer 52 having light shielding properties and conductivity. Although not shown, the terminal portion 44 is also disposed on the surface of the overcoat layer 48 on the display device 15 side in the same manner as the extraction pattern 43. The terminal portion 44 also includes a metal layer 52 having light shielding properties and conductivity. Examples of the material constituting the metal layer 52 include aluminum, molybdenum, silver, copper, and alloys thereof as in the case of the reflective layer 47 described above.

  The extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 may include a layer other than the metal layer 52. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the extraction pattern 43 may further include a transparent conductive layer 51 provided between the overcoat layer 48 and the metal layer 52. The transparent conductive layer 51 constitutes the first line portion 41a, the first bulge portion 41b, and the second bulge portion 42b as described above.

  In the extraction pattern 43 located closest to the active area Aa1 in FIGS. 3 and 5, the transparent conductive layer 51 extends across both the active area Aa1 and the non-active area Aa2. And the corresponding transparent conductive pattern are electrically connected. In this case, the transparent conductive layer 51 extends across the step due to the decorative layer 46. Although not shown, in the extraction pattern 43 located closest to the active area Aa1 in FIGS. 3 and 5, the metal layer 52 straddles both the active area Aa1 and the inactive area Aa2, that is, a decorative layer. You may extend across the level | step difference by 46.

  When the extraction pattern 43 is provided on the display device side of the decoration layer 46, as described above, at least one of the layers constituting the extraction pattern 43 extends across the step due to the decoration layer 46. . Therefore, when the thickness of the decoration layer 46 is large, the risk that the extraction pattern 43 is disconnected is increased. Here, according to this Embodiment, the reflection layer 47 which can reflect the light which permeate | transmitted the decoration layer 46 is provided in the display apparatus side of the decoration layer 46 as mentioned above. For this reason, the coloring property of the decoration layer 46 can be improved compared with the case where such a reflection layer 47 is not provided. Therefore, a desired color in the inactive area Aa2 can be realized without increasing the thickness of the decorative layer 46 so much. For example, in a conventional touch panel sensor, a decorative layer having a thickness of several tens of μm or more is necessary to realize the inactive area Aa2 exhibiting a color other than black. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the inactive area Aa2 exhibiting a color other than black by using the decorative layer 46 having a thickness in the range of 5 to 20 μm, for example, about 10 μm. For this reason, it can suppress that a big level | step difference arises between the decoration layer 46 and its peripheral part, and, thereby, the risk that the disconnection of the extraction pattern 43 will be reduced. In addition, the thickness of the decoration layer 46 said here is an average thickness of the decoration layer 46 whole.

  Strictly speaking, it is necessary to consider not only the thickness of the decorative layer 46 but also the thickness of the reflective layer 47 and the thickness of the overcoat layer 48 as the height of the step. On the other hand, the reflective layer 47 is provided to reflect light as described above, and therefore the thickness of the reflective layer 47 is about 0.1 to 0.5 μm, for example, 0.2 μm is sufficient. The overcoat layer 48 is provided to prevent electrical conduction between the lead-out pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 and the reflective layer 47. Therefore, the thickness of the overcoat layer 48 is about 1 to 2 μm. is there. Thus, the thickness of the reflective layer 47 and the overcoat layer 48 is sufficiently smaller than the thickness of the decorative layer 46. Therefore, it can be said that the height of the above-described step is substantially determined by the decorative layer 46. And according to this Embodiment, since the thickness of the decoration layer 46 can be made small as mentioned above, it can suppress that a big level | step difference arises between the decoration layer 46 and its peripheral part. it can.

(Cross-sectional structure of the decorative layer, reflective layer and overcoat layer)
Next, the cross-sectional structures of the decorative layer 46, the reflective layer 47, and the overcoat layer 48 in the vicinity of the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the decorative layer 46 shown in FIG.

(Cross-sectional structure of the decoration layer)
As shown in FIG. 6, the decorative layer 46 includes an inner portion 46 b and a flat portion 46 a that is located closer to the outer edge 46 c of the decorative layer 46 than the inner portion 46 b. The inner portion 46b is a portion including the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46, and is a portion of the decorative layer 46 that is located closest to the active area Aa1.

In the present embodiment, the inner portion 46 b is defined as a portion having a thickness smaller than the average thickness of the decorative layer 46. For example, when the average thickness of the decorative layer 46 is t0, the inner portion 46b is defined as a portion whose thickness is 0.7 times or less of the average thickness t0 of the decorative layer 46. In FIG. 6, an arrow with a symbol t <b> 2 represents a thickness that is 0.7 times the average thickness t <b> 0 of the decorative layer 46. Therefore, when the above definition is adopted, the portion located on the active area Aa1 side with the arrow t2 as a boundary is the inner portion 46b of the decorative layer 46.
In FIG. 6, an arrow with a symbol d <b> 1 represents a distance from the inner edge 46 d of the decorative layer 46 to the portion of the arrow t <b> 2. That is, the distance d1 represents the width of the inner portion 46b when the above definition is adopted. Although the specific numerical value of the distance d1 is decided according to the formation method of the decorating layer 46, etc., it is 10 micrometers or more, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the inner portion 46b may be configured as a tapered portion 46e whose thickness decreases toward the active area Aa1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an inner portion 46b having a thickness equal to or less than 0.7 times the average thickness t0 is configured as a part of the tapered portion 46e, and a flat portion 46a is formed outside the tapered portion 46e. Is present.

  On the other hand, the flat portion 46 a is a portion having a substantially uniform thickness in the decorative layer 46. In FIG. 6, the thickness of the flat portion 46a is represented by reference numeral t1. In general, the width of the decorative layer 46 (the distance between the outer edge 46c and the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46) is several mm or more, while the above-described tapered portion 46e formed near the inner edge 46d or the like. The width of the inner part 46b is several tens of μm or less. Further, on the outer edge 46c side, the thickness of the decorative layer 46 is substantially flat up to the vicinity of the outer edge 46c, similarly to the vicinity of the inner edge 46d. That is, the flat portion 46 a continues to the vicinity of the outer edge 46 c of the decorative layer 46. Thus, most of the decorative layer 46 is constituted by a portion having a substantially uniform thickness, that is, a flat portion 46a. Therefore, the thickness t1 of the flat portion 46a may be considered to be substantially the same as the average thickness t0 of the decorative layer 46.

  By the way, the inner edge 46d of the decoration layer 46 appears by forming the decoration layer 46 on the surface 32a of the base material 32 so that the decoration layer 46 does not reach the active area Aa1. As a method of forming the decorative layer 46 including such an inner edge 46d, a screen printing method in which a coating liquid containing a material for the decorative layer 46 can be applied on the surface 32a of the substrate 32 in a predetermined pattern. Or, after providing a decorative layer 46 containing a photosensitive agent over a wide area, the decorative layer 46 is exposed and developed to remove the decorative layer 46 on the active area Aa1, thereby only in the inactive area Aa2. Although the photolithography method etc. which obtain the decorating layer 46 are mentioned, even if it is a case where any method is used, in the part near the inner edge 46d among the decorating layers 46, thickness becomes small toward the active area Aa1. The above-described tapered portion 46e is formed. Note that the photolithography method can make the inclination of the tapered portion 46e steeper than the screen printing method. That is, the edge shape in the vicinity of the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 can be made sharper. As a result, the width of the tapered portion 46e and the width of the inner portion 46b can be further reduced.

(Cross-sectional structure of the reflective layer)
Although not illustrated, the reflective layer 47 is configured such that the outer edge thereof substantially coincides with the outer edge 46 c of the decorative layer 46. As shown in FIG. 6, the reflective layer 47 is configured such that its inner edge 47 d is positioned on the inner portion 46 b of the decorative layer 46. For example, the reflective layer 47 is configured such that the distance d2 from the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 to the inner edge 47d of the reflective layer 47 is in the range of 2 to 5 μm. Hereinafter, the advantage of configuring the reflective layer 47 in this way will be described.

  As described above, the reflective layer 47 is provided to reflect the light transmitted through the decorative layer 46 and return it to the viewer side. By the way, the light shielding property in the decorative layer 46 generally decreases as the thickness decreases. Therefore, the light shielding property in the inner portion 46b of the decorative layer 46 is lower than the light shielding property in the flat portion 46a. That is, the inner portion 46b is more likely to transmit light than the flat portion 46a. Here, according to the present embodiment, the reflective layer 47 is provided so as to reach the inner portion 46b of the decorative layer 46, that is, the distance d2 from the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 to the inner edge 47d of the reflective layer 47. By setting the thickness to 5 μm or less, not only the flat part 46a but also the color development of the inner part 46b can be improved. Thereby, even in the vicinity of the boundary between the active area Aa1 and the inactive area Aa2, the color presented by the decorative layer 46 can be clearly recognized by the user.

  On the other hand, the reflective layer 47 contains a metal material, and thus the reflective layer 47 has light shielding properties. For this reason, if the reflective layer 47 extends into the active area Aa1, the visibility of the active area Aa1 is hindered by the reflective layer 47. Further, there is a concern that the transparent conductive pattern and the reflective layer 47 are electrically connected. Here, according to the present embodiment, by setting the distance d2 from the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 to the inner edge 47d of the reflective layer 47 to be 2 μm or more, the inner edge 47d of the reflective layer 47 is caused by manufacturing tolerances or the like. Even when the position is deviated from the design, the reflective layer 47 can be prevented from extending into the active area Aa1.

(Cross-sectional structure of overcoat layer)
Although not shown, the overcoat layer 48 is configured such that the outer edge thereof substantially coincides with the outer edge 46 c of the decorative layer 46. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the overcoat layer 48 is configured such that the inner edge 48 d thereof is positioned closer to the active area Aa1 side than the inner edge 46 d of the decorative layer 46. By configuring the overcoat layer 48 in this manner, the decorative layer 46 and the reflective layer 47 can be sufficiently protected. In addition, the overcoat layer 48 is smaller than the reflective layer 47, but exhibits the function of reflecting the light that has passed through the decorative layer 46 and reached the overcoat layer 48 and returning it to the viewer side. You can also. Therefore, the effect of improving the color developability of the inner portion 46b of the decorative layer 46 in the vicinity of the inner edge 46d is also expected. The function of reflecting the light reaching the overcoat layer 48 and returning it to the viewer side is higher when the overcoat layer 48 is configured to exhibit a predetermined color instead of being transparent. Is expected to be. From this viewpoint, for example, the overcoat layer 48 may be configured to exhibit gray or blue color.

  The distance d3 from the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 to the inner edge 48d of the overcoat layer 48 is not particularly limited as long as the visibility in the active area Aa1 is not excessively hindered by the overcoat layer 48, for example, 2 μm or more. Yes.

  The overcoat layer 48 may include a colorant that can exhibit a color different from the color that the decorative layer 46 exhibits. In this case, a region overlapping with the decoration layer 46 and the reflection layer 47 when viewed from the normal direction of the substrate 32 is visually recognized as a color region exhibited by the decoration layer 46. On the other hand, a region that overlaps only the overcoat layer 48 without overlapping with the decorative layer 46 when viewed from the normal direction of the substrate 32 is visually recognized as a color region exhibited by the overcoat layer 48. Therefore, most of the non-active area Aa2 of the touch panel sensor 30 is visually recognized as a color region exhibited by the decorative layer 46, and only a portion near the boundary with the active area Aa1 is visually recognized as a color region exhibited by the overcoat layer 48. It becomes possible to let. Thereby, the design variation of the touch panel sensor 30 can be expanded. In addition, although it does not overlap with the reflective layer 47 when viewed from the normal direction of the base material 32, the region overlapping with both the decorative layer 46 and the overcoat layer 48 is the color that the decorative layer 46 exhibits and the color that the overcoat layer 48 exhibits. It is expected to be visually recognized as a colored region.

Method for Manufacturing Touch Panel Sensor Next, a method for manufacturing the touch panel sensor 30 having the above configuration will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the touch panel sensor 30 is obtained by cutting out a multi-sided substrate 60 to which a plurality of touch panel sensors 30 are allocated. As shown in FIG. 7, an alignment mark 61 used for positioning in the manufacturing process may be formed on a portion of the multi-sided substrate 60 where the touch panel sensor 30 is not allocated.

  Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8G. 8A to 8G are diagrams showing a layer configuration in each step of the manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor 30 at a position along the IV line of the touch panel sensor 30 of FIG.

  First, the base material 32 is prepared. As described above, the base material 32 can also function as a protective plate for a display device.

(Decoration layer formation process)
Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, a decoration layer 46 is provided on the entire surface 32a of the base material 32 on the display device side. At this time, the decorative layer 46 may be provided not only in the region to be the touch panel sensor 30 in the multi-sided substrate 60 but also in other regions.

  The method of providing the decoration layer 46 on the display device side surface 32a of the substrate 32 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, you may apply | coat the coating liquid containing the resin material and colorant for comprising the decorating layer 46 on the surface 32a using a die-coating method or a spin coat method. In addition, since the decorating layer 46 which has uniform thickness can be formed regardless of the dimension of the base material 32, the die coat method can be preferably used.

  Next, by performing an exposure process and a development process on the decorative layer 46, as shown in FIG. 8B, the portion of the decorative layer 46 located in the active area Aa1 is removed. For example, when a photocurable photosensitive agent is included in the decorative layer 46, an exposure process of irradiating exposure light to a portion corresponding to the non-active area Aa2 in the decorative layer 46 is performed, and then the decorative layer 46 is developed. Thus, by patterning the decoration layer 46 using the photolithography method, the decoration layer 46 having the flat portion 46a and the inner portion 46b can be formed in the inactive area Aa2 with high positional accuracy. .

  By the way, in general, the positional accuracy of patterning in the case of using the photolithography method decreases as the thickness of the layer increases. This is because the larger the thickness of the layer, the more difficult it is for the exposure light to reach the layer over the entire region in the thickness direction of the layer, and as a result, the position of the pattern to be obtained tends to deviate from the design position. Here, according to the present embodiment, as described above, by providing the reflective layer 47, it is possible to make the thickness of the decorative layer 46 smaller than the conventional one. Therefore, the exposure light can be made to reach the decoration layer 46 sufficiently over the entire region in the thickness direction of the decoration layer 46, and thereby the patterning of the decoration layer 46 can be performed with high positional accuracy.

  In addition, you may form the alignment mark 61 using the same material as the material which comprises the decorating layer 46 simultaneously with the above-mentioned decorating layer formation process. For example, not only the part corresponding to the non-active area Aa2 but also the part corresponding to the alignment mark 61 is irradiated with the exposure light in the decorative layer 46, whereby the same material as that constituting the decorative layer 46 is used. You may make it obtain the comprised alignment mark 61 simultaneously. Thereby, compared with the case where the process which comprises the alignment mark 61 is implemented separately, the man-hour and cost which are required for manufacturing the touch panel sensor 30 can be reduced.

(Reflective layer forming process)
Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, a reflective layer 47 is provided on the decorative layer 46 and the substrate 32. As a method of providing the reflective layer 47, for example, a sputtering method or the like can be used. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8D, a resist layer 55 is provided on the reflective layer 47. The resist layer 55 is provided on the reflective layer 47 so as to have the same pattern as the pattern of the reflective layer 47 to be formed. Thereafter, the reflective layer 47 is etched using the resist layer 55 as a mask. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8E, it is possible to obtain the reflective layer 47 whose inner edge 47 d is located on the inner portion 46 b of the decorative layer 46.

(Overcoat layer forming process)
Next, as shown in FIG. 8F, an overcoat layer 48 is provided on the reflective layer 47, the decorative layer 46, and the substrate 32. As a method of providing the overcoat layer 48, as in the case of the decorative layer 46, a die coating method or a spin coating method can be used.

  Next, by exposing and developing the overcoat layer 48, as shown in FIG. 8G, the portion of the overcoat layer 48 located in the active area Aa1 is removed as in the case of the decorative layer 46. Thereby, the overcoat layer 48 in which the inner edge 48d is located closer to the active area Aa1 than the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 can be obtained.

  Then, the transparent conductive pattern formation process which forms the transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 in the active area Aa1 of the base material 32 is implemented. Further, an extraction pattern process for forming the extraction pattern 43 on the overcoat layer 48 is performed. As these transparent conductive pattern forming step and extraction pattern step, a known method, for example, a method described in JP 2011-86122 A can be used. Thus, the multi-sided substrate 60 to which the plurality of touch panel sensors 30 are assigned can be obtained. Thereafter, the touch panel sensor 30 can be obtained by cutting out the touch panel sensor 30 from the multi-sided substrate 60. Thereafter, the display device 10 with a touch position detection function can be obtained by combining the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device 15.

  Here, according to the present embodiment, the non-active area Aa2 of the base material 32 includes a decorative layer 46 configured to exhibit a predetermined color, a reflective layer 47 including a metal material, and an overcoat layer 48. Are sequentially stacked. Among these, the decoration layer 46 has the inner part 46b containing the inner edge 46d of the decoration layer 46, and the thickness of this inner part 46b is 0.7 times or less of the average thickness of the decoration layer 46. Yes. The reflective layer 47 is configured such that its inner edge 47 d is positioned on the inner portion 46 b of the decorative layer 46. By providing such a reflective layer 47, light that has entered the decorative layer 46 from the viewer side and then transmitted through the decorative layer 46 can be returned to the viewer side. The color developability of 46 can be improved. For this reason, the request | requirement regarding the light shielding property of the decoration layer 46 can be made lower than before, and therefore the thickness of the decoration layer 46 can be made smaller than before. Thereby, it can suppress that a level | step difference arises between the decoration layer 46 and its peripheral part, and, thereby, the risk that the disconnection of the extraction pattern 43 will be reduced can be reduced.

  Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, some modifications will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above embodiment are used for the parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A duplicate description is omitted.

Modification of Overcoat Layer In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the inner edge 48d of the overcoat layer 48 is located closer to the active area Aa1 than the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 9, the overcoat layer 48 is configured such that its inner edge 48 d is located between the inner edge 46 d of the decorative layer 46 and the inner edge 47 d of the reflective layer 47. May be.

  In this modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the overcoat layer 48 overlaps with the decorative layer 46 over the entire area when viewed from the normal direction of the base material 32. Therefore, the non-active area Aa2 of the touch panel sensor 30 can be visually recognized as a color region exhibited by the decorative layer 46 even in the vicinity of the boundary with the active area Aa1. That is, the inactive area Aa2 can be visually recognized as a uniform color area over the entire area. For this reason, it is possible to enhance the sense of uniformity of the color of the inactive area Aa2, and consequently the sense of uniformity of the design of the touch panel sensor 30.

  The distance d4 from the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46 to the inner edge 48d of the overcoat layer 48 depends on the thickness of the decorative layer 46, the thickness of the overcoat layer 48 in the vicinity of the inner edge 46d of the decorative layer 46, manufacturing tolerances, and the like. For example, it is in the range of 2 to 5 μm.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display apparatus with a touch position detection function 15 Display apparatus 16 Display panel 16a Display surface 30 Touch panel sensor 32 Base material 41 1st transparent conductive pattern 42 2nd transparent conductive pattern 43 Extraction pattern 44 Terminal part 46 Decorating layer 46a Flat part 46b Inside Part 46c Outer edge 46d Inner edge 46e Tapered part 47 Reflective layer 47d Inner edge 48 Overcoat layer 48d Inner edge 49 Insulating layer 51 Transparent conductive layer 52 Metal layer 55 Resist layer 60 Multi-faced substrate 61 Alignment mark

Claims (9)

A touch panel sensor,
A substrate including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area located around the active area;
A transparent conductive pattern disposed in the active area of the substrate;
A decorative layer disposed in the inactive area of the substrate and configured to exhibit a predetermined color;
A reflective layer provided on the decorative layer and including a metal material;
An overcoat layer provided on the reflective layer, wherein the inner edge of the overcoat layer extends along the inner edge of the decorative layer; and
An electrical connection to the transparent conductive pattern, and an extraction pattern provided on the overcoat layer,
The decorative layer has an inner part including the inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer,
The reflective layer is configured such that its inner edge is located on the inner part of the decorative layer,
The overcoat layer is a touch panel sensor configured such that an inner edge thereof is positioned between an inner edge of the decorative layer and an inner edge of the reflective layer .   The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the inner portion of the decorative layer is configured as a tapered portion whose thickness decreases toward the active area.   The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the decorative layer is configured to exhibit a color other than black.   The touch panel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decorative layer includes at least a colorant for exhibiting a predetermined color and a photosensitive agent. The touch panel sensor according to distance, has become 5μm or less, in any one of claims 1 to 4 between the inner edge of the inner edge and the decorative layer of the reflective layer. The base material functions as a protective plate for a display device,
The transparent conductive pattern, the decorative layer, the reflective layer, both the overcoat layer and the extraction pattern is provided on a surface of the display device side among surfaces of the base material, according to claim 1 to 5 The touch panel sensor according to any one of the above. A method of manufacturing a touch panel sensor,
Providing a substrate including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area located around the active area;
A decorative layer forming step of forming a decorative layer exhibiting a predetermined color in the inactive area of the substrate;
A reflective layer forming step of forming a reflective layer containing a metal material on the decorative layer;
An overcoat layer forming step of forming an overcoat layer on the reflective layer, wherein an inner edge of the overcoat layer extends along an inner edge of the decorative layer; and
Forming a transparent conductive pattern in the active area of the substrate;
Forming an extraction pattern on the overcoat layer so that the extraction pattern is electrically connected to the transparent conductive pattern,
The decorative layer has an inner part including the inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer,
In the reflective layer forming step, the reflective layer is formed such that an inner edge thereof is located on the inner portion of the decorative layer,
In the overcoat layer forming step, the overcoat layer is formed so that an inner edge thereof is positioned between an inner edge of the decorative layer and an inner edge of the reflective layer . The decorative layer includes at least a colorant for exhibiting a predetermined color, and a photosensitive agent,
The manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor of Claim 7 with which the process of forming an alignment mark using the same material as the material which comprises the said decoration layer is implemented simultaneously with the said decoration layer formation process. A display device;
A touch panel sensor disposed on a display surface of the display device,
The touch panel sensor
A substrate including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area located around the active area;
A transparent conductive pattern disposed in the active area of the substrate;
A decorative layer disposed in the inactive area of the substrate and configured to exhibit a predetermined color;
A reflective layer provided on the decorative layer and including a metal material;
An overcoat layer provided on the reflective layer, wherein the inner edge of the overcoat layer extends along the inner edge of the decorative layer; and
An electrical connection to the transparent conductive pattern, and an extraction pattern provided on the overcoat layer,
The decorative layer has an inner part including the inner edge of the decorative layer, and the thickness of the inner part is 0.7 times or less the average thickness of the decorative layer,
The reflective layer is configured such that its inner edge is located on the inner part of the decorative layer,
The overcoat layer is a display device with a touch position detection function configured such that an inner edge thereof is positioned between an inner edge of the decorative layer and an inner edge of the reflective layer .