WO2011158585A1

WO2011158585A1 - Touch panel with vibration function

Info

Publication number: WO2011158585A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/061169
Authority: WO
Inventors: 末冨喜子; 甲斐義宏; 渡津裕次
Original assignee: 日本写真印刷株式会社
Priority date: 2010-06-14
Filing date: 2011-05-16
Publication date: 2011-12-22
Also published as: TW201214209A

Abstract

Disclosed is a touch panel (100) with a vibration function, that enables simple and easy wiring of a vibration element and which comprises: a touch panel main body (11) which detects a pressing operation by a user; a design sheet (12), the entire surface of which is bonded to the operation surface of the touch panel main body (11) on which the user performs the pressing operation, and which has a transparent window section (12A) and a decorated section (12B) that surrounds the transparent window section (12A); the vibration element (13) fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel main body (11) and hidden by the decorated section (12B); an electricity supply circuit (14) hidden by the decorated section (12B) and which supplies electricity to the vibration element (13); and a first transparent sheet (15) that is positioned between the touch panel main body (11) and the vibration element (13), has the electricity supply circuit (14) formed and is a component of a wiring sheet (16) on one surface, and has the other surface of same bonded to the touch panel main body (11).

Description

Touch panel with vibration function

The present invention has a touch panel body that detects a user's pressing operation, and a transparent window portion and a decorative portion that surrounds the transparent window portion that are entirely bonded to the operation surface of the touch panel body that the user performs a pressing operation. A vibration function comprising: a sheet, a vibration element fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body, and concealed in the decoration part; and an energization circuit that energizes the vibration element and is concealed in the decoration part It is related with an attached touch panel.

Conventionally, a touch panel is used as one of human interface devices. Among such touch panels, there is a touch panel that detects that there is an input based on a change in resistance or capacitance of the detection area when the user touches the detection area of the touch panel. However, since such a touch panel is not provided with a mechanical switch or the like on a portion (surface) that the user directly touches, it is difficult to experience that the user has performed an operation. Therefore, there is a technique that allows the user to feel that an operation has been performed (for example, Patent Document 1).

The touch panel input device described in Patent Document 1 vibrates a panel using a piezoelectric element in order to add touch feeling of the touch panel. In order to vibrate this piezoelectric element, it is necessary to perform wiring separately from touch panel wiring (wiring necessary for detecting input from the user). As a technique relating to wiring of such a piezoelectric element, a method of attaching a lead wire directly to the piezoelectric element with solder or the like is known. In addition, there is a technique in which wiring for a piezoelectric element is provided on the back surface of the touch panel and taken out together with the wiring of the touch panel on the front side of the touch panel using cut-in FPC (Flexible printed circuit) (for example, Patent Document 2).

However, in such a technique, the lead wire included in the piezoelectric element becomes an obstacle in the panel manufacturing process (for example, the mounting process). There was a problem that required.

JP 2003-122507 A JP 2004-118754 A

Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel with a vibration function that can easily perform wiring of vibration elements provided in the touch panel.

In order to achieve the above object, the touch panel with vibration function according to the present invention is characterized in that the touch panel body that detects a user's pressing operation and the operation surface of the touch panel body that the user performs the pressing operation are entirely bonded. A design sheet having a transparent window part and a decoration part surrounding the transparent window part, a vibration element fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body and concealed by the decoration part, and the vibration element And an energization circuit concealed in the decoration portion, and further disposed between the touch panel body and the vibration element, and the energization circuit is formed on one surface to constitute a wiring sheet In addition, the other surface is provided with a first transparent sheet bonded to the touch panel body.

With such a characteristic configuration, the energizing circuit is not directly formed on the touch panel body, but can be pasted on the touch panel body after being previously formed on the first transparent sheet. That is, since the energization circuit is formed only on the first transparent sheet, the vibration element can be easily wired. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for defects to occur during formation.
In addition, this vibration function is not limited to the case where the touch panel body is vibrated for tactile feedback, and includes, for example, the case where the speaker is formed by vibrating the touch panel body.

Further, it is preferable that the first transparent sheet also covers the transparent window portion.

With such a configuration, since the energization circuit can be configured along the touch panel body, no stress is applied to the energization circuit. Therefore, since the energization circuit is not bent, the reliability of the energization circuit can be improved. Moreover, a 1st transparent sheet can be arrange | positioned between a touchscreen main body and a display screen. For this reason, for example, by configuring the first transparent sheet using a shock-absorbing material, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the touch panel body from colliding with the display screen during vibration and scratching the display screen.

On the other hand, contrary to this configuration, the first transparent sheet may have a frame shape concealed by the decorative portion.

With such a configuration, since the first transparent sheet does not cover the transparent window portion, the visibility of the transparent window portion can be improved.

In addition, it is preferable that the touch panel body is made of a resistive film type and has a detection terminal portion on the back surface of the touch panel body, and the wiring sheet is bonded except for the detection terminal portion.

With such a configuration, since the detection terminal portion is exposed on the back side of the touch panel, all the wirings (for example, FPC) connected to the outside are connected from the back side of the touch panel after the wiring sheet bonding step. can do. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform bonding and wiring connection.

In addition, it is preferable that the touch panel body is of a capacitive type and has a detection terminal portion on the back surface of the touch panel body, and the wiring sheet is bonded to the touch panel body except for the detection terminal portion. .

Further, it is preferable that the second transparent sheet is bonded so as to cover the energization circuit excluding the terminal portion.

With such a configuration, since the energization circuit can be disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second transparent sheet, the introduction of foreign matter onto the energization circuit can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a short circuit and deterioration of the energization circuit.

Further, it is preferable that the second transparent sheet is bonded so as to cover the energization circuit excluding the terminal portion and excluding the detection terminal portion.

With such a configuration, since the detection terminal portion is exposed on the back side of the touch panel, it can be connected from the back side of the touch panel. In addition, since the energization circuit can be disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second transparent sheet, foreign substances can be prevented from being introduced onto the energization circuit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a short circuit and deterioration of the energization circuit.

Further, it is preferable that the second transparent sheet also covers the transparent window portion.

With such a configuration, the second transparent sheet can be disposed between the energization circuit and the display screen. For this reason, for example, by configuring the second transparent sheet from a highly scratch-resistant material or a shock-absorbing-absorbing material, the energizing circuit collides with the display screen during vibration, and the energizing circuit is damaged. Can be prevented. Therefore, the reliability of the energization circuit can be improved. Moreover, according to this structure, a 2nd transparent sheet can be arrange | positioned between a touchscreen main body and a display screen. For this reason, for example, by configuring the second transparent sheet using a shock-absorbing material, it is possible to prevent the back surface of the touch panel body from colliding with the display screen during vibration and scratching the display screen.

Further, it is preferable that the second transparent sheet has a frame shape concealed by the decoration portion.

With such a configuration, since the transparent window portion is not covered, the visibility of the transparent window portion can be improved.

Also, it is preferable that one external connection FPC having a plurality of connection terminals on the same surface is connected to the external connection side terminal portion of the energization circuit and the detection terminal portion.

With such a configuration, the connection with the outside can be performed with one FPC, so that the connection can be made easily. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, it is preferable that a terminal portion on the vibration element side of the energization circuit and the vibration element are connected by a second FPC.

Here, a method of directly connecting the electrodes of the vibration element to the energizing circuit with a conductive adhesive is conceivable. However, when configured by the method, vibration is directly applied to the connection portion between the vibration element and the energization circuit when the vibration element vibrates. On the other hand, according to this configuration, by giving the second FPC a certain length, it is possible to absorb vibration transmitted to the connection portion by the second FPC. Therefore, since the load applied to the connection portion can be reduced, connection failures such as disconnection can be reduced.
Further, with such a configuration, since the terminal portion and the second FPC can be connected in a single connection step, the vibration element and the energization circuit can be easily connected.

Further, it is preferable that the vibration element is of a DMA type in which a bimorph or unimorph type piezo element is fixed at one end to the side opposite to the operation surface of the touch panel body.

With such a configuration, the vibration element can be formed in a module shape called DMA, so that it is easy to configure a vibration element with FPC.

Further, it is preferable that there are two or more vibration elements, and the resistance value of the energization circuit is adjusted so that the voltages applied to the vibration elements are equal.

Here, if the length of the wiring constituting the energization circuit that energizes the vibration element (energization circuit length) differs for each vibration element, the circuit resistance increases as the energization circuit length increases. Therefore, there is a possibility that a difference in resistance occurs, and a difference also occurs in the vibration state of the vibration element. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, adjustment can be made so that the voltages applied to the respective vibration elements are equal to each other, so that a difference in vibration state can be prevented.

Further, it is preferable that a shield layer made of a transparent conductive film is provided in a portion covering the transparent window portion of the first transparent sheet.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a noise signal from being transmitted by the shield layer made of a transparent conductive film.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the touchscreen which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the wiring sheet which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the touchscreen main body which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the touchscreen main body which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the 2nd transparent sheet which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the 2nd transparent sheet which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the 2nd transparent sheet which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about FPC for external connection which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about 2nd FPC which concerns on 9th Embodiment. It is a figure shown about the jig | tool holding the vibration element which concerns on 10th Embodiment.

The touch panel 100 with a vibration function according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “touch panel 100”) corresponds to the user's operation so that the user can feel that the user himself / herself has operated when the user operates. It has a function that gives touch to the touch. Hereinafter, the touch panel 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a developed view schematically showing the overall configuration of the touch panel 100 according to the first embodiment. The touch panel 100 includes a touch panel body 11, a design sheet 12, a vibration element 13, an energization circuit 14, and a first transparent sheet 15.

Touch panel body 11 detects a user's pressing operation. The user's pressing operation is an operation performed by the user touching the touch panel 100 with a finger or the like. The touch panel body 11 can detect not only the operation by the user but also the position operated by the user via the design sheet 12 on the touch panel 100.

The design sheet 12 is entirely bonded to the operation surface of the touch panel body 11 on which the user performs a pressing operation, and includes a transparent window portion 12A and a decorative portion 12B surrounding the transparent window portion 12A. The operation surface of the touch panel body 11 is a front surface shown in FIG. To be bonded all over means to be bonded over the entire surface. For this reason, the design sheet 12 is stuck over the entire surface of the front surface of the touch panel body 11. In addition, the design sheet 12 has a transparent window portion 12A composed of a transparent portion at the center. Therefore, the design sheet 12 is not formed with the transparent window portion 12A opened. Moreover, the design sheet 12 has the decoration part 12B by which decoration was given to the circumference | surroundings (namely, peripheral part) of 12 A of transparent windows. By having this decoration part 12B, when the touch panel 100 is seen from the front side, the part of the touch panel main body 11 located in the back side (back surface) of the said decoration part 12B is made invisible.

The vibration element 13 is fixed to the side opposite to the operation surface of the touch panel body 11 and is hidden by the decorative portion 12B. The operation surface of the touch panel body 11 is a surface on the front side of the touch panel 100 as described above. Therefore, the opposite side of the operation surface corresponds to the back side of the touch panel 100. Thereby, the vibration element 13 is fixed to the back side of the touch panel body 11. Note that the back side of the touch panel 100 is not limited to a state in which it directly contacts the touch panel body 11. In this embodiment, it adheres to the back side of the touch-panel main body 11 through the 1st transparent sheet 15 mentioned later.

Here, as described above, when the touch panel 100 is viewed from the front side, the decorating unit 12B makes the touch panel body 11 located on the back side of the decorating unit 12B invisible. The vibration element 13 is placed in a concealed state when viewed from the front side of the touch panel 100 by being arranged on the back surface of the decorative portion 12B. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which two vibration elements 13 are constituted by piezoelectric elements and two are provided. Thereby, the vibration element 13 can be made invisible from the front side of the touch panel 100, and the touch panel 100 can be suitably vibrated.

The energization circuit 14 energizes the vibration element 13 and is concealed by the decorative portion 12B. The energization circuit 14 is used as a circuit that supplies a voltage to be applied to the piezoelectric element that constitutes the vibration element 13. The energization circuit 14 is disposed on the back surface of the decorative portion 12B, similarly to the vibration element 13 described above. Thereby, since it is in a concealed state in the front side view of the touch panel 100, the energization circuit 14 can be made invisible from the front side of the touch panel 100. Further, since the energization circuit 14 is printed and formed using, for example, a silver paste instead of a cord, impedance control of the wiring constituting the energization circuit 14 can be easily performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing through the vibration element 13 by setting the impedance of the wiring so that the current flowing through the vibration element 13 is equal to or less than the maximum rated current.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, if the length of the wiring (energization circuit length) constituting the energization circuit 14 that energizes the vibration element 13 is different for each vibration element 13, the energization circuit length becomes longer. Circuit resistance increases. For this reason, a resistance difference occurs between the energization circuits 14, which may cause a difference in the vibration state of the vibration element 13. Therefore, when there are two or more vibration elements 13, it is preferable to adjust the resistance value of the energization circuit 14 so that the voltages applied to the vibration elements 13 are equal. By adjusting the resistance value of the energization circuit 14, the voltage applied to each vibration element 13 can be made equal, so that a difference in vibration state can be prevented. Specifically, such adjustment is performed by, for example, making the energization circuit lengths equal by making a difference in the thickness of the energization circuit 14, intentionally detouring the energization circuit length, or applying a resistance value to the energization circuit 14. It can be realized by using different materials.

The first transparent sheet 15 is disposed between the touch panel body 11 and the vibration element 13. In addition, the first transparent sheet 15 is configured such that the energization circuit 14 is formed on one surface to form the wiring sheet 16, and the other surface is bonded to the touch panel body 11. Moreover, in this embodiment, the 1st transparent sheet 15 is bonded together so that 12 A of transparent windows may also be covered. The first transparent sheet 15 also covers the transparent window portion 12A means that the first transparent sheet 15 is stuck over the entire surface of the touch panel body 11, and the first transparent sheet 15 and the transparent window portion 12A cover the touch panel body 11. The overlapping state is shown. Therefore, in the present embodiment, no opening is formed in the first transparent sheet 15.

Moreover, it is also possible to provide a shield layer made of a transparent conductive film on the portion of the first transparent sheet 15 that covers the transparent window portion 12A. The shield layer is connected to the ground via a routing circuit and is disposed at a position corresponding to the display unit of the display device disposed on the back surface of the touch panel with a vibration function. Thereby, the shield layer can prevent the transmission of disturbing electromagnetic waves (AC noise) generated from the display device. Such a transparent conductive film as a shield layer is made of, for example, a transparent material having conductivity, such as ITO (indium tin oxide), which is used for the transparent electrode of the touch panel 100, by sputtering or the like. It can be formed by forming a film. Further, a conductive ink layer containing silver nanofibers or carbon nanotubes in a binder resin may be printed and applied.

By configuring the touch panel 100 in this way, the energization circuit 14 is not directly formed on the touch panel body 11 but can be pasted on the touch panel body 11 after being previously formed on the first transparent sheet 15. For this reason, since the formation object of the electricity supply circuit 14 becomes the 1st transparent sheet 15, it can make it difficult to produce a defect at the time of formation of the touch panel 100. FIG. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the part corresponding to 12 A of transparent window parts of the touchscreen main body 11 can be protected by comprising the 1st transparent sheet 15 with a material with abrasion resistance. For this reason, it can prevent that the back surface of the touch panel main body 11 collides with a display screen at the time of vibration, and the part corresponding to the transparent window part 12A of the touch panel main body 11 is damaged.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the first transparent sheet 15 included in the touch panel 100 has been described as being attached to the entire surface of the touch panel body 11. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first transparent sheet 15 is not attached to the entire surface of the touch panel body 11. Since other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 2 is a view showing the first transparent sheet 15 according to the present embodiment.

The first transparent sheet 15 according to the present embodiment has a frame shape concealed by the decorative portion 12B. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the design sheet 12 is bonded to the front side of the touch panel 100, and has a transparent window portion 12A in the central portion and a decorative portion 12B in the peripheral portion. The 1st transparent sheet 15 which concerns on this embodiment is bonded together only on the back surface of the decoration part 12B. Therefore, the 1st transparent sheet 15 is comprised by the frame shape which has 15 A of opening parts in the center part. Thereby, the 1st transparent sheet 15 can be made into a concealment state in front view of touch panel 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the 1st transparent sheet 15 does not coat | cover the transparent window part 12A, the visibility of 12A of transparent window parts can be improved.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 3 schematically shows the touch panel 100 according to the present embodiment. The touch panel body 11 according to the present embodiment is configured by a resistive film method. The resistive film type touch panel body 11 includes a transparent substrate 21 and a fixed electrode sheet 22 and a movable electrode sheet 23 that are sequentially arranged on the front surface thereof. Although the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable electrode sheet 23 are not shown, both are formed by forming a transparent electrode film on a transparent sheet, and the surfaces on which both electrode films are formed are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval. It arrange | positions and detects a user's pressing operation based on the change of resistance value when the electrode film of a press part contacts. The transparent substrate 21 is configured using a resin or glass excellent in transparency and rigidity. When the resin is used, polycarbonate resin (PC), methacrylic resin (PMMA), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), cellulose propionate resin (CP) ), Polystyrene resin (PS), polyester resin, and polyethylene resin (PE), etc., can be selected from resins having excellent transparency and rigidity, and polycarbonate resins (PC) and methacrylic resins (PMMA) having particularly excellent transparency should be used. It is preferable. When glass is used, soda glass, borosilicate glass, tempered glass, or the like can be used.

The electrode films of the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable electrode sheet 23 are each formed in a rectangular shape at the center by a transparent conductive film (ITO). Although not shown, electrodes for applying a voltage are provided on two opposing sides of the set of the electrode films. The voltage application electrode is provided so that the directions in which the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable electrode sheet 23 are arranged are orthogonal to each other.

The touch panel body 11 has a detection terminal portion 24 on the other surface. The detection terminal portion 24 is connected to the above-described voltage application electrodes of the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable sheet 23. In the present embodiment, the detection terminal portion 24 is provided connected to both ends of the two transparent conductive films. Therefore, the detection terminal unit 24 includes at least four terminals.

The detection terminal portion 24 includes a through hole 24A that penetrates the transparent substrate 21 and the fixed electrode sheet 22 and a through terminal portion 24B. The through hole 24A is a hole that penetrates the transparent substrate 12 in the plate thickness direction. The through terminal portion 24B is preferably formed by plating a conductor on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 24A. Alternatively, it is possible to fill the through hole 24A with a conductor. Thereby, it is possible to derive the output from the electrode film from the opposing surface of the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable sheet electrode 23 to the back surface of the transparent substrate 21 through the through hole 24A and the through terminal portion 24B. Become.

Here, the wiring sheet 16 according to the present embodiment has an uncovered portion 30 at a position corresponding to the detection terminal portion 24. The uncovered portion 30 is a portion where the wiring sheet 16 does not exist, and corresponds to a through hole in the present embodiment. Of course, it is also possible to comprise the non-coating part 30 by a notch part. The position corresponding to the detection terminal portion 24 is the back side (rear surface) of the detection terminal portion 24. Thereby, the wiring sheet 16 can be bonded to the touch panel body 11 except for the detection terminal portion 24. By providing such an uncovered portion 30 on the back surface of the detection terminal portion 24, the detection terminal portion 24 can be exposed on the back side of the touch panel 100. Therefore, in the back side view of the touch panel 100, the detection terminal portion 24 can be exposed through the non-covering portion 30 together with the energization terminal 25 and the like for energizing the vibration element 13 formed on the wiring sheet 16. It becomes. According to this embodiment, the wiring connected with the exterior can be easily performed after the bonding process of the wiring sheet 16.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a touch panel body 11 according to the present embodiment. 4A is a bird's-eye view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view. The touch panel body 11 according to the present embodiment is configured by a capacitance method. The capacitive touch panel body 11 is configured by bonding, for example, two layers of electrode sheets 26 to the transparent substrate 21. Although not shown, each electrode sheet 26 is formed by forming a transparent electrode film on a transparent sheet, and one electrode sheet 26 has X electrodes x1, x2, x3,. The electrode sheet 26 is provided in a pattern of Y electrodes y1, y2, y3,... And the electrode film. The X electrodes x1, x2, x3,... Are arranged in parallel, and in the longitudinal direction, a large number of squares are arranged so that two opposing corners are arranged. Similarly, the Y electrodes y1, y2, y3,... Are arranged in parallel, and a number of squares are arranged in the longitudinal direction so that two opposing corners are arranged. Accordingly, the touch panel body 11 is arranged so that the input surface is filled with a square leaving a slight gap, and a user's pressing operation is detected based on a change in capacitance between the fingertip and the electrode film. To do. 4B, when the two-layer electrode sheet 26 is bonded, the detection terminal portion 24 of each of the two-layer electrode sheets 26 is exposed on the other surface of the touch panel body 11. It is configured like a staircase.

Here, the wiring sheet 16 according to the present embodiment has an uncovered portion 30 at a position corresponding to the detection terminal portion 24. That is, the wiring sheet 16 according to the present embodiment is bonded except for the detection terminal portion 24. Therefore, in the back side view of the touch panel 100, the detection terminal portion 24 can be exposed through the non-covering portion 30 together with the energization terminal 25 and the like for energizing the vibration element 13 formed on the wiring sheet 16. It becomes. According to this embodiment, the wiring connected with the exterior can be easily performed after the bonding process of the wiring sheet 16.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows the second transparent sheet 32 included in the touch panel 100 according to the present embodiment. The touch panel 100 according to the present embodiment includes a second transparent sheet 32. The second transparent sheet 32 is bonded to the wiring sheet 16 so as to cover the energization circuit 14 excluding the terminal portion. The terminal portion corresponds to the energization terminal 25 and the connection terminal 27 included in the energization circuit 14. The vibration element 13 is connected to the connection terminal 27. In the back side view of the touch panel 100, the non-covering portion 28 is formed on the second transparent sheet 32 so that the energization terminals 25 and the connection terminals 27 are exposed. The non-covering portion 28 includes a cutout portion 28A and a through hole 28B. According to the present embodiment, since the energization circuit 14 can be covered with the first transparent sheet 15 and the second transparent sheet 32, a short circuit and deterioration of the energization circuit 14 can be prevented. Moreover, since the electric terminal 25 and the connection terminal 27 are exposed by the non-covering portion 28 including the notch portion 28A and the through hole 28B, the first transparent sheet 15 and the second transparent sheet 32 are bonded together, And wiring of the vibration element 13 can be easily performed.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows the second transparent sheet 32 according to the present embodiment. In the third embodiment, the wiring sheet 16 has been described as having the uncovered portion 30 so that the detection terminal portion 24 is exposed. The second transparent sheet 32 according to the present embodiment is bonded to the wiring sheet 16 so as to cover the energization circuit 14 excluding the terminal portion. The terminal portion corresponds to the energization terminal 25 and the connection terminal 27 included in the energization circuit 14. The second transparent sheet 32 is configured such that a portion that overlaps the non-covered portion 30 becomes the opening 29 when viewed from the back side of the touch panel 100. In addition, as described in the fifth embodiment, the non-covering portion 28 including the cutout portion 28 </ b> A and the through hole 28 </ b> B that expose the connection terminal 27 of the energization circuit 14 to the back side of the touch panel 100 is also configured. Thereby, even if it is a case where the 2nd transparent sheet 32 is bonded together, since the terminal part 24 for a detection can be exposed to the back side of the touch panel 100 through the opening part 29 and the non-coating part 30, it is 1st. Even after the two transparent sheets 32 are bonded, wiring for connecting to the outside and wiring for the vibration element 13 can be easily performed.

Further, the second transparent sheet 32 according to the present embodiment is configured to cover the transparent window portion 12A. That is, the second transparent sheet 32 is configured to cover the entire surface of the touch panel body 11. Thereby, 12 A of transparent windows can be protected by comprising the 2nd transparent sheet 32 with a material with abrasion resistance. For this reason, it can prevent that the back surface of the touch panel main body 11 collides with a display screen at the time of vibration, and the part corresponding to the transparent window part 12A of the touch panel main body 11 is damaged. 6 does not show the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable sheet 23 in FIG. 3 or the two-layer electrode sheet 26 in FIG.

[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 7 shows the second transparent sheet 32 according to the present embodiment. The 2nd transparent sheet 32 concerning this embodiment consists of a frame shape concealed with 12 A of decoration parts. As described in the first embodiment, the design sheet 12 is bonded to the front side of the touch panel 100, and has a transparent window portion 12A at the center portion and a decorative portion 12B at the peripheral end portion. The 2nd transparent sheet 32 which concerns on this embodiment is bonded together only on the back surface of the decoration part 12B. Therefore, the 2nd transparent sheet 32 is comprised by the frame shape which has 32 A of opening parts in the center part. Thereby, the 2nd transparent sheet 32 is made into a concealment state in front view of touch panel 100. According to this embodiment, since the second transparent sheet 32 does not cover the transparent window portion 12A, the visibility of the transparent window portion 12A can be improved. 7 does not show the fixed electrode sheet 22 and the movable sheet 23 in FIG. 3 or the two-layer electrode sheet 26 in FIG.

[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 shows an external connection FPC 41 that connects the touch panel 100 and the outside (for example, a control unit that controls the touch panel 100). The external connection FPC 41 includes a plurality of connection terminals on the same surface with respect to the external connection side terminal portion (energization terminal 25) and the detection terminal portion 24 of the energization circuit 14. In this embodiment, the connection is made using one external connection FPC 41. The external connection FPC 41 is a flexible and deformable substrate. Here, the touch panel 100 is configured such that the energization terminals 25 and the detection terminal portions 24 are exposed on the back side surface of the touch panel 100 as described above. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the detection terminal portion 24 includes a through terminal portion 24B. For this reason, the external connection FPC 41 is connected to the through terminal portion 24 </ b> B and the energization terminal 25. Accordingly, the touch panel 100 can be connected to the outside (the control unit of the touch panel 100) with one external connection FPC 41, and thus the mounting process of the touch panel 100 can be simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In the connection between the external connection FPC 41 and the through terminal portion 24B, a metal pin can be erected on the terminal of the external connection FPC 41, and the metal pin can be inserted into the through terminal portion 24B.

[Ninth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a connection form between the energization circuit 14 and the vibration element 13. In this connection, the second FPC 42 is used. The second FPC 42 connects the vibration element 13 and the terminal portion (connection terminal 27) on the vibration element 13 side of the energization circuit 14. Thereby, it becomes possible to connect the energization circuit 14 and the vibration element 13 easily. Although not shown, when the vibration element 13 is provided as a pair, the second FPC 42 is also provided as a pair. In addition, by connecting the vibration element 13 via the second FPC 42, the connection portion is not directly subjected to vibration, so that connection failures such as disconnection can be reduced.

[Tenth embodiment]
FIG. 10 shows a jig 70 that holds the vibration element 13 on the touch panel 100. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a form in which the vibration element 13 is incorporated in the jig 70, and FIG. 10B is a diagram in which the jig 70 and the vibration element 13 are developed. The jig 70 is configured by bending a single metal flat plate. A pair of ribs 71 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the vibration element 13 held by the jig 70. Thereby, the intensity | strength with respect to a bending can be strengthened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a bending direction force from being applied to the vibration element 13. Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the jig 70 are configured to be higher than the rib 71. A notch 72 is formed at one end of the jig 70.

In the present embodiment, the vibrating element 13 is a DMA type in which a bimorph type piezoelectric element is fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body 11 at one end. The bimorph type has a structure in which two piezoelectric elements (piezoelectric elements) are bonded together. Such two piezoelectric elements are provided so as to sandwich the shim plate 80 therebetween. At this time, each piezoelectric element is arranged so that the shim plate 80 side becomes a negative electrode. The shim plate 80 is configured such that the cutout portion 72 side protrudes, and a weight 73 is disposed on the protruding portion. For example, copper is preferably used as the weight 73. Thereby, the vibration emitted from the vibration element 13 can be a low-frequency vibration that is more easily felt by the user. The negative electrode of the set of vibration elements 13 is connected to the second FPC 42 via the shim plate 80. On the other hand, the positive electrodes are combined into one set and connected to the second FPC 42. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately generate vibration that is easily felt by the user while appropriately holding the vibration element 13.

[Other Embodiments]
In the third embodiment, it has been described that the wiring sheet 16 is provided with a through hole or a notch as the non-covering portion 30 in order to expose the detection terminal portion 24 on the back side of the touch panel 100. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the detection terminal part 24 can be exposed to the back side of the touch panel 100, the shape of the non-covering part 30 may be any shape.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that each layer is attached in a stepped manner in order to expose the detection terminal portion 24 to the back side of the touch panel 100. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. If the detection terminal portion 24 can be exposed on the back side of the touch panel 100, it is naturally possible to form the non-cover portion 30 by forming a through hole or a notch.

In the fifth embodiment, the second transparent sheet 32 has been described on the assumption that the cutout portion 28A and the through hole 28B are formed so that the energization terminal 25 and the connection terminal 27 are exposed. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, it may be formed in other shapes, and the touch panel body 11 may not be covered over the entire surface as long as the energization circuit 14 can be protected.

In the eighth embodiment, the detection terminal unit 24 and the energization terminal 25 are described as being connected by one external connection FPC 41. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. Naturally, the FPC for external connection can be provided separately for the detection terminal portion 24 and for the energization terminal 25.

In the tenth embodiment, it has been described that the vibration elements 13 are arranged in a pair. Further, the description has been made assuming that one pair of the vibration elements 13 is disposed so as to sandwich the shim plate 80 therebetween. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. The vibration element 13 may be used singly or in large numbers.

In the tenth embodiment, the vibration element 13 is described as being configured using a bimorph type piezoelectric element. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is naturally possible to use a unimorph type piezo element. The unimorph type has a structure in which one piezoelectric element and a metal plate are bonded together. Even in such a case, it is naturally possible to let the user experience vibration according to the pressing operation on the touch panel.

The present invention has a touch panel body that detects a user's pressing operation, and a transparent window portion and a decorative portion that surrounds the transparent window portion that are entirely bonded to the operation surface of the touch panel body that the user performs a pressing operation. A vibration function comprising: a sheet, a vibration element fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body, and concealed in the decoration part; and an energization circuit that energizes the vibration element and is concealed in the decoration part It can be used for an attached touch panel.

11: Touch panel body 12: Design sheet 12A: Transparent window portion 12B: Decorating portion 13: Vibration element 14: Current-carrying circuit 15: First transparent sheet 16: Wiring sheet 24: Detection terminal portion 32: Second transparent sheet 41: FPC for external connection
42: Second FPC
100: Touch panel (touch panel with vibration function)

Claims

A touch panel body for detecting a user's pressing operation;
A design sheet having a transparent window part and a decorative part surrounding the transparent window part, which is bonded to the entire operation surface of the touch panel body where the user performs a pressing operation,
A vibration element fixed to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body and concealed by the decoration portion,
An energizing circuit that energizes the vibrating element and is concealed in the decorative portion, and a touch panel with a vibration function,
In addition, the first transparent sheet is disposed between the touch panel body and the vibration element, the conductive circuit is formed on one surface to form a wiring sheet, and the other surface is bonded to the touch panel body. And a touch panel with a vibration function.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 1, wherein the first transparent sheet also covers the transparent window portion.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 1, wherein the first transparent sheet has a frame shape concealed by the decoration portion.
The touch panel main body is made of a resistive film type, has a detection terminal portion on the back surface of the touch panel main body, and the wiring sheet is bonded except for the detection terminal portion. A touch panel with vibration function according to claim 1.
The touch panel main body is made of a capacitive method, has a detection terminal portion on the back surface of the touch panel main body, and the wiring sheet is bonded except for the detection terminal portion. The touch panel with a vibration function according to any one of the above.
Furthermore, the touch panel with a vibration function as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 which has bonded together the 2nd transparent sheet so that the said electricity supply circuit except a terminal part may be covered.
Furthermore, the touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a second transparent sheet is bonded so as to cover the energization circuit excluding the terminal portion and excluding the detection terminal portion.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second transparent sheet also covers the transparent window portion.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second transparent sheet has a frame shape concealed by the decoration portion.
6. The external connection FPC having a plurality of connection terminals on the same surface is connected to the external connection side terminal portion and the detection terminal portion of the energization circuit according to claim 4 or 5. Touch panel with vibration function.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a terminal portion on the vibration element side of the energization circuit and the vibration element are connected by a second FPC.
11. The touch panel with a vibration function according to claim 10, wherein the vibration element is of a DMA type in which a bimorph or unimorph type piezoelectric element is fixed at one end to the opposite side of the operation surface of the touch panel body.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein there are two or more vibration elements, and a resistance value of the energization circuit is adjusted so that a voltage applied to each vibration element is equal.
The touch panel with a vibration function according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a shield layer made of a transparent conductive film is provided on a portion of the first transparent sheet that covers the transparent window portion.