JP2012198740A - Touch panel and display device including touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device including a touch panel which avoids a decrease in the luminance to have excellent visibility.SOLUTION: A metal pattern 91 of a metal pattern layer 90 constituting a touch panel 18, which is so fine as to be invisible, is provided at a position of not overlapping an RGB pattern 92 of a color filter 87. As a result, the metal pattern 91 does not shield light emitted by a backlight unit 81, and a decrease in the luminance can be avoided and a touch panel function is realized.

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel that is arranged in front of an image display unit that displays a desired image or video, and performs a predetermined input by a touch operation, and a display device provided with the touch panel.

  A display device equipped with a touch panel is widely used in in-vehicle display devices, mobile devices such as PNDs and portable multimedia players, and is placed on the front surface of an image display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display and touches the surface thereof. Thus, the information corresponding to the touched part can be input as a signal.

  As the touch panel, a capacitive touch panel that detects a change in capacitance due to contact of an operator's finger is widely used.

  Moreover, the transparent conductive film used for the touch panel is generally composed of a film of indium oxide to which tin is added (ITO film). However, there is a problem of resource depletion of raw materials, and an alternative material is required.

  As an alternative to an ITO film, a metal substrate having a sufficiently fine metal pattern that is invisible to the naked eye on a transparent substrate is known.

  Conventionally, a method of coating a substrate with nano-powder having conductivity and / or transparency in an ordered or disordered pattern obtained spontaneously or as a result of a printing technique is known ( For example, Patent Document 1).

  Alternatively, as a method for producing a transparent conductive film having an excellent appearance in a simple process, a coating solution comprising a W / O emulsion containing conductive particles in an organic solvent phase is applied on a substrate and dried. A method comprising: 1 step; a second step of sintering conductive particles on the substrate by heat treatment; and a third step of reacting the sintered conductive particles with sulfur or a sulfur compound. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition to the conventional general format in which an external touch panel is placed on a liquid crystal panel, a built-in touch panel technology in which a touch panel function is built in a display panel is known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). .

JP 2005-530005 Gazette JP 2008-41445 A

Published by Naoki Asami “Forefront of Touch Panel”, Nikkei Business Publications, September 10, 2010, first edition 116-125

However, in a display device equipped with a conventional touch panel, as a substitute for an ITO film, when a metal substrate with a sufficiently fine metal pattern that cannot be seen with the naked eye is used on the transparent substrate, the metal pattern is on the display surface. By covering the light output area (such as the area where the color pattern of the color filter exists), there is a problem that the transmittance of the image display unit is lowered and visibility is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and as a substitute for the ITO film, a sufficiently fine metal pattern that is invisible to the naked eye is used to ensure visibility without causing a decrease in luminance. An object is to provide a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a touch panel disposed on the front surface of a display device that displays an image by light output toward the outside from a light output region partitioned by a partition part, A metal pattern made of a conductive member, and a metal pattern layer made of a light-transmitting member on which the metal pattern is arranged. The configuration and the display device that are arranged at positions overlapping with the lane markings that comprise the touch panel have the configuration including this touch panel.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can avoid that the transmittance | permeability of the light from an image display part falls with a metal pattern layer, implement | achieving the function of a conventional touch panel, and can improve visibility.

The block diagram of the vehicle-mounted apparatus containing the display apparatus provided with the touch panel in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Simplified structural diagram in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure which shows the positional relationship of the image display part and metal pattern in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the positional relationship of the image display part and metal pattern in Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is the example in which the metal pattern was arrange | positioned by forming the square surrounding each of a color pattern (B) is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of hexagons are formed surrounding an RGB pattern corresponding to one pixel, and (c) is a diagram in which metal patterns are arranged by forming hexagons surrounding each color pattern. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of adjacent patterns of color patterns are surrounded by one square. Simplified structural diagram when the metal pattern layer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is formed on a touch panel substrate Simplified structural diagram in Embodiment 2 of the present invention The figure which shows the example of the metal pattern in Embodiment 2 of this invention Simplified structural diagram when the metal pattern layer in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is formed on a touch panel substrate

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a touch panel and a display device including the touch panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  However, in the following description, an in-vehicle navigation device will be described as an example of a display device provided with a touch panel. Therefore, the in-vehicle navigation device including the display device provided with the touch panel will be simply described as an “in-vehicle device”.

  1 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle device including a display device having a touch panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The in-vehicle device according to the first embodiment includes a navigation function for performing route guidance and the like, and an audio visual reproduction function for reproducing an audio video recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

  In FIG. 1, an in-vehicle device 10 includes a storage unit 11, an external input unit 12, a speaker 13, an image display unit 17, a touch panel 18, a control unit 20, a DVD / CD drive 22, a GPS receiver 23, a vehicle speed sensor 24, and a gyro 25. It has.

  However, the DVD / CD drive 22, the GPS receiver 23, the vehicle speed sensor 24, the gyro 25, and the speaker 13 do not have to be provided integrally in the in-vehicle device 10, and each of the in-vehicle device 10 is electrically connected. It is good also as a structure which can be connected and removed. Further, the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 may be structurally integrated.

  The storage unit 11 is a data storage device such as an HDD, an SD card, or a flash memory mounted on a printed board inside the in-vehicle device, and a single type may be used, or a plurality of types may be used in combination.

  The storage unit 11 includes an icon size (icon size or icon display area) displayed on the image display unit 17, an icon layout, a basic program necessary for controlling the operation of the in-vehicle device 10, and an image display. Stores various programs and various databases, such as programs for control of applications, application software used to execute navigation functions or audiovisual playback functions, databases related to maps for navigation, databases such as telephone numbers, etc. Is done.

  The storage unit 11 is provided with an area for developing various programs and various data, an area for developing an image, and the like, as in a general storage unit.

  The external input unit 12 is provided to input a signal output from an external device that can be connected to the in-vehicle device 10, for example, a video signal or an audio signal obtained by reproducing a medium such as a DVD or a CD, or Video and audio signals from digital TVs can be input.

  The speaker 13 is incorporated in the in-vehicle device 10, a sound effect for informing the operator that the in-vehicle device 10 has accepted an operation on the in-vehicle device 10, a voice input from an external device to the external input unit 12, or the like. For example, it is provided for outputting sound or music reproduced by the DVD / CD drive 22.

  The image display unit 17 is provided for displaying each data such as an opening screen and a menu screen stored in the storage unit 11 and images and still images input to the external input unit 12 from an external device. In the first embodiment, a general liquid crystal display is used.

  That is, the image display unit 17 includes a liquid crystal panel including a polarizing filter, a liquid crystal, a glass substrate, a color filter, a backlight unit used for a light source of a liquid crystal panel such as a cold cathode tube or an LED and a light guide plate, and an image display. For example, an electronic component such as an IC for controlling various signals and a power supply unit for driving a liquid crystal, a backlight unit, and the electronic component. However, in this case, the power supply unit may be provided separately from the image display unit 17.

  The touch panel 18 is provided inside or on the surface of the image display unit 17 and has a conductive layer using a metal pattern. The input operation to the in-vehicle device 10 is performed by the operator corresponding to the display on the image display unit 17. Touch the location (the position of the icon displayed on the image display unit in the case of icon display, or an arbitrary location displayed on the image display unit in the case of map display). This is performed by outputting information on the amount of change in capacitance caused by the proximity) and information on the operated position to the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 includes a microprocessor and an electric circuit for operating the microprocessor, and executes various control processes by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 11. Further, the control unit 20 performs control processing so that image data obtained as a result of the control processing by the control unit 20 is displayed on the image display unit 17.

  In addition, the control unit 20 further acquires a signal from the touch panel 18, calculates a position where the operator touches the image display unit based on the signal, and stores information on the calculated position in the storage unit 11. The display unit collates with information assigned to the touched position. Then, the functions defined in the icons, menus, switches, etc. displayed at the position where the operator's finger touches are executed.

  Further, the number of microprocessors used in the control unit 20 may be one, or a plurality of microprocessors may be used for each function such as DVD playback or audio playback.

  The DVD / CD drive 22 is provided for reproducing a disc in which an audio source (or audio data) and a video source (or video data) are stored.

  The GPS receiver 23 is provided for receiving signals from GPS satellites.

  The vehicle speed sensor 24 is provided for receiving a vehicle speed signal from the vehicle and determining the moving speed of the vehicle.

  The gyro 25 is provided for detecting the amount of rotation of the vehicle, the amount of vertical change, and acceleration.

  Details of the touch panel and the display unit of the in-vehicle device 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

  In the first embodiment, the touch panel 18 is a capacitive touch panel, and is a surface capacitive touch panel in which the metal pattern layer which is a conductive layer is one layer.

  FIG. 2 is a simplified structural diagram for explaining the structures of the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 according to the first embodiment.

  When the operator views the in-vehicle device 10 from the front direction in an installation state (normal use state) in which the in-vehicle device 10 is normally used, the image display unit 17 displays the backlight units in order from the operator's viewpoint. 81, a first polarizing filter 82, a TFT glass substrate 83, a first transparent electrode 84, a liquid crystal 85, a second transparent electrode 86, a color filter 87, a CF glass substrate 88, and a second polarizing filter 89 are arranged. It is a configuration.

In the present embodiment, the touch panel 18 includes a metal pattern layer 90 and is configured by an insulating layer or an insulating coating (not shown) for insulating the metal pattern layer 90 and a material adjacent to the metal pattern layer 90.

  As will be described later, the metal pattern layer 90 is formed of a metal pattern that is evenly arranged on the CF glass substrate 88 of the image display unit 17 by photoetching, and is disposed between the CF glass substrate 88 and the second polarizing filter 89. The

  However, the metal pattern is made of a conductive member, and Ag wire, an alloy such as aluminum, tantalum, or molybdenum, Ag wire / ink, carbon nanotube, or the like is used.

  The above-mentioned “equal” means that the resistance value of the metal pattern per unit area is substantially the same before the slit for detecting the contact operation of the operator is formed on the metal pattern. .

  The touch panel 18 operates with the metal pattern layer 90 by flowing a pulsed current such as a rectangular wave or a sine wave from the four electrodes of the metal pattern layer 90 and touching the second polarizing filter 89 with a finger. A capacitance is formed between the finger of the user and the metal pattern layer 90, and the position touched by the operator is calculated by detecting a change in current value that varies depending on the position touched by the operator.

Also in this embodiment, since it can be realized by applying a general technique of a surface capacitive touch panel, its details are omitted.
In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display is used for the image display unit 17, but an operator (or a viewer) emits light emitted from the backlight unit 81 toward the outside of the apparatus, the first polarizing filter 82, and the TFT. An image or video that has passed through the glass substrate 83, the first transparent electrode 84, the liquid crystal 85, the second transparent electrode 86, the color filter 87, the CF glass substrate 88, the metal pattern layer 90, and the second polarizing filter 89 is used. You will see.

  That is, when the touch panel 18 is provided on the front side of the operator (or viewer) of the image display unit 17, the metal pattern of the metal pattern layer 90 emits light for forming an image or an image ( It is desirable as a device that the light output area) is not obstructed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration described below is adopted.

  FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the image display unit 17 and the metal pattern 91 of the metal pattern layer 90 in the first embodiment, from the line of sight of the operator, that is, from the direction perpendicular to the image display unit 17. It is a view (the operator's line-of-sight direction is perpendicular to the display surface).

  The image display unit 17 in the present embodiment controls light transmission for each pixel and expresses a color using the color filter 87.

  A plurality of RGB patterns 92 are arranged in the color filter 87, and one RGB pattern 92 is an R pattern 92a, a G pattern 92b, and a B color of red, green, and blue, which are three types of color patterns. It consists of a pattern 92c. One pixel corresponds to the one RGB pattern.

  However, in the present embodiment, the color filter 87 has three color patterns, but in addition, for example, a color filter having four color patterns including a yellow color pattern (Y pattern) is used. It is also possible to use one having more or fewer kinds of color patterns.

  Further, the color filter 87 is provided with a black matrix 93 for partitioning (partitioning) each region of the R pattern 92a, the G pattern 92b, and the B pattern 92c and partitioning (partitioning) a plurality of RGB patterns. .

  The black matrix 93 is for eliminating the color mixture of RGB colors and clarifying the image. Since the black matrix 93 serves as a light shielding film between the RGB colors, the light emitted from the backlight unit 81 is positively generated. Is not allowed to pass through.

  In the present embodiment, the metal pattern 91 is disposed only at a position overlapping the black matrix 93. More specifically, the metal pattern 91 is disposed only at a position overlapping the straight line portion (partition line) that constitutes the black matrix 93.

  In other words, when the operator (viewer) views the image display unit 17 from a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the image display unit 17, the metal pattern 91 overlaps the black matrix 93 on the front side of the black matrix 93. Arranged.

  Alternatively, it can be said that the metal pattern 91 is arranged so as not to overlap the RGB pattern 92.

  By being configured in this way, the light emitted from the backlight unit 81 and having passed through the RGB pattern 92 of the color filter 87 is not interrupted by the metal pattern 91 of the metal pattern layer 90, and the conventional touch panel function. High visibility can be secured while realizing the above.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by forming a metal pattern on the CF glass base material so as not to overlap with the RGB pattern of the color filter, it is possible to prevent a decrease in transmittance and maintain visibility while maintaining the touch panel function. Can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, since a liquid crystal display is used for the image display unit 17, the black matrix 93 functions as a partition (configures the black matrix 93) and is a region partitioned by the black matrix 93. A color pattern is provided in the light output area.

  For example, when an organic EL display is used for the image display unit 17, a separator provided between adjacent organic EL elements is used as a partition unit, or when a plasma display is used for the image display unit 17 By using the partition provided between the phosphors to be used as the partitioning portion, it can be applied to various display devices.

  However, the metal pattern 91 is not necessarily provided so as to overlap the entire black matrix 93, and the shape formed by the metal pattern 91 described with reference to FIG. 3 on the metal pattern layer 90 is one pixel. However, in addition to this, as described below with reference to FIG. 4, a wide variety of patterns can be adopted.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the positional relationship between the image display unit and the metal pattern according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a view seen from the operator's line of sight, that is, from the vertical direction from the image display unit 17. (The viewing direction of the operator is perpendicular to the display surface).

The example shown in FIG. 4A is an example in which a metal pattern 91 is arranged by forming a quadrangle surrounding each of the R pattern 92a, the G pattern 92b, and the B pattern 92c provided on the color filter 87.

The example shown in FIG. 4B has a shape in which a plurality of hexagons formed surrounding the RGB pattern 92 corresponding to one pixel are connected.
In this case, the width of the black matrix that partitions the RGB pattern that is adjacent to the top and bottom of the front view is wider than the width of the black matrix that partitions the RGB pattern that is adjacent to the left and right of the front view. However, it is also possible to use a shape in which the upper and lower vertices of the hexagon and the vertices of another hexagon adjacent to each other are shared. Further, the hexagon may be an octagon or another polygon.

  The example shown in FIG. 4C is an example in which a metal pattern 91 is formed by forming a hexagon surrounding each of the R pattern 92a, the G pattern 92b, and the B pattern 92c provided on the color filter 87.

  Also in this case, the connection relation of each of the plurality of hexagonal metal patterns existing in the upper and lower directions in the front view is a state in which the vertices are common even if they are connected in a straight line as in the example shown in FIG. And a polygon other than a hexagon may be used.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4D, among a plurality of R patterns 92a, G patterns 92b, and B patterns 92c provided on the color filter 87, a plurality of adjacent adjacent patterns are surrounded by one square. Shape.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4D, an example in which any three patterns among the plurality of R patterns 92a, G patterns 92b, and B patterns 92c are surrounded is shown, but any two are surrounded. The number of R patterns, G patterns, and B patterns that can be surrounded may not be constant in one metal pattern layer 90.

  Furthermore, the metal pattern 91 extending in the vertical direction in front view may be randomly arranged without being in a straight line in the metal pattern layer.

  However, “adjacent” in the above description indicates a state where they are provided adjacent to each other or arranged adjacent to each other.

  In addition, regarding the shape of the metal pattern 91 described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4D, the shape of the metal pattern 91 surrounding the color pattern corresponding to one pixel is the one color. This is because, when the metal pattern 91 and the black matrix 93 are positioned relative to each other, the accuracy in manufacturing is more easily obtained than when only the pattern is surrounded.

  If the minimum area formed by the metal pattern 91 is not larger than the contact area between the operator's finger and the surface of the image display unit 17, the shape of the metal pattern 91 is 4 other than those described above. Two or more color patterns may be enclosed as one unit.

  As described above, the shape of the metal pattern 91 is shown as described above with reference to FIG. 4. However, in the manufacturing process of the image display unit 17, these shapes of the metal pattern 91 are appropriately adopted in whole or in part. By doing so, the following becomes possible.

  That is, the parasitic capacitance generated between the metal pattern layer 90 and the second transparent electrode 86 around the metal pattern layer 90 and the structural parts of the in-vehicle device 10 and the sheet resistance value of the metal pattern layer 90 are adjusted to desired values. This makes it possible to design a touch panel that is easy to use for the operator according to the structure of the image display unit 17 and structural parts.

  The metal pattern layer 90 is formed by photoetching the metal pattern 91. However, the metal pattern layer 90 may be formed on the touch panel base 94 other than the CF glass substrate 88. Since the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 can be separated and can be used for another image display unit 17, it is not necessary to change a large manufacturing facility.

  The structure when the metal pattern layer 90 is formed on the touch panel substrate 94 other than the CF glass substrate 88 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image display unit 17 includes a backlight unit 81, a first polarizing filter 82, a TFT glass substrate 83, a first transparent electrode 84, a liquid crystal 85, a second transparent electrode 86, and a color filter 87 in order from the operator's viewpoint. The CF glass substrate 88 and the second polarizing filter 89 are disposed.

  The touch panel 18 includes a touch panel substrate 94 such as a film or glass, a metal pattern layer 90 formed on the touch panel substrate 94 by photoetching, and an overlay 95 for protecting the metal pattern layer 90.

  As described above, by adjusting the positions of the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the function of the touch panel can be realized while ensuring the visibility. Further, since it is possible to avoid a decrease in the light transmittance from the image display unit 17, visibility can be secured even if the light emission amount of the backlight of the image display unit is reduced, and the power consumption of the display device is reduced. Can do.

In the description of the above embodiment, an example using a liquid crystal display has been described. However, the same applies to an apparatus using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or an organic EL display as the image display unit 17. Can do.
(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the in-vehicle device 10 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the touch panel includes two metal pattern layers, a first metal pattern layer and a second metal pattern layer, that is, The present invention is applicable to a projected capacitive touch panel capable of detecting multiple fingertips.

  FIG. 6 is a simplified structural diagram for explaining the structures of the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 according to the second embodiment.

  The image display unit 17 includes a backlight unit 81, a first polarizing filter 82, a TFT glass substrate 83, a first transparent electrode 84, a liquid crystal 85, a second transparent electrode 86, and a color filter 87 in order from the operator's viewpoint. The CF glass substrate 88 and the second polarizing filter 89 are disposed.

The touch panel 18 is configured by an insulating layer or an insulating coating (not shown) for insulating the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 from the adjacent material, and the CF of the image display unit 17. The glass substrate 88 is formed by photoetching, and is formed between the CF glass substrate 88 and the second polarizing filter 89.

  FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the metal pattern 91 and the slit 98 constituting the first metal pattern layer 96.

  The first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 are composed of sufficiently fine metal patterns 91 that are invisible to the naked eye.

  The metal pattern 91 is divided by sufficiently fine slits 98 that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  The touch panel 18 includes a first metal pattern layer 96 and a second metal pattern layer 97, and the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal formed by the operator touching the second polarizing filter 89. The change in the capacitance with the pattern layer 97 is detected and the coordinates touched by the operator are calculated, but this can be realized by applying the general technology of the projected capacitive touch panel. Details are omitted.

  The positional relationship among the image display unit 17, the first metal pattern layer 96, and the metal pattern 91 of the second metal pattern layer 97 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. The description is omitted because it is similar.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the two-layer metal pattern is formed on the CF glass substrate so as not to overlap with the RGB pattern of the color filter, thereby preventing the decrease in transmittance and ensuring the visibility. The function of the projected capacitive touch panel can be realized.

  Note that the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 may be configured on the touch panel base 94, and when a metal pattern is formed on the touch panel base 94, the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18. Can be separated, a general image display unit 17 can be used, and a large manufacturing facility is not required to be changed.

  The structure when the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 are formed on the touch panel substrate 94 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image display unit 17 includes a backlight unit 81, a first polarizing filter 82, a TFT glass substrate 83, a first transparent electrode 84, a liquid crystal 85, a second transparent electrode 86, and a color filter 87 in order from the operator's viewpoint. The CF glass substrate 88 and the second polarizing filter 89 are disposed.

  The touch panel 18 includes a touch panel base 94 such as a film or glass, a first metal pattern layer 96 and a second metal pattern layer 97 formed on the touch panel base 94 by photoetching, and an overlay for protecting the metal pattern layer. 95.

  The metal pattern 91 that constitutes the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 is visually recognized by making the positions of the image display unit 17 and the touch panel 18 as shown in FIGS. The function of the touch panel can be realized while ensuring the performance.

  The first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 may be formed on different surfaces of the touch panel substrate 94. In this case, the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 are formed. An insulating layer that electrically insulates between them is not necessary, and can be formed by a simple process.

  Furthermore, the positional relationship between the first metal pattern layer 96 and the second metal pattern layer 97 may be arbitrary. In this case, the metal pattern layer can be created by an optimal process in the manufacturing process of the image display unit 17, The degree of freedom increases. In this case, the second transparent electrode 86 and the structural parts of the in-vehicle device 10 can have a structure with little influence on noise and capacitance, and can be applied to various devices.

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a reduction in the transmittance of light from the image display unit 17, and thus the power consumption of the display device can be reduced. Even though the metal pattern layer is provided, there is no factor to reduce the transmittance, so that it is very useful to apply to a touch panel that requires a plurality of metal pattern layers to perform multipoint detection. .

  In the present embodiment, a display using organic EL (Electro Luminescence) can be applied as the image display unit 17 as in the first embodiment.

Various aspects of the embodiment according to the present invention described above include the following.
That is, a touch panel disposed on the front surface of a display device that displays an image by light output to the outside from a light output region partitioned by a partition unit, the metal pattern including a conductive member, and the metal pattern And a metal pattern layer made of a light-transmitting member, and the metal pattern is arranged only at a position overlapping with a division line constituting the division part when viewed from the front direction in a normal use state. A touch panel is included.

  Here, the “image” is not only a map or still image stored in the storage unit 11, but also a “video” such as a video reproduced by the DVD / CD drive 22 or a digital television input from the external input unit 12. Is also included.

  With this configuration, it is possible to realize a touch panel function in a state in which a decrease in transmittance is prevented and visibility is sufficiently secured.

  Moreover, the said metal pattern layer consists of glass base materials, The touch panel provided by printing the said metal pattern on the said metal pattern layer is also contained.

  With this configuration, the conventional color filter manufacturing process and the TFT manufacturing process of the image display unit can be used, and there is no need to add (or change) a new large-scale manufacturing process. Here, printing is typified by photoetching, but may be performed by an inkjet method.

  In the case of the inkjet method, it is not necessary to add a large-scale manufacturing process such as a photoetching process, and a fine metal pattern can be formed at low cost.

  Further, the metal pattern layer includes a film base material, and includes a touch panel provided by printing the metal pattern on the metal pattern layer.

  With this configuration, the touch panel can be used for a lightweight touch panel to which portable devices (mobile devices or portable devices) can be applied, and a curved touch panel adapted to the curved surface of the structure inside the vehicle.

Further, the metal pattern layer is formed by dividing a uniform metal pattern by a slit and detecting a coordinate in a certain direction when calculating the position where the operator touches the touch panel. The first metal pattern layer to be calculated by the control unit 20 and the uniform metal pattern are divided by the slit, and the first metal pattern layer is calculated when calculating the position where the operator touches the touch panel. A touch panel including a second metal pattern for detecting coordinates in a direction that is not parallel to the direction to be detected and causing the control unit 20 to calculate the position touched by the operator is also included.

  This configuration can be applied to a touch panel that requires a plurality of layers of metal patterns for performing multipoint detection.

  In addition, the touch panel is applied to a self-capacitance type or mutual capacitance type touch panel that performs multi-point detection, and the metal pattern layer has a uniform metal pattern divided by slits to detect touch from an operator. It is good also as a structure provided with the signal application layer which applies this signal, and the signal detection layer which detects the signal for performing the touch detection from an operator.

  This configuration can be applied to a self-capacitance type or mutual capacitance type touch panel that performs multipoint detection.

  Further, the touch panel includes the first metal pattern provided on one surface of the metal pattern layer and the second metal pattern provided on the other surface of the metal pattern layer.

  With this configuration, insulation between the first metal pattern and the second metal pattern is not required, and the manufacturing process can be simplified, and a light and thin touch panel can be realized.

  And the technique in this Embodiment is applicable to a display apparatus as a structure shown below.

  That is, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which the touch panel is provided between two adjacent layers among a plurality of layers constituting the display device.

  With this configuration, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the capacitance formed between the operator's finger and the metal pattern layer can be easily detected, and it can be applied to touch panels having various configurations.

  Furthermore, the display device is a liquid crystal display device including a CF glass substrate in which a color filter is provided in a light output region partitioned by the partition portion, and a polarizing plate that polarizes light that has passed through the CF glass substrate. Yes, the touch panel (metal pattern layer) can be applied to a configuration in which the touch panel (metal pattern layer) is disposed between the CF glass substrate and the polarizing plate.

  With this configuration, a metal pattern layer can be formed in the color filter manufacturing process, and an overlay that covers the metal pattern layer is not necessary, so there is no need for an additional member such as a manufacturing process or an overlay, and a light and thin touch panel is provided. realizable.

  Since the display device provided with the touch panel of the present invention can configure the touch panel while ensuring the visibility of the image display unit, the display device includes a car navigation device or a vehicle display device using the touch panel, a PND or a portable device. Useful for mobile devices such as multimedia players.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 In-vehicle apparatus 11 Memory | storage part 12 External input part 13 Speaker 17 Image display part 18 Touch panel 20 Control part 22 DVD / CD drive 23 GPS receiver 24 Vehicle speed sensor 25 Gyro 81 Backlight unit 82 1st polarizing filter 83 TFT glass substrate 84 First transparent electrode 85 Liquid crystal 86 Second transparent electrode 87 Color filter 88 CF glass substrate 89 Second polarizing filter 90 Metal pattern layer 92 RGB pattern 93 Black matrix 94 Touch panel substrate 95 Overlay 96 First metal pattern layer 97 Second metal pattern layer 98 slit

Claims (15)

A touch panel disposed on the front surface of a display device that displays an image by light output to the outside from a light output area partitioned by a partition unit,
A metal pattern made of a conductive member, and a metal pattern layer made of a light transmissive member on which the metal pattern is arranged,
The said metal pattern is arrange | positioned in the position which overlaps with the division line which comprises the said division part, when it sees from a front direction in a normal use state.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the metal pattern layer is made of a glass substrate, and the metal pattern is printed on the metal pattern layer.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the metal pattern layer is made of a film base material, and the metal pattern is printed on the metal pattern layer.   The metal pattern layer is calculated by a first metal pattern layer provided with a first metal pattern for detecting coordinates in one direction to calculate a position touched by an operator, and a first metal pattern layer. The touch panel as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a second metal pattern layer provided with a second metal pattern for detecting a coordinate in another direction that is not parallel to the direction to be detected.   The first metal pattern layer is provided on one surface of the metal pattern layer, and the second metal pattern layer is provided on the other surface of the metal pattern layer. Touch panel.   It is applied to a self-capacitance type or mutual capacitance type touch panel that performs multi-point detection, and the metal pattern layer includes a signal application layer for applying a signal for performing touch detection from an operator, and touch detection from the operator. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising a signal detection layer that detects a signal to be performed. The touch panel according to claim 6, wherein the signal applying layer is provided on one surface of the metal pattern layer, and the signal detection layer is provided on the other surface of the metal pattern layer. A display device that displays an image by light output toward the outside from a light output region partitioned by a partitioning unit,
A touch panel having a metal pattern made of a conductive member and a metal pattern layer made of a light transmissive member on which the metal pattern is arranged,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the metal pattern is disposed at a position overlapping with a partition line constituting the partition portion when viewed from a front direction in a normal use state.   The display device according to claim 8, wherein the metal pattern layer is made of a glass substrate, and the metal pattern is printed on the metal pattern layer.   The display device according to claim 8, wherein the metal pattern layer is made of a film base material, and the metal pattern is printed on the metal pattern layer.   The metal pattern layer is calculated by a first metal pattern layer provided with a first metal pattern for detecting coordinates in one direction to calculate a position touched by an operator, and a first metal pattern layer. 9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: a second metal pattern layer provided with a second metal pattern for detecting a coordinate in a different direction that is not parallel to the direction in which the second metal pattern is parallel.   12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the first metal pattern is provided on one surface of the metal pattern layer, and the second metal pattern is provided on the other surface of the metal pattern layer. .   The touch panel is a self-capacitance type or mutual capacitance type touch panel that performs multipoint detection, and the metal pattern layer includes a signal application layer that applies a signal for touch detection from an operator, and an operator The display device according to claim 8, further comprising a signal detection layer that detects a signal for performing touch detection.   14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the signal application layer is provided on one surface of the metal pattern layer, and the signal detection layer is provided on the other surface of the metal pattern layer.   The display device is a liquid crystal display device including a CF glass substrate provided with a color filter in a light output region partitioned by the partition portion, and a polarizing plate that polarizes light that has passed through the CF glass substrate, The display device according to claim 8, wherein the touch panel is disposed between a CF glass substrate and a polarizing plate.