JP2013156773A - Touch panel sensor, and touch panel sensor having flexible printed wiring board - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel sensor having less deflection when connected to a flexible printed wiring board.SOLUTION: A touch panel sensor includes a transparent film base material; a first electrode formed on a surface of the transparent film base material; a second electrode formed on a surface of the transparent film base material; and external connection terminals including a first external connection terminal and a second external connection terminal. The first external connection terminal is formed on the surface of the transparent film base material on which the first electrode is formed, and coupled to the first electrode. The second external connection terminal is formed on the surface of the transparent film base material on which the second electrode is formed, so as not to overlap the first external connection terminal in plan view, and coupled to the second electrode. The transparent film base material has an opening between the external connection terminals neighbouring in plan view.

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor that generates less deflection when connected to a flexible printed wiring board.

  Today, touch panels are widely used as input means. In many cases, a touch panel is used together with a display device as an input means for various devices in which a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display is incorporated (for example, a ticket vending machine, an ATM device, a mobile phone, a game machine). Yes. In such a device, the touch panel is placed on the display surface of the display device, which allows the touch panel to make a very direct input to the display device.

  Various types of touch panels have been put into practical use. Among them, what is called a capacitance method is for touch panel sensors having a layer structure of first transparent electrode / interelectrode insulating layer / second transparent electrode, and for supplying power to the transparent electrodes and outputting detection signals. What has a flexible printed wiring board (henceforth FPC may be connected) connected to the external connection terminal of a touch panel sensor is used (for example, patent documents 1-5). Then, a weak current is passed through the touch panel surface of the touch panel to form an electric field, and the change in capacitance value when a finger or other conductor is lightly touched is converted into a voltage drop or the like and detected. The obtained contact position is output as a signal.

As a touch panel sensor used for a capacitive method, generally, a transparent electrode and an external connection terminal are formed on a pair of opposing substrates (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). As another aspect, there is known one in which a transparent electrode and an external connection terminal are respectively formed on both surfaces of a single transparent substrate (hereinafter referred to as a double-sided type touch panel sensor) (for example, Patent Document 5).
The double-sided touch panel sensor has a small number of members, and can improve productivity by reducing the thickness of the touch panel and making it possible to manufacture by a roll-to-roll process. Moreover, since it is not necessary to bond two substrates together, it is possible to avoid problems such as a positional shift between the two transparent electrodes.
However, as a method of connecting the double-sided type touch panel sensor with the FPC, after connecting the external connection terminal formed on one surface and the connection terminal of the FPC by thermocompression bonding through an anisotropic conductive adhesive, Although the method of connecting the external connection terminal formed on the other surface and the connection terminal of the FPC is used, it is adjacent when the external connection terminal formed on one surface is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by thermocompression bonding. However, there is a problem that the transparent substrate around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface is deformed by heat and causes deflection.
As a result of the deflection, it becomes difficult to connect the external connection terminal formed on the other surface and the connection terminal of the FPC with high positional accuracy, or when a cover or a display device is bonded to the touch panel sensor. There was a problem that air bubbles and foreign matters were easily mixed.

  The above-mentioned problem that occurs when the external connection terminal of the touch panel sensor and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding is not limited to the double-sided type touch panel sensor, but the external connection terminal formed on the same surface of the transparent film substrate. The same problem occurs when the FPC connection terminals are connected by performing a plurality of thermocompression bonding processes.

JP 2009-64343 A JP-A-9-146680 Japanese Patent No. 2587975 JP 2011-124332 A JP 2011-76514 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel sensor with less deflection when connected to a flexible printed wiring board, and a touch panel sensor with FPC with less deflection.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transparent film substrate, a first electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate, and a second electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate. And a first external connection terminal formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate on which the first electrode is formed, and connected to the first electrode, and the second electrode of the transparent film substrate is formed. An external connection terminal including a second external connection terminal connected to the second electrode so as not to overlap the first external connection terminal in plan view on the surface of the transparent film substrate. Provides a touch panel sensor having an opening between two external connection terminals adjacent in plan view.

  According to the present invention, when the two external connection terminals adjacent to each other are connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by a separate thermocompression bonding process by having the opening, the one external connection terminal is connected to the FPC connection terminal and the heat. When connected by crimping, the occurrence of deflection of the transparent film substrate around other external connection terminals adjacent in plan view can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the first electrode and the first external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate, and the second electrode and the second electrode are formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate. An external connection terminal is preferably formed. Since the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal formed on different surfaces of the transparent film substrate are usually connected to the FPC connection terminal by a separate thermocompression bonding process, When the external connection terminal formed on one surface and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding, the occurrence of deflection of the transparent film substrate around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface is reduced. Can be.

  In the present invention, the distance from the inner end of the opening to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is the first external connection terminal adjacent to the opening or the second external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. The distance from the inner end of the connection terminal to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is equal to or greater than the distance from the outer end of the opening to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate. It is preferable that the distance is not more than the distance from the outer end of the connection terminal to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate. Generation | occurrence | production of the bending of the transparent film base material around an external connection terminal can be suppressed more suitably.

  The present invention shows the above-mentioned touch panel sensor, a flexible printed circuit board having an insulating flexible substrate and a connection terminal formed on the surface of the flexible substrate, and adhesiveness and conductivity in the thickness direction by thermocompression bonding. A touch panel with a flexible printed wiring board comprising an anisotropic conductive adhesive and having an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer for connecting the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal to the connection terminal Provide a sensor.

  According to the present invention, since the above-described touch panel sensor is used, it is possible to reduce the deflection.

  The present invention has an effect that it is possible to provide a touch panel sensor with less occurrence of deflection when connected to a flexible printed wiring board and a touch panel sensor with FPC with less deflection.

It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the touch panel sensor of this invention. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of an external connection terminal indicated by B in FIG. 1. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the opening part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the cutting part in this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the cutting part in this invention. It is process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other example of the touchscreen sensor of this invention. It is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of an external connection terminal indicated by E in FIG. 24. It is the FF sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is process drawing which shows the other example of the manufacturing method of the touchscreen sensor of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the touchscreen sensor with FPC of this invention. It is a side view which shows the connection part of the touch panel sensor and FPC in FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the touchscreen sensor with FPC of this invention. It is a side view which shows the connection part of the touch panel sensor and FPC in FIG.

The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor and an FPC-equipped touch panel sensor using the same.
Hereinafter, the touch panel sensor and the touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention will be described.

A. Touch Panel Sensor First, the touch panel sensor will be described.
The touch panel sensor of the present invention includes a transparent film substrate, a first electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate, a second electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate, and the transparent film. The first external connection terminal formed on the surface of the substrate on which the first electrode is formed and connected to the first electrode, and the surface of the transparent film substrate on which the second electrode is formed An external connection terminal including a second external connection terminal formed so as not to overlap the first external connection terminal in plan view, and the transparent film base material in plan view A touch panel sensor comprising an opening between two adjacent external connection terminals.

According to the present invention, when the two external connection terminals adjacent to each other are connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by a separate thermocompression bonding process by having the opening, the one external connection terminal is connected to the FPC connection terminal. Even when the transparent film base around the external connection terminal is deformed by thermal expansion or contraction when connected by thermocompression bonding, the transparent film around the other external connection terminal adjacent to the deformation Propagation to the substrate can be suppressed, and deformation of the transparent film substrate around other external connection terminals can be suppressed.
Further, the heat around one external connection terminal generated by the above-mentioned thermocompression bonding can be prevented from propagating to the transparent film substrate around the other adjacent external connection terminal, and transparent around the other adjacent external connection terminal It can suppress that a film base material heat-deforms.
As described above, when the two external connection terminals adjacent to each other are connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by a separate heat treatment process, the one external connection terminal is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC. Even if it is a case, it can be set as a thing with little generation | occurrence | production of a deflection | deviation in the transparent film base material of the other external connection terminal periphery adjacent on planar view.
In addition, as a result, it is possible to connect other external connection terminals and FPC connection terminals with high positional accuracy. In addition, when bonding a cover or a display device to the touch panel sensor, there is little mixing of bubbles and foreign matters. can do.

  The touch panel sensor of the present invention is roughly classified into two modes depending on the layer structure. Specifically, the first electrode and the first external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate, and the second electrode and the second electrode are formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate. An aspect (first aspect) in which external connection terminals are formed, and the first electrode and first external connection terminal, and the second electrode and second external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate. It is divided roughly into the aspect (2nd aspect) currently performed. Hereinafter, each aspect will be described.

I. 1st aspect In the touch panel sensor according to the first aspect, the first electrode and the first external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate, and the first electrode is formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate. Two electrodes and the second external connection terminal are formed.

Such a touch panel sensor of this aspect will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the touch panel sensor of this aspect. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view around the external connection terminal indicated by B in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. It is. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the touch panel sensor 10 of this embodiment includes a transparent film substrate 1 and a first electrode composed of an electrode material layer 2 </ b> X formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate 1. 2a, a second electrode 2b composed of an electrode material layer 2X formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate 1, and a surface on which the first electrode 2a of the transparent film substrate 1 is formed. The first external connection terminal 3a connected to the first electrode 2a by the lead wiring 5, and the first external connection terminal 3a on the surface on which the second electrode 2b of the transparent film substrate 1 is formed. An external connection terminal 3 including a second external connection terminal 3b formed so as not to overlap in plan view and connected to the second electrode 2b by a lead wiring 5, and the transparent film substrate 1 is a flat surface. Visually adjacent two Those having an opening 4 between the external connection terminal 3.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening 4 is formed between the first external connection terminal 3a and the second external connection terminal 3b that are adjacent in plan view. The openings 4 are formed on both sides of the first external connection terminal portion 13a in which a plurality of first external connection terminals 3a are arranged and the second external connection terminal portion 13b in which a plurality of second external connection terminals 3b are arranged. . As shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode 2 a and the second electrode 2 b are formed in the active area 12 that can be visually recognized by the touch panel user, and the routing wiring 5 and the external connection terminal 3 are connected to the active area 12. Is formed in the inactive area outside. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first external connection terminal 3a, the second external connection terminal 3b, and the routing wiring (not shown) are the same as the electrode material layer 2X constituting the first electrode 2a and the second electrode 2b. A metal material layer 3X is laminated on the electrode material layer 2X.

The touch panel sensor of this aspect has at least an external connection terminal including a transparent film substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first external connection terminal and a second external connection terminal.
Hereinafter, each structure of the touch panel sensor of this aspect is demonstrated in detail.

1. Transparent film base material The transparent film base material of this aspect contains the said opening part.

(1) Opening The opening in this aspect is formed between two external connection terminals adjacent in plan view.
In addition, in this aspect, the two external connection terminals adjacent in plan view are not formed with other configurations such as other external connection terminals and routing wiring between the external connection terminals in plan view. It means something.

  Such an opening is not particularly limited as long as it is formed between two external connection terminals that are adjacent in plan view, but at least the first external connection terminal and the second external connection that are adjacent in plan view. Preferably, it is formed between the terminals. In the touch panel sensor of this aspect, since the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal are formed on different surfaces of the transparent film substrate, the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal are usually Is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by a separate thermocompression bonding process. Therefore, the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is formed by forming the opening between at least the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal adjacent in plan view. Even when it is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by thermocompression bonding, the deflection due to the heat effect of the thermocompression bonding in the transparent film substrate around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface adjacent in plan view. It can be made less likely to occur.

  Next, the positional relationship between the opening and the opening adjacent external connection terminal that is the first external connection terminal or the second external connection terminal adjacent to the opening will be described. As for the positional relationship, when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding, the periphery of the external connection terminal formed on the other surface If it is the positional relationship which can suppress propagation | transmission of a heat so that bending may not generate | occur | produce in this transparent film base material, it will not specifically limit.

  The positional relationship between the inner end of the opening and the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening is not particularly limited as long as it is a positional relationship that can suppress the deflection of the transparent film substrate due to the heat of the thermocompression bonding described above. However, the distance from the inner end of the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the opening depth) is from the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate. It is preferable that the distance be equal to or greater than the distance (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the depth of the external connection terminal). Since the external connection terminal often conducts heat from the heat tool during thermocompression bonding, the transparent film base around the external connection terminal can be more effectively achieved by setting the opening depth to be equal to or greater than the external connection terminal depth. It is because it becomes possible to suppress the propagation of the heat to.

Here, the inner end of the opening and the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening are respectively the locations where the distance from the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is the farthest among the openings, and the external connection terminals adjacent to the opening This is the point where the distance from the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate is the longest.
The external connection terminal depth specifically refers to the distance indicated by a1 or a2 in FIGS. 5 to 6, and the opening depth is indicated by b1 in FIGS. It means distance. Further, the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening means the end of the main part of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. As shown in FIG. 6, it refers to a portion having a constant width. Further, when the width of the external connection terminal is the same as that of the lead wiring, it can be determined from the presence or absence of exposure and the width and length of the connection terminal of the FPC to be connected.
In addition, about the code | symbol in FIGS. 5-6, since it shows the member same as FIG. 3, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

Further, in this aspect, when the opening is adjacent to two opening adjacent external connection terminals having different external connection terminal depths, the depth is not less than the depth of the shallow external connection terminal, that is, The distance from the inner end of the transparent film base material to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate is shorter than the distance from the inner edge of the outer peripheral terminal of the transparent film base material to the outer edge of the transparent film base material, which is short from the inner end of the two opening adjacent external connection terminals It is preferable that the depth of the external connection terminal is shallower than the depth of the external connection terminal. In particular, a depth greater than that of the deep external connection terminal, that is, the two external connection terminals It is preferable that the distance from the inner end to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is longer than the distance from the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate. Connection end It is preferably deeper than the depth deeper depths depths. This is because deformation and heat propagation can be effectively suppressed, and the deflection can be reduced.
Note that the depth greater than or equal to the depth of the shallow external connection terminal means that b1 and a1 in FIG. 5 described above satisfy b1 ≧ a1, and the external connection terminal depth is as follows. The depth greater than the depth of the deep one means that b1 and a2 in FIG. 5 satisfy b1 ≧ a2.

In addition, the opening depth in this aspect is preferably shorter than the length that does not overlap other members in plan view. More specifically, the external connection terminal, a wiring such as a lead-out wiring connected to the external connection terminal, a length that does not overlap with the protective layer formed to cover the wiring and the first electrode or the second electrode is shorter. It is preferable. This is because it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the influence of signals transmitted through the wiring, the peeling of the protective layer, and the deterioration of reliability.
Note that the length that does not overlap with other members in plan view means that b1 and d in FIG. 5 already described are b1 <d when the other members are routing wires.

  About the distance between the inner end of the specific opening and other members, depending on the type of transparent film substrate used for the touch panel sensor, the shape of the touch panel sensor, the processing accuracy when forming the opening, etc. It is determined appropriately. Note that the distance between other members at the inner end of the opening refers to the distance indicated by b2 in FIG. 5 in the case of the distance between the inner end of the opening and the routing wiring, for example.

  The positional relationship between the outer end of the opening and the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening is not particularly limited as long as it is a positional relationship that can suppress the deflection of the transparent film substrate due to the heat of thermocompression bonding described above. However, the distance from the outer edge of the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as opening shallow) is from the outer edge of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate. Distance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “external connection terminal shallowness”) or less. In particular, the opening shallowness is preferably shallower than the external connection terminal shallowness. Since heat from the heat tool is transferred to the external connection terminal during thermocompression bonding, the heat to the transparent film substrate around the external connection terminal can be more effectively reduced by setting the opening shallowness to less than the external connection terminal shallowness. This is because it is possible to suppress the propagation of.

Here, the outer end of the opening and the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening are the locations where the distance from the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is the closest to the opening, and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. It refers to the place where the distance from the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate is the shortest.
Further, the shallowness of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening specifically refers to the distance indicated by a3 or a4 in FIG. 5, and the shallowness of the opening refers to the distance indicated by b3 in FIG. is there.

Further, in this aspect, when the opening is adjacent to two opening adjacent external connection terminals having different external connection terminal shallownesses, the shallowness of the external connection terminal shallow but not greater than the shallowness, that is, The distance from the outer end of the transparent film base material to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is shorter than the distance from the outer end of the transparent film base material to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film base material which is long from the outer end of the two opening adjacent external connection terminals. It is preferable that the depth of the external connection terminal is shallower than that of the deep external connection terminal, and in particular, the shallowness of the external connection terminal is shallower than that of the shallow external connection terminal, that is, the two external connection terminals are shallow. Of these, the distance from the outer end to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate is preferably a distance equal to or shorter than the distance from the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate. Connection end It is preferably shallower shallow shallower than that of the shallowness of shallow. This is because deformation and heat propagation can be effectively suppressed, and the deflection can be reduced.
Note that the shallowness of the shallow external connection terminal means that the b3 and a3 in FIG. 5 described above satisfy b3 ≦ a3, and the external connection terminal shallowness. A shallow depth equal to or less than the shallow depth means that b3 and a4 in FIG. 5 satisfy b3 ≦ a4.

  In addition, the shallowness of the opening in this embodiment is usually such that it does not come into contact with the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film base material in plan view, that is, the outer peripheral edge near the opening of the transparent film base material is not cut. . About specific opening part shallowness, it determines suitably according to the kind of transparent film base material used for a touch panel sensor, the shape of a touch panel sensor, the processing precision at the time of forming an opening part, etc.

As described above, the positional relationship between the opening and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening in this aspect is that the opening depth is equal to or greater than the external connection terminal depth, and the opening shallowness is shallow to the external connection terminal. Therefore, the length of the opening is preferably equal to or longer than the length of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, and the length of the opening is equal to that of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. More preferably longer than the length. In addition, when the opening is adjacent to two opening adjacent external connection terminals having different external connection terminal depths and shallow external connection terminals, the length of the opening is defined as two opening adjacent external connections. The distance from the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening having a deep depth of the external connection terminal to the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the shallow opening of the external connection terminal among the two external connection terminals adjacent to the opening The above is preferable.
Specifically, the length of such an opening is preferably 1.0 mm or more.
This is because the length of the external connection terminal can be made sufficiently long, and the connection reliability between the touch panel sensor of this aspect and the FPC can be made excellent. Especially in this aspect, it is preferable that it is 2.0 mm or more. This is because sufficient connection reliability can be ensured.
On the other hand, it is preferable that it is 10 mm or less from a viewpoint of size reduction of a touch panel sensor, and it is preferable that it is 5 mm or less especially.

As the distance between the opening and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by thermocompression bonding, the other Although not particularly limited as long as it can suppress the occurrence of deflection around the external connection terminal formed on the surface, the terminal width of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, and the external connection adjacent to the opening It is preferable that the width between the terminals and the external connection terminal formed on the same surface adjacent to the opening adjacent external connection terminal is wider than any narrower one. Even when a positional shift occurs between the connection terminal of the FPC and the external connection terminal of the touch panel sensor of this aspect, the FPC connection terminal can be prevented from overlapping the opening. For this reason, when the touch panel sensor of this aspect is connected to the FPC, peeling of the FPC from a portion overlapping the opening in plan view can be suppressed, and the connection stability with the FPC can be improved. It is.
Moreover, about the upper limit of the said space | interval in this aspect, although it is preferable from a viewpoint that heat transmission becomes small and a deflection | deviation is less, so that the space | interval with an opening part is wide, it is FPC connected to the touchscreen sensor of this aspect. The size is appropriately set according to the size of the touch panel and the subsequent manufacturing process of the touch panel.
The interval between the opening and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, the terminal width of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, and the same surface adjacent to the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening Specifically, the inter-terminal widths with the external connection terminals formed in are indicated by h, m, and n in FIG. Moreover, since the reference numerals in FIG. 7 indicate the same members as those in FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The distance between the opening in this aspect and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening is different depending on the width of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, and specifically, within the range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. It is preferable that When the interval is within the above-described range, and more specifically, is equal to or more than the above-described lower limit, it is possible to reduce the influence due to the deviation of the processing position of the opening in the punching process and to facilitate the process. Because it can. Moreover, it is because it is easy to connect an external connection terminal and the connection terminal of FPC with a positional accuracy because it is below the said upper limit.

As the width of the opening, when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is connected to the FPC connection terminal by thermocompression bonding, the external connection terminal formed on the other surface It is not particularly limited as long as the occurrence of deflection at the periphery can be suppressed. For example, even when the transparent film substrate is thermally expanded by thermocompression bonding, the ends of the opening are not in contact with each other. It can be a width. When the external connection terminal of the touch panel sensor and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding, even if the transparent film base material of the part expands, the deformation is around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface. This is because it is possible to effectively prevent propagation and to suppress the occurrence of deflection.
A specific width of the opening is preferably 0.2 mm or more, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more. This is because a sufficient radius of curvature at the tip of the opening can be secured, and cracks that occur when the notch is formed by punching can be reduced.
The width of the opening means a distance indicated by o in FIG.

  Further, the number of openings formed between the external connection terminals adjacent to the openings may be one as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the like, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. There may be a plurality. When one opening is formed between the external connection terminals adjacent to the opening, it is possible to increase the area of the opening, thereby more suitably suppressing the propagation of heat to the transparent film substrate. can do. On the other hand, when a plurality of openings (hereinafter may be referred to as an opening group) are formed between the external connection terminals adjacent to the openings, a decrease in strength of the transparent film substrate in the vicinity of the openings is suppressed. It becomes possible. In this aspect, it is preferable to form one opening portion between the external connection terminals adjacent to the opening portion.

When one opening is formed between the openings adjacent to the external connection terminals, the shape of the opening is that the external connection terminals formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate are bonded to the FPC connection terminals by thermocompression bonding. It is not particularly limited as long as it can suppress the occurrence of deflection around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface when connected. For example, FIG. 3 and FIG. A rod shape as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a triangle shape as illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a rhombus shape as illustrated in FIG. It is not limited to.
In this aspect, in particular, at least one of the width of the portion deeper than the inner end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal adjacent to the opening and the portion shallower than the outer end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal is the opening. It is preferable that the shape is wider than the width at the portion adjacent to the adjacent external connection terminal. This is because it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of heat around the opening portion around the adjacent external connection terminal. Moreover, it is because it can be made excellent in intensity | strength by narrowing the width | variety in the site | part adjacent to the opening part adjacent external connection terminal of an opening part.
In addition, about the code | symbol in FIGS. 9-14, since the same member as FIG. 3 etc. is shown, description here is abbreviate | omitted. Also, at least one of the width of the portion deeper than the inner end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal and the portion shallower than the outer end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal is wider than the portion adjacent to the opening adjacent external connection terminal. Specific examples of the wide shape include FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13, which have already been described. In addition, the width indicated by e in FIG. 10 and the like indicates the width at the portion of the opening adjacent to the opening adjacent external connection terminal, and the width indicated by f1 is deeper than the inner end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal. The width indicates the width of the portion where the width indicated by f2 is shallower than the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening.

As the shape in plan view near the inner end and the outer end of the opening, when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is connected to the connection terminal of the FPC by thermocompression bonding, the other Although it is not particularly limited as long as it can suppress the occurrence of deflection around the external connection terminal formed on the surface, it is preferably a shape that does not include an acute angle portion, and in particular, an elliptical shape or a circle The shape is preferred. This is because the occurrence of cracks and the like can be reduced from the inner end and the outer end of the opening.
As specific examples of the shape not including the acute angle portion, the already described FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, and 13 can be exemplified. The described FIG. 3, FIG. 10, FIG. 13, etc. can be mentioned.

On the other hand, when an opening group is formed between the opening adjacent external connection terminals, as the shape of the opening constituting the opening group, the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is an FPC. There is no particular limitation as long as it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deflection around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface when connected to the connection terminal by thermocompression bonding. For example, FIG. 8, a rectangular shape as illustrated in FIG. 8B and FIG. 15, a square shape (not shown), a quadrilateral shape such as a rhombus as illustrated in FIG. 16, and illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 Such an elliptical shape, a circular shape (not shown), and the like can be mentioned, but are not limited thereto.
In this aspect, in particular, the width of the opening formed at a location deeper than the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening adjacent to the opening, and the location shallower than the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. It is preferable that at least one of the widths of the opening formed is wider than the width of the opening formed in a portion adjacent to the opening adjacent external connection terminal. This is because it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of heat around the opening portion around the adjacent external connection terminal. Moreover, it is because it can be made excellent in intensity | strength by narrowing the width | variety in the site | part adjacent to the opening part adjacent external connection terminal of an opening part.
Since the shapes of the inner and outer ends of the openings constituting the opening group can be the same as those described in the case of forming one opening between the opening adjacent external connection terminals described above. Explanation here is omitted.
15 to 18 indicate the same members as those in FIG. 3 and the like, and the description thereof is omitted here. Also, the width of the opening formed at a location deeper than the inner end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening adjacent to the opening, and the opening formed at a location shallower than the outer end of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening As an example in which at least one of the widths is wider than the width of the opening formed in the portion adjacent to the opening-adjacent external connection terminal, the already described FIGS. 15 and 18 can be cited.

  In the opening group, the opening depth described above is indicated by b′1 in FIG. 8 (a), the opening depth at the opening farthest from the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate. Applied distance). About the opening shallowness mentioned above, it is applicable to the opening shallowness (distance shown by b′3 in FIG. 8A) in the opening located at the closest distance from the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate. it can. In addition, the length of the opening described above is the outer end of the opening located at the closest distance from the outer end of the transparent film substrate from the inner end of the opening located at the farthest distance from the outer periphery of the transparent film substrate. (Hereinafter, it may be referred to as the length of the opening group) (a distance indicated by b′4 in FIG. 8A). The width of the opening is the distance from the end of the opening adjacent to one opening adjacent external connection terminal to the end of the opening adjacent to the other opening connection terminal (hereinafter referred to as an opening group). (The distance indicated by o ′ in FIG. 8B).

  In addition, the width between the openings in the opening group is not particularly limited as long as the occurrence of deflection of the transparent film base material due to the influence of heat of the thermocompression bonding can be suppressed, and the shape and number of openings, etc. However, when the area obtained from the length of the opening group and the width of the opening group is set to 100, the ratio of the total area of the openings of the opening group is 70 or more, In particular, the width is preferably 80 or more, particularly 90 or more.

  About the number of the opening parts which comprise the said opening part group, it can select suitably according to the structure of a touch panel, etc.

In this embodiment, the opening is preferably formed at least between the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal that are adjacent in plan view, but is formed in another location as necessary. For example, it may be formed adjacent to all the first external connection terminals and the second external connection terminals.
In this aspect, in particular, when an external connection terminal portion composed of a plurality of external connection terminals arranged on the same surface of the transparent film substrate is formed, it is formed in units of external connection terminal portions. Preferably, it is formed on both sides of all the external connection terminal portions including the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal adjacent in the plan view, and in particular, on both sides of all the external connection terminal portions. It is preferable to be formed. Connection with the FPC is normally performed in units of external connection terminal portions. For this reason, it is because generation | occurrence | production of the bending to the transparent film base material of an external connection terminal part periphery can be suppressed effectively by forming an opening part in the unit of an external connection terminal part. In addition, by forming on both sides of the external connection terminal part, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deflection to the transparent film substrate adjacent to the external connection terminal part, and the occurrence of misalignment when bonded to a cover, a display device, etc. This is because it can be suppressed.
FIG. 19 shows an example in which an opening is formed in units of external connection terminal portions. FIG. 19A shows the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal that are adjacent in the plan view. FIG. 19B shows an example of forming on both sides of all external connection terminal portions (13a and 13b). FIG. 19B shows an example of forming on both sides of all external connection terminal portions (13a and 13b). An example is given. Moreover, since the reference numerals in FIG. 19 indicate the same members as those in FIGS. 1 and 3, the description thereof is omitted here. Further, in FIG. 19, for ease of explanation, the description of the lead wiring, the electrode, and the like is omitted.

The method for forming the opening in this aspect is not particularly limited as long as it is a method capable of forming an opening having a desired shape with high positional accuracy. For example, after forming the electrode, the external connection terminal, and the like, Examples thereof include a method of forming by punching or the like, and a method of patterning using a photolithography method before and after forming the electrode, the external connection terminal, and the like.
In this embodiment, the method of forming by punching is particularly preferable. This is because formation is easy.

(2) Shape of transparent film base material The transparent film base material includes the above-described opening, and can be configured as necessary for electrodes, external connection terminals, wiring, and other touch panel sensors described later. There is no particular limitation. In addition to the above-described opening, the transparent film substrate has a cut portion 6 between at least the first external connection terminal 3a and the second external connection terminal 3b adjacent in plan view, as illustrated in FIG. You may have. In the case of having the above-mentioned cut portion, similarly to the case of having the above-described opening, when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of deflection around the external connection portion formed on the other surface. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the vicinity of the external connection terminal of the touch panel sensor of the present invention, and the reference numerals indicate the same members as in FIG.

The said cut part is the distance from the terminal to the outer periphery end of the said transparent film base material from the inner end of the cut part adjacent external connection terminal which is the said 1st external connection terminal or 2nd external connection terminal which adjoins, and the said transparent film It is more than the distance to the outer periphery end of a base material.
Here, the end of the cut part and the inner end of the external connection terminal are the part of the cut part farthest from the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate, and the outer periphery of the transparent film substrate among the external connection terminals. It is the point farthest from the edge.
Further, the distance from the inner end of the cut portion adjacent external connection terminal (3c ′ in FIG. 21) to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the cut portion depth) is specifically, 21 refers to the distance indicated by a ″ 1 or a ″ 2, and the distance from the end of the cut portion to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate refers to the distance indicated by b ″ in FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the cutting part, and the reference numerals indicate the same members as in FIG.

As such a cutting part, it is a cut part provided in the transparent film substrate, and when the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate is connected to the FPC by thermocompression bonding. There is no particular limitation as long as it can suppress the occurrence of deflection around the external connection terminal formed on the other surface, and it may be a notch or a notch.
In the present invention, it is particularly preferable to use a notch. This is because when the cut portion is a cut-out portion, thermal deformation and heat propagation around the external connection terminal can be effectively suppressed more stably.

  The cut portion depth, the length of the cut portion depth, the width of the cut portion, and the positional relationship between the cut portion and the external connection terminal adjacent to the cut portion, and the cutout when the cut portion is a cutout portion The width can be the same as the opening depth described above, the length of the opening, the positional relationship between the opening and the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening, and the width of the opening. Is omitted.

  Further, the shape of the cut portion in plan view is not particularly limited as long as the above-described deflection can be suppressed, and examples thereof include a rod shape and a triangular shape, but are not limited thereto. Moreover, what was demonstrated in the shape of planar view of the opening part mentioned above is applicable about the shape of the location deeper than the inner end of the cutting part adjacent external connection terminal of a cutting part, and the shape of the termination | terminus of a cutting part. .

(3) Transparent film base material The transparent film base material in this aspect has the said cutting part.
The material constituting such a transparent film substrate is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a resin having transparency. Specifically, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), An acrylic resin, a polycarbonate, etc. can be mentioned.
In addition, the thickness of the transparent film substrate used in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can stably support the above electrodes, external connection terminals and the like, but is usually 50 μm to 300 μm. Can be within the range.

The transparent film substrate in this embodiment may be composed of a single layer or may be composed of a plurality of layers.
In addition, as a layer laminated | stacked when it consists of multiple layers, a low refractive index layer, a high refractive index layer, etc. can be mentioned besides the layer which consists of said resin which has transparency.

2. External Connection Terminal The external connection terminal in this aspect includes at least a first external connection terminal and a second external connection terminal.
Here, the first external connection terminal is formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate on which the first electrode is formed, and is connected to the first electrode, and the second external connection terminal is the transparent film. It is formed on the surface of the base material on which the second electrode is formed so as not to overlap the first external connection terminal in plan view, and is connected to the second electrode.
Moreover, the external connection terminal in this aspect may be directly formed on the surface of the said transparent film base material, and may be formed through another layer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 already described, it may be formed on a layer made of an electrode material constituting the electrode.

The external connection terminal in this aspect has the 1st external connection terminal and the 2nd external connection terminal which were formed so that it might not overlap in planar view.
Further, in this aspect, the first external connection terminal portion including the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal portion including the second external connection terminal are usually formed so as not to overlap in plan view. . This is because the touch panel sensor and the FPC can be easily and efficiently connected in units of external connection terminal portions.
Note that the number of external connection terminals included in the external connection terminal portion is appropriately set according to the heat tool used for connection with the FPC. Moreover, an external connection terminal part consists of a several external connection terminal normally arrange | positioned in parallel with respect to the outer periphery end on the same surface of a transparent film base material. In addition, the interval between the external connection terminals between the adjacent external connection terminal portions is generally wider than the interval between the external connection terminals in the external connection terminal portion.

  The interval between the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal adjacent to each other in this aspect is not particularly limited as long as the cutting portion can be formed, and is generally used for a touch panel sensor. be able to.

  The material constituting the external connection terminal in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as desired conductivity can be obtained. For example, aluminum, silver, copper, or an alloy thereof can be used. .

About the terminal width of the said external connection terminal, thickness, and planar view shape, and the space | interval between the external connection terminals in an external connection terminal part can be made to be the same as that of a general touch panel sensor.
Specifically, it can be the same as that described in JP2011-210176A.

3. Electrode The electrode in this embodiment includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode.
Here, the first electrode is formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate, and the second electrode is formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate. Moreover, an electrode is normally formed in the active area of a transparent film base material.

The material constituting such an electrode is not particularly limited as long as it has desired conductivity, and is a non-transparent material having no transparency even if it is a transparent material having transparency. However, a transparent material is preferable.
As the transparent material in this embodiment, those generally used for touch panels can be used. For example, indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide, indium oxide, antimony-added tin oxide, fluorine-added tin oxide, Aluminum-added zinc oxide, potassium-added zinc oxide, silicon-added zinc oxide, metal oxides such as zinc oxide-tin oxide, indium oxide-tin oxide, zinc oxide-indium oxide-magnesium oxide, and metal oxides thereof Examples include materials in which two or more kinds of materials are combined.
Moreover, as a non-transparent material, the thing as described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2010-238052 etc. can be used, for example. Specifically, metals such as aluminum, molybdenum, silver, chromium, copper, and alloys thereof can be used.

  About the formation pattern, thickness, etc. of the said electrode, it can be made the same as that of a general touch panel sensor. Specifically, the patterns described in JP2011-210176A and 2010-238052A can be used.

4). Touch Panel Sensor The touch panel sensor of this aspect has external connection terminals including a transparent film substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, and a first external connection terminal and a second external connection terminal. It may have other configurations.
As such another configuration, for example, a lead wiring for connecting the electrode and the external connection terminal, and a protective layer formed so as to cover the electrode and the lead wiring can be cited.

  The routing wiring can be the same as that used for a general touch panel sensor. Specifically, a material made of the same material as the external connection terminal can be used. Further, the line width of such a routing wiring can be set to about 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm.

The protective layer is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties. However, when the protective layer is formed so as to cover the electrode, it is preferable to have transparency.
Examples of the protective layer having insulation and transparency include those made of an inorganic material such as acrylic resin or SiO ₂ .

The manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor of this aspect is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can form each of the above structures with high accuracy.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a transparent film substrate 1 is prepared, and an electrode material layer 2X made of ITO or the like and a metal material layer 3X made of molybdenum or the like on both surfaces of the transparent film substrate 1 by sputtering. Is prepared, and a resist 21 is formed in a pattern on the metal material layers 3X on both sides (FIG. 22 (a)), and then the metal material layer 3X is etched by phosphorous acetic acid or the like. Then, the electrode material 2X is etched using iron chloride or the like using the resist 21 as a mask (FIG. 22B).
Thereafter, the resist 21 is peeled off (FIG. 22C), the resist 21 is coated on the patterned laminate, the resist in the active area is removed by exposure and development, and the metal material in the active area is removed with phosphorous acetic acid or the like. By etching the layer 3X, patterned electrodes (2a and 2b) are formed (FIG. 22 (d)), and then the remaining resist 21 is stripped, whereby the electrode material layer 2X and the metal material layer 3X are formed. Laminated wiring 5 and external connection terminals (3a and 3b) are formed (FIG. 22E).
Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 22F, a method of obtaining the touch panel sensor 10 by forming the opening 4 by punching between the first external connection terminal 3a and the second external connection terminal 3b can be used.

  Examples of the use of the touch panel sensor of this embodiment include a display device with a touch panel, specifically, a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, an organic electroluminescent display device with a touch panel, and the like. It is preferably used for a display device with a touch panel that is required to be stably connected to an FPC, or to be bonded with a cover, a display device, or the like with high positional accuracy.

II. 2nd aspect The touch panel sensor of the 2nd aspect has the said 1st electrode and 1st external connection terminal, and the said 2nd electrode and 2nd external connection terminal formed on one surface of the said transparent film base material. It is.

Such a touch panel sensor of this aspect will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 23 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the touch panel sensor of this aspect. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 23, FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the external connection terminal indicated by E in FIG. 23, and FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. It is. As illustrated in FIG. 23 to FIG. 26, the touch panel sensor 10 of this aspect includes a transparent film substrate 1 and a first electrode composed of an electrode material layer 2 </ b> X formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate 1. 2a, a second electrode 2b composed of an electrode material layer 4X formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2a is formed, and the first electrode 2a of the transparent film substrate 1 are formed. The first external connection terminal 3a connected to the first electrode 2a by the lead wiring 5 and the second electrode 2b of the transparent film substrate 1 are formed on the surface formed on the surface. An external connection terminal 3 including a second external connection terminal 3b formed so as not to overlap the first external connection terminal 3a in plan view and connected to the second electrode 2b by a lead-out wiring 5, and the transparent film Base material 1 And it has an opening 4 between the second external connection terminal 3 adjacent as viewed in plan.
In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, an interelectrode insulating layer 7 is usually formed between the first electrode 2a and the second electrode 2b. As shown in FIG. 26, the first external connection terminal 3a and the routing wiring (not shown) connected to the one external connection terminal 3a are the same electrode material as the electrode material layer 2X constituting the first electrode 2a. The electrode material layer 4X and the metal material layer 3X which are the same as the electrode material layer 4X which comprises the 2nd electrode 2b are laminated | stacked on the layer 2X. In addition, the second external connection terminal 3b and the routing wiring (not shown) connected to the second external connection terminal 3b are made of metal on the same electrode material layer 4X as the electrode material layer 4X constituting the second electrode 2b. The material layer 3X is laminated.
In addition, about the touch panel in FIGS. 23-26, about the matter which is not demonstrated, since it can be made the same as that of the touch panel in FIGS. 1-4, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

According to this aspect, even when the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film base material, the second external connection terminal is connected to the FPC connection terminal by a separate thermocompression bonding process. By having an opening between the external connection terminals, when one external connection terminal and the connection terminal of the FPC are connected by thermocompression bonding, the transparent film base material around the other external connection terminal is bent. It can be less.
Moreover, according to this aspect, since the opening is provided, the occurrence of deflection of the transparent film base material when a separate thermocompression bonding process is performed can be reduced. When the touch panel sensor is enlarged to such an extent that it is difficult to connect the external connection terminal formed on one surface of the FPC and the connection terminal of the FPC by a single thermocompression bonding process, there is little occurrence of deflection It becomes possible.

  In this aspect, the opening is usually formed between the external connection terminals to be connected to the connection terminals of the FPC by a separate thermocompression bonding process, but in the above-mentioned section “I. First aspect”. As explained, it is more preferable to form between the external connection terminal portions.

  In this embodiment, an interelectrode insulating layer is usually formed in a pattern between the first electrode and the second electrode. The pattern shape of the interelectrode insulating layer is not particularly limited as long as the first electrode and the second electrode can be insulated. Usually, the interelectrode insulating layer is formed in a pattern shape such that the external connection terminals are exposed on the surface of the touch panel. Since the interelectrode insulating layer can be the same as that used for a general touch panel sensor, description thereof is omitted here.

  About the transparent film base material in this aspect, an electrode, an external connection terminal, and other members, since it can be made to be the same as that of what was demonstrated in the above-mentioned item of "I. 1st aspect", description here Omitted.

The manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor of this aspect is not particularly limited as long as it is a method capable of forming each of the above structures with high accuracy.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27, a transparent film substrate 1 is prepared, and an electrode material layer 2X made of ITO or the like is formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate 1 by sputtering. After the resist 21 is formed in a pattern on the layer 2X (FIG. 27 (a)), the electrode material layer 2X is etched using iron chloride or the like to form the first electrode 2a, the first external connection terminal, and the routing wiring. Then, the resist 21 is peeled off (FIG. 27B).
Next, the inter-electrode insulating layer 7 is formed in a pattern on the surface of the transparent film substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2a is formed (FIG. 27C). At this time, the interelectrode insulating layer 7 is formed in a pattern shape such that the external connection terminals are exposed on the surface of the touch panel sensor in the finally obtained touch panel sensor.
Thereafter, an electrode material layer 4X made of ITO or the like and a metal material layer 3X made of molybdenum or the like are laminated on the interelectrode insulating layer 7 by sputtering, and a resist 21 is formed in a pattern on the metal material layer 3X. (FIG. 27 (d)). Next, the metal material layer 3X is patterned by etching with phosphorous acetic acid or the like, and then the electrode material layer 4X is etched using iron chloride or the like using the resist 21 as a mask, whereby the second electrode 2b, the first external A connection terminal 3a, a second external connection terminal 3b, and a lead wiring (not shown) are formed (FIG. 27E).
Thereafter, the resist 21 is peeled off, the resist 21 is coated again, and the resist in the active area is removed by exposure and development, and then the metal material layer 3X in the active area is etched with phosphorous nitric acid or the like (FIG. 27F). Then, the remaining resist 21 is peeled off (FIG. 27G).
Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 27H, a method of obtaining the touch panel sensor 10 by forming the opening 4 by punching between the first external connection terminal 3a and the second external connection terminal 3b can be used.

  As described above, the touch panel sensor of this aspect may reduce the occurrence of deflection when a plurality of external connection terminals formed on the same surface and a connection terminal of the FPC are thermocompression bonded a plurality of times. Therefore, the structure of the touch panel sensor in this aspect is suitable when the touch panel sensor is enlarged to such an extent that it is difficult to connect the external connection terminal and the connection terminal of the FPC by one thermocompression bonding process. Can be adopted.

B. Next, the touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention will be described.
The touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention has the above-mentioned touch panel sensor, a flexible printed wiring board having an insulating flexible substrate and a connection terminal formed on the surface of the flexible substrate, and adhesiveness and thickness direction by thermocompression bonding. And an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer for connecting the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal to the connection terminal. Is.

Such a touch panel sensor with FPC will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 28 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a side view showing a connection portion between the touch panel sensor and the FPC in FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 29, the touch panel sensor with FPC 40 of the present invention includes the touch panel sensor 10, the flexible substrate 31 having an insulating property, and a first surface formed on one surface of the flexible substrate 31. A flexible printed wiring board 30 having a first connection terminal 32a and a second connection terminal 32b formed on the other surface of the flexible substrate 31, and the first external connection terminal 3a and the second connection terminal. 32b, and the second external connection terminal 3b and the first connection terminal 32a are connected using an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer 33.
In this example, the first connection terminal 32 a is formed on the first connection portion 31 a of the flexible substrate 31, and the second connection terminal 31 b is formed on the second connection portion 31 b of the flexible substrate 31. In this example, the touch panel sensor 10 according to the first aspect described above is used.

30 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention, and FIGS. 31 (a) and 31 (b) are side views showing a connection portion between the touch panel sensor and the FPC in FIG. . As illustrated in FIGS. 30 to 31, the touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention is formed on the touch panel sensor 10 of the second aspect, the flexible substrate 31 having insulation, and one surface of the flexible substrate 31. The flexible printed wiring board 30 having the first connection terminal 32a and the second connection terminal 32b formed on the surface of the flexible substrate 31 on which the first connection terminal 32a is formed may be provided. In FIG. 30, the first external connection terminal 3a and the second connection terminal 32b are normally connected to the second external connection terminal 3b and the first connection terminal 32a by a separate thermocompression bonding process. Is.
Items that are not described can be the same as those in FIGS. 28 to 29, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  According to the present invention, since the above-described touch panel sensor is used, it is possible to reduce the deflection.

The touch panel sensor with FPC of the present invention has at least the above-mentioned touch panel sensor, FPC, and anisotropic conductive adhesive layer.
Hereinafter, each structure of the touch panel sensor with FPC of this invention is demonstrated in detail.
In addition, about the above-mentioned touch panel sensor, since it can be made to be the same as that of the content described in the said "A. touch panel sensor" section, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

I. FPC
The FPC used in the present invention has an insulating flexible substrate and a connection terminal formed on the surface of the flexible substrate.
As such an FPC, those generally used for connection with a touch panel sensor in which electrodes and external connection terminals are formed on both surfaces of a transparent film substrate can be used. For example, JP 2011-210176 A It can be described in the publication. Moreover, what is generally used for the connection with the touch panel sensor by which the electrode and the external connection terminal were formed only in one surface of a transparent film base material can be used.

Specifically, the connection terminal has a first connection terminal formed on one surface of the flexible substrate and a second connection terminal formed on the other surface, or one surface of the flexible substrate. The thing which has the 1st connecting terminal and the 2nd connecting terminal formed on the top can be mentioned.
Further, the connection terminal is not particularly limited as long as it has desired conductivity. For example, the connection terminal can be the same as the external connection terminal in the touch panel sensor.
Although it will not specifically limit as a flexible substrate in this invention if it has desired insulation, For example, a flexible polyimide film etc. about 25 micrometers thick can be mentioned.

The FPC in the present invention has the flexible substrate and the connection terminal, but may have other configurations as necessary.
Examples of such other configurations include a wiring connected to the connection terminal and a protective layer formed so as to cover the wiring.
The wiring can be the same as the routing wiring. Moreover, as a protective layer, if it has insulation, it will not specifically limit, For example, what consists of a polyimide resin can be mentioned.

II. Anisotropic conductive adhesive layer The anisotropic conductive adhesive layer in the present invention is composed of an anisotropic conductive adhesive exhibiting adhesiveness and conductivity in the thickness direction by thermocompression bonding, and the first external connection terminal and the first (2) The external connection terminal is connected to the connection terminal.

  As the anisotropic conductive adhesive for forming such an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer, those generally used for touch panels can be used, for example, conductive particles in an adhesive insulating resin. In this case, a paste or a film can be used.

The conductive particles in the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they have a desired conductivity, but the metal particles such as gold, silver and nickel, ceramics, plastics or metal particles are used as the core. Examples thereof include metal coated particles having a metal film such as nickel or gold formed on the surface.
Moreover, as said insulating resin, an epoxy resin etc. can be mentioned, for example.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention, and any device that exhibits the same function and effect is the present invention. It is included in the technical scope of the invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to examples and comparative examples.

[Example 1]
A polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film was used as the transparent film substrate. After depositing ITO (transparent conductive film layer) and molybdenum (metal conductive film layer) on both sides of the PET film, applying a positive photosensitive resin, and patterning by photolithography, the metal conductive film layer is first phosphoric acid, nitric acid Then, patterning was performed using an aqueous phosphoric acid acetic acid solution containing acetic acid and water in a ratio (volume ratio) of 5: 5: 5: 1 as an etching solution. Thereafter, the transparent conductive film layer is patterned using ferric chloride as an etchant, the positive photosensitive resin is peeled off with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and the positive photosensitive resin is applied again, and then the positive photosensitive resin in the active area Is removed with a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution, the metal conductive film layer in the active area is etched with the above phosphoric acid-acetic acid solution, and then the positive photosensitive resin is peeled off with the potassium hydroxide aqueous solution, thereby patterning on both sides of the PET film. A touch panel sensor having an electrode formed thereon was obtained. One external connection terminal was formed on each of the front and back surfaces, and the length of the connection terminal was 1.5 mm.
Thereafter, an opening having a length of 2.0 mm was formed between the external connection terminals on the front and back surfaces. At this time, the inner end of the opening is positioned deeper than the inner end of the external connection terminal on the front and back surfaces, and the outer end of the opening is positioned shallower than the outer end of the external connection terminal on the front and back surfaces. Thus, an opening was formed. Through the above steps, a touch panel sensor having an opening was obtained.

[Example 2]
The length of the opening is 1.0 mm, the inner end of the opening is located at a location shallower than the inner end of the external connection terminal on the front and back surfaces, and the outer end of the opening is outside the external connection terminal on the front and back surfaces. A touch panel sensor was formed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the opening was formed so as to be located deeper than the end.

[Comparative example]
A touch panel sensor was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cut part was not formed.

[Evaluation]
FPC is thermocompression-bonded at a temperature of 130 ° C. via an ACF (anisotropic conductive film which is a film-like anisotropic conductive adhesive) to the external connection terminals on the surface of the touch panel sensor produced in the examples and comparative examples. After that, the FPC is connected to the external connection terminal on the back surface by thermocompression bonding via the ACF at a temperature of 130 ° C., whether there is a positional shift between the external connection terminal of the touch panel sensor and the connection terminal of the FPC, and the touch panel sensor The presence or absence of deflection of the transparent film substrate around the connection terminals on the back surface was confirmed.
As a result, it was confirmed that the touch panel sensor of Example 1 had neither misalignment nor deflection. Further, in the touch panel sensor of Example 2, the film was bent near the front surface side external connection terminal in the vicinity of the back surface external connection terminal, but the positional displacement between the back surface external connection terminal and the FPC connection terminal occurred. It wasn't.
On the other hand, in the touch panel sensor of the comparative example, the film is bent near the front surface side external connection terminal near the external connection terminal on the back surface, and there is a partial misalignment between the back external connection terminal and the FPC connection terminal. occured. Further, the above-described deflection was larger than that in Example 2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Transparent film base material 2 ... Electrode 3 ... External connection terminal 3c ... Opening adjacent external connection terminal 4 ... Opening part 5 ... Lead-out wiring 10 ... Touch panel sensor 12 ... Active area 13 ... External connection terminal part 20 ... Laminate body 21 ... Resist 30 ... FPC
31 ... Flexible substrate 32 ... Connection terminal 40 ... Touch panel sensor with FPC

Claims (4)

A transparent film substrate;
A first electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate;
A second electrode formed on the surface of the transparent film substrate;
A surface of the transparent film substrate on which the first electrode is formed, a first external connection terminal connected to the first electrode, and a surface of the transparent film substrate on which the second electrode is formed An external connection terminal formed on the first external connection terminal so as not to overlap with the first external connection terminal and including a second external connection terminal connected to the second electrode;
Have
The touch panel sensor, wherein the transparent film substrate has an opening between two external connection terminals adjacent in plan view.   The first electrode and the first external connection terminal are formed on one surface of the transparent film substrate, and the second electrode and the second external connection terminal are formed on the other surface of the transparent film substrate. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel sensor is provided.   The distance from the inner end of the opening to the outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate is the inner end of the opening adjacent external connection terminal that is the first external connection terminal or the second external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. The distance from the outer edge of the transparent film base material to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film substrate, and the distance from the outer edge of the opening to the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film base material is the outer edge of the external connection terminal adjacent to the opening. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel sensor has a distance equal to or less than a distance from an outer peripheral end of the transparent film substrate. The touch panel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A flexible printed wiring board having an insulating flexible substrate and a connection terminal formed on the surface of the flexible substrate;
An anisotropic conductive adhesive layer comprising an anisotropic conductive adhesive exhibiting adhesiveness and conductivity in the thickness direction by thermocompression bonding, and connecting the first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal to the connection terminal; ,
A touch panel sensor with a flexible printed wiring board, comprising:

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