JP2013178593A - Mutual-capacitance type touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mutual-capacitance type touch panel capable of reducing such a phenomenon that electrode patterns of upper electrodes and lower electrodes become visible.SOLUTION: The mutual-capacitance type touch panel includes: a plurality of lower electrodes that are formed from a transparent electrode material into a large and substantially belt-like shape and disposed parallel to each other in a first direction; and a plurality of upper electrodes that are disposed parallel to each other in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and disposed on a touch surface side with respect to the lower electrodes. A plurality of opening parts are formed in the upper electrodes at parts crossing with the lower electrodes.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mutual capacitance type touch panel that senses a position on a panel touched by an operation object such as a finger on the touch panel by a mutual capacitance method.

  There are mainly two types of capacitive touch panels: surface type and projection type. Detection points are measured by measuring the change in capacitance that occurs when the surface of the touch panel comes into contact with an operating object such as a finger. Is identified. The surface type can detect only one point, while the projection type uses electrodes arranged to cross the X and Y directions to measure the change in capacitance and specify the coordinates of the detection point. Therefore, the projection type is adopted in many electronic devices.

  Among the projection types, there are a self capacitance method and a mutual capacitance method, which are different in the detection method of the change in capacitance. When it is detected that the mutual capacitance has changed by measuring the mutual capacitance between the X electrode and the Y electrode, the mutual capacitance method that directly identifies the detection point is more self-static. It is superior to the capacitive method in multipoint detection applications. Therefore, a mutual capacitance method is used for an electronic device that employs a user interface that assumes multipoint detection (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, the electrode structure of the conventional mutual capacitance type touch panel is shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the touch panel 501 is arranged in parallel with each other along the Y direction so as to intersect (orthogonal) a plurality of lower electrodes 510 arranged in parallel with each other along the X direction. A plurality of upper electrodes 520. The upper electrode 520 and the lower electrode 510 are formed by etching a translucent electrode material (for example, ITO), and are formed as substantially strip-shaped electrodes separated from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a gap is provided between the lower electrodes 510 adjacent to each other to ensure electrical insulation between the lower electrodes 510. The upper electrode 520 has a band-like width smaller than that of the lower electrode 510.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 12, the lower electrode 510 functions as a transmitting electrode, and the upper electrode 520 functions as a receiving electrode. When the object 502 such as a finger is not in contact with or close to the upper electrode 520 side, that is, the touch surface side, an electric field in which electric lines of force L are directed from the lower electrode 510 on the transmission side to the upper electrode 520 on the reception side Is formed. When the object 502 such as a finger approaches the upper electrode 520 to the extent that it affects the electric field, a part of the electric lines of force L wrap around the upper electrode 520 and is absorbed by the object such as the finger. As a result, a change occurs in the mutual capacitance, and the coordinate where the change has occurred can be detected as a detection point.

JP 2010-79882 A

  However, in such a mutual capacitance type touch panel, a phenomenon that the electrode pattern of the upper electrode and the lower electrode can be seen from the touch surface side, that is, a so-called bone appearance phenomenon occurs. Such a bone appearance phenomenon may have a visual influence on an image viewed through a touch panel in an electronic device, and it is required to reduce the bone appearance phenomenon.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mutual capacitance type touch panel that solves the above-described problems and can reduce the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode patterns of the upper electrode and the lower electrode.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lower electrodes formed in a substantially strip shape by a translucent electrode material and arranged in parallel with each other along the first direction, and a substantially strip shape by the translucent electrode material. A plurality of upper electrodes formed parallel to each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction and disposed closer to the touch surface than the lower electrode, and between adjacent upper electrodes Adjacent upper electrodes are arranged close to each other to ensure electrical insulation, and adjacent lower electrodes are arranged close to each other to ensure electrical insulation between adjacent lower electrodes. Provided is a mutual capacitive touch panel in which a plurality of openings are formed in an upper electrode at an intersection with a lower electrode.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mutual capacitive touch panel according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of openings having the same shape are formed in the upper electrode at the intersection.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mutual capacitive touch panel according to the second aspect, wherein openings having the same shape are arranged at a constant interval.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the width of the upper electrode is larger than the gap between the adjacent upper electrodes. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the mutual gap according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the gap between adjacent upper electrodes is substantially the same as the gap between adjacent lower electrodes. A capacitive touch panel is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the gap between adjacent lower electrodes is a unit dimension, and the width of the electrode part between the adjacent openings at the intersection is a positive integer multiple of the unit dimension. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of aspects 5 to 5 is provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an opening is formed in the region of the lower electrode corresponding to the opening formed in the upper electrode at the intersection of the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and the opening of the lower electrode is the upper The mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, which is smaller than the opening of the electrode, is provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of openings having the same shape are arranged at regular intervals on the lower electrode with respect to one opening of the upper electrode, and the electrodes between the openings of the upper electrode are arranged at the intersection. The mutual capacitive touch panel according to the seventh aspect, wherein the width of the portion and the width of the electrode portion between the openings of the lower electrode are substantially the same.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in each of the first to eighth aspects, the inner edge of each opening has a portion substantially parallel to the edge of the generally strip-shaped upper electrode or lower electrode. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the above is provided.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, at the edge of the upper electrode, the plurality of protruding portions are formed such that the electrode portion between the adjacent openings extends along the first direction. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the ninth to ninth aspects is provided.

  According to the present invention, the adjacent upper electrodes are arranged close to each other to the extent that electrical insulation between the adjacent upper electrodes can be secured, and the adjacent lower electrodes are secured to the extent that electrical insulation between the adjacent lower electrodes can be secured. By arranging the electrodes close to each other, the gap between the upper electrodes and the lower electrode can be narrowed so that the gap is less noticeable. Furthermore, since the upper electrode is formed with a plurality of openings at the intersection between the upper electrode and the lower electrode formed in a strip shape, the intersection is visually compared with the intersection where no opening is formed. Can be inconspicuous. Therefore, in the mutual capacitive touch panel, the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode patterns of the upper electrode and the lower electrode can be reduced.

The schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touchscreen concerning the reference example with respect to embodiment of this invention The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrode lamination direction of the touch panel of the reference example of FIG. The schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touchscreen concerning an embodiment of the invention The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrode lamination direction of the touchscreen of embodiment of FIG. The schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touchscreen concerning the modification of embodiment of this invention Schematic diagram of electrode pattern of touch panel of reference example Schematic diagram of the upper electrode pattern of the touch panel of the reference example Schematic diagram of the lower electrode pattern of the touch panel of the reference example Schematic diagram of electrode pattern of touch panel of Example 1 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the upper electrode of the touch panel of Example 1 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the lower electrode of the touch panel of Example 1 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the upper electrode of Example 1 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the lower electrode of Example 1 Schematic diagram of electrode pattern of touch panel of Example 2 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the upper electrode of the touchscreen of Example 2 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the lower electrode of the touchscreen of Example 2 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the upper electrode of Example 2 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the lower electrode of Example 2 Schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel of Example 3 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the upper electrode of the touchscreen of Example 3 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the lower electrode of the touchscreen of Example 3 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the upper electrode of Example 3 The partial enlarged view of the pattern of the lower electrode of Example 3 Schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel of Example 4 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the upper electrode of the touchscreen of Example 4 The schematic diagram of the pattern of the lower electrode of the touchscreen of Example 4 Partial enlarged view of the electrode pattern of Example 4 The elements on larger scale of the electrode pattern concerning the modification of Example 4 Schematic diagram of electrode pattern of conventional touch panel 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the electrode stacking direction of the conventional touch panel of FIG.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In describing an embodiment of the present invention, in a mutual capacitance type touch panel (hereinafter, simply referred to as “touch panel”), a book that reduces the bone appearance phenomenon of an electrode pattern constituted by an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The concept of the invention will be described.

  First, an electrode pattern as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 is used as an electrode pattern (reference example) that can reduce the bone appearance phenomenon with respect to the electrode pattern of the conventional touch panel 501 shown in FIGS. Consider a touch panel 1 having the same.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel 1 includes a plurality of lower electrodes 10 arranged in parallel to each other along the X direction and the Y direction so as to intersect (orthogonal) each of the lower electrodes. And a plurality of upper electrodes 20 arranged in parallel to each other. The upper electrode 20 and the lower electrode 10 are formed by etching a translucent electrode material (for example, ITO), and are formed as substantially strip-shaped electrodes separated from each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode pattern of the touch panel 1 is different from the electrode pattern of the conventional touch panel 501 in that the width of the upper electrode 20 is substantially the same as that of the lower electrode 10. It is different. Specifically, the gap 11 between the adjacent lower electrodes 10 is formed so narrow that electrical insulation between the lower electrodes 10 can be secured. Similarly, the gap 21 between the adjacent upper electrodes 20 It is formed narrow enough to ensure electrical insulation between the electrodes 20. That is, the gap 21 between the upper electrodes 20 is formed sufficiently narrower than the width of the upper electrode 20.

  In the touch panel 1 having such an electrode pattern, in the electrode pattern of the touch panel 1, the gap 21 between the upper electrodes 20 and the gap 11 between the lower electrodes 10 are formed narrow enough to ensure mutual electrical insulation. Therefore, the gaps 11 and 21 can be made inconspicuous, and the edges of the upper electrode 20 and the lower electrode 10 can be made inconspicuous. Accordingly, as apparent from the electrode pattern of the conventional touch panel 501 of FIG. 11, the touch panel 1 can reduce the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern.

  However, although such a touch panel 1 can reduce the bone appearance phenomenon, there is a problem that a detection function originally required for the touch panel is deteriorated. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, in the touch panel 1, an electric field is formed such that the lines of electric force L are directed from the lower electrode 10 on the transmission side to the upper electrode 20 on the reception side. However, since the gap 21 between the adjacent upper electrodes 20 is formed to be as narrow as the gap 11 between the lower electrodes 10, even if the object 2 such as a finger approaches the upper electrode 20, In some cases, the line of force L cannot pass through the gap 21 between the upper electrodes 20 toward the object 2. In such a case, there is a problem that the mutual capacitance does not change and it cannot be detected that the object 2 approaches or touches the touch surface side. Therefore, in the touch panel 1 as shown in FIG. 1, although the bone appearance phenomenon of an electrode pattern can be reduced, since a detection function falls, it cannot be used as a touch panel.

  Therefore, the touch panel 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention employs an electrode pattern as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in the touch panel 31, as in the touch panel 1 of FIG. 1, a plurality of substantially strip-shaped lower electrodes 40 arranged in parallel with each other along the X direction (first direction), and the Y direction ( A configuration is adopted in which the substantially strip-shaped upper electrodes 50 arranged in parallel to each other along the second direction) are crossed, and the gap 51 between the adjacent upper electrodes 50 is the lower electrode 40 adjacent to each other. It is formed to be as narrow as the gap 41 between them, that is, narrow enough to ensure electrical insulation.

  A plurality of openings 52 are formed in the upper electrode 50 at the intersection 33 between the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40. As the shape of the opening 52, various shapes can be adopted. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the opening 52 has a rectangular shape as a shape having an inner edge parallel to the edge of the upper electrode 50 or the lower electrode 40. Is formed. Note that the shape of the opening may be various shapes such as a circle, a rhombus, and a triangle in addition to a square. In addition, when the touch panel 31 is seen from the touch surface side, the intersecting portion 33 between the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 is a region where the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode are formed (region sandwiched between both end edges). ) Is an area that appears to overlap. In FIG. 3, one intersecting portion 33 is surrounded by a dotted line.

  The plurality of openings 52 are formed in the same shape as each other, and are arranged at a constant interval pitch at the intersecting portion 33. For example, the line width 53 that is the width of the electrode portion between the adjacent openings 52 and the line width 54 that is the width of the electrode portion between the opening 52 and the edge of the upper electrode 50 are set between the upper electrodes 50. The gap 51 and the gap 41 between the lower electrodes 40 have the same width or a positive integer multiple.

  Thus, by forming the electrode pattern of the touch panel 31 of the present embodiment, the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern can be reduced. Further, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 4, in the touch panel 31, an electric field is formed such that the electric lines of force L are directed from the lower electrode 40 on the transmission side to the upper electrode 50 on the reception side. Furthermore, since the plurality of openings 52 are formed in the upper electrode 50 at the intersection 33 of the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40, when the object 2 such as a finger approaches the upper electrode 50, the lines of electric force L can go to the object 2 through the opening 52 formed in the upper electrode 20. Therefore, the contact of the object 2 on the touch surface side can be reliably detected as a change in mutual capacitance, and the detected coordinates can be detected as detection points. Note that the touch panel 31 of the present embodiment is provided with detection means for detecting such a change in mutual capacitance. As the detection means, various known configurations of the mutual capacitance type touch panel may be used. The following means can be adopted.

  In the touch panel 31 of the present embodiment, the opening 52 formed in the upper electrode 50 at the intersection has at least two roles.

  First, the first role of the opening 52 is to reduce the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern. In the upper electrode 50, the plurality of openings 52 are formed at the intersecting portion 33 with the lower electrode 40, thereby making the intersecting portion 33 itself visually inconspicuous. In particular, such an effect can be enhanced by arranging the plurality of openings 52 with regularity. For example, the inner edge of the opening 52 has a shape (for example, a square shape) formed so as to have a portion parallel to the edge of the upper electrode 50 or the lower electrode 40, and the openings 52 having the same size are arranged at a constant pitch. The crossing portion 33 can be visually inconspicuous.

  Further, in the upper electrode 50, the line widths 53 and 54 formed around the opening 52 are set to the same width as this unit dimension, with the gap 51 between the upper electrodes 50 and the gap 41 between the lower electrodes 40 as unit dimensions. By adopting the regularity such that the width is a positive integer multiple, not only the intersection portion 33 but also the gap 51 between the upper electrodes 50 and the gap 41 between the lower electrodes 40 are visually displayed. It can be made a more uniform pattern.

  Due to such a role of the opening 52, the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern can be reduced on the touch panel 31. Note that the opening 52 is disposed in the intersecting portion 33, and the electrode portion of the upper electrode 50 overlaps the gap 41 between the lower electrodes 40 when viewed from the touch surface side. . By doing so, the gap 41 of the lower electrode 40 can be made inconspicuous, and the effect of reducing the bone appearance phenomenon can be enhanced.

  Next, the second role of the opening 52 is to ensure a detection function originally required for the touch panel 31. In the touch panel 31, the gap 51 of the upper electrode 50 is formed to be narrowed to substantially the same extent as the gap 41 of the lower electrode 40, but the role of the opening 52 to pass the electric lines of force L at the intersection 33. It is possible to reliably detect that the object 2 has touched the touch surface side.

  As described above, according to the touch panel 31 of the present embodiment, the upper electrode 50 has a plurality of openings 52 at the intersections 33 with the lower electrode 40, thereby ensuring a detection function as a touch panel. However, the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern can be reduced. Furthermore, by providing regularity in the shape or arrangement of the plurality of openings 52 formed in the intersecting portion 33, the bone appearance phenomenon can be more effectively reduced.

  Moreover, although the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 use ITO as a translucent electrode material, the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 are formed by forming a plurality of openings 52 at the intersecting portion 33. The area of the overlapping region can be reduced. ITO, which is an electrode material, is optically translucent. However, in a region where two layers of electrodes are overlapped, the light transmittance is slightly reduced as compared with a region having only one layer. Therefore, by forming the opening 52 at the intersecting portion 33, the electrode layer can be brought close to a single layer, which is optically preferable.

  In the present embodiment, the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 are formed of ITO, but other light-transmitting electrode materials such as carbon nanotubes and silver nanofibers may be used.

  Further, the openings 52 arranged at the intersection 33 are not limited to the same shape, and a plurality of types of openings may be mixed and arranged.

  Moreover, although the case where both end edges of the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 formed in a substantially strip shape are formed as straight lines parallel to the X direction or the Y direction is taken as an example, both end edges may not be parallel. Also, it is not limited to straight lines. For example, both end edges may be formed in a tooth shape so that the protruding portions are continuously formed.

  In the present embodiment, the width of the upper electrode 50 is formed larger than the gap between the adjacent upper electrodes 50. That is, (width dimension of upper electrode 50 / (width dimension of upper electrode 50 + gap dimension between upper electrodes 50)) is formed to exceed at least 50%. It is preferable that (the width dimension of the upper electrode 50 / (the width dimension of the upper electrode 50 + the gap dimension between the upper electrodes 50)) exceeds 80%, and further, (the width dimension of the upper electrode 50 / (the upper electrode 50). It is more preferable that the width dimension of the electrode and the gap dimension between the upper electrodes 50) exceed 90%.

  Further, in the touch panel 31 of the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of openings 52 are formed in the upper electrode 50 at the intersecting portion 33 is taken as an example, but the lower electrode 40 is also opened at the intersecting portion 33. May be formed. As an example of such an electrode pattern, a schematic diagram of an electrode pattern of a touch panel 61 according to a modification is shown in FIG. The same components as those of the touch panel 31 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, only differences from the touch panel 31 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the electrode pattern of the touch panel 61 according to the modification, the arrangement of the upper electrode 50 and the lower electrode 40 and the arrangement of the plurality of openings 52 formed in the upper electrode 50 at the intersection 33 are shown in FIG. 3 has the same arrangement configuration as the electrode pattern 3. In the lower electrode 40, a plurality of openings 42 are formed at intersections 33 with the upper electrode 50. In the touch panel 61, the opening 42 is formed in the region of the electrode portion of the lower electrode 40 corresponding to the opening 52 of the upper electrode 50 when viewed from the touch surface side. The opening 42 of the lower electrode 40 is formed to be smaller than the opening 52 of the upper electrode 50, and the opening 42 of the lower electrode 40 is visible without passing through the upper electrode 51 when viewed from the touch surface side. It is possible. Further, the opening 42 of the lower electrode 40 is preferably formed in a shape similar to the opening 52 of the upper electrode 50, and in the example shown in FIG. 5, both are formed in a square shape. Further, the openings 42 of the lower electrode 41 are arranged with regularity at the intersecting portion 33, for example, arranged at a constant pitch.

  In the electrode pattern of the touch panel 61 shown in FIG. 5, an opening 42 is also formed on the lower electrode 40 side at the intersection 33, and a plurality of openings 52 on the upper electrode 50 side and a plurality of openings 42 on the lower electrode 40 side. However, a configuration in which they are arranged with regularity related to each other is adopted. Therefore, the entire electrode pattern can be visually uniformed as a finer pattern, and the bone appearance phenomenon can be effectively reduced.

  In the electrode pattern shown in FIG. 5, the case where one opening 42 is formed in the lower electrode 40 corresponding to one opening 52 in the upper electrode 50 has been described as an example. A plurality of openings may be formed in the lower electrode 40 corresponding to the one opening 52.

  An example of the electrode pattern based on the embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described with reference to a comparative example which is a conventional electrode pattern, and the effect of reducing the bone appearance phenomenon will be described.

(Comparative example)
As a comparative example, FIG. 6A shows a schematic diagram of an electrode pattern of a conventional touch panel 501 viewed from the touch surface side. Further, the pattern of the upper electrode 520 is shown in FIG. 6B, and the pattern of the lower electrode 510 is shown in FIG. 6C.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, in the electrode pattern of the touch panel 501 of the comparative example, the width of the upper electrode 520 is smaller than the width of the lower electrode 510, and the area of the intersection of the upper electrode 520 and the lower electrode 510 is The area of the non-intersecting part is larger. Each of the upper electrode 520 and the lower electrode 510 is individually electrically connected to a frame-like terminal portion 505 disposed around the electrode pattern.

  In the electrode pattern of such a comparative example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a lower electrode 510 extending in the X direction and an upper electrode 520 extending in the Y direction are strip-shaped patterns in which the electrodes extend in the respective directions. It can be seen that there is a bone appearance phenomenon that stands out.

Example 1
Next, as Example 1 of the present invention, FIG. 7A shows a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel 101 as viewed from the touch surface side (that is, a schematic diagram of an electrode pattern in which an upper electrode and a lower electrode are superimposed). Further, the pattern of the upper electrode 120 is shown in FIG. 7B, and the pattern of the lower electrode 110 is shown in FIG. 7C. 7B is a partially enlarged view of the upper electrode 120 in FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7E is a partially enlarged view of the lower electrode 110 in FIG. 7C.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, the upper electrode 120 is formed as a substantially strip-shaped electrode extending in the Y direction, and a plurality of upper electrodes 120 are arranged in parallel to each other, and the lower electrode 110 extends in the X direction. A plurality of lower electrodes 110 are formed in parallel with each other. Further, each of the upper electrode 120 and the lower electrode 110 is individually electrically connected to a frame-shaped terminal portion 105 surrounding the electrode pattern at the end in the longitudinal direction. The upper electrode 120 has a plurality of openings 122 at the intersection 103 with the lower electrode 110.

Here, the shapes of the upper electrode 120 and the lower electrode 110 will be described in detail using dimension examples with reference to FIGS. 7D and 7E. The width W ₁₁ of the upper electrode 120 and the width W ₁₂ of the lower electrode 110 are both formed to be 4.3 mm, and the gap D ₁₁ between the adjacent upper electrodes 120 and the gap D ₁₂ between the adjacent lower electrodes 110 are both 0. .3 mm. In Example 1, the dimension of 0.3 mm is a unit dimension, and this unit dimension is required in manufacturing, for example, when the upper electrode 120 and the lower electrode 110 are formed by etching ITO. It can be determined from processing restrictions (that is, restrictions on the minimum processing space) and electrical characteristics for ensuring electrical insulation of the translucent electrode material.

The upper electrode 120 is formed with a plurality of openings 122 having the same shape, for example, a rectangular opening having a width W _{13 in the} X direction of 1.7 mm and a width W _{14 in the} Y direction of 2.0 mm. ing. The width _{W 16} of the electrode portion of the width _{W 15} and the Y-direction in the X direction between the openings 122 adjacent is a 0.3 mm, the gap _{D 12} of the gap d11 and the lower electrode 110 of the upper electrode 120 as one I'm doing it. Further, in one intersection 103, four openings 122 are formed in the upper electrode 120, and the openings 122 are arranged at a constant interval pitch in 2 rows × 2 columns. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the state where the upper electrode 120 and the lower electrode 110 are overlapped, the opening of the upper electrode 120 is arranged so that the electrode portion of the upper electrode 120 overlaps the gap between the lower electrodes 110. The formation position of the part 122 is determined.

  It can be seen that in the electrode pattern of the touch panel 101 of Example 1, the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern is clearly reduced as compared with the electrode pattern of the comparative example.

(Example 2)
Next, as Example 2 of the present invention, FIG. 8A shows a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel 201 as viewed from the touch surface side (that is, a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern in which the upper electrode and the lower electrode are overlapped). Further, the pattern of the upper electrode 220 is shown in FIG. 8B, and the pattern of the lower electrode 210 is shown in FIG. 8C. 8B is a partially enlarged view of the upper electrode 220 in FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8E is a partially enlarged view of the lower electrode 210 in FIG. 8C. In addition, about the structure which is common in Example 1, the same reference number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, in the electrode pattern of the second embodiment, the upper electrode 220 has a plurality of openings 222 formed at the intersection 203 with the lower electrode 210. In the second embodiment, the opening 222 is formed smaller than the opening 122 in the first embodiment.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the width W ₂₁ of the upper electrode 220 and the width W ₁₂ of the lower electrode 210 are both formed to be 4.3 mm, and the gap D between the adjacent upper electrodes 220 is formed. ₂₁ and adjacent the gap _{D 22} between the lower electrode 210 which are both a 0.3 mm. Further, the opening 222 of the upper electrode 120 is formed as a rectangular opening having a width W _{23 in the} X direction of 1.0 mm and a width W _{24 in the} Y direction of 0.8 mm, for example. Further, the width W _{25 in} the X direction and the width W _{26 in the} Y direction of the electrode portion between the adjacent openings 222 are set to 0.3 mm, and the gap D ₂₁ of the upper electrode 220 and the gap D _{22 of the} lower electrode 210 are Match. Further, at one intersection 203, twelve openings 222 are formed in the upper electrode 220, and the openings 222 are arranged at a constant interval pitch in 4 rows × 3 columns.

  In the electrode pattern of the touch panel 201 of Example 2, it can be seen that the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern is reduced as compared with the electrode pattern of the comparative example. Further, since the opening 222 finer than that of the first embodiment is used, the entire electrode pattern can be visually uniformed as a finer pattern, and the effect of reducing the bone appearance phenomenon can be enhanced.

(Example 3)
Next, as Example 3 of the present invention, FIG. 9A shows a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel 301 as viewed from the touch surface side (that is, a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern in which the upper electrode and the lower electrode are overlapped). Further, the pattern of the upper electrode 320 is shown in FIG. 9B, and the pattern of the lower electrode 310 is shown in FIG. 9C. 9B is a partially enlarged view of the upper electrode 320 in FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9E is a partially enlarged view of the lower electrode 310 in FIG. 9C. In addition, about the structure which is common in Example 1, the same reference number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E, in the electrode pattern of Example 3, the upper electrode 320 has a plurality of openings 322 formed at the intersection 303 with the lower electrode 310. In the third embodiment, an opening 312 is also formed in the lower electrode 310 at the intersection 303.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the width W ₃₁ of the upper electrode 320 and the width W ₃₂ of the lower electrode 310 are both formed to be 4.3 mm, and the gap D between the adjacent upper electrodes 320 is formed. ₃₁ and the adjacent gap _{D 32} between the lower electrode 310 which are both a 0.3 mm. Furthermore, the opening 322 of the upper electrode 320 is formed as a rectangular opening having a width W _{33 in the} X direction of 1.7 mm and a width W _{34 in the} Y direction of 2.0 mm, for example. Further, the width W _{35 in} the X direction and the width W _{36 in the} Y direction of the electrode portion between the adjacent openings 322 are set to 0.3 mm, and the gap D ₃₁ of the upper electrode 320 and the gap D _{32 of the} lower electrode 310 are Match. Further, at one intersection 303, four openings 322 are formed in the upper electrode 320, and the openings 322 are arranged at a constant interval pitch in 2 rows × 2 columns.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9E, in the crossing portion 303, in the region on the lower electrode 310 corresponding to the opening 322 of the upper electrode 320, a total of four openings having the same shape and size of 2 rows × 2 columns. A portion 312 is formed.

The opening 312 of the lower electrode 310 is formed as a rectangular opening having a width W _{37 in the} X direction of 0.4 mm and a width W _{38 in the} Y direction of 0.6 mm, for example. In the 2 rows × 2 columns arrangement, the width W _{39 in} the X direction and the Y direction between the openings 312 adjacent in the X direction is set to 0.3 mm, and the gap D ₃₁ between the upper electrodes 320 and It coincides with the gap D ₃₂ of the lower electrode 310. Further, the width W ₄₀ of the electrode portion between the groups of the opening 312 of 2 rows × 2 columns adjacent in the Y direction is 0.9 mm, and the gap D ₃₁ between the upper electrode 320 and the gap D _{32 between the} lower electrodes 310. Is a positive integer multiple of (ie, 3 times).

  In the electrode pattern of the touch panel 301 of Example 3, it can be seen that the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern is reduced as compared with the electrode pattern of the comparative example. By combining the opening 322 of the upper electrode 320 and the opening 312 of the lower electrode 310, the entire electrode pattern can be made visually uniform as a finer pattern, and the effect of reducing the bone appearance phenomenon is enhanced. Can do.

Example 4
Next, as Example 4 of the present invention, FIG. 10A shows a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the touch panel 401 as viewed from the touch surface side (that is, a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern in which the upper electrode and the lower electrode are overlapped). Further, the pattern of the upper electrode 420 is shown in FIG. 10B, and the pattern of the lower electrode 410 is shown in FIG. 10C. Moreover, the elements on larger scale of the electrode pattern of FIG. 10A are shown to FIG. 10D. In addition, about the structure which is common in Example 1, the same reference number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, in the electrode pattern of Example 4, the upper electrode 420 is formed with a plurality of openings 422 at the intersection 403 with the lower electrode 410. However, in the fourth embodiment, both end edges (terminations) of the upper electrode 420 are formed in a comb shape.

  As shown in FIG. 10D, a plurality of protruding portions 425 protruding in the X direction are formed at regular intervals along the Y direction on the edge of the upper electrode 420. The edge of the electrode 420 has a comb shape. The protruding portions 425 formed at the edges of the adjacent upper electrodes 420 facing each other are formed so as to be close enough to ensure electrical insulation between them. In addition, at the edge of the upper electrode 420, each protruding portion 425 is formed so that the electrode portion between the openings 422 adjacent in the Y direction extends along the X direction.

A specific dimension example of the upper electrode 420 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10D. An example of the size of the lower electrode 410 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The gap D ₄₁ between the adjacent upper electrodes 420 (ie, between the ends of the opposed protruding portions 425) is 0.3 mm, which is the same as the gap between the lower electrodes 410. The opening 422 formed in the upper electrode 420 is formed, for example, as a square opening having a width W _{41 in the} X direction of 0.96 mm and a width W _{42 in the} Y direction of 0.96 mm. Further, the width W _{43 in} the X direction and the width W _{44 in the} Y direction of the electrode portion between the adjacent openings 422 are set to 0.3 mm, which coincides with the gap D ₄₁ of the upper electrode 420 and the gap of the lower electrode 410. ing. Nine openings 422 are formed in the upper electrode 420 at one intersection 403. In the electrode pattern of Example 4, the opening 422 is also formed in the region of the upper electrode 420 corresponding to the gap between the lower electrodes 410.

  In the electrode pattern of the touch panel 401 of Example 4, it can be seen that the bone appearance phenomenon of the electrode pattern is reduced as compared with the electrode pattern of the comparative example. In particular, as compared with the first and second embodiments, since the edge of the upper electrode 420 has a comb shape, it seems that a structure corresponding to the opening 422 exists in the gap between the upper electrodes 420. Therefore, the contour of the edge of the upper electrode 420 can be made inconspicuous. Therefore, the entire electrode pattern can be visually uniformed, and the effect of reducing the bone appearance phenomenon can be enhanced.

  In addition, instead of the case where both end edges of the upper electrode 420 are comb-shaped as shown in FIG. 10D, only one edge of the upper electrode 470 is comb-shaped and the other is linear as shown in FIG. 10E. It is also good. Further, the protruding length of the protruding portion 425 is not limited to the same length, and the length may be varied. Further, the shape of the comb teeth may be asymmetric at both end edges of the upper electrode.

  It is to be noted that, by appropriately combining arbitrary embodiments of the various embodiments described above, the effects possessed by them can be produced.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a mutual capacitance type touch panel that senses a position on a panel touched by an operation object such as a finger by a mutual capacitance method on a touch panel. It can be used for an electronic device equipped with a touch panel such as a personal computer.

2 objects (eg fingers)
31 Touch panel (mutual capacitance type touch panel)
33 intersecting portion 40 lower electrode 41 gap 50 between lower electrodes upper electrode 51 gap 52 between upper electrodes opening L electric field line

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of lower electrodes formed in a substantially strip shape by a translucent electrode material and arranged in parallel with each other along the first direction, and a substantially strip shape by the translucent electrode material. A plurality of upper electrodes formed parallel to each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction and disposed closer to the touch surface than the lower electrode, and between adjacent upper electrodes Adjacent upper electrodes are arranged close to each other to ensure electrical insulation, and adjacent lower electrodes are arranged close to each other to ensure electrical insulation between adjacent lower electrodes. At the intersection with the lower electrode , a plurality of openings having the same size and shape are formed in the first and second directions in the upper electrode, and each opening is formed in the second electrode. Along the direction of Are arranged at constant intervals Te, provide mutual capacitive touch panel.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mutual capacitive touch panel according to the first aspect , wherein the width of the upper electrode is larger than the gap between the adjacent upper electrodes.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the mutual capacitive touch panel according to the first aspect or the second aspect , wherein a gap between adjacent upper electrodes is substantially the same as a gap between adjacent lower electrodes. I will provide a.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the gap between adjacent lower electrodes is a unit dimension, and the width of the electrode part between adjacent openings at the intersection is a positive integer multiple of the unit dimension. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the third to third aspects is provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in each of the first to fourth aspects , the inner edge of each opening has a portion substantially parallel to the edge of the generally strip-shaped upper electrode or lower electrode. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of the above is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at the edge of the upper electrode, the plurality of protruding portions are formed such that the electrode portion between the adjacent openings extends along the first direction. A mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of aspects 5 to 5 is provided.

Claims (10)

A plurality of lower electrodes formed in a substantially band shape by a translucent electrode material and arranged in parallel to each other along the first direction;
A plurality of upper electrodes formed in a substantially band shape by a translucent electrode material, arranged in parallel with each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and arranged closer to the touch surface than the lower electrode; With
Adjacent upper electrodes are arranged close enough to ensure electrical insulation between adjacent upper electrodes, and adjacent lower electrodes are arranged close enough to ensure electrical insulation between adjacent lower electrodes And
A mutual capacitive touch panel in which a plurality of openings are formed in the upper electrode at the intersection of the upper electrode and the lower electrode.   The mutual capacitive touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of openings having the same shape are formed in the upper electrode at the intersection.   The mutual capacitive touch panel according to claim 2, wherein openings having the same shape are arranged at regular intervals.   The mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a width of the upper electrode is larger than a gap between adjacent upper electrodes.   The mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a gap between adjacent upper electrodes is substantially the same as a gap between adjacent lower electrodes.   The gap between adjacent lower electrodes is a unit dimension, and the width of the electrode part between adjacent openings at the intersection is a positive integer multiple of the unit dimension. Mutual capacitive touch panel.   The opening portion is formed in a region of the lower electrode corresponding to the opening portion formed in the upper electrode at the intersection of the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and the opening portion of the lower electrode is smaller than the opening portion of the upper electrode. The mutual capacitive touch panel according to any one of 1 to 6.   A plurality of openings having the same shape are arranged in the lower electrode at a constant interval with respect to one opening of the upper electrode, and the width of the electrode part between the openings of the upper electrode and the opening of the lower electrode at the intersection. The mutual capacitive touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the width of the electrode portion therebetween is substantially the same.   9. The mutual electrostatic capacitance method according to claim 1, wherein an inner edge of each opening has a portion substantially parallel to an edge of the upper or lower electrode having a substantially band shape. Touch panel.   The plurality of projecting portions are formed at the edge of the upper electrode so that an electrode portion between adjacent openings extends along the first direction. Mutual capacitive touch panel.