JP2015022616A - Touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel allowing an electrode pattern formed of a translucent material to be hardly seen from the outside.SOLUTION: The touch panel comprises: a substrate layer formed of a translucent insulation material; an electrode layer that has an electrode pattern including a plurality of detection electrodes arranged on the substrate layer so as to extend along a first direction, and including a dummy electrode arranged on the substrate layer in a region between the adjacent detection electrodes and electrically separated from the detection electrode, and that is formed of a translucent electrode material; and an insulating layer formed of the translucent insulation material so as to cover the electrode layer. The dummy electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by first slits. A surface of the insulating layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by second slits in a portion of the insulating layer covering the detection electrode.

Description

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

  Conventionally, various touch panel systems have been known, but an operation object touched (or approached) by detecting a position where a change in capacitance formed by a detection electrode occurred. A capacitive touch panel that detects a touch position has attracted attention. In addition, such a touch panel is arranged so as to overlap the image display surface of the display device, and a light transmissive material (for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide)) is used as an electrode material of the touch panel so that the displayed image can be visually recognized. It is used.

  In the detection electrode formed of such a light transmissive material, in order to reduce the resistance value, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the electrode. However, as the thickness of the detection electrode increases, the difference in light transmittance between the portion where the electrode is formed and the portion where the electrode is not formed increases, and the detection electrode is easily visible from the outside. In order to improve the problem of electrode visibility in such a touch panel, a dummy electrode formed of a translucent electrode material and electrically separated from the detection electrode is arranged in a region between adjacent detection electrodes. A proposal has been made to reduce the difference in light transmittance and make the electrodes less visible from the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-129708 A

  In the configuration using the dummy electrode as in Patent Document 1, since the dummy electrode is disposed between the adjacent detection electrodes, noise and sensitivity reduction due to parasitic capacitance are likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the parasitic capacitance generated in the dummy electrode by dividing the dummy electrode into a plurality of fine regions that are electrically separated. That is, it is necessary to form the dummy electrode as a fine island-shaped pattern as compared with the detection electrode.

  However, if the pattern of the dummy electrode is greatly different from the pattern of the detection electrode in shape and size, the detection electrode and the dummy electrode are likely to be visually recognized from the outside due to a contrast difference.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel that solves the above-described problem and makes it difficult to see an electrode pattern formed of a translucent material from the outside.

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

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a base material layer formed of a translucent insulating material, a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the base material layer so as to extend along the first direction, An electrode disposed on a base material layer in a region between adjacent first electrodes, having an electrode pattern including a first electrode and a second electrode electrically separated, and formed of a translucent electrode material And an insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the electrode layer, the second electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the first slit, and the first electrode in the insulating layer A touch panel is provided in which a surface of the insulating layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by a second slit in a portion covering the surface.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the touch panel according to the first aspect, wherein the pattern of the fine region in the insulating layer is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the second electrode.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second slit provides the touch panel according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second slit is formed in a groove shape that does not penetrate the insulating layer in the thickness direction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the touch panel according to the third aspect, wherein the second slit is formed so as to divide the surface on the electrode layer side of the insulating layer into a plurality of fine regions.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the convex portion is formed on the surface of the first electrode in accordance with the formation position of the second slit of the insulating layer, and the convex portion is disposed in the second slit. The touch panel as described in 4 aspects is provided.

  According to the 6th aspect of this invention, the 3rd slit is formed in the part which covers the 2nd electrode in an insulating layer according to the formation position of the 1st slit of a 2nd electrode, The 1st aspect to the 5th aspect The touch panel as described in any one of these is provided.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, another insulating layer formed of a translucent insulating material is disposed between the base material layer and the electrode layer, and the second insulating layer covers the second electrode. The touch panel according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is provided in which a fourth slit is formed in accordance with a formation position of the first slit of the second electrode.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the touch panel according to the seventh aspect, wherein the total depth of the first slit and the fourth slit is substantially the same as the depth of the second slit. provide.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a base material layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material, and a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the base material layer so as to extend along the first direction, A second electrode disposed on a base material layer in a region between adjacent first electrodes, having an electrode pattern including a first electrode and a second electrode electrically separated, and formed of a translucent electrode material One electrode layer, a first insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the first electrode layer, and a first insulating layer extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction A plurality of third electrodes disposed on the first insulating layer and a fourth electrode disposed on the first insulating layer in a region between adjacent third electrodes and electrically separated from the third electrode. And a second electrode layer formed of a light-transmitting electrode material and a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the second electrode layer. And the second electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the first slit, and the fourth electrode is electrically divided into the plurality of fine regions by the second slit, In the portion covering the first electrode in the first insulating layer, the surface of the first insulating layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by the third slit, and in the portion covering the third electrode in the second insulating layer, the second insulation is provided. Provided is a touch panel in which a surface of a layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by a fourth slit.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the second electrode of the first electrode layer, and the fine region pattern in the second insulating layer. The touch panel according to the ninth aspect, wherein the pattern is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the fourth electrode of the second electrode layer.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer and the pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer are substantially the same, and the pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer is the first The first and the second regions of the first electrode layer are matched with the fine region pattern of the second electrode, and the fine region pattern of the first insulating layer is matched with the fine region pattern of the fourth electrode of the second electrode layer. The touch panel according to the tenth aspect, in which the second electrode layer and the first and second insulating layers are disposed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make an electrode pattern formed of a translucent material difficult to see from the outside.

Plan view of the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Partial enlarged plan view and cross-sectional view of the touch panel of Embodiment 1 Partial enlarged plan view and cross-sectional view of the electrode layer of the touch panel of Embodiment 1 Partial enlarged plan view and cross-sectional view of an insulating layer of the touch panel of Embodiment 1 The partial enlarged plan view and sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning the modification of Embodiment 3. Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning Embodiment 5 of this invention. The elements on larger scale and sectional drawing of the 1st electrode layer of the touch panel concerning Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Partial enlarged plan view and sectional view of the second electrode layer of the touch panel of Embodiment 6 Partial enlarged plan view and cross-sectional view of the insulating layer of the touch panel of the sixth embodiment Plan view and sectional view of touch panel of embodiment 6 Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning the modification of Embodiment 6. Sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning Embodiment 7 of this invention.

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

(Embodiment 1)
A plan view of the touch panel 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and a partially enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a portion A in the touch panel 1 of FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. The touch panel 1 according to the first embodiment employs a projected capacitive method, and is mounted on a screen of a display device, for example. The touch panel 1 according to the first embodiment exemplifies one aspect of the present invention, and is not limited to the projection capacitive method, but may be applied to other types of touch panels using translucent electrodes. Can be adopted. Moreover, in the following description, only the main structural members required in order to demonstrate this invention are demonstrated among the structural members of embodiment of this invention. For this reason, structural members that are not mentioned in the following description may be provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the touch panel 1 includes a base material layer 2 formed of a translucent insulating material and an electrode layer having an electrode pattern formed on the base material layer 2 of a translucent electrode material. 10 and an insulating layer 20 formed of a light-transmitting insulating material and covering the electrode layer 10 so as to be sandwiched between the base material layer 2. In addition, illustration of the insulating layer 20 is abbreviate | omitted in the top view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode layer 10 extends along the X direction (first direction) and is arranged with a plurality of detection electrodes 11 (first electrodes) arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction (second direction). ) And a plurality of dummy electrodes 12 (second electrodes) arranged in a region between the detection electrodes 11 adjacent in the Y direction. These detection electrode 11 and dummy electrode 12 constitute an electrode pattern. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. Further, the first direction and the second direction only need to cross each other, and the present invention is not limited to the case where the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other as in the X direction and the Y direction.

  In the base material layer 2, terminal portions 13 are arranged around the electrode pattern, and each detection electrode 11 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 13. On the other hand, each dummy electrode 12 is not connected to the terminal portion 13 and is formed so as not to contact the detection electrode 11 but to be electrically separated (that is, not conducted). As the translucent electrode material, for example, ITO is used, but other translucent electrode materials such as metal nanowires, conductive polymers (PEDOT), conductive nanofibers such as carbon nanotubes and graphene are used. Also good.

  The insulating layer 20 has a function of covering the conductive electrode layer 10 to ensure insulation with the outside, and a function of protecting the electrode layer 10 from external influences (such as moisture).

  Here, a partially enlarged plan view and a sectional view of the electrode layer 10 of the touch panel 1 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and a partially enlarged plan view and a sectional view of the insulating layer 20 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Shown in A detailed configuration of the touch panel 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, on the electrode layer 10, strip-shaped detection electrodes 11 extending in the X direction are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. The dummy electrodes 12 arranged in the region between the adjacent detection electrodes 11 are electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the first slits (gap) 14 formed in a lattice shape in the X direction and the Y direction. Yes. In this manner, the dummy electrode 12 is electrically divided (separated) by the first slit 14 and formed as a fine island pattern compared to the detection electrode 11, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance generated in the dummy electrode 12. Reduction can be achieved. The width of the first slit 14 is preferably as small as possible while ensuring electrical separation (insulation) between adjacent island-shaped fine regions, for example, 30 μm to 100 μm. Set to a width of about. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the island-like fine regions of the dummy electrode 12 are formed in the same shape and size.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a portion of the insulating layer 20 that covers the detection electrode 11 of the electrode layer 10 has a plurality of second slits 21 formed in a lattice shape in the X direction and the Y direction. Divided into island-like fine regions. In the touch panel 1 of the first embodiment, the second slit 21 is formed through the insulating layer 20 in the thickness direction. The formation width of the second slit 21 is the same width as the first slit 14 formed in the dummy electrode 12. Further, the shape and size of each island-shaped fine region formed in the insulating layer 20 are the same as the shape and size of the fine region formed in the dummy electrode 12. That is, the fine area pattern in the insulating layer 20 is the same as the fine area pattern in the dummy electrode 12. In addition, it is not restricted to the case where both patterns are completely the same, The case where it is a substantially the same pattern, such as differing only in a part or a fine part may be sufficient. In the touch panel 1 of the first embodiment, no slit is formed in the portion of the insulating layer 20 that covers the detection electrode 11.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the electrode layer 10 and the insulating layer 20 having such a configuration are arranged on the base material layer 2 so as to overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 2A, the pattern of the fine region formed in the dummy electrode 12 in the electrode layer 10 and the pattern of the fine region formed in the portion covering the detection electrode 11 in the insulating layer 20 are viewed in plan view. Are alternately arranged in the Y direction. Thereby, in the touch panel 1, the pattern of the fine area | region common over the whole surface is planarly formed by planar view. In the plan view of FIG. 2A, for convenience of illustration, the insulating layer 20 that covers the dummy electrode 12 is omitted, and the specific shape (pattern) of the insulating layer 20 is shown in FIG. It can be understood by referring.

  Thus, by combining the electrode layer 10 and the insulating layer 20 to provide a uniform fine region pattern over the entire touch panel 1, the pattern of the dummy electrode 12 has the pattern, shape and size of the detection electrode 11. Even if the configuration is greatly different, each electrode can be made difficult to be visually recognized from the outside.

  In particular, the second slit 21 is formed in the portion of the insulating layer 20 that covers the detection electrode 11 without forming a slit in the detection electrode 11, thereby forming a fine region pattern. As a result, the detection electrode 11 that greatly contributes to the detection function in the touch panel 1 is not damaged by forming a slit or the like, and the reliability of the electrode can be increased. At the same time, the cross-sectional area required by the detection electrode 11 can be ensured, and the resistance value can be kept low.

  In the touch panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the second slit 21 penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the insulating layer 20 covering the electrode layer 10. The width of the second slit 21 is the width of the first slit 14. Is equivalent to That is, it is desirable to make the width as small as possible, for example, set to a width of about 30 μm to 100 μm. As a result, the protective function and insulating function of the electrode layer 10 are not substantially impaired. Further, another layer (for example, an adhesive layer (not shown)) is disposed on the front surface side or the back surface side of the insulating layer 10 so that the electrode layer 10 is covered and protected by the insulating layer 20 and another layer. Also good.

  Here, the manufacturing method of the touch panel 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

  First, the electrode layer 10 having a predetermined thickness is formed on the base material layer 2 using a translucent electrode material. For example, a method such as sputtering, coating, or transfer is used to form the electrode layer 10.

  Next, a first slit 14 is formed in the electrode layer 10 to form an electrode pattern having the detection electrode 11 and the dummy electrode 12. For the formation of the electrode pattern, methods such as wet etching, laser etching, and photolithography etching are used.

  Then, the terminal part 13 connected to each detection electrode 11 is formed by methods, such as screen printing and gravure printing, using silver or copper material.

  Next, the insulating layer 20 is formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the entire electrode layer 10. The insulating layer 20 is formed by a method such as screen printing or gravure printing. When the insulating layer 20 is printed, the second slit 21 is formed in a portion covering the detection electrode 11 to form a fine pattern.

  Thereafter, an adhesive layer (not shown) is formed on the insulating layer 20 as necessary. Here, the adhesive layer is a layer for attaching the touch panel 1 to another constituent member. The adhesive layer is formed by coating with a coater or attaching an adhesive sheet.

  The touch panel 1 is completed by cutting the external shape into a predetermined shape and size and shaping the laminated body thus formed.

  In the case where a plurality of electrode layers and insulating layers are used as in the touch panel of the embodiment described later, the formation process of each layer is performed as many times as necessary. Moreover, such a manufacturing method is an example, and various other methods can also be used.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a partially enlarged plan view and a sectional view of the touch panel 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. In the plan view of FIG. 5A, the insulating layer 70 that covers the dummy electrode 12 is omitted for convenience of illustration.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the touch panel 51 of the second embodiment, the insulating layer 70 includes a second portion in which the portions covering the detection electrodes 11 are formed in a lattice shape in the X direction and the Y direction. The surface of the slit 71 is divided into a plurality of fine regions. As shown in FIG. 5B, these second slits 71 are formed in a half-cut groove shape without penetrating the insulating layer 70 in the thickness direction.

  In the touch panel 51 having such a configuration, the pattern of the fine region of the dummy electrode 12 and the pattern of the fine region of the insulating layer 70 are formed substantially uniformly over the entire surface in plan view, and each electrode is externally provided. It can be harder to see. Furthermore, since the second slit 71 formed in the insulating layer 70 does not penetrate the insulating layer 70 in the thickness direction, the electrode layer 10 can be reliably protected. In addition, in the insulating layer 70, the formation depth of the second slit 71 is formed to be substantially the same as that of the first slit 14 of the dummy electrode 12, thereby making the pattern of the fine region more uniform. Can do. For example, when the touch panel 51 is viewed from an oblique direction, the difference in pattern appearance can be reduced and a uniform state can be obtained. Particularly, the insulating layer 70 has a thickness of about 10 μm, for example, while the electrode layer 10 has a thickness of about 0.1 μm, for example. Therefore, by adjusting the formation depth of the second slit 71 formed in the insulating layer 70, the difference in the formation depth of the first slit 14 and the second slit 71 can be reduced. In the insulating layer 70, the depth of the second slit 71 is not limited to the case where the depth is substantially the same as that of the first slit 14 of the dummy electrode 12, but by making the depths of both closer to each other, The uniformity of the pattern can be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the touch panel 101 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the touch panel 101 according to the third embodiment, the half-cut groove-shaped second slit 121 formed in the insulating layer 120 is formed on the back surface side (electrode layer 10 side) of the insulating layer 120. This is different from the configuration of the second embodiment described above.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to reliably obtain a protection function and an insulation function for the electrode layer 10 by the insulating layer 120. Furthermore, in the thickness direction of the touch panel 101, the formation height position of the second slit 121 of the insulating layer 120 can be brought close to the formation height position of the first slit 14 of the dummy electrode 12. Therefore, the pattern of the fine area can be made more uniform, and the difference in pattern appearance can be reduced particularly when the touch panel 51 is viewed from an oblique direction.

  Note that, as in the touch panel 151 according to the modification shown in FIG. 7, the convex portions 115 corresponding to the second slits 121 are formed on the surface of the detection electrode 111 in the electrode layer 110 (formed in a grid pattern in the X and Y directions). Then, the convex portion 115 may be disposed in the second slit 121. 7 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 6 in that the dummy electrode 112 is electrically separated into a plurality of fine regions by the first slit 114 in the electrode layer 110. . Further, when the convex portion is not formed on the detection electrode 111, the second slit 121 may be filled with another translucent material (such as a translucent resin). In particular, when ITO is used as the translucent electrode material of the detection electrode 111, it is difficult to provide a convex portion integrally with the detection electrode 111 because it is formed as a sputtering thin film. However, if the convex portion is provided separately from the detection electrode 111, ITO can be used as a material for forming the detection electrode 111.

  The light-transmitting material to be filled can be selected from materials that can be used for the insulating layer 120. That is, a material having a function of covering the electrode layer 110 to ensure insulation from the outside and a function of protecting the electrode layer 110 from an external influence or the like can be used. For example, a material such as acrylic, urethane, silicon, epoxy, fluorine resin, or a copolymer thereof can be selected as the translucent material to be filled. Note that as the light-transmitting material to be filled, it is preferable not to select the same material as that of the insulating layer 120, and it is preferable to select a material having a refractive index different from that of the material of the insulating layer 120. This is because if the materials having the same refractive index are used, the second slit 121 may be difficult to be recognized. Moreover, it is desirable to select a light-transmitting material to be filled that has a refractive index close to that of the electrode layer 110. This is because when the difference in refractive index between the electrode layer 110 and the second slit 121 becomes large, the pattern appearance may become remarkable.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the touch panel 201 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the touch panel 201 according to the fourth embodiment, the third slit 222 is formed in the insulating layer 220 so as to cover the dummy electrode 12 in accordance with the formation position of the first slit 14 of the dummy electrode 12. Is formed.

  Therefore, in the insulating layer 220, a fine region pattern is formed by the second slit 221 in a portion covering the detection electrode 11, and a fine region pattern is formed by the third slit 222 in a portion covering the dummy electrode 12. Further, the pattern of the fine region in the insulating layer 220 is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the dummy electrode 12. The second slit 221 and the third slit 222 formed in the insulating layer 220 are formed in a half-cut groove shape that does not penetrate the insulating layer 220 in the thickness direction.

  According to such a configuration, in the touch panel 201, the pattern of the uniform fine region is formed over the whole in a plan view, so that the electrode can be hardly seen from the outside. In particular, since the pattern of the uniform fine region is formed over the entire insulating layer 220, the uniformity of the pattern can be improved.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the touch panel 301 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the touch panel 301 according to the fifth embodiment, another insulating layer 330 (second insulating layer 330) is formed between the base material layer 2 and the electrode layer 10. That is, the electrode layer 10 is disposed between the first insulating layer 320 and the second insulating layer 330 and is covered with the respective insulating layers 320 and 330. Note that the second insulating layer 330 is formed of a light-transmitting insulating material in the same manner as the first insulating layer 320. In the first insulating layer 320, a fine region pattern is formed by the second slit 321 in a portion covering the detection electrode 11, and the fine region pattern of the first insulating layer 320 is substantially the same as the fine region pattern in the dummy electrode 12. Are the same.

  In the second insulating layer 330, a fourth slit 331 is formed in a portion covering the dummy electrode 12 in accordance with the formation position of the first slit 14 of the dummy electrode 12. That is, the second insulating layer 330 is formed with a fine region pattern whose surface is divided by the fourth slit 331 so as to coincide with the fine region pattern of the dummy electrode 12.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the formation depth of the slit in which the first slit 14 and the fourth slit 331 are integrated (depth of the first slit 14 + depth of the fourth slit 331) is The depth of the fourth slit 331 is adjusted so as to be substantially the same as the depth of the two slits 321.

  As described above, in the touch panel 301, the depth of each slit forming the fine region is substantially the same, so that the pattern of the fine region can be made more uniform. In particular, the difference in pattern appearance when viewed from an oblique direction can be reduced, and the uniformity of the pattern can be improved.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a touch panel 401 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  A touch panel 401 according to the sixth embodiment includes a first film 405 in which a first base layer 402, a first electrode layer 410, and a first insulating layer 420 are laminated, a second base layer 407, and a second electrode layer. 430 and the second film 406 on which the second insulating layer 440 is laminated.

  10A and 10B show a partially enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view (BB cross section) of the first base material layer 402 and the first electrode layer 410 in the first film 405, and FIG. (B) shows a partially enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view (CC cross-section) of the second base material layer 407 and the second electrode layer 430 in the second film 406. 12A and 12B are partial enlarged plan views and cross-sectional views (DD cross-sections) of the first insulating layer 420 and the second insulating layer 440 in the first and second films 405 and 406, respectively. Note that the first insulating layer 420 and the second insulating layer 440 have the same structure, and thus are shown in a common drawing (FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the first electrode layer 410 of the first film 405, the detection electrode 411 is arranged to extend in the X direction so that a plurality of roughly rectangular regions are connected in the X direction. ing. A dummy electrode 412 is disposed in a region (substantially rectangular region) between the detection electrodes 411 adjacent in the Y direction. The dummy electrode 412 is electrically separated into a plurality of fine regions by first slits 414 formed in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the second electrode layer 430 of the second film 406, the detection electrodes 431 are arranged extending in the Y direction so that a plurality of substantially rectangular regions are connected to each other in the Y direction. Has been. A dummy electrode 432 is disposed in a region (substantially rectangular region) between the detection electrodes 431 adjacent in the X direction. The dummy electrode 432 is electrically separated into a plurality of fine regions by third slits 434 formed in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first insulating layer 420 of the first film 405 is formed by a second slit 421 formed in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure on the portion of the first electrode layer 410 covering the dummy electrode 412. It is divided into a plurality of fine regions. The pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer 420 is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the dummy electrode 412 of the first electrode layer 410.

  Similarly, the second insulating layer 440 of the second film 406 includes a plurality of fine regions by a fourth slit 441 formed in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions in the figure in a portion covering the dummy electrode 432 of the second electrode layer 430. It is divided into The pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer 440 is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the dummy electrode 432 of the second electrode layer 430.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B show a plan view and a cross-sectional view (cross-section EE) in a state where the first film 405 and the second film 406 having such a configuration are arranged to overlap each other. 13A is a view taken along the line FF in FIG. 13B, and the first insulating layer 420 in a portion covering the dummy electrode 412 is omitted for the sake of illustration.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first electrode layer 411 in the first film 405 has a substantially rectangular region overlapping the region of the second film 406 in which the dummy electrode 442 of the second electrode layer 440 is formed. The 1st film 405 and the 2nd film 406 are piled up and arranged. In addition, the patterns of the fine regions formed by the respective slits are formed as substantially the same pattern, and the first film 405 and the second film 406 are arranged so as to overlap each other in plan view. Is done.

  Specifically, the pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer 440 matches the pattern of the fine region in the dummy electrode 412 of the first electrode layer 410, and the pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer 420 is second. The first film 405 and the second film 406 are stacked so as to coincide with the pattern of the fine region in the dummy electrode 432 of the electrode layer 430.

  Thus, even in a configuration in which a plurality of electrode layers are stacked, a substantially uniform fine region pattern can be provided as a whole touch panel in a plan view, and the electrodes can be made difficult to be visually recognized from the outside. .

  In addition, although the case where the touch panel 401 according to the sixth embodiment includes the first base material layer 402 and the second base material layer 407 as the base material layer has been described as an example, other configurations may be employed. For example, a configuration in which the second base material layer 407 is omitted as shown in the touch panel 451 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.

(Embodiment 7)
Next, a touch panel 501 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described using the cross-sectional view shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the touch panel 501 of the seventh embodiment, the pattern of the fine area formed on the first film 405 and the pattern of the fine area formed on the second film 406 are shifted in plan view. Therefore, the second embodiment has a configuration different from that of the above-described sixth embodiment.

  According to such a configuration, by shifting the position of the fine area pattern (that is, the slit formation position) in the direction along the surface of the touch panel 501, a finer pattern than the fine area pattern in plan view. Can be formed. Therefore, a finer and more uniform pattern of a fine region can be created on the entire touch panel 501, and the effect that the electrode is hardly visible from the outside can be enhanced.

  In the description of each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the detection electrode is approximately strip-shaped or the case where a plurality of rectangular regions are connected in a diagonal direction is described as an example. Various other shapes may be employed. Any structure may be used as long as dummy electrodes are formed in a region between adjacent detection electrodes, and the specific shape of the detection electrodes can take various forms depending on the required specifications of the touch panel.

  Further, the pattern of the fine region of the dummy electrode is not limited to the lattice pattern, and various patterns can be adopted. Moreover, it is not restricted to the case where the size and shape of each fine region are all the same, and the size and shape may be different. From the viewpoint of making it difficult for the electrode to be visually recognized from the outside, the fine region is more preferably formed as a regular pattern.

  Further, it is more preferable that the pattern of the fine region of the dummy electrode and the pattern of the fine region of the insulating layer are substantially the same, but the present invention is not limited only to such a case. For example, if the patterns are recognized as being uniform across the entire touch panel, such as when the two patterns are geometrically similar, even if they are not substantially the same pattern good.

  Further, rounded portions (curved surface portions) that avoid stress concentration may be formed at the corners of the slits formed in the dummy electrode or the insulating layer. Further, the slit itself may be formed in a curved shape, and the fine region may be a region surrounded by a curved slit such as a circle or an ellipse.

  Each layer constituting the touch panel of each of the above-described embodiments may be formed as a flexible layer, and the touch panel may be attached to a curved display screen. By forming slits in the insulating layer, the flexibility of the touch panel can be increased, and a touch panel suitable for curved mounting can be provided.

  In addition, in such a curved touch panel, the size, number, depth, position, etc. of the slits are selected in consideration of the difference in elongation of each layer (for example, insulating layer and electrode layer). It is preferable to do. In addition, taking into account that there are many opportunities to view the curved touch panel from an oblique direction, the depth of the slits formed in each layer should be close to reduce the difference in pattern appearance. Is preferred.

  Further, the case where the electrode layer is covered with the insulating layer and the slit is formed in the insulating layer has been described as an example. However, the adhesive layer is disposed on the electrode layer, and this adhesive layer serves as the insulating layer. It may be the case that bears.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Touch panel 2 Base material layer 10 Electrode layer 11 Detection electrode 12 Dummy electrode 13 Terminal part 14 1st slit 20 Insulating layer 21 2nd slit

Claims (11)

A base material layer formed of a translucent insulating material;
A plurality of first electrodes arranged on the base material layer so as to extend along the first direction and the base electrode in the region between the adjacent first electrodes are electrically connected to the first electrode. An electrode layer including a second electrode separated into an electrode layer formed of a translucent electrode material;
An insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the electrode layer,
The second electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the first slit,
A touch panel, wherein a surface of the insulating layer covering the first electrode is divided into a plurality of fine regions by a second slit.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a pattern of a fine region in the insulating layer is substantially the same as a pattern of the fine region in the second electrode.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the second slit is formed in a groove shape that does not penetrate the insulating layer in the thickness direction.   The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the second slit is formed so as to divide the surface on the electrode layer side of the insulating layer into a plurality of fine regions.   The touch panel according to claim 4, wherein a convex portion is formed on a surface of the first electrode in accordance with a formation position of the second slit of the insulating layer, and the convex portion is disposed in the second slit.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a third slit is formed in a portion of the insulating layer covering the second electrode in accordance with a position where the first slit of the second electrode is formed. Another insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material is disposed between the base material layer and the electrode layer,
The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a fourth slit is formed in a portion of the other insulating layer covering the second electrode in accordance with a position where the first slit of the second electrode is formed.   The touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the total depth of the first slit and the fourth slit is formed to be substantially the same as the depth of the second slit. A base material layer formed of a translucent insulating material;
A plurality of first electrodes arranged on the base material layer so as to extend along the first direction and the base electrode in the region between the adjacent first electrodes are electrically connected to the first electrode. A first electrode layer having an electrode pattern including a second electrode separated into a transparent electrode material,
A first insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the first electrode layer;
A plurality of third electrodes arranged on the first insulating layer so as to extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and arranged on the first insulating layer in a region between the adjacent third electrodes A second electrode layer having an electrode pattern including a third electrode and a fourth electrode electrically separated, and formed of a translucent electrode material;
A second insulating layer formed of a light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the second electrode layer,
The second electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the first slit, and the fourth electrode is electrically divided into a plurality of fine regions by the second slit,
In the portion covering the first electrode in the first insulating layer, the surface of the first insulating layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by the third slit, and in the portion covering the third electrode in the second insulating layer, the second insulation is provided. The touch panel in which the surface of the layer is divided into a plurality of fine regions by a fourth slit.   The pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer is substantially the same as the pattern of the fine region in the second electrode of the first electrode layer, and the pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer is the fourth pattern of the second electrode layer. The touch panel according to claim 9, wherein the touch panel is substantially the same as a pattern of a fine region in an electrode. The pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer and the pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer are substantially the same,
The pattern of the fine region in the second insulating layer matches the pattern of the fine region in the second electrode of the first electrode layer, and the pattern of the fine region in the first insulating layer is fine in the fourth electrode of the second electrode layer. The touch panel according to claim 10, wherein the first and second electrode layers and the first and second insulating layers are arranged so as to coincide with the pattern of the region.

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