JP2015069525A - Touch panel sensor and display device with touch position detection function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel sensor with improved design.SOLUTION: In a non-active area Aa2 of a substrate 32, a plurality of dummy patterns 45 adjacent to each other are arranged at predetermined intervals. A plurality of extraction patterns 43 and the dummy patterns 45 includes at least a metal layer having reflectivity and conductivity. The dummy patterns 45 are extended, at least partially, in parallel with the extraction patterns 43. Between the metal layers of the dummy patterns 45 and the substrate, a transparent conductive layer 51 formed over the dummy patterns 45 adjacent to each other and having transparency and conductivity is provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor. The present invention also relates to a display device with a touch position detection function obtained by combining a touch panel sensor and a display device.

  Today, touch panel devices are widely used as input means. The touch panel device includes a touch panel sensor, a control circuit that detects a contact position on the touch panel sensor, wiring, and an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). In many cases, the touch panel device is used together with the display device as an input means for various devices including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display (for example, a ticket vending machine, an ATM device, a mobile phone, a game machine). ing. In such a device, the touch panel sensor is disposed on the display surface of the display device, thereby enabling extremely direct input to the display device. The area | region which faces the display area of a display apparatus among touch panel sensors is transparent, and this area | region of a touch panel sensor comprises the active area which can detect a contact position (approach position).

  Touch panel devices are classified into various types based on the principle of detecting a contact position (approach position) on a touch panel sensor. In recent years, capacitive touch panel devices have attracted attention because they are optically bright, have good design properties, have a simple structure, and are superior in function. In a capacitively coupled touch panel device, when an external conductor (typically a finger) whose position is to be detected contacts (approaches) the touch panel sensor via a dielectric, a new strange capacitance is generated. The position of the object on the touch panel sensor is detected based on the change in capacitance caused by this strange capacity. The capacitive coupling method includes a surface type and a projection type, but the projection type is attracting attention because it is suitable for multi-touch recognition (multi-point recognition).

  The projected capacitively coupled touch panel sensor includes a dielectric, a transparent conductive pattern formed in the above active area of the dielectric, and an inactive area (so-called frame region) outside the active area of the dielectric. And a formed extraction pattern. The extraction pattern is for transmitting a signal from the transparent conductive pattern to a control circuit provided outside the touch panel sensor, and is generally formed of a material having high conductivity such as metal. On the other hand, the transparent conductive pattern is formed from a material having translucency and a conductive layer, for example, a metal oxide.

  As described above, generally, a non-transparent pattern such as an extraction pattern is arranged in the inactive area. In this case, a decoration layer may be provided in the inactive area at a position closer to the observer than the extraction pattern in order to prevent the extraction pattern and the like from being viewed by the user located on the observer side and thereby improve the design. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4965006

  In order to sufficiently prevent the extraction pattern and the like from being visually recognized by the user, it is preferable to configure the decorative layer so that the light transmittance of the decorative layer is sufficiently low. However, if the light transmittance of the decorative layer is to be lowered, the thickness of the decorative layer is increased, and as a result, a large step is generated between the decorative layer and the surrounding portion. If such a large level difference exists, it is considered that productivity and workability in various processes performed after the touch panel manufacturing process, such as a transport process and a combination process with a display device, are reduced. . In addition, when there is a wiring that extends over both the active area and the inactive area, the wiring straddles such a large step, and as a result, the disconnection of the wiring is likely to occur at the step portion. Is also possible.

  In recent years, touch panel sensors are often used in fields in which designability is important, such as smartphones and tablet PCs. In such a field, not only the conventional black color but also a color other than black, such as white, pink or light blue, is adopted as the color of the decorative layer. However, generally the light transmittance of the decoration layer which exhibits colors other than black is larger than the light transmittance of the decoration layer which exhibits black. For this reason, when a decoration layer other than black is employed, a decoration layer having a larger thickness is required to sufficiently shield the extraction pattern from the user. As a result, it is conceivable that the level difference generated between the decorative layer and the surrounding portion is further increased.

  An object of this invention is to provide the touchscreen sensor and display apparatus with a touch position detection function which can solve such a subject effectively.

  The present invention is a touch panel sensor, and includes a base material including an active area corresponding to a region where a touch position can be detected, a non-active area positioned around the active area, and the active area of the base material. A plurality of transparent conductive patterns arranged, and a plurality of extraction patterns connected to the corresponding transparent conductive pattern and arranged in the inactive area of the substrate, the plurality of extraction patterns, The touch panel sensors are further arranged with a plurality of dummy patterns arranged adjacent to each other and arranged in the inactive area of the base material with a predetermined interval. And the plurality of dummy patterns include at least a reflective and conductive metal layer, The plurality of dummy patterns extend at least partially in parallel with the plurality of extraction patterns, and between the metal layers of the plurality of dummy patterns adjacent to each other and the base material, the plurality of dummy patterns And a transparent conductive layer having translucency and conductivity is provided.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the transparent conductive pattern may be formed on the same plane as the transparent conductive layer using the same material as the transparent conductive layer.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, preferably, in a portion where the dummy pattern and the extraction pattern extend in parallel to each other, the width of each pattern and the interval between two adjacent patterns are constant.

  The touch panel sensor according to the present invention may further include a decoration layer disposed in the inactive area of the base material so as to be positioned closer to the viewer than the dummy pattern and the extraction pattern. In this case, the decorative layer may be configured to exhibit a color other than black.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the base material may function as a protective plate for a display device. In this case, the transparent conductive pattern, the extraction pattern, and the dummy pattern are all provided on the surface of the base material on the display device side.

  The present invention includes a display device and a touch panel sensor disposed on a display surface of the display device, and the touch panel sensor includes an active area corresponding to an area in which a touch position can be detected, and a periphery of the active area. A non-active area that is positioned, a plurality of transparent conductive patterns disposed in the active area of the base material, and the inactive of the base material connected to the corresponding transparent conductive pattern A plurality of extraction patterns arranged in an area, wherein the plurality of extraction patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval, and the touch panel sensor is configured to be inactive on the substrate at a predetermined interval. A plurality of dummy patterns arranged in an area and adjacent to each other, wherein the plurality of extraction patterns and the plurality of patterns are The pattern includes at least a metal layer having reflectivity and conductivity, and the plurality of dummy patterns extend at least partially in parallel with the plurality of extraction patterns, and each metal of the plurality of dummy patterns In the display device with a touch position detection function, a transparent conductive layer having a light-transmitting property and a conductive property is provided between the layer and the base material so as to spread over the plurality of adjacent dummy patterns. is there.

  The display device with a touch position detection function according to the present invention may further include a protective plate disposed closer to the observer than the touch panel sensor. In this case, the protection plate may have a decoration layer arranged so as to overlap the inactive area when viewed from the normal direction of the base material of the touch panel sensor. The decoration layer may be configured to exhibit a color other than black.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of dummy patterns including a metal layer are arranged at a predetermined interval in the inactive area. The plurality of dummy patterns extend at least partially in parallel with the plurality of extraction patterns. In this case, the light that has passed through the decorative layer and reached the extraction pattern is reflected by the extraction pattern and returned to the viewer side, and the light that has passed through the decoration layer and reached the dummy pattern is also a dummy. It is reflected by the pattern and returns to the viewer side. Therefore, there is a difference between the appearance of the decorative layer in the place where the extraction pattern exists in the inactive area and the appearance of the decoration layer in the place where the extraction pattern does not exist in the inactive area. Can be suppressed. That is, the appearance of the decorative layer can be made more uniform. Moreover, according to this invention, the design property of the touchscreen sensor or the display apparatus with a touch position detection function is implement | achieved using the light reflected by the extraction pattern and the dummy pattern after permeate | transmitting a decoration layer. For this reason, the request | requirement regarding the light-shielding property of a decoration layer can be made lower than before, Therefore, the thickness of a decoration layer can be made smaller than before. Thereby, it can suppress that a level | step difference arises between a decoration layer and its peripheral part. Moreover, according to this invention, between each metal layer of a several dummy pattern and a base material, while extending over a several dummy pattern, the transparent conductive layer which has translucency and electroconductivity is provided. . For this reason, each dummy pattern is electrically connected through the transparent conductive layer. Thereby, the electrical stability of each dummy pattern can be improved as compared with the case where each dummy pattern is electrically floating independently. As a result, the electric field in the vicinity of the dummy pattern 45 can be stabilized. For this reason, it is possible to prevent noise from appearing in the extraction pattern located in the vicinity of the dummy pattern, and as a result, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the touch position in the touch panel sensor. Further, by connecting at least one dummy pattern among the plurality of dummy patterns or the transparent conductive layer to the ground potential, all the plurality of dummy patterns can be grounded. For this reason, the structure of the pattern for grounding can be simplified.

FIG. 1 is a development view showing a display device with a touch position detection function in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a touch panel sensor in the display device with a touch position detection function of FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel sensor of FIG. 2 along the line III. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel sensor of FIG. 2 taken along line IV. FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 5C is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 5D is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 5E is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 5F is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a modification of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a modification of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a touch panel sensor and a front plate are combined.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5F. In the drawings attached to the present specification, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, the vertical / horizontal dimension ratio, and the like are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual ones. Further, in the present specification, the terms “sheet”, “film”, and “plate” are not distinguished from each other only based on the difference in names. Therefore, for example, the “plate” is a concept including members and parts that can also be called sheets, films and the like.

Touch Panel Device and Display Device with Touch Position Detection Function First, a display device 10 with a touch position detection function including a touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the display device with a touch position detection function 10 is configured by combining a touch panel sensor 30 and a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) 15. The illustrated display device 15 is configured as a flat panel display. The display device 15 includes a display panel 16 having a display surface 16 a and a display control unit (not shown) connected to the display panel 16. The display panel 16 includes an active area A1 that can display an image, and an inactive area (also referred to as a frame area) A2 that is disposed outside the active area A1 so as to surround the active area A1. . The display control unit processes information regarding the video to be displayed, and drives the display panel 16 based on the video information. The display panel 16 displays a predetermined image on the display surface 16a based on a control signal from the display control unit. That is, the display device 15 plays a role as an output device that outputs information such as characters and drawings as video.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel sensor 30 is disposed on the display surface 16 a of the display device 15. The touch panel sensor 30 is bonded to the display surface 16a of the display device 15 via an adhesive layer (not shown), for example.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel sensor 30 is configured not only to provide a touch position detection function but also to protect the display device. Specifically, the base material 32 of the touch panel sensor 30 is configured to function as a protective plate for a display device. In this case, the surface 32b on the viewer side of the base material 32 constitutes the surface most positioned on the viewer side in the display device 10 with a touch position detection function. In addition, each component of the touch panel sensor 30, for example, transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 described later, an extraction pattern 43, and a dummy pattern 45 are all provided on the surface 32 a of the base material 32 on the display device side. The base material 32 is made of a material having sufficient strength for protecting the display device 15.

Touch Panel Sensor Next, the touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the touch panel sensor 30.

  The touch panel sensor 30 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a projection-type capacitive coupling method, and can detect a contact position (also referred to as a touch position) of an external conductor (for example, a human finger) to the touch panel sensor 30. It is configured. In addition, when the detection sensitivity of the capacitive coupling type touch panel sensor 30 is excellent, it is detected which area of the touch panel device the external conductor is approaching just by approaching the external conductor to the touch panel sensor 30. be able to. Accordingly, the “contact position” used here is a concept including an approach position that is not actually in contact but can be detected. The “capacitive coupling” method is also referred to as “capacitance” method or “capacitance coupling” method in the technical field of touch panels. It is treated as a term synonymous with the “capacitive coupling” method.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the touch panel sensor 30 includes a base material 32 including an active area Aa1 corresponding to a region where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area Aa2 positioned around the active area Aa1, and a base material A plurality of transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 arranged in the active area Aa1 of 32 and a plurality of extraction patterns 43 connected to the corresponding transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 and arranged in the non-active area Aa2 of the substrate 32 And a plurality of terminal portions 44 connected to the corresponding extraction pattern 43. The active area Aa1 and the inactive area Aa2 of the base material 32 are respectively partitioned corresponding to the active area A1 and the inactive area A2 of the display panel 16.

  The base material 32 functions as a dielectric in the touch panel sensor 30. As described above, the base material 32 also functions as a protective plate for the display device. For example, the base material 32 is made of glass or the like so as to have sufficient strength.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 include a plurality of first transparent conductive patterns 41 extending along the first direction, for example, along the x direction of FIG. 2, and a second orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of second transparent conductive patterns 42 extending along the direction, for example, along the y direction of FIG. 2 are included. The 1st transparent conductive pattern 41 may have the 1st line part 41a extended linearly along ax direction, and the 1st bulging part 41b bulged from the 1st line part 41a. The first bulging portion 41 b is a portion that bulges from the first line portion 41 a along the surface of the base material 32. Similarly, the 2nd transparent conductive pattern 42 may have the 2nd line part 42a extended along the y direction, and the 2nd bulge part 42b bulged from the 2nd line part 42a.

The extraction pattern 43 is provided in the inactive area Aa2 in order to transmit signals detected by the corresponding transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42 to the terminal portion 44. As shown in FIG. 2, the extraction patterns 43 are arranged in the inactive area Aa2 at a predetermined interval.
For example, the plurality of extraction patterns 43 connected to the second transparent conductive pattern 42 include a portion extending along the y direction to transmit a signal to the lower inactive area Aa2 in FIG. And a portion extending along the x direction. In the plurality of extraction patterns 43, the portions extending along the y direction are arranged at a predetermined interval in the x direction, and the portions extending along the x direction are respectively spaced at a predetermined interval in the y direction. Are lined up.
The signal transmitted to the terminal unit 44 by the extraction pattern 43 is transmitted to the detection control unit via a flexible substrate (not shown) attached to the terminal unit 44.

  As will be described later, the extraction pattern 43 includes at least a metal layer having reflectivity that can reflect light and conductivity. As described above, the touch panel sensor 30 or the display device with a touch position detection function 10 is generally provided with a decoration layer for preventing the extraction pattern 43 from being seen by the user. However, as described above, there is an upper limit to the thickness of the decorative layer. For this reason, the light which permeate | transmits a decoration layer from the observer side, reaches | attains the extraction pattern 43, is reflected by the extraction pattern 43, and returns to the observer side after that is not a little. On the other hand, the extraction pattern 43 is a pattern provided to electrically connect the transparent conductive patterns 41, 42 and the terminal portion 44, and the path and distribution thereof depend on the arrangement of the transparent conductive patterns 41, 42 and the terminal portion 44. Will be decided accordingly. Therefore, normally, the extraction pattern 43 does not exist uniformly over the non-active area Aa2, and for this reason, the intensity of light reflected from the extraction pattern 43 and returning to the viewer side varies depending on the location. . As a result, the appearance of the decorative layer is considered to be uneven depending on the location, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of design.

  In consideration of such a problem, in the present embodiment, the touch panel sensor 30 includes a plurality of dummy patterns 45 arranged in the inactive area Aa2 of the base material 32 with a predetermined interval as shown in FIG. It has more. Thereby, as will be described later, the appearance of the decorative layer can be made more uniform. In the present embodiment, the dummy pattern 45 means a pattern that includes at least a metal layer having reflectivity and conductivity and is not electrically connected to the transparent conductive patterns 41 and 42. For example, the dummy pattern 45 may be a pattern that is not electrically connected anywhere, or may be one that is grounded via a ground terminal or installation wiring (not shown).

  The dummy pattern 45 can be provided in various places where the extraction pattern 43 is not provided in the inactive area Aa2. For example, in FIG. 2, as an example of the dummy pattern 45, an outer dummy pattern 45 a extending in parallel with the extraction pattern 43 extending in the y direction and disposed outside the extraction pattern 43 is shown. The “outside” means a side close to the outer edge of the base material 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the dummy pattern 45 may further include an outer dummy pattern 45 b extending in parallel with the extraction pattern 43 extending in the x direction and arranged outside the extraction pattern 43. These outer dummy patterns 45 a and 45 b both extend in parallel with the extraction pattern 43. By providing such a dummy pattern, it is possible to suppress a difference between the appearance of the decoration layer in a place overlapping with the extraction pattern 43 and the appearance of the decoration layer in a place not overlapping with the extraction pattern 43. be able to.

  The dummy pattern 45 is not only provided along the extraction pattern 43 as in the above-described outer dummy patterns 45 a and 45 b, but is independent of the extraction pattern 43, that is, at a place away from the extraction pattern 43. It is also possible to use what is provided in. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the extraction pattern 43 does not exist in the upper inactive area Aa2, but a dummy pattern may also be provided in this area as indicated by reference numeral 45d. Such a dummy pattern provided in a region where the extraction pattern 43 does not exist is also referred to as an independent dummy pattern 45d in the following description. By providing such an independent dummy pattern 45d, the appearance of the decorative layer can be made uniform over the entire inactive area Aa2.

  Next, the layer configuration of the touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views taken along lines III and IV, respectively, of the touch panel sensor 30 of FIG.

  First, the layer configuration of the components arranged in the active area Aa1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first line portion 41a, the first bulge portion 41b, and the second bulge portion 42b may be formed on the same plane. In this case, the first line portion 41a, the first bulge portion 41b, and the second line portion 42a are simultaneously formed by patterning the transparent conductive layer 51 made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). It is possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first line portion 41 a and the second line portion 42 a are formed so as to partially overlap each other when viewed from the normal direction of the base material 32. In this case, by interposing the insulating layer 47 between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a, conduction between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a can be prevented. . Although not shown, the insulating layer 47 is provided not only between the first line portion 41a and the second line portion 42a but also on the first bulge portion 41b and the second bulge portion 42b. Also good.

  As long as the 2nd line part 42a has electroconductivity, the material which comprises the 2nd line part 42a is not specifically limited. For example, the 2nd line part 42a may be comprised from transparent conductive materials, such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) similarly to the 1st line part 41a, the 1st bulging part 41b, and the 2nd bulging part 42b. Or you may be comprised from the metal material. In the present embodiment, an example in which the second line portion 42 a is configured by the metal layer 52 that is also included in the extraction pattern 43 and the terminal portion 44 will be described.

  Next, the layer configuration of the components arranged in the inactive area Aa2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the decorative layer 46 is disposed in the non-active area Aa <b> 2 so as to be positioned closer to the viewer side than the dummy pattern 45 and the extraction pattern 43 described above. In this case, the decoration layer 46 will be visually recognized through the base material 32 from the user who exists in the observer side. That is, in the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device 10 with a touch position detection function, the appearance of the inactive area Aa2 is determined by the decorative layer 46 and its peripheral components. Therefore, the color of the decoration layer 46 is selected according to the design required for the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device 10 with a touch position detection function. Here, the case where the decoration layer 46 is comprised so that colors other than black may be demonstrated is demonstrated. Examples of colors other than black include white, light blue, pink, and green. Although the material which comprises the decoration layer 46 is determined according to the selected color, for example, when white is calculated | required, the decoration layer 46 is comprised from the resin material in which the titanium oxide was disperse | distributed.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a plurality of extraction patterns 43 and a plurality of dummy patterns 45 are arranged on the surface on the display device 15 side of the surface of the decorative layer 46 with a predetermined interval therebetween. Yes. Each of the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 includes a metal layer 52 having reflectivity and conductivity. For this reason, the light that reaches the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 after being incident on the decorative layer 46 from the observer side and reflected by a pigment (coloring component) such as titanium oxide is extracted from the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45. Will be reflected back to the viewer side. The extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 also serve to prevent the light emitted from the display device 15 from passing through the decorative layer 46 and the base material 32 and reaching the viewer side. For this reason, the color presented by the decorative layer 46 can be clearly recognized by the user.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, between each metal layer 52 of the plurality of dummy patterns 45 and the base material 32, it spreads over the plurality of dummy patterns 45 and has translucency and conductivity. A transparent conductive layer 51 is provided. For this reason, each dummy pattern 45 is electrically connected through the transparent conductive layer 51. Accordingly, the electrical stability of each dummy pattern 45 can be improved as compared with the case where each dummy pattern 45 is electrically floating individually. As a result, the electric field in the vicinity of the dummy pattern 45 can be stabilized. For this reason, it is possible to prevent noise from appearing on the extraction pattern 43 located in the vicinity of the dummy pattern 45, and as a result, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the touch position in the touch panel sensor 30.
Further, by connecting at least one dummy pattern 45 of the plurality of dummy patterns 45 or the transparent conductive layer 51 to the ground potential, all the plurality of dummy patterns 45 can be grounded. For this reason, the structure of the pattern for grounding can be simplified. As a result, the region on the base material can be used more effectively, and for example, the inactive area Aa2 can be downsized.

  The transparent conductive layer 51 provided between the metal layer 52 of the dummy pattern 45 and the base material 32 includes the first line portion 41a, the first bulging portion 41b, and the second transparent conductive pattern 42 of the first transparent conductive pattern 41. It may be the same as the above-mentioned transparent conductive layer 51 constituting the second line portion 42a. That is, the first line portion 41 a, the first bulge portion 41 b, and the second line portion 42 a are made of the same material as the transparent conductive layer 51 existing between the metal layer 52 and the base material 32. It may be formed on the same plane as 51. In this case, the first line portion 41a, the first bulge portion 41b, the second line portion 42a, and the transparent conductive layer 51 provided between the metal layer 52 of the dummy pattern 45 and the substrate 32 are the same. They can be formed simultaneously in the process. For this reason, the electrical stability of each dummy pattern 45 can be improved without increasing the number of steps.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a transparent conductive layer 51 may also be provided between the metal layer 52 and the decorative layer 46 of the extraction pattern 43. In this case, in order to prevent the adjacent two extraction patterns 43 from being conducted, the transparent conductive layer 51 is formed so as not to spread over the two adjacent extraction patterns 43.

  In the extraction pattern 43 located closest to the active area Aa1 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transparent conductive layer 51 extends across both the active area Aa1 and the non-active area Aa2, and thereby the extraction pattern 43 And the corresponding transparent conductive pattern are electrically connected. In this case, the transparent conductive layer 51 extends across the step due to the decorative layer 46. Although not shown, in the extraction pattern 43 located closest to the active area Aa1 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the metal layer 52 straddles both the active area Aa1 and the inactive area Aa2, that is, a decorative layer. You may extend across the level | step difference by 46.

  When the extraction pattern 43 is provided on the decoration layer 46, as described above, at least one of the layers constituting the extraction pattern 43 extends across the step formed by the decoration layer 46. Therefore, when the thickness of the decoration layer 46 is large, the risk that the extraction pattern 43 is disconnected is increased. Here, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 can play a role of allowing the user to clearly recognize the color presented by the decorative layer 46. That is, the color developability of the decorative layer 46 can be improved by the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45. Therefore, a desired color in the inactive area Aa2 can be realized without increasing the thickness of the decorative layer 46 so much. For example, in a conventional touch panel sensor, a decorative layer having a thickness of several tens of μm or more is necessary to realize the inactive area Aa2 exhibiting a color other than black. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the inactive area Aa2 exhibiting a color other than black by using the decorative layer 46 having a thickness in the range of 5 to 20 μm, for example, about 10 μm. For this reason, it can suppress that a big level | step difference arises between the decoration layer 46 and its peripheral part, and, thereby, the risk that the disconnection of the extraction pattern 43 will be reduced.

  3 and 4, reference numeral S <b> 1 represents an interval between two adjacent extraction patterns 43, and reference numeral S <b> 2 represents an interval between two adjacent dummy patterns 45. The distances S1 and S2 are preferably 40 μm or less, more specifically in the range of 5 to 40 μm, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 30 μm. By setting the distances S1 and S2 to 40 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less, it is possible to prevent a gap between patterns from being recognized by human eyes. Thereby, the appearance of the decorative layer 46 can be made more uniform.

  3 and 4, the symbol W <b> 1 represents the width of the extraction pattern 43, and the symbol W <b> 2 represents the width of the dummy pattern 45. In determining the width W <b> 1 of the extraction pattern 43, the value of the electrical resistance required for the extraction pattern 43 is considered. Further, the appearance of the decorative layer 46 is influenced by the aperture ratio of the patterns 43 and 45 in the inactive area Aa2, that is, the ratio of the area where neither the extraction pattern 43 nor the dummy pattern 45 exists in the inactive area Aa2. Receive. Accordingly, the widths W1 and W2 of the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 are determined in consideration of the color development required for the decorative layer 46. For example, the widths W1 and W2 are in the range of 5 to 40 μm. The arrangement pitch of the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 is in the range of 10 to 80 μm.

  Preferably, at least in the portion where the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 extend in parallel with each other, the widths W1 and W2 and the intervals S1 and S2 are constant. For example, the widths W1 and W2 are both 30 μm, and the intervals S1 and S2 are both 30 μm. Thus, by making the widths and intervals of the patterns 43 and 45 constant, the appearance of the decorative layer 46 can be made more uniform. The concept of “constant” includes not only the case where the widths W1 and W2 and the intervals S1 and S2 are completely the same, but also the width within a range that cannot be recognized by the human eye based on manufacturing tolerances. The case where W1, W2 and intervals S1, S2 are different from each other is also included.

  The thickness of the metal layer 52 included in the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 is not particularly limited as long as light can be appropriately reflected, but is, for example, about 0.5 μm. Examples of the material constituting the metal layer 52 include aluminum, molybdenum, silver, copper, and alloys thereof.

  Although not shown, the touch panel sensor 30 may further include an overcoat layer that covers and protects the decorative layer 46, the extraction pattern 43, and the dummy pattern 45. As a material for the overcoat layer, for example, an acrylic resin can be used.

Method for Manufacturing Touch Panel Sensor Next, a method for manufacturing the touch panel sensor 30 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5F. 5A to 5F are diagrams showing the layer configuration in each step of the manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor 30 at a position along the line III of the touch panel sensor 30 of FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, a base material 32 is prepared. As described above, the base material 32 can also function as a protective plate for a display device. Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, a decoration layer 46 is provided on the surface 32 a of the base material 32 on the display device side. As described above, the decoration layer 46 is provided in the inactive area Aa2 of the base material 32.

  The method of providing the decoration layer 46 in the non-active area Aa2 of the base material 32 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, a coating liquid containing a resin material and a pigment for constituting the decoration layer 46 may be selectively applied only to the non-active area Aa2. As a selective application method, for example, a screen printing method or the like can be used. Alternatively, there is a so-called photolithography method in which first, the decorative layer 46 is provided over the entire surface 32a of the base material 32 on the display device side, and then the decorative layer 46 is exposed and developed to pattern the decorative layer 46. May be used. In this case, the decorative layer 46 includes a photosensitive material that cures when irradiated with exposure light.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the transparent conductive layer 51 is provided on the base material 32 and the decorative layer 46. As a method of providing the transparent conductive layer 51, for example, a sputtering method can be used. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5D, the transparent conductive layer 51 is patterned. As a result, the transparent conductive layer 51 for constituting the first line portion 41a, the first bulge portion 41b, and the second bulge portion 42b, the metal layer 52 of the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45, and the substrate 32 are formed. The transparent conductive layer 51 provided between the two can be obtained at the same time. The step of patterning the transparent conductive layer 51 includes, for example, first providing a resist layer on the transparent conductive layer 51, then exposing and developing the resist layer to pattern the resist layer, and then using the resist layer as a mask for transparent conductive Etching layer 51 and removing the resist layer.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5E, an insulating layer 47 is provided on a portion of the transparent conductive layer 51 that constitutes the first line portion 41a. The method for providing the insulating layer 47 is not particularly limited, and a screen printing method, a photolithography method, or the like can be used similarly to the case where the decorative layer 46 is provided.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5F, a metal layer 52 is provided on the decorative layer 46, the insulating layer 47, and the transparent conductive layer 51. As a method of providing the metal layer 52, for example, a sputtering method or a plating method can be used. Thereafter, the metal layer 52 is patterned using the same method as that for patterning the transparent conductive layer 51 described above. Thereby, the metal layer 52 for constituting the second line portion 42a, the extraction pattern 43, and the dummy pattern 45 can be obtained at the same time. In this way, the touch panel sensor 30 shown in FIG. 3 can be manufactured. Thereafter, the display device 10 with a touch position detection function can be obtained by combining the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device 15.

  Here, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of extraction patterns 43 including the metal layer 52 and a plurality of dummy patterns are provided on the surface on the display device 15 side of the surface of the decoration layer 46 located in the inactive area Aa2. 45 are arranged at a predetermined interval. For this reason, the light that has passed through the decoration layer 46 and reached the extraction pattern 43 is reflected by the extraction pattern 43 and returned to the observer side, and the light that has passed through the decoration layer 46 and reached the dummy pattern 45. Is also reflected by the dummy pattern 45 and returns to the viewer side. For this reason, between the appearance of the decoration layer 46 in the place where the extraction pattern 43 exists in the non-active area Aa2, and the appearance of the decoration layer 46 in the place where the extraction pattern 43 does not exist in the non-active area Aa2. It is possible to suppress the difference between the two. That is, the appearance of the decorative layer 46 can be made uniform regardless of the location. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the touch panel sensor 30 and the display device with a touch position detection function 10 having high design properties.

  Further, according to the present invention, the color developability of the decorative layer 46 can be improved by the extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45. For this reason, the request | requirement regarding the light shielding property of the decoration layer 46 can be made lower than before, and therefore the thickness of the decoration layer 46 can be made smaller than before. For this reason, it can suppress that a big level | step difference arises between the decoration layer 46 and its peripheral part, and, thereby, the risk that the disconnection of the extraction pattern 43 will be reduced.

  Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, some modifications will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above embodiment are used for the parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A duplicate description is omitted.

Modified Example of Dummy Pattern In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the outer dummy pattern 45a extending in the y direction and the outer dummy pattern 45b extending in the x direction are independent from each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 6, at least a part of the outer dummy patterns 45a and at least a part of the outer dummy patterns 45b may be connected. Similarly, at least a part of the outer dummy patterns 45a and at least a part of the independent dummy patterns 45d may be connected.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the dummy pattern 45 extending in parallel with the extraction pattern 43 is the outer dummy pattern 45 a disposed outside the extraction pattern 43 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the dummy pattern 45 extending in parallel with the extraction pattern 43 may be an inner dummy pattern 45 c arranged inside the extraction pattern 43. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, both an outer dummy pattern 45a and an inner dummy pattern 45c may be provided. By providing such an inner dummy pattern 45c, either the dummy pattern 45 or the extraction pattern 43 can be uniformly distributed over the entire inactive area Aa2. Thereby, the appearance of the decoration layer 46 can be made more uniform over the entire inactive area Aa2.

Modification Example of Protection Plate Also in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the base material 32 of the touch panel sensor 30 also functions as a protection plate for a display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 8, a protection plate 20 for protecting the display device is provided closer to the observer than the touch panel sensor 30, separately from the touch panel sensor 30. Also good. In this case, since high intensity | strength is not calculated | required with respect to the base material 32 of the touchscreen sensor 30, even if it uses resin materials, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and a cycloolefin polymer (COP), as the material which comprises the base material 32. Good. Although not shown, the display device 15 is attached to the side of the touch panel sensor 30 opposite to the side on which the protective plate 20 is attached, thereby forming the display device 10 with a touch position detection function.

  The protective plate 20 includes the substrate 12 and a decorative layer 46 provided on the surface of the substrate 12 on the display device 15 side. The decorative layer 46 is provided on the surface of the substrate 12. The surface on the side that is not provided constitutes the surface that is located closest to the viewer side in the display device 10 with a touch position detection function. The decorative layer 46 is disposed so as to overlap the inactive area Aa2 when viewed from the normal direction of the base material 32 of the touch panel sensor 30.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the touch panel sensor 30 includes an extraction pattern 43 and a dummy pattern 45 that are located closer to the display device than the decorative layer 46 of the protective plate 20, and thus a touch position detection function from the observer side. The light that enters the display device 10 and passes through the substrate 12, the decoration layer 46, and the base material 32 is appropriately reflected by the extraction pattern 43 or the dummy pattern 45 and returns to the viewer side. The extraction pattern 43 and the dummy pattern 45 also serve to prevent the light emitted from the display device 15 from reaching the observer side. For this reason, also in the example shown in FIG. 8, the user can clearly recognize the color presented by the decorative layer 46.

Other Modifications In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications, an example is shown in which a plurality of dummy patterns 45 extending in parallel are independent from each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and although not illustrated, the plurality of dummy patterns 45 may be connected to each other, for example, in the vicinity of the end portions.

  In addition, although some modified examples with respect to the above-described embodiment have been described, naturally, a plurality of modified examples can be applied in combination as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display apparatus with a touch position detection function 12 Board | substrate 15 Display apparatus 16 Display panel 16a Display surface 20 Protection board 30 Touch panel sensor 32 Base material 41 1st transparent conductive pattern 42 2nd transparent conductive pattern 43 Extraction pattern 44 Terminal part 45 Dummy pattern 46 Decorative layer 47 Insulating layer 51 Transparent conductive layer 52 Metal layer

Claims (7)

A touch panel sensor,
A substrate including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area located around the active area;
A plurality of transparent conductive patterns arranged in the active area of the substrate;
A plurality of extraction patterns connected to the corresponding transparent conductive pattern and disposed in the inactive area of the substrate;
The plurality of extraction patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval,
The touch panel sensor further includes a plurality of dummy patterns arranged in the inactive area of the base material with a predetermined interval and adjacent to each other,
The plurality of extraction patterns and the plurality of dummy patterns include at least a metal layer having reflectivity and conductivity,
The plurality of dummy patterns extend at least partially in parallel with the plurality of extraction patterns,
Between each of the metal layers of the plurality of dummy patterns and the base material, a transparent conductive layer having translucency and conductivity is provided while spreading over the plurality of adjacent dummy patterns. Touch panel sensor.   The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive pattern is formed on the same plane as the transparent conductive layer using the same material as the transparent conductive layer.   3. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein in the portion where the dummy pattern and the extraction pattern extend in parallel with each other, the width of each pattern and the interval between two adjacent patterns are constant. A decorating layer disposed in the inactive area of the base material so as to be positioned closer to the viewer than the dummy pattern and the extraction pattern;
The touch panel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decorative layer is configured to exhibit a color other than black. The base material functions as a protective plate for a display device,
5. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein all of the transparent conductive pattern, the extraction pattern, and the dummy pattern are provided on a surface of the base material on a display device side. A display device;
A touch panel sensor disposed on a display surface of the display device,
The touch panel sensor
A substrate including an active area corresponding to an area where a touch position can be detected, and an inactive area located around the active area;
A plurality of transparent conductive patterns arranged in the active area of the substrate;
A plurality of extraction patterns connected to the corresponding transparent conductive pattern and disposed in the inactive area of the substrate;
The plurality of extraction patterns are arranged at a predetermined interval,
The touch panel sensor further includes a plurality of dummy patterns arranged in the inactive area of the base material with a predetermined interval and adjacent to each other,
The plurality of extraction patterns and the plurality of dummy patterns include at least a metal layer having reflectivity and conductivity,
The plurality of dummy patterns extend at least partially in parallel with the plurality of extraction patterns,
Between each of the metal layers of the plurality of dummy patterns and the base material, a transparent conductive layer having translucency and conductivity is provided while spreading over the plurality of adjacent dummy patterns. Display device with touch position detection function. Further comprising a protective plate arranged closer to the observer than the touch panel sensor,
The protective plate has a decorative layer arranged so as to overlap the inactive area when viewed from the normal direction of the base material of the touch panel sensor,
The display device with a touch position detection function according to claim 6, wherein the decoration layer is configured to exhibit a color other than black.

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