JP2016099984A - Touch panel sensor, touch panel device, and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prevent an uneven density state of a patterned conductor 40 in a touch panel sensor 30.SOLUTION: The touch panel sensor 30 includes a transparent substrate sheet 32 and a patterned conductor 40, in which the patterned conductor 40 includes a plurality of first electrodes 42 arranged in a first direction (X), a plurality of first wiring lines 46, a plurality of second electrodes 44 arranged in a second direction (Y), and a plurality of second wiring lines 47. Each first electrode 42 has a plurality of first detection portions 43 arranged in the second direction, in which each first detection portion 43 has a first stem element 43a extending from the first wiring line 46 and a plurality of second branch elements 43b extending from the first stem element 43a. Each second electrode 44 has a plurality of second detection portions 45 arranged in the first direction (X), in which each second detection portion 45 has a second stem element 45a extending from the second wiring line 47 and a plurality of second branch elements 45b extending from the second stem element 45a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor having detection electrodes, a touch panel device including a touch panel sensor, and a display device including a touch panel sensor.

  Today, touch panel devices are widely used as input means. The touch panel device includes a touch panel sensor, a transparent cover that covers the touch panel sensor, a position detection circuit and a control circuit that detect a contact position on the transparent cover, wiring, and an FPC (flexible printed circuit board). In many cases, the touch panel device is a variety of devices in which an image display mechanism such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display is incorporated (for example, a ticket vending machine, ATM, cash register, kiosk terminal, mobile phone, tablet terminal, game machine, etc.). Is used together with an image display mechanism. In such a device, the touch panel sensor is disposed on the display surface of the image display mechanism, and thus the touch panel device enables a very direct input to the display device. An area of the touch panel sensor that faces the display area of the image display mechanism is transparent, and this area of the touch panel sensor constitutes an active area that can detect a contact position (approach position).

  The touch panel device is classified into various types based on the principle of detecting the contact position (approach position) on the transparent cover laminated on the touch panel sensor. In recent years, capacitive touch panels have attracted attention because they are optically bright, have design properties, have a simple structure, and are functionally superior. In a capacitive touch panel device, an external conductor (for example, a user's finger) whose position is to be detected comes into contact with (closes to) the transparent cover laminated on the touch panel sensor via a dielectric, and thus a new Parasitic capacitance is generated in this case, and the position of the external conductor on the transparent cover is detected by utilizing the change in the parasitic capacitance.

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of detection patterns in which rectangular openings are formed between conductive wires by a conductive wire arranged in a mesh shape are arranged on a support, and a predetermined gap is provided between adjacent detection patterns. Thus, a touch panel sensor is disclosed in which a dummy pattern composed of a conductive wire having the same pattern as the conductive wire of the detection pattern is arranged. As a result, in the touch panel sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, the brightness of the image light transmitted through the region between the adjacent detection patterns and how it is viewed are compared with the brightness of the image light transmitted through the detection pattern and how it is viewed. There is an advantage that it can be made the same and it is possible to prevent a variation in brightness of the image light from being visually recognized.

JP 2013-143042 A

  As for the visibility of the pattern conductor supported by the base material of the touch panel sensor, the present inventors have made extensive studies, and in the touch panel sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, between the detection pattern and the dummy pattern, It has been found that there is a problem that the unevenness of density is visually recognized due to the presence of the disconnection portion between the detection pattern conductor and the dummy pattern conductor arranged in a straight line.

  In addition, the display area of the touch panel sensor includes a detection area in which a plurality of detection units are arranged and a gap is formed between each adjacent detection unit, and a dummy area in which a dummy electrode having no gap is arranged. In this case, there is a problem that unevenness occurs between the detection area and the dummy area due to the presence of a gap in the detection area.

  Furthermore, in the case of forming a pattern conductor in which a plurality of disconnection points are arranged in a straight line using a photolithography technique as in the touch panel sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a pattern forming process by etching, a linear shape is formed. The flow of the etching solution that passes through the plurality of disconnection points arranged in line is faster than the flow of the etching solution that passes through other parts, that is, in the region having a plurality of disconnection points arranged in a straight line, compared to the other regions. Etching progresses greatly, and the conductive wire around the broken portion becomes thin. As a result, there is a problem in that shading unevenness occurs between a region having a plurality of broken portions arranged in a straight line and other regions.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to effectively prevent unevenness in pattern conductors of a touch panel sensor.

The touch panel sensor according to the present invention includes:
A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet,
The pattern conductor includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction, a plurality of first wirings provided corresponding to each first electrode and connected to the corresponding first electrode, and the first conductor A plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second direction non-parallel to the direction, and a plurality of second wirings provided corresponding to each second electrode and connected to the corresponding second electrode ,
Each first electrode has a plurality of first detectors connected to the first wiring corresponding to the first electrode and arranged in the second direction,
Each first detection unit includes a first trunk element extending from the first wiring, and a plurality of first branch elements extending from the first trunk element,
Each second electrode has a plurality of second detectors connected to the second wiring corresponding to the second electrode and arranged in the first direction,
Each second detection unit includes a second trunk element extending from the second wiring, and a plurality of second branch elements extending from the second trunk element.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the first trunk element and the second trunk element may be alternately arranged in the second direction.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the first branch elements and the second branch elements may be alternately arranged in the first direction.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, each first detection unit includes a plurality of first twig elements extending from the first branch element, and each second detection unit includes a plurality of first branch elements extending from the second branch element. You may have two twig elements.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, one first twig element and one second twig element adjacent to the first twig element in the extending direction of the first twig element are on one imaginary line. May be located.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the pattern conductor includes a plurality of connection elements extending from a branch point, and has a pattern in which a broken portion is provided in a reference pattern that defines an opening by the plurality of connection elements. May be.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, one first twig element has the same pattern as one part of one connection element cut off at the disconnection point, and the first twig element is relative to the first twig element. One second twig element adjacent to the extending direction of the first twig element has the same pattern as the other part of the one connection element divided at the disconnection point, and the first twig element and the second twig element May be located on one imaginary line.

  The touch panel sensor according to the present invention includes a display region through which image light is transmitted and a non-display region adjacent to the display region, and the first wiring and the second wiring of the pattern conductor are not displayed from the display region. It may include a plurality of lead wires extending to the region and a connecting lead wire that connects at least two of the plurality of lead wires.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, each first electrode and each second electrode may be supported on one side of the transparent substrate sheet.

The touch panel sensor according to the present invention includes:
A display area through which image light is transmitted, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area,
A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet and having a pattern in which a disconnection portion is provided in a reference pattern; and
The display area includes a detection area including a detection electrode of the pattern conductor used for position detection and a wiring connected to the detection electrode, and the pattern conduction separated from the detection electrode or the wiring and the disconnection portion. The dummy area where the body dummy electrodes are arranged is partitioned via the disconnection point,
A disconnection point is also provided inside the dummy region.

The touch panel sensor according to the present invention includes:
A display area through which image light is transmitted, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area,
A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet,
The pattern conductor has a pattern including a plurality of connection elements extending from a branch point and providing a broken portion in a reference pattern that defines an opening by the plurality of connection elements,
At least one of the three or more disconnection points formed in the three or more connection elements that are continuously arranged in one direction and extend in a direction not parallel to the one direction of the reference pattern is the other two or more It is arranged at a position deviated from a virtual straight line connecting the disconnection points.

  In the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the reference pattern defines openings arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction, extends in the first direction, and extends in the second direction. A straight line connecting two disconnection points respectively formed on two adjacent connection elements may be non-parallel to all other connection elements sharing a branch point with the two connection elements.

  A touch panel device according to the present invention includes the touch panel sensor described above.

  A display device according to the present invention includes the touch panel sensor described above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the shading unevenness of the pattern conductor of a touch panel sensor can be prevented effectively.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view schematically showing a touch panel device together with an image display device. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a touch panel sensor of the touch panel device. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the touch panel sensor. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating only the first electrode and the first wiring in the pattern conductor of the touch panel sensor of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing only the second electrode and the second wiring in the pattern conductor of the touch panel sensor of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of the pattern conductor of the touch panel sensor of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing only the first electrode and the first wiring in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing only the second electrode and the second wiring in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing only dummy electrodes in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing only the first electrode and the first wiring in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing only the second electrode and the second wiring in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing only the dummy electrode in the pattern conductor of FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between disconnection points provided in adjacent connection elements. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a touch panel sensor.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 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 product.

  In this specification, the terms “plate”, “sheet”, and “film” are not distinguished from each other only based on the difference in designation. For example, a “transparent substrate sheet” is a concept that includes a member that can be called a plate or a film. Therefore, a “transparent substrate sheet” is a “transparent substrate sheet (transparent substrate)” or a “transparent substrate”. It cannot be distinguished from a member called “material film” only by the difference in designation.

  In addition, “sheet surface (plate surface, film surface)” means a target sheet-like member (plate-like) when the target sheet-like (plate-like, film-like) member is viewed as a whole and globally. It refers to the surface that coincides with the plane direction of the member or film-like member.

  Furthermore, the shape and geometric conditions used in the present specification and the degree thereof are specified. For example, terms such as “parallel”, “orthogonal”, “identical”, length and angle values, etc. are strictly Without being bound by meaning, it should be interpreted including the extent to which similar functions can be expected.

  FIGS. 1-18 is a figure for demonstrating one Embodiment by this invention. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a touch panel device and an image display device, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a touch panel sensor of the touch panel device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the touch panel sensor. .

  The touch panel device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured as a capacitive coupling method, and is configured to be able to detect a contact position of an external conductor (for example, a human finger) to the touch panel device 20. In addition, when the detection sensitivity of the capacitively coupled touch panel device 20 is excellent, it is possible to detect which region of the touch panel device the external conductor is approaching just by approaching the external conductor. Can do. Along with such a phenomenon, the “contact position” used here is a concept including an approach position that is not actually in contact but can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel device 20 is used in combination with an image display mechanism (for example, a liquid crystal display device) 12 to constitute a display device 10. The illustrated image display mechanism 12 is configured as a flat panel display as an example, more specifically as a liquid crystal display device. The image display mechanism 12 includes a display area A1 that can display an image, and a non-display area (also referred to as a frame area) A2 that is disposed outside the display area A1 so as to surround the display area A1. Yes. The display control unit 13 processes information regarding the image to be displayed and controls the image display mechanism 12 based on the image information. The image display mechanism 12 displays a predetermined image on the display surface 12a according to a control signal from the display control unit 13. That is, the image display mechanism 12 plays a role as an output device that outputs information such as characters and drawings as video.

  Next, the touch panel device 20 will be described. The touch panel device 20 includes a touch panel sensor 30 and a detection control unit 21 connected to the touch panel sensor 30. The touch panel sensor 30 is disposed at a position facing the display surface 12 a of the image display mechanism 12. As described above, the touch panel device 20 is configured as a capacitively coupled touch panel device, and plays a role as an input device for inputting information.

  The detection control unit 21 of the touch panel device 20 is connected to the touch panel sensor 30 and processes information input to the touch panel sensor 30. Specifically, the detection control unit 21 is configured to be able to specify the contact position of the external conductor to the touch panel device 20 when the external conductor (for example, a human finger) is in contact with the touch panel device 20. Circuit (detection circuit). Further, the detection control unit 21 is connected to the display control unit 13 of the image display mechanism 12 and can also transmit the processed input information to the display control unit 13. At this time, the display control unit 13 can create video information based on the input information and cause the image display mechanism 12 to display a video corresponding to the input information.

  Next, the touch panel sensor 30 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the touch panel sensor 30 includes a transparent base sheet 32 and a patterned conductor 40 provided on the transparent base sheet 32. As an actual touch panel device, a touch panel sensor is laminated with a bonding layer including an adhesive or an adhesive material, a transparent cover formed of a glass plate or a resin film, and the like from the pattern conductor side, and includes a touch panel sensor. Often used as a laminated structure.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel sensor 30 includes a display area A3 through which image light emitted from the image display mechanism 12 is transmitted, and a non-display area A4 adjacent to the display area A3. In particular, in the illustrated example, the display area A3 of the touch panel sensor 30 occupies an area corresponding to the display area A1 of the image display mechanism 12. In the illustrated example, the display area A3 of the touch panel sensor 30 corresponds to a so-called active area where the touch position can be detected by the touch panel sensor 30. On the other hand, the non-display area A4 is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the rectangular display area A3 from the four sides. The non-display area A4 is formed in an area corresponding to the non-display area A2 of the image display mechanism 12.

  The transparent substrate sheet 32 functions as a substrate that supports the pattern conductor 40. The transparent substrate sheet 32 is transparent or translucent so that the image of the image display mechanism 12 can be observed through the display area Va1. The transparent substrate sheet 32 preferably has a transmittance in the visible light region of 80% or more, and more preferably 84% or more. The visible light transmittance of the transparent base sheet 32 is measured using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation “UV-3100PC”, JISK0115 compliant product) within a measurement wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. , Specified as an average value of transmittance at each wavelength.

  The transparent base sheet 32 can be composed of, for example, a glass, resin plate, sheet or film. As the resin film, various resin films used as the base material of the optical member can be suitably used. As an example, a cellulose ester resin typified by triacetyl cellulose can be used as the transparent substrate sheet 32. As another example, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) that is inexpensive and excellent in stability can be used as the transparent base sheet 32. The polyester resin film has an advantage that it has low hygroscopicity and hardly undergoes deformation even in a high temperature and high humidity environment.

  Next, the pattern conductor 40 provided on the transparent substrate sheet 32 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pattern conductor 40 is provided on one surface side (one surface side) of the transparent base sheet 32. The pattern conductor 40 includes a plurality of first electrodes 42 (detection electrodes), a plurality of second electrodes 44 (detection electrodes), a plurality of first wirings 46 (wirings), and a plurality of second wirings 47 (wirings). And a plurality of dummy electrodes 48. The first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, and the dummy electrode 48 are provided in the display area A 3 on the transparent substrate sheet 32. The first wiring 46 extends from the first electrode 42 in the display area A3 to the terminal portion 49 in the non-display area A4. Similarly, the second wiring 47 extends from the second electrode 44 in the display area A3 to the terminal portion 49 in the non-display area A4. In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the terminal unit 49 is connected to the detection control unit 21 via the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 22.

  FIG. 4 shows only the first electrode 42 and the first wiring 46 in the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing only the second electrode 44 and the second wiring 47 in the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing only the first electrode 42 and the first wiring 46 in the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing only the second electrode 44 and the second wiring 47 in the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing only the dummy electrode 48 in the pattern conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing only the first electrode 42 and the first wiring 46 in the patterned conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing only the second electrode 44 and the second wiring 47 in the pattern conductor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing only the dummy electrode 48 in the pattern conductor 40 shown in FIG.

  2, 4, and 5, illustration of a first twig element 43 c and a second twig element 45 c described later is omitted in order to avoid the figure from being difficult to see. Similarly, in order to avoid the figure becoming difficult to see, in FIG. 2, the dummy electrode 48 is illustrated only by its outer shape, and the detailed shape is omitted.

  Further, in FIGS. 6 and 10, the second electrode 44 and the second wiring 46 are shown in order to distinguish the first electrode 42 and the first wiring 46 from the second electrode 44, the second wiring 47 and the dummy electrode 48. 47 and a thicker line than the dummy electrode 48. 8 and 12, in order to distinguish some of the second electrodes 44 and the second wirings 47 from the other second electrodes 44 and the second wirings 47, the other second electrodes 44 and A thicker line than the second wiring 47 is shown. These are all for helping the understanding of the figure and do not reflect the actual thickness of the pattern.

  The first electrode 42 and the first wiring 46 that form part of the pattern conductor 40 will be described. In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11, the plurality of first electrodes 42 are in the first direction (X) in the display area A <b> 3 on the transparent base sheet 32. Are arranged along. Each first electrode 42 includes a plurality of first detection units 43 arranged along a second direction (Y) that is non-parallel to the first direction (X). In particular, in the illustrated example, the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) are orthogonal.

  In the illustrated example, each first detection unit 43 includes a first trunk element 43a extending from the first wiring 46, a plurality of first branch elements 43b extending from the first trunk element 43a, and a first branch. A plurality of first twig elements 43c extending from the element 43b. In particular, in the illustrated example, the first trunk element 43a extends from the first wiring 46 in the first direction (X), and the first branch element 43b extends from the first trunk element 43a in the second direction (Y). The first twig element 43c extends from the first branch element 43b in the first direction (X). Further, the extending direction of the first trunk element 43a, the first branch element 43b, and the first twig element 43c is not limited to this example, and is a direction inclined with respect to the first direction (X) or the second direction (Y). It may extend to. In this specification, an element extending from “wiring” is referred to as “trunk element”, an element extending from “trunk element” is referred to as “branch element”, and an element extending from “branch element” is referred to as “twig element”. Call. That is, the terms “trunk element”, “branch element”, and “twig element” do not indicate the size of each element. Therefore, the “branch element” may be larger than the “trunk element”, and the “twig element” may be larger than the “trunk element” or the “branch element”.

  In the illustrated example, each first trunk element 43a of each first detection unit 43 has the same length, and the first direction (X) extends from the first wiring 46 along the first direction (X). It extends to one side of the. In particular, in the illustrated example, all the first trunk elements 43 a extend on the same side (one side) in the first direction (X) with respect to the first wiring 46. In addition, the plurality of first trunk elements 43a of each first detection unit 43 are arranged along the second direction (Y) with the same interval. A plurality of first branch elements 43b extend from each first trunk element 43a along the second direction (Y) to one side and the other side of the second direction (Y). In particular, in the illustrated example, the first branch elements 43b are arranged along the first direction (X) with the same interval. In addition, each first branch element 43b has a different length, and in the illustrated example, the relatively long first branch element 43b and the relatively short first branch element 43b are the first ones. They are arranged alternately along the direction (X). 2 and 4, all the first branch elements 43b are illustrated with the same length for the sake of simplification.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 10, and 11, one side in the first direction (X) along the first direction (X) from each first branch element 43 b of each first detection unit 43. A plurality of first twig elements 43c extend on the other side. In particular, in the illustrated example, the first twig elements 43c are arranged along the second direction (Y) with the same interval. The first twig elements 43c have different lengths. In particular, in the illustrated example, the relatively long first twig element 43c and the relatively short first twig element 43c are the second ones. They are arranged alternately along the direction (Y).

  A first wiring 46 is provided corresponding to each first electrode 42. In the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, each first wiring 46 is connected to the first electrode 42 having a group of first detection units 43 arranged along the second direction (Y), and the display area It extends from A3 to the non-display area A4. In addition, the first wiring 46 extends in the second direction (Y) along the row of the plurality of first detection units 43 of the corresponding first electrode 42. Accordingly, a plurality of first wirings 46 are arranged in the first direction (X) corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes 42 arranged in the first direction (X), and each first wiring 46 is arranged in the second direction ( Y). The first wiring 46 is connected to the terminal portion 49 in the non-display area A4.

  Next, the second electrode 44 and the second wiring 47 that form part of the pattern conductor 40 will be described. In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12, the plurality of second electrodes 44 are arranged in the second direction (Y) in the display area A <b> 3 on the transparent base sheet 32. Are arranged along. Each second electrode 44 has a plurality of second detection units 45 arranged along the first direction (X).

  In the illustrated example, each second detection unit 45 includes a second trunk element 45a extending from the second wiring 47, a plurality of second branch elements 45b extending from the second trunk element 45a, and a second branch. A plurality of second twig elements 45c extending from the element 45b. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second trunk element 45a extends from the second wiring 47 in the first direction (X), and the second branch element 45b extends from the second trunk element 45a in the second direction (Y). The second twig element 45c extends from the second branch element 45b in the first direction (X). The extending direction of the second trunk element 45a, the second branch element 45b, and the second twig element 45c is not limited to this example, and is a direction inclined with respect to the first direction (X) or the second direction (Y). It may extend to.

  In the illustrated example, each second trunk element 45a of each second detection unit 45 has the same length and extends from the second wiring 47 along the first direction (X). As described above, each first trunk element 43a of each first detection unit 43 extends from the first wiring 46 to one side in the first direction (X) along the first direction (X). On the other hand, each second trunk element 45a of each second detection unit 45 extends from the second wiring 47 along the first direction (X) to the other side opposite to the one side in the first direction (X). . In particular, in the illustrated example, all the second trunk elements 45 a extend on the same side (the other side) in the first direction (X) with respect to the second wiring 47. The plurality of second trunk elements 45a of each second detection unit 45 are arranged along the first direction (X) with the same interval. A plurality of second branch elements 45b extend from each second trunk element 45a along the second direction (Y) to one side and the other side of the second direction (Y). In particular, in the illustrated example, the second branch elements 45b are arranged along the first direction (X) with the same interval. Each second branch element 45b has a different length, and in the illustrated example, the relatively long second branch element 45b and the relatively short second branch element 45b are the first They are arranged alternately along the direction (X). In FIGS. 2 and 5, the second branch elements 45 b are all illustrated with the same length for simplification of the drawings.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 12, one side in the first direction (X) along the first direction (X) from each second branch element 45 b of each second detection unit 45. A plurality of second twig elements 45c extend on the other side. In particular, in the illustrated example, the second twig elements 45c are arranged along the second direction (Y) with the same interval. Each second twig element 45c has a different length. In particular, in the illustrated example, the relatively long second twig element 45c and the relatively short second twig element 45c are the second They are arranged alternately along the direction (Y).

  A second wiring 47 is provided corresponding to each second electrode 44. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each second wiring 47 is connected to each second detection unit 45 arranged along the first direction (X) of the second electrode 44. The second wiring 47 corresponding to one second electrode 44 includes a plurality of lead lines 471 extending from each second detection unit 45 in the display area A3 to the non-display area A4, and each lead line 471 in the non-display area A4. And a connection wiring 472 for connecting the terminal portion 49.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, each lead-out wiring 471 of the second wiring 47 includes one or more first portions 471 a extending along the second direction (Y). Furthermore, the lead-out wiring 471 including a plurality of first portions 471a includes one or more second portions 471b that connect the adjacent first portions 471a and extend along the first direction (X). In the illustrated example, the lead wiring 471 including a plurality of first portions 471a includes a first portion 471a extending in one direction in the second direction (Y) along the second direction (Y), and the first portion 471a. A second portion 471b that is connected and extends to one side of the first direction (X) along the first direction (X) is repeatedly arranged. The lead wires 471 are separated from each other and extend along the second direction (Y) as a whole.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 10, the first trunk element 43 a of the first detection unit 43 and the second trunk element 45 a of the second detection unit are alternately arranged in the second direction (Y). ing. The first branch elements 43b of the first detection unit 43 and the second branch elements 45b of the second detection unit are alternately arranged in the first direction (X). Furthermore, one first twig element 43c and one second twig element 43c adjacent to the first twig element 43c in the extending direction of the first twig element 43c (in the illustrated example, the first direction (X)). The twig elements 45c are arranged so as to be located on one imaginary line. In particular, in the illustrated example, one first twig element 43c and one second twig element 43c adjacent to the first twig element 43c in the extending direction (first direction (X)) of the first twig element 43c. The twig elements 45c are arranged so as to be positioned on one imaginary straight line extending in the first direction (X). Further, in the illustrated example, the relatively long first twig elements 43c and the relatively short second twig elements 45c are alternately positioned on virtual lines extending in the first direction (X). Has been placed. In addition, the relatively short first twig elements 43c and the relatively long second twig elements 45c are arranged so as to be alternately positioned on virtual lines extending in the first direction (X).

  Each first wiring 46 connected to each first electrode 42 includes a plurality of lead wires 46a, and each second wiring 47 connected to each second electrode 44 includes a plurality of lead wires 47a. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 10 to 12, each first wiring 46 includes two lead wires 46 a, and each second wiring 47 includes two lead wires 47 a. It is out. Further, the plurality of lead conductors 46a are separated from each other at least in the display area A3, and the plurality of lead conductors 47a are separated from each other at least in the display area A3. That is, they are arranged so as not to cross or contact each other.

  Each first wiring 46 further includes at least one connecting conductor 46b that connects at least two of the plurality of lead conductors 46a at least in the display area A3, and each second wiring 47 is at least in the display area A3. , Further includes at least one connecting conductor 47b connecting at least two of the plurality of lead conductors 47a. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 10 to 12, each first wiring 46 is provided with a large number of connecting conductors 46 b for connecting two lead conductors 46 a, Are provided with a large number of connecting conductors 47b for connecting the two lead conductors 47a. Further, the plurality of connecting conductors 46b are separated from each other, and the plurality of connecting conductors 47b are respectively separated from each other. That is, they are arranged so as not to cross or contact each other.

  In addition, the part arrange | positioned in non-display area | region A4 in the wirings 46 and 47 does not necessarily need to include the some lead-out conductors 46a and 47a. Since it is not necessary to make the wirings 46 and 47 invisible in the non-display area A4, the wirings 46 and 47 may be formed with a solid metal pattern wider than the lead wires 46a and 47a. Use of a solid metal pattern is effective in reducing the resistance value.

  Each first trunk element 43a includes a plurality of trunk conductors 43a1, and each second trunk element 45a includes a plurality of trunk conductors 45a1. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 10 to 12, each first trunk element 43 a includes two trunk conductors 43 a 1, and each second trunk element 45 a includes two trunk conductors 45 a 1. Is included. In addition, the plurality of trunk conductors 43a1 are separated from each other, and the plurality of trunk conductors 45a1 are respectively separated from each other. That is, they are arranged so as not to cross or contact each other.

  Each first trunk element 43a further includes at least one connecting conductor 43a2 that connects at least two of the plurality of trunk conductors 43a1, and each second trunk element 45a includes at least two of the plurality of trunk conductors 45a1. And at least one connecting wire 45a2 for connecting the two. In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 10 to 12, each first trunk element 43 a is provided with a plurality of connecting conductors 43 a 2 that connect two trunk conductors 43 a 1, and each second trunk element. 45a is provided with a number of connecting conductors 45a2 that connect the two trunk conductors 45a1. In addition, the plurality of connecting conductors 43a2 are separated from each other, and the plurality of connecting conductors 45a2 are respectively separated from each other. That is, they are arranged so as not to cross or contact each other.

  According to such an example, each of the wiring (46, 47) and the trunk element (43a, 45a) includes a plurality of lead conductors (46a, 47a) or trunk conductors (43a1, 45a1). Even if a disconnection or the like occurs in a part of the lead conductor or the trunk conductor, conduction is ensured by the other lead conductor or the trunk conductor. Further, by providing a connecting conductor (46b, 47b, 43a2, 45a2) for connecting a plurality of lead conductors or trunk conductors, even if a disconnection or the like occurs in the plurality of leader conductors or trunk conductors, the connection conductors are routed. Thus, conduction can be ensured by bypassing a portion such as disconnection of the lead conductor or the trunk conductor. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the detection electrode does not function due to disconnection of the lead conductor or the trunk conductor, and thereby provide stability of detection sensitivity and detection accuracy to the touch panel sensor 30 on which the detection electrode is arranged. Can do.

  Next, the reference pattern 50 will be described. The pattern conductor 40, that is, the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47, and the dummy electrode 48 have a pattern in which the broken pattern 56 is provided in the reference pattern 50.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the reference pattern 50 has a regular mesh pattern in a lattice arrangement. That is, a plurality of first connection elements 541 formed along the first direction (X) and arranged along the second direction (Y) intersecting the first direction (X), and the second direction (Y). A regular reference pattern 50 in a lattice arrangement is formed by a plurality of second connection elements 542 arranged along the first direction (X). In particular, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the plurality of first connection elements 541 are arranged in parallel to each other and at equal intervals along the second direction (Y). The two connection elements 542 are arranged in parallel to each other and at equal intervals along the first direction (X). Further, the first connection element 541 and the second connection element 542 are crossed, particularly orthogonal. Further, the grid-arranged regular reference pattern 50 is arranged in each of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) that is non-parallel to the first direction (X), particularly perpendicular to the first direction (X). A plurality of openings 58 are defined. When the reference pattern 50 is a regular pattern in the display area A3 as described above, the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47, and the dummy forming the pattern conductor 40 are formed. It can suppress effectively that the electrode 48 is visually recognized separately from each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, along the outline of the region in the reference pattern 50 to be the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47 and the dummy electrode 48. Thus, a disconnection point 56 is formed. A region surrounded by the disconnection point 56 becomes the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47, and the dummy electrode 48. In other words, the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47, and the dummy electrode 48 are adjacent to each other via the disconnection portion 56.

  An example of the patterned conductor 40 having such a broken portion 56 is enlarged and shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 14, one first branch element 43 b, 6 b is formed by dividing the reference pattern 50 that defines the opening 58 by the plurality of connection elements 54 at three disconnection points 56 (56 a to 56 c). One first twig element 43c, one second branch element 45b, and six second twig elements 45c are formed. In the illustrated example, one first twig element 43c1 has the same pattern as one part of one connection element 541 divided at the disconnection point 56a. In addition, one second twig element 45c1 adjacent to the first twig element 43c1 in the extending direction of the first twig element 43c1 (the first direction (X) in the illustrated example) is divided at the disconnection point 56a. It has the same pattern as the other part of one connecting element 541 formed. Further, the first twig element 43c1 and the second twig element 45c1 are located on one imaginary line. In particular, in the illustrated example, the first twig element 43c1 and the second twig element 45c1 are located on one imaginary straight line L1 extending in the first direction (X). The imaginary line is not limited to a straight line, and may be a curved line or a broken line.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 14, three connection elements 54 a to 54 c that are arranged continuously in the second direction (Y) and extend in the first direction (X) that is non-parallel to the second direction (Y). , Disconnection portions 56a to 56c are respectively formed. Among these, the disconnection part 56b formed in the connection element 54b is arranged at a position shifted from the virtual straight line L2 connecting the disconnection parts 56a and 56c formed in the other two connection elements 54a and 54c. Moreover, the disconnection location 56a is arrange | positioned in the position shifted | deviated from the virtual straight line which connects two other disconnection locations 56b and 56c, and the disconnection location 56c shifts | deviates from the virtual straight line which connects two other disconnection locations 56a and 56b. It is arranged at the position.

  Etching that passes through a plurality of broken lines arranged in a straight line in a pattern forming process by etching when forming a patterned conductor using a photolithographic technique when a plurality of three or more broken lines are arranged in a straight line The flow of the liquid is faster than the flow of the etchant passing through the other part, that is, in the region having a plurality of disconnection points arranged in a straight line, the etching proceeds greatly compared to other regions, and the area around the disconnection point is increased. Lead wire is thin. As a result, there is a problem in that shading unevenness occurs between a region having a plurality of broken portions arranged in a straight line and other regions.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 14, at least one of the adjacent three or more disconnection points 56 is arranged at a position shifted from the virtual straight line connecting the other two or more disconnection points. The three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 are not aligned on a straight line. Accordingly, the flow rate of the etching solution passing through the three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 is suppressed, and the progress of etching in a region having the plurality of adjacent disconnection points 56 is appropriately controlled to connect the periphery of the disconnection points 56. The element 54 can be prevented from becoming thin. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between a region having a plurality of adjacent disconnections and other regions.

  Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 14, two disconnection points 56 b and 56 c formed in two connection elements 54 b and 54 c that extend in the first direction (X) and are adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y) are connected. The virtual straight line L3 is not parallel to the other connection elements (54d, 54e, 54f, 54g, 54h, 54i, 54j, 54k, 54m, 54n) sharing the branch point 52 with the two connection elements 54b, 54c. It has become. As a result, a virtual straight line connecting two disconnection points formed in two connection elements extending in the first direction (X) and adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y) shares a branch point with the two connection elements. Compared with the case where it is in parallel with any other connecting element, especially the connecting element extending in the second direction (Y), the distance between the two adjacent disconnection points 56b, 56c becomes wider. Accordingly, the flow rate of the etching solution passing through the two adjacent disconnection points 56b and 56c is further appropriately controlled to suppress the progress of etching in the region having the plurality of adjacent disconnection points 56, and the periphery of the disconnection point 56 It is possible to further prevent the connecting element 54 from becoming thinner. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between a region having a plurality of adjacent disconnection points and the other region.

  In this example, the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 44 that form detection electrodes are used to detect a change in capacitance that occurs when the external conductor approaches the touch panel sensor 30. That is, when the external conductor approaches the touch panel sensor 30, the capacitance between the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 44 corresponding to the approached location changes. Therefore, by specifying the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 44 whose capacitance has changed, it is possible to specify the position of the touch panel sensor 30 where the external conductor has approached.

  Next, the dummy electrode 48 that forms part of the pattern conductor 40 will be described. In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 9, 10, and 13, a plurality of dummy electrodes 48 are arranged along the first direction (X) in the display area A <b> 3 on the transparent base sheet 32. Has been. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 13, the dummy electrode 48 has an outline of a region where the dummy electrode 48 is formed on the reference pattern 50 having a regular mesh pattern in a lattice arrangement. Is formed by providing a broken portion 56 along the line. The region where the dummy electrode 48 is formed forms a dummy region A3b. Accordingly, the display area A3 includes a detection area A3a including the detection electrodes (first electrode 42 and second electrode 44) of the pattern conductor 40 and wirings (first wiring 46 and second wiring 47) connected to the detection electrodes. In addition, the pattern conductor 40 is separated from the detection electrode or wiring via the disconnection point 56, and the dummy region A 3 b in which the dummy electrode 48 of the pattern conductor 40 is disposed via the disconnection point 56.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10 and 13, a number of disconnection points 56 are also provided in the dummy area A3b. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dummy area A3b from appearing black (dark) as a whole as compared with the case where the disconnection point 56 is not provided inside the dummy area A3b. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between the detection region A3a in which a large number of disconnection points 56 are formed between adjacent detection electrodes and wirings and the dummy region A3b.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 13, a plurality of disconnection points 56 are arranged so that three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 do not line up in a straight line. In other words, at least one of the adjacent three or more disconnection locations 56 is arranged at a position shifted from the virtual straight line connecting the other two or more disconnection locations 56. Accordingly, the flow rate of the etching solution passing through the three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 is suppressed, and the progress of etching in a region having the plurality of adjacent disconnection points 56 is appropriately controlled to connect the periphery of the disconnection points 56. The element 54 can be prevented from becoming thin. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between a region having a plurality of adjacent disconnection locations 56 and other regions.

  Next, the cross-sectional shape of the pattern conductor 40 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the touch panel sensor 30 in a cross section along the thickness direction. Here, the thickness direction refers to a cross section along the normal direction to the sheet surface (film surface, plate surface, panel surface) of the touch panel sensor 30 having a sheet shape (film shape, plate shape, panel shape). Point to. Here, the sheet surface (film surface, plate surface, panel surface) is the target sheet when the target sheet-like (film shape, plate shape, panel shape) member is viewed as a whole and globally. It refers to the surface that matches the planar direction of the member. And in this Embodiment, the transparent base material sheet 32 has a sheet-like shape which has a pair of main surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cross section along the thickness direction coincides with the cross section along the normal direction to the surface of the transparent base sheet 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the patterned conductor 40 is formed on the transparent substrate sheet 32. The pattern conductor 40 includes a conductive metal layer 60 provided on the transparent substrate sheet 32 and a dark color layer 61 provided on the conductive metal layer 60. In other words, the dark color layer 61 covers the conductive metal layer 60 from the upper side, that is, from the side opposite to the transparent base sheet 32 in the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the connection element 54 constituting the pattern conductor 40.

  Here, the conductive metal layer 60 is a layer formed using a metal material having high conductivity, and is gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminum, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, palladium, indium, and A layer composed of one or more of these alloys. In addition, the conductive metal layer 60 does not need to be a single layer, and may be configured as a plurality of layers made of different materials or the same material.

  The conductive metal layer 60 made of a metal material has excellent conductivity, but exhibits a relatively high reflectance. When external light is reflected by the conductive metal layer 60 that forms the pattern conductor 40 of the touch panel sensor 30, the image contrast of the image display mechanism 12 observed through the display area A3 of the touch panel device 20 decreases. End up. Therefore, the dark color layer 61 is disposed on the viewer side of the conductive metal layer 60. The dark color layer 61 can improve the contrast of the image and improve the visibility of the image displayed by the image display mechanism 12. That is, the dark color layer 61 is a dark color layer such as black and has a lower reflectance than the adjacent conductive metal layer 60. The dark color layer 61 can be formed not only on the upper surface of the conductive metal layer 60 but also on both side surfaces of the conductive metal layer 60. In this case, reflection of external light from the inclined direction can be effectively prevented.

  As the dark color layer 61, various known layers can be used. A part of the material forming the conductive metal layer 60 is subjected to a darkening process (blackening process) to form a dark color layer 61 made of a metal oxide or metal sulfide from a part of the conductive metal layer 60. May be. Moreover, you may make it provide the dark color layer 61 on the electroconductive metal layer 60 like the coating film of a dark color material, plating layers, such as nickel and chromium. The dark color layer 61 used here includes not only a darkened (blackened) layer but also a roughened layer. Note that the dark color layer 61 is not necessarily provided in a portion of the first wiring 46 and the second wiring 47 that is disposed in the non-display area A4.

  In the patterned conductor 40 having such a configuration, the width (maximum width) W of the connecting element 54, that is, the width (maximum width) W along the sheet surface of the transparent base sheet 32 is 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and The height (thickness) H, that is, the height (thickness) H along the normal direction to the sheet surface of the transparent base sheet 32 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less. According to the pattern conductor 40 having such dimensions, since the connecting element 54 is sufficiently thinned, the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, The two wirings 47 and the dummy electrode 48 can be made very invisible. At the same time, the cross-sectional shape has a sufficient height, that is, the aspect ratio (H / W) of the cross-sectional shape of the connecting element 54 becomes sufficiently large and has high conductivity.

  Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the touch panel sensor 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20 are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating an example of the manufacturing method of the touch panel sensor 30.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, a transparent base sheet 32 is prepared. The transparent substrate sheet 32 is, for example, a glass, resin plate, sheet or film.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, a conductive metal layer 60 is formed on the transparent substrate sheet 32. As described above, the conductive metal layer 60 is a layer made of one or more of gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminum, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, palladium, indium, and alloys thereof. The conductive metal layer 60 can be formed by a known method. For example, a method of attaching a metal foil such as copper foil, a plating method including electrolytic plating and electroless plating, a sputtering method, a CVD method, a PVD method, an ion plating method, or a method in which two or more of these are combined is adopted. can do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, a dark color layer 61 is formed on the conductive metal layer 60. The dark color layer 61 is made of, for example, a metal oxide or metal sulfide from a part of the conductive metal layer 60 which has been subjected to a darkening process (blackening process) on a part of the material forming the conductive metal layer 60. The dark color layer 61 can be formed. Moreover, you may make it provide the dark color layer 61 on the electroconductive metal layer 60 like the coating film of a dark color material, plating layers, such as nickel and chromium. Alternatively, the dark surface 61 may be provided by roughening the surface of the conductive metal layer 60.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, a resist pattern 62 is formed on the dark color layer 61. Resist is formed only on the portions to be the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, the second wiring 47 and the dummy electrode 48, and the portions to be the terminal portions 49 that finally form the pattern conductor 40. A pattern 62 is formed. The resist pattern 62 can be formed by patterning using a known photolithography technique.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the conductive metal layer 60 is etched using the resist pattern 62 as a mask. By this etching, the conductive metal layer 60 is patterned into a pattern substantially the same as the resist pattern 62. The etching method is not particularly limited, and a known method can be employed. Known methods include, for example, wet etching using an etchant, plasma etching, and the like.

  Here, in the case where the conductive metal layer 60 is patterned by wet etching using an etchant, when the pattern conductor 40 in which three or more of the above-described disconnection portions 56 formed in the reference pattern 50 are linearly arranged is prepared. The flow of the etching solution passing through the plurality of disconnection points 56 arranged in a straight line is faster than the flow of the etching solution passing through other parts, that is, in the region having the plurality of disconnection points 56 arranged in a straight line, Etching progresses greatly compared to the region of, and the conductive wire around the disconnection point 56 becomes thin. Thereby, there exists a problem which produces the shading unevenness between the area | region which has the several disconnection location 56 located in a line, and the area | region other than that.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 14, at least one of the three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 is arranged at a position shifted from the virtual straight line connecting the other two or more disconnection points 56. Therefore, the adjacent three or more disconnection places 56 do not line up on a straight line. Accordingly, the flow rate of the etching solution passing through the three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 is suppressed, and the progress of etching in a region having the plurality of adjacent disconnection points 56 is appropriately controlled to connect the periphery of the disconnection points 56. The element 54 can be prevented from becoming thin. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between a region having a plurality of adjacent disconnections and other regions.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 20, the resist pattern 62 is removed. Thereby, the touch panel sensor 30 which has the pattern conductor 40 and the terminal part 49 which were formed of the conductive metal layer 60 patterned on the transparent base material sheet 32 can be obtained.

  In addition, although the example which forms each metal conducting wire by the so-called subtract method which etched and patterned the electroconductive metal layer 60 was shown above, each metallic conducting wire is not limited to this method, and using an additive method or a semi-additive method. May be formed.

  As described above, the touch panel sensor 30 according to the present embodiment includes the transparent base sheet 32 and the pattern conductor 40 supported by the transparent base sheet 32, and the pattern conductor 40 has a first direction ( X), a plurality of first electrodes 42 arranged in correspondence with each first electrode 42, a plurality of first wirings 46 connected to the corresponding first electrode 42, and a first direction (X) Are a plurality of second electrodes 44 arranged in a non-parallel second direction (Y), and a plurality of second wirings provided corresponding to each second electrode 44 and connected to the corresponding second electrode 44. 47, and each first electrode 42 has a plurality of first detection units 43 connected to the first wiring 46 corresponding to the first electrode 42 and arranged in the second direction (Y). Each first detection unit 43 includes a first trunk element 43 a extending from the first wiring 46 and a first trunk element 4. a plurality of first branch elements 43b extending from a, and each second electrode 44 is connected to a second wiring 47 corresponding to the second electrode 44 and arranged in the first direction (X). A plurality of second detectors 45, each of the second detectors 45 extending from the second wiring 47 and a plurality of second branch elements extending from the second stem element 45 a. 45b, and the presence of a gap formed between the first electrode 42, the second electrode 44, the first wiring 46, and the second wiring 47 forming the pattern conductor 40, in particular, a simple shape such as a straight line. It is possible to effectively prevent the uneven density from being visually recognized due to the gap formed in the shape.

  Moreover, the touch panel sensor 30 according to the present embodiment includes a display area A3 through which image light is transmitted and a non-display area A4 adjacent to the display area A3, and includes a transparent base sheet 32 and a transparent base sheet 32. And a pattern conductor 40 having a pattern formed by providing a broken portion 56 in the reference pattern 50. The display region A3 includes detection electrodes 42 and 44 and a detection electrode 42 of the pattern conductor 40 used for position detection. , 44 and a dummy region 48 in which a dummy electrode 48 of the pattern conductor 40 separated from the detection electrodes 42, 44 or the wirings 46, 47 via a disconnection point 56 is arranged. A3b is partitioned via a disconnection point 56, and the disconnection point 56 is provided inside the dummy region A3b, so the inside of the dummy region A3b As compared with the case of broken point 56 is not provided, the dummy area A3b is possible to prevent the visible black (dark) as a whole. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the shading unevenness that occurs between the detection region A3a in which a large number of disconnection points 56 are formed between adjacent detection electrodes and wirings and the dummy region A3b.

  Moreover, the touch panel sensor 30 according to the present embodiment includes a display area A3 through which image light is transmitted and a non-display area A4 adjacent to the display area A3, and includes a transparent base sheet 32 and a transparent base sheet 32. A pattern conductor 40 supported by the pattern conductor 40. The pattern conductor 40 includes a plurality of connection elements 54 extending from the branching points 52, and the plurality of connection elements 54 define an opening 58. Three or more breaks formed in three or more connection elements 54 each having a pattern provided with the locations 56 and continuously arranged in one direction of the reference pattern 50 and extending in a direction not parallel to the one direction. Since at least one of the locations 56 is arranged at a position shifted from a virtual straight line connecting the other two or more disconnected locations 56, the adjacent 3 or more disconnected locations 56 are aligned on a straight line. There is no. Accordingly, the flow rate of the etching solution passing through the three or more adjacent disconnection points 56 is suppressed, and the progress of etching in a region having the plurality of adjacent disconnection points 56 is appropriately controlled to connect the periphery of the disconnection points 56. The element 54 can be prevented from becoming thin. Therefore, the shading unevenness which arises between the area | region which has a some adjacent disconnection location, and another area | region can be suppressed effectively.

  Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment.

  In the embodiment described above, the reference pattern 50 has a regular mesh pattern in a lattice arrangement, but is not limited to this, and has a regular mesh pattern other than the lattice arrangement. Alternatively, it may have an irregular mesh pattern. For example, a regular mesh pattern such as a honeycomb shape or an irregular mesh pattern such as a Voronoi mesh may be used. In the above-described embodiment, each connection element 54 constituting the reference pattern 50 is configured by one straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each connection element 54 is configured by a curve or a broken line. May be. Furthermore, two or more types of connection elements 54 configured by straight lines, connection elements 54 configured by curves, and connection elements 54 configured by broken lines may be mixed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the disconnection portion 56 is formed in the middle portion of each connection element 54, that is, the portion other than the end portion. In other words, one connection element 54 is divided at the disconnection portion 56a, and one connection element 54 is separated. The two twig elements 43c and 45c are formed from the above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the disconnection point 56 is formed at the end of each connection element 54, and one twig element 43c or 45c is formed from one connection element 54. You may do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wiring (46, 47) and the trunk element (43a, 45a) are each provided with two lead wires (46a, 47a) or two trunk wires (43a1, 45a1). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wiring (46, 47) and the trunk element (43a, 45a) may each include three or more lead wires (46a, 47a) or trunk wires (43a1, 45a1).

  Further, the branch elements (43b, 45b) and the twig elements (43c, 45c) may each include a plurality of conductors. In this case, the branch elements (43b, 45b) and twigs further including a plurality of conductors. You may make it provide the 1 or more connection conducting wire which connects the said some conducting wire of an element (43c, 45c).

  In addition, although the some modification with respect to embodiment mentioned above was demonstrated above, naturally, it is also possible to apply combining several modifications suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display apparatus 12 Image display mechanism 13 Display control part 20 Touch panel apparatus 21 Detection control part 22 Flexible printed circuit board 30 Touch panel sensor 32 Transparent base material sheet 40 Pattern conductor 42 1st electrode 43 1st detection part 43a 1st trunk element 43b 1st 1st branch element 43c 1st twig element 44 2nd electrode 45 2nd detection part 45a 2nd trunk element 45b 2nd branch element 45c 2nd twig element 46 1st wiring 46a Leading conductor 46b Connection conducting wire 47 Second wiring 47a Leading conducting line 47b Connecting conductive wire 48 Dummy electrode 50 Reference pattern 52 Branch point 54 Connection element 56 Disconnection point 58 Opening 60 Conductive metal layer 61 Dark color layer 62 Resist pattern A3 Display area A3a Detection area A3b Dummy area A4 Non-display area

Claims (14)

A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet,
The pattern conductor includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first direction, a plurality of first wirings provided corresponding to each first electrode and connected to the corresponding first electrode, and the first conductor A plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second direction non-parallel to the direction, and a plurality of second wirings provided corresponding to each second electrode and connected to the corresponding second electrode ,
Each first electrode has a plurality of first detectors connected to the first wiring corresponding to the first electrode and arranged in the second direction,
Each first detection unit includes a first trunk element extending from the first wiring, and a plurality of first branch elements extending from the first trunk element,
Each second electrode has a plurality of second detectors connected to the second wiring corresponding to the second electrode and arranged in the first direction,
Each second detection unit includes a second trunk element extending from the second wiring, and a plurality of second branch elements extending from the second trunk element.
Touch panel sensor.   The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first trunk element and the second trunk element are alternately arranged in the second direction.   The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first branch element and the second branch element are alternately arranged in the first direction.   Each first detection unit has a plurality of first twig elements extending from the first branch element, and each second detection unit has a plurality of second twig elements extending from the second branch element. The touch panel sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   5. One first twig element and one second twig element adjacent to the first twig element in the extending direction of the first twig element are located on one imaginary line. The touch panel sensor described.   The touch panel according to claim 5, wherein the pattern conductor includes a plurality of connection elements extending from a branch point and has a pattern in which a disconnection portion is provided in a reference pattern that defines an opening by the plurality of connection elements. Sensor. One of the first twig elements has the same pattern as one part of one connection element cut off at the disconnection point,
One second twig element adjacent to the first twig element in the extending direction of the first twig element has the same pattern as the other part of the one connection element divided at the disconnection point. Have
The touch panel sensor according to claim 6, wherein the first twig element and the second twig element are located on one virtual line. A display area through which image light is transmitted, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area,
The first wiring and the second wiring of the pattern conductor are a plurality of lead conductors extending from the display area to the non-display area, and a connection conductor connecting at least two of the plurality of lead conductors; The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, comprising:   Each 1st electrode and each 2nd electrode are touch panel sensors as described in any one of Claims 1-8 currently supported by the single side | surface side of the said transparent base material sheet. A display area through which image light is transmitted, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area,
A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet and having a pattern in which a disconnection portion is provided in a reference pattern; and
The display area includes a detection area including a detection electrode of the pattern conductor used for position detection and a wiring connected to the detection electrode, and the pattern conduction separated from the detection electrode or the wiring and the disconnection portion. The dummy area where the body dummy electrodes are arranged is partitioned via the disconnection point,
A touch panel sensor, wherein a broken portion is also provided inside the dummy region. A display area through which image light is transmitted, and a non-display area adjacent to the display area,
A transparent substrate sheet;
A pattern conductor supported by the transparent substrate sheet,
The pattern conductor has a pattern including a plurality of connection elements extending from a branch point and providing a broken portion in a reference pattern that defines an opening by the plurality of connection elements,
At least one of the three or more disconnection points formed in the three or more connection elements that are continuously arranged in one direction and extend in a direction not parallel to the one direction of the reference pattern is the other two or more A touch panel sensor arranged at a position deviated from a virtual straight line connecting the disconnection points. The reference pattern defines the openings arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction,
An imaginary straight line connecting two disconnection points respectively formed in two connection elements extending in the first direction and adjacent in the second direction is all other connection elements sharing a branch point with the two connection elements. The touch panel sensor according to claim 11, wherein the touch panel sensor is not parallel to the touch panel sensor.   A touch panel device comprising the touch panel sensor according to claim 1.   The display apparatus provided with the touch-panel sensor as described in any one of Claims 1-12.

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