JP2017050068A - Touch panel module and electronic device having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel module capable of further saving power.SOLUTION: A touch panel module includes: a touch panel 2 located at a first portion 25t of a first substrate 13 and a second substrate 14; and at least one membrane switch 3 which contains an area of another part of a first surface 13a of the first substrate 13 and located at a second portion 25s of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14. The touch panel 2 has a first conductive film 21 which is disposed on a second surface of the first substrate 13 and has electrical conductivity. The at least one membrane switch 3 has a third conductive film 31 which is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate 13 and has electrical conductivity, a fourth conductive film 33 which is disposed on a third surface of the second substrate 14 and has electrical conductivity, and plural first spacers 32 which have insulating properties and are located between the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present application relates to a touch panel module and an electronic device including the touch panel module.

  For example, the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a touch panel. Specifically, this electronic device displays an icon as a fixed key in a part of the touch panel area.

JP 2006-106912 A

  There is a need for a technology that can further save power in an electronic device having a touch panel.

  Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present application provide a touch panel module and an electronic device including the touch panel module that can further save power.

A touch panel module according to an aspect of the present application has a first surface and a second surface, and has a first substrate, a third surface, and a fourth surface that have insulating properties, and the third surface is the first substrate. A second substrate disposed so as to face the second surface of the first substrate, and a region of the first surface of the first substrate, the first substrate being located in a first portion of the first substrate and the second substrate The touch panel includes at least one membrane switch including a touch panel and another partial region of the first surface of the first substrate and positioned in a second portion of the first substrate and the second substrate, ,
A first conductive film having conductivity is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate, and the at least one membrane switch is disposed on the second surface of the first substrate and has conductivity. A third conductive film having conductivity, a fourth conductive film disposed on the third surface of the second substrate and having conductivity, and an insulating material, wherein the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film are provided. A plurality of first spacers located between the first and second spacers.

  The touch panel module according to one embodiment of the present application can contribute to power saving.

It is an example of the front view of the touch panel module of embodiment. It is an example of the 1st sectional view cut from the front side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the 1st sectional view cut from the side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the 2nd sectional view cut from the side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the front view of the base substrate of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the 2nd sectional view cut from the front side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the 3rd sectional view cut from the side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the 4th sectional view cut from the side of the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the perspective view of an electronic device provided with the touch panel module of an embodiment. It is an example of the disassembled perspective view of the electronic device of embodiment. It is an example of a control block diagram of the electronic device of the embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the electronic device of embodiment. It is a modification of the membrane switch of embodiment, Comprising: It is an example of the figure which expanded a part of cross section cut | disconnected from the front side of the touch panel module.

  Hereinafter, the touch panel module of this embodiment and an electronic device including the touch panel module will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

  Various methods have been put to practical use for detecting touch, drag, and other operations by the user (hereinafter, various user operations on the touch panel are referred to as “touch operations”). As a typical detection method of a touch panel, a resistance film method and a capacitance method can be given.

  A resistive touch panel (resistive touchscreen panel) includes a film (resin plate or glass) on which a transparent conductive film (sometimes referred to as “transparent electrode film”) is formed, and a transparent conductive film. The glass (which may be a resin plate or a film) formed with a structure having a slight gap is pasted. Spacers (dot spacers) are arranged in these slight gaps.

  As a typical material of the conductive film used for the resistive film type touch panel, tin-doped indium oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as “ITO”) can be given. That is, ITO is indium tin oxide which is a transparent conductive film.

  When the user presses the film located on the upper side with a pen or a finger, the conductive film of the upper film comes into contact with the conductive film of the lower glass. As a result, the upper and lower conductive films are energized. Since the voltage corresponding to the X and Y coordinates of the energized position is detected, the position pressed by the user is obtained by A / D converting the detected voltage.

  For example, in the most typical analog 4-wire resistive film system, the Y coordinate pattern is orthogonal to the conductive film of the upper film, and the X coordinate pattern is orthogonal to the lower glass conductive film. Be placed. When the user presses the upper film, a voltage corresponding to the positions of the upper and lower conductive films in contact with each other is detected, and the X and Y coordinates of the pressed location can be obtained from the voltage. The upper conductive film and the lower conductive film may be patterned in stripes extending in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

  Other examples of means for obtaining the X and Y coordinates in the resistive film system include an analog 5-wire resistive film system in which one applied voltage terminal is disposed on the upper side and electrodes are disposed on the lower four corners, and a resistive film. The digital matrix system etc. which are subdivided and arranged in a matrix form.

  The resistive film type touch panel is pressure-sensitive and has a simple structure and thus has an advantage of low cost. Generally, it is widely used for small to medium-sized electronic devices.

  In addition, there are two resistance film systems: an analog resistance film system and a digital matrix resistance film system. The analog resistive film method has high versatility and high resolution and enables fine detection. The digital matrix resistive film method has a simple detection circuit, is resistant to material deterioration and contact resistance change, and is easy to detect two-point press.

  On the other hand, a capacitive touchscreen panel detects a touch position from a weak change in capacitance that occurs when touched by a finger or the like. Mainly divided into a surface-type capacitance method and a projection-type capacitance method.

  In the surface capacitive type, a uniform electric field is generated from the electrodes at the four corners of the touch panel over the entire panel. When a finger or the like touches the touch panel, the capacitance changes, and a weak current corresponding to the distance to the touched position is generated at the electrodes at the four corners. For this reason, a touch position is calculated | required based on each weak electric current detected with the electrode of four corners. In general, the surface-capacitance method is used for large panels.

  In addition, the projected capacitive touch panel has a structure in which two transparent conductive films formed with electrode patterns in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are stacked, and is multi-touch (two or more touch panels at the same time). Touch operation) is possible. When a finger touches the surface of the touch panel, the capacitance between the electrodes arranged in a grid changes at the same time. Thereby, the touched position can be detected.

  The structure by the projected capacitive method is more complicated than the surface capacitive method. However, it is possible to detect the position with high accuracy, and in an electronic device equipped with a projected capacitive touch panel, the photograph displayed on the screen can be enlarged / reduced with two fingers, rotated, etc. It is also possible to support advanced multi-touch.

  The resistance film method and the capacitance method described above are examples, and various methods can be adopted for the touch panel module of the present embodiment. Therefore, the touch panel module of the present embodiment may employ, for example, a resistance film method, a capacitance method, or other methods.

First Embodiment [1. Anti-membrane type touch panel module]
A resistive film type (analog 4-wire resistive film type) touch panel module will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an example of a front view of the touch panel module 1. FIG. 2 is an example of a first cross-sectional view of the touch panel module 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ shown in FIG. The touch panel module 1 includes a first substrate 13, a second substrate 14, a touch panel 2 and a membrane switch 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 13 has a first surface 13a and a second surface 13b, and the second substrate 14 has a third surface 14a and a fourth surface 14b. The second substrate 14 is disposed with respect to the first substrate so that the third surface 14 a faces the second surface 13 b of the first substrate 13.

  The first surface 13a of the first substrate 13 is a surface on which a user performs an input operation to the touch panel module, and is also referred to as an input surface or an operation surface. The first surface 13a includes a touch region 13at that is a partial region of the first surface 13a and a switch region 13as that is another partial region. As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 2 is provided on the first portion 25t of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 including the touch region 13at, and the second of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 including the switch region 13as. The membrane switch 3 is provided in the portion 25s. The touch area 13at and the switch area 13as do not overlap each other on the first surface 13a. The touch panel 2 has a first conductive film 21 and a second conductive film 23, and the membrane switch 3 has a third conductive film 31 and a fourth conductive film 33.

  All or part of the touch area 13at is an area where a user can perform a touch operation. In the touch area 13at, the touch panel 2 is transparent and transmits a screen displayed by a liquid crystal display panel or the like of an electronic device disposed below the touch panel module 1. Therefore, the user can view an image via the touch panel module 1.

  The membrane switch 3 is disposed in the switch region 13as of the first surface 13a. In general, various types such as a flat type, an embossed type, and a dome type can be used for the membrane switch, but the membrane switch 3 shown in the present embodiment is preferably a flat type. A flat type membrane switch has a flat surface. By using a flat type membrane switch for the membrane switch 3 as will be described below, the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3 can share members such as the overlay film and the first substrate 13 and reduce the number of components. Contributes to simplification of the manufacturing process.

  In the form shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel module 1 includes a power switch 3 a, a home switch 3 b, and a return switch 3 c as the membrane switch 3. The touch panel module 1 may include at least one membrane switch. When there are a plurality of switches arranged in the switch region 13as, all are preferably membrane switches. The power switch 3a is used to set ON / OFF of the power of the electronic device to which the touch panel module 1 is connected. The home switch 3b is used to return the display screen displayed via the touch panel of the electronic device to which the touch panel module 1 is connected to the home screen (initial main screen). The return switch 3c is used for returning the display screen displayed via the touch panel of the electronic device to which the touch panel module 1 is connected to the previous state. As will be described below, the indicator 61 indicating the function of these switches is provided on the touch panel module 1 so as to be displayed in the switch area 13as.

  Touch panel 2 includes a portion of first substrate 13 and second substrate 14 that is located at first portion 25t. Similarly, the membrane switch 3 includes portions of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 that are located at the second portion 25s. That is, the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 are components common to the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3. The touch panel 2 further includes an overlay film 11, a transparent adhesive 12, and a base substrate 15 as common components. The overlay film 11 is attached to the first surface 13 a of the first substrate 13 with a transparent adhesive 12. The base substrate 15 has a fifth surface 15 a and a sixth surface 15 b, and the fifth surface 15 a is disposed to face the fourth surface 14 b of the second substrate 14.

  A transparent adhesive 16 is disposed outside the first portion 25t and the second portion 25s, between the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14, and in the peripheral portion. Moreover, the transparent adhesive 17 is arrange | positioned between the 2nd board | substrates 14 and the base board | substrate 15, and parts other than the 1st part 25t and the 2nd part 25s. The first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19 are drawn out from the vicinity of the end of the base substrate 15 (peripheral portion of the touch panel module 1 and slightly inward from the end). Yes. A first seal member 20 is disposed on the sixth surface 15 b of the base substrate 15.

  The overlay film 11 serves as a protective cover for the first surface 13 a of the touch panel module 1. In the example of FIG. 2, since the membrane switch 3 is a flat type, the overlay film 11 can be used in common in the touch area 13at and the switch area 13as. That is, the overlay film 11 can be provided on the entire first surface 13a. Thereby, the man-hour in manufacture can be decreased. In addition, since the overlay film 11 and the first substrate 13 are commonly used as components of the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3, using different members creates a gap between the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3, and is waterproof. Problems such as deterioration of the property, dust resistance, etc. can be suppressed. The overlay film 11 is not essential for realizing the touch panel module of the present embodiment. However, from the viewpoint of durability of the touch panel module 1, it is preferable to include the overlay film 11. The overlay film 11 is made of a transparent material such as polyethylene terephthalate (sometimes abbreviated as “PET”) or polycarbonate (sometimes abbreviated as “PC”).

  The transparent adhesive 12 is bonded to the first substrate 13 and the overlay film 11. The transparent adhesive 12 is transparent, for example, a double-sided tape type optical transparent adhesive sheet (Optically Clear Adhesive, sometimes abbreviated as “OCA”), or a liquid type, which is cured by heat, moisture, or ultraviolet rays. It is an optical transparent resin (Optically Clear Resin, sometimes abbreviated as “OCR”). Various products are provided by touch panel material manufacturers, and materials suitable for the specifications can be selected.

  The first substrate 13 supports the first conductive film 21 and the third conductive film 31. Specifically, the first conductive film 21 and the third conductive film 31 are disposed on the first portion 25 t and the second portion 25 s of the first surface 13 a of the first substrate 13. The first substrate 13 is formed of a transparent and insulating material such as glass, a resin plate, or a film. In particular, by using tempered glass as the first substrate 13, the touch panel module 1 having high robustness can be realized. As described above, since the membrane switch 3 is a flat type, the first substrate 13 is commonly used for the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3.

  The second substrate 14 supports the second conductive film 23 and the fourth conductive film 33. Specifically, the second conductive film 23 and the fourth conductive film 33 are disposed on the first portion 25 t and the second portion 25 s of the third surface 14 a of the second substrate 14. The second substrate 14 is formed of a transparent and insulating material such as glass, a resin plate, or a film. The second substrate 14 is also used in common for the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3.

  The base substrate 15 supports the touch panel 2 and the membrane switch 3 and suppresses deformation of the entire touch panel module 1. When the second substrate 14 is made of glass, or a resin plate having a sufficient thickness and sufficient strength can be secured against the operation load applied to the touch region 13at and the switch region 13as, the base substrate 15 May be omitted. The base substrate 15 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The transparent adhesive 16 joins the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14. For the transparent adhesive 16, for example, OCA or OCR can be used. In the present embodiment, since there is a region where the transparent adhesive 16 is not disposed at least in the second portion 25s, OCA is preferable for manufacturing reasons. Although described in the first seal member 20 described later, when the touch panel module 1 is desired to have a waterproof function, the transparent adhesive 16 also has a waterproof function.

  The transparent adhesive 17 bonds the second substrate 14 and the base substrate 15 together. For the transparent adhesive 17, for example, OCA or OCR can be used. In the present embodiment, it is necessary to partially dispose the transparent adhesive 17 avoiding the first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19 which will be described later. Is preferred. In order to fulfill the waterproof function of this portion, it is preferable that the transparent adhesive 17 is disposed on the end side from the first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19 without any gap. Further, in FIG. 2, the transparent adhesive 17 is not disposed in the touch area 13at and the switch area 13as in order not to reduce the transmittance. Agent 17 may be arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an opaque adhesive may be used instead of the transparent adhesive 17 in a portion other than the touch area 13 at and the switch area 13 as that does not appear in the appearance.

  The first signal detection cable 18 is connected to the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23, and is drawn out to the sixth surface 15 b side of the base substrate 15. One end of the drawn first signal detection cable 18 is connected to an electronic device on which the touch panel module 1 is mounted. The change in resistance generated in the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 of the touch panel 2 is detected by the electronic device via the first signal detection cable 18. The first signal detection cable 18 is, for example, a flexible flat cable (sometimes abbreviated as “FFC”). However, the first signal detection cable 18 is not particularly limited as long as it is a cable that can detect the position signal of the touch panel.

  The second signal detection cable 19 is connected to the third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33, and is drawn out to the sixth surface 15 b side of the base substrate 15. One end of the drawn second signal detection cable 19 is connected to an electronic device on which the touch panel module 1 is mounted. The conduction between the third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33 of the membrane switch 3 is detected by the electronic device through the second signal detection cable 19. The second signal detection cable 19 is, for example, an FFC. However, the second signal detection cable 19 is not particularly limited as long as it is a cable that can detect the signal of the membrane switch.

  The first seal member 20 has a function of fixing the touch panel module 1 to an electronic device (specifically, a first exterior case 202 described later) and a function of preventing liquid from entering the touch panel module.

  The first seal member 20 is, for example, a waterproof double-sided tape. When it is desired to provide the touch panel module 1 with waterproof properties, it is preferable that the material constituting the first seal member 20 has water resistance and sealing properties to fill a gap between the members. On the other hand, when waterproofness is unnecessary, the above-described water resistance and airtightness may not be provided. In the present embodiment, the first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19 are drawn out at positions slightly inside from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base substrate 15. As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 11, the first seal member 20 has holes through which these cables pass so as not to interfere with the first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19. The first signal detection cable 18 and the second signal detection cable 19 are drawn out through the holes.

  As described above, the first conductive film 21 is disposed on the second surface 13b of the first substrate 13 of the touch panel 2 in the first portion 25t, and the second conductive film 23 is disposed on the third surface 14a of the second substrate 14. Is arranged.

  The first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 are made of a conductive material. For example, it is made of ITO. When the user touches (i.e., presses) the touch area 13at, the first substrate 13 is bent and the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 come into contact with each other. As a result, the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 are energized.

  The spacer 22 has an insulating property and is disposed between the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23. The spacer 22 holds the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 at a predetermined interval in a state where the user does not press the touch region 13at, and prevents them from contacting and energizing. For example, the spacer 22 has a height of 5 μm to 200 μm (a distance between the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23). A plurality of spacers 22 are arranged in a predetermined arrangement with an interval of 0.1 mm to 4 mm. The height and interval of the spacers 22 are appropriately set according to the material and thickness of the first substrate 13, that is, ease of bending. Moreover, it can set suitably with the touch (pressing feeling) which the user obtained. For example, if it is desired to configure so as to obtain a pressing feeling touched by the user, the spacer 22 is configured to be higher. Further, if it is desired to configure so as not to obtain a pressing feeling touched by the user (that is, a touch just touching the touch panel), the spacer 22 is configured to be lower. However, if the height of the spacer 22 is set too low, an erroneous input may occur because something touches the touch panel with an unintended weak force. Therefore, it is preferable that the height and interval of the spacer 22 be determined in consideration of the usage mode of the touch panel module 1, and the above-described height and interval are examples and are not limited thereto. As the spacer 22, a dot spacer is preferably used. The spacers 22 are preferably disposed between the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 at a predetermined interval. When displaying the screen of the display provided in the electronic device via the touch panel module 1, the spacer 22 is preferably smaller in order to obtain good visibility. For example, a microdot spacer having a diameter of 5 μm to 15 μm can be used.

  In the second portion 25s, the third conductive film 31 is disposed on the second surface 13b of the first substrate 13 of the membrane switch 3, and the fourth conductive film 33 is disposed on the third surface 14a of the second substrate 14. Yes.

  Similar to the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23, the third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33 are formed of, for example, ITO. A spacer 32 is disposed between the third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33. The spacer 32 is made of the same material as that of the spacer 22, and the height of the spacer 32 that can be similarly arranged is preferably substantially the same as the height of the spacer 22. The third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33 come into contact with each other when the user presses the power switch 3a, the home switch 3b, and the return switch 3c in the switch region 13as. Thus, the third conductive film 31 and the fourth conductive film 33 are configured to conduct electricity.

  The sign 61 is located at a position overlapping the third conductive film 31 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first surface 13 a, for example, between the overlay film 11 and the adhesive 12. The sign 61 may be formed by printing on the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 side of the overlay film 11 or may be another plate-like member. When the membrane switch 3 is caused to emit light from the sixth surface 15b side of the base substrate 15 with a light source, it is preferable that at least a part of the sign 61 has translucency.

  3 and 4 are examples of cross-sectional views of the touch panel module 1 cut in parallel with the first surface 13a. Specifically, FIG. 3 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along the plane BB ′ in FIG. 2, and the boundary between the first substrate 13, the first conductive film 21, and the third conductive film 31. It is the cross section cut | disconnected in the position. 4 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ in FIG. 2, and is cut at a boundary position between the second substrate 14, the second conductive film 23, and the fourth conductive film 33. This is a cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the touch panel module 1, the first conductive film 21 of the touch panel 2 is disposed in the first portion 25t, and the three third conductive films of the membrane switch 3 are disposed in the second portion 25s. 31 is arranged. In FIG. 3, as the third conductive film 31, a third conductive film for power switch 31a, a third conductive film for home switch 31b, and a third conductive film for return switch 31c are arranged. As can be understood from FIG. 3, the first conductive film 21 and the three third conductive films 31 are disposed at positions separated from each other. In the example of FIG. 3, the first conductive film 21 has a rectangular shape, and in order to detect the touch position of the Y coordinate, a pair of sides extending in the X direction among the two sets of sides defining the rectangular shape. The first signal detection cable 18 is connected so as to form a pattern 18x along the line. The pattern 18x may be formed of a low-resistance conductive material, and the first signal detection cable 18 may be connected to one end of the pattern 18x. In the membrane switch 3, it is only necessary to detect the presence or absence of touch, and position detection is not necessary. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, the second signal detection cable 19 is connected to one end side of each of the three third conductive films 31 along the X direction in the drawing. In the example of FIG. 3, an example in which there are three switches is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the functions assigned to each switch are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second conductive film 23 of the touch panel 2 is disposed in the first portion 25t, and the fourth conductive film 33 of the membrane switch 3 is disposed in the second portion 25s. The fourth conductive film 33 is disposed so as to face the third conductive film 31a for power switch, the third conductive film 31b for home switch, and the third conductive film 31c for return switch. Instead of the fourth conductive film 33, three conductive films facing the power switch third conductive film 31a, the home switch third conductive film 31b, and the return switch third conductive film 31c, respectively. You may arrange | position to the 2nd part 25s. In this case, the second signal detection cables 19 are connected to the three conductive films, respectively. In the example of FIG. 4, the second conductive film 23 has a rectangular shape, and in order to detect the touch position of the X coordinate, a pair of sides extending in the Y direction among the two sets of sides defining the rectangular shape. A first signal detection cable 18 is connected so as to form a pattern 18y along the line. The pattern 18y may be formed of a low-resistance conductive material, and the first signal detection cable 18 may be connected to one end of the pattern 18y. The pattern 18 x may be provided on the second conductive film 23 and the pattern 18 y may be provided on the first conductive film 21. In the example of FIG. 4, the second signal detection cable 19 is connected to both ends of the fourth conductive film 33 along the Y direction in the drawing.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first signal detection cable 18 is connected to the first conductive film 21 as described above, so that the first conductive film 21 is touched by the user. Can be detected. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the first signal detection cable 18 is connected to the second conductive film 23 as described above, so that the second conductive film 23 is X of the touch position by the user. Coordinates can be detected. Therefore, the touch position can be detected by combining these two.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the base substrate 15. The base substrate 15 is configured by a transparent and hard plate-like member. In view of processability, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and the like, the base substrate 15 is preferably formed of, for example, polycarbonate (PC). The base substrate 15 has a through hole penetrating from the front position to the back position in FIG. Specifically, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, a through hole 41 for the first signal detection cable and a through hole 42 for the second signal detection cable are provided.

  In the first portion 25t where the touch panel 2 is disposed, the overlay film 11, the transparent adhesive 12, the first substrate 13, the second substrate 14, the first conductive film 21, the second conductive film 23, and the base substrate 15 are Consists of transparent material. For this reason, it becomes possible to display the screen displayed on the display of an electronic device on the 1st surface 13a side. Similarly, in the second portion 25s where the membrane switch 3 is disposed, light can be transmitted from the sixth surface 15b of the base substrate 15 to the first surface 13a. Therefore, light from a light source such as an LED can be transmitted to the first surface 13a side.

[2. Projected capacitive touch panel module]
A touch panel module of a capacitive type (projection type capacitive type) will be described. The capacitive touch panel module of the present embodiment is different from the resistive touch panel module in that the first conductive film, the second conductive film, and the first spacer correspond to the capacitive system. Similarly, when a touch panel having a structure other than the projected capacitive type is provided, the configuration corresponding to the first conductive film 21, the spacer 22, and the second conductive film 23 of the resistive film type touch panel 2 is different. Therefore, in the following, a structure different from the above-described resistive film type touch panel module will be mainly described.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a second cross-sectional view of the capacitive touch panel module. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A ′ position shown in FIG. 1. The overlay film 11, the transparent adhesive 12, the first substrate 13, the second substrate 14, the base substrate 15, the transparent adhesive 17, the first signal detection cable 18, the second signal detection cable 19, and the first shown in FIG. The configurations of the seal member 20, the third conductive film 31, the spacer 32, and the fourth conductive film 33 are the same as those of the resistive film type touch panel module described with reference to FIG. The structure of the second portion 25s including the membrane switch 3 is the same as that of the resistive film type touch panel module of FIG. For this reason, description of these components is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the first portion 25t, the first conductive film 51 is disposed on the second surface 13b of the first substrate 13 of the touch panel 2, and the second conductive property is formed on the third surface 14a of the second substrate 14. A membrane 53 is disposed. A transparent adhesive 52 is disposed between the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14.

  The first conductive film 51 and the second conductive film 53 are made of a conductive material as in the resistive film type touch panel. For example, it is made of ITO. Although details will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first conductive film 51 and the second conductive film 53 have a predetermined pattern. In the capacitive touch panel 2, the capacitance of the touch area 13at of the touch panel 2 is changed by the user's touch operation ("contact" instead of "press" as in the resistive film system), and the first conductive By detecting the change in the conductive film 51 and the second conductive film 53, the position where the touch operation is performed can be detected.

  The transparent adhesive 52 has an insulating property such as OCA or OCR and is made of a transparent material. In the example of this embodiment, it is necessary to partially dispose the transparent adhesive 52 avoiding the first signal detection cable 18, the second signal detection cable 19, and the second portion 25s. For this reason, it is preferable to use OCA. The transparent adhesive 52 is disposed so that no bubbles or the like exist between the first substrate 13 (including the first conductive film 51) and the second substrate 14 (including the second conductive film 53). Has been. That is, the transparent adhesive 52 is embedded between the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 in the touch area.

  For example, when OCA is used, the first signal detection cable 18, the second signal detection cable 19, and a sheet-like transparent adhesive 52 in which the second portion 25 s is cut out are prepared in advance. Are bonded together so that no bubbles remain on one of the first substrate 13 on which the first conductive film 51 is disposed and the second substrate 14 on which the second conductive film 53 is disposed. Thereafter, the other one of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 is bonded so that no bubbles remain. When using OCR, masking is performed so that OCR is not applied to the first signal detection cable 18, the second signal detection cable 19, and the second portion 25s, and the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 The transparent adhesive 52 is uniformly applied on one side, and then bonded to the other of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 so that no bubbles remain.

  7 and 8 are examples of cross-sectional views of the touch panel module 1 cut in parallel with the first surface 13a. Specifically, FIG. 7 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ in FIG. 6, and is a boundary position between the first substrate 13, the first conductive film 51, and the transparent adhesive 52. It is the cut | disconnected cross section. FIG. 8 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE ′ in FIG. 6, and is a cross-section cut at a boundary position between the second substrate 14, the second conductive film 53 and the transparent adhesive 52. It is. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the configuration relating to the membrane switch 3 is the same as that in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first conductive film 51 has a plurality of unit patterns 51u that are two-dimensionally arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In FIG. 7, the unit pattern 51u has a rhombus shape, but may have another shape. The unit patterns 51u are connected to each other in the Y direction to form a strip pattern 51s. That is, the unit patterns 51u are connected in the Y direction to form a strip pattern 51s, and a plurality of strip patterns 51s are arranged in the X direction. The first signal detection cable 18 is connected to each strip pattern 51s. With this structure, when the user touches the touch area 13at with a finger or the like, the capacitance of the strip pattern 51s of the first conductive film 51 at the touched position changes. For this reason, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. Moreover, since the capacitance change of each strip pattern 51s can be detected independently, the Y coordinates of a plurality of touch positions can be detected.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, the second conductive film 53 has unit patterns 53u arranged two-dimensionally in the X direction and the Y direction. In FIG. 8, the unit pattern 53u has a rhombus shape, but may have other shapes. The unit patterns 53u are connected to each other in the X direction to form a strip pattern 53s. That is, the unit patterns 53u are connected in the X direction to form a strip pattern 53s, and a plurality of strip patterns 53s are arranged in the Y direction. The first signal detection cable 18 is connected to each strip pattern 53s. With this structure, when the user touches the touch area 13at with a finger or the like, the capacitance of the strip pattern 53s of the second conductive film 53 at the touched position changes. For this reason, the X coordinate of the touch position can be detected. Moreover, since the capacitance change of each strip pattern 53s can be detected independently, the X coordinates of a plurality of touch positions can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 13a, in this embodiment, a plurality of unit patterns 51u of the first conductive film 51 and a plurality of unit patterns 53u of the second conductive film 53 are used. Are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other. That is, the plurality of unit patterns 51u and the plurality of unit patterns 53u are arranged in a matrix. For this reason, the second conductive film 53 located farther from the first surface 13 a can also detect the touch position without being greatly affected by the first conductive film 51. Further, it is possible to suppress the capacitance change in the first conductive film 51 and the capacitance change in the second conductive film 53 from affecting each other, and the X coordinate and the Y coordinate can be detected correctly independently. It becomes possible.

  7 and 8, the first conductive film 51 has a plurality of strip patterns 51s in which unit patterns 51u are connected to each other in the Y direction, and the second conductive film 53 has unit patterns 53u in the X direction. A plurality of strip patterns 53s connected to each other. However, the first conductive film 51 has a plurality of strip patterns 51s in which unit patterns 51u are connected to each other in the X direction, and the second conductive film 53 has a plurality of strips in which unit patterns 53u are connected to each other in the Y direction. The pattern 53s may be included. Further, the method for detecting the touch position of the touch panel 2 is not limited to the resistance film method and the capacitance method, and other detection methods may be used.

[3. Effect]
One of the effects of the touch panel module 1 according to the present embodiment is to contribute to power saving. Switches such as a power switch, a home switch, and a return switch are often displayed fixedly regardless of the type of screen displayed via the touch panel. When this type of switch is fixedly displayed on the touch panel, it is necessary to keep waiting for an operation input from the user, so that the touch panel must always be in an input enabled state. In particular, when the user does not perform an operation for a long time or during storage, the touch panel must be maintained in an input enabled state, which significantly affects the power consumption of the electronic device to which the touch panel module is connected. . In addition, if the touch panel is always ready for input, input that is not intended by the user, for example, if the electronic device is a medical device, other devices, files, binders, etc. on the cart used during rounds in the hospital May come into contact with the touch panel and be unnecessarily turned on to drain the battery.

  According to the touch panel module of this embodiment, the membrane switch independent of the touch panel is provided. The touch panel has a common function among multiple different operation screens such as ON / OFF (start / stop) of electronic devices, operation screen transition operations, such as a power switch, home switch, or return switch. By assigning switches that are preferably arranged as fixed keys to the membrane switches, these switches can be operated even when the touch panel is not activated. As a result, when the electronic device is not operated within a predetermined time or when it is not used for a long time, such as during storage, it is possible to stop the power supply of the touch panel, thus saving power of the electronic device equipped with the touch panel. Can contribute.

  In addition, when the touch panel is a capacitive type and the electronic device is turned on by the touch panel, an object other than a finger touches one of the touch panels having a large area, and a touch operation to the touch panel unintended by the user occurs. As a result, the electronic device may be turned on unnecessarily. On the other hand, according to the touch panel module of the present embodiment, by assigning a power switch to the membrane switch, the electronic device is not turned on by a touch operation on the membrane switch that is not intended by the user. For this reason, unnecessary power consumption due to unintended activation of the electronic device can be prevented, which can contribute to power saving.

  Further, according to the touch panel module of the present embodiment, at least the first substrate can be used for both the touch panel and the membrane switch, and the members can be shared. For this reason, the number of parts constituting the touch panel module can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by simplifying the structure. In particular, when using a resistive film type (4-wire resistive film type, analog 5-wire resistive film type, digital matrix resistive film type), projected capacitive type, ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type and electromagnetic induction type touch panel Both the first substrate and the second substrate can be shared by the touch panel and the membrane switch.

  Further, when the membrane switch is constituted by a mechanical switch as disclosed in JP-T-2010-503085, the mechanical switch has a large displacement (movable range: stroke) in the first place, so the life of the switch is short. Moreover, when it is going to give liquid-proof property, a structure will become complicated. That is, the liquid-proof structure must be provided independently for the mechanical switch portion and the touch panel portion. Furthermore, the mechanical switch requires a complicated liquid-proof structure as compared with the membrane switch. On the other hand, according to the touch panel module of the present embodiment, the first substrate and the second substrate are shared by the membrane switch and the touch panel. Therefore, in order to provide liquid-proof property, the membrane switch and the touch panel may be disposed so as to surround the seal member, and a liquid-proof structure can be obtained with a simple structure. Furthermore, since the area for receiving input from the touch panel and the area for the membrane switch are the surface of the integrated first substrate, there are no gaps, grooves, irregularities, etc. between the members on the surface of the touch panel module. A touch panel module having a surface excellent in chemical resistance and the like is realized.

Second Embodiment [1. Structure of electronic device]
FIG. 9 is an example of a perspective view of an electronic device including the touch panel module 1. FIG. 9 shows a portable medical device as an example of the electronic device. The portable medical device is, for example, a blood glucose meter 100. For example, a blood glucose meter 100 used in a hospital is connected to a test strip 101 and used by doctors, nurses, and the like to measure blood glucose levels of a plurality of patients. Therefore, if a sample solution such as a patient's blood adheres to the blood glucose meter 100, it is not preferable from a hygienic viewpoint. Further, when the switch corresponding to the membrane switch 3 of the touch panel module 1 of the blood glucose meter 100 is a mechanical switch, such a sample solution adheres to the mechanical switch portion, so that the failure of the switch is caused. Can occur. Also, medical devices in hospitals are generally cleaned using a disinfecting solution that contains alcohol or the like periodically from a hygienic viewpoint. Even in this case, if a mechanical switch is employed, a failure may occur if the disinfectant enters the inside from the switch portion. In other parts, the medical device is particularly required to be liquid-proof (including not only an aqueous solvent but also an organic solvent). The electronic device of this embodiment is suitably used for such a use. For this reason, below, embodiment of blood glucose meter 100 is described as an example of embodiment of an electronic device.

  A blood glucose meter 100 shown in FIG. 9 includes a main body case 201 and a touch panel module 1 incorporated in the main body case 201. The main body case 201 includes a first outer case 202 and a second outer case 203. For example, the blood glucose meter 100 measures the blood glucose level by inserting the test strip 101 into the test strip insertion port 204 and spotting blood at the spotting port 102 of the test strip 101.

  FIG. 10 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the blood glucose meter 100. A blood glucose meter 100 shown in FIG. 10 includes a touch panel module 1 including a first seal member 20, a display module 301, a main circuit board 302, an LED 303, a battery 304, and a second seal member 305. Between the first exterior case 202 and the second exterior case 203, the display module 301, the main circuit board 302, the LED 303, the battery 304, and the second seal member 305 are disposed.

  The touch panel module 1 is disposed on the upper surface 202 a of the first outer case 202. Therefore, the upper surface 202a of the first exterior case 202 has a concave portion 311 so that the touch panel module 1 can be disposed. The first exterior case 202 is provided with a first through hole 312 so that the display screen of the display module 301 can be displayed via the touch panel 2. In the present embodiment, the first through-hole 312 has the same size as the display screen of the display of the display module 301, but may be larger or smaller than the display screen.

  The first exterior case 202 is provided with a second through-hole 313 that can irradiate the membrane switch 3 side with the light of the LED 303 disposed on the main circuit board 302. In the example of FIG. 10, three through holes corresponding to the power switch 3a, the home switch 3b, and the return switch 3c (the second through hole for power switch 313a, the second through hole for home switch 313b, and the second through hole for return switch, respectively). A hole 313c) is formed. This is because the membrane switch 3 is made to emit light by the light of the LED 303. In this case, it is preferable that a part of the label 61 of the membrane switch 3 transmits light. The second through-hole 313 may not be provided when the membrane switch 3 does not need to be illuminated by the light of the LED.

  The second exterior case 203 has a concave storage chamber 314. The storage chamber 314 has a space that can store the display module 301, the main circuit board 302, the LED 303, the battery 304, and the second seal member 305. The second outer case 203 in which these members are stored in the storage chamber 314 is arranged with the first outer case 202 from above. Although not shown in the drawing, a fixing member may be included so that each constituent member is fixed directly or indirectly to the first outer case 202 or the second outer case 203.

  The display module 301 includes a display panel that displays a screen via a touch panel. The type of the display panel is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel is taken as an example. The display module 301 may be configured by an organic EL display panel, an electronic paper panel, or the like. The display module 301 also includes a backlight for displaying the liquid crystal display panel.

  The main circuit board 302 includes electronic components of respective parts constituting the blood glucose meter 100.

  The LED 303 is disposed on the main circuit board 302 and irradiates light toward each membrane switch. In this embodiment, there are provided three LEDs: a power switch LED 303a, a home switch LED 303b, and a return switch LED 303c.

  The battery 304 is a power source for the blood glucose meter 100. The battery 304 may be a rechargeable secondary battery or a primary battery.

  The second seal member 305 seals the gap between the first exterior case 202 and the second exterior case 203. This sealing member ensures the liquid-proof property inside the blood glucose meter 100. The second seal member is formed of a resin-based relatively soft material. The second seal member 305 is, for example, a packing. As shown in FIG. 10, the first outer case 202 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the lower peripheral edge of the first outer case 202 and the upper peripheral edge of the second outer case 203.

[2. Control of electronic devices]
FIG. 11 is an example of a control block diagram of the blood glucose meter 100. The blood glucose meter 100 of the present embodiment electrochemically measures the blood glucose level. However, the blood glucose level measured by the blood glucose meter 100 may be other methods.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the blood glucose meter 100 includes a test strip connector 401, a measuring instrument 402, a display module 301, a touch panel module 1, a switch illumination LED driver 403, an LED 303, an external memory 404, a power control unit 405, a battery 304, and A microcomputer 406 is included. The display module 301 includes an LCD controller 411, an LCD 412, a backlight LED driver 413, and an LCD backlight 414. The touch panel module 1 includes a touch panel controller 415, a touch panel 2, and a membrane switch 3. The microcomputer 406 includes an internal memory 416.

  The test strip connector 401 is provided adjacent to the test strip insertion opening 204 shown in FIG. The test strip 101 inserted from the test strip insertion port 204 engages with the test strip connector 401, and the electrode (connection electrode) of the test strip 101 and the test strip connector 401 are electrically connected.

  The measuring instrument 402 transmits a predetermined electrical transmission signal to the test strip 101 via the test strip connector 401. For example, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode of the test strip 101. As a result, a predetermined received electrical signal is received from the test strip 101. For example, a signal indicating a current value for calculating a blood glucose measurement value is received. The measuring device 402 includes an amplifier circuit and an A / D converter circuit. The predetermined received electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit and then converted into a digital signal by the A / D (analog / digital) converter circuit. The measuring device 402 transmits the digital value of the received electrical signal to the microcomputer 406.

  The switch illumination LED driver 403 controls driving of the LEDs. The external memory 404 stores various types of determination data and control data in advance. In addition, various information such as measurement setting data such as measurement conditions and measured received electrical signals are stored.

  The display module 301 includes an LCD backlight 414 and an LCD 412. The LCD controller 411 controls the driving and display of the LCD 412. Further, the backlight LED driver 413 controls the driving of the LCD backlight 414 in order to brighten the display on the LCD 412 and improve the visibility.

  The microcomputer 406 includes an arithmetic circuit and a control circuit. The internal memory 416 built in the microcomputer 406 stores a program for performing various arithmetic / control processes. The microcomputer 406 is based on various programs stored in the internal memory 416, the measuring instrument 402, the LCD controller 411, the external memory 404, the backlight LED driver 413, the touch panel controller 415, the switch illumination LED driver 403, and the power control unit 405. Control. Various calculations are also performed.

  The touch panel module 1 has the structure described in the first embodiment. The touch panel controller 415 controls the touch panel 2. Further, an input from the user via the touch panel 2 is output to the microcomputer 406 via the touch panel controller 415. Input from the user via the membrane switch 3 is output to the microcomputer 406.

  The power control unit 405 controls the output of the battery 304 and supplies power to the microcomputer 406 and each block. The regulator circuit 511 has a function of stabilizing the power supply from the battery 304 or converting it to a necessary power supply voltage value.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the control circuit of the membrane switch 3. The membrane switches 3 of the power switch 3a, home switch 3b, and return switch 3c are shown as a membrane switch equivalent circuit 501.

  The power supply control unit 405 includes a switch control circuit 508, a switch circuit 510, and a regulator circuit 511. The regulator circuit 511 has a function of stabilizing the power supply from the battery 304 or converting it to a necessary power supply voltage value.

  In the membrane switch equivalent circuit 501, each switch includes a switch input unit and a switch output unit that outputs an ON / OFF signal of the corresponding switch. Specifically, a power switch output terminal 502 which is an output terminal corresponding to the switch input of the power switch 3a, a home switch output terminal 503 corresponding to the home switch 3b input, and a return switch output terminal corresponding to the switch input of the return switch 3c. 504.

  Further, the power switch output terminal 502, the home switch output terminal 503, and the return switch output terminal 504 are normally pulled up to the power source + Vcc (+ 3.3v in the example of FIG. 12) through a pull-up resistor. When there is no mark, the state is at a “HIGH” level.

  Each output terminal 502 to 504 of the membrane switch equivalent circuit 501 is connected to an interrupt input terminal of the microcomputer 406. In the example of FIG. 12, the power switch output terminal 502 is connected to the interrupt 1 input terminal 505, the home switch output terminal 503 is connected to the interrupt 2 input terminal 506, and the return switch output terminal 504 is connected to the interrupt 3 input terminal 507. Each is connected.

  The power switch output terminal 502 is also connected to the input side of the switch control circuit 508 constituting the power control unit 405. Further, the switch control circuit 508 is also connected to an output signal from the switch control terminal 509 of the microcomputer 406.

  The switch control circuit 508 is also connected to the battery 304 via the switch circuit 510.

  The switch circuit 510 is connected to the power supply terminal 512 of the microcomputer 406 via the regulator circuit 511. The GND terminal 513 is connected to GND (usually 0V). The switch circuit 510 supplies the power of the battery 304 to the microcomputer 406 or the like according to a signal from the switch control circuit 508. When the power switch 3a is pressed, power is supplied or stopped accordingly.

  When the blood glucose meter 100 is in an OFF state, power is not supplied to the power supply terminal 512 of the microcomputer 406 and nothing is displayed on the LCD 412. When the power switch 3a is pressed in this state, power supply to the microcomputer 406 is started via the switch control circuit 508, the switch circuit 510, and the regulator circuit 511. As a result, the microcomputer 406 activates the switch control terminal 509 after executing and starting the program stored in the internal memory. The switch control circuit 508 maintains the power supply to the microcomputer 406 by controlling the switch circuit 510 while the switch control terminal 509 is in an enabled state even when there is no input from the power switch 3a. As a result, the blood glucose meter 100 becomes operable. Specifically, the home screen is displayed on the LCD 412, and the touch panel 2 is in a state where it can accept an input operation corresponding to the home screen.

  On the other hand, when the power switch 3a is further pressed while the microcomputer 406 is activated, the microcomputer 406 can know the state of the power switch 3a via the interrupt 1 input terminal 505, and then the power switch At the same time that 3a is not pressed, the switch control terminal 509 is disabled. As a result, the switch control circuit 508 cuts off the power supply to the microcomputer 406 that is performed via the switch circuit 510 and the regulator circuit 511. As a result, that is, the blood glucose meter 100 is turned off.

[3. Effect]
According to the blood glucose meter of the present embodiment, since the membrane switch is provided independently of the touch panel, input from the membrane switch can be received even when the touch panel is not operating or waiting. Therefore, in order to start the blood glucose meter, the blood glucose meter can be turned on / off without constantly operating the touch panel or in the standby state, and a blood glucose meter with low power consumption in the standby state or the OFF state is realized. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, since the membrane switch is provided in common on the substrate 13 constituting the surface of the touch panel, the surface of the touch panel module is integrated with an area for receiving input from the touch panel and the area of the membrane switch. For this reason, there are no gaps, grooves, irregularities, etc. between the members on the surface of the touch panel module, and the disinfecting liquid for removing the sample liquid and the contamination of the surface hardly enters the inside from the surface of the blood glucose meter. It is possible to realize a blood glucose meter with excellent performance.

  In addition, touch panel input that is not intended by the user, for example, on a cart used during a round trip in a hospital, other devices, files, binders, etc. touch the touch panel, causing unnecessary power-on and battery drain. This can prevent unnecessary power consumption and contribute to power saving.

3. Other Embodiments and Modifications [1, Modifications of Membrane Switch]
As shown to Fig.13 (a), in the said embodiment, the label | marker 61 was arrange | positioned between the overlay film 11 and the adhesive 12 in the membrane switch 3. FIG. However, the sign 61 may be provided at another position. As shown in FIG. 13B, the marker 61 may be provided on the surface of the overlay film 11 at a position overlapping the third conductive film 31 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first surface 13 a.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.13 (c), the overlay film 11 has a 2 layer structure, and the label | marker 61 may be located between 2 layers. Specifically, the touch panel module illustrated in FIG. 13C includes a first overlay film 11a and a second overlay film 11b, and the second overlay film 11b is bonded to the first substrate 13 via the adhesive 12. ing. The sign 61 is located between the first overlay film 11a and the second overlay film 11b. The sign 61 may be printed on the surface of the second overlay film 11b, or may be printed on the back surface of the first overlay film 11a. The sign 61 overlaps the third conductive film 31 when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first surface 13a.

[2. Other detection methods]
In the above-described embodiment, the touch panel module 1 has been described using an analog 4-wire resistive touch panel module and a projected capacitive touch panel module as examples. However, there are various methods other than these two methods for detecting the touch panel, and a touch panel module employing another detection method may be realized. For example, an analog 5-wire resistive film system and a digital matrix resistive film system may be employed as the resistive film system, and a surface capacitive system may be employed as the capacitive system. Furthermore, as another detection method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave (SAW, SAW is an abbreviation of “Surface Acoustic Wave”) method or an electromagnetic induction method may be employed.

  Both the analog 5-wire resistive film type touch panel and the digital matrix resistive film type touch panel have the first conductive film 21 and the second conductive film 23 in the same manner as the analog 4-wire resistive film type touch panel. Therefore, by using a structure similar to that of the first embodiment, an analog 5-wire resistive film type and digital matrix resistive film type touch panel can be realized.

  Unlike the projected capacitive touch panel, the surface capacitive touch panel includes only the first conductive film 51 and does not include the second conductive film 53. Therefore, the membrane switch 3 adopts the same structure as that of the projected capacitive touch panel module, and the first substrate 13 and the first conductive film 51 formed of the same members as the membrane switch 3 are attached to the touch panel 2. By using it, a surface capacitive touch panel module can be realized.

  In the ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type touch panel, the overlay film is made of glass capable of propagating ultrasonic surface acoustic waves, and a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers are arranged at the corners of the glass. Similarly to the above, each of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 has a conductive film. Therefore, by using the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 as members common to the membrane switch 3, it is possible to realize an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type touch panel module having the same structure as that of the above embodiment.

  The electromagnetic induction type touch panel has a conductive film on each of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14, and if a plurality of rectangular antenna coils are formed using these conductive films, the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 are provided. Can be the same member as the membrane switch 3. Therefore, an electromagnetic induction touch panel module having the same structure as that of the above embodiment can be realized.

4). Summary of Touch Panel Module and Electronic Device of the Present Application As described above, the summary of the electronic device including the touch panel module and the touch panel module according to one aspect of the present application is as follows.
[Item 1]
A first substrate having a first surface and a second surface and having insulation;
A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the third surface is disposed to face the second surface of the first substrate;
A touch panel including a partial region of the first surface of the first substrate and positioned in a first portion of the first substrate and the second substrate; and another one of the first surface of the first substrate. Including at least one membrane switch located in a second portion of the first substrate and the second substrate,
The touch panel
A first conductive film disposed on the second surface of the first substrate and having conductivity;
Have
The at least one membrane switch comprises:
A third conductive film disposed on the second surface of the first substrate and having conductivity;
A conductive fourth conductive film disposed on the third surface of the second substrate; and a plurality of conductive conductive films positioned between the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film. First spacer,
A touch panel module.
[Item 2]
The touch panel module according to item 1, wherein the plurality of first spacers are dot spacers.
[Item 3]
3. The touch panel module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the at least one membrane switch is a flat type.
[Item 4]
The touch panel according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the touch panel further includes a second conductive film disposed on the third surface of the second substrate.
[Item 5]
5. The touch panel module according to item 4, wherein the touch panel is a resistive film type touch panel, and further includes a plurality of second spacers positioned between the first conductive film and the second conductive film.
[Item 6]
6. The touch panel module according to item 5, wherein a distance between the first conductive film and the second conductive film is equal to a distance between the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film.
[Item 7]
The touch panel is a projected capacitive touch panel,
The first conductive film includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first predetermined arrangement on the second surface of the first substrate,
The second conductive film is composed of a plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second predetermined arrangement on the third surface of the second substrate,
The touch panel
Item 5. The touch panel module according to item 4, further comprising an insulating transparent adhesive filled between the first substrate and the first conductive film, and the second substrate and the second conductive film. .
[Item 8]
The touch panel according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the at least one membrane switch is further visible from the first surface side of the first substrate and further includes a mark positioned to overlap the third conductive film. module.
[Item 9]
Body case,
Item 9. The display module according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the display module has a display surface and is disposed in the main body case, and the display surface is disposed so as to overlap a part of the first surface of the first substrate. Electronic device with touch panel module.
[Item 10]
Item 10. The electronic device according to Item 9, further comprising a seal member between the touch panel module and the main body case.

  The touch panel module according to one embodiment of the present application and the electronic device including the touch panel module can contribute to power saving.

1 Touch Panel Module 2 Touch Panel 3 Membrane Switch 3
3a Power switch 3b Home switch 3c Back switch 11 Overlay film 11a First overlay film 11b Second overlay film 12 Transparent adhesive 13 First substrate 14 Second substrate 15 Base substrate 16, 16a, 16b Transparent adhesive 17, 17a, 17b Transparent adhesive 18 First signal detection cable 19 Second signal detection cable 20, 20a, 20b First seal member 21 First conductive film 22 Spacer 23 Second conductive film 31 Third conductive film 31a For power switch Third conductive film 31b Third conductive film for home switch 31c Third conductive film for return switch 32 Spacer 33 Fourth conductive film 41 First signal detection cable through hole 42 Second signal detection cable through hole Hole 51 First conductive film 52 Transparent adhesive 53 Sixth Electrical membranes 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 55e First electrode 55a, 55b, 55c, 55c, 55e Second electrode 61 Label 100 Blood glucose meter 101 Test strip 102 Spotting port 201 Main body case 202 First outer case 203 Second Outer case 204 Test strip insertion port 301 LCD module 302 Main circuit board 303 LED
303a LED for power switch
303b Home switch LED
303c Back switch LED
304 Battery 305 Second Seal Member 311 Concave Shaped Part 312 First Through Hole 313 Second Through Hole 313a Power Switch Second Through Hole 313b Home Switch Second Through Hole 313c Return Switch Second Through Hole 314 Storage Chamber 401 Test Strip connector 402 Measuring instrument 403 LED driver for switch illumination 404 External memory 405 Power supply control unit 406 Microcomputer 411 LCD controller 412 LCD
413 LED driver for backlight 414 LCD backlight 415 Touch panel controller 416 Internal memory 501 Membrane switch equivalent circuit 502 Power switch output terminal 503 Home switch output terminal 504 Return switch button output terminal 505 Interrupt 1 input terminal 506 Interrupt 2 input terminal 507 Interrupt 3 input terminal 508 Switch control circuit 509 Switch control signal terminal 510 Switch circuit 511 Regulator circuit 512 Power supply terminal 513 GND terminal

Claims (10)

A first substrate having a first surface and a second surface and having insulation;
A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the third surface is disposed to face the second surface of the first substrate;
A touch panel including a partial region of the first surface of the first substrate and positioned in a first portion of the first substrate and the second substrate; and another one of the first surface of the first substrate. Including at least one membrane switch located in a second portion of the first substrate and the second substrate,
The touch panel
A first conductive film disposed on the second surface of the first substrate and having conductivity;
Have
The at least one membrane switch comprises:
A third conductive film disposed on the second surface of the first substrate and having conductivity;
A conductive fourth conductive film disposed on the third surface of the second substrate; and a plurality of conductive conductive films positioned between the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film. First spacer,
A touch panel module.   The touch panel module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first spacers are dot spacers.   The touch panel module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one membrane switch is a flat type.   4. The touch panel module according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel further includes a second conductive film disposed on the third surface of the second substrate. 5.   5. The touch panel module according to claim 4, wherein the touch panel is a resistive film type touch panel, and further includes a plurality of second spacers positioned between the first conductive film and the second conductive film.   The touch panel module according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the first conductive film and the second conductive film is equal to a distance between the third conductive film and the fourth conductive film. The touch panel is a projected capacitive touch panel,
The first conductive film includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a first predetermined arrangement on the second surface of the first substrate,
The second conductive film is composed of a plurality of second electrodes arranged in a second predetermined arrangement on the third surface of the second substrate,
The touch panel
The touch panel according to claim 4, further comprising an insulating transparent adhesive filled between the first substrate and the first conductive film, and the second substrate and the second conductive film. module.   The said at least 1 membrane switch is visible from the 1st surface side of the said 1st board | substrate, and further has the label | marker located in an overlap with the said 3rd electroconductive film, The one in any one of Claim 1 to 7 Touch panel module. Body case,
The display module having a display surface and disposed in the main body case, and the display surface being disposed so as to overlap a part of the first surface of the first substrate. An electronic device comprising the touch panel module described.   The electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising a seal member between the touch panel module and the main body case.

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