JP2017222536A - Glass substrate for touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a glass substrate for a touch panel, which enables a user to recognize a change in the shape of a touch operation region in a touch panel which accepts a touch operation from the user.SOLUTION: A glass substrate 12 for a touch panel is formed to accept a touch operation from a user. The glass substrate 12 includes at least one recess 20 at a position corresponding to a touch operation region in a first principal surface 16 through which some kind of touch operation is performed by the user. A region in which the recess 20 is formed includes a compressive stress layer 22 only on either the first principal surface 16 or a second principal surface 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a glass substrate applicable to a touch panel that accepts a touch operation from a user, and more particularly to a glass substrate for a touch panel that allows a user to recognize a change in tactile sensation during a touch operation.

  In recent years, a touch panel has been adopted in a wide range of fields as an interface for a user to operate a device because of an advantage that an intuitive operation is possible. The glass substrate for a touch panel is disposed on the side where the touch panel is exposed to the user, and is configured to accept a touch operation performed while the user visually recognizes a touch operation area in which an icon or the like is displayed. Due to the improvement in design due to the flatness and high transparency of the glass substrate, the movement to replace with a touch panel has been spreading to devices that conventionally used physical pushbutton switches and keyboards.

  For example, some operation panels for controlling air-conditioning equipment, audio, etc. mounted on automobiles, etc., and operation panels mounted on household electrical appliances are operated by a touch panel. In portable electronic devices such as smartphones, Most operations can be performed with the touch panel.

  However, the touch panel detects the position where a change in pressure or capacitance occurs when an icon or the like displayed on the display device is touched, and accepts the operation, so the transparent substrate is often flat. . Therefore, when a visually handicapped person operates, or when operating in a situation where the touch operation area cannot be accurately visually recognized, the area to be touched cannot be found, and the operation takes time, or the touch operation cannot be performed suitably. Sometimes happened.

  Thus, there is a technology in the related art that allows a touched area to be recognized by forming a recess in a glass substrate on the surface of the touch panel (for example, Patent Document 1). By forming such a recess, the user can easily recognize the area to be touched by the touch of a finger, so that it is possible to perform an accurate touch operation without looking at the screen.

Japanese Patent No. 5881414

  However, the glass substrate as described above can determine a region to be touched, but when the user touches the touch panel, it may not be known whether the device recognizes the touch operation. The touch panel has no change in tactile sensation when touched as compared with a conventional push button switch. For this reason, it is not known whether the touch operation is actually recognized by the device, and there is a risk of malfunction, so it may be difficult to switch from a physical switch such as a conventional pushbutton switch to a touch panel.

  The objective of this invention is providing the glass substrate for touchscreens which a user can recognize the change of the shape of a touch operation area | region in the touchscreen which receives the touch operation from a user.

  The glass substrate for touch panels which concerns on this invention is a glass substrate for touch panels comprised so that the touch operation from a user might be received. The glass substrate has at least one recess at a position corresponding to a touch operation area where the user performs some touch operation. In the region where the recess is formed, a compressive stress layer is provided only on one of the first main surface and the second main surface.

  In this configuration, by making the balance of the compressive stress of the two main surfaces in the region where the recess is formed uneven, the side where the compressive stress in the recess is weak (the compressive stress layer is not present or is cut to a minimum thickness). The other side) is easily deformed into a convex shape. By setting this convexly deformed portion as the operation position of the user, the user can easily operate.

  In the touch operation area, it is preferable that the main surface touched by the user is curved in a convex shape. In the touch operation area, a difference occurs in the compressive stress value between the first main surface and the second main surface. Further, since the touch operation area is easily deformed due to the thickness of the glass substrate being reduced by the concave portion, the main surface not having the compressive stress layer is curved in a convex shape. The convexly curved touch operation region is deformed so as to approach a flat shape when the user is pushed in by a touch operation. Further, when the user releases his / her finger, the touch operation area is curved in a convex shape again. As described above, the touch operation area is reversibly deformed, so that the user can recognize a change in the shape of the touch panel during the touch operation.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the plate | board thickness of the glass substrate in a recessed part is 0.3 mm or less. By setting the plate thickness to 0.3 mm or less, the glass substrate is preferably easily curved, and the user can easily feel the deformation of the glass substrate. In particular, it is not necessary to prepare a separate member like a membrane switch, and it becomes possible to obtain operability similar to the membrane switch with a single glass substrate.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the touch panel which receives the touch operation from a user, it becomes possible to provide the glass substrate for touch panels which a user can recognize the change of the shape of a touch operation area | region.

It is a figure which shows the cover glass and operation panel which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of a cover glass. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method of a cover glass. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of a cover glass. It is a figure which shows another manufacturing method of a cover glass.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an operation panel 10 of an office multifunction device. The operation panel 10 is a touch panel having operation icons 14, and the user operates the multifunction device by touching the operation panel 10 with an operation aid such as a finger or a stylus pen. The operation panel 10 includes a cover glass 12 and an operation icon 14. The operation icon 14 is an icon displayed by a display device (not shown). Here, an operation icon such as a numeric keypad, a power button, and the like are displayed.

  The cover glass 12 is a glass substrate for a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is disposed on the surface exposed to the user side of the operation panel 10. The cover glass 12 is configured to protect the operation panel 10 from an impact or the like, and the user touches the cover glass 12 when operating the operation panel 10. The cover glass 12 is a tempered glass substrate having a plate shape, and has a first main surface 16 and a second main surface 18 (see FIG. 1B). The first main surface 16 is a main surface exposed to the user, and the second main surface 18 is a main surface opposite to the first main surface 16. As the tempered glass substrate, it is preferable to use chemically tempered glass. In this embodiment, chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass is used. The plate thickness of the cover glass 12 is preferably 0.1 to 1.5 mm.

  The cover glass 12 includes a recess 20 and a compressive stress layer 22. The recess 20 is a region recessed in a concave shape toward the second main surface 18 so that the thickness of the first main surface 16 is thinner than the peripheral region. The recess 20 is formed at a position corresponding to each operation icon 14. The shape of the recess 20 can be formed in a desired shape, but is preferably formed to be the same as the outer shape of the corresponding operation icon 14. By making it the same shape as the operation icon 14, the area where the user should perform the touch operation becomes easy to understand. In addition, it is preferable that the plate | board thickness of the area | region in which the recessed part 20 is formed is 0.3 mm or less, and it is more preferable that it is 0.05-0.2 mm.

  The compressive stress layer 22 is formed on the first main surface 16 and the second main surface 18 excluding the recess 20. The compressive stress layer 22 is a layer having a higher compressive stress than the inner region of the cover glass 12 formed by a known method such as an ion exchange method. The thickness of the compressive stress layer 22 is preferably 5 to 50 μm. The compressive stress layer 22 is formed up to the boundary between the first main surface 16 and the recess 20, and the compressive stress layer 22 is not formed on the inner surface of the recess 20. In addition, it is preferable that the depth of the recessed part 20 is formed deeper than at least the compressive stress layer.

  The curved portion 24 is a region that is curved in a convex shape toward the first main surface 16 on the bottom surface of the concave portion 20. In the recess 20, the compressive stress value is smaller than the compressive stress value of the second main surface 18. As the compressive stress is not balanced, the bottom surface of the recess 20 is curved in a convex shape, and the curved portion 24 is formed. Further, the second main surface 18 also has a region corresponding to the bending portion 24 curved in a convex shape toward the first main surface 16. The stress difference of the compressive stress between the recess 20 and the second main surface 18 is preferably 10 to 1000 MPa, and the radius of curvature of the curved region of the curved portion 24 can be adjusted by the stress difference.

  When the user operates the operation panel 10, the bending portion 24 is touched and used. As shown in FIG. 1C, when the user's finger or the like is pressed, the bending portion 24 is deformed so as to approach a flat shape. Further, when the user lifts his / her finger, the bending portion 24 bends in a convex shape toward the first main surface 16 again.

  The user can recognize the change in the shape in the touch operation area by the deformation of the bending portion 24 when touched, similarly to when the push button switch is operated. Thereby, it becomes easy for the user to check whether or not his / her touch operation is properly recognized, and it is possible to prevent malfunction such as malfunction of the device.

  The operation panel 10 of the present embodiment employs a resistive film type touch panel, and is designed so that it is difficult to react when the user's finger touches the touch panel. When the bending portion 24 is deformed so as to approach a flat shape, the conductive films (not shown) arranged under the cover glass 12 are in contact with each other and are configured to react to the touch operation, thereby causing malfunction. The risk is reduced. In addition, in the configuration of the capacitance type and other touch panels, programming is performed so that the touch panel reacts only when the bending portion 24 is deformed so as to approach a flat shape, or the strength of pushing the finger into the touch panel The cover glass 12 can be applied to any type of touch panel.

  FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams showing another embodiment of the present invention. A cover glass 121 shown in FIG. 2A is a plate-shaped tempered glass substrate having a first main surface 16 and a second main surface 18. The first main surface 16 is a main surface exposed to the user, and the second main surface 18 is a main surface facing the first main surface 16. The cover glass 121 includes a recess 20 and a compressive stress layer 22. The recess 20 is formed in a region corresponding to the operation icon 14 on the second main surface 18. The compressive stress layer 22 is formed on the second main surface 18 and the recess 20.

  The curved portion 24 is a region curved in a convex shape on the first main surface corresponding to the concave portion 20. The curved portion 24 is curved due to a difference in compressive stress value between the recess 20 and the first main surface 16. In addition, since the plate | board thickness is thick in the peripheral region of the bending part 24, it does not curve by a difference in compressive stress. With this configuration, when the user performs a touch operation, the convex shape of the bending portion 24 makes it easy to understand where the touch operation area exists. Further, even when the cover glass 12 is touched, the user can easily confirm that the touch operation has been reliably performed by deforming the curved portion 24 so as to approach a flat shape.

  A cover glass 122 illustrated in FIG. 2B includes a recess 201 and a recess 202. The recess 201 is formed on the first main surface 16 on which the user performs a touch operation. The recess 202 is formed in the second main surface 18 facing the first main surface 16. The recess 201 and the recess 202 have the same shape, and are formed at positions corresponding to the area where the operation icon 14 is displayed. The compressive stress layer 22 is formed on the first main surface 16, the second main surface 18, and the recess 202. The compressive stress layer 22 is not formed in the recess 201. The recess 201 has a curved portion 24 formed by a difference in compressive stress value with the recess 202. The curved portion 24 is formed on the bottom surface of the concave portion 201 and is a region that curves in a convex shape toward the first main surface 16 side. When the user operates the touch panel, the bending portion 24 is touched for operation.

  Thus, by having the curved portion 24 in the touch operation region, the cover glass 12 can recognize a change in shape like a push button switch while maintaining the design of the touch panel. In addition, since the touch operation area has a convex shape or a concave portion, it is possible to perform an appropriate operation even in a situation where the operation panel cannot be visually recognized.

  In the above embodiment, only the touch operation is mentioned, but the present invention can also be applied to a swipe operation. For example, the operation panel 101 shown in FIG. 3 includes an operation icon 141 for adjusting the volume and the amount of light. The operation icon 141 is a long and thin line-shaped operation icon, and the user adjusts the volume and the amount of light by swiping the finger up and down in the area where the operation icon 141 is displayed. The cover glass 12 has a curved portion formed by a difference in compressive stress value between the first main surface and the second main surface in the region corresponding to the operation icon 141 as in the above embodiment. . Even when the user performs a swipe operation along the operation icon 141, only the area touched by the user's finger is deformed.

  From here, the manufacturing method of the cover glass 12 is demonstrated using FIG. 4 (A)-FIG. 4 (D). The manufacturing method of the cover glass 12 in this embodiment includes a protective member forming step, a patterning step, an etching step, and a peeling step.

  In the protective member forming step, as shown in FIG. 4A, the main surface of the tempered glass substrate 30 on which the compressive stress layer 22 is formed is covered with a protective member having acid resistance. The tempered glass substrate 30 is aluminosilicate glass, and the plate thickness is preferably 0.1 to 1.5 mm. In this embodiment, the protective film 32 is used as an acid resistant protective member. The protective film 32 is configured to protect the main surface of the glass substrate 30 in an etching process described later, and has at least resistance to hydrofluoric acid. In addition to the protective film, a photosensitive resist material or the like can also be used.

  In the patterning step, as shown in FIG. 4B, the protective film 32 is removed from one main surface corresponding to a region where a recess is to be formed, and an opening is formed. As the patterning means, any means may be used as long as the acid-resistant member can be removed from the region to be etched. In this embodiment, patterning is performed using a laser device. When a photosensitive resist is used as the acid-resistant member, patterning can be performed using photolithography.

  In the etching step, the glass substrate 30 is brought into contact with the etching solution to etch the region where the opening is formed. When the glass substrate 30 is etched, the single wafer type etching apparatus for injecting the etching liquid onto the glass substrate 30 being conveyed by a desired conveyance mechanism or the glass substrate 30 is immersed in an etching tank containing the etching liquid. It is also possible to use a batch type etching apparatus or the like. As the etchant, an etchant containing at least hydrofluoric acid is preferably used. In addition to hydrofluoric acid, an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid or a surfactant may be added. By the etching process, the region not protected by the protective film 32 is etched, and the recess 20 is formed. The etching process is preferably performed until the thickness of the recess 20 becomes 0.3 mm or less. Further, the bending stress 24 is formed by removing the compressive stress layer 22 by this etching process.

  In the peeling step, the protective film 32 is removed from the glass substrate 30 after the etching process. When the protective film 32 is removed, the protective film 32 can be peeled off by applying a physical force to the protective film 32. Thereafter, the glass substrate 30 is appropriately processed in a subsequent process and then incorporated into the operation panel 10 as the cover glass 12.

  Furthermore, another manufacturing method is demonstrated using FIG. 5 (A)-FIG. 5 (D). This manufacturing method includes a protective member forming step, a patterning step, a first etching step, a peeling step, a compressive stress layer forming step, and a second etching step. Since the protective member forming step, the patterning step, the first etching step, and the peeling step are substantially the same as the manufacturing method, description thereof is omitted. FIG. 5A shows the glass substrate 30 after the protective member is peeled off. The glass substrate 30 has a recess 20 in the first main surface 16.

  In the compressive stress layer forming step, the compressive stress layer 22 is formed on the first main surface 16 and the second main surface 18 of the glass substrate 30 as shown in FIG. A known ion exchange method can be used for the compressive stress layer 22. In this embodiment, by immersing the glass substrate 30 in the potassium nitrate molten salt, ion exchange was performed between sodium ions in the glass substrate 30 and potassium ions of the potassium nitrate molten salt, thereby forming a compressive stress layer. The thickness of the compressive stress layer 22 can be adjusted by the immersion time in the potassium nitrate molten salt, and a 5 to 50 μm compressive stress layer is preferably formed.

  In the second etching step, the compressive stress layer 22 is removed by etching the second main surface 18 side. Before etching the glass substrate 30, the first main surface 16 side is protected by a protective member as shown in FIG. As the protective member, in order to suitably protect the inner surface of the recess 20, it is preferable to apply an ultraviolet curable acid resistant resist material 34. In addition to the ultraviolet curable resist material, a thermosetting resist material or the like can also be used.

  As the etching process, it is preferable to use an etching process using hydrofluoric acid as described above. The glass substrate 30 is thinned by the etching process, and the compressive stress layer 22 on the second main surface 18 side is removed as shown in FIG. Since the compressive stress layer 22 is removed by the etching process and the compressive stress is not balanced, the curved portion 24 is formed on the second main surface 18 corresponding to the recess 20.

  Since the fine scratches and the like on the second main surface 18 are also removed by the etching process, the glass substrate 30 has sufficient strength even without the compressive stress layer 22. Therefore, even if the user repeatedly performs a touch operation, there is little possibility that the glass substrate is damaged. After the etching process, the resist material 34 is removed from the glass substrate 30 and appropriately processed in a subsequent process.

  Moreover, as another embodiment, a manufacturing method of a cover glass having a concave portion on the first main surface and the second main surface in the touch operation area will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (D). . In the present embodiment, the second main surface 18 is covered with the protective film 32 before the second etching process in the manufacturing method. (See FIG. 6A.) Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6B, the protective film 32 in a region corresponding to the recess 20 is removed by a patterning process to form an opening. A laser device can be used for the patterning process. By etching in this state, as shown in FIG. 6C, only the region corresponding to the recess 20 is etched, and the recess 201 is formed. Further, since the compressive stress layer 22 is also removed by the etching process, the curved portion 24 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 201. After the etching process, the resist material 34 and the protective film 32 are removed (see FIG. 6D). In this configuration, since the compressive stress layer 22 is also formed on the second main surface 18 side on which the user performs a touch operation, the strength of the glass substrate 30 is improved. Furthermore, since the recess 201 is formed in the area to be touched, the area to be touched by the user can be easily recognized.

  The above description of the embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

10-Operation panel 12-Cover glass 14-Operation icon 16-First main surface 18-Second main surface 20-Recess 22-Compression stress layer 24-Curved portion 30-Glass substrate 32-Protective film 34-Resist material

Claims (3)

A glass substrate for a touch panel configured to accept a touch operation from a user,
Having at least one recess at a position corresponding to a touch operation area where the user performs some touch operation;
A glass substrate for a touch panel having a compressive stress layer only on one of the first main surface and the second main surface in the region where the recess is formed.   2. The glass substrate for a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a main surface touched by a user is curved in a convex shape in the touch operation area.   The glass substrate for a touch panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a thickness of the region in which the concave portion is formed is 0.3 mm or less.

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