JP2018169673A - Touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel having an area configured to change shape by touch operation, in the touch panel for accepting touch operation from a user.SOLUTION: A portable electronic terminal 10 has at least a cover glass 12 and a control unit 44. The cover glass 12 has a first principal plane 20 which accepts touch operation from a user, and a second principal plane 22 in which a transparent electrode is formed. Further, the cover glass 12 has a flexible operating unit 30. The flexible operating unit 30 is formed so as to have a thickness thinner than that of other portions, by forming a recessed part 34 on the second principal plane side. Moreover, the transparent electrode formed on the second principal plane 22 has at least a ring-shaped electrode 42 formed along an outline part of the recessed part 34. The control unit 44 is formed so as to detect the touch operation of the user on the cover glass 12 from the change of electrostatic capacity of the transparent electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel that accepts a touch operation from a user, and more particularly to a touch panel having a region whose shape is deformed by a touch operation.

  In recent years, a touch panel has been adopted in a wide range of fields as an interface when a user operates a device because of an advantage that an intuitive operation is possible. The touch panel has a cover glass disposed on the side 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 improved design due to the flatness of the cover glass and high transparency, there has been a movement to replace the touch panel with devices that have traditionally used physical buttons and keyboards. For example, there are air conditioners installed in automobiles, center consoles for controlling audio, etc., and operation panels equipped with home appliances, which are operated by touch panels. In portable electronic terminals such as smartphones, Most operations can be performed with the touch panel.

  However, a cover glass having a flat shape is often used, and it is difficult to differentiate in terms of design. Furthermore, when a visually handicapped person operates, or when operating in a situation where the touch operation area cannot be viewed accurately, a malfunction may occur.

  Therefore, among conventional techniques, there is a technique for easily recognizing a region to be touched by touch by forming a recess in a cover glass disposed on the surface of a 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 the area to be touched, but when the user touches the touch panel, it may not be known whether the device recognizes the touch operation. It was. Compared with a physical switch, the touch panel does not change the tactile sensation transmitted to the user's finger during a touch operation. For this reason, it is not known whether the touch operation is actually recognized by the device, or there is a risk of malfunction.

  In addition, when a capacitive touch panel electrode is directly formed on the cover glass, when a recess is formed on the back surface of the cover glass, a matrix electrode used for a normal touch panel may be formed in the recess. Have difficulty. Further, even when a touch sensor is provided separately, there is a problem that the sensitivity of the touch panel deteriorates when an air layer such as a concave portion is interposed between the cover glass touched by the user and the sensor electrode.

  The objective of this invention is providing the touch panel provided with the cover glass which has the area | region which deform | transforms by touch operation in the touch panel which receives the touch operation from a user.

  The touch panel according to the present invention includes at least a cover glass and a sensor unit. The cover glass has a first main surface that receives a touch operation from a user and a second main surface on which a transparent electrode is formed. The first main surface and the second main surface include A compressive stress layer is formed. Furthermore, the cover glass has at least one flexible operation unit provided at a position corresponding to a touch operation area where the user performs some touch operation. The flexible operation unit is configured to be thinner than other portions by forming a recess on the second main surface side. Further, the transparent electrode formed on the second main surface has at least an electrode pattern formed along the contour of the recess. The sensor unit is configured to detect a change in the capacitance of the transparent electrode and detect a user's touch operation on the cover glass.

  The flexible operation unit is configured to be thinner than other portions, and is easily deformed when a load is applied by a user's touch operation or the like. In addition, when the load applied to the flexible operation unit is removed, the shape easily returns to the original shape. For this reason, even in a cover glass composed of a single glass substrate, the user can obtain feedback (click feeling) by tactile sensation like a push button switch such as a membrane switch. By obtaining a click feeling, the user can confirm that the touch panel has recognized the touch operation, so that operation mistakes can be reduced. Moreover, since the compressive stress layer is formed in both main surfaces, the cover glass is less likely to be damaged from the flexible operation portion even if it is repeatedly deformed.

  Moreover, it becomes possible to improve the detection accuracy of a touch operation by forming the transparent electrode along the contour of the recess. Since the flexible operation portion has a recess formed on the second main surface, it is difficult to form a matrix-like electrode used for a normal touch panel. In addition, ITO, which is mainly used as a transparent electrode, is a brittle material, so it is very difficult to form a flexible operation part that deforms with each operation. Since the contour portion of the recess does not deform even when the flexible operation portion is operated, a transparent electrode can be applied. In addition, since the contour portion is a region that is difficult for the user to visually recognize, even if the transparent electrode is formed thick or the electrode width is thick, it is hardly noticeable and the sensitivity of the touch panel can be improved.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a flexible operation part is further provided with the convex curved part formed in the 1st main surface side. By forming the curved portion, the user can visually or tactilely recognize the touch operation area. When deforming the flexible operation part by applying a load from the bending part side, the flexible operation part is bent and deformed into a space formed by the recess. The curved portion can be formed by a difference in the formation area of the compressive stress layer between the first main surface and the second main surface.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a sensor part controls several operation modes according to the variation | change_quantity of the electrostatic capacitance of an electrode pattern. Since the positions of the finger and the electrode are different between the touch operation and the operation to be pushed in until the flexible operation unit is bent, the amount of change in capacitance is different. For this reason, it is possible to improve the operability of the touch panel by determining the touch operation and the push-in operation from the change in capacitance in the sensor unit. For example, by providing the first operation mode and the second operation mode corresponding to the amount of change in capacitance, it is possible to execute various operation patterns using the flexible operation unit.

  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 touch panel provided with the cover glass which has the area | region which deform | transforms by touch operation.

It is a figure which shows the portable electronic terminal by which the touchscreen which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows a flexible operation part. It is a figure which shows the electrode pattern formed in the cover glass. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a control part performs. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of a flexible operation part. It is a figure which shows another embodiment of a touch 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.

  From here, one Embodiment of this invention is described using drawing. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the portable electronic terminal 10, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the portable electronic terminal 10. The portable electronic terminal 10 includes at least a cover glass 12, a liquid crystal panel 14, and a control unit 44. The portable electronic terminal 10 is touched while visually recognizing an operation screen displayed on the operation area 16 to perform a desired operation.

  The cover glass 12 is a glass substrate disposed on the surface exposed to the user side of the portable electronic terminal 10. The cover glass 12 is a single glass substrate configured to protect the portable electronic terminal 10 from impact or the like, and the user touches the cover glass 12 when operating the portable electronic terminal 10. In the present embodiment, aluminosilicate glass is used as the cover glass 12, but the type of the glass substrate is not particularly limited. The plate thickness of the cover glass 12 is preferably 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

  A frame region 18 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the cover glass 12 so as to surround the operation region 16. The frame region 18 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the cover glass 12, and a black print layer is formed to prevent light leakage from the liquid crystal panel 14.

  The cover glass 12 has a first main surface 20 and a second main surface 22. The first main surface 20 is a main surface exposed to the user, and the second main surface 22 is a main surface opposite to the first main surface 20. A compressive stress layer 24 is formed on both the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22. The compressive stress layer 24 is a layer having a larger compressive stress than the inner region of the cover glass 12 formed by a known method such as an ion exchange method. The compressive stress layer 24 formed on the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22 is formed under the same conditions, and there is no substantial difference in the strength and depth of the compressive stress.

  The liquid crystal panel 14 is disposed below the cover glass 12 and is configured to display an operation screen on the operation area 16. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal panel is used to display an operation screen, but a flat panel display such as an organic EL panel or a print panel on which an icon for indicating an operation position is printed is arranged. good.

  The cover glass 12 has a flexible operation unit 30 on the operation region 16. The flexible operation unit 30 is an area configured to bend and deform when pressed with a finger or the like by a touch operation from a user and return to the original shape when the finger is released.

  The flexible operation unit 30 has a curved portion 32 having a convex curved shape on the first main surface 20 side. By forming the curved portion 32, the user can recognize the position of the flexible operation portion 30 visually or tactilely.

  A circular recess 34 is formed on the second main surface 22 side of the flexible operation unit 30. The recess 34 is a region that is recessed in a concave shape toward the first main surface 20 side. The shape of the recess 34 can form a desired shape. Moreover, when displaying an icon etc. on the flexible operation part 30, you may form the recessed part 34 in the shape corresponding to an icon. The concave portion 34 can be formed to include a tapered shape by being formed by an etching process described later. The taper shape indicates a state in which the side surface of the recess 34 is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle or more. The taper angle is preferably 10 to 60 degrees.

  By forming the recess 34, the area of the compressive stress layer forming region on the second main surface 22 side in the flexible operation unit 30 becomes larger than that on the first main surface 20 side. As a result, the total volume of the compressive stress layer is larger on the second main surface 22 side than on the first main surface 20 side, and the compressive stress generated on the second main surface 22 side is the first main surface. It becomes larger than the compressive stress generated on the 20 side. According to the applicant's research, the compression stress of the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22 cannot be balanced in this way, so that the bottom surface of the concave portion 34 is curved convexly toward the first main surface side. In addition, it is known that the probability that the curved portion 32 is formed is high. At this time, the difference in compressive stress between the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22 in the flexible operation unit 30 is preferably 10 to 1000 MPa, and the radius of curvature of the curved portion 32 is determined by the difference in compressive stress. Can be adjusted. In addition, since the surface area of the concave portion 34 is increased by forming the side surface of the concave portion 34 to have a tapered shape, the difference between the compressive stress of the second main surface 22 and the compressive stress of the first main surface 20 is added. It becomes easy.

  Since the thickness of the flexible operation unit 30 is smaller than that of the peripheral region due to the recess 34, when a load is applied to the flexible operation unit 30 from the first main surface 20 side by the user's touch operation, As shown in FIG. 2A, the bending portion 32 is deformed. At this time, since a space is formed in the lower portion by the concave portion 34, the flexible operation portion 30 is bent and deformed in a concave shape toward the second main surface 22 side. In order for the flexible operation unit 30 to be suitably deformed, the recess 34 is preferably formed so that the plate thickness of the flexible operation unit 30 is 50 to 200 μm. When the plate thickness of the flexible operation unit 30 is larger than 200 μm, the flexible operation unit 30 is hardly deformed due to the rigidity of the cover glass 12. Moreover, since the intensity | strength of the cover glass 12 will fall when the flexible operation part 30 becomes less than 50 micrometers, there exists a possibility that it may be damaged at the time of touch operation. In addition, the flexible operation unit 30 is thinner than the peripheral region, but since the compressive stress layer 24 is formed, there is a low possibility that the flexible operation unit 30 is damaged due to deformation. Further, in the concave portion 34, the boundary portion with the second main surface 22 and the connecting portion between the side surface and the bottom surface of the concave portion 34 exhibit a curved surface shape, so that the stress is locally concentrated when the flexible operation portion 30 is deformed. It is prevented.

  When the user removes his / her finger from the flexible operation unit 30, the flexible operation unit 30 spontaneously returns to the original shape from the deformed state (see FIG. 2B). For this reason, also in the cover glass 12 comprised with the single glass substrate, the user can obtain a click feeling like pushbutton switches, such as a membrane switch. The user can easily confirm whether the touch operation has been recognized due to the shape deformation of the flexible operation unit 30, and can prevent erroneous operation of the portable electronic terminal 10. Since the flexible operation unit 30 automatically restores the original shape when the user releases his / her finger, the flexible operation unit 30 can perform repeated touch operations.

  The portable electronic terminal 10 of the present embodiment employs a capacitance method, and an electrode 40 for detecting a touch panel operation is formed on the second main surface 22 side of the cover glass 12 as shown in FIG. ing. The electrode 40 is a transparent electrode formed in a matrix. As the transparent electrode, it is possible to use a transparent metal material such as ITO, a metal nanowire such as silver nanowire, or an organic conductive material such as carbon nanotube or polythiophene. The electrode 40 is formed on the operation area 16 and is configured so that the capacitance on the operation screen is maintained constant.

  A ring-shaped electrode 42 is formed at a position corresponding to the flexible operation unit 30. The ring-shaped electrode 42 is formed along the contour portion of the recess 34, and is configured such that the electrostatic capacity is changed by a touch operation on the flexible operation unit 30. Here, the contour portion indicates a region outside the curve starting point from the second main surface 22 to the concave portion 34. The contour portion is not deformed even when the flexible operation portion 30 is bent, and an electrode can be stably formed.

  Further, the ring-shaped electrode 42 is preferably thicker than the matrix-shaped electrode 40 or the width of the electrode is increased. The detection accuracy of the touch operation in the flexible operation unit 30 is improved by forming the ring-shaped electrode 42 thick or forming a wide electrode width. In addition, since the refractive index of the ring-shaped electrode 42 is changed by the curved portion 32, there is no demerit that the user can easily see the ring-shaped electrode 42.

  The electrode 40 and the ring-shaped electrode 42 are connected to the control unit 44 by a lead wiring 400. The control unit 44 includes a detection unit 46 and a CPU 48. The control unit 44 is configured to start a predetermined program by detecting a touch position from a change in capacitance of the electrode 40 or the ring electrode 42 or calculating a change amount of the capacitance. .

  The detection unit 46 is configured to acquire a signal generated when the capacitance of the electrode 40 or the ring electrode 42 changes. The signal received by the detection unit 46 is A / D converted and then transmitted to the CPU 48.

  The CPU 48 controls the portable electronic terminal 10 based on the signal transmitted from the detection unit 46. The CPU 48 is configured to select a predetermined operation mode from among a plurality of operation modes according to the amount of change in capacitance, and to transmit an instruction to the liquid crystal panel 14 or the portable electronic terminal 10. The portable electronic terminal 10 has an operation mode 1 and an operation mode 2. From here, the control mechanism of the control part 44 when the electrostatic capacitance of the ring-shaped electrode 42 changes is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the control unit 44 when the user touches the flexible operation unit 30. When the user performs a touch operation with the flexible operation unit 30, a change in the capacitance of the ring electrode 42 is detected by the detection unit 46. When a signal is sent from the detection unit 46 to the CPU 48, the CPU 48 calculates the amount of change in capacitance. When the calculated amount of change in capacitance exceeds a preset first threshold value, an instruction for executing the operation mode 2 is transmitted from the CPU 48. In addition, even when the amount of change in capacitance is equal to or less than the first threshold, if the preset second threshold is exceeded, an instruction for executing the operation mode 1 is transmitted from the CPU 48.

  When a touch operation is performed on the flexible operation unit 30, the distance between the operation aid such as the user's finger or stylus pen and the ring electrode 42 is widened, so that the amount of change in capacitance is small. However, when the bending portion 32 is pushed inward and deformed from the first main surface 20, the position of the ring electrode 42 and the user's finger approaches, so that the capacitance changes more than the touched state. The amount increases. The CPU 48 determines whether the user is touching or pushing the flexible operation unit 30 based on the amount of change in capacitance, and transmits an instruction to the portable electronic terminal 10.

  By providing a plurality of operation modes according to the touch method of the flexible operation unit 30, various operations can be performed while maintaining the design. For example, the operation mode 2 is set to perform a touch operation in the same manner as the other operation areas 16, and the operation mode 1 is configured to activate another function such as a fingerprint authentication mechanism. When adopting the fingerprint authentication mechanism, a fingerprint authentication unit may be incorporated under the flexible operation unit 30. A plurality of operation modes can be adopted by recognizing the difference in the touch operation of the user based on the difference in capacitance. Moreover, although the case where there exist two operation modes was demonstrated in this embodiment, it is also possible to perform three or more operation modes by the difference in electrostatic capacitance.

  From here, another embodiment of the cover glass will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a view showing a cover glass 121 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The cover glass 121 has a compressive stress layer 24 formed on the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22. The cover glass 121 has the flexible operation unit 30 in a touch operation area where a user performs a touch operation. The flexible operation unit 30 has an operation recess 50 formed on the first main surface 20 side and a recess 34 formed on the second main surface 22 side.

  The operation recess 50 is a region recessed in a concave shape on the second main surface 22 side, and the curved portion 32 is formed at the bottom thereof. Since the configuration of the bending portion 32 is substantially the same as that of the above embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. The operation recess 50 preferably includes a curved surface, and more preferably has a side surface tapered. The surface area of the operation recess 50 is formed to be smaller than the surface area of the recess 34. By forming the operation recess 50 and the recess 34 so as to have different surface areas, the balance between the compressive stresses of the first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22 cannot be balanced. For this reason, the bottom surface of the operation concave portion 50 is curved in a convex shape, and the curved portion 32 is formed. In this embodiment, the balance of the compressive stress is lost by making the depth of the operation recess 50 shallower than the depth of the recess 34, but the recess 34 is formed shallower than the operation recess 50, The recess 50 and the recess 34 may be formed in different shapes.

  An elastic member 52 is disposed in the recess 34. The elastic member 52 is configured to be deformed in accordance with the elastic deformation of the flexible operation unit 30. The elastic member 52 is preferably made of a transparent material, and polyethylene, polypropylene, or silicon resin can be used. By adjusting the elasticity of the elastic member 52, it is possible to adjust the amount of bending of the flexible operation unit 30 and the load necessary for deformation. Further, when the finger is released from the flexible operation unit 30, there is an effect that the flexible operation unit 30 can easily return to the original shape by using the restoring force of the elastic member 52. In addition, by disposing the elastic member 52, it is possible to prevent the glass substrate from scattering even if the flexible operation unit 30 is damaged.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the operation concave portion 50 is formed, the touch operation area is more easily understood by tactile sense. Moreover, since the intersection with the 1st main surface 20 is a curved surface shape, and the side part is a taper shape, the operation recessed part 50 does not have a possibility that a finger may be damaged even if a user performs touch operation. .

  In the above-described two embodiments, the flexible operation unit 30 has been described using a shape in which a concavo-convex shape is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flexible operation part can be deformed by forming a space for the flexible operation part to bend and deform in the lower part of the cover glass. The space for bending deformation is formed, for example, by arranging a spacer around the flexible operation unit 30. At this time, the compressive stress layer is formed on both main surfaces to such an extent that the cover glass can be deformed. In this configuration, the amount of bending of the cover glass can be controlled by the spacer. Furthermore, since the compressive stress layer is formed on both main surfaces, there is little possibility that the cover glass will be damaged even if the flexible operation portion is deformed.

  Further, the configuration in which the touch sensor and the cover glass are integrated has been described so far, but the touch sensor may be separately arranged. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a touch panel in which the touch sensor 54 is separately provided. The touch sensor 54 is configured to be sandwiched between the cover glass 12 and the liquid crystal panel 14. The touch sensor 54 is joined to the cover glass 12 and the liquid crystal panel 14 by an optical adhesive sheet (OCA) or the like.

  In the touch sensor 54, the electrode 40 and the ring-shaped electrode 42 are formed on the main surface of the film-like substrate. The ring-shaped electrode 42 is formed in a shape corresponding to the contour portion of the recess 34 formed in the cover glass 12. Even when a sensor electrode is separately provided, it is possible to accurately detect the touch operation of the flexible operation unit 30 by forming the electrode in a shape corresponding to the contour portion of the recess 34.

  From here, the manufacturing method of the cover glass 12 is demonstrated using FIG. 7 (A)-FIG.7 (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 chemical strengthening treatment step.

  In the protective member forming step, as shown in FIG. 7A, the main surface of the glass substrate 70 is covered with a protective film 72 having acid resistance. The glass substrate 70 is aluminosilicate glass, and the plate thickness is preferably 0.3 to 1.5 mm. The protective film 72 is configured to protect the main surface of the glass substrate 70 in an etching process described later, and has at least resistance to hydrofluoric acid. In addition to the protective film, a protective material such as a photosensitive resist material can be used.

  In the patterning step, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protective film 72 is removed from one main surface corresponding to the region where the 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, and a pulse laser is used to remove only the protective film 72 without damaging the glass substrate 70. When a photosensitive resist is used as the acid-resistant member, patterning can be performed using photolithography.

  In the etching step, the glass substrate 70 is brought into contact with the etching solution to etch the region where the opening is formed. When etching the glass substrate 70, a single-wafer etching apparatus that injects an etchant onto the glass substrate 70 that is being transported by a desired transport mechanism, or the glass substrate 70 is immersed in an etching tank that contains the etchant. A dipping type etching apparatus or the like can be used. 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, a region that is not protected by the protective film 72 is etched, and the recess 34 is formed. The etching process is preferably performed until the thickness of the recess 34 is 200 μm or less.

  The recess 34 formed by the etching process has a tapered shape on the side surface of the recess 34 due to the characteristics of the etching process. The concave portion having the tapered shape increases the surface area on which the compressive stress layer is formed as described above, and thus the curved portion 32 is easily formed. Moreover, a curved surface shape can be formed at the boundary between the main surface of the glass substrate 70 and the recess 34 and the connecting portion between the side surface and the bottom of the recess 34 by the etching process. Since the concave portion 34 has a curved surface shape, the local concentration of stress during the deformation of the flexible operation unit 30 is alleviated.

  After forming the recess 34 by etching, the protective film 72 is removed from the glass substrate 70. When the protective film 72 is removed, the protective film 72 can be peeled off by applying a physical force to the protective film 72. Further, when a resist material is used, it can be removed by immersing the glass substrate 70 in a stripping solution.

  The chemical strengthening process is a process of forming the compressive stress layer 24 on the glass substrate 70. A chemical strengthening process is performed by the well-known method by immersing a glass substrate in the molten salt containing an alkali ion. In this embodiment, the chemical strengthening treatment was performed by immersing the glass substrate in a potassium nitrate solution heated to 400 ° C. for 4 hours. The heating temperature of potassium nitrate is preferably adjusted to 350 to 450 ° C., and the immersion time of the glass substrate is preferably about 2 to 20 hours. The depth of the compressive stress layer 24 is preferably adjusted to 5 to 50 μm. The first main surface 20 and the second main surface 22 are chemically strengthened under the same conditions, and the depth of the compressive stress layer 24 is substantially the same.

  By forming the compressive stress layer 24, a region facing the concave portion 34 is curved in a convex shape due to the total volume difference of the compressive stress on both main surfaces, and the curved portion 32 is formed. In addition, the electrode 40 and the ring-shaped electrode 42 can be formed at an arbitrary timing after the chemical strengthening treatment process is completed. Moreover, what is necessary is just to divide | segment into a desired shape, after forming an electrode, when manufacturing in the state which chamfered the several cover glass to the large-sized glass substrate 70. FIG.

  Moreover, when forming the operation recessed part 50 in the 1st main surface 20, after forming the recessed part 34 in the 2nd main surface 22, the glass substrate 70 is again protected by the protective film 72 (FIG. 8 (A). )reference.). Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, an opening is formed in a region where the operation recess 50 is formed by patterning the protective film 72 on the first main surface 20 side. Then, the cover glass in which the recessed part was formed in both main surfaces can be manufactured by performing the chemical strengthening process after forming the recessed part 50 for operation by an etching process. In the present embodiment, the curved portion 32 is formed on the bottom surface of the operation recess 50 by forming the operation recess 50 to be shallower than the recess 34.

  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-portable electronic terminal 12-cover glass 14-liquid crystal panel 16-operation region 18-frame region 20-first main surface 22-second main surface 24-compressive stress layer 30-flexible operation unit 32- Curved part 34-Recess 40-Electrode 42-Ring electrode 44-Control part 46-Detection part 48-CPU
50-recess for operation 52-elastic member

Claims (4)

A touch panel for detecting a touch operation by a user,
A cover glass having a first main surface that receives a touch operation from a user, and a second main surface on which a transparent electrode is formed;
A sensor unit that detects a user's touch operation on the cover glass from a change in capacitance of the transparent electrode; and
The cover glass is a flexible operation unit provided at a position corresponding to a touch operation region where a user performs some touch operation, and a concave portion is formed on the second main surface side. While having a flexible operation portion configured to be thinner than other portions, a compressive stress layer is formed on the first main surface and the second main surface,
The transparent electrode has at least an electrode pattern formed along the contour of the recess.   The touch panel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flexible operation part further includes a convex curved part formed on the first main surface side.   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of operation modes are controlled in accordance with an amount of change in capacitance of the electrode pattern. A touch panel for detecting a touch operation from a user,
A cover glass that accepts a touch operation from the user on the first main surface side;
A touch sensor disposed on the second main surface side of the cover glass;
A sensor unit that detects a user's touch operation on the cover glass from a change in capacitance of the touch sensor; and
The cover glass is a flexible operation unit provided at a position corresponding to a touch operation region where a user performs some touch operation, and a concave portion is formed on the second main surface side. While having a flexible operation portion configured to be thinner than other portions, a compressive stress layer is formed on the first main surface and the second main surface,
The touch sensor has at least an electrode pattern in which a transparent electrode is formed along an outline of the recess.

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