JP2022010775A - Touch panel electrode member, touch panel and image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a touch panel electrode member, a touch panel, and an image display apparatus which can make an interconnect line connecting a detection electrode and an electrode terminal difficult to be broken and can provide excellent efficiency percentage.SOLUTION: A touch panel electrode member according to the present invention has a detection electrode disposed in a detection region, a peripheral wire disposed on a peripheral region outside of the detection region, an electrode terminal electrically connected to the peripheral wire, and a plurality of interconnect lines connecting the detection electrode and the electrode terminals. The detection electrode is formed of a metal mesh formed by a first thin metallic wire extended in a first direction and a second thin metallic wire extended in a second direction different from the first direction both of which intersect each other at an intersecting part. Each of the plurality of interconnect lines is extended in a third direction different from both of the first and second directions, has a line width larger than those of the first thin metallic wire and the second thin metallic wire, and is electrically connected to the first and second metallic wires at a position other than the intersecting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a touch panel electrode member, a touch panel, and an image display device.

In various electronic devices such as tablet computers and mobile information devices such as smartphones, it is used in combination with display devices such as liquid crystal displays, and can be moved to electronic devices by touching or bringing a finger, stylus, etc. to the screen. There is a touch panel for inputting.
The touch panel usually has a conductive member on which a plurality of detection electrodes and the like for detecting a touch operation with a finger and a stylus pen or the like are formed. The detection electrode is also formed of a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), a metal, or the like. The metal has advantages such as easier patterning, excellent flexibility, and a lower resistance value than the transparent conductive oxide.

For example, in the touch panel of Patent Document 1, the touch electrode is composed of a metal grid wire in which fine metal wires intersect at an intersection, and the metal grid wire and the lead terminal are connected by a connecting wire by the thin metal wire. The connecting wire is connected to the intersection of the thin metal wires of the metal grid wire and is connected to the lead terminal.

China Utility Model No. 20638768

In Patent Document 1, the intersection of the thin metal wires (intersection of the mesh pattern) of the metal grid wire and the lead terminal are connected by using a connection wire perpendicular to the lead terminal. Since the connecting wire is connected to the intersection of the thin metal wires (intersection of the mesh pattern) and the intersection of the thin metal wires and the connecting wire are connected by the thin metal wire of the same line width, stress concentration occurs at the connection point and the wire breaks. However, there was a problem that the touch electrode did not work.
An object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel electrode member, a touch panel, and an image display device, in which the connection line connecting the detection electrode and the electrode terminal is not easily broken and the quality is excellent.

In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to a detection electrode arranged in a detection region, a peripheral wiring arranged in a peripheral region outside the detection region, and a peripheral wiring. An electrode member for a touch panel including an electrode terminal and a plurality of connection wires connecting the detection electrode and the electrode terminal, the detection electrode is a second metal wire extending in the first direction and a second metal wire different from the first direction. It is composed of a metal mesh formed by intersecting a second metal wire extending in a direction at an intersection, and a plurality of connecting lines extend in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and a third. Provided is an electrode member for a touch panel having a line width larger than the line width of the 1st metal thin wire and the 2nd metal thin wire and electrically connected to the 1st metal thin wire and the 2nd metal thin wire at a place other than the intersection. It is a thing.

It is preferable that the electrode terminals extend in a fourth direction different from the first direction, the second direction and the third direction.
The fourth direction is preferably a direction orthogonal to the third direction.
The connecting line preferably has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view.
It is preferred that the pair of parallel bases of the trapezoid extend in the third direction, respectively, and the hypotenuse connecting the ends of the pair of bases extends in the first or second direction.
The line width of the connecting line is preferably 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and the maximum length of the connecting line along the third direction is preferably 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less.
The line widths of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire are preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The difference between the line width of the connecting line and the line widths of the first metal thin line and the second metal thin line is preferably 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less.
Of the plurality of connecting lines, the distance between the connecting lines adjacent to each other is preferably 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less.
It is preferable that the detection electrode, the peripheral wiring, the electrode terminal and the plurality of connecting wires are made of the same metal material. The metal material is preferably copper.
It is preferable that the resin substrate is further provided, and the detection electrode, the peripheral wiring, the electrode terminal, and the plurality of connection lines are arranged on one surface of the resin substrate.
It is preferable that a glass substrate is further provided, and the detection electrode, peripheral wiring, electrode terminal, and a plurality of connection lines are arranged on one surface of the glass substrate.

One aspect of the present invention provides a touch panel having the above-mentioned electrode member for a touch panel.
One aspect of the present invention provides an image display device having the above-mentioned touch panel.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a touch panel electrode member, a touch panel, and an image display device, in which the thin metal wires constituting the detection electrode are less likely to be broken and the visibility is excellent.

It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the 1st example of the image display apparatus. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the touch panel of an image display device. It is a schematic plan view which shows the 1st example of the detection electrode and the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which expands and shows 1st example of the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which expands and shows the 2nd example of the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which expands and shows the 3rd example of the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the 2nd example of the image display apparatus. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the 3rd example of an image display apparatus. It is a schematic plan view which shows the detection electrode and the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of the comparative example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of Comparative Example 1. It is a schematic plan view which shows the detection electrode and the connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of the comparative example 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel of Comparative Example 2.

Hereinafter, the electrode member for a touch panel, the touch panel, and the image display device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings.
It should be noted that the figures described below are exemplary for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the figures shown below.
In the following, "-" indicating the numerical range includes the numerical values described on both sides. For example, when ε1 is a numerical value α1 to a numerical value β1, the range of ε1 is a range including the numerical value α1 and the numerical value β1, and is expressed in mathematical symbols as α1 ≦ ε1 ≦ β1.
Angles such as "parallel", "vertical" and "orthogonal" include error ranges generally acceptable in the art in question, unless otherwise stated.
In addition, "identical" includes an error range generally accepted in the relevant technical field.

Unless otherwise specified, transparency means that the light transmittance is 40% or more in the visible light wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. Is.
The light transmittance is measured using "Plastic-How to determine the total light transmittance and the total light reflectance" specified in JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) K 7375: 2008.

(Image display device)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first example of an image display device.
The image display device 10 of the first example shown in FIG. 1 has a touch panel 12 and an image display unit 14, and the touch panel 12 is laminated on the display surface 14a side of the image display unit 14. The image display device 10 can detect that the area such as an image displayed on the image display unit 14 is touched.
In the image display device 10, the touch panel 12 and the image display unit 14 are laminated via a first transparent insulating layer 15. The touch panel 12 is provided with a cover layer 16 on the electrode member 18 for the touch panel via a second transparent insulating layer 17. The first transparent insulating layer 15 is provided over the entire display surface 14a of the image display unit 14. For example, when viewed from the surface 16a side of the cover layer 16, the touch panel electrode member 18 and the second transparent insulating layer 17 have the same size. Further, when viewed from the surface 16a side of the cover layer 16, the image display unit 14 is smaller than the touch panel electrode member 18, and the image display unit 14 and the first transparent insulating layer 15 have the same size.
In the image display device 10, the first transparent insulating layer 15 arranged on the display surface 14a side of the image display unit 14 so that the display object (not shown) displayed on the display surface 14a of the image display unit 14 can be visually recognized. The touch panel electrode member 18, the second transparent insulating layer 17, and the cover layer 16 are all preferably transparent.

If the cover layer 16 is made of glass, it is called a cover glass.
The surface 16a of the cover layer 16 is a touch surface of the image display device 10 and serves as an operation surface. The image display device 10 is input-operated using the surface 16a of the cover layer 16 as an operation surface. The touch surface is a surface that a finger, a stylus pen, or the like comes into contact with. The surface 16a of the cover layer 16 is a visible surface of a display object (not shown) displayed on the display surface 14a of the image display unit 14.
A controller 13 is provided on the back surface 14b of the image display unit 14. The touch panel electrode member 18 and the controller 13 are electrically connected by a flexible wiring member such as a flexible circuit board 19.

A decorative layer (not shown) having a light-shielding function may be provided on the back surface 16b of the cover layer 16. The decorative layer is provided, for example, along the outer edge of the cover layer 16 when viewed from the surface 16a side of the cover layer 16. The area where the decorative layer is provided is called the frame part. Due to the decorative layer, the frame portion does not allow the components below it, for example, the connection line, the electrode terminal, and the peripheral wiring of the touch panel electrode member 18 described later to be visually recognized.

The controller 13 is composed of a known one used for detecting contact with a finger or the like on the surface 16a of the cover layer 16 which is a touch surface. When the touch panel 12 is of the capacitance type, the controller 13 detects the position where the capacitance is changed in the electrode member for the touch panel by the contact of the finger or the like on the surface 16a of the cover layer 16 which is the touch surface. The capacitance type touch panel includes a mutual capacity type touch panel and a self-capacitance type touch panel, but is not particularly limited.

The cover layer 16 protects the touch panel electrode member 18. The structure of the cover layer 16 is not particularly limited. The cover layer 16 is preferably transparent so that a display object (not shown) displayed on the display surface 14a of the image display unit 14 can be visually recognized. The cover layer 16 is made of, for example, a glass plate, chemically strengthened glass, non-alkali glass, or the like. It is preferable that the thickness of the cover layer 16 is appropriately selected according to each application. As the cover layer 16, a plastic film, a plastic plate, or the like is used in addition to the glass plate.
Examples of raw materials for the above-mentioned plastic films and plastic plates include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN); polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, and EVA (vinyl acetate copolymerized polyethylene). ) And other polyolefins; vinyl resins; others, polycarbonate (PC), polyamides, polyimides, acrylic resins, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cycloolefin resins (COP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyarylate (PAR) ), Polyether sulphon (PES), high molecular weight acrylic resin, fluorene derivative, crystalline COP and the like can be used.
Further, the cover layer 16 may have a polarizing plate, a circular polarizing plate, or the like.
Since the surface 16a of the cover layer 16 is a touch surface as described above, a hard coat layer may be provided on the surface 16a if necessary. The thickness of the cover layer 16 is, for example, 0.1 to 1.3 mm, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.7 mm.

The configuration of the first transparent insulating layer 15 is particularly limited as long as it is transparent, has electrical insulating properties, and can stably fix the touch panel 12 and the image display unit 14. It's not a thing. As the first transparent insulating layer 15, for example, an optically transparent resin (OCR, Optical Clear Resin) such as an optically transparent adhesive (OCA, Optical Clear Adhesive) and a UV (Ultra Violet) cured resin is used. Can be used. Further, the first transparent insulating layer 15 may be partially hollow.
It should be noted that the touch panel 12 may be provided at a distance on the display surface 14a of the image display unit 14 without providing the first transparent insulating layer 15. This gap is also called an air gap.
Further, if the second transparent insulating layer 17 is transparent and has electrical insulating properties, and if the touch panel electrode member 18 and the cover layer 16 can be stably fixed, the configuration thereof is as follows. It is not particularly limited. As the second transparent insulating layer 17, the same one as the first transparent insulating layer 15 can be used.

The image display unit 14 includes a display surface 14a for displaying a display object such as an image, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The image display unit 14 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device, and may be an organic EL (Organic electroluminescence) display device. In addition to the above, the image display unit 14 includes a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a surface electric field display (SED), a field emission display (FED), and an electron. Paper etc. can be used.
The image display unit 14 is appropriately used depending on its intended use, but it is preferably in the form of a panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL panel in order to make the image display device 10 thinner. ..

(Touch panel)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first example of an image display device. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the first example of the touch panel. Hereinafter, the touch panel 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The touch panel 12 has a controller 13, a touch panel electrode member 18, and a cover layer 16. The touch panel electrode member 18 functions as a touch sensor.
The touch panel electrode member 18 has, for example, a support substrate 24, an insulating layer 25 provided on one surface of the support substrate 24, a plurality of first detection electrodes 30 provided on the insulating layer 25, and one end thereof. It has a first electrode layer 11A which is electrically connected to the first detection electrode 30 and has a plurality of first peripheral wirings 23a provided with a first external connection terminal 26a at the other end.
The flexible circuit board 19 is electrically connected to the first external connection terminal 26a and is connected to the controller 13.
Further, a transparent insulating layer 27 is formed on the first electrode layer 11A, and a plurality of second detection electrodes 32 and one end thereof are electrically connected to the second detection electrode 32 on the transparent insulating layer 27. It has a second electrode layer 11B having a plurality of second peripheral wirings 23b provided with a second external connection terminal 26b at the other end. Similar to the first electrode layer 11A, the flexible circuit board 19 is electrically connected to the second external connection terminal 26b and is connected to the controller 13.

(Electrode member for touch panel)
The touch panel electrode member 18 will be described with reference to FIG.
The touch panel electrode member 18 is a portion that functions as a touch sensor of the touch panel 12, and is a detection unit 20 that is _a detection area E1 that can be input by a user, and _a peripheral area E located outside the detection area E1. ₂ has a peripheral wiring portion 22.
The detection unit 20 has, for example, a plurality of first detection electrodes 30 and a plurality of second detection electrodes 32 as detection electrodes. The first detection electrode 30 of the first electrode layer 11A and the second detection electrode 32 of the second electrode layer 11B are arranged via the transparent insulating layer 27. The first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32 are electrically insulated by the transparent insulating layer 27. The transparent insulating layer 27 functions as an electrical insulating layer.
The plurality of first detection electrodes 30 are strip-shaped electrodes extending in the X direction in parallel with each other, and are insulated from each other in a state of being electrically insulated in the Y direction with a space of 31a in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. It is provided on the surface 25a (see FIG. 1) of the layer 25. Each of the first detection electrodes 30 is provided with a first electrode terminal 33 at at least one end in the X direction.
The plurality of second detection electrodes 32 are strip-shaped electrodes extending in the Y direction in parallel with each other, and the surface of the transparent insulating layer 27 is electrically insulated from each other in the X direction with a distance of 31b in the X direction. It is provided on 27a (see FIG. 1). The second detection electrode 32 is provided with a second electrode terminal 34 at one end in the Y direction.

The plurality of first detection electrodes 30 and the plurality of second detection electrodes 32 are provided orthogonally to each other, but are electrically insulated from each other by the transparent insulating layer 27 as described above.
The intervals 31a and 31b in the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32 are regions that are separated from the first detection electrode 30 or the second detection electrode 32 and are not electrically connected. Therefore, as described above, the plurality of first detection electrodes 30 are electrically insulated from each other in the Y direction, and the plurality of second detection electrodes 32 are electrically insulated from each other in the X direction. be. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 20 is provided with six first detection electrodes 30 and five second detection electrodes 32, but the number is not particularly limited and may be a plurality. In order to prevent the intervals 31a and 31b from being visually recognized, electrically floating dummy electrodes may be arranged at the intervals 31a and 31b.
The first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32 are, for example, a mesh formed by the intersection of the first metal wire 35a (see FIG. 3) and the second metal wire 35b (see FIG. 3). It is composed of a metal mesh with a pattern. When the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32 are metal meshes having a mesh pattern, the dummy electrodes arranged at intervals 31a and 31b are also made of a metal mesh having a mesh pattern.
The electrode width of the first detection electrode 30 and the electrode width of the second detection electrode 32 are, for example, 1 to 5 mm, and the pitch between the electrodes is 3 to 6 mm. The electrode width of the first detection electrode 30 is the maximum length in the Y direction, and the electrode width of the second detection electrode 32 is the maximum length in the X direction.

The peripheral wiring unit 22 is a peripheral wiring (first peripheral wiring 23a, second peripheral wiring) that is wiring for transmitting and transmitting a touch drive signal and a touch detection signal from the controller 13 to the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32. This is the area where the wiring 23b) is arranged. The peripheral wiring unit 22 has a plurality of first peripheral wirings 23a and a plurality of second peripheral wirings 23b. One end of the first peripheral wiring 23a is electrically connected to the first detection electrode 30 via the first electrode terminal 33, and the other end is electrically connected to the first external connection terminal 26a. Further, one end of the second peripheral wiring 23b is electrically connected to the second detection electrode 32 via the second electrode terminal 34, and the other end is electrically connected to the second external connection terminal 26b. The first electrode terminal 33 and the second electrode terminal 34 may have a solid film shape or a mesh shape as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-127658. The preferable range of the widths of the first electrode terminal 33 and the second electrode terminal 34 is 1/3 times or more and 1.2 times or less the electrode widths of the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32, respectively.

The first detection electrode 30, the first electrode terminal 33, and the first peripheral wiring 23a of the first electrode layer 11A are preferably integrally configured from the viewpoint of electrical resistance, resistance to disconnection, and the like. It is more preferable to form the same metal material. In this case, the first electrode layer 11A is formed by, for example, a lithography method.
Similarly, the second detection electrode 32, the second electrode terminal 34, and the second peripheral wiring 23b of the second electrode layer 11B are preferably integrally configured from the viewpoint of electrical resistance and resistance to disconnection. Further, it is more preferable to form the same metal material. In this case, the second electrode layer 11B is formed by, for example, a lithography method.

(Embodiment of the present invention)
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a first example of a detection electrode and a connection line of the electrode member for a touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged first example of a connection line of a touch panel electrode member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The following will explain the case where the embodiment of the present invention is used for the first electrode layer 11A of the electrode member 18 for a touch panel.

In the detection electrode, that is, the first detection electrode 30, the first metal wire 35a extending in the _first direction D1 and the second metal wire 35b extending in the _second direction D2 different from the _first direction D1 intersect with each other. It is composed of a metal mesh formed by intersecting with.
The plurality of connecting lines 37 extend in a third direction D ₃ different from the first direction D ₁ and the second direction D ₂ , respectively, and have a line width larger than the line width of the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b, respectively. Has. The plurality of connecting lines 37 are electrically connected to the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b at a place other than the intersection C. In FIG. 3, for example, six connecting lines 37 are spaced apart along the _fourth direction D4.
The metal mesh composed of the first metal wire 35a and the second metal wire 35b has, for example, a mesh pattern having a plurality of diamond grids 36. The intersection angle between the first direction D ₁ and the second direction D ₂ is preferably 40 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less.

The first electrode terminal 33 extends in the fourth direction D ₄ , which is different from the first direction D ₁ , the second direction D ₂ , and the third direction D ₃ . For example, the fourth direction D ₄ is a direction orthogonal to the third direction D ₃ . That is, the third direction D ₃ and the fourth direction D ₄ are orthogonal to each other. The first electrode terminal 33 of the first detection electrode 30 extends in the Y direction, and the fourth direction D ₄ is in the Y direction. The intersection angle (narrow angle) between the first direction D ₁ and the fourth direction D ₄ is preferably 20 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. The intersection angle (narrow angle) between the second direction D ₂ and the fourth direction D ₄ is preferably 20 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less, and the intersection angle (narrow angle) between the first direction D ₁ and the fourth direction D ₄ is preferable. The angle) and the intersection angle (narrow angle) of the second direction D ₂ and the fourth direction D ₄ are preferably the same.

For example, the connecting line 37 has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A pair of parallel trapezoidal bases 37b, 37c extend in the _third direction D3, respectively, and a hypotenuse 37a connecting the ends of the pair of bottoms 37b, 37c extends in the _first direction D1 or the _second direction D2. ing. As shown in FIG. 4, the first metal thin wire 35a or the second metal thin wire 35b is electrically connected to the hypotenuse 37a of the trapezoidal connecting wire 37. The height h of the connecting line 37 is the maximum length of the connecting line along the _third direction D3, and in FIG. 4, it is the length along the _third direction D3 of the base 37c. The line width δ of the connecting line 37 is the third direction of the connecting line in the region where the extension line of the first metal thin wire 35a and the first metal thin wire 35a or the extension line of the second metal thin wire 35b and the second metal thin wire 35b intersects. Is the maximum length along the direction perpendicular to.
In addition, the plan view means to see the electrode member for the touch panel from the upper surface, and when the electrode member for the touch panel is a touch panel, it is to see from the surface 16a side of the cover layer 16.

The configuration of the connecting line is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged second example of the connection line of the electrode member for the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the electrode member for the touch panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the 3rd example of a connection line in an enlarged manner. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Like the connection line 38 shown in FIG. 5, it may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. The rectangular connecting line 38 is provided with the side side 38b parallel to the _third direction D3. The first metal thin wire 35a or the second metal thin wire 35b is electrically connected to the upper side 38a of the connection wire 38. The upper side 38a of the connecting line 38 is a side parallel to the _fourth direction D4. The height h of the connecting line 38 is the maximum length along the _third direction D3, and is the length of the side side 38b. The line width δ of the connecting line 38 is the third direction of the connecting line in the region where the extension line of the first metal thin wire 35a and the first metal thin wire 35a or the extension line of the second metal thin wire 35b and the second metal thin wire 35b intersects. The maximum length along the direction perpendicular to _D3 .
Like the connection line 39 shown in FIG. 6, it may have a triangular shape in a plan view. The first metal thin wire 35a or the second metal fine wire 35b is electrically connected to the hypotenuse 39a of the triangular-shaped connecting wire 39. The height h of the connecting line 39 in the shape of a triangle is the maximum length along the _third direction D3. The line width δ of the connecting line 39 is the third direction of the connecting line in the region where the extension line of the first metal thin wire 35a and the first metal thin wire 35a or the extension line of the second metal thin wire 35b and the second metal thin wire 35b intersects. It is the maximum length along the direction perpendicular to and the length of the line Ls perpendicular to the third direction passing through the point 39d.

As described above, by making the line width of the connecting wire larger than that of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire, the connection point between the connecting wire and the detection electrode is less likely to be broken. Further, by increasing the line width of the connecting line, for example, when a connecting line is produced by combining a photography method and etching, even if the connecting line is excessively etched, the exposure of the connecting line pattern is insufficient at the time of pattern exposure. However, there is a large dimensional margin, and it is possible to prevent the connection point between the connection line and the detection electrode from being broken.
Further, by electrically connecting the connecting wire to the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire at a place other than the intersection of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire, stress concentration can be avoided and the connecting wire can be avoided. Since the number of wires can be increased, it becomes difficult to break the wire between the electrode terminal and the detection electrode. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, stress concentration can be avoided by electrically connecting the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire along the hypotenuse, and the connecting line can be avoided. And the connection point with the detection electrode is less likely to break. As a result, the continuity of the first detection electrode 30 can be ensured.
Further, by providing a plurality of connecting wires, the continuity of the first detection electrode 30 can be ensured even if some of the plurality of connecting wires are disconnected.
It is more preferable that the extending direction of the first metal thin wire and the extending direction of the second metal thin wire are parallel to the hypotenuse of the connecting line because stress concentration is difficult even if the width of the connecting line is widened.
Further, in the above-mentioned configuration of the connecting wire, it is not necessary to widen the line widths of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire, and the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire are suppressed from being visually recognized, so that the visibility is improved. improves.

The line width of the first metal wire 35a or the second metal wire 35b is preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and further preferably 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less. If the line width of the first metal wire 35a or the second metal wire 35b is 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, the electric resistance is small and it is difficult to see.
In any of the above-mentioned connecting lines, the line width of the connecting line intersects the extension line of the first metal thin wire 35a and the first metal thin wire 35a, or the extension line of the second metal thin wire 35b and the second metal thin wire 35b. The maximum length of the connecting line of the region along the direction perpendicular to the third direction D ₃ is 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and the maximum length of the connecting line along the third direction D ₃ is 50 μm or more and 50 μm or less. It is preferably 200 μm or less. When the line width of the connecting line is 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less and the maximum length of the connecting line is 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less, sufficient conductivity can be ensured.

The difference between the line width δ of the connecting line and the line widths of the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b is preferably 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less. If the difference between the line width of the connecting wire 37 and the line widths of the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b is 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less, any of the connecting wire, the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b. However, it becomes difficult to see.
Of the plurality of connecting lines, the spacing W (see FIG. 4) between the connecting lines adjacent to each other is preferably 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less. When the interval W of the connection lines is 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, the electrical connection between the detection electrode and the electrode terminal can be well maintained.
The above-mentioned spacing W of the connecting lines adjacent to each other is the distance between the connecting lines adjacent to each other in the _fourth direction D4. For the line width of the above-mentioned thin metal wire, the line width of the connecting line, the length of the connecting line, and the distance between the connecting lines adjacent to each other, use an optical microscope to obtain an image of the thin metal wire, the connecting line, and the electrode terminal. get. Then, it can be calculated by performing image analysis on the image.

The detection electrode, peripheral wiring, electrode terminal, and a plurality of connecting wires are preferably formed of the same metal material, and the metal material is preferably copper.
By forming the detection electrode, peripheral wiring, electrode terminal, and a plurality of connecting wires with the same metal material, they can be simultaneously formed in the same process. Further, by using copper as the metal material, the electric resistance can be reduced.
Although the configuration in which the connection line of the present invention is provided in the first electrode layer 11A of the touch panel electrode member 18 has been described in FIGS. 3 to 6, of course, the present invention is provided in the second electrode layer 11B of the touch panel electrode member 18. A configuration having a connecting line of is also applicable. When applied to the second electrode layer 11B, the second electrode terminal 34 of the second detection electrode 32 extends in the X direction, and the fourth direction D ₄ is in the X direction. It is preferable to use the connecting wire of the present invention for both the first electrode layer 11A and the second electrode layer 11B, but the connecting wire of the present invention may be used for either one.

(Other examples of image display devices)
The present invention is not limited to the image display device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and other examples of the image display device 10 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second example of the image display device, and FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third example of the image display device. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the image display device 10a of the second example shown in FIG. 7, the cover layer 16 is made of, for example, a glass substrate as compared with the image display device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the cover layer 16 is on the back surface 16b of the cover layer 16. The second detection electrode 32 is arranged in the transparent insulating layer 27, and the first detection electrode 30 is arranged via the transparent insulating layer 27. In the image display device 10a, the cover layer 16 functions as a support substrate 24.
Further, the touch panel electrode member 18 is composed of a glass substrate which is a cover layer 16, a first detection electrode 30, a second detection electrode 32, and a transparent insulating layer 27. In the touch panel electrode member 18, the transparent insulating layer 27 functions as an insulating layer that electrically insulates the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32.
A peripheral wiring insulating layer 50 is provided on the first peripheral wiring 23a of the first electrode layer 11A.
On the back surface 16b of the cover layer 16, a transparent insulating layer 52 that covers the first detection electrode 30 and the peripheral wiring insulating layer 50 on the first peripheral wiring 23a is provided. The image display unit 14 is connected to the transparent insulating layer 52 with the display surface 14a facing. As the transparent insulating layer 52, the same one as the above-mentioned first transparent insulating layer 15 can be used.

Further, the image display device 10b of the third example shown in FIG. 8 has a first electrode layer 11A and a second electrode on both surfaces of the support substrate 24, respectively, as compared with the image display device 10 shown in FIG. The difference is that the layer 11B is provided. Insulating layers 25 are provided on the front surface 24a and the back surface 24b of the support substrate 24, respectively. The second electrode layer 11B is provided on the insulating layer 25 on the front surface 24a side, and the first electrode layer 11A is provided on the insulating layer 25 on the back surface 24b side. The support substrate 24 electrically insulates the first detection electrode 30 and the second detection electrode 32.
A transparent insulating layer 52 that covers a part of the peripheral wiring insulating layer 50 on the first detection electrode 30 and the first peripheral wiring 23a is provided. A second transparent insulating layer 17 that covers the second detection electrode 32 is provided on the insulating layer 25 on the surface 24a side of the support substrate 24, and a cover layer 16 is provided on the second transparent insulating layer 17. ..
On the insulating layer 25 on the back surface 24b side of the support substrate 24, a transparent insulating layer 52 that covers a part of the peripheral wiring insulating layer 50 on the first detection electrode 30 and the first peripheral wiring 23a is provided. The image display unit 14 is connected to the transparent insulating layer 52 with the display surface 14a facing.

Hereinafter, each part of the conductive member for the touch panel and the touch panel will be described.
<1st metal thin wire, 2nd metal thin wire>
The first metal wire 35a (see FIG. 3) and the second metal wire 35b (see FIG. 3) are the first detection electrode 30 (see FIG. 2) and the second detection electrode 32 (see FIG. 2) as described above. It constitutes. A metal mesh is formed by the intersection of the first metal wire 35a and the second metal wire 35b at the intersection.
The line widths of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire are preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less as described above. Within the above range, the electrical resistance is small and it is difficult to see, that is, the visibility is excellent.
The thickness of the first metal wire and the second metal wire is not particularly limited, but is more preferably 10 μm or less, further preferably 1 μm or less, particularly preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and 0. Most preferably, it is 05 to 0.8 μm. Within the above range, the electrical resistance is small and the durability is excellent.

The first metal wire and the second metal wire are composed of, for example, a single metal or a laminate of metals. When the first metal wire and the second metal wire are composed of a single metal, they are formed by, for example, a vapor deposition method or a sputtering method.
Examples of the metal contained in the first metal wire and the second metal wire include metals or alloys such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and aluminum (Al). Be done. Of these, silver and copper are preferable because the first metal wire and the second metal wire are excellent in conductivity. The first metal wire and the second metal wire are not limited to a single metal, and may be a laminated body structure, for example, a three-layer structure of molybdenum, copper, and molybdenum.
Further, for example, the first metal wire and the second metal wire include those containing a plurality of metal particles dispersed in the polymer. In this case, in the first metal wire and the second metal wire, a plurality of metal particles are often dispersed in the polymer. The shape of the metal particles is not particularly limited to the particle shape or the like, and may be, for example, a form in which the metal particles are fused and bonded to a part or the whole.
The metal particles contained in the first metal wire and the second metal wire are portions that guarantee conductivity. The metal particles may be present discretely or aggregated in the polymer. By forming the metal particles with silver, the occurrence of disconnection failure of the first metal wire and the second metal wire is reduced.

When the first metal wire and the second metal wire contain a metal and a polymer, the type of the polymer is not particularly limited, and a known polymer can be used. Specifically, gelatin, (meth) acrylic resin, styrene resin, vinyl resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polycarbonate resin, polydiene resin, epoxy resin, Examples thereof include at least one resin selected from the group consisting of silicone-based resins, cellulose-based polymers and chitosan-based polymers, and copolymers composed of monomers constituting these resins. Among them, as the polymer, a specific polymer described later is preferable. The specific polymer is a polymer other than gelatin, that is, a polymer different from gelatin. As the metal fine particles, fine particles such as silver, copper, and gold are used.
The ratio of the plurality of metal particles contained in the fine metal wire is preferably 70% by volume or more, and the upper limit is 90% by volume. When the ratio of the metal particles is 70% by volume or more, sufficient conductivity can be obtained. The proportion of metal particles can be determined as described below.
In the case of a configuration containing a metal and a polymer, for example, a fine metal wire is formed by a manufacturing method using silver halide.

The first metal wire and the second metal wire are not limited to those composed of the above-mentioned metals or alloys, and are, for example, metal oxide particles, silver paste and metal paste such as copper paste, and silver. It may contain metal nanowire particles such as nanowires and copper nanowires.
Further, the first metal wire and the second metal wire may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. Examples of the thin metal wire include a structure in which a copper oxynitride layer, a copper layer, and a copper oxynitride layer are sequentially laminated, or a structure in which molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), and molybdenum (Mo) are sequentially laminated. Alternatively, the structure may be such that molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo) are sequentially laminated.
In order to reduce the reflectance of the first metal wire and the second metal wire, the surfaces of the first metal wire and the second metal wire may be formed by a blackening treatment by sulfurizing or oxidizing treatment. Further, a blackening layer may be provided to obscure the first metal wire and the second metal wire. The blackening layer reduces the reflectance of the first metal wire and the second metal wire, for example. The blackened layer can be made of copper nitride, copper oxide, copper oxynitride, molybdenum oxide, AgO, Pd, carbon or other nitrides or oxides. The blackening layer is arranged on the visible side of the first metal wire and the second metal wire, that is, on the surface side of the cover layer of the first metal wire and the second metal wire.

[Mesh pattern]
In the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode, the mesh pattern composed of the first metal wire and the second metal wire is preferably a mesh pattern composed of a diamond lattice having the same shape. The length of one side of the rhombus lattice is preferably 50 μm or more and 1500 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or more and 800 μm or less, and further preferably 200 μm or more and 600 μm or less from the viewpoint of visibility.
In the mesh pattern, the aperture ratio of the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode is preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more from the viewpoint of visible light transmittance. The larger the aperture ratio of the mesh pattern, the more difficult it is to see the first metal wire and the second metal wire.

<Manufacturing method>
The method for producing the first metal wire and the second metal wire is not particularly limited as long as it can be formed on a transparent insulating substrate, etc. The plating method described in JP-A-2012-6377, JP-A-2014-121512, JP-A-2014-209332, JP-A-2015-22397, JP-A-2016-192200, WO2016 / 157585, etc. The silver salt method described, the vapor deposition method described in JP-A-2014-29614, and the printing method using conductive ink described in JP-A-2011-28985 can be appropriately used.

<Peripheral wiring>
The peripheral wiring is composed of a single metal or a laminated metal as in the case of the first metal wire and the second metal wire. The line width of the peripheral wiring is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The upper limit is more preferably 30 μm or less, and even more preferably 15 μm or less. Within the above range, a touch panel having a small electric resistance can be formed relatively easily. Further, when the line width of the peripheral wiring is 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less, the area of the peripheral wiring portion of the touch panel can be reduced, that is, the frame can be narrowed.
The peripheral wiring can also be formed by the above-mentioned method for manufacturing a thin metal wire, and the first peripheral wiring and the first detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process. Further, the second peripheral wiring and the second detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process.

<Electrode terminal>
The electrode terminal is a portion that electrically connects the detection electrode composed of the first metal wire and the second metal wire and the peripheral wiring, and is a simple metal or a metal like the first metal wire and the second metal wire. It is composed of a laminated body of. The shape of the electrode terminal may be rectangular, and may be a frame shape or a mesh shape. The length of the electrode terminal is 1/3 times or more and 1.2 times or less the electrode width.
The electrode terminal can also be formed by the above-mentioned method for manufacturing a thin metal wire, and the first electrode terminal, the first peripheral wiring, and the first detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process. Further, the second electrode terminal, the second peripheral wiring, and the second detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process.

<Connecting line>
The connection wire is a portion that electrically connects the detection electrode composed of the first metal wire and the second metal wire and the electrode terminal, and is a simple metal or a metal like the first metal wire and the second metal wire. It is composed of a laminated body of. The line width of the connecting line is 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and the length of the connecting line is 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less.
The connecting wire can also be formed by the above-mentioned method for manufacturing a thin metal wire, and the connecting wire, the first electrode terminal, the first peripheral wiring, and the first detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process. Further, the connection wire, the second electrode terminal, the second peripheral wiring, and the second detection electrode can be formed of the same material at the same time in the same process.

<Support board>
The support substrate 24 supports the first detection electrode, the second detection electrode, the first peripheral wiring, and the second peripheral wiring. The cover layer may also function as a support substrate. The support substrate also functions as an insulating substrate that electrically insulates the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode.
The support substrate is composed of a resin substrate or a glass substrate. The glass substrate also includes a cover glass constituting the cover layer.
The type of the support substrate is not particularly limited as long as the above can be achieved. Examples of the material of the support substrate include a transparent resin material and a transparent inorganic material. The same material as the support substrate can be used for the cover layer.
Specific examples of the material constituting the resin substrate include acetyl cellulose-based resins such as triacetyl cellulose, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), and poly. Olefin resins such as methylpentene, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), acrylic resins such as polymethylmethacrylate, polyurethane resins, polyether sulfone, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether, polyether ketone , Acronitrile, and methacrylonitrile. The thickness of the transparent resin material is preferably 20 to 200 μm, more preferably 30 to 100 μm.
Specific examples of the material constituting the glass substrate include non-alkali glass, alkaline glass, chemically strengthened glass, soda glass, potash glass, glass such as lead glass, and translucent piezoelectric ceramics (PLZT (zircon titanate). Examples thereof include ceramics such as lanthanum acid (lead)), quartz, fluorite and sapphire. The preferred thickness of the glass substrate is 0.1 to 1.3 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 1.1 mm.
Depending on the application of the electrode member for the touch panel, the support substrate does not necessarily have to be transparent, but the total light transmittance of the support substrate is preferably 40% to 100%. The total light transmittance is measured by using, for example, "Plastic-How to determine the total light transmittance and the total light reflectance" specified in JIS K 7375: 2008.
The transparent insulating substrate is not limited to an independent member as a member as in the above-mentioned substrate, but may be in a form called a layer or a film. Therefore, the transparent insulating substrate may be a transparent insulating layer or a transparent insulating film coated with an acrylic resin.

One preferred embodiment of the support substrate is a treated substrate that has been subjected to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, corona discharge treatment and ultraviolet irradiation treatment. By performing the above-mentioned treatment, a hydrophilic group such as an OH group is introduced into the surface of the treated support substrate on which the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are provided, and the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are provided. Adhesion is improved. Among the above-mentioned treatments, the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment is preferable in that the adhesion between the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode is further improved.

<Insulation layer>
As another preferred embodiment of the support substrate, it is preferable to have an insulating layer containing a polymer on the surface on which the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are provided. By forming the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode on the insulating layer, the adhesion between the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode and the support substrate is further improved. The insulating layer is also called a base layer.
The method for forming the insulating layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method in which a composition for forming a base layer containing a polymer is applied onto a substrate and heat treatment is performed as necessary. The composition for forming the underlayer may contain a solvent, if necessary. The type of solvent is not particularly limited. Further, as the composition for forming the base layer containing the polymer, gelatin, acrylic resin, urethane resin, or acrylic styrene-based latex containing inorganic or polymer fine particles may be used. When the above-mentioned insulating layer is made of acrylic resin or the like, it is also referred to as an organic insulating layer.
The thickness of the insulating layer is not particularly limited and may be about 10 μm, but 0.02 to 2.0 μm is preferable in that the adhesion between the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode and the support substrate is more excellent. , 0.03 to 1.5 μm is more preferable.
If necessary, an ultraviolet absorbing layer may be provided between the support substrate and the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode as another layer in addition to the above-mentioned insulating layer, and the refractive index adjusting layer may be provided. May be provided.

<Transparent insulating layer>
If the transparent insulating layer 27 arranged between the first electrode layer 11A and the second electrode layer 11B is transparent and has electrical insulating properties, and can insulate the first electrode layer 11A and the second electrode layer 11B. Although not particularly limited, for example, an insulating layer or a support substrate is used. As a material constituting the insulating layer, for example, an inorganic film such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, acrylic resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin and the like can be used. As the insulating layer, an organic film is preferable, and an acrylic resin is particularly preferable. The thickness of the transparent insulating member is, for example, preferably 0.05 μm to 700 μm, more preferably 0.1 μm to 100 μm. In particular, when the transparent insulating member is an insulating layer of an organic film, the thickness is preferably 1 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 3 μm.

<Peripheral wiring insulation layer>
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a peripheral wiring insulating layer 50 may be formed on the first peripheral wiring 23a for the purpose of preventing migration and corrosion of the take-out wiring. As the peripheral wiring insulating layer, for example, an organic film such as acrylic resin or urethane resin is used. The film thickness of the peripheral wiring insulating layer is preferably 1 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

(Method of forming the electrode layer)
The method of forming the electrode layer constituting the detection electrode, the connecting wire, the electrode terminal and the peripheral wiring is not particularly limited. As a method for forming the metal layer constituting the electrode layer, for example, a plating method, a silver salt method, a thin-film deposition method, a printing method and the like can be appropriately used.
A method of forming a metal layer by a plating method will be described. For example, the metal layer can be composed of a metal plating film formed on the base layer by electroless plating the base layer. In this case, the catalyst ink containing at least metal fine particles is formed in a pattern on the base material, and then the base material is immersed in an electroless plating bath to form a metal plating film. More specifically, the method for producing a metal-coated substrate described in JP-A-2014-159620 can be used. Further, after forming a resin composition having a functional group capable of interacting with at least a metal catalyst precursor in a pattern on a substrate, a catalyst or a catalyst precursor is applied, and the substrate is immersed in an electroless plating bath. , Formed by forming a metal plating film. More specifically, the method for producing a metal-coated substrate described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-144761 can be applied.

The plating method may be only electroless plating, or electroless plating and then electrolytic plating may be performed. An additive method can be used as the plating method.
The additive method is a method of forming a fine metal wire by subjecting a plating treatment or the like only to a portion of the transparent substrate on which the fine metal wire is desired to be formed. The additive method is preferable from the viewpoint of productivity and the like.
A subtractive method can also be used to form the first metal wire and the second metal wire. The subtractive method is a method in which a conductive layer is formed on a transparent substrate, and unnecessary portions are removed by an etching treatment such as a chemical etching treatment to form a fine metal wire.

A method of forming a metal layer by a silver salt method will be described. First, the silver salt emulsion layer containing silver halide is exposed to an exposure pattern using an exposure pattern to be a first metal wire and a second metal wire, and then a development process is performed to obtain the first metal wire and the second metal wire. Fine metal wires can be formed. More specifically, the method for producing a thin metal wire described in JP-A-2015-22597 can be used.
A method of forming a metal layer by a thin-film deposition method will be described. First, a copper foil layer is formed by thin film deposition, and a copper wiring is formed from the copper foil layer by a photolithography method, whereby a first metal wire and a second metal wire can be formed. As the copper foil layer, electrolytic copper foil can be used in addition to the vapor-deposited copper foil. More specifically, the step of forming the copper wiring described in JP-A-2014-29614 can be used.
A method of forming a metal layer by a printing method will be described. First, the conductive paste containing the conductive powder is applied to the substrate in the same pattern as the first metal wire and the second metal wire, and then heat-treated to form the first metal wire and the second metal wire. can do. The pattern formation using the conductive paste is performed by, for example, an inkjet method or a screen printing method. More specifically, as the conductive paste, the conductive paste described in JP-A-2011-28885 can be used.

The present invention is basically configured as described above. Although the touch panel electrode member, the touch panel, and the image display device of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements or changes are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, you may.

Hereinafter, the features of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. The materials, reagents, amounts of substances and their ratios, operations and the like shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In this example, the electrode members for the touch panel of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were produced. The electrode disconnection rate, heat cycle, and visibility of the touch panel electrode members of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below. Hereinafter, the electrode disconnection rate, the heat cycle, and the visibility will be described.

(Electrode disconnection rate)
Regarding the electrode disconnection rate, the detected electrode disconnection rate in the state immediately after the production, that is, in the initial state, was examined for the produced electrode member for the touch panel. Regarding the electrode disconnection rate, the detection electrode disconnection rate in the initial state was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
In all the detected electrodes of the 10 touch panel electrode members (58 detection electrodes in one touch panel electrode member; total 580 detection electrodes), the conduction between the electrode terminal and the central part of the detection electrode was measured using a tester. , The one having a resistance value of ∞ (infinity) was judged to be an electrode disconnection, and the ratio of the detection electrodes having the electrode disconnection was defined as the electrode disconnection rate.
Evaluation criteria A: Electrode disconnection rate is less than 0.5% B: Electrode disconnection rate is 0.5% or more and less than 2% C: Electrode disconnection rate is 2% or more

(heat cycle)
Regarding the heat cycle, temperature −40 ° C. → temperature + 85 ° C. → temperature −40 ° C. was set as one cycle, and this cycle was repeated 5 times for the prepared electrode member for the touch panel, and then the electrode disconnection rate was examined. In the heat cycle, the electrode disconnection rate was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
For the heat cycle, the thermal shock device TSA-303EL (ESPEC CO., LTD.) Was used, and all the detection electrodes of the 10 touch panel electrode members (58 detection electrodes in one touch panel electrode member, total 580 detection electrodes). After performing the heat cycle, the continuity between the electrode terminal and the central part of the detection electrode is measured using a tester, and the one whose resistance value is ∞ (infinity) is judged to be the electrode disconnection, and the electrode disconnection is performed. The ratio of the detected electrodes present was defined as the electrode disconnection rate.
Evaluation criteria A: Electrode disconnection rate is less than 0.5% B: Electrode disconnection rate is 0.5% or more and less than 2% C: Electrode disconnection rate is 2% or more

(Visibility)
Regarding visibility, after the electrode member for the touch panel is manufactured, the electrode member for the touch panel is arranged on the liquid crystal display so that the detection area overlaps the consular area of the liquid crystal display, and the visibility when the liquid crystal display is displayed in white is darkened. In the room, 10 evaluators visually evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
Evaluation Criteria A: One or less evaluators felt that the outer peripheral portion of the detection area of the electrode member for the touch panel was dark.
B: Two or more and three or less evaluators felt that the outer peripheral portion of the detection area of the electrode member for the touch panel was dark.
C: Four or more evaluators felt that the outer peripheral portion of the detection area of the electrode member for the touch panel was dark.

Hereinafter, Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 will be described.
<Example 1>
In Example 1, first, a polyethylene terephthalate film (hereinafter referred to as PET film) having a thickness of 100 μm was prepared as a resin substrate.
Next, an organic insulating layer was formed on the PET film with an acrylic resin. The thickness of the organic insulating layer was 10.0 μm.
Next, a first metal wire and a second metal wire were formed on the organic insulating layer to prepare a first detection electrode. First, a metal layer was obtained by sequentially sputtering a film on the organic insulating layer so that Mo had a thickness of 20 nm, Cu had a thickness of 300 nm, and Mo had a thickness of 20 nm.

Next, the resist composition was applied onto the metal layer, prebaked, and then patterned and subjected to alkaline development. Then, it was post-baked to form a patterned resist film. Then, using an etching solution (pH (hydrogen ion index) 5.23) prepared with 10% by mass of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, 10% by mass of ammonium acetate, 6% by mass of hydrogen peroxide, and the balance of water, the metal was used. The layer is etched, and then the resist film is peeled off with a stripping solution to form a first electrode layer having the detection electrodes, connection wires, electrode terminals and peripheral wiring shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the electrode member for the touch panel is formed. Made. The line width of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire was 4 μm.
The connecting line had a trapezoidal shape in a plan view, its line width was 30 μm, and its length was 100 μm. The length of the electrode terminals was 3.8 mm (width of the detection electrode 4.0 mm), the number of connecting lines was 6, and the distance between the connecting lines was 600 μm. The line width of the thin metal wire, the line width and length of the connecting line, the length of the electrode terminals, and the interval between the connecting lines were measured using an optical microscope (Digital Microscope VHX-7000 manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION).

<Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2>
Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were the same as in Example 1 except that the exposure pattern was changed and the configuration of the connecting line was changed.
In Example 2, the configuration of the connecting line 38 shown in FIG. 5 was used for the exposure pattern. The connecting line had a rectangular shape in a plan view, its line width was 30 μm, and its maximum length was 100 μm.
In Example 2, the connection point between the connection line and the detection electrode was other than the intersection of the metal mesh.
In Example 3, the configuration of the connecting line 39 shown in FIG. 6 was used for the exposure pattern. The connecting line had a triangular shape in a plan view, its line width was 40 μm, and its maximum length was 100 μm.
In Example 3, the connection point between the connection line and the detection electrode was other than the intersection of the metal mesh.
In Comparative Example 1, in order to manufacture the electrode member for the touch panel, the connection line 102 of the electrode pattern 100 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 was used as the exposure pattern. The line width of the connecting line was 4 μm, which was the same as that of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire.
In Comparative Example 1, the connection point between the connection line and the detection electrode was the intersection of the metal mesh.
In Comparative Example 2, in order to manufacture the electrode member for the touch panel, the connection line 106 of the electrode pattern 100a shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 was used as the exposure pattern. The connecting line had a rectangular shape in a plan view, its line width was 30 μm, and its maximum length was 100 μm.
In Comparative Example 2, the connection point between the connection line and the detection electrode was the intersection of the metal mesh.

Here, FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing the detection electrodes and connection lines of the touch panel electrode member of Comparative Example 1, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged connection line of the touch panel electrode member of Comparative Example 1. It is a plan view. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the detection electrodes and connection lines of the touch panel electrode member of Comparative Example 2, and FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the connection lines of the touch panel electrode member of Comparative Example 2 in an enlarged manner. be. 9 to 12, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electrode pattern 100 of the electrode member for the touch panel of Comparative Example 1, the intersection C of the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b is connected to the first electrode terminal 33 and the second electrode terminal 34 by the connection wire 102. Has been done. The connecting wire 102 has a triangular member 103 and a wire rod 104 in a plan view. The member 103 is connected to the first electrode terminal 33 and the second electrode terminal 34, and the wire rod 104 connects the intersection C and the member 103. The width of the wire 104 is the line width δ of the connecting wire 102.
In the electrode pattern 100a of the electrode member for the touch panel of Comparative Example 2, the intersection C of the first metal thin wire 35a and the second metal thin wire 35b is connected to the connection line 106. The connecting line 106 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the rectangle in the _fourth direction D4 is the line width δ of the connecting line 106.

As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 3, the electrodes were less likely to be broken and the visibility was excellent as compared with Comparative Examples 1 and 2.
From Examples 1 to 3, it is preferable that the shape of the connecting line in a plan view is a square shape including a trapezoid because it is difficult to see. Further, from Examples 1 to 3, it is preferable to connect the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire to the hypotenuse of the connecting wire because the electrodes are less likely to be broken.

10, 10a, 10b Image display device 11A 1st electrode layer 11B 2nd electrode layer 12 Touch panel 13 Controller 14 Image display unit 14a Display surface 14b Back surface 15 First transparent insulating layer 16 Cover layer 16a, 24a, 25a Surface surface 16b, 24b Back side 17 Second transparent insulating layer 18 Electrode member for touch panel 19 Flexible circuit board 20 Detection part 22 Peripheral wiring part 22b Termination part 23a First peripheral wiring 23b Second peripheral wiring 24 Support board 25 Insulation layer 26a First external connection terminal 26b 2nd external connection terminal 27 Transparent insulating layer 30 1st detection electrode 31a, 31b Spacing 32 2nd detection electrode 33 1st electrode terminal 34 2nd electrode terminal 35a 1st metal thin wire 35b 2nd metal fine wire 36 Diamond grid 37, 38, 39, 40 Connection line 37a, 39a, 40a Oblique side 37b, 37c Bottom side 38a Top side 38b Side side 40b Apex 40c Side 50 Peripheral wiring Insulation layer 52 Transparent insulation layer 100, 100a Electrode pattern C Crossing part D ₁ First direction D ₂ Second Direction D ₃ 3rd direction D ₄ 4th direction E ₁ Detection area E ₂ Peripheral area h Height W Spacing δ Line width

Claims (15)

The detection electrodes placed in the detection area and
Peripheral wiring arranged in the peripheral area outside the detection area and
Electrode terminals electrically connected to the peripheral wiring and
A touch panel electrode member including a plurality of connection lines connecting the detection electrode and the electrode terminal.
The detection electrode is composed of a metal mesh formed by intersecting a first metal wire extending in the first direction and a second metal wire extending in a second direction different from the first direction at an intersection.
The plurality of connecting lines extend in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and have a line width larger than the line widths of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire. An electrode member for a touch panel that is electrically connected to the first metal wire and the second metal wire at a location other than the intersection. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the electrode terminal extends in the first direction, the second direction, and a fourth direction different from the third direction. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 2, wherein the fourth direction is a direction orthogonal to the third direction. The electrode member for a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting line has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view. A pair of parallel bases of the trapezoid extend in the third direction, respectively.
The touch panel electrode member according to claim 4, wherein the hypotenuse connecting the ends of the pair of bottoms extends in the first direction or the second direction. The line width of the connecting line is 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less.
The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 5, wherein the maximum length of the connecting line along the third direction is 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 6, wherein the line widths of the first metal wire and the second metal wire are 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 7, wherein the difference between the line width of the connecting line and the line widths of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire is 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 8, wherein among the plurality of connecting lines, the distance between the connecting lines adjacent to each other is 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less. The touch panel electrode member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the detection electrode, the peripheral wiring, the electrode terminal, and the plurality of connecting wires are made of the same metal material. The electrode member for a touch panel according to claim 10, wherein the metal material is copper. Further equipped with a resin substrate,
The touch panel electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detection electrode, the peripheral wiring, the electrode terminal, and the plurality of connection lines are arranged on one surface of the resin substrate. Element. With more glass substrate,
The touch panel electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detection electrode, the peripheral wiring, the electrode terminal, and the plurality of connection lines are arranged on one surface of the glass substrate. Element. A touch panel having the electrode member for a touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The image display device having the touch panel according to claim 14.

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