JP4791591B1 - Touch panel and portable device using the touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

A touch panel capable of preventing the occurrence of Newton rings and improving visibility and a portable device using the touch panel are provided.
An upper transparent electrode substrate 1 having an upper transparent electrode 5 on one surface, and a lower transparent electrode substrate 2 having a lower transparent electrode 6 on a surface opposite to the surface on which the upper transparent electrode 5 is disposed. An insulating transparent adhesive layer 3 disposed between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 and dispersedly containing a plurality of pressure-sensitive particles, and the other of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 When a force acts on the surface, conduction is performed between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 due to a current flowing between the pressure-sensitive particles in the transparent adhesive layer 3 with the acting force, In the touch panel for detecting the position coordinate where the force is applied along the other surface of the upper transparent electrode base material 1, a transparent liquid is formed between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the insulating transparent adhesive layer 3. The intermediate layer 4 is formed and the air layer is eliminated. To have.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel applicable to a mobile phone, a portable game machine, an electronic dictionary, a car navigation system, a personal computer, a digital camera, a video camera, a portable MD (PMD), and other portable devices, and a portable device using the touch panel. About.

  Between the upper transparent electrode base material and the lower transparent electrode base material of the touch panel, a space maintained by the space is secured so that the transparent electrodes arranged on the respective inner surfaces normally do not contact and do not conduct. Yes. Only when the pressing force is applied, the upper transparent electrode base material is deflected, and the transparent electrodes are brought into contact with each other to conduct, thereby detecting the position coordinates where the pressing force is applied (see Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. WO2005 / 064451

  However, external light is reflected at the interface between the transparent electrode of the upper transparent electrode substrate and the space, and at the interface between the space and the transparent electrode of the lower transparent electrode substrate, and is between the upper and lower transparent electrode substrates. Depending on the amount of gap in the space, Newton rings are likely to occur, and there is a problem in visibility.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and provide a touch panel that can suppress reflection at the interface, prevent the occurrence of Newton rings, and improve visibility, and a portable device using the touch panel. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an upper transparent electrode substrate having an upper transparent electrode on one surface;
A lower transparent electrode substrate having a lower transparent electrode on a surface facing the surface on which the upper transparent electrode is disposed;
An insulating transparent adhesive layer disposed between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode and containing a plurality of pressure-sensitive particles in a dispersed manner;
When a force is applied to the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate, an electric current flows between the pressure-sensitive particles in the transparent adhesive layer with the applied force, thereby causing the gap between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode. In the touch panel that detects the position coordinates along which the force is applied, along the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate,
Provided is a touch panel in which a transparent liquid intermediate layer is formed between the upper transparent electrode and the insulating transparent adhesive layer.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the touch panel according to the first aspect, wherein the intermediate layer is a silicone-based or fluorine-based inert liquid.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a force acts on the other surface of the upper transparent electrode base material, a current flows between the pressure-sensitive particles in the transparent adhesive layer due to the acting force, whereby the upper portion The resistance value between a transparent electrode and the said lower transparent electrode changes, The touch panel as described in the 1st or 2nd aspect further provided with the Z direction detection part which detects the change of the magnitude | size of the said force is provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the frame portion where the wiring from each of the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode is arranged outside the periphery of each of the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode, A resist layer is disposed on each of the upper transparent electrode substrate and the lower transparent electrode substrate, and the transparent adhesion is also performed between the upper transparent electrode substrate side resist layer and the lower transparent electrode substrate side resist layer. The touch panel in any one of the 1st-3rd aspect with which the layer is arrange | positioned is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the touch panel according to any one of the first to fourth aspects;
A housing that supports the touch panel;
Provided is a portable device including a display device disposed inside the touch panel in the housing.

  According to the present invention, since the transparent adhesive layer as the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is filled in the gap between the upper transparent electrode substrate and the lower transparent electrode substrate, the upper transparent electrode substrate, the air layer, and the air layer And the reflection of light generated at the two interfaces of the lower transparent electrode base material can be suppressed, the generation of Newton rings can be prevented, and the visibility can be improved.

  Further, in this configuration in which the transparent adhesive layer is filled, a transparent liquid intermediate layer is formed between the upper transparent electrode and the transparent adhesive layer, so that the upper transparent electrode substrate is laminated on the transparent adhesive layer. It is possible to almost completely eliminate a small number of bubbles (bubbles) generated during the process.

It is sectional drawing of the touchscreen concerning one Embodiment of this invention. Resistive type a diagram showing the XY coordinate measuring in the plane of the touch panel, the panel drive voltage from the power X ₊ terminal and X _- that is applied to the terminal, it is possible to read the coordinate position of X from Y ₊ terminal FIG. Resistive type a diagram showing a pressure measurement touch, the panel drive voltage from the power supply Y ₊ terminal and X _- is applied to the terminal, reading the Z ₁ position from the X ₊ terminal, the Z ₂ position Y _- from the terminal It is a figure which shows that it can read. It is a disassembled perspective view of the touch window type mobile phone incorporating the resistive film type touch panel according to the embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the said mobile phone of the touch window type incorporating the resistive film type touch panel concerning the said embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the mobile phone of the bezel structure type incorporating the resistive film type touch panel concerning the said embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the reflection in the interface of the touchscreen concerning the said embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the reflection in the interface of the conventional touch panel. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of a structure in the case of arrange | positioning a pressure sensor to the conventional touch panel. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the reflection in the interface of the touchscreen concerning the said embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the bubble removal process in manufacture of the touchscreen concerning the said embodiment.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an upper transparent electrode base material 1, a lower transparent electrode base material 2, a transparent adhesive layer 3, an intermediate layer 4, and a transparent substrate. 9 is mainly provided. As an example, a rectangular touch panel 15 will be described.

  The upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is composed of a rectangular film having the upper transparent electrode 5 at a predetermined position in the transparent window 12 on one surface (for example, the lower surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 in FIG. 1). The upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is transparent, supports the upper transparent electrode 5, has electrical characteristics (such as linearity) equivalent to those of a transparent electrode substrate of a normal touch panel, and upper transparent electrode substrate. The function which can transmit the force which acts on the other surface of 1 (for example, the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode base material 1 of FIG. 1) to the transparent adhesive layer 3 below is sufficient. For this reason, the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 does not necessarily require flexibility. In the conventional touch panel, a certain degree of strength is required for the electrode base material (film) so as not to be crushed by the air layer. However, in this embodiment, the air layer is filled with the transparent adhesive layer 3, and still a few bubbles ( Since the intermediate layer 4 can eliminate (foaming), it is possible to employ a thinner film than before.

  As an example of the upper transparent electrode base material 1, an engineering plastic such as polycarbonate, polyamide, or polyether ketone, a resin film such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, or polybutylene terephthalate can be used. Further, the frame 11 having a rectangular frame shape surrounding the transparent electrode portion 1 and surrounding the transparent window portion 12 and the one surface around the upper transparent electrode 5 (for example, the upper transparent electrode substrate in FIG. 1). 1 is provided with an upper lead-out electrode 5a that is formed by printing or the like using silver or the like and connected to the upper transparent electrode 5. The inside of the frame portion 11 constitutes a transparent window portion 12 that is an input portion of the touch panel 15. The upper routing electrode 5a is covered with an insulating resist layer 8 except for the bottom surface fixed to the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 except for the connection terminal portion, and is transparently bonded to the upper routing electrode 5a. The pressure sensitive particles 7 in the layer 3 are insulated from the frame portion 11 so as not to conduct electricity. This is to prevent the frame portion 11 from being energized when the operator accidentally presses the frame portion 11 without intending to input it through the transparent window portion 12.

  The lower transparent electrode substrate 2 has a lower transparent electrode 6 on a surface (for example, the upper surface of the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 in FIG. 1) facing the surface where the upper transparent electrode 5 is disposed at a predetermined position in the transparent window 12. It is comprised with the square film which has. The lower transparent electrode substrate 2 is transparent, supports the lower transparent electrode 6, and has electrical characteristics (such as linearity) equivalent to those of a normal touch panel transparent electrode substrate. The rectangular frame-shaped frame portion 11 around the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 and the upper transparent electrode arrangement surface facing surface around the lower transparent electrode 6 (for example, the upper surface of the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 in FIG. 1) A lower lead-out electrode 6a formed of silver or the like by printing and connected to the lower transparent electrode 6 is disposed. The lower routing electrode 6a is covered with an insulating resist layer 8 except for the bottom surface fixed to the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 except for the connection terminal portion, and the lower routing electrode 6a The pressure sensitive particles 7 in the transparent adhesive layer 3 are insulated from the frame portion 11 so as not to conduct electricity. This is to prevent the frame portion 11 from being energized when the operator accidentally presses the frame portion 11 without intending to input it through the transparent window portion 12. As an example of the lower transparent electrode base material 2, an engineering plastic such as polycarbonate, polyamide, or polyether ketone, a resin film such as acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, or polybutylene terephthalate can be used.

  Examples of the material of the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 include metal oxides such as tin oxide, indium oxide, antimony oxide, zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, or ITO, gold, silver, copper, tin, A thin film of a metal such as nickel, aluminum or palladium or a conductive polymer can be used.

  On the lower surface of the lower transparent electrode substrate 2, a transparent substrate 9 that supports the upper transparent electrode substrate 1, the lower transparent electrode substrate 2, and the like is disposed. The transparent substrate 9 has functions (bending rigidity, optical characteristics, etc.) equivalent to those of a normal touch panel transparent substrate, and can be composed of, for example, glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc., and the thickness is an example. The thickness may be about 0.55 to 1.1 mm.

  The transparent adhesive layer 3 is all disposed at a uniform thickness at least in the transparent window 12 that is an input part of the touch panel 15. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, it arrange | positions so that all the clearance gaps between the upper transparent electrode base material 1 and the lower transparent electrode base material 2 may be filled, and the upper transparent electrode base material 1 and a lower transparent electrode base The material 2 is bonded and integrated.

  The transparent adhesive layer 3 contains a large number of dispersed electrically conductive pressure-sensitive particles 7 in an insulating base material portion 3a. As a material of the base material portion 3 a of the transparent adhesive layer 3, it is colorless and transparent, has an insulating property, has good adhesion with the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6, and is superior to the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6. It is a solid that does not erode and exhibits adhesiveness before and after thermocompression bonding, and after thermocompression bonding, is non-adhesive at room temperature, and almost no elasticity is required. Further, the transparent adhesive layer 3 is not necessarily limited to thermosetting, and a non-thermosetting paste material such as ultraviolet curable can be used as will be described later.

  For example, the thickness of the base material portion 3a of the transparent adhesive layer 3 is a thickness at which a tunnel current flows between the pressure-sensitive particles 7, and is several tens μm (for example, 40 μm to 80 μm), and is formed by screen printing, for example. It is preferable to do this. The thickness of the transparent adhesive layer 3 is 40 μm or more from the viewpoint of manufacturability, and is preferably from 80 μm from the viewpoint of effectively and reliably flowing the tunnel current. Here, the tunneling current means that the conductive particles are not in direct contact, but the probability density of electrons between the conductive particles is zero when they are very close in the nanometer order. Therefore, it means that electrons ooze out and current flows, and this phenomenon is explained as a tunnel effect in quantum mechanics. When the pressure-sensitive particles 7 are transparent, there is no problem in visibility. However, when the pressure-sensitive particles 7 are opaque, the particles are finely divided to the extent that the visibility is not affected, and in the base material portion 3a. It needs to be diffused. As an example of a specific material of the base material portion 3a of the transparent adhesive layer 3, the material of the transparent adhesive layer 3 is not repelled with respect to the transparent electrode surface (when the transparent adhesive layer 3 is disposed on the transparent electrode surface). , The wettability is poor, and the material of the transparent adhesive layer 3 does not get wet well even if it is applied to the surface of the transparent electrode). For example, a heat-sealing paste that can be crimped when heated, an adhesive paste for a thermosetting or ultraviolet-curing picture frame, or the like that oozes or protrudes from the edge of the touch panel 15. An adhesive layer in which there is no stickiness of the glue at the end portion (no tackiness) is preferable. Specifically, as such a paste material, a solvent-based paste material commercially available from a company such as Big Technos or Diabond can be applied.

  The pressure-sensitive particles 7 may be any particles that do not deform themselves, have conductivity that can be energized, and can be expected to have a quantum tunnel effect described later. . For example, in the case of screen printing, any particle size that can pass through the mesh without resistance may be used. Specific examples of the material of the pressure-sensitive particles 7 include QTC described later. The pressure-sensitive particles 7 are dispersed in the base material portion 3a within a range in which energization is possible without affecting the visibility.

  As an example, the transparent adhesive layer 3 includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive particles that are close to each other between the pressure-sensitive particles 7 that are conductive particles included in the transparent adhesive layer 3 in accordance with the application of pressure. 7, a tunnel current flows regardless of the presence or absence of direct contact, and the transparent adhesive layer 3 changes from an insulating state to an energized state. An example of a composition comprising such a transparent adhesive layer 3 is the Quantum Tunneling Composite available under the trade designation “QTC” from PERATECH LTD, Darlington, UK. is there.

  The intermediate layer 4 is arranged with a substantially uniform thickness at least on the transparent window 12 that is an input part of the touch panel 15. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is arranged so as to fill all the gaps between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is laminated on the transparent adhesive layer 3. It plays a role in preventing the formation of a small number of bubbles (bubbles) 22 generated at the time. In addition, in order to adhere | attach with the upper transparent electrode base material 1 and the lower transparent electrode base material 2, it is necessary to provide the frame-shaped area | region in which the intermediate | middle layer 4 is not formed in the frame part 11 surrounding the transparent window part 12. FIG. .

  The intermediate layer 4 may be either conductive or nonconductive, but needs to be liquid. If the liquid is liquid, the degree of freedom of the shape is high. Therefore, when the upper transparent electrode base material 1 is laminated (see FIG. 9), bubbles (bubbles) 22 are not easily generated. This is because the bubble (bubble bubble) 22 can be easily moved and removed from the inside of the transparent window portion 12 by pressing it so as to slide from above (see FIG. 10). More specifically, the generation of bubbles (bubbles) when the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is laminated is due to the low degree of freedom in the shape of the transparent adhesive layer 3. That is, as described above, since the transparent adhesive layer 3 does not ooze out or protrude from the end of the touch panel 15, the degree of freedom in shape is low, and when the entire surface is formed on the lower transparent electrode substrate 2. Sufficient smoothness cannot be obtained on the upper surface of the transparent adhesive layer 3. As a result, when the intermediate layer 4 is not present, bubbles (bubbles) are generated when the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is laminated. Moreover, the generated bubbles (bubbles) 22 have a low degree of freedom in the shape of the transparent adhesive layer 3 and the transparent adhesive layer 3 adheres to the entire upper transparent electrode substrate 1. Difficult to remove. In this specification, the liquid state includes a gel form.

  Further, if the intermediate layer 4 is liquid, the intermediate layer 4 can be moved even with a slight pressing force, so that a finger or a pen can be used from the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 (for example, the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 in FIG. 1). This is because, when a force is applied by, for example, the applied force can be transmitted to the transparent adhesive layer 3 almost as it is. That is, when a force from a finger or a pen acts on the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 (for example, the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 in FIG. 1), the acting force causes the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 to move. It penetrates in the thickness direction and is transmitted to the transparent adhesive layer 3, a tunnel effect occurs between the plurality of pressure-sensitive particles 7 in the transparent adhesive layer 3, and a tunnel current flows between the plurality of pressure-sensitive particles 7, XY is conducted between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 and changes in the pressing force acting in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the touch panel 15 as a change in resistance value (converted to a change in voltage) XY It can be detected by the direction coordinate detection unit 20, and the position coordinate (XY coordinate) at which the force acts on the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 can be detected. Since the intermediate layer 4 moves even with a slight pressing force as described above, the intermediate layer 4 immediately below the pressing point does not exist or becomes thin, so that the resistance value changes even if the intermediate layer 4 is non-conductive. It can be detected.

  The thickness of the intermediate layer 4 is about 1 μm to 1000 μm and may be formed on the transparent adhesive layer 3 by painting or ink jet (see FIG. 9). The thickness of the intermediate layer 4 is 1 μm or more from a manufacturable point of view, and bubbles (bubbles) can be moved and removed to the outside by the intermediate layer 4, and the intermediate layer 4 is moved and acted by a slight pressing force. It is preferable to make the force up to 1000 μm from the viewpoint that the force can be transmitted almost directly to the transparent adhesive layer 3.

  Examples of the intermediate layer 4 include silicone-based or fluorine-based inert liquids. For example, fluorine-containing inert liquids (trade names “Florinato” and “Novec”) from 3M, silicone oils (trade names “KF” and “HIVAC”) from Shin-Etsu Silicone are commercially available materials.

  When a force acts on the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1, the XY direction coordinate detection unit 20 causes a current to flow between the pressure-sensitive particles 7 in the transparent adhesive layer 3 with a force acting through the intermediate layer 4. Thus, conduction is performed between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6, and the position coordinates (XY position coordinates) where the force is applied along the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 can be detected. Specifically, the XY direction coordinate detection unit 20 is connected to the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6, respectively, and a voltage from a power source is applied between the terminals of the upper transparent electrode 5. The position coordinate in the X direction can be detected by detecting a change in voltage between one of the terminals and one terminal of the lower transparent electrode 6. Next, the XY direction coordinate detection unit 20 stops applying the voltage between the terminals of the upper transparent electrode 5, and then switches the voltage from the power source between the terminals of the lower transparent electrode 6 and applies the lower transparent electrode 6. The position coordinate in the Y direction can be detected by detecting a change in voltage between one of the terminals and one terminal of the upper transparent electrode 5.

  In addition, after detecting the position coordinate of the X direction in the state which applied the said voltage to the upper transparent electrode 5, the position coordinate of the Y direction is detected in the state which applied the said voltage to the lower transparent electrode 6, The present invention is not limited to this, and after detecting the position coordinate in the Y direction with the voltage applied to the upper transparent electrode 5, the position coordinate in the X direction is determined with the voltage applied to the lower transparent electrode 6. You may make it detect.

  On the other hand, the position detection in the Z direction is performed by the Z direction position detection unit 21. That is, when a force acts on the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1, the Z-direction position detection unit 21 causes a current to flow between the pressure-sensitive particles 7 in the transparent adhesive layer 3 due to the force acting through the intermediate layer 4. By flowing, the resistance value between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 changes, and a change in the magnitude of force can be detected.

  More specifically, the Z-direction position detection unit 21 can detect a change in the magnitude of the force in the following manner (Texas Instruments HP's “Analog Input Noise of Touch Screen System”). See "How to reduce").

That is, when the touch panel 15 is a resistive touch panel, generally, the pressure is inversely proportional to the resistance value R _Z between points A~B in Figure 2A. The resistance value _RZ is obtained by the equation (1).

R _Z = (VB−VA) / I _TOUCH . . . . . . (1)
here,
VA = VD × Z ₁ / Q
VB = VD × Z ₂ / Q
Z ₁ and Z ₂ are the measured Z ₁ position and Z ₂ position, respectively, and Q is a coordinate detection control circuit (a circuit that converts the detected voltage value into A (analog) / D (digital) and converts it into digital coordinates. A / D converter). For example, if the resolution is 12 bits, the resolution is 4096 (0 is also counted, so Q = 4095), the X coordinate range (X = Z ₁ ) and the Y coordinate range (Y = Z ₂ ) are 0 to 4095 (actually, since the touch panel routing circuit and the control system circuit consume some voltage, the range becomes a little narrower). For example, when the resolution of the coordinate detection control circuit is 8 bits, Q = 256, when 10 bits, Q = 1024, and when 12 bits, Q = 4096. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the terminals, X ₊ terminal and the X _{- -} the driving voltage from the coordinate detection control circuit or a power supply (V _DD) 21v as shown in FIG. 2B Y ₊ terminal and X of the terminal If the resistance value between them is R _X , the resistance value between points A and X ₋ is R _XA = R _X × X / Q
Because
I _TOUCH = V _A / R _XA = (V _D × Z ₁ / Q) / R _XA
It becomes.

Here, FIG. 2A is a diagram showing XY coordinate measurement of a resistive touch panel, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing pressure measurement of the resistive touch panel. In Figure 2A, a panel drive voltage from the power source 21v X ₊ terminal and X _- is applied to the terminal, it is possible to read the coordinate position of X from Y ₊ terminal. In Figure 2B, the panel drive voltage from the power source 21v _{Y +} terminal and X _- is applied to the terminal, reading the _{Z 1} position from the _{X +} terminal, the _{Z 2} position Y _- can be read from the terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2A, X is a measured value of the X position when the coordinate detection control circuit is trying to detect the X coordinate position. Therefore, when the formula of I _TOUCH is substituted into formula (1), formula (2) is obtained. Note that I _TOUCH is a current value that flows when a panel is input at the time of connection in FIG. 2B, and the current is always constant in the series path, and thus can be obtained by the above calculation formula.

R _Z = {[V _D × (Z ₂ −Z ₁ ) / Q] / [V _D × Z ₁ / Q]} × R _XA = R _X × X
/ Q [(Z ₂ / Z ₁ ) -1] (2)
When the touch panel is not touched with a finger or a pen, the resistance value R _Z in the Z direction (thickness direction) of the touch panel is close to infinity. When a force from a finger or pen acts on the touch panel, a current flows and the resistance value becomes several hundred to 1 kΩ in inverse proportion to the pressure (P) applied to the touch panel. That is, the pressure P on the touch panel can be expressed as a function of R _Z, is calculated by the following equation (3).

P = α−β × R _Z (3)
Here, α and β are positive real values, which are values obtained from experiments.

In the above calculation method, Z ₁ position and Z ₂ position and (XY coordinate) X ₊ terminal and X _- the resistance value between the terminal and a R _X, calculates the resistance value of the touch portion between the upper and lower electrodes Yes. If the pressing and the pressing area change, the resistance value of the touch portion between the upper and lower electrodes changes, so that a relative change in pressing (and the pressing area) can be detected.

  Next, mobile phones 18 and 18A as an example of mobile devices incorporating the touch panel 15 will be described.

  FIGS. 3 and 4 show a touch window 19 that is configured by applying decoration (decoration layer 16) by printing on the surface layer of the resistive touch panel 15. FIG. The touch panel 15 is fitted in the first recess 14 a of the housing 14, and the outer surface around the first recess 14 a of the housing 14 and the outer surface of the touch panel 15 are arranged to be flush with each other. A display 13 such as liquid crystal or organic EL is fixed to the second recess 14b formed on the bottom surface of the first recess 14a, and the display on the display 13 can be seen through the transparent window 12 of the touch panel 15. Reference numeral 17 denotes wiring from the routing electrodes 5a and 6a.

  In such a configuration, the touch window 19 to which the decoration (decoration layer 16) by printing is applied can be mounted on the surface because the circuit portion is hidden by the decoration layer 16, and the touch panel 15 and the housing can be mounted. A thin and stylish design with no step between the body 14 and the body 14 can be realized. Freed from the bezel structure, it can be made thinner than normal touch panels.

  In another structure shown in FIG. 5, the circuit portion is covered with the bezel 24c of the housing 4 so that the circuit portions such as the routing electrodes 5a and 6a cannot be seen. The housing 24 is formed with one large recess 24a, and the display 13 such as liquid crystal or organic EL and the touch panel 15 are fitted into the recess 24a, and circuit portions such as the lead-out electrodes 5a and 6a of the touch panel 15 are accommodated in the housing 24. The bezel 24c of the body 4 is covered.

  According to the embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  The gap between the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 is filled with a transparent adhesive layer 3 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and further between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3 Since the layer 4 is formed, there is no air layer, suppressing reflection of light generated at the interface (that is, the two interfaces of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the air layer, the air layer and the lower transparent electrode material 2), Generation of Newton rings can be prevented and visibility can be improved.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, generally, light is largely reflected at the interface with air, but the interface A between the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the air layer outside the touch panel 15. And the interface C between the lower surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the air layer in the gap, with only two layers, the interface B between the substrate 9 and the air layer outside the touch panel 15, and By reducing the two layers of the interface D between the upper surface of the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 and the air layer in the gap, the reflectance is reduced by, for example, about 15 to 20%. On the other hand, in the conventional touch panel 30, as shown in FIG. 7, the interface A between the upper surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate 31 and the air layer outside the touch panel 30, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 31. The interface C between the lower surface and the air layer of the gap 33, the interface D between the upper surface of the lower transparent electrode substrate 32 and the air layer 33, the air layer outside the substrate 39 and the touch panel 30, Reflection occurred in four layers with the interface B between the two. In addition, when the air gap between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode is remarkably reduced, Newton rings are generated. These effects have caused the visibility to deteriorate.

  Further, the gap between the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 is filled with a transparent adhesive layer 3 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3. Since the intermediate layer 4 is formed on the touch panel, the strength of the touch panel itself can be improved, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 can be made thinner than the conventional one, and the thickness of the entire touch panel can be reduced. . For example, the thickness of the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is the same as the thickness of the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 because the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is thicker than the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 in order to give rigidity to the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 in the past. Can be configured. In other words, conventionally, the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 are held only by the adhesive layer for the frame around them, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 In order to maintain the space between them and ensure insulation, the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 needs to have rigidity, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 needs to be thicker than the lower transparent electrode substrate 2. However, in the present embodiment, the space can be eliminated by the transparent adhesive layer 3, and it is not necessary to give the upper transparent electrode base material 1 rigidity, and the upper transparent electrode base material 1 is, for example, the lower transparent electrode base material 2 and The upper transparent electrode substrate 1 can be made thinner to the same thickness (or depending on the material, than the lower transparent electrode substrate 2). Insulation between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the lower transparent electrode 6 can be ensured by the insulating transparent adhesive layer 3, so that no problem occurs.

  Further, the transparent adhesive layer 3 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is filled between the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2 without any gap, and the intermediate layer 4 is formed in the frame portion 11 surrounding the transparent window portion 12. Since it has a frame-shaped region that is not formed, a conventional frame-shaped adhesive layer for a frame becomes unnecessary, and the step of aligning and pasting can be eliminated.

  Further, a transparent adhesive layer 3 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed in the gap between the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2, and an intermediate layer 4 is provided between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3. Even if the touch panel 15 is used in a high-temperature and high-humidity state, since there is no air layer, condensation occurs between the upper transparent electrode base material 1 and the lower transparent electrode base material 2 or cloudiness occurs. Such a problem does not occur.

  Further, a transparent adhesive layer 3 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed in the gap between the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the lower transparent electrode substrate 2, and an intermediate layer 4 is provided between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3. Since the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 does not need to bend because it is filled, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 is not deformed and the electrodes are brought into contact with each other, the upper transparent electrode layer 1 is not energized. Local stress is not generated, and the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 and the upper transparent electrode 5 formed on the upper transparent electrode substrate 1 can be made highly durable.

  Further, in order to detect the acting force, it is not necessary to newly provide a pressure-sensitive sensor outside the touch panel 15, for example, below, and the thickness of the touch panel 15 can be reduced and made compact. On the other hand, conventionally, when the pressure-sensitive sensor is arranged on the inner surface side of the touch panel, the pressure-sensitive sensor 40 is laminated on the inner surface side of the touch panel 30 as shown in FIG. In addition to the thickness of the touch panel 30, the thickness of the pressure sensor 40 is added, and the thickness of the touch panel as a whole has to be increased. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor can be arranged in the structure of the touch panel itself, and the number of parts can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced and the structure is similar to a normal touch panel at first glance. However, not only XY coordinate detection but also a pressure sensitive function can be provided, and a very compact and high performance touch panel can be provided.

  In addition, since the transparent adhesive layer 3 is interposed between the upper transparent electrode base material 1 and the lower transparent electrode base material 2, a conventional spacer is not required, and a spacer formation step is not required, thereby reducing costs.

  Further, in the configuration in which the transparent adhesive layer 3 is filled, a transparent liquid intermediate layer 4 is formed between the upper transparent electrode 5 and the transparent adhesive layer 3, so that the upper transparent layer is formed on the transparent adhesive layer 3. Slight bubbles (bubbles) 22 generated when the electrode substrate 1 is laminated can be almost completely eliminated.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can implement in another various aspect. For example, the transparent adhesive layer 3 is not limited to a single layer, and may be composed of a plurality of layers.

  In the above-described embodiment, the resistive film method has been described as the touch panel 15, but the present invention is not limited to this, and needless to say, the touch panel 15 can also be applied to a capacitive touch panel.

  In addition, it can be made to show the effect which has each by combining suitably arbitrary embodiments of the said various embodiment.

  The touch panel according to the present invention and the portable device using the touch panel are filled with a transparent adhesive layer as a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in a gap between the upper transparent electrode base material and the lower transparent electrode base material, and the air layer is Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of Newton rings and improve the visibility. A mobile phone, a portable game machine, an electronic dictionary, a car navigation system, a personal computer, a digital camera, a video camera, or a portable type It is useful as MD (PMD).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Upper transparent electrode base material 2 Lower transparent electrode base material 3 Transparent adhesive layer 3a Base material part of transparent adhesive layer 4 Intermediate layer 5 Upper transparent electrode 5a Upper lead electrode 6 Lower transparent electrode 6a Lower lead electrode 7 Pressure sensitive particle 8 Resist Layer 9 Substrate 11 Frame portion 12 Transparent window portion 14 Case 14a First concave portion 14b Second concave portion 15 Touch panel 16 Decorating layer 17 Wiring 18, 18A Mobile phone 19 Touch window 20 XY direction coordinate detection portion 21 Z direction coordinate detection portion 21v Power supply 22 bubbles

Claims (5)

An upper transparent electrode substrate (1) having an upper transparent electrode (5) on one side;
A lower transparent electrode substrate (2) having a lower transparent electrode (6) on a surface facing the surface on which the upper transparent electrode is disposed;
An insulating transparent adhesive layer (3) disposed between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode and containing a plurality of pressure-sensitive particles (7) in a dispersed manner;
When a force is applied to the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate, an electric current flows between the pressure-sensitive particles in the transparent adhesive layer with the applied force, thereby causing the gap between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode. In the touch panel that detects the position coordinates along which the force is applied, along the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate,
A touch panel in which a transparent liquid intermediate layer (4) is formed between the upper transparent electrode (5) and the insulating transparent adhesive layer (3).   The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a silicone-based or fluorine-based inert liquid.   When a force is applied to the other surface of the upper transparent electrode substrate, an electric current flows between the pressure-sensitive particles in the transparent adhesive layer due to the applied force, thereby causing the gap between the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode. The touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising a Z-direction detection unit (21) that detects a change in the magnitude of the force by changing a resistance value.   A resist layer is formed on the frame portion (11) where the wiring (5a, 6a) from each of the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode is disposed outside the periphery of each of the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode. (8) is disposed on each of the upper transparent electrode substrate and the lower transparent electrode substrate, and the transparent layer is also formed between the resist layer on the upper transparent electrode substrate side and the resist layer on the lower transparent electrode substrate side. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed. The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A housing that supports the touch panel;
And a display device disposed inside the touch panel in the housing.

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