JP6206637B2 - Touch panel substrate and display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel substrate and a display device. In particular, the present invention relates to a touch panel substrate that can make a transparent electrode pattern for position detection inconspicuous without providing an additional layer, and a display device including the touch panel substrate.

  In recent years, touch panels have been rapidly spread as position input devices used in combination with display panels in various display devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs (personal computers). Various types of touch panels, such as electromagnetic induction systems and resistive film systems, have been known for a long time, and have been used for various applications. Recently, multi-touch (multi-point simultaneous input) has attracted particular attention. This is a capacitive touch panel capable of

Fig.11 (a) is the top view which looked at the conventional touch panel board | substrate 20 from the back side. The touch panel substrate 20 shown in the figure is a case where the position detection electrode is a capacitance type.
The partial enlarged plan view of FIG. 11B is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pattern shape of an electrode in the capacitive method. FIG. 12 schematically shows details of an example of the electrode pattern shape in the electrostatic capacity method, FIG. 12A is a partially enlarged plan view, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. It is a partial expanded sectional view in a line.

In general, in the capacitive touch panel, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 12, a plurality of first transparent electrodes 2 a extending in the X direction, which is the left-right direction in the drawing, as the position detection transparent electrode 2 in the position detection region Ap. And a plurality of second transparent electrodes 2b which are orthogonal to the X direction and extend in the Y direction which is the vertical direction in the drawing. The plurality of first transparent electrodes 2a extending in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction, and the plurality of second transparent electrodes 2b extending in the Y direction are arranged in the X direction. Here, the electrode extending in the X direction is referred to as a first transparent electrode 2a, and the electrode extending in the Y direction is referred to as a second transparent electrode 2b.
As a capacitive touch panel, the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b may be formed on different translucent substrates. However, the same substrate may be formed on the same surface of the same substrate. By having the form formed in the above, there is an advantage that the relative positional accuracy of each other can be improved.
The conventional touch panel substrate 20 illustrated in the figure also has a form in which the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b are formed on the same surface of one translucent substrate.

  As the pattern of the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b, various patterns are known in the projection capacitive method, but in the pattern illustrated in FIG. 12 (a), a plurality of rhombus-shaped first transparent electrode elements 2aE and first transparent electrode elements 2aE adjacent to each other are connected to each other, and the first connection has a smaller area than the first transparent electrode element 2aE. A portion 2aC and an unillustrated extraction portion that extends to the outer periphery of the position detection region Ap and electrically connects the first transparent electrode element 2aE to the wiring 5 are configured. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), one second transparent electrode 2b is also connected to a plurality of rhombus-shaped second transparent electrode elements 2bE and the second transparent electrode elements 2bE adjacent to each other. The second connecting portion 2bC has a smaller area than the transparent electrode element 2aE, and a take-out portion (not shown) that electrically connects the second transparent electrode element 2bE to the wiring 5.

  As shown in the partial enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 12B, the first connection portion 2aC and the second connection portion 2bC intersect the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b whose extending directions intersect each other. The crossing portion 2C is formed to be insulated from each other by a bridge structure with an insulating layer 6 interposed between the layers. This insulating layer 6 is formed only at the intersection 2C because of the necessity of insulation.

The transparent electrodes 2 such as the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b are usually patterned with a transparent conductive film whose layer itself such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is transparent.
However, even if the transparent electrode 2 is patterned with a transparent conductor film whose layer itself is transparent, the transparent conductor film such as ITO has a refractive index of usually about 1.8 to 2.2 as the translucent substrate 1. Since the refractive index is different between the formed portion where the transparent electrode 2 is formed and the non-formed portion where the refractive index is approximately 1.5 compared with a general glass refractive index of 1.5, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 is easily noticeable.
That is, as shown in FIG. 13 which is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 11B, the reflected light Lr1 of the light L from the formation part of the transparent electrode 2 is reflected from the non-formation part. The light is stronger than the light Lr2. This is because the difference in the intensity of the reflected light increases as the refractive index difference between the two substances constituting the interface increases.

  Accordingly, various invisibility techniques that make the transparent electrode 2 inconspicuous have been proposed (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and the like).

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14, Patent Document 1 uses a conductive oxide fine particle layer as a transparent electrode 2 on a light-transmitting substrate 1, so that the refractive index of the transparent electrode 2 is 1.60 to 1. A transparent dielectric having a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the transparent electrode 2 and 1.57 to 1.65 on the transparent electrode 2 including the non-formed portion of the transparent electrode 2. The structure which provides the layer 7 and reduces the light reflection intensity difference of the formation part of the transparent electrode 2 and a non-formation part is proposed.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, Patent Document 2 discloses a transparent electrode 2U and a transparent electrode 2L that are electrically connected to each other on a light-transmitting substrate 1 and have the same pattern between them. A configuration has been proposed in which the light reflection of the transparent electrode 2 forming portion itself is reduced by a multilayer film laminated via an insulating layer 6 having a refractive index different from that of 2U and the transparent electrode 2L. Therefore, this structure comprises the common transparent electrode 2 of two layers of the transparent electrode 2U and the transparent electrode 2L.
In Patent Document 3, although not shown, the surface of the light-transmitting substrate 1 is made light-scattering unevenness by etching or applying an unevenness forming layer, so that light-scattering unevenness is formed on the surface of the transparent electrode 2. It has been proposed to scatter the light from the transparent electrode 2 to reduce the light reflection of the regular reflection component.

JP 2012-81663 A Japanese Patent No. 4998919 JP 2009-53893 A

  However, all of the conventional invisible techniques such as Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 require an additional layer or an additional process. For this reason, there has been a problem that the number of processes increases and the cost is increased accordingly.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel substrate that can make a transparent electrode pattern for position detection inconspicuous without providing an additional layer. Moreover, it is providing a display apparatus provided with this.

In the present invention, the touch panel substrate and the display device are configured as follows.
(1) a translucent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
As a transparent electrode for position detection formed on one of the first surface and the second surface of the translucent substrate, a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction, and insulated from the first transparent electrode A second transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
At the intersection where the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode of the transparent electrode intersect each other, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode are insulated from each other, and the translucent substrate is interposed through the first transparent electrode. is patterned to position Te, the over position detecting region which includes a forming section and a non-forming portion of the transparent electrodes other than intersections, located between the translucent substrate and the transparent electrodes other than the intersecting portion An insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer having a refractive index n3 that is patterned and has a refractive index greater than n1 of the translucent substrate and less than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode;
Have
The first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode other than the intersecting portion are formed on the surface of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer opposite to the light-transmitting substrate side,
The insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer is a photocurable curable resin layer containing particles of titanium oxide or zirconium oxide, and the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer of the translucent substrate is formed. The touch panel substrate whose side opposite to the side where it is is the operator side of the touch panel.
(2) The touch panel substrate according to (1), further including a light-shielding layer that forms a decoration portion on an outer peripheral portion of the position detection region on one surface of the translucent substrate.
(3) having an opaque wiring on one surface of the light-transmitting substrate and on the light shielding layer;
The touch panel substrate according to (2), wherein the transparent electrode extends so as to be connected to the wiring.
(4) A display device comprising: a display panel; and the touch panel substrate according to any one of (1) to (3) disposed on an observer side of the display panel.

According to the touch panel substrate of the present invention, the transparent electrode pattern for position detection can be made inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.
According to the display device of the present invention, the touch panel substrate included therein has the above-described effect.

The partial enlarged plan view (a) which shows 1st Embodiment (preformed bridge connection part) of the touchscreen board | substrate by this invention, and the partial expanded sectional view in CC line in a top view (b). The partial enlarged plan view explaining the lamination | stacking order of each layer with respect to the touchscreen board | substrate of FIG. The partial enlarged plan view (a) which shows 2nd Embodiment (post-formation bridge connection part 2B) of the touchscreen board | substrate by this invention, and the partial expanded sectional view in CC line in a top view (b). FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view for explaining a stacking order of layers on the touch panel substrate of FIG. 3. The top view seen from the back side which shows the whole 3rd Embodiment (with a decoration part) of the touchscreen board | substrate by this invention. The partial expanded sectional view in the CC line in the top view of the touch-panel board | substrate of FIG. The partial enlarged plan view (a) which shows 4th Embodiment (the through hole without a bridge | bridging connection part) of the touchscreen board | substrate by this invention, and the partial expanded sectional view in the CC line in a top view (b). The partial enlarged plan view explaining the lamination | stacking order of each layer with respect to the touchscreen board | substrate of FIG. Sectional drawing explaining one Embodiment of the display apparatus by this invention. Sectional drawing explaining another embodiment (front surface protective plate integrated touch panel substrate) of the display apparatus by this invention. The top view (a) seen from the back side which shows an example of the conventional touch panel substrate, and the partial enlarged plan view (b) which shows an example of the electrode pattern of a transparent electrode. The partial enlarged plan view (a) which shows the detail of an example of the electrode pattern of the conventional transparent electrode, and the partial expanded sectional view of the intersection part periphery in the BB line in a top view (a). Sectional drawing explaining the reason a transparent electrode is conspicuous in the conventional touch panel substrate. Sectional drawing which shows an example (patent document 1) of the invisible technique of the transparent electrode in the conventional touch panel substrate. Sectional drawing which shows another example (patent document 2) of the invisible technique of the transparent electrode in the conventional touch panel substrate.

    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are conceptual diagrams, and the scale relations, aspect ratios, and the like of components may be exaggerated as appropriate for convenience of explanation.

[A] Definition of terms:
Hereinafter, definitions of main terms used in the present invention will be described here.
The “front side” is the side on which the display light from the display panel is emitted when the touch panel substrate is used in combination with the display panel in the touch panel substrate or other components, and the observer observes the display on the display panel. Means the side.
The “back side” means a side opposite to the “front side”, and means a side where display light from the display panel enters in the touch panel substrate or other components.
Any one of the “first surface” and the “second surface” is the “front side”, and which surface is the “front side” is arbitrary.
Any of the “first surface” and the “second surface” is “one surface”, and which surface is the “other surface” is arbitrary.
However, in this specification, the surface on which the transparent electrode for position detection is necessarily provided is referred to as “one surface”, and this one surface is used as the back surface. The “one surface” or “back side” surface is also referred to as “first surface S1”, and the “other surface” or “front side” surface is also referred to as “second surface S2.”

[B] Touch panel substrate 10:
A touch panel substrate 10 according to the present invention will be described for each embodiment.

<< 1st Embodiment: Bridge connection part 2B tip formation >>
This embodiment is a case where the transparent electrode is for the projection capacitive method, and the bridge connection portion 2B of the transparent electrode 2 is formed before the transparent electrode 2 of other portions.

Fig.1 (a) is the elements on larger scale seen from the back side which show the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 in the touchscreen board | substrate 10 of this embodiment. FIG.1 (b) is the elements on larger scale of the CC line in FIG.1 (a).
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view for explaining the stacking order of the layers on the touch panel substrate 10 of FIG.

In FIG. 1 (a), FIG. 1 (b), and FIG. 2, the size relationship between the respective components such as the left and right directions is not maintained.
The same applies to the drawings in other embodiments according to the present invention.

The touch panel substrate 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
A translucent substrate 1 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1,
As one of the first surface S and the second surface S2 of the translucent substrate 1, the transparent electrode 2 for position detection formed on the surface of the first surface S1 is provided. Has a first transparent electrode 2a extending in the first direction and a second transparent electrode 2b extending in a second direction that is insulated from the first transparent electrode 2a and intersects the first direction.
Furthermore, the touch panel substrate 10 insulates the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b from each other at the intersection 2C where the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b intersect each other, and is transparent except for the intersection 2C. The electrode 2 is formed in contact with the transparent electrode 2 and the translucent substrate 1 so as to be positioned between the transparent electrode 2 and the translucent substrate 1, and the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1. The configuration includes the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 having a refractive index n3 which is equal to or lower than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode 2 described above.

  In the present embodiment, the first surface S1 which is one surface of the translucent substrate 1 is a surface above the drawing in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Therefore, in this cross-sectional view, the touch panel substrate 10 is assumed to be used toward the viewer V of the display panel who is also the operator of the touch panel, with the second surface S2 on the lower side of the drawing as the front side. .

In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode 2 for position detection is an example of a projected capacitive pattern. The pattern of the transparent electrode 2 includes a plurality of first transparent electrodes 2a extending in the X direction as the first direction and a plurality of second transparent electrodes 2b extending in the Y direction as the second direction shown in FIG. They are formed so as to cross each other while being insulated from each other.
In FIG. 1, in the XY orthogonal coordinate system, the X direction that is the first direction is the horizontal direction in the drawing, and the Y direction that is the second direction is the vertical direction in the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 1A, one first transparent electrode 2a is formed by connecting a plurality of rhombus-shaped first transparent electrode elements 2aE and adjacent first transparent electrode elements 2aE to each other. For connecting the first transparent electrode element 2aE to the wiring 5 (see FIG. 5 to be described later) extending to the outer periphery of the position detection region (not shown) and the first connection portion 2aC having a smaller area than 2aE. And a take-out section. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), a single second transparent electrode 2b also connects a plurality of rhombus-shaped second transparent electrode elements 2bE to each other adjacent second transparent electrode elements 2bE. The second connecting portion 2bC has a smaller area than the transparent electrode element 2aE, and a take-out portion (not shown) that electrically connects the second transparent electrode element 2bE to the wiring 5.
The take-out portion is denoted by reference numeral 2D in FIG. 6 which is a partially enlarged sectional view for explaining a third embodiment to be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the position detection method of the touch panel is an example of a projected capacitance method, but in the present invention, the position detection method is not limited to the projection capacitance method, and other position detection methods may be used. There may be.

  In the present embodiment, the first transparent electrode element 2aE, the first connection portion 2aC, and the take-out portion that constitute the first transparent electrode 2a are all made of a transparent conductor film made of ITO, and similarly The second transparent electrode element 2bE, the second connection part 2bC, and the take-out part that constitute the two transparent electrodes 2b are all made of a transparent conductor film made of ITO.

[Intersection 2C and bridge structure]
In the present embodiment, the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b extending in different directions are formed on the same surface. The first transparent electrode element 2aE and the second transparent electrode element 2bE are formed on the same surface. In relation, the intersection 2C where the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b intersect has a bridge structure that is insulated from each other with the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 interposed between the layers.
The intersecting portion 2C is formed by the first connecting portion 2aC and the second connecting portion 2bC because the transparent electrode 2 of the present embodiment has the pattern shown in FIGS.
In the present embodiment, the first connecting portion 2aC forming the intersecting portion 2C forms a bridge connecting portion 2B that passes under the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3. Therefore, the first connection part 2aC forming the bridge connection part 2B connects the first transparent electrode elements 2aE formed to be separated from each other.

[Bridge connection 2B]
In the present invention, the “bridge connecting portion 2B” refers to an electrode portion which is not formed as a continuous layer with a portion other than the intersecting portion 2C in the intersecting portion 2C having a bridge structure but is formed apart from each other. It means the part to do.
In the present invention, the bridge connecting portion 2B has a configuration in which the bridge structure has a structure straddling the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 in the thickness direction, and a mode in which the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is passed through. There is. Above the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 means a position farther from the translucent substrate 1 than the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3, and below the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is also an insulating layer. It means a position between the refractive index adjusting layer 3 and the translucent substrate 1.
In the present embodiment, the bridge connecting portion 2B is an example in which the insulating layer and refractive index adjusting layer 3 is passed through. In other words, in the bridge structure, the bridge connecting portion 2B is formed before the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is formed.

  The dimensions of the outer shape of the bridge connection portion 2B are, for example, a rectangle having a width of 5 to 200 μm and a length of 20 to 500 μm in the present embodiment shown in FIG. The width is a dimension in the second direction (Y direction in the drawing), and the length is a dimension in the first direction (X direction in the drawing).

  In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode 2 has a bridge structure of the intersecting portion 2C, and the lower bridge portion (the first connecting portion 2aC) passing under the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is also an insulating layer / refractive index adjusted The bridge upper part (second connection part 2bC) passing over the layer 3 is also made of a transparent conductor film made of ITO.

However, in the present invention, the portion other than the intersection 2C and the bridge connection portion 2B that is not formed as a continuous layer is small in terms of the entire area of the transparent electrode 2, and thus the first connection constituting the bridge connection portion 2B. For the part 2aC or the second connection part 2bC, a metal layer or the like constituting the wiring 5 may be used.
Thus, in the present invention, the transparent electrode 2 does not have to be transparent at all of the first transparent electrode 2a or the second transparent electrode 2b.

[Insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3]
When the electrode pattern of the transparent electrode 2 is a pattern as in the present embodiment, the insulating layer 6 for insulating the bridge structure of the intersecting portion 2C as in the conventional configuration example shown in FIG. Therefore, it does not need to be formed in the portion of the first transparent electrode element 2aE and the second transparent electrode element 2bE occupying the main area in the pattern of the transparent electrode 2.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 also serving as the insulation of the intersecting portion 2C is formed at the intersecting portion 2C, and the first transparent electrode element 2aE and the second transparent electrode 2 in the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 are formed. The transparent electrode element 2bE is formed over the entire surface of the position detection region Ap including the portion of the transparent electrode element 2bE and the portion of the transparent electrode 2 not formed. The insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 has a difference in refractive index so that light reflection at the material interface is reduced particularly in a portion other than the intersection 2C, in other words, in a major area in the position detection region Ap. Has a function to adjust. Moreover, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is simultaneously formed as a continuous layer in which the portion of the intersection 2C and the portion other than the intersection 2C are continuous. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is formed up to a portion other than the intersection 2C, an additional layer is not required and an additional process is required. In fact, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection can be made inconspicuous.

〔Production method〕
A manufacturing method for the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described in the order of stacking the layers shown in the partial enlarged plan view of FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the bridge connection portion 2 </ b> B is formed on the translucent substrate 1.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, an insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 having a through hole 3h for bridge connection is formed on the entire surface of the position detection region Ap including the bridge connection portion 2B. . Although the position detection area Ap is not clearly shown in the figure, refer to FIG. 5 described later.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2C, the transparent electrode 2 other than the bridge connection portion 2B is formed, and the bridge connection is completed at the through hole 3h portion, whereby the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment is obtained.

[Effect in this embodiment]
With the configuration as described above, in the touch panel substrate 10 in the present embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 also serving as the insulation of the bridge structure of the intersecting portion 2C is the transparent electrode 2 at a portion other than the intersecting portion 2C. Therefore, the difference in intensity of light reflection between the formed portion of the transparent electrode 2 and the non-formed portion can be reduced. As a result, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection can be made inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.

<Material and forming method>
Hereinafter, materials and forming methods will be described for each layer used in the present embodiment.

[Translucent substrate 1]
The translucent substrate 1 can be made of a known material, typically a glass plate,
Resin materials such as polyester resin, acrylic resin, and polycarbonate resin may be used.

  The refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1 is usually about 1.45 to 1.65 when glass is used, and is usually about 1.45 to 1.60 when resin is used. Specific examples of the refractive index n1 are 1.52 for glass, 1.49 for acrylic resin, 1.59 for polycarbonate resin, and 1.58 for polyester resin.

[Transparent electrode 2]
The transparent electrode 2 can be a transparent conductor film whose layer itself is transparent.
Examples of the transparent electrode 2 made of a transparent conductive film include ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (registered trademark; Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.) (Indium Zinc Oxide), AZO (Aluminum Zinc). Oxide (aluminum zinc oxide), IGZO (registered trademark; Sharp Corporation) (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide), or the like can be used as a pattern.
The thickness of the transparent electrode 2 is, for example, 10 to 200 nm.

  For example, ITO has a refractive index n2 of 1.7 to 2.2, usually 1.8 to 1.9, IZO 1.9 to 2.4, and AZO. Is 1.9.

[Insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3]
The insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is a transparent and insulating layer, and the refractive index n3 of the transparent substrate 1 is not less than the refractive index n1 and not more than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode 2. .
As the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3, known materials and forming methods can be adopted as long as they are transparent and insulative and can satisfy the refractive index relationship.
Note that in this specification, “insulation” and “connect” are both used in terms of electrical meaning.
Although the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is transparent, this is because the transparency of the touch panel substrate 10 is not deteriorated.

The insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 includes a high refractive index particle-containing resin layer in which a high refractive index particle having a refractive index equal to or higher than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1 is contained in the resin, or the substance itself. A high-refractive index inorganic compound layer that exhibits a refractive index greater than or equal to the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1 can be used.
The thickness of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is, for example, 0.05 to 2 μm.

  As the resin of the high refractive index particle-containing resin layer, for example, a curable resin such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or a polyimide resin can be used. As the curable resin, for example, a thermosetting epoxy resin, a photocurable acrylic photosensitive resin, or the like can be used. When a photosensitive resin is used as the resin of the high refractive index particle-containing resin layer, a pattern can be formed using the photolithography method as the through hole 3h as a non-formed part. For example, the high refractive index particle-containing resin layer can be patterned by a photolithography method using an ultraviolet curable acrylic resin as a photosensitive resin.

The high refractive index particles of the high refractive index particle-containing resin layer may be any particles that have a refractive index that is equal to or higher than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1. For example, particles such as titanium oxide and zirconium oxide are used. Can do. These particles can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The refractive index is, for example, 2.5 to 2.7 for titanium oxide and 2.1 for zirconium oxide.

Examples of the inorganic compound that forms the high refractive index inorganic compound layer include silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride, niobium pentoxide, and zirconium oxide. These can be formed singly or as a mixed layer of two or more. The refractive index is, for example, 1.5 to 2.0 for silicon oxynitride, 1.8 to 2.1 for silicon nitride, and 2.3 for niobium pentoxide.
Such a high refractive index inorganic compound layer can be patterned using an etching resist and a photolithography method with the through hole 3h as a non-formed part.

The refractive index n3 of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is not less than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1 and not more than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode 2. That is, n1 ≦ n3 ≦ n2.
By setting the refractive index n3 of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 to the refractive index of the light-transmitting substrate 1 and the transparent electrode 2, the refractive index at the interface between the transparent electrode 2 and another substance is used. As a result of reducing the difference, the amount of light reflection occurring at the interface can be reduced.
In the present invention, each refractive index is a refractive index at a wavelength of 550 nm. The refractive index can be measured using a commercially available refractometer.

[Combination example of materials and refractive index]
In this embodiment, examples of combinations of materials and refractive indexes of the respective layers of the translucent substrate 1, the transparent electrode 2, and the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 are shown below.
-Translucent substrate 1: glass plate, refractive index n1 is 1.52.
Transparent electrode 2: ITO, refractive index n2 is 1.80.
Insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3: high refractive index particle-containing resin layer formed of acrylic photosensitive resin containing zirconium oxide particles, refractive index n3 is 1.62.
Refractive index relationship: n1 <n3 <n2.
The insulating layer and refractive index adjusting layer 3 has a refractive index n3 that is larger than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1 and smaller than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode 2.
The thickness is, for example, 35 nm for the transparent electrode 2 and 1 μm for the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3.

<< Second Embodiment: Post-Bridge Connection 2B Formation >>
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the vertical relationship of the bridge connection portion 2 </ b> B of the bridge structure at the crossing portion 2 </ b> C is an inverse structure with respect to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. .
FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged plan view seen from the back side showing the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 in the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view for explaining the stacking order of the layers on the touch panel substrate 10 of FIG.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above except for the following points. Therefore, the description of the same part is omitted.
a) The bridge structure at the intersection 2C has an inverted structure above and below the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3. As a result, the bridge connecting portion 2B is formed after the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3.
b) In relation to the above a), in the portion of the transparent electrode 2 other than the intersecting portion 2C, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is not between the transparent electrode 2 and the translucent substrate 1 but this transparent electrode. A point formed on 2.

〔Production method〕
The touch panel substrate 10 as described above can be manufactured as follows.
As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the transparent electrode 2 is formed on the translucent substrate 1 except for the portion that becomes the bridge connection portion 2B.
Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, an insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 having a through hole 3h for bridge connection is formed on the entire surface of the position detection region Ap. Although the position detection area Ap is not clearly shown in the figure, refer to FIG. 5 described later.
Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the bridge connection portion 2B is formed, and the bridge connection is completed at the through hole 3h portion, whereby the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment is obtained.

[Effect in this embodiment]
With the configuration as described above, in the touch panel substrate 10 in the present embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 also serving as the insulation of the bridge structure of the intersecting portion 2C is the transparent electrode 2 at a portion other than the intersecting portion 2C. Therefore, the difference in intensity of light reflection between the formed portion of the transparent electrode 2 and the non-formed portion can be reduced. As a result, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection can be made inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.

In this embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is formed on the transparent electrode 2 at a portion other than the intersection 2C, but the refractive index difference at the interface between the transparent electrode 2 and air is reduced. In terms of meaning, the refractive index n3 of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 may be smaller than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1. Although it is possible to use a substrate having a refractive index smaller than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1, in consideration of cost, availability, etc., the lower limit of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is The refractive index n1 of the conductive substrate 1 is preferable.
In addition, when the touch panel substrate 10 is applied to a display device or the like, a resin is provided between the insulating layer and the refractive index adjusting layer 3 and another constituent member without providing a gap between the constituent member such as the display panel. Considering application to a configuration in which light reflection at the interface with the air layer is suppressed by filling up with layers, the refractive index of the resin layer can be regarded as the same as that of the resin-made translucent substrate 1.
Therefore, also in this embodiment, the refractive index n3 of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is equal to or higher than the refractive index n1 of the translucent substrate 1.

<< Third embodiment: Addition of decoration part; Touch panel substrate with integrated front protective plate >>
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel substrate 10 is also used as a front protective plate for a display device. The touch panel substrate 10 has a decoration portion 4 on the outer periphery of the position detection region Ap, and further on the decoration portion 4. In this configuration, an opaque wiring 5 connected to the transparent electrode 2 is provided.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the entire touch panel substrate 10 according to the present embodiment as seen from the back side, and FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
In the present embodiment, as a modified form with respect to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the following points. Therefore, the description of the same part is omitted.
a) The point that the light shielding layer 4a is formed as the decoration part 4 in the outer peripheral part of the position detection area Ap.
b) The point which has the wiring 5 on the light shielding layer 4a of the decorating part 4, and the transparent electrode 2 is extended from the position detection area | region Ap so that it may connect to this wiring 5. FIG.

[Combination of addition of decoration part 4 and front protective plate for display device]
As exemplified in the present embodiment, in the present invention, the touch panel substrate 10 can have a decoration portion 4 on the outer peripheral portion of the position detection region Ap. The decorative portion 4 has at least a light shielding layer 4a having a light shielding property in order to hide the wiring 5 and the like. In other words, the decoration part 4 is formed from at least the light shielding layer 4a.

The decorating unit 4 includes a touch panel including the touch panel substrate 10 and a display device using the touch panel, such as the wiring 5 and the control circuit positioned on the outer periphery of the position detection area Ap, and the observer V or the touch panel of the display device. It is a portion that is hidden from the operator so as not to be visible so that the appearance is not impaired and an arbitrary design is expressed.
The touch panel substrate 10 can have a function as a front protective plate for a display device such as a cover glass by having the decorative portion 4 on the outer peripheral portion of the position detection region Ap, and can also be used as a front protective plate for the display device. Can do.
The touch panel substrate 10 having a configuration that also serves as a front protective plate for a display device can be referred to as a “front protective plate integrated touch panel substrate”.
The touch panel substrate 10 also serves as a front protective plate for a display device and is integrated, thereby further reducing the number of components and reducing the thickness.

[Light shielding layer 4a]
The light shielding property as the light shielding layer 4a itself depends on the required specification and expression color, but in terms of transmittance, it is at most 3% (optical density OD is 1.5 or more), more preferably transmittance. 1% or less (optical density OD2.0 or more), more preferably 0.01% or less (optical density OD4.0 or more) in terms of transmittance is desirable. This is because if the transmittance exceeds the above value, parts to be hidden may be seen.

  The light shielding layer 4a can be formed by a known material and a forming method. For example, the light shielding layer 4a can be formed from a layer containing a color pigment in a resin binder made of a cured product of a curable resin. As the curable resin, a photosensitive resin such as an ultraviolet curable acrylic resin can be used.

  The color pigment used for the light shielding layer 4a is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for the color expressed by the light shielding layer 4a. For example, as a colored pigment, a black pigment, a white pigment, a red pigment, a yellow pigment, a blue pigment, a green pigment, a purple pigment, or the like can be used. The color pigments may be used alone, or a plurality of color pigments of the same type or different colors may be used.

[Wiring 5]
A known material and a forming method can be used for the wiring 5. For example, the wiring 5 can be made of metal (including alloys thereof) such as silver, gold, copper, chromium, platinum, aluminum, palladium, and molybdenum. For example, the wiring 5 can be formed into a pattern by a photolithography method after being formed by sputtering as a metal layer of a silver alloy (also referred to as APC) made of silver, palladium and copper.
For the wiring 5, molybdenum (Mo) / aluminum (Al) / molybdenum (Mo) and a conductive layer (referred to as MAM) having a three-layer structure can also be used.
In the present embodiment, the wiring 5 is formed as a conductive metal layer from a silver alloy (also referred to as APC) made of silver, palladium, and copper.
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a formation method of the wiring 5, You may form by printing methods, such as a screen printing method and an inkjet printing method, besides the photolithography method.

〔Production method〕
The touch panel substrate 10 as described above can be manufactured as follows.
First, the light shielding layer 4a of the decorative portion 4 is formed on the translucent substrate 1, and then the wiring 5 is formed.
Thereafter, the transparent electrode 2 and the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 are formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Thus, the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment is obtained.

[Effect in this embodiment]
Even with the above-described configuration, the touch panel substrate 10 in the present embodiment is such that the insulating layer / refractive index adjustment layer 3 also serving as the insulation of the bridge structure of the intersecting portion 2C is the transparent electrode 2 at a portion other than the intersecting portion 2C. Therefore, the difference in the intensity of light reflection between the formed portion and the non-formed portion of the transparent electrode 2 can be reduced. As a result, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection can be made inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.
Moreover, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, since the touch panel substrate 10 is provided with the decorative portion 4 and also serves as the front protective plate for the display device, the effects of reducing the number of parts and reducing the thickness are obtained. can get.

<< Fourth Embodiment: No Bridge Connection 2B Through Hole 3h >>
This embodiment shown in FIG. 7 does not have a bridge structure at the intersection 2C, and therefore has no bridge connection 2B and through-hole 3h.
FIG. 7A is a partially enlarged plan view seen from the back side showing the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 in the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7B is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating the stacking order of the layers on the touch panel substrate 10 of FIG.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above except for the following points. Therefore, the description of the same part is omitted.
a) There is no bridge structure at the intersection 2C. As a result, the transparent electrode 2 does not have the bridge connection portion 2B, and the insulating layer / refractive index adjustment layer 3 does not have the through hole 3h.
b) In relation to the above a), the formation surfaces of the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b are both different on the first surface S1 of the translucent substrate 1, specifically, The first transparent electrode 2 a is the surface of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3, and the second transparent electrode 2 b is the surface of the translucent substrate 1. In other words, the first transparent electrode 2 a is always on the surface (front side) of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3, and the second transparent electrode is always on the translucent substrate 1 side (back side) of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3. There is an electrode 2b. In other words, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 includes (A) a portion formed as a transparent electrode 2 other than the intersection 2C so as to be positioned between the first transparent electrode 2a and the translucent substrate 1. (B) having a portion formed so as to be positioned on the second transparent electrode 2b as the transparent electrode 2 other than the intersecting portion 2C, and eventually (C) in both (A) and (B) At the intersection 2C, it is formed in the same manner with respect to the first transparent electrode 2a or the second transparent electrode 2b.

[Insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 located between complete layers of transparent electrode 2]
In the present embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is always located between the first transparent electrode 2a and the translucent substrate 1 with respect to the first transparent electrode 2a, and is disposed on the second transparent electrode 2b. On the other hand, it is always located on the surface of the second transparent electrode 2b.

As in the present embodiment, as the transparent electrode 2 formed on one surface of the translucent substrate 1, the formation surface of the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b is on the one surface. The form which forms in a completely different surface in all the parts is known from before. However, conventionally, in order to insulate the first transparent electrode 2a and the second transparent electrode 2b from each other, an insulating layer interposed between them is formed by a simple resin layer, and the refractive index is taken into consideration. It can not be said.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the high refractive index particle-containing resin layer containing high refractive index particles in the resin as shown in the above [Combination example of materials and refractive indexes] column is used as the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3. It is used as.
For this reason, in this embodiment, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 can be made inconspicuous.

〔Production method〕
The touch panel substrate 10 as described above can be manufactured as follows.
As shown in FIG. 8A, first, the second transparent electrode 2b is formed on the translucent substrate 1.
Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 is formed on the entire surface of the position detection region Ap. Although the position detection area Ap is not clearly shown in the figure, refer to FIG. 5 described above. This insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 has no through hole 3h.
Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first transparent electrode 2a is formed, and the touch panel substrate 10 of the present embodiment is obtained.

[Effect in this embodiment]
With the configuration as described above, in the touch panel substrate 10 in the present embodiment, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 also serving as the insulation of the intersection 2C is formed in the entire area without using the bridge structure in the intersection 2C. Since it is formed in the non-formed part together with the part, the difference in intensity of light reflection between the formed part and the non-formed part of the transparent electrode 2 can be reduced. As a result, the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection can be made inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.
In addition, the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer 3 can make the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 for position detection inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.

<Deformation>
The touch panel substrate 10 of the present invention may take other forms other than the above-described forms. Some of these will be described below.

[Touch panel substrate 10 with wiring 5]
In the touch panel substrate 10 of the third embodiment, the wiring 5 is an example formed on the light shielding layer 4a constituting the decorative portion 4 on the outer peripheral portion of the position detection region Ap.
However, in the present invention, the wiring 5 connected to the transparent electrode 2 may be formed on the outer peripheral portion of the position detection region Ap even in a form that does not have the decorative portion 4. The touch panel substrate 10 having such a configuration is a touch panel substrate 10 with wiring 5 that does not serve as a front protective plate for a display device.
If the touch panel substrate 10 with the wiring 5 is integrated with all functions necessary as a touch panel such as a connector and a control circuit, for example, the touch panel substrate 10 can also be called a touch panel. With such a configuration, the effect of reducing the number of parts and reducing the thickness can be obtained. Or even if it is a form which integrates a part of function required as a touch panel, the effect of reduction of a number of parts according to the part and thickness reduction is acquired.

[Overcoat layer]
In the present invention, although not shown, an overcoat layer is used as the outermost layer on the first surface S1 side on which the transparent electrode 2 is formed, such as on the surface after the wiring 5 and the transparent electrode 2 are formed. May be formed. The overcoat layer may be formed over the position detection region Ap and the outer periphery thereof. In this case, the overcoat layer is formed as a transparent layer so as not to hinder display. The overcoat layer formed in contact with the transparent electrode 2 is insulative.
The overcoat layer can improve reliability such as insulation and scratch resistance.
The overcoat layer can also be provided in order to reduce the disconnection at the step portion of the light shielding layer 4a when the transparent electrode 2 is extended to the light shielding layer 4a.

  A well-known material and a formation method can be employ | adopted for an overcoat layer. For example, the overcoat layer is preferably a transparent resin, which is preferably a curable resin in terms of heat resistance, and a thermosetting epoxy resin, an ultraviolet curable acrylic resin, or the like can be used. When forming a pattern, it can be formed by photolithography.

[Decoration part 4: Visible information]
In the present invention, although not illustrated, visible information may be formed in a portion where the decorative portion 4 is formed. The visible information is any visible information such as a product logo, an operation explanation character, symbol, or pattern in the area of the decoration unit 4. Known materials and forming methods can be employed for the visible information.

[Decoration Part 4: Notification Window]
In the present invention, although not shown, a notification window may be formed in a portion where the decorative portion 4 is formed. In the case where the display device to which the touch panel substrate 10 is applied is a mobile phone, the notification window notifies the user of various operation states such as an incoming call and a charged state of the battery by flashing light, lighting, and color. Part. Known structures, materials, and forming methods can be employed for the notification window.

[Decoration part 4: Infrared transmission window]
In the present invention, although not illustrated, an infrared transmission window may be formed in a portion where the decorative portion 4 is formed. In the case where the display device to which the touch panel substrate 10 is applied is a mobile phone, the infrared transmission window needs to prevent the touch panel from malfunctioning when the mobile phone is put on the ear during a call. For example, from the viewpoint of extending the battery life by erasing, the infrared sensor is provided in front of the infrared sensor provided as a human sensor for detecting the approach of human skin. The infrared transmission window has a light shielding property with respect to visible light and a transmission property with respect to infrared light. A well-known structure, material, and formation method can be adopted for the infrared transmission window.

[C] Display device:
The display device according to the present invention is a display device including at least the display panel and the above-described touch panel substrate 10 disposed on the viewer side of the display panel. Hereinafter, two typical modes will be described as examples.

<< First Embodiment >>
The display device 100 according to the present invention illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a display panel 40, a touch panel 30 including the touch panel substrate 10 on the viewer V side of the display panel 40, and a front protective plate 50 for a display device such as a cover glass. Are at least a configuration example provided in this order.
The display panel 40 is typically a liquid crystal display panel or an electroluminescence (EL) panel, but may be an electronic paper panel or a cathode ray tube, or various known display panels.
The touch panel 30 includes the touch panel substrate 10 and further includes known necessary components such as a control circuit and a connector for realizing a touch panel function.

A well-known thing can be employ | adopted for the front-surface protective plate 50 for display apparatuses, for example, uses glass plates, such as chemically strengthened glass, and resin plates, such as an acrylic resin, as a transparent base material, The center part of this base material As the display area, it is possible to adopt an opaque decoration part 4 decorated with an arbitrary color and pattern such as black on the outer periphery of the display area.
As the front protective plate 50 for a display device, when the touch panel 30 including the touch panel substrate 10 includes the decoration portion 4 on the outer periphery of the position detection region Ap, the decoration portion 4 may be omitted.

  By setting it as such a structure, it can be set as the display apparatus which made the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 in the touch panel board | substrate 10 with which the touch panel 30 is provided inconspicuous without providing an additional layer.

<< Second Embodiment >>
The display device 100 according to the present invention illustrated in FIG. 10 includes the display panel 40 and the touch panel substrate 10 in the form of using the front protective plate 50 for a display device such as a cover glass on the viewer V side of the display panel 40. It is a structural example provided with the touch panel 30 including at least.
By setting it as such a structure, it is set as the display apparatus which made the pattern of the transparent electrode 2 in the touchscreen board | substrate 10 which is the effect by 1st Embodiment as the said display apparatus difficult to stand out without providing an additional layer. In addition to the effect of reducing the number of parts, the effect of reducing the number of parts and reducing the thickness is obtained.

<Deformation>
The display device 100 of the present invention can take other forms besides the above-described form. Some of these will be described below.

[Interposition of resin layer such as adhesive sheet]
For example, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, there is a gap between the touch panel 30 including the touch panel substrate 10 and the display panel 40 and between the touch panel 30 and the display device front protective plate 50. However, in the present invention, a space between the constituent members may be filled with a known resin layer such as an adhesive layer. Since the light reflection on the surface of the member is reduced by the resin layer, the display can be more easily seen.

[D] Application:
Applications of the touch panel substrate 10 and the display device 100 according to the present invention are not particularly limited. For example, mobile phones such as smartphones, portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, personal computers, car navigation devices, digital cameras, electronic notebooks, electronic book terminals, electronic signboards, electronic blackboards, game machines, automatic ticket machines, ATM terminals, POS Terminals, vending machines, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Translucent substrate 2 Transparent electrode 2a 1st transparent electrode 2aC 1st connection part 2aE 1st transparent electrode element 2b 2nd transparent electrode 2bC 2nd connection part 2bE 2nd transparent electrode element 2B Bridge connection part 2C Crossing part 2D Extraction part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Insulating layer and refractive index adjustment layer 4 Decorating part 4a Light shielding layer 5 Wiring 6 Insulating layer 7 Transparent dielectric layer 10 Touch panel substrate 20 Conventional touch panel substrate 30 Touch panel 40 Display panel 50 Front protective plate for display device 100 Display device Ap position Detection region L light Lr1, Lr2 reflected light n1 refractive index of translucent substrate n2 refractive index of transparent electrode n3 refractive index of insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer S1 first surface S2 second surface V observer

Claims (4)

A translucent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
As a transparent electrode for position detection formed on one of the first surface and the second surface of the translucent substrate, a first transparent electrode extending in a first direction, and insulated from the first transparent electrode A second transparent electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
At the intersection where the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode of the transparent electrode intersect each other, the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode are insulated from each other, and the translucent substrate is interposed through the first transparent electrode. is patterned to position Te, the over position detecting region which includes a forming section and a non-forming portion of the transparent electrodes other than intersections, located between the translucent substrate and the transparent electrodes other than the intersecting portion An insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer having a refractive index n3 that is patterned and has a refractive index greater than n1 of the translucent substrate and less than the refractive index n2 of the transparent electrode;
Have
The first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode other than the intersecting portion are formed on the surface of the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer opposite to the light-transmitting substrate side,
The insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer is a photocurable curable resin layer containing particles of titanium oxide or zirconium oxide,
A touch panel substrate, wherein the side of the translucent substrate opposite to the side on which the insulating layer / refractive index adjusting layer is formed is an operator side of the touch panel.   2. The touch panel substrate according to claim 1, further comprising a light shielding layer that forms a decorative portion on an outer peripheral portion of the position detection region on one surface of the translucent substrate. On one surface of the translucent substrate and on the light shielding layer, opaque wiring is provided,
The touch panel substrate according to claim 2, wherein the transparent electrode extends so as to be connected to the wiring. The display apparatus containing a display panel and the touchscreen substrate in any one of Claims 1-3 arrange | positioned at the observer side of this display panel.