JP6523939B2 - Touch sensor capable of detecting bending and display device capable of detecting bending - Google Patents

Description

  Aspects of the present invention relate to a bend-detectable touch sensor and a bend-detectable display device, and more particularly to a bendable bend-detectable touch sensor and a bend-detectable display device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a portable device including a display unit, a first housing, a second housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing in an openable / closable manner. ing. The display unit is provided from the first housing to the second housing. The connecting portion has a portion operating with the first housing and a portion operating with the second housing, and these portions are connected so as to change the relative position. In the portable device described in Patent Document 1, the first housing and the second housing are opened (opened), or the first housing and the second housing are folded (closed Can be

  In the portable device described in Patent Document 1, an angle sensor that detects the open / close angle of the first housing and the second housing is disposed inside the connecting portion. Then, the portable device corrects the detection value detected by the touch panel of the display unit based on the detection value detected by the angle sensor, and corrects the deviation of the detection position of the touch panel.

JP, 2014-165749, A

  However, in the portable device described in Patent Document 1, since the angle sensor is disposed inside the connecting portion, the mechanical structure of the connecting portion tends to be complicated. Specifically, a mechanism for detecting the relative positional relationship between the portion operating with the first housing and the portion operating with the second housing is required.

  The portable device is required to meet the continuous demand for thinner and lighter weight, and the angle sensor provided at such a connecting portion may be an impediment to promoting the downsizing of the connecting portion. There was a sex. Therefore, depending on the configuration different from the configuration such as the portable device described in Patent Document 1, detection of which state the display unit is open or closed, detection of a bending angle of the display unit, etc. There has been a demand for a new technology that enables detection and detection (herein, the above detection and detection is generically referred to as "fold detection") and that the overall size of the portable device is reduced. .

  The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and a bend-detectable touch sensor capable of miniaturizing a device equipped with a touch sensor and a bend-detectable display device equipped with the touch sensor Intended to be provided.

  The touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to the present invention is, in one aspect, a touch sensor capable of detecting bending which can be bent in a bending region, and a light transmitting base material and a detection area of the surface of the base material And a bending detection sensor provided on the surface in the bending area and detecting the bending.

  According to the touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to an aspect of the present invention, the bending detection sensor is not a hinge portion of a display device capable of detecting bending, for example, but a base material of the touch sensor capable of detecting bending. It is provided on the surface. Therefore, the bending detection sensor directly detects the deformation of the substrate caused by the bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection. Thus, there is no need to provide a configuration for detecting and detecting the degree of bending of the touch sensor outside the touch sensor. Therefore, miniaturization of the device including the touch sensor is facilitated. In addition, since the detection / detection mechanism is positioned in the touch sensor to be detected / detected, deformation of the substrate caused by bending of the touch sensor can be detected with higher accuracy. In other words, it is possible to increase the detection gain of the presence or absence of the touch sensor, the angle of the touch sensor, and the direction of the touch sensor.

  In the touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present invention, the bending detection sensor may be provided in an area outside the detection area. According to this, the area outside the detection area is, for example, a frame-shaped decoration area formed outside the detection area. In general, the decoration area has a light shielding property, so that it is not possible to see the underside (back side) of the decoration area from the surface of the touch sensor capable of bending detection. Therefore, it can suppress that wiring etc. which were connected to a bending detection sensor or a bending detection sensor are recognized.

  The touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to the present invention is provided on the surface in the outer region, and is provided in an electrode wiring electrically connected to the transparent electrode, and provided on the outer region, and the bending It is provided between the sensor wiring electrically connected to the detection sensor, the bending detection sensor and the sensor wiring, and the electrode wiring in the outer region, and is formed of an insulating material. And an insulating layer.

  According to this, since the electrode wiring, the insulating layer, and the bending detection sensor and the sensor wiring are stacked on each other in the area outside the detection area, the area of the area outside the detection area is reduced and the detection is performed. The area of the area can be increased. Thereby, enlargement of the detection area (display area) and narrowing of the frame can be realized.

  In the touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present invention, the bending detection sensor may have a portion provided in the detection area. According to this, the bending detection sensor can cross the detection area. Therefore, the detection gain in bending detection, such as the presence or absence of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection, the angle of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection, and the direction of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection, is increased. Can. Further, when the bending detection sensor crosses the detection area, the bending detection sensor is hardly provided in the area outside the detection area, so the area outside the detection area can be eliminated (frameless) ). Thereby, enlargement of the detection area (display area) and narrowing of the frame can be realized.

  In the touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present invention, the bending detection sensor includes a resistor whose resistance value changes due to deformation based on the bending, and the bending detection is performed based on a change in the resistance value of the resistor. It may be possible. According to this, by bonding the bending detection sensor to the surface of the base material, for example, bending such as folding can be detected more easily.

  In the touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to the present invention, the bending detection sensor is provided with a first electrode provided on one side with respect to the axis of bending, and a first electrode provided on the other side with respect to the axis. The bending may be detected based on a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. According to this, the first electrode and the second electrode can be formed in the same process as the transparent electrode. Therefore, the bending detection sensor can be more easily formed on the surface of the substrate.

  In one aspect, the display device capable of detecting bending according to the present invention is provided with a first housing, a second housing, the first housing, and the second housing, and is flexible. And a touch sensor capable of detecting bending, provided on the display unit.

  According to the display device capable of detecting bending according to an aspect of the present invention, the bending detection sensor is provided on the surface of the base material of the touch sensor capable of detecting bending. Therefore, the bending detection sensor directly detects the deformation of the substrate caused by the bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection. As a result, it is possible to detect with high accuracy the deformation of the substrate caused by the bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection. In other words, it is possible to increase the detection gain of the presence or absence of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection, the angle of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection, and the direction of bending of the touch sensor capable of bending detection.

  The display device capable of bending detection according to the present invention may further include a hinge part connecting the first housing and the second housing in an openable / closable manner. According to this, the bending detection sensor is provided not on the hinge portion but on the surface of the base material of the touch sensor capable of bending detection. Therefore, the structure of the hinge portion is simplified as compared with the case where the angle sensor is provided in the hinge portion. In addition, when the angle sensor is provided in the hinge portion, in order to improve the measurement accuracy of the angle sensor, it may be required to improve the shape accuracy of the parts (rotational parts) involved in the rotation in the hinge portion. is there. On the other hand, in the display device capable of detecting bending according to the present invention in which the angle sensor is not provided in the hinge portion, the bending detection sensor is directly provided in the touch sensor in which bending occurs. Regardless of the degree of shape accuracy of the rotating part, it is possible to detect with high accuracy the deformation of the substrate caused by the bending of the touch sensor.

  According to the present invention, it is easy to miniaturize a device (display device) provided with a touch sensor, and a bend detection touch sensor capable of detecting deformation of the touch sensor caused by bending with higher accuracy, and a fold A display device capable of detecting a song can be provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic plan view showing the touch sensor which can detect bending concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic plan view showing the strain gauge of this embodiment. It is a schematic plan view showing the touch sensor which can detect the other bending concerning this embodiment. It is a typical sectional view in cutting plane A1-A1 expressed to Drawing 4 (a). It is a schematic plan view showing the touch sensor which can further detect bending concerning this embodiment. It is typical sectional drawing in cut surface A2-A2 represented to Fig.6 (a). It is a schematic plan view showing the touch sensor which can further detect bending concerning this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the detailed description will be appropriately omitted.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment.

  In the present specification, “transparent” and “translucent” refer to a state in which the visible light transmittance is 50% or more (preferably 80% or more). Furthermore, it is preferable that the haze value is 6% or less. In the present specification, the terms "light shielding" and "light shielding property" refer to a state in which the visible light transmittance is less than 50% (preferably less than 20%).

  The display device 100 capable of detecting bending according to the present embodiment includes a first case 111, a second case 112, a hinge unit 120, a display unit 130, and a touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending. And.

  The first housing 111 is coupled to the second housing 112 via the hinge portion 120. However, the display device 100 capable of bending detection may not necessarily include the hinge unit 120. As indicated by an arrow A1 shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 111 can rotate about the hinge portion 120. As indicated by an arrow A2 shown in FIG. 1, the second housing 112 can rotate about the hinge portion 120. That is, the hinge portion 120 connects the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 so as to be able to open and close.

  When the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 rotate and extend substantially in parallel, the display device 100 capable of bending detection is in an open state. On the other hand, when the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 are rotated and folded, the display device 100 capable of bending detection is in a closed state. That is, the display device 100 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment is a foldable display device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 130 is disposed on the first housing 111 and the second housing 112. That is, the display unit 130 is provided across the first housing 111 and the second housing 112. The display unit 130 has flexibility. As the display unit 130, for example, an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display is used. Alternatively, as the display unit 130, for example, a liquid crystal display is used.

  On the display unit 130, a touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment is provided. That is, the display unit 130 is provided between the first housing 111 and the second housing 112, and the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection.

The touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection includes a substrate 210, a transparent electrode 220, a bending detection sensor 230, an optical clear adhesive layer (OCA; Optical Clear Adhesive) 240, and a protective layer 250.
The base 210 is provided on the display unit 130 and has light transmissivity. The substrate 210 is formed of a film-like transparent substrate such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a glass substrate.

  The transparent electrode 220 is formed on the surface 211 of the base 210, and is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) by sputtering, vapor deposition, or the like. As the transparent conductive material, in addition to ITO, metal nanowires such as gold nanowires, silver nanowires and copper nanowires, thin metals formed in a mesh shape, or conductive polymers may be mentioned.

  The bending detection sensor 230 is provided on the surface 211 of the base 210. As the bending detection sensor 230, for example, a strain gauge or an ITO electrode is used. Details of the bending detection sensor 230 will be described later.

The optically transparent adhesive layer 240 is provided between the base 210 and the protective layer 250. The optically transparent adhesive layer 240 is an acrylic adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like.
The protective layer 250 is bonded to the substrate 210 via the optically transparent adhesive layer 240. The material of the protective layer 250 is not particularly limited. As a material of the protective layer 250, a glass substrate or a plastic substrate is preferably applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the strain gauge of the present embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed from above (from the side of the surface 251 of the protective layer 250). FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed in the direction of arrow A11 shown in FIG. 2A.

  As represented by the arrow A3 and the arrow A4 illustrated in FIG. 2, the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending according to the present embodiment can be folded (specifically, folded) about the axis C1. . The axis C1 is a bending axis and corresponds to a bending line. The axis C 1 passes through the bending detection sensor 230 and extends in a direction parallel to the surface 211 of the substrate 210. The axis C1 is present in an area (bending area) A21 including the bending detection sensor 230.

  A plurality of transparent electrodes 220 are provided on the surface 211 of the base 210. The transparent electrode 220 is provided in the detection area 201 (an area where an operation can be performed by an operation body such as a finger). Some of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 are connected in the Y1-Y2 direction (first direction). Then, a row of a plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y1-Y2 direction is arranged at intervals in the X1-X2 direction.

  Moreover, the other part of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 is connected in the X1-X2 direction (second direction). Then, a row of a plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction is arranged at intervals in the Y1-Y2 direction. The X1-X2 direction intersects with the Y1-Y2 direction. For example, the X1-X2 direction is perpendicular to the Y1-Y2 direction.

  Any one of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y1-Y2 direction and the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction has a bridge structure (cross structure of the transparent electrodes 220), The plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y2 direction and the other of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction are electrically insulated from each other. The bridge structure may be formed of one layer, or may have a stacked structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the transparent electrode 220 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 265 through the electrode wiring 263. That is, one end of the electrode wiring 263 is electrically connected to the transparent electrode 220. The other end of the electrode wire 263 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 265. The electrode wiring 263 is formed on the surface 211 of the base 210 and is formed of a material containing a metal. Examples of the material of the electrode wiring 263 include copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al), and an alloy containing at least one of these elements. The electrode wiring 263 is provided in the decoration area (non-detection area) 203. The decoration area 203 is a frame-like area formed around (outside) the detection area 201.

  Further, a bending detection sensor 230 is provided on the surface 211 of the base 210. In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 2, two bending detection sensors 230 are provided. Two bending detection sensors 230 are provided on both sides of the decoration area 203 in the bending area A21. Specifically, one of the two bending detection sensors 230 is provided in the decoration area 203 on one side of the bending area A21. The other of the two bending detection sensors 230 is provided on the other side of the bending area A21 in the decorative area 203. That is, a detection area 201 exists between one of the two bending detection sensors 230 and the other of the two bending detection sensors 230.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 2A, a strain gauge is used as the bending detection sensor 230. The strain gauge (i.e., the bending detection sensor 230) includes a base portion 231 and a resistor 233. The base portion 231 is formed in a thin film shape using an electrically insulating material. The resistor 233 is formed on the base portion 231, and is formed as a grid-like resistance wire, a resistance pad formed by etching, or the like. The material of the resistor 233 includes, for example, a metal. Examples of the material of the resistor 233 include gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al), and an alloy containing at least one of these elements. The material of the resistor 233 may be the same as or different from the material of the electrode wire 263.

  The bending detection sensor 230 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 265 via the sensor wiring 261. That is, one end of the sensor wiring 261 is electrically connected to the bending detection sensor 230. The other end of the sensor wiring 261 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 265.

  In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection illustrated in FIG. 2A, the transparent electrode 220 formed on the surface 211 of the base 210, the bending detection sensor 230, the electrode wiring 263, and the sensor wiring 261 are illustrated. . However, in practice, as shown in FIG. 1, the protective layer 250 is provided on the surface 211 side of the base 210. The protective layer 250 has translucency. Therefore, the detection area 201 has translucency. On the other hand, the decoration area 203 does not have translucency. That is, the decoration area 203 has a light shielding property. The electrode wiring 263 and the bending detection sensor 230 are provided in the decoration area 203. Therefore, in the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 2A, the electrode wiring 263 and the bending detection sensor 230 provided in the decoration area 203 are the surface of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection ( It can not be seen from the surface of the protective layer 250. Although the transparent electrode 220 is transparent and can not be viewed, FIG. 2A shows the outer shape of the transparent electrode 220.

  In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment, when the finger is brought into contact with the surface 251 (see FIG. 1) of the protective layer 250, the capacitance is increased between the finger and the transparent electrode 220 close to the finger. It occurs. The touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection can calculate the contact position of the finger based on the change in capacitance at this time. The touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending detects the X coordinate of the position of the finger based on the capacitance change between the finger and the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y1-Y2 direction. Further, the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection detects the Y coordinate of the position of the finger based on the capacitance change between the finger and the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction (self-capacitance Detection type).

  Alternatively, the touch sensors 200 capable of bending detection may be of mutual capacitance detection type. That is, the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is driven in one row of any one of a plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y1-Y2 direction and a plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction. To detect a change in capacitance between the other of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the Y1-Y2 direction and the other of the plurality of transparent electrodes 220 connected in the X1-X2 direction and the finger. You may Thereby, the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection detects the Y coordinate of the position of the finger by the other electrode, and detects the X coordinate of the position of the finger by the one electrode.

  When the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is bent in the bending area A21, the resistor 233 of the strain gauge provided in the bending area A21 is deformed. Specifically, the resistor 233 of the strain gauge elongates or contracts. Then, the resistance value of the resistor 233 changes as compared with that before the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is bent. The bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected based on the change in the resistance value of the resistor 233 at this time. For example, the presence or absence of bending (specifically, the presence or absence of folding) of the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending is detected. Further, based on the magnitude of the change in resistance value of the resistor 233, the bending angle of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected. Furthermore, based on the change in the resistance value of the resistor 233, the bending direction of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection, specifically, the folding direction is detected.

  According to the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending according to the present embodiment, the bending detection sensor 230 is not the hinge portion 120 of the display device 100 capable of detecting bending, but the base material of the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending. It is provided on the surface 211 of 210. Therefore, the bending detection sensor 230 directly detects the expansion and contraction of the substrate 210 caused by the bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection. Thereby, the expansion and contraction of the base 210 caused by the bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection can be detected with higher accuracy. In other words, the detection gain of the presence or absence of bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection, the angle of bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection, and the direction of bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection can be increased. it can.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing another bend-detectable touch sensor according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cross section A1-A1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed from above (from the side of the surface 251 of the protective layer 250). FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed in the direction of arrow A11 shown in FIG. 4A.

  The touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 4A further includes an insulating layer 270. As shown in FIG. 5, the insulating layer 270 is provided between the bending detection sensor 230 and the sensor wiring 261 and the electrode wiring 263. As the insulating layer 270, for example, a material having an insulating property such as novolac resin (resist) is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the insulating layer 270 is provided on the base 210 and the electrode wiring 263 in the decoration area 203. The bending detection sensor 230 is provided in the decoration area 203 in the bending area A21. In addition, the bending detection sensor 230 is provided on the insulating layer 270. The sensor wiring 261 connected to the bending detection sensor 230 is provided on the insulating layer 270 as in the bending detection sensor 230. That is, in the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 4A, the electrode wiring 263, the insulating layer 270, the bending detection sensor 230 and the sensor wiring 261 are in this order from the base 210 to the protective layer. It has a structure stacked toward 250.

  As the bending detection sensor 230, the strain gauge described above with reference to FIG. 3 is used. The other structure is the same as the structure of the bend-detectable touch sensor 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3.

  According to the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 4A, the electrode wiring 263, the insulating layer 270, the bending detection sensor 230, and the sensor wiring 261 are stacked on one another in the decoration area 203. Therefore, the area of the decoration area 203 can be reduced, and the area of the detection area (i.e., the display area) 201 can be increased. Thereby, enlargement of the display area and narrowing of the frame can be realized. Further, the same effects as the effects described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3 can be obtained.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cross section A2-A2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to this embodiment as viewed from above (from the side of the surface 251 of the protective layer 250). FIG. 6B is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed in the direction of the arrow A11 shown in FIG. 6A.

  In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 6A, the bending detection sensor 230 is provided across the decoration area 203 and the detection area 201, and the sensor wiring 261 on both sides of the detection area 201 is electrically Connected. That is, the bending detection sensor 230 has a portion provided in the detection area 201. In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection illustrated in FIG. 6A, the bending detection sensor 230 traverses the detection area 201. Specifically, one end of the bending detection sensor 230 is electrically connected to the sensor wiring 261 in the decoration area 203 on one side as viewed from the detection area 201. The other end of the bending detection sensor 230 is electrically connected to the sensor wiring 261 in the other decoration area 203 as viewed from the detection area 201.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the bend-detectable touch sensor 200 shown in FIG. 6A further includes an overcoat layer 280. The overcoat layer 280 is provided between the transparent electrode 220 and the bending detection sensor 230 throughout the detection area 201. As the overcoat layer 280, for example, an insulating material such as novolak resin (resist) or dry film type solder resist (DFR) is used.

  As the bending detection sensor 230, a strain gauge is used. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the bending detection sensor 230 extends along the outer shape of the transparent electrode 220. Similar to the strain gauges described above with reference to FIG. 3, the bending detection sensor 230 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7 has a resistor 233. As a material of the resistor 233, a metal material having a light transmittance of 80 percent (%) or more is used. Examples of the material of the resistor 233 include gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al), and an alloy containing at least one of these elements.

  The bending detection sensor 230 is formed as a thin film of the above-described material. The thickness t1 (see FIG. 7) of the resistor 233 is, for example, about 20 nanometers (nm) or more and about 30 nm or less. Thereby, the bending detection sensor 230 has translucency. The other structure is the same as the structure of the bend-detectable touch sensor 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

  According to the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending as shown in FIG. 6A, since the bending detection sensor 230 crosses the detection area 201, the presence or absence of bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection, bending It is possible to further increase the detection gain of the bending angle of the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting the bending and the direction of the bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting the bending. Further, since the bending detection sensor 230 traverses the detection area 201 and is hardly provided in the decoration area 203, the decoration area 203 can be eliminated (frameless). Thereby, enlargement of the display area and narrowing of the frame can be realized. Further, the same effects as the effects described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3 can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a touch sensor capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed from above (from the side of the surface 251 of the protective layer 250). FIG. 8B is a schematic plan view of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection according to the present embodiment as viewed in the direction of the arrow A11 shown in FIG. 8A.

  In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 8A, an ITO electrode is used as the bending detection sensor 230. The touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection includes a first electrode 235 formed of ITO and a second electrode 237 formed of ITO. The first electrode 235 and the second electrode 237 are provided in the decoration area 203 in the bending area A21, and are formed by sputtering, evaporation, or the like.

  The first electrode 235 and the second electrode 237 are provided on both sides of the axis C1. That is, the first electrode 235 is provided on one side as viewed from the axis C1. The second electrode 237 is provided on the other side as viewed from the axis C1. Each of the first electrode 235 and the second electrode 237 is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 265 through the sensor wiring 261.

  In the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection shown in FIG. 8A, two bending detection sensors 230 are provided. Two bending detection sensors 230 are provided on both sides of the decoration area 203 in the bending area A21. Specifically, one of the two bending detection sensors 230 is provided in the decoration area 203 on one side of the bending area A21. The other of the two bending detection sensors 230 is provided on the other side of the bending area A21 in the decorative area 203. That is, a detection area 201 exists between one of the two bending detection sensors 230 and the other of the two bending detection sensors 230. The other structure is the same as the structure of the bend-detectable touch sensor 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

  When the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is bent about the axis C1, the relative distance between the first electrode 235 and the second electrode 237 changes. Then, the capacitance between the first electrode 235 and the second electrode 237 changes as compared to before the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is bent. The bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected based on the change in capacitance at this time. For example, the presence or absence of bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected. In addition, the bending angle of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected based on the magnitude of the change in capacitance. Furthermore, based on the magnitude of the change in capacitance, the bending direction of the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is detected.

  According to the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending as shown in FIG. 8A, the expansion and contraction of the substrate 210 caused by the bending of the touch sensor 200 capable of detecting bending can be directly performed using the ITO electrode instead of the strain gauge. To detect. For example, since the ITO electrode can be formed in the same process as the transparent electrode 220, the bending detection sensor 230 can be more easily formed on the substrate 210. Further, the same effects as the effects described above with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3 can be obtained.

  Although the embodiment and the application examples thereof have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, those skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or change design elements of the above-described embodiments or their application examples, or may appropriately combine the features of the embodiments. As long as it comprises the gist, it is included within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the display device 100 capable of bending detection illustrated in FIG. 1, the connecting unit 120 that connects the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may not be provided. If a portion not in contact with any of the first casing 111 and the casing 112 in a flexible laminate including the display unit 130 and the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is appropriately set, this portion is In the folding area A21, it is possible to appropriately perform the folding operation in the display device 100 capable of detecting bending. At that time, if the bending detection sensor 230 is provided in the bending area A21, bending detection is possible.

  In addition, the display device 200 capable of detecting bending may not have a portion positioned so that the housing faces the back surface of the display surface of the display unit 130, and the housing may not be provided. Good. In this case, the flexible laminated body including the display unit 130 and the touch sensor 200 capable of bending detection is substantially in a state in which the entire flexible property is maintained, so that a display capable of bending detection is possible. It is possible to use the device 200 in the form of a scroll.

Reference Signs List 100 display device capable of bending detection 111 first casing 112 second housing 120 hinge unit 130 display unit 200 touch sensor capable of bending detection 201 detection region 203 decoration region 210 substrate 211 surface 220 transparent electrode 230 Bending detection sensor 231 base part 233 resistor 235 first electrode 237 second electrode 240 optical transparent adhesive layer 250 protective layer 251 surface 261 sensor wiring 263 electrode wiring 265 flexible printed circuit board 270 insulating layer 280 overcoat layer A1 arrow A11 Arrow A2 Arrow A21 Folded area A3 Arrow A4 Arrow C1 Axis t1 Thickness

Claims (8)

A bend-detectable touch sensor that can be bent in a bending area, comprising:
A translucent substrate,
A translucent transparent electrode provided in a detection area on the surface of the substrate;
A bending detection sensor provided in the bending area of the base material to detect the bending;
Equipped with
In the detection area, the bending axis extends in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate;
The bending detection sensor has a portion provided in the detection area,
A portion provided in the detection area in the bending detection sensor extends along the outer shape of the transparent electrode and crosses the detection area in a direction parallel to the axis of the bending. A touch sensor that can detect music. In the detection area, a plurality of the transparent electrodes are provided along the axis of the bending;
A portion provided in the detection area in the bending detection sensor extends along the outer shape of the plurality of transparent electrodes provided along the axis of the bending, in a direction parallel to the axis of the bending. The bend-detectable touch sensor according to claim 1, which traverses the detection area. The bending detection sensor has a portion provided in an area outside the detection area,
An electrode wire provided in the outer region and electrically connected to the transparent electrode;
Sensor wiring provided in the outer region and electrically connected to the bending detection sensor;
An insulating layer provided between the bending detection sensor, the sensor wiring, and the electrode wiring in the outer region, and formed of an insulating material;
The touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   The said bending detection sensor has a resistor which resistance value changes by the deformation | transformation based on the said bending, and detects the said bending based on the change of the resistance value of the said resistor, The touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to any one of the above. The bending detection sensor
A first electrode provided on one side with respect to the bending axis;
A second electrode provided on the other side with respect to the axis;
The bend-detectable touch according to claim 1, wherein the bending is detected based on a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. Sensor.   The bend detection touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein the bending detection sensor has a portion provided in an area outside the detection area. A first case,
A second case,
A flexible display portion provided over the first housing and the second housing;
The touch sensor capable of detecting bending according to any one of claims 1 to 6, provided on the display unit,
A display device capable of detecting bending, comprising:   8. The display device according to claim 7, further comprising a hinge portion connecting the first case and the second case so as to be able to open and close.

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