JP7220129B2 - Pressure-sensitive touch sensor module and pressure-sensitive touch sensor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a force-sensitive touch sensor module and a force-sensitive touch sensor.

2. Description of the Related Art In various fields such as in-vehicle electronic devices, a module equipped with a capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor capable of detecting pressure has been proposed as a sensor module for detecting an operation on an operation surface. For example, in Patent Document 1, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on one surface of a base sheet, and the base sheet is folded in half so that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other. Furthermore, a pressure sensitive touch sensor is disclosed in which an elastic sheet is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A pressure-sensitive touch sensor made of such a flexible base sheet is attached, for example, to the back surface of an operation panel. When the operation surface is pressed, the elastic sheet is compressed and deformed, the first electrode and the second electrode approach each other, and the capacitance of the second electrode changes. By detecting this change in capacitance, the pressing of the operation surface is recognized.

JP 2010-217967 A

As a touch sensor module, a touch sensor is provided on the back surface of an operation panel in which a light transmission region is formed partially or entirely, a light-emitting element is mounted on the substrate on the opposite side of the touch sensor to the operation panel, and the panel Some illuminate characters by transmitting light on the front side.

However, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, when a light-emitting element is provided on the back side of the pressure-sensitive detection part composed of the first electrode, the elastic sheet, and the second electrode, and the pressing part of the operation panel is illuminated, the pressing part is repeatedly pressed. In some cases, the light-emitting element is damaged, resulting in a problem in character illumination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor that can stably illuminate a pressing portion of an operation panel for a long period of time by transmitting light from a light-emitting element.

The present invention has the following aspects.
[1] An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and a light-emitting element,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor includes a base sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an elastic layer,
The first electrode is a transparent electrode and is provided on any surface of the base sheet,
the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the elastic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by the pressing force, and the pressing is detected from the change in capacitance due to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode becoming closer,
The operation panel includes a light transmitting portion at least in a portion overlapping with the first electrode in plan view,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed beside the elastic layer, and light emitted from the light-emitting element enters the elastic layer from a side surface of the elastic layer.
[2] The first electrode and the second electrode are provided on any surface of the base sheet,
at least part of the base sheet is folded back between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other;
The pressure-sensitive device according to [1], wherein the light-emitting element is arranged on the opposite side of the folding line between the first electrode and the second electrode of the elastic layer in the planar direction of the operation surface. touch sensor module.
[3] The pressure-sensitive touch according to [1] or [2], wherein the elastic layer is a rubber-like elastic body including a pair of sheet portions and a plurality of pillars sandwiched between the pair of sheet portions. sensor module.
[4] According to [3], the plurality of pillars are arranged more densely on the side far from the light emitting element than on the side closer to the light emitting element in the planar direction of the operation surface. 's force-sensitive touch sensor module.
[5] The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the elastic layer contains a light diffusing substance.
[6] A substrate sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, an elastic layer, and a light emitting element,
The first electrode is a transparent electrode and is provided on any surface of the base sheet,
the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the elastic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by the pressing force, and the pressing is detected from the change in capacitance due to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode becoming closer,
The light-emitting element is arranged next to the elastic layer on the surface of the base sheet on which the elastic layer is arranged, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element enters the elastic layer from the side surface of the elastic layer. A pressure-sensitive touch sensor.
[7] An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to [6],
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor that can stably illuminate a pressing portion of an operation panel over a long period of time by transmitting light from a light-emitting element.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an elastic layer; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the elastic layer of FIG. 2 taken along line AA; 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an elastic layer; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention;

[Pressure-sensitive touch sensor]
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is a capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor that detects pressure. For example, by attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention to the back surface of the operation panel, it is possible to detect pressure on the operation surface of the operation panel. An example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention will be described below.
It should be noted that the dimensions and the like of the drawings illustrated in the following description are only examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to them, and can be implemented with appropriate changes within the scope of not changing the gist of the present invention. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 of this embodiment includes a first base sheet 10, a protective layer 12, a first electrode 14, a second electrode 16, and a second base sheet. 18 , an elastic layer 30 and a light emitting element 50 .
A first electrode 14 is provided on the first surface 10a of the first base material sheet 10, and a protective layer 12 is laminated so as to cover them. The second surface 10b of the first base sheet 10 is the surface facing the operation panel.

The first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are provided so that their surfaces face each other with the elastic layer 30 interposed therebetween. A second base sheet 18 is provided on the side of the second electrode 16 opposite to the side on which the elastic layer 30 is arranged.
When viewed from the thickness direction of the first base sheet 10, the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 overlap each other. An elastic layer 30 is arranged between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 to form the pressure-sensitive detection section 20 .

In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 , the light emitting element 50 is arranged beside the elastic layer 30 on the side of the protective layer 12 opposite to the first base sheet 10 . In this way, the light emitting elements 50 are arranged beside the elastic layer 30 on the first surface 10a of the first base sheet 10 on which the elastic layer 30 is arranged. This allows the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 to enter the elastic layer 30 from the side surface of the elastic layer 30 .

Part of the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 and entering the elastic layer 30 from the side surface of the elastic layer 30 is diffused in the thickness direction and travels through the first electrode 14 toward the operation panel. This makes it possible to illuminate the portion of the operation panel where the pressure-sensitive detection unit 20 is arranged. In addition, since the light emitting element 50 is arranged beside the elastic layer 30 , even if the pressing portion of the operation panel where the pressure sensing section 20 is arranged is pressed, the force does not affect the light emitting element 50 . Therefore, even if the pressing portion of the operation panel is repeatedly pressed, the light emitting element 50 is unlikely to be damaged, and the pressing portion can be stably illuminated over a long period of time.

In a mode in which the light emitting element 50 is arranged beside the elastic layer 30 on the first surface 10a on which the elastic layer 30 of the first base sheet 10 is arranged, as in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, the pressing portion of the operation panel is pressed, the movements in the thickness direction of the elastic layer 30 and the light emitting element 50 are synchronized. Therefore, it is advantageous in that the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 enters the elastic layer 30 more stably.

The planar view shape of the first base sheet 10 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application. The dimensions of the first base sheet 10 are also not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application.
A transparent insulating film made of resin can be used as the base sheet. Here, "transparent" means that the light transmittance measured according to JIS K7136 is 50% or more. "Insulated" means that the electrical resistance value is 1 MΩ or more, preferably 10 MΩ or more.

Examples of materials for forming the first base sheet 10 and the second base sheet 18 include polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin, cyclic polyolefin resin, triacetyl cellulose, and the like. be done.
The material forming the base sheet may be of one type or two or more types.

The thickness of the first base sheet 10 and the second base sheet 18 is preferably 10-250 μm, more preferably 25-188 μm. When the thickness of the base sheet is at least the lower limit of the above range, it is easy to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity. If the thickness of the base sheet is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be easily reduced.

The protective layer 12 is laminated on the first surface 10 a side of the first base sheet 10 in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 .
The shape and dimensions of the protective layer 12 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application.
The protective layer 12 is not particularly limited, and for example, the same transparent resin insulating film as that mentioned for the base sheet can be exemplified.

The thickness of the protective layer 12 is preferably 10-250 μm, more preferably 10-188 μm. If the thickness of the protective layer 12 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above range, it is easy to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity. If the thickness of the protective layer 12 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the range, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be easily reduced.

The first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are each connected to a connection terminal portion (not shown) by wiring, and are further electrically connected to the capacitance detection portion via the connection terminal portion. Thus, the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be electrically connected to the capacitance detection section.

The planar shape of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be appropriately set, and examples thereof include a rectangle.
The dimensions of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are also not particularly limited, and can be, for example, approximately 10 mm long by 10 mm wide. As the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are larger, the pressing force detection sensitivity is improved.

The size of the second electrode 16 may be smaller than that of the first electrode 14 closer to the operation surface. This makes it difficult for the second electrode 16 to protrude from the first electrode 14 closer to the operation surface when viewed in the thickness direction, thereby making it easier to suppress erroneous detection.

The first electrode 14 may be grounded. As a result, even if a finger approaches the pressure-sensitive detection unit 20 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 , the grounded first electrode 14 serves as a shield, which can suppress a change in capacitance. As a result, the effect of the finger approaching the pressure sensing unit 20, which is about to touch the operation surface, is eliminated from changes in the capacitance of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16, and the effect of the pressing force is eliminated. Since it can be limited to changes, erroneous detection of pressing can be further suppressed.

The first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 may be pressure-sensitive electrodes of a known form, and may be self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance.
As a mode of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16, in the case of the self-capacitance method, the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are sensing electrodes that independently sense changes in capacitance. , one of which is a detection electrode, and the other electrode is a GND electrode (grounded solid electrode). In the case of the mutual capacitance method, both the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are solid electrodes, one of which is the Tx electrode, the other is the Rx electrode, and one of them is the GND electrode. and a comb-tooth electrode in which the Tx electrode and the Rx electrode are arranged in a comb-tooth shape.

As a mode of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16, a self-capacitance system is preferable in which the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are detection electrodes that independently detect changes in capacitance. In this mode, it is easy to distinguish and detect the contact or proximity of the conductor and the pressure based on the respective signals from the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 .

The first electrode 14 is a transparent electrode. A transparent electrode means an electrode having a light transmittance of 50% or more as measured according to JIS K7361. A transparent conductive film, for example, can be used as the first electrode 14 .
Examples of transparent conductive films include films containing conductive polymers (indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), etc.), films or meshes containing conductive nanowires (silver nanowires, gold nanowires, carbon nanotubes, etc.), metal Examples include films containing particles (silver particles, copper particles, gold particles, etc.) or conductive metal oxide particles (ITO particles, etc.), films containing carbon (carbon black, graphite, etc.), metal deposition films, metal meshes, and the like. .

The material of the second electrode 16 is not particularly limited, and electrodes commonly used as pressure-sensitive electrodes can be used. Examples thereof include metals such as copper and silver. Depending on the application, ITO, conductive polymers (polythiophene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, etc.), conductive nanowires, silver paste, carbon, etc. may be used as electrode materials.
Here, "conductive" means having an electrical resistance value of less than 1 MΩ.

The average thickness of the first electrode 14 is preferably 0.01-25 μm, more preferably 0.1-15 μm.
The thickness of the second electrode 16 may be appropriately set according to the material. The average thickness of the electrode containing the conductive polymer is preferably 0.1-5.0 μm, more preferably 0.1-2.0 μm.
The average thickness of the electrode comprising conductive nanowires is preferably 20-1000 nm, more preferably 50-300 nm.
The average thickness of the electrode containing metal particles, conductive metal oxide particles such as ITO, or carbon is preferably 0.01 to 25 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 15 μm.
The average thickness of the electrode made of the metal deposited film is preferably 0.01 to 1.0 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 0.3 μm.
The average thickness of the electrodes made of silver paste or carbon paste is preferably 1 to 25 μm.
If the average thickness of the electrode is at least the lower limit of the range, disconnection due to pinholes can be easily suppressed. If the average thickness of the electrode is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, thinning is facilitated.

The method of measuring electrode thickness varies depending on the thickness range. For example, in the case of a film thickness on the order of μm, the thickness can be measured by a micrometer, digimatic indicator, or laser displacement measurement. In addition, in the case of a film thickness smaller than the μm order, the thickness can be measured by cross-sectional observation using a scanning electron microscope or by a fluorescent X-ray analyzer.
The average thickness is the average thickness measured near the center of the electrode in plan view.

The arrangement of the first electrodes 14 and the second electrodes 16 in the surface direction of the first base sheet 10 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application. The number of the first electrodes 14 and the number of the second electrodes 16 is also not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application.

The material of the wiring connected to the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be exemplified by, for example, the same material as the material of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16, and silver paste is preferable. The preferred range for the average thickness of the wiring is the same as the preferred range for the average thickness of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 .

The elastic layer 30 is a layer containing an elastic body, and is compressed and deformed by pressing. When the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is pressed in the thickness direction, the elastic layer 30 is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction, and the distance between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 becomes closer, thereby changing the capacitance. do. A press on the operation surface is recognized by detecting a change in this capacitance.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the elastic layer 30 in this example includes a pair of a first sheet portion 30a and a second sheet portion 30b, and a plurality of elastic layers sandwiched between the first sheet portion 30a and the second sheet portion 30b. is a rubber-like elastic body provided with a column portion 30c. The first seat portion 30a, the second seat portion 30b and the plurality of column portions 30c are integrated. The elastic layer 30 has a space portion 30d around each column portion 30c.
An elastic member such as a sponge may be arranged in a space portion 30d other than the column portion 30c between the first sheet portion 30a and the second sheet portion 30b.

The materials forming the first sheet portion 30a, the second sheet portion 30b, and the plurality of column portions 30c may be the same or different. Of the elastic layer 30, only the column portion 30c that is compressively deformed needs to be made of an elastic material. The first sheet portion 30a and the second sheet portion 30b may be made of an elastic material, or may be made of an inelastic hard material. Examples of hard materials include resins other than elastomers, glass, metals, ceramics, and wood.

As the elastic material forming the elastic body of the elastic layer 30, it is preferable to use an elastic material that has an appropriate degree of compressive deformation in the thickness direction due to pressing and that has a good pressing feeling. Examples of elastic materials include thermosetting elastomers such as urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber; Thermoplastic elastomers such as butadiene-based or fluorine-based elastomers; or composites thereof. Among these, silicone rubber is preferable because it allows light to pass through easily and has a small dimensional change against repeated pressing, that is, a small compression set. The elastic material may be a foamed material with internal cells or a non-foamed material without substantial cells.

The elastic material forming the elastic body of the elastic layer 30 preferably contains a light diffusing substance. That is, the elastic layer 30 may be a layer that also serves as a light guide layer that guides the light from the light emitting element 50 in the thickness direction. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 50 (to be described later) and entering the elastic layer 30 from the side surface of the elastic layer 30 is diffused and easily guided to the operation panel side through the first electrode 14 .

Examples of light diffusing substances include titanium oxide, silica, coated silica, porous silica, hollow silica, barium titanate, barium sulfate, glass, resin beads (acrylic resin, styrene resin, benzoguanamine resin, etc.) can be exemplified. The light diffusing substance contained in the elastic material may be of one type or two or more types, and can be blended by a known method.

The type A durometer hardness when measured according to JIS K 6253 with a thickness (height) of 1 cm of the elastic body forming the elastic layer 30 is preferably 85 or less. If the type A durometer hardness is 85 or less, it is easily elastically deformed when pressed. However, if the material is excessively soft, the recovery after elastic deformation is delayed, so the type A durometer hardness is preferably 10 or more.

The thickness of the first sheet portion 30a is preferably 5 to 100 μm, more preferably 10 to 100 μm. If the thickness of the first sheet portion 30a is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, the bonding strength with the column portion 30c can be increased. If the thickness of the first sheet portion 30a is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above range, the distance between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be easily shortened when the operation surface is not pressed, and the pressing detection accuracy increases. can be made higher.
The preferable range of thickness of the second sheet portion 30b is the same as the preferable range of thickness of the first sheet portion 30a. The thickness of the first sheet portion 30a and the thickness of the second sheet portion 30b may be the same or different.

The shape of the columnar portion 30c is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include columnar shapes such as columnar shapes, truncated cone shapes, and prismatic shapes. Among them, a columnar shape and a truncated cone shape are preferable from the viewpoint of excellent durability. The shapes of the multiple pillars 30c may be the same or different.

The cross-sectional area of the single columnar portion 30c in the direction perpendicular to the height direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.005 to 4 mm ² , preferably 0.02 to 0.8 mm ² . If the cross-sectional area of the column portion 30c is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, it becomes easy to compressively deform in the height direction when a pressing force is applied, and the column portion 30c is prevented from bending without being compressed. easy to prevent. If the cross-sectional area of the column portion 30c is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above range, it can be easily compressed and deformed with an appropriate pressing force such as pressing with a finger.
Here, the cross-sectional area of the column means the area of the cross section orthogonal to the height direction at the half height position of the column. The cross-sectional area of the columnar portion can be measured by a known fine structure observation means such as an optical microscope measuring instrument.

The total cross-sectional area of all the columns 30c of the elastic layer 30 can be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the elastic material and the desired pressing comfort. When the area of the first sheet portion 30a or the second sheet portion 30b is 100%, the total cross-sectional area is preferably 0.1 to 30%, more preferably 0.5 to 20%, and 1 to 20%. is more preferred. If the total cross-sectional area is within the above range, it can be easily compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force such as pressing with a finger.
Specifically, for example, the total cross-sectional area can be 1 to 100 mm ² .

The height of the columnar portion 30c is preferably 1 to 3000 μm, more preferably 50 to 2000 μm, even more preferably 200 to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 300 to 1000 μm. If the height of the column portion 30c is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above range, the distance between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be easily reduced when the operation surface is not pressed, and the pressing force detection accuracy can be improved. can be higher. In addition, the feeling that the operation surface is dented when the operation surface is pressed is easily suppressed, and it becomes easy to operate with the same feeling as touching a hard surface like a normal touch panel.
Here, the height of the column portion 30c does not include the thickness of the first sheet portion 30a and the thickness of the second sheet portion 30b. The height of the column portion 30c can be measured by a known fine structure observation means such as an optical microscope measuring instrument.

The column portion 30c is a member that supports the thickness of the elastic layer 30 by being connected to the thickness of the first sheet portion 30a and the second sheet portion 30b. If the thickness of the elastic layer 30 is the same regardless of the location, the heights of the plurality of columns 30c are substantially the same.

In this example, the arrangement pattern of the plurality of pillars 30c in plan view is 25 pillars of 5×5 in the vertical and horizontal directions in the planar direction of the rectangular first sheet 30a and the second sheet 30b. It is a pattern in which the portions 30c are arranged at intervals. The arrangement pattern of the plurality of pillars 30c is not limited to this pattern, and may be, for example, a pattern in which the plurality of pillars 30c are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

The number of pillars 30c included in the elastic layer 30 may be plural or one. For example, one pillar portion 30c having a rectangular shape in plan view may be provided in the thickness of the first sheet portion 30a and the center region of the second sheet portion 30b in the plane direction. In this aspect, the elastic body forming the column portion 30c is preferably a foam containing air bubbles inside.

The number of columns 30c included in the elastic layer 30 is preferably 1 to 1000, more preferably 3 to 100, and even more preferably 4 to 50. When the number is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the range, the elastic layer 30 can be compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force such as pressing the operation surface with a finger. If the number is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of pressing by a finger.

The pitch between adjacent column portions 30c is preferably 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 3 mm. If the pitch is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, the elastic layer 30 can be compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force of pressing the operation surface with a finger. If the pitch is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detection of pressing by a finger.

The elastic layer 30 of this example is arranged between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 while being sandwiched between the first base film 32 and the second base film 34, as shown in FIG. and bonded to the protective layer 12 and the second electrode 16 via adhesive layers 36 and 38 . Release papers 40 and 42 are laminated on the surfaces of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 before being placed between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 .

The adhesive layers 36 and 38 may be provided only on part of the contact surfaces of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 with the protective layer 12 and the second electrode 16, respectively. It may be provided on the entire surface. It is preferable that the adhesive layers 36 and 38 are provided on the entire contact surface because it is easy to make the pressing force on the elastic layer 30 uniform in the surface direction.

Examples of materials for the adhesive layers 36 and 38 independently include, for example, known curable adhesives (liquid adhesive before bonding) or adhesives (gel-like pressure-sensitive adhesive before bonding). . Also, each adhesive layer may be a substrate-type adhesive layer in which an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive is placed on both sides of a substrate layer. Examples of the substrate-type adhesive layer include a known double-sided tape.
Examples of the adhesives and adhesives include acrylic resins, urethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and the like. The curable adhesive may be of a solvent type containing a solvent that volatilizes during curing, or may be of a hot-melt type.

The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 may be, for example, 1 to 75 μm independently. The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 using the curable adhesive is preferably 1 to 20 μm. The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 using the adhesive is preferably 10 to 75 μm.

As a material for forming the first base film 32 and the second base film 34, an insulating resin material can be used. Examples include vinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), urethane, and the like. The resin forming the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 may be of one type or two or more types.

The thicknesses of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are independently, for example, 10 to 200 μm. When the resin material described above is used, its thickness is preferably 10 to 200 μm, more preferably 25 to 150 μm, even more preferably 25 to 100 μm. When the thickness is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the range, it is easy to uniformize the pressing force against the elastic layer 30 in the plane direction. If the thickness is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of input to the operation surface.

The first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are adhered to the outer surface of the first sheet portion 30a and the outer surface of the second sheet portion 30b of the elastic layer 30, respectively. These may be adhered by an adhesive layer (not shown), or may be directly adhered by a known surface treatment or heat treatment.
The bonding surfaces of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 may be subjected to a known physical or chemical surface treatment for the purpose of improving the adhesive force.

The first base film 32 and the second base film 34 have smooth surfaces with respect to the elastic layer 30 so that the pressing force applied to the operation surface is uniformly transmitted to the elastic layer 30 . If the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 were not present, the unevenness of the portion where the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 were provided would cause the elastic layer 30 to be pressed unevenly. There is In this embodiment, since the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are provided, the unevenness of the portion where the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are provided prevents the elastic layer 30 from being pressed. Equalization effects can be reduced. Also, the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are prevented from being locally damaged by the stress from the columnar portion 30c of the elastic layer 30. FIG.

The light-emitting element 50 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic ELs. As the light emitting element 50, only one type may be used, or two or more types may be combined.

The number of light emitting elements 50 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. One light emitting element 50 may be arranged for one elastic layer 30 , or two or more light emitting elements 50 may be arranged for one elastic layer 30 .

For example, by providing an adhesive layer on the second surface 10b side of the first base sheet 10, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 can be attached to the operation panel via the adhesive layer. In this case, the portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 where the adhesive layer is provided can be appropriately set within a range where the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 can be stably attached to the operation panel.
The material forming the adhesive layer for attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 to the operation panel is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the same adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives as the adhesive layers 36 and 38 . Among them, the double-sided tape is preferable because the fixed area can be easily controlled.

When an adhesive layer is provided on the second surface 10b side of the first base sheet 10, release paper is pasted on the adhesive layer before being attached to the operation panel.
The release paper is not particularly limited, and known release papers can be used.

A manufacturing method of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used.
The first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 can be manufactured, for example, by forming a pattern of an electrode material on the first base sheet 10 and the second base sheet 18 by printing or the like. Alternatively, electrodes may be formed on one side or both sides of the base material and then bonded to the first base sheet 10 or the second base sheet 18 with an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. Examples of the method of forming the electrodes include a method of printing a conductive paste followed by heating and curing, a method of printing an ink containing metal particles, a method of forming a metal foil or metal deposition film and patterning the paste, and the like. be done.

After the first electrodes 14 are formed, the protective layer 12 is laminated on the first surface 10a side of the first base material sheet 10 with an adhesive or the like. Further, an adhesive layer is formed by attaching a double-sided tape to the second surface 10b side of the first base sheet 10, and a release paper is attached.

The elastic layer 30 can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. Specifically, the second sheet portion 30b is formed on one side of the second base film 34 by screen printing or the like. The surface of the second sheet portion 30b and the surface of each column portion 30c that is in contact with the second sheet portion 30b are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and they are overlapped and pressed to join the second sheet portion 30b and each column portion 30c. . Also, the first sheet portion 30a is formed on one side of the first base film 32 by screen printing or the like. The surface of the first sheet portion 30a and the surface of each column portion 30c contacting the first sheet portion 30a are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the first sheet portion 30a and each column portion 30c are joined by overlapping and pressing them. . Thereby, the elastic layer 30 sandwiched between the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 can be formed.

The second electrode 16 and the second base sheet 18 are attached to the elastic layer 30 via the adhesive layer 38, and then attached to the portion of the protective layer 12 where the first electrode 14 is provided via the adhesive layer 36. wear. The light emitting device 50 can be mounted next to the elastic layer 30 on the surface of the protective layer 12 opposite to the first base sheet 10 by, for example, low temperature solder or conductive adhesive. Thereby, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is obtained.

[Pressure-sensitive touch sensor module]
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention is a device that includes an operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member. As an example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention, a pressure-sensitive touch-sensor module 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "module 100") including the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The module 100 includes a rectangular operation panel 110 having an operation surface 112 , a frame member 120 having a convex pressing member 122 , and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 . The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is attached to the back surface of the operation panel 110 via an adhesive layer with the release paper removed.

A method for attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 to the operation panel 110 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a diaphragm method and a roller method. Among them, the diaphragm method is preferable because it is easy to prevent air bubbles from entering between the adhesive layer of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 and the operation panel 110, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 can be adhered more neatly. .

The pressure-sensitive detection unit 20 in which the first electrode 14, the elastic layer 30, and the second electrode 16 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 overlap is pressed and fixed by the operation panel 110 and the pressing member 122 of the frame member 120. . In this example, the operation panel 110 and the frame member 120 are connected by a spring 130 . The surface of the operation panel 110 opposite to the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 serves as an operation surface 112 .

As the operation panel 110, for example, a panel having such a rigidity that when pressed with a finger, can compress an elastic layer at a position away from the position pressed with the finger through the panel can be used. However, if the position to be pressed is close to the position of the elastic layer, a panel with low rigidity such as leather or rubber may be used as the operation panel 110 .

The operation panel 110 includes a light transmission section 114 at least in a portion overlapping with the pressure-sensitive detection section 20 including the first electrode 14 in plan view. The light transmitting portion 114 may be provided only in a portion of the operation panel 110 that overlaps the pressure-sensitive detection portion 20 or may be provided over the entire operation panel 110 .
The operation panel 110 includes, for example, a cover layer covering the surface of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 and a decorative layer formed on the surface of the cover layer. For example, the operation panel 110 can be provided with the light transmitting portion 114 by partially not providing the decorative layer in the portion of the cover layer that overlaps the pressure-sensitive detection portion 20 .

Examples of materials for the cover layer include glass and resin.
Examples of resin include PC, acrylic resin, ABS resin, polystyrene (PS), PVC, PET, PBT, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and the like. These resins may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

The thickness of the cover layer is preferably 0.05 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. When the thickness of the cover layer is at least the lower limit of the above range, sufficient strength is likely to be obtained. When the thickness of the cover layer is equal to or less than the upper limit of the range, it is easy to prevent the module 100 from becoming excessively thick.

The decorative layer is a layer on which arbitrary decoration is applied by decoration, letters, figures, symbols, patterns, a combination thereof, or a combination of these and colors. The decorative layer can be formed, for example, by printing on the cover layer.
Note that the operation panel 110 may not have a decorative layer.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the frame member has such a convex pressing member, and the portion where the elastic layer of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is located is sandwiched between the operation panel and the pressing member of the frame member. This makes it easier for the elastic layer 30 to be compressed and deformed even when it is pressed by a finger, so that the touch operation can be detected more accurately.

Materials for forming the frame member include, for example, resins, glass, and inorganic substances.
As the resin for forming the frame member, for example, the same resin as the resin for forming the cover layer can be used. The resin forming the frame member may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

In the present invention, a capacitive detector (IC) may be provided on the surface of the frame member 120 on the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 side, and the frame member 120 may be used as a control substrate. Furthermore, the control board may be connected to the connection terminal portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 via a connector.

In the module 100 , the light emitting element 50 is arranged beside the elastic layer 30 in the pressure sensitive touch sensor 1 . Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element 50 enters the elastic layer 30 from the side surface, is guided in the thickness direction, and is transmitted through the light transmitting portion 114 . As a result, it becomes possible to illuminate the characters on the pressed portion of the operation surface 112 . Further, since the light emitting element 50 is arranged next to the elastic layer 30, the light emitting element 50 is less likely to be damaged even when the operation surface 112 is repeatedly pressed, and stable illumination can be achieved over a long period of time. In addition, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module with an illumination function that is thin and has a simple configuration can be obtained. Furthermore, since there is no need to mount a light guide member separately from the elastic layer, the displacement of the elastic layer for pressure detection is not hindered, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor with an illumination function can be placed more freely. Wider range of use.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention, the light-emitting element may be arranged beside the elastic layer, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element may enter the elastic layer from the side surface of the elastic layer. It is not limited to the aspect in which the light emitting element is mounted on the touch sensor. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module 100A in which light-emitting elements 50 are provided on the surface of the frame member 120 on the side of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A so as to be positioned beside the elastic layer 30. may be In this embodiment, it is preferable that the frame member 120 is provided with a convex installation portion 124, the light emitting element 50 is provided on the installation portion 124, and the elastic layer 30 and the light emitting element 50 are aligned in the thickness direction. . The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A has the same aspect as the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 except that the light-emitting element 50 is not provided.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention may be the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B illustrated in FIG.
In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 are provided on the first surface 10a of the first base sheet 10, and a part of the first base sheet 10 serves as the first electrode 14. and the second electrode 16 so that the surfaces of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 face each other. In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, a part of the first base sheet 10 is folded back between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 so that the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 face each other. This is the same aspect as the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 .
The light emitting element 50 is located on the opposite side of the folding line 15 between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 of the elastic layer 30 in the surface direction of the operation surface when the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B is attached to the operation panel. are placed.

In the case of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, a light reflecting surface may be formed on a portion of the protective layer 12 side surface of the folded portion 22 closer to the folding line portion 15 than the elastic layer 30 is. As a result, the light passing through the elastic layer 30 toward the folding line 15 can enter the elastic layer 30 again, and more efficient illumination becomes possible. In addition, light leakage can be prevented by reflecting the light passing through the elastic layer 30 toward the folding line 15 on the light reflecting surface.
As a method for forming the light reflecting surface, for example, a method of forming a white layer in which powders of titanium dioxide, aluminum, etc., which are pigments with high opacity and high whiteness are dispersed, is formed by painting, aluminum, chromium, silver, etc. can be exemplified by a method of forming a metal thin film layer made of a metal by plating, vapor deposition, or the like.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensors 1 and 1B are in a mode in which the elastic layer 30 and the light emitting element 50 are arranged with an air layer interposed therebetween. A mode in which connection and sealing is performed may also be used. Such an aspect improves the luminous efficiency, and is particularly effective when one light emitting element is arranged with respect to a plurality of elastic layers, or when a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged with respect to a plurality of elastic layers. .

As shown in FIG. 7, in the plane direction of the operation surface, the plurality of columnar portions 30c are arranged so that the side farther from the light emitting element 50 is denser than the side closer to the light emitting element 50. may be a pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C. By using an elastic layer such as the elastic layer 30A, the efficiency of guiding the light entering the elastic layer from the side in the thickness direction and transmitting it through the light transmitting portion of the operation panel is further improved.

If the elastic layer has a plurality of pillars, the shape of the pillars is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, an elastic layer 30B may be provided with an inverted cone-shaped pillar 30e that is wider on the operation panel side. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the elastic layer 30C may be provided with a conical column portion 30f that narrows on the operation panel side.

As shown in FIG. 8(C), an elastic layer 30D is provided with a conical projection 30g which is smaller than the column 30c and which does not interfere with compressive deformation due to the pressing force, between the columns 30c. may As shown in FIG. 8(D), an elastic layer 30E having a reflecting portion 30h having a reflective surface 31 on the far side from the light emitting element 50 that slopes downward from the far side toward the near side from the light emitting element 50. There may be.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor has a mode in which a light diffusion layer or a light reflection layer is provided on the back side of the elastic layer (opposite side to the operation panel), or a mode in which a light diffusion layer is provided on the front side (operation panel side) of the elastic layer. It is good also as a mode. As a result, when the arrangement pattern of the pillars of the elastic layer is made uniform to enhance the pressure-sensitive function, when the elastic layer is made of a solid elastic body, when the elastic layer is made of a closed-cell or open-cell type foam, etc. Even so, it is possible to efficiently guide the light to the operation panel side and easily illuminate the desired portion with high brightness. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , a light diffusion layer 60 may be provided on the surface of the second base film 34 on the back side of the elastic layer 30 .

The light diffusion layer can be formed, for example, by printing an ink containing a light diffusion substance and a resin binder. The light-reflecting layer can be formed, for example, by applying a metal, a metal oxide, a mixture thereof, or a resin composition mixed with a resin binder.
Examples of resin binders include acrylic resins, emulsion acrylic resins, acrylic urethane resins, epoxy resins, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyvinyl alcohol. As the resin binder, only one type may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

In addition to the first electrode and the second electrode for pressure sensing, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor detects the contact or proximity of the conductor to the electrode from the change in the capacitance of the electrode due to the contact or proximity of the conductor. You may further provide a third electrode for detecting. Such a mode is rational because both the touch sensor and the pressure-sensitive sensor are of the same electrostatic capacitance detection method and can be similarly processed by the same IC.

The shape of the third electrode is not particularly limited, and may be rectangular, for example. The dimensions of the third electrode are also not particularly limited, and can be, for example, approximately 10 mm long by 10 mm wide.

The third electrode may be self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance.
The mode of the third electrode of the mutual capacitance method is not particularly limited. For example, a solid electrode such as a circular, elliptical, or rectangular electrode, a comb-teeth electrode, or a strip-shaped transmission electrode formed on one surface of the substrate is formed. and a rectangular electrode pattern, a diamond pattern, etc., in which a plurality of strip-shaped receiving electrodes extending in a direction perpendicular to the transmitting electrodes are formed on the other surface.
The mode of the third electrode of the self-capacitance method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include solid electrodes such as circular, elliptical, and rectangular shapes, diamond patterns, and the like.

The material of the third electrode includes the same materials as those of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16, and a transparent conductive film is preferable.
The preferred average thickness of the third electrode is the same as the preferred average thickness of the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 16 .
The number of third electrodes is not particularly limited. The number of third electrodes may be one, or two or more.

The second electrode need not be a transparent electrode. Also, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor may not include the second electrode, and the second electrode may be provided on the pressing member 122 of the frame member 120 .
In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor, a light-shielding part may be provided around the elastic layer, the light-shielding part being open only on the side where the light-emitting element is arranged. This further improves the efficiency with which the light that has entered the elastic layer is transmitted through the light transmitting portion of the operation panel.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A-1C... pressure-sensitive touch sensor, 10... 1st base material sheet, 12... protective layer, 14... 1st electrode, 16... 2nd electrode, 18... 2nd base material sheet, 20... pressure-sensitive Detector 30, 30A to 30E Elastic layer 50 Light-emitting element 100 Pressure-sensitive touch sensor module 110 Operation panel 112 Operation surface 114 Light-transmitting part 120 Frame member 122 Pressing member .

Claims (8)

An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and a light-emitting element,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor includes a base sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an elastic layer,
The first electrode is a transparent electrode and is provided on any surface of the base sheet,
the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the elastic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by the pressing force, and the pressing is detected from the change in capacitance due to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode becoming closer,
The operation panel includes a light transmitting portion at least in a portion overlapping with the first electrode in plan view,
The elastic layer includes a pair of sheet portions and a plurality of pillars sandwiched between the pair of sheet portions,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged beside the elastic layer, and light emitted from the light-emitting element enters from a side surface of the elastic layer toward the plurality of pillars in the elastic layer. The first electrode and the second electrode are provided on any surface of the base sheet,
at least part of the base sheet is folded back between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other;
2. The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged on the opposite side of the folding line between the first electrode and the second electrode of the elastic layer in the surface direction of the operation surface. touch sensor module. 3. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module according to claim 1, wherein said elastic layer is a rubber- like elastic material. 4. The plurality of columns according to claim 1 , wherein in the surface direction of the operation surface, the plurality of pillars are arranged so that the side farther from the light emitting element is denser than the side closer to the light emitting element. 2. The pressure sensitive touch sensor module according to claim 1 . The pressure sensitive touch sensor module according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the elastic layer contains a light diffusing material. A substrate sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, an elastic layer, and a light emitting element,
The first electrode is a transparent electrode and is provided on any surface of the base sheet,
the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the elastic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The elastic layer includes a pair of sheet portions and a plurality of pillars sandwiched between the pair of sheet portions,
The elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by the pressing force, and the pressing is detected from the change in capacitance due to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode becoming closer,
The light emitting element is arranged beside the elastic layer on the surface of the base sheet on which the elastic layer is arranged, and the light emitted from the light emitting element is emitted from the side surface of the elastic layer into the elastic layer. A pressure-sensitive touch sensor that approaches multiple pillars . An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to claim 6,
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member. An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and a light-emitting element,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor includes a base sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an elastic layer,
The first electrode is a transparent electrode and is provided on any surface of the base sheet,
the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other, and the elastic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode;
The elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by the pressing force, and the pressing is detected from the change in capacitance due to the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode becoming closer,
The operation panel includes a light transmitting portion at least in a portion overlapping with the first electrode in plan view,
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed beside the elastic layer, and light emitted from the light-emitting element enters the elastic layer from a side surface of the elastic layer,
The first electrode and the second electrode are provided on any surface of the base sheet,
at least part of the base sheet is folded back between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other;
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged on the opposite side of the folding line between the first electrode and the second electrode of the elastic layer in the surface direction of the operation surface.

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