TWM458605U - Touch panel device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a touch panel device capable of preventing disconnection of a conductive layer of a touch panel even when an input area of the touch panel is increased. <P>SOLUTION: A touch panel 3 of a touch panel device 1 comprises: a first substrate 7; a second substrate 8; a first conductive layer 9 formed on a rear surface of the first substrate 7; a second conductive layer 10 formed on a front surface of the second substrate 8; and a frame-shaped insulating member 11 disposed between the first conductive layer 9 and the second conductive layer 10. An input area 12 of the touch panel 3 is formed on an inner peripheral side from an inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 of the touch panel 3. A tabular protecting member 15 is bonded to a front surface of the first substrate 7. The protecting member 15 is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the input area 12 and covers the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 as viewed from a front surface side of the first substrate 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

Touch panel device

The present invention relates to a touch panel device having a touch panel.

A pressure-sensitive touch panel for operation of various electronic devices has been known (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-242909). As shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-242909 includes a translucent upper substrate 101 including a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film or the like. And a substrate 102 containing light transmissive glass or the like. When the side of the operation surface of the touch panel that is pressed by the user's finger or a pen or the like (the upper side in FIG. 4) is set to the "upper" side, the opposite side (the lower side of FIG. 4) is set to "the lower side". On the side, on the lower surface of the upper substrate 101, a light transmissive upper conductive layer 103 is formed, and on the upper surface of the lower substrate 102, a light transmissive lower conductive layer 104 is formed. A pair of upper electrodes (not shown) are formed on the upper conductive layer 103, and a pair of lower electrodes (not shown) orthogonal to the upper electrodes are formed on the lower conductive layer 104. Between the upper conductive layer 103 and the lower conductive layer 104, a rectangular frame-shaped insulating member (spacer) 105 is disposed, and the upper conductive layer 103 and the lower conductive layer 104 face each other with a specific gap therebetween. Further, the touch panel is disposed inside the casing 106 (see FIG. 4(A)) of the electronic device, and the input region (key region) of the touch panel is disposed in the window frame 106a of the casing 106.

When the upper surface of the upper substrate 101 (ie, the operation surface of the touch panel) is pressed by a finger or a pen or the like according to the display of the liquid crystal device or the like (not shown), the upper substrate 101 is disturbed as shown in FIG. 4(B). Qu, conductive on the pressed part The layer 103 is in contact with the lower conductive layer 104 to be turned on. Based on the voltage value of the upper electrode and the voltage value of the lower electrode at this time, the portion of the touch panel to be pressed is determined, and the specific processing is performed on the electronic device on which the touch panel is mounted.

[Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-242909

As shown in FIG. 4(C), when the vicinity of the insulating member 105 of the upper substrate 101 is pressed, the upper substrate 101 is largely bent with the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105 as a fulcrum, and therefore, the upper conductive layer exists. A large bending stress is applied to the contact portion of the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105 to cause the upper conductive layer 103 to be broken near the insulating member 105. The sash 106a of the casing 106 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105 as in the touch panel described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-242909 (refer to FIG. 4(A). The vicinity of the insulating member 105 of the upper substrate 101 is not pressed, so that the problem can be eliminated.

However, in the case of the touch panel described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-242909, the window frame 106a is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105, and therefore, the inner side of the window frame 106a. The area of the touch panel is narrowed. On the other hand, if the sash 106a is enlarged and the sash 106a is brought close to the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105, the opening area of the touch panel can be enlarged, but if the sash 106a is enlarged, there is a basis The component accuracy of the frame 106 and the touch panel or the assembly accuracy of the electronic device requires that the window frame 106a be disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 105a of the insulating member 105 such that the vicinity of the insulating member 105 of the upper substrate 101 is exposed. . Therefore, when the sash 106a is enlarged and the opening area is enlarged, as described above, the vicinity of the insulating member 105 of the upper substrate 101 is pressed, and the upper conductive layer 103 is broken near the insulating member 105.

Further, generally, a circuit portion of the touch panel is disposed on the upper portion of the insulating member 105. This part has various colors such as green, gray, and skin color due to the influence of the circuit board, conductive paste printing, or shadow printing. In most cases, the aesthetics of the product are not considered. Therefore, if the opening area of the touch panel is enlarged, the circuit portion is exposed, and the appearance of the product is impaired.

Further, in the case of the touch panel described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-242909, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the lower surface of the frame portion 106b of the frame 106 forming the window frame 106a is abutted. Connected to the upper surface of the upper substrate 101. Therefore, if the window frame 106a is placed in the input area of the touch panel due to the component precision of the frame 106 and the touch panel or the assembly accuracy of the electronic device, the user may have a screen for the electronic device. When the frame portion 106b of the casing 106 is held by the angle adjustment or the like, the frame portion 106b is mistakenly input to the touch panel. In order to avoid this erroneous input, a gap may be provided between the lower surface of the bezel portion 106b and the upper surface of the upper substrate 101.

However, if a gap is provided between the lower surface of the bezel portion 106b and the upper surface of the upper substrate 101, foreign matter such as sand or wheat flour may enter the frame portion. The gap between 106b and the upper substrate 101. When the foreign matter enters between the bezel portion 106b and the upper substrate 101, there is a problem that a failure occurs in the state in which the upper substrate 101 is always pressed, or an erroneous input due to foreign matter occurs. Further, when the foreign matter entering between the bezel portion 106b and the upper substrate 101 is removed, the vicinity of the insulating member 105 of the upper substrate 101 is pressed, and as described above, the upper conductive layer 103 is broken near the insulating member 105. After that.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a touch-sensitive type that can prevent the disconnection of the conductive layer of the touch panel even if the opening area of the touch panel is expanded, and can ensure the beauty of the product and the freedom of design. Panel device. Further, the second object of the present invention is to provide an environment in which an open area of a touch panel can be used in an environment in which foreign matter such as sand or wheat flour is present, and it is easy to remove even if foreign matter is clogged, and it is difficult to cause a touch panel. Touch panel device with incorrect input or failure.

In order to solve the above problems, the touch panel device of the present invention includes a touch panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first conductive layer formed on a back surface of the first substrate. a layer, a second conductive layer formed on a surface of the second substrate, and a frame-shaped insulating member disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and a plate-shaped protective member attached to the layer a surface of the first substrate; and an input region on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end of the insulating member, wherein the touch panel is input to the touch panel, wherein the protective member is disposed on the surface The outer peripheral end of the insulating member is covered when viewed from the surface side of the first substrate.

In the present invention, the protective member disposed on the outer periphery of the input region of the touch panel covers the inner peripheral end of the insulating member when viewed from the surface side of the first substrate. Therefore, the vicinity of the insulating member of the first substrate can be covered by the protective member. Moreover, in the present invention, the protective member is attached to the surface of the first substrate. Therefore, even if the inner peripheral end of the protective member is brought close to the inner peripheral end of the insulating member so as to enlarge the input region, the vicinity of the insulating member of the first substrate can be surely covered by the protective member. In other words, even if the inner peripheral end of the protective member is brought closer to the inner peripheral end of the insulating member so that the input region is enlarged, the vicinity of the insulating member of the first substrate caused by the assembly error of the touch panel device can be prevented from being exposed. Happening. Therefore, in the present invention, even if the input area of the touch panel and the opening area inside the opening of the frame of the touch panel are enlarged, the vicinity of the insulating member of the first substrate can be prevented. When pressed, the first conductive layer is broken near the insulating member.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the protective member is formed in a frame shape, and an inner peripheral end of the protective member is disposed between an outer peripheral end of the input region and an inner peripheral end of the insulating member. If configured in this manner, the input area of the touch panel can be prevented from being covered by the protective member. Moreover, according to this configuration, the inner peripheral end of the insulating member can be surely covered by the protective member.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the rigidity of the protective member is higher than the rigidity of the first substrate. According to this configuration, even if the protective member is pressed, the first substrate is less likely to be largely bent with the inner peripheral end of the insulating member as a fulcrum. Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent the first conductive layer from being broken near the insulating member. Furthermore, even if the rigidity of the protective member is lower than the rigidity of the first substrate, Since the first substrate is reinforced by the protective member, when the protective member is pressed, the first substrate is less likely to be largely bent with the inner peripheral end of the insulating member as a fulcrum.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the protective member is formed of four linear members that are linear, or two L-shaped members that are formed in an L shape, or two linear members and one L-shaped member. And formed into a square frame shape. According to this configuration, the component cost of the protective member can be reduced as compared with the case where the protective member is constituted by one square frame member. In other words, when the protective member is formed of one square frame member, it is necessary to remove the central portion of the base material for forming the protective member to form the protective member, and the center portion of the base material is discarded, so that the protective member is removed. When the cost of the component is increased, when the protective member is formed by the linear member or the L-shaped member, the portion where the base material is discarded can be reduced, and the component cost of the protective member can be reduced.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the touch panel device includes a display device disposed on the back side of the second substrate, and the protective member is transparent. According to this configuration, even if a protective member is attached to the surface of the first substrate of the touch panel, the display area of the display device can be enlarged.

In the present creation, the protective member may also be black. In this case, the circuit portion of the touch panel above the insulating member cannot be viewed from the surface side of the first substrate. Thereby, the touch panel device can be ensured as a product aesthetic. In particular, when the protective member is matte black, the color of the protective member is substantially the same color as the black non-display portion disposed on the edge of the screen of the display device on the back side of the second substrate, so that the touch panel can be lossless. The device as a product aesthetically covers the circuit portion. Moreover, in this case, the circuit portion of the touch panel is prevented from being viewed from the surface side of the first substrate by the protective member, so that the touch panel device can be ensured as a product aesthetically and relatively freely. Design the interior of the frame of the touch panel. That is, in this case, it is possible to ensure the aesthetics of the touch panel device as a product without compromising the degree of freedom in design.

In the present invention, preferably, the touch panel device includes a frame body on which the touch panel is disposed, and an opening portion for exposing the input region is formed on the frame body, and an edge of the opening portion is formed on the frame body. It is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end of the protective member formed in a frame shape, and is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the protective member. If configured in this way, the input area of the touch panel can be prevented from being covered by the frame. Moreover, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as sand or wheat flour that has entered between the touch panel and the frame from coming into direct contact with the touch panel by the protective member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous input to the touch panel caused by foreign matter such as sand or wheat flour entering between the touch panel and the frame. Moreover, when the foreign matter enters between the touch panel and the frame, for example, when the foreign object is removed by the tip of the tip, the touch panel can be protected by the protective member to prevent the touch panel. Damaged. Therefore, even if the foreign matter is clogged between the touch panel and the frame, the foreign matter is easily removed. Moreover, according to this configuration, as long as the protective member is transparent, the display region of the display device disposed on the back side of the second substrate can be enlarged.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the touch panel device includes a frame body on which the touch panel is disposed, and is disposed inside the frame and fixed In the panel fixing frame of the touch panel, the frame body has a frame portion constituting a front side portion of the frame body, and the frame portion has a frame protruding toward the panel fixing frame and abutting against the panel fixing frame. The protruding portion has a gap formed between the frame portion and the protective member. According to this configuration, when the frame portion is held and pressed for the purpose of adjusting the angle of the touch panel device or the like, the frame portion can be prevented from coming into contact with the protective member by the protruding portion, and the protective member can be pressed. Thereby, erroneous input to the touch panel device can be prevented.

Hereinafter, a touch panel device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Composition of touch panel device)

1 is a perspective view of a printer 2 using a touch panel device 1 having the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the touch panel device 1. 3 is a perspective view of the touch panel 3 in a state in which the protective member 15 is mounted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a printer 2 for use. The touch panel device 1 is provided with a touch-sensitive touch panel 3 . The touch panel 3 is disposed inside the frame 4 of the touch panel device 1 . As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the touch panel 3, a liquid crystal device (display device) 5 is disposed inside the casing 4.

The touch panel 3 is formed in a rectangular shape or a square shape having a specific thickness. The touch panel 3 includes a substrate (first substrate) 7 that is translucent and includes a PET film or the like, and a substrate that is translucent and contains glass or the like (second base) Board) 8. A conductive layer (first conductive layer) 9 made of an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film or the like is formed on the back surface of the substrate 7, and a conductive layer including an ITO film or the like is formed on the surface of the substrate 8 (second Conductive layer) 10. A pair of electrodes (not shown) are formed on the conductive layer 9. On the conductive layer 10, a pair of electrodes (not shown) orthogonal to the electrodes formed on the conductive layer 9 are formed. Further, a dot spacer (not shown) including an insulating resin is formed on the surface of the conductive layer 10.

An insulating member 11 formed in a rectangular or square frame shape is disposed between the conductive layer 9 and the conductive layer 10. The insulating member 11 is fixed to the conductive layers 9, 10 by a double-sided tape or an adhesive or the like. On the inner peripheral side of the insulating member 11, the conductive layer 9 and the conductive layer 10 are opposed to each other with a specific gap therebetween. A specific region on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 11a of the touch panel 3 is an input region (key region) 12 of the touch panel 3 that can be input to the touch panel 3. For example, the area surrounded by the double-dot chain line of FIG. 3 becomes the input area 12 of the touch panel 3.

The touch panel 3 is fixed to a frame (a panel fixing frame) 13. Specifically, the back surface of the substrate 8 is fixed to the surface of the frame 13 by the double-sided tape 14. The frame 13 is disposed inside the frame 4. Further, the frame 13 is fixed to the frame 4 inside the casing 4. Further, the touch panel 3 may be fixed to the surface of the frame 13 by an adhesive or the like.

On the surface of the substrate 7, a protective member 15 having a thin flat shape is attached by a double-sided tape or an adhesive. The protective member 15 is formed in a rectangular or square frame shape. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the protective member 15 is comprised by combining the four linear members 16 formed in the linear shape into the frame shape of the square shape. 4 The linear member 16 forms a square frame in a state of being in contact with each other so that no gap is formed between the linear members 16 . Further, the linear member 16 can be formed by a resin film such as a PET film or a PC (polycarbonate) or a thin metal plate such as a stainless steel plate. The linear member 16 of the present embodiment is formed of a black resin film. Specifically, the linear member 16 is formed by a matte black resin film. Further, the rigidity of the linear member 16 (i.e., the rigidity of the protective member 15) is higher than the rigidity of the substrate 7.

The protective member 15 is attached to the surface of the substrate 7 such that its outer peripheral end coincides with the outer peripheral end of the touch panel 3, and is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the input region 12. The width of the linear member 16 constituting each side of the frame-shaped protective member 15 formed in a quadrangular shape is wider than the width of each side of the insulating member 11 formed in a square-shaped frame shape, as viewed from the surface side of the substrate 7, The protective member 15 composed of the four linear members 16 covers the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11. Specifically, the inner peripheral end 15 a of the protective member 15 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral end 12 a of the outer side of the input member 12 and on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 11 a of the insulating member 11 . That is, the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is disposed between the outer peripheral end 12a of the input region 12 and the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11. Further, even if the portion near the protective member 15 of the substrate 7 is pressed, the bending portion of the conductive layer 9 to the contact portion with the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 is not applied to the extent that the conductive layer 9 is broken. In this manner, the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11.

The liquid crystal device 5 is formed in a rectangular shape or a square shape having a specific thickness. The liquid crystal device 5 is disposed on the back side of the frame 13 and disposed closer to the back side of the frame 4 than the touch panel 3. Moreover, the liquid crystal device 5 The frame 4 is fixed to the frame (not shown). A dustproof member 17 made of a sponge such as rubber or urethane which prevents dust from entering is disposed between the liquid crystal device 5 and the frame 13. The non-display portion constituting the outer peripheral side portion of the display edge of the liquid crystal device 5 is matt black.

An opening portion 4a for exposing an input region of the touch panel 3 is formed on the casing 4. Specifically, the opening portion 4a is formed in the bezel portion 4c constituting the front side portion of the frame body 4. The opening 4a is formed in a rectangular shape or a square shape, and the frame portion 4c is formed in a rectangular or square frame shape. As shown in Fig. 2, the end edge 4b of the opening 4a is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15. Further, the end edge 4b of the opening 4a is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 and on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the touch panel 3 and the protective member 15.

A sponge 18 for waterproofing is disposed between the surface of the substrate 7 and the bezel portion 4c. The sponge 18 is disposed in a recess formed in the back surface of the bezel portion 4c. The concave portion is formed on the outer peripheral side of the end edge 4b of the opening portion 4a. Further, the concave portion is formed in a rectangular or square frame shape. The sponge 18 disposed in the recess abuts against the surface of the protective member 15.

The inner peripheral side of the recessed portion of the disposing sponge 18 is the inner peripheral portion 4d, and the outer peripheral side of the recessed portion is slightly protruded from the inner side of the frame body 4 toward the inner side of the frame body 4, and the outer peripheral portion 4e is slightly protruded. The inner peripheral portion 4d and the outer peripheral portion 4e are formed in a rectangular or square frame shape. The inner peripheral end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d coincides with the end edge 4b of the opening portion 4a. The front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e are formed to face the surface of the protective member 15. A gap is formed between the end surface before the inner peripheral portion 4d and the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15. That is, in the frame A gap is formed between the portion 4c and the protective member 15. In the present embodiment, the gap between the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the surface of the protective member 15 is wider than the gap between the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15. Specifically, the gap between the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the surface of the protective member 15 is approximately twice the gap between the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15.

Further, on the back surface of the frame portion 4c, a protruding portion 4f that protrudes toward the inside of the frame 4 is formed. The protruding portion 4f is formed on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral portion 4e. Moreover, the protruding portion 4f is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the double-sided tape 14. The protruding portion 4f is formed in a rectangular or square frame shape. The front end surface of the protruding portion 4f abuts against the surface of the frame 13. As shown in Fig. 2, the protruding portion 4f may be integrally formed with the bezel portion 4c, or the protruding portion 4f formed separately from the bezel portion 4c may be fixed to the back surface of the bezel portion 4c.

Further, in the present embodiment, when viewed from the thickness direction of the touch panel 3, the area of the touch panel 3 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the end edge 4b of the opening portion 4a is transparent for fixing insulation. The area of the member 11 is reduced by the influence of the double-sided tape or the adhesive (the light transmittance is lowered). Moreover, in the region of the touch panel 3 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the end edge 4b of the opening 4a, the circuit portion of the touch panel 3 is disposed on the surface side of the insulating member 11. When viewed from the thickness direction of the touch panel 3, the area of the touch panel 3 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the end edge 4b of the opening 4a is a transparent area (viewablue area) having a high transparency. This area is also an open area of the touch panel 3. As described above, the end edge 4b of the opening portion 4a is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15, so that the transparency of the touch panel 3 is lowered when viewed from the thickness direction of the touch panel 3. Zone by means of protective components 15 and covered.

In the touch panel device 1 configured as described above, when the surface of the substrate 7 is pressed by a finger or a pen or the like according to the display of the liquid crystal device 5, the substrate 7 is disturbed, and the conductive layer 9 of the pressed portion is The conductive layer 10 is in contact and is turned on. Based on the voltage value of the electrode of the conductive layer 9 and the voltage value of the electrode of the conductive layer 10 at this time, the portion of the touch panel 3 to be pressed is determined, and the specific processing is performed on the printer 2.

(Main effects of this embodiment)

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the vicinity of the protective member 15 of the substrate 7 is pressed, the contact portion of the conductive layer 9 with the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 is not applied enough to break the conductive layer 9. The inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 in a manner of bending stress of a magnitude of the line. Further, in the present embodiment, since the protective member 15 is attached to the surface of the substrate 7, the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is brought close to the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 even when the input region 12 and the opening region are enlarged. The vicinity of the insulating member 11 of the substrate 7 can be surely covered by the protective member 15. In other words, in the present embodiment, even if the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is brought closer to the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 so that the input region 12 and the opening region are enlarged, the assembly error of the touch panel device 1 can be prevented. The vicinity of the insulating member 11 of the substrate 7 is exposed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the input region 12 and the opening region are enlarged, the vicinity of the insulating member 11 of the substrate 7 can be prevented from being pressed, and the conductive layer 9 can be broken near the insulating member 11.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the rigidity of the protective member 15 is higher than the rigidity of the substrate 7, even when the protective member 15 is pressed, the substrate 7 is less likely to be largely bent with the inner peripheral end 11a of the insulating member 11 as a fulcrum. Therefore, in the present aspect, the disconnection of the conductive layer 9 in the vicinity of the insulating member 11 can be effectively prevented. Further, in the present embodiment, the vicinity of the insulating member 11 of the substrate 7 caused by the assembly error of the touch panel device 1 can be prevented from being exposed, so that the assembly operation of the touch panel device 1 can be easily performed.

In the present embodiment, the protective member 15 formed in a rectangular or square frame shape is constituted by four linear members 16. Therefore, the component cost of the protective member 15 can be reduced as compared with the case where the protective member 15 is configured by one frame member. In other words, when the protective member 15 is configured by one frame member, it is necessary to remove the center portion of the base material for forming the protective member 15 to form the protective member 15, and the center portion of the base material is discarded, thereby protecting The component cost of the member 15 becomes high. On the other hand, when the protective member 15 is configured by the four linear members 16, the portion where the base material is discarded can be reduced, and the component cost of the protective member 15 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral end 12a of the input region 12. Therefore, in the present aspect, the input region 12 can be prevented from being covered by the protective member 15. Further, in the present embodiment, the end edge 4b of the opening 4a formed in the casing 4 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15, so that the input region 12 can be prevented from being covered by the casing 4.

In the present embodiment, the end edge 4b of the opening portion 4a is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end 15a of the protective member 15 and on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the protective member 15, so that although it enters the touch panel 3 and Between the framed portions 4c of the frame 4 The foreign matter such as sand or wheat flour is in contact with the protective member 15 having a higher rigidity than the substrate 7, but does not directly contact the substrate 7. Therefore, in the present embodiment, erroneous input to the touch panel 3 due to foreign matter such as sand entering between the touch panel 3 and the housing 4 can be prevented. Further, in the present embodiment, when the foreign matter enters between the touch panel 3 and the bezel portion 4c, for example, when the foreign matter is removed by the tipped tip, the protection member 15 can be protected by the protection member 15. The control panel 3 prevents the touch panel 3 from being damaged. Therefore, even if foreign matter is clogged between the touch panel 3 and the bezel portion 4c, it is easy to remove foreign matter.

In the present embodiment, the end surface formed on the back surface of the bezel portion 4c is abutted against the surface of the frame 13, and is formed between the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15. There is a gap. Therefore, when the frame portion 4c is held and pressed to adjust the angle of the touch panel device 1 or the like, the frame portion 4c can be prevented from coming into contact with the protective member 15 by the protruding portion 4f, and the protective member 15 can be pressed. Therefore, in the present aspect, erroneous input to the touch panel device 1 can be prevented. In particular, in the present embodiment, the gap between the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the surface of the protective member 15 is wider than the gap between the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15, and it is assumed that even the outer peripheral portion 4e before the end surface and the protective member 15 The surface contact also prevents contact between the end face before the inner peripheral portion 4d of the input region 12 and the surface of the protective member 15. Therefore, in the present aspect, erroneous input to the touch panel device 1 can be effectively prevented.

In the present embodiment, when the thickness of the touch panel 3 is viewed from the thickness direction of the touch panel 3, the area where the transparency of the touch panel 3 is reduced is covered by the black protective member 15. cover. Moreover, when viewed from the thickness direction of the touch panel 3, the circuit portion of the touch panel 3 is covered by the black protective member 15. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the touch panel device 1 has a good appearance. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the protective member 15 is matt black, the color of the protective member 15 is substantially the same color as the non-display portion of the liquid crystal device 5. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the touch panel device 1 can be used as the aesthetic appearance of the product, and the protective member 15 covers the reduced area of the touch panel 3 and the circuit portion of the touch panel 3.

(Other embodiments)

In the above-described form, in order to improve water resistance, dust resistance, and the like, the four linear members 16 form a square frame in a state in which they do not form a gap between the linear members 16 so as to form a square frame, but four The linear member 16 may form a rectangular frame in a state in which the linear members 16 form a gap between the linear members 16 in a state of being separated from each other.

In the above embodiment, the protective member 15 is formed by combining the four linear members 16 into a rectangular frame shape, but the protective member 15 can also be combined into a quadrangular shape by forming two L-shaped members formed into an L shape. It may be configured in a frame shape, or may be configured by combining two linear members 16 and one L-shaped member into a rectangular frame shape. Further, the U-shaped member and the linear member 16 formed in a substantially U-shape may be combined into a rectangular frame shape. Further, it is also possible to combine two U-shaped members into a rectangular frame shape. That is, in the case of such a case, the component cost of the protective member 15 can be reduced as compared with the case where the protective member 15 is constituted by one frame member. Furthermore, the protective member 15 can also be constructed by a frame member. to make.

In the above embodiment, the protective member 15 is formed of a black resin film, but the protective member 15 may be formed of a transparent material such as a transparent resin film. In this case, even if the protective member 15 is attached to the touch panel 3, the display area of the liquid crystal device 5 can be enlarged. That is, according to the specification of the touch panel 3, when the circuit portion of the touch panel 3 is hidden, a resin film or the like of an opaque color such as black is selected, and if the display area of the liquid crystal device 5 is to be displayed, the selection is made. Transparent resin film, etc.

In the above aspect, the gap between the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the surface of the protective member 15 is wider than the gap between the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e and the surface of the protective member 15, but may be the front end surface of the inner peripheral portion 4d and the protective member. The gap between the surface of the surface 15 and the front end surface of the outer peripheral portion 4e is equal to the gap of the surface of the protective member 15.

1‧‧‧Touch panel device

2‧‧‧Printer

3‧‧‧Touch panel

4‧‧‧ frame

4a‧‧‧ openings

4b‧‧‧

4c‧‧‧ Framed Department

4d‧‧‧ Inner Week

4e‧‧‧Outer Week

4f‧‧‧Protruding

5‧‧‧Liquid device (display device)

7‧‧‧Substrate (first substrate)

8‧‧‧Substrate (2nd substrate)

9‧‧‧ Conductive layer (1st conductive layer)

10‧‧‧ Conductive layer (2nd conductive layer)

11‧‧‧Insulating components

11a‧‧‧ inner end

12‧‧‧Input area

12a‧‧‧outside

13‧‧‧Frame (frame for panel fixing)

14‧‧‧Double-sided tape

15‧‧‧Protection components

15a‧‧‧ inner week

16‧‧‧Linear members

17‧‧‧Dust-proof components

18‧‧‧Sponge

101‧‧‧Upper substrate

102‧‧‧lower substrate

103‧‧‧Upper conductive layer

104‧‧‧lower conductive layer

105‧‧‧Insulating members (spacers)

105a‧‧‧ Inner peripheral end of insulating member

106‧‧‧ frame

106a‧‧ s window frame

106b‧‧‧ Framed Department

1 is a perspective view of a printer using a touch panel device having the embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a touch panel device.

3 is a perspective view of a touch panel in a state in which a protective member is mounted.

4(a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of a prior art touch panel.

1‧‧‧Touch panel device

3‧‧‧Touch panel

4‧‧‧ frame

4a‧‧‧ openings

4b‧‧‧

4c‧‧‧ Framed Department

4d‧‧‧ Inner Week

4e‧‧‧Outer Week

4f‧‧‧Protruding

5‧‧‧Liquid device (display device)

7‧‧‧Substrate (first substrate)

8‧‧‧Substrate (2nd substrate)

9‧‧‧ Conductive layer (1st conductive layer)

10‧‧‧ Conductive layer (2nd conductive layer)

11‧‧‧Insulating components

11a‧‧‧ inner end

12‧‧‧Input area

13‧‧‧Frame (frame for panel fixing)

14‧‧‧Double-sided tape

15‧‧‧Protection components

15a‧‧‧ inner week

16‧‧‧Linear members

17‧‧‧Dust-proof components

18‧‧‧Sponge

Claims (8)

A touch panel device includes a touch panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first conductive layer formed on a back surface of the first substrate, and is formed on the second surface a second conductive layer on the surface of the substrate; and a frame-shaped insulating member disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and a plate-shaped protective member attached to the surface of the first substrate; An input area for inputting the touch panel to the inner peripheral side of the inner surface of the insulating member is formed on the inner peripheral side of the insulating member, and the protective member is disposed on a peripheral portion of the input region, and The inner peripheral end of the insulating member is covered when viewed from the surface side of the first substrate. The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein the protective member is formed in a frame shape, and an inner peripheral end of the protective member is disposed between an outer peripheral end of the input region and an inner peripheral end of the insulating member. The touch panel device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member has a higher rigidity than the first substrate. The touch panel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member is formed of four linear members that are linear, or two L-shaped members that are formed in an L shape, or two linear members and One of the above-mentioned L-shaped members is formed in a square frame shape. The touch panel device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the A display device on the back side of the second substrate, wherein the protective member is transparent. The touch panel device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member is black. The touch panel device of claim 1 or 2, comprising: a frame body on which the touch panel is disposed, and an opening portion for exposing the input region, the end of the opening portion is formed on the frame body The edge is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral end of the protective member formed in a frame shape and on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the protective member. The touch panel device of claim 1 or 2, comprising: a frame body on which the touch panel is disposed, and a panel fixing frame disposed inside the frame and fixed to the touch panel; The frame body has a frame portion constituting a front side portion of the frame body, and the frame portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the panel fixing frame and abuts against the panel fixing frame, and the frame portion and the protective member There is a gap between them.