US20030134095A1 - Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen - Google Patents

Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030134095A1
US20030134095A1 US10/050,512 US5051202A US2003134095A1 US 20030134095 A1 US20030134095 A1 US 20030134095A1 US 5051202 A US5051202 A US 5051202A US 2003134095 A1 US2003134095 A1 US 2003134095A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
decal
electrode pattern
edge electrode
touch screen
pattern
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/050,512
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frank Bottari
Andrea Marble
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Touch Systems Inc
Original Assignee
3M Touch Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Touch Systems Inc filed Critical 3M Touch Systems Inc
Priority to US10/050,512 priority Critical patent/US20030134095A1/en
Assigned to 3M TOUCH SYSTEMS, INC. reassignment 3M TOUCH SYSTEMS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BOTTARI, FRANK J., MARBLE, ANDREA C.
Priority to EP02795836A priority patent/EP1468354A2/en
Priority to JP2003563277A priority patent/JP2005516250A/ja
Priority to PCT/US2002/039726 priority patent/WO2003063562A2/en
Priority to CNA028270835A priority patent/CN1615468A/zh
Priority to KR10-2004-7010983A priority patent/KR20040070314A/ko
Priority to TW091137848A priority patent/TWI289780B/zh
Publication of US20030134095A1 publication Critical patent/US20030134095A1/en
Priority to US10/748,548 priority patent/US7077927B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/045—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
    • H05K3/10—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern
    • H05K3/20—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern
    • H05K3/207—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern using a prefabricated paste pattern, ink pattern or powder pattern
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
    • H05K3/22—Secondary treatment of printed circuits
    • H05K3/28—Applying non-metallic protective coatings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/041—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/041 - G06F3/045
    • G06F2203/04113—Peripheral electrode pattern in resistive digitisers, i.e. electrodes at the periphery of the resistive sheet are shaped in patterns enhancing linearity of induced field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/02—Fillers; Particles; Fibers; Reinforcement materials
    • H05K2201/0275—Fibers and reinforcement materials
    • H05K2201/0284—Paper, e.g. as reinforcement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
    • H05K2201/09—Shape and layout
    • H05K2201/09209—Shape and layout details of conductors
    • H05K2201/09372—Pads and lands
    • H05K2201/09436—Pads or lands on permanent coating which covers the other conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits covered by H05K3/00
    • H05K2203/05—Patterning and lithography; Masks; Details of resist
    • H05K2203/0502—Patterning and lithography
    • H05K2203/0531—Decalcomania, i.e. transfer of a pattern detached from its carrier before affixing the pattern to the substrate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
    • H05K3/10—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern
    • H05K3/20—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24917—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including metal layer

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method of applying an edge electrode pattern and also wire traces to a touch screen.
  • Touch screen panels generally comprise an insulative (e.g., glass) substrate and a resistive layer disposed on the insulative substrate.
  • a pattern of conductive edge electrodes are then formed on the edges of the resistive layer.
  • the conductive electrodes form orthogonal electric fields in the X and Y directions across the resistive layer.
  • Contact of a finger or stylist on the panel then causes the generation of a signal that is representative of the X and Y coordinates of the location of the finger or stylist with respect to the substrate.
  • the associated touch panel circuitry connected to the panel by a wiring harness can ascertain where a touch occurred on the substrate.
  • a computer program generates an option to the user (e.g., “press here for ‘yes’ and press here for ‘no’”) on a monitor underneath a touch screen panel and the conductive electrode pattern assists in detecting which option was chosen when the touch screen panel was touched by the user.
  • the edge electrode pattern is printed directly on the resistive layer of the touch screen panel.
  • Screen printing techniques are used to deposit silver/frit ink directly onto the glass sensor coated with a thin layer of tin oxide.
  • the wet ink is normally dried by heating the panel to about 100° C. for about 5 minutes to reduce the chance that the ink could be removed during subsequent handling.
  • the ink is then fired at about 500° C. for about 20 minutes to sinter and fuse the silver/glass frit mixture to the tin oxide coated glass substrate. This process produces an edge electrode pattern that is mechanically bonded to the touch screen panel and which makes good electrical contact with the tin oxide layer.
  • the screen printing process can lead to a number of problems when attempts are made to achieve a quality edge electrode pattern.
  • the most severe problem occurs when printing on non-flat or curved glass substrates.
  • a critical parameter in determining the characteristics of the printed pattern is the distance between the printing screen and the substrate. When printing on curved substrates using conventional screen printing equipment, this distance varies with the degree of curvature of the substrate resulting in non-uniform thickness of the printed ink.
  • the whole touch screen cannot be printed at once especially when the area is large or the touch screen has a small radius of curvature. Instead two or more passes and adjustment of the touch screen between passes is required. This problem, in turn, can lead to mismatches in the electrode pattern.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,711,983 discloses a method of applying printed electric circuits to curved support surfaces by the use of a decal. In this case, however, the support surface is not a part of the electrical circuit. And it would be undesirable for the decal to make electrical contact with the support surface. In contrast, in the manufacture of touch screens, the support surface, namely the glass substrate, is an integral part of the circuit and it is essential that the electrodes make intimate electrical contact with the resistive tin oxide surface.
  • the next step is to connect individual wires to the corner electrodes at the four corners of the touch screen panel.
  • the ends of each wire are soldered to the corner electrodes and the individual wires taped to the sides of the panel.
  • a noise shield layer usually in the form of some kind of a tape, is placed in a border configuration around the perimeter of the touch screen panel between the edge electrodes and the individual wires which form a part of the control electronics.
  • a layer of tape is placed on top of the wires again in a border configuration around the perimeter of the touch screen panel.
  • the result is a touch screen panel with a less than finished appearance since the bulky wires are readily noticeable. Also, the act of soldering the ends of the wires to the corner electrodes can damage the corner electrodes or even damage the substrate. Worse, the solder joints have a tendency to fail.
  • the invention results from the realization that the problems associated with the use of waterslide decals to apply an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen including the need to later burn off the cover coat can be eliminated by using a heat transfer decal without a cover coat and preferably in the form of strips to apply the edge electrode pattern whereupon the edge electrode pattern is released from the decal paper under the application of heat and pressure and transferred to the touch screen—a process which lends itself more easily to an automated and repeatable procedure.
  • This invention results from the further realization that a protective layer can be laid down on the decal paper beneath the edge electrodes and the wire traces so that when the edge electrodes and the wire traces are transferred to the touch screen panel, the protective layer is the top most layer and protects the edge electrodes and the wire traces.
  • This invention features a method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen and a touch screen made by the method comprising depositing, on a first surface of a decal strip, conductive material in the form of an edge electrode pattern, placing the first surface of the decal strip on one edge of a touch screen, applying heat and pressure to an opposite surface of the decal strip until the edge electrode pattern is transferred from the first surface of the decal strip to the touch screen, and removing the decal strip.
  • the method may further include the step of depositing a wire trace pattern on the first surface of the decal strip and also the step of isolating the wire trace pattern from the edge electrode pattern after the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern are transferred to the touch screen by using a laser to remove material between the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern.
  • a wire trace pattern is deposited on the decal strip and an isolation layer is deposited between the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern.
  • the isolation layer may be disposed between the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern and the edge electrode pattern is then typically deposited adjacent the wire trace pattern on the decal strip.
  • Further included may be the step of depositing a protective layer between the decal strip and the edge electrode pattern and the wire trace pattern.
  • the isolation layer is disposed over the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern is deposited on the isolation layer.
  • a protective layer may be deposited between the decal strip and the wire trace pattern.
  • heat and pressure is applied by a hot stamp machine equipped with a heated pad disposed between a feed roll of decal paper and take up roll and over a holder for the touch screen.
  • Screen printing is the preferred method of placing the conductive material onto the decal strip.
  • the temperature used to apply heat is typically between 300 and 400° F. and the pressure applied is between 15 Psi and 30 Psi.
  • the protective layer and the isolation layer are typically a lead borosilicate glass composition.
  • This invention also features a decal for transferring an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen, the decal comprising a decal strip and on one surface of the decal strip, a conductive material printed in the form of an edge electrode pattern.
  • a decal strip Preferably, there is also a wire trace pattern on the decal strip.
  • an isolation layer is located between the wire trace pattern and the edge electrode pattern.
  • a protective layer between the decal strip and the edge electrode and the wire trace pattern.
  • the isolation layer is disposed over the wire trace pattern, the edge electrode pattern is deposited on the isolation layer, and a protective layer is located between the decal strip and the wire trace pattern.
  • this invention also features a method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen, the method comprising depositing, on a first surface of decal paper, conductive material in the form of an edge electrode pattern, a wire trace pattern, and an isolation layer between the edge electrode pattern and the wire trace pattern, placing the first surface of the decal on a touch screen, applying heat and pressure to an opposite surface of the decal paper until the edge electrode pattern, the wire trace pattern, and the isolation layer are transferred to the touch screen, and removing the decal paper.
  • a decal for transferring an edge electrode pattern and a wire trace pattern to a touch screen in accordance with this invention features decal paper and on one surface of the decal paper, a conductive material printed in the form of an edge electrode pattern and one or more wire traces proximate the edge electrode pattern and electrically isolated therefrom. Further included may be a protective layer between a) the edge electrodes and wire traces and b) the decal paper, and an isolation layer over each wire trace. Alternatively, a protective layer is located between the wire traces and the decal paper, an isolation layer is placed over each wire trace, and the edge electrode pattern is located on the isolation layer.
  • One method of applying an edge electrode pattern and a wire trace pattern to a touch screen includes the following steps: depositing, on a heat transfer decal paper, conductive material in the form of an edge electrode pattern and a wire trace pattern, placing the decal on a touch screen, applying heat and pressure to the decal paper until the edge electrode pattern and the wire trace pattern are transferred to the touch screen and removing the decal paper.
  • a decal for transferring an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen features the use of heat transfer decal paper and, on the decal paper, a conductive material printed in the form of an edge electrode pattern and one or more wire traces proximate the edge electrode pattern.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art touch screen
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a touch screen manufactured in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of a prior art waterslide decal used to apply the edge electrode pattern to the touch screen shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of one decal used for applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen in accordance with the subject invention
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a touch screen panel when the decal shown in FIG. 4 is used to apply the edge electrode pattern to the touch screen in accordance with one method of the subject invention
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the portion of the touch screen panel shown in FIG. 5 after the resistive layer is removed between the wire traces and the edge electrodes in order to electrically isolate them in accordance with the subject invention
  • FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the decal used to apply an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a touch screen after the decal shown in FIG. 7 is used to apply the edge electrode pattern and the wiring traces to the touch screen;
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic cross sectional view of still another embodiment for the decal of the subject invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional view of a portion of a touch screen after the decal shown in FIG. 9 is used to transfer the edge electrode pattern and a wire traces to a touch screen;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of an actual decal in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a front schematic view of the primary components associated with the hot stamp machine useful in accordance with the method of transferring an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen in accordance with the subject invention
  • FIG. 13 is a top view of one decal used to apply the edge electrodes and the wire traces to the top edge of a touch screen panel;
  • FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the corner electrode portion of the decal shown in FIG. 13 applied to the resistive coating of a touchscreen;
  • FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the remainder of the decal shown in FIG. 13 applied to the resistive coating of a touchscreen;
  • FIG. 16 is a top view of one decal used to form the edge electrode pattern on the bottom edge of a touch screen panel in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the decal shown in FIG. 16 applied to the resistive coating of a touchscreen;
  • FIG. 18 is a top view showing how a side decal is overlaid on the top edge decal shown in FIG. 13 in accordance with the subject invention
  • FIG. 19 is a top view showing how the same side edge decal is over laid on the bottom edge decal of FIG. 16 in accordance with the subject invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic top view showing four decal strips used in one method of this invention.
  • Prior art touch screen panel 10 includes substrate 12 which usually includes or is an insulative layer (e.g., glass), a resistive layer over the primary working surface of the insulative layer, and a pattern of edge electrodes 14 and terminal electrodes, usually corner electrodes such as electrode 16 , on the resistive layer as is known in the art. There are additional corner electrodes (not shown) one at each other corner 18 , 20 , and 22 of the touch screen.
  • the edge electrodes 14 repeat in some predetermined patterned fashioned along each edge 24 , 26 , 28 , and 30 of panel 10 .
  • wires 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 extend to each corner electrode and with their ends stripped of insulation are soldered to the respective corner electrodes in order to generate the appropriate electrical field across the working or active surface 40 of panel 10 .
  • wire 32 extends along edges 24 and 26 of panel 10 to the corner electrode (not shown) at corner 18 ;
  • wire 34 extends along edge 24 of panel 10 to corner electrode 16 ;
  • wire 38 extends along edges 24 and 30 of panel 10 to a corner electrode (not shown) at corner 20 ;
  • wire 36 extends along edge 24 of panel 10 to a corner electrode (not shown) at corner 22 .
  • electrical tape and then an insulated copper shield layer 44 was laid between the wires and the edge electrodes to electrically isolate edge electrodes 14 .
  • a hole was then formed in the insulative tape proximate each corner electrode as shown at 46 in order to solder the ends of each wire to the appropriate corner electrode.
  • layer 44 ends just before each corner electrode.
  • the wires were simply taped to the edges of panel 10 .
  • tape layer 48 and/or a protective (e.g., “Kapton”) tape layer 50 are placed over the wires.
  • Insulated noise shield tape layer 44 may be placed over the edge electrodes and under wires 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 .
  • border layers 44 , 48 , and 50 are greatly exaggerated for the purposes of illustration as is the thickness of substrate 12 .
  • Actual touch screen panels are usually 1 / 8 inch thick or less and layers 44 , 48 , and 50 are substantially thinner than that but still wires 32 , 34 , 36 , and 38 make the completed assembly appear somewhat bulky and unfinished.
  • prior art touch screen panel 10 possesses reliability problems in some cases because the solder joints between the individual wires and the corner electrodes can fail. Further, the act of soldering the ends of each wire to the corner electrodes can damage the electrodes or even crack the substrate of the touch screen panel. In addition, the assembly process wherein the wires are soldered at their ends to the corner electrodes and taped to the edges of the panel is labor intensive and hence costly.
  • the wiring is integrated as a part of the touch screen panel so that there are no bulky wires or layers of tape associated with the touch screen panel as is the case with the prior art.
  • Touch screen panel 60 is manufactured by applying resistive coating 62 (e.g., tin antimony oxide) by a vacuum sputter process to glass substrate 64 (e.g., soda lime glass).
  • resistive coating 62 e.g., tin antimony oxide
  • glass substrate 64 e.g., soda lime glass.
  • Coating 62 is less than 1000 angstroms thick and substrate 64 is typically between 1-3 mm thick and 15 inches on a diagonal.
  • a dielectric border layer may be deposited on the periphery of resistive coating 62 using a lead borosilicate glass composition 1 ⁇ 8 inch wide and 10 microns thick (after firing) along the edges of panel 60 .
  • the border layer provides electrical isolation between the individual wire traces of the wiring harness and electrical isolation between the wire traces and the edge electrodes of the edge electrode pattern.
  • Conductive edge electrode pattern 70 is applied to resistive coating 62 using a conductive silver/frit paste available from DuPont (No. 7713) and at the same time the wire trace pattern is applied on the border layer also using the silver/fit paste.
  • wire trace 72 begins at junction or connection point 74 and extends along top edge 210 and side edge 270 of the panel to corner electrode 75 of electrode pattern 70 .
  • Wire trace 76 similarly begins at junction 74 and extends along top edge 210 and opposite side edge 271 of the panel to corner electrode 78 of the edge electrode pattern.
  • Wire trace 80 begins at junction 74 and only extends along top edge 210 to corner electrode 82 and wire trace 84 begins at junction 74 and extends only along top edge 210 to corner electrodes 86 of electrode pattern 70 .
  • Edge electrode pattern 70 may take the form of the pattern disclosed of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/169,391, or the forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,198,539; 4,293,734; or 4,371,746 hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
  • edge electrode pattern and the wire trace pattern occupy only about 3 ⁇ 8 inch on the edges of panel 60 and thus FIG. 2 is not to scale.
  • edge electrode pattern 70 and wire traces 84 , 72 , 80 , and 76 were sometimes screen printed on panel 60 .
  • the problems associated with this method are discussed in the background section above.
  • the edge electrode pattern and the wire traces were transferred to resistive coating 62 by a large area waterslide decal. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,552 incorporated herein by this reference.
  • the problems sometimes associated with this method are also discussed in the background section and include the fact that cover coat 90 , FIG. 3 of waterslide decal 92 had to be burned off the panel resulting in additional firing time and temperature adjustments and also the possibility of damaging the edge electrodes and/or the wire traces.
  • the decal tended to float on the glass touchscreen making automation of the transfer process difficult. Even by using the utmost care, the edge electrode pattern represented by conductive elements 94 and the wire traces represented by conductive element 96 were sometimes distorted when the waterslide decal method was used. Also, impurities in the water which contact the touch screen panel can contaminate the panel. As a result, the waterslide decal method sometimes resulted in an unpredictable, low reliability, and inaccurate procedure.
  • heat transfer decal 100 typically in the form of a strip as shown, is used for transferring the edge electrode pattern to a touch screen via a heat transfer method.
  • the silver/frit paste conventionally used for the edge electrodes and the wire traces may not be easily released from a heat transfer decal.
  • decal strip 100 preferably includes decal paper 102 and, on top surface 104 of decal paper 102 , a conductive material mixed with an additive printed in the form of an edge electrode pattern forming edge electrodes 106 and, preferably, one or more wire traces 108 forming a wire trace pattern adjacent the edge electrode pattern as shown.
  • the method of applying the edge electrode pattern to the touch screen in accordance with this invention includes depositing on surface 104 of decal paper strip 102 conductive material in the form of an edge electrode pattern and the wire traces and then placing surface 104 of the decal on resistive layer 110 , FIG. 5 of touch screen 112 which includes glass substrate 114 . Heat and pressure is then applied to the opposite surface of the decal paper until the additive allows the edge electrode pattern and the associated wire trace or traces to be transferred from the decal paper to the resistive layer (e.g., a tin antimony composition) of the touch screen as shown in FIG. 5 after which the decal paper is removed.
  • the resistive layer e.g., a tin antimony composition
  • the wire traces are electrically isolated from the edge electrodes by removing the resistive material between the edge electrodes and the wire traces as shown at 120 in FIG. 6. Also, if there are two or more wire traces, as shown at top edge 210 , FIG. 2, they are isolated from each other by the same technique. Typically, a laser is used to ablate the resistive material between wire traces and the edge electrodes as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/775,253 and 09/773,979. In another example, there is no resistive layer material under wire trace 108 , FIG. 6. In this case, the resistive material in that region is patterned before the decal is applied.
  • the need to ablate the resistive material is eliminated by the addition of an isolation layer, namely dielectric material 132 , FIG. 7 deposited over wire trace 108 on decal paper 102 .
  • protective layer 130 is deposited between edge electrodes 106 and wire trace 108 and decal paper 102 .
  • protective layer 130 FIG. 9 is deposited between wire trace 108 and decal paper 102 and dielectric material 132 is deposited between wire trace 108 and edge electrodes 106 .
  • dielectric material 132 serves to isolate wire trace 108 from edge electrodes 106 and the combination of dielectric material 132 and protective layer 130 protects the edge electrodes and the wire traces. Also, in this embodiment, since the wire traces are placed over the edge electrodes, less space is taken up on the edges of the touch screen resulting in a larger active portion.
  • the decal (Meyercord, a division of ITW, Carol Stream, Ill.), is in the form of strip 150 , FIG. 11.
  • Waterslide decals cannot be applied in strip form because the cover coat prevents the establishment of the necessary electrical contacts at the corners of panel.
  • decal strips can be used resulting in less product waste and hence lower costs. Decal strips are also highly suitable for automated manufacturing processes. Four 11 ⁇ 2 inch wide strips are placed on the touch screen to transfer the edge electrode pattern and the wire traces to all four sides of the touchscreen. Heat and pressure is applied by hot stamp machine 160 , FIG.
  • Machine 160 is available from United Silicone, Inc., Lancaster, N.Y., model US-25. Screen printing is the preferred technique for printing the modified conductive silver/frit paste onto the decal paper.
  • hot stamp machine 160 FIG. 12 was used in conjunction with four decal strips to apply the edge electrode pattern and the wire traces to a touch screen as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the first decal, decal 200 , FIG. 13 was used to apply the wire traces and the edge electrode pattern to the top edge 210 of the touch screen shown in FIG. 2.
  • Decal 200 includes wire traces 80 and 76 (and also wire traces 84 and 72 , not shown) and edge electrodes 70 a .
  • decal 200 has the cross section shown in FIG. 14 when applied to the resistive material of the panel. Dielectric material 132 is deposited underneath wire trace 76 but corner electrode 82 is deposited directly on the resistive layer.
  • the sealing glass layer is not applied over corner pad to aid in electrical connection of the overlapping strip.
  • Area 222 of decal 200 FIG. 13, has a cross section as shown in FIG. 15 when applied to the panel.
  • Dielectric layer 132 is deposited under both wire traces 76 and 80 and edge electrodes 70 a are deposited directly on the panel.
  • Sealing glass or protective layer 130 in this area covers wire traces 76 and 80 and also edge electrodes 70 a .
  • this decal is applied to top edge 210 , FIG. 2 of the touch screen panel by hot stamp machine 160 , FIG. 12 first.
  • decal 230 is applied to bottom edge 232 , FIG. 2 of the touch screen panel.
  • Decal 230 includes no wire traces and only edge electrodes 70 a , FIG. 17 deposited directly on the panel and covered by protective sealing glass layer 130 . The corner pads are exposed for overlap of side decals.
  • hot stamp machine 160 FIG. 12 is used to apply decal 230 to the bottom edge 232 , FIG. 2 of the touch screen panel.
  • the two side edge (sides 270 and 271 , FIG. 2) decals are mirror images of each other so only right hand side 271 , FIG. 2 decal 260 , FIG. 18 need be described.
  • the side decals include decal paper, sealing glass, the electrodes and the wiring traces printed right on the sealing glass, and a dielectric material printed over the wire traces only.
  • Corner electrode 82 , FIG. 2 is formed by overlaying one end of decal 260 , FIG. 18 with one end of decal 200 such that wire trace 76 makes the proper electrical connection and corner electrode 82 is formed.
  • the sealing glass on decal 200 ends just before corner electrode 82 while the sealing glass layer for decal 260 extends completely over corner electrode 82 .
  • corner electrode 78 At the bottom of the panel, corner electrode 78 , FIG. 19 is formed in a similar fashion but there is no wire trace to be electrically interconnected.
  • the sealing glass layer in decal 260 extends completely over corner electrode 78 while the sealing glass layer of decal 230 stops just short of corner electrode 78 . This overlapping process ensures continuous overlapping dielectric and glass layers and, at the same time, ensures the proper electrical interconnections are made.
  • top edge decal 200 , bottom edge decal 230 , left edge decal 260 and right edge decal 261 , FIG. 20 are placed on the resistive layer of the touch screen forming edge electrodes 70 , wire traces 72 , 76 , 80 and 84 , and corner electrodes 86 , 82 , 75 , and 78 .
  • corner electrode 86 is formed by including corner electrode 86 a on decal 200 and one corner electrode 86 b on decal 260 .
  • corner electrode portions 82 a and 82 b on decals 200 and 261 corner electrode portions 78 a and 78 b on decals 261 and 230 , and corner electrode portions 75 a and 75 b on decals 260 and 230 form corner electrodes 82 , 78 , and 75 , respectively.
  • a dielectric layer is screen printed on the decal paper over all the wire traces to isolate them from the edge electrodes.
  • a sealing glass layer is screen printed under the edge electrodes and the wire traces except at the terminal ends of decals 200 and 230 where corner electrode portions 86 a , 82 a , 75 b , and 78 b and wire traces 72 and 76 are left uncovered so that they establish electrical contact with corner electrode portions 86 b , 82 b , 75 a , and 78 a and wire traces 72 and 76 of side decals 260 and 261 .
  • the preferred dielectric material is lead borosilicate glass (Dupont DG150) 10 microns thick. Screen printing is typically the method used to apply the dielectric layer.
  • the preferred protective layer is lead borosilicate glass (Dupont DG150) 10 microns thick.
  • the preferred resistive material is a tin-antimony oxide composition.
  • the preferred glass for the substrate is soda lime.
  • the temperatures used to apply the decal were between 300 and 400° F. with the preferred temperature being 350° F.
  • the pressure used was between 15 and 30 Psi with 20 Psi preferred.
  • the dwell time was about 4 seconds.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
US10/050,512 1999-07-30 2002-01-16 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen Abandoned US20030134095A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/050,512 US20030134095A1 (en) 2002-01-16 2002-01-16 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
EP02795836A EP1468354A2 (en) 2002-01-16 2002-12-12 A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
JP2003563277A JP2005516250A (ja) 2002-01-16 2002-12-12 端電極パターンをタッチスクリーンに適用する方法
PCT/US2002/039726 WO2003063562A2 (en) 2002-01-16 2002-12-12 A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
CNA028270835A CN1615468A (zh) 2002-01-16 2002-12-12 向接触屏施加边缘电极图形的方法
KR10-2004-7010983A KR20040070314A (ko) 2002-01-16 2002-12-12 터치 스크린에 모서리 전극 패턴을 가하는 방법
TW091137848A TWI289780B (en) 2002-01-16 2002-12-30 A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
US10/748,548 US7077927B2 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-12-30 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/050,512 US20030134095A1 (en) 2002-01-16 2002-01-16 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/886,452 Continuation-In-Part US20010032698A1 (en) 1999-07-30 2001-06-21 Touch screen with an applied edge electrode pattern

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/748,548 Continuation US7077927B2 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-12-30 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030134095A1 true US20030134095A1 (en) 2003-07-17

Family

ID=21965666

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/050,512 Abandoned US20030134095A1 (en) 1999-07-30 2002-01-16 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
US10/748,548 Expired - Fee Related US7077927B2 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-12-30 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/748,548 Expired - Fee Related US7077927B2 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-12-30 Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US20030134095A1 (enExample)
EP (1) EP1468354A2 (enExample)
JP (1) JP2005516250A (enExample)
KR (1) KR20040070314A (enExample)
CN (1) CN1615468A (enExample)
TW (1) TWI289780B (enExample)
WO (1) WO2003063562A2 (enExample)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080076581A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Multiple touchscreen sensors on a monolithic structure
US20090303189A1 (en) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Grunthaner Martin Paul High Resistivity Metal Fan Out
US20110151201A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-23 Jong Young Lee Transparent electrode film and method of manufacturing the same
US20110209749A1 (en) * 2010-01-07 2011-09-01 Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology Pattern transfer method and apparatus, flexible display panel, flexible solar cell, electronic book, thin film transistor, electromagnetic-shielding sheet, and flexible printed circuit board applying thereof
US20120044160A1 (en) * 2010-08-17 2012-02-23 Au Optronics Corporation Touch Panel and Peripheral Circuit Thereof
WO2014093741A1 (en) * 2012-12-13 2014-06-19 Bayer Materialscience Ag Electroactive polymer actuated surface with flexible sealing membrane
US9389741B2 (en) * 2014-05-30 2016-07-12 HengHao Technology Co. LTD. Touch panel and a method of forming the same
US9491852B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2016-11-08 Apple Inc. Trace border routing
EP3765946B1 (en) * 2018-03-15 2023-10-11 Peratech Holdco Ltd Sensing decal

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080088601A1 (en) * 2004-05-19 2008-04-17 Tpk Touch Solutions Inc. Circuit layout on a touch panel
US7714846B1 (en) * 2004-08-26 2010-05-11 Wacom Co., Ltd. Digital signal processed touchscreen system
WO2007126360A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2007-11-08 Gambro Lundia Ab Remote controlled medical apparatus
US20070283832A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Apple Computer, Inc. Imprint circuit patterning
KR100836869B1 (ko) 2006-09-18 2008-06-11 한국기계연구원 디지털 프린팅 기법에 의한 유연한 입력 장치 제조방법.
DE102007027999A1 (de) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-18 Leonhard Kurz Gmbh & Co. Kg Heißprägen von Strukturen
TWI376628B (en) * 2008-03-12 2012-11-11 Delta Electronics Inc Touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
TWI401588B (zh) * 2008-12-26 2013-07-11 Higgstec Inc 具有平行電極結構之觸控面板
JPWO2014045595A1 (ja) * 2012-09-24 2016-08-18 凸版印刷株式会社 透明導電膜、透明導電膜の製造方法およびタッチパネル
CN103885626A (zh) * 2012-12-20 2014-06-25 瑞世达科技(厦门)有限公司 触控面板及其盖板结构
RU2018145297A (ru) 2013-02-28 2019-01-22 Гардиан Индастриз Корп. Оконные модули, изготовленные с использованием керамической фритты, которая растворяет покрытия, нанесенные методом физического осаждения из паровой фазы (pvd), и/или соответствующие способы
CN107599589B (zh) * 2017-08-31 2019-09-10 河源华盈科技有限公司 显示屏和触摸屏贴合的贴合装置及方法
CN109302806B (zh) * 2018-10-26 2021-08-20 上海量子绘景电子股份有限公司 一种线路板的制备方法

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2711983A (en) * 1953-04-14 1955-06-28 Electronics Res Corp Printed electric circuits and method of application
US3703603A (en) * 1971-05-10 1972-11-21 Circuit Stik Inc Rub-on sub-element for electronic circuit board
US5045141A (en) * 1988-07-01 1991-09-03 Amoco Corporation Method of making solderable printed circuits formed without plating
US5600359A (en) * 1993-07-14 1997-02-04 Sony Corporation Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus
US6280552B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2001-08-28 Microtouch Systems, Inc. Method of applying and edge electrode pattern to a touch screen and a decal for a touch screen

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3729819A (en) 1970-01-09 1973-05-01 Nippon Toki Kk Method and device for fabricating printed wiring or the like
US4198539A (en) 1977-01-19 1980-04-15 Peptek, Inc. System for producing electric field with predetermined characteristics and edge terminations for resistance planes therefor
US4371746A (en) 1978-01-05 1983-02-01 Peptek, Incorporated Edge terminations for impedance planes
US4293734A (en) 1979-02-23 1981-10-06 Peptek, Incorporated Touch panel system and method
US4369063A (en) 1981-11-12 1983-01-18 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Silver containing conductive coatings
EP0110382A3 (en) * 1982-12-01 1987-01-07 Asahi Glass Company Ltd. Display device and process for its production and decal for forming a display panel terminal
JPS611088A (ja) 1984-06-14 1986-01-07 松下電器産業株式会社 導電回路の形成法
US4846869A (en) 1987-08-21 1989-07-11 Delco Electronics Corporation Method of fabrication a curved glass sheet with a conductive oxide coating
US5346651A (en) 1993-08-31 1994-09-13 Cerdec Corporation Silver containing conductive coatings
US5620904A (en) 1996-03-15 1997-04-15 Evergreen Solar, Inc. Methods for forming wraparound electrical contacts on solar cells
US6549193B1 (en) 1998-10-09 2003-04-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Touch panel with improved linear response and minimal border width electrode pattern

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2711983A (en) * 1953-04-14 1955-06-28 Electronics Res Corp Printed electric circuits and method of application
US3703603A (en) * 1971-05-10 1972-11-21 Circuit Stik Inc Rub-on sub-element for electronic circuit board
US5045141A (en) * 1988-07-01 1991-09-03 Amoco Corporation Method of making solderable printed circuits formed without plating
US5600359A (en) * 1993-07-14 1997-02-04 Sony Corporation Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus
US6280552B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2001-08-28 Microtouch Systems, Inc. Method of applying and edge electrode pattern to a touch screen and a decal for a touch screen

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7874923B2 (en) * 2006-09-27 2011-01-25 Igt Multiple touchscreen sensors on a monolithic structure
WO2008039666A2 (en) 2006-09-27 2008-04-03 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Multiple touchscreen sensors on a monolothic structure
WO2008039666A3 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-11-27 Igt A Nevada Corp Multiple touchscreen sensors on a monolothic structure
US20080076581A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Multiple touchscreen sensors on a monolithic structure
EP2073909A4 (en) * 2006-09-27 2010-12-29 Igt Reno Nev SEVERAL SENSOR SCREEN SENSORS ON A MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE
US9069418B2 (en) * 2008-06-06 2015-06-30 Apple Inc. High resistivity metal fan out
US9495048B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2016-11-15 Apple Inc. High resistivity metal fan out
US10048819B2 (en) 2008-06-06 2018-08-14 Apple Inc. High resistivity metal fan out
US20090303189A1 (en) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Grunthaner Martin Paul High Resistivity Metal Fan Out
US20110151201A1 (en) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-23 Jong Young Lee Transparent electrode film and method of manufacturing the same
US20110209749A1 (en) * 2010-01-07 2011-09-01 Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology Pattern transfer method and apparatus, flexible display panel, flexible solar cell, electronic book, thin film transistor, electromagnetic-shielding sheet, and flexible printed circuit board applying thereof
US8427446B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2013-04-23 Au Optronics Corporation Touch panel and peripheral circuit thereof
TWI412972B (zh) * 2010-08-17 2013-10-21 Au Optronics Corp 觸控面板及其周邊電路
US20120044160A1 (en) * 2010-08-17 2012-02-23 Au Optronics Corporation Touch Panel and Peripheral Circuit Thereof
US9491852B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2016-11-08 Apple Inc. Trace border routing
US9781823B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2017-10-03 Apple Inc. Trace border routing
WO2014093741A1 (en) * 2012-12-13 2014-06-19 Bayer Materialscience Ag Electroactive polymer actuated surface with flexible sealing membrane
US9389741B2 (en) * 2014-05-30 2016-07-12 HengHao Technology Co. LTD. Touch panel and a method of forming the same
EP3765946B1 (en) * 2018-03-15 2023-10-11 Peratech Holdco Ltd Sensing decal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1468354A2 (en) 2004-10-20
JP2005516250A (ja) 2005-06-02
TW200302688A (en) 2003-08-01
US20040149377A1 (en) 2004-08-05
US7077927B2 (en) 2006-07-18
WO2003063562A2 (en) 2003-07-31
KR20040070314A (ko) 2004-08-06
WO2003063562A3 (en) 2004-06-10
TWI289780B (en) 2007-11-11
CN1615468A (zh) 2005-05-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7077927B2 (en) Method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
US6841225B2 (en) Touch screen with an applied edge electrode pattern
EP1352384B1 (en) Touch screen panel with integral wiring traces
US4184043A (en) Method of providing spacers on an insulating substrate
US7321362B2 (en) Touch screen panel with integral wiring traces
JPH0677002A (ja) チップ抵抗器及びその製造方法
JP4522226B2 (ja) 電子部品素子の実装方法及び電子装置の製造方法
AU2002360570A1 (en) A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen
CN109032424A (zh) 一种触控面板、制备方法及触控显示装置
US5691690A (en) Chip type jumper
JPH0427180Y2 (enExample)
KR970009046B1 (ko) 테이프 오토매틱 본딩 ic의 구조 및 판넬 접속방법
JPH05226107A (ja) チップ抵抗器
JPH03284894A (ja) 厚膜回路基板及びその製造方法
WO2006022055A1 (ja) チップ型部品とその製造方法
JP2002344137A (ja) 厚膜多層基板およびその製造方法
JPH0467601A (ja) 電子回路装置及びチップ部品
JPH11298110A (ja) 電子部品の実装方法及びその実装構造
JPS60148190A (ja) 部品搭載基板の導電性接着材供給方法
JPH11307899A (ja) 厚膜回路基板及びその製造方法
CN108459779A (zh) Ogs电容式触摸屏及其制作方法
JPH11330693A (ja) 厚膜多層セラミック基板およびその製造方法、ならびに厚膜多層セラミック基板上への電子部品の実装構造
JPH0562562A (ja) タツチパネル
JPH0922816A (ja) 抵抗器の製造方法
JPS6043853A (ja) 厚膜印刷回路基板の製造方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: 3M TOUCH SYSTEMS, INC., MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BOTTARI, FRANK J.;MARBLE, ANDREA C.;REEL/FRAME:012516/0329

Effective date: 20020109

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION