WO2013018772A1 - Touch panel and display device provided with touch panel - Google Patents

Touch panel and display device provided with touch panel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013018772A1
WO2013018772A1 PCT/JP2012/069367 JP2012069367W WO2013018772A1 WO 2013018772 A1 WO2013018772 A1 WO 2013018772A1 JP 2012069367 W JP2012069367 W JP 2012069367W WO 2013018772 A1 WO2013018772 A1 WO 2013018772A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refractive index
touch
electrode
touch panel
layer
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Application number
PCT/JP2012/069367
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
安弘 横井
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シャープ株式会社
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Publication of WO2013018772A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013018772A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
    • G06F3/0446—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
    • G06F3/0443—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means using a single layer of sensing electrodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F2203/04103—Manufacturing, i.e. details related to manufacturing processes specially suited for touch sensitive devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F2203/04111—Cross over in capacitive digitiser, i.e. details of structures for connecting electrodes of the sensing pattern where the connections cross each other, e.g. bridge structures comprising an insulating layer, or vias through substrate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a translucent touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.
  • a touch panel that has translucency and is configured to be able to detect a position touched by a pen, a finger, or the like on an operation surface, that is, a touch position.
  • a touch panel for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-152809, a transparent base layer and a transparent conductive film are formed on a transparent substrate.
  • a pattern portion made of a transparent conductive film is formed on a light-transmitting base layer formed on a transparent substrate.
  • JP 2010-152809 A when a touch electrode (transparent conductive film) is formed on a base film, the difference between the refractive index of the base film and the refractive index of the touch electrode is In some cases, the reflectance is high on the surface of the touch electrode. If it does so, while the transmittance
  • a touch panel that is translucent and configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface is configured to prevent the touch electrode from being visually recognized while preventing a decrease in light transmittance.
  • the touch panel is a touch panel having an operation surface for performing a touch operation, and is formed by a transparent panel substrate and a transparent electrode member on the operation surface side surface of the panel substrate. And a touch electrode configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface, and a refractive index difference reduction layer covering the operation surface side of the touch electrode, the refractive index difference reduction layer having a refractive index Is smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and larger than the refractive index of air.
  • the touch panel it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the transparent conductive film while preventing a decrease in light transmittance.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel including the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the touch panel.
  • 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2 in the touch panel according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the touch panel according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the touch panel according to the third embodiment.
  • the touch panel is a touch panel having an operation surface for performing a touch operation, and is formed by a transparent panel substrate and a transparent electrode member on the operation surface side surface of the panel substrate. And a touch electrode configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface, and a refractive index difference reduction layer covering the operation surface side of the touch electrode, the refractive index difference reduction layer having a refractive index Is smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and larger than the refractive index of air (first configuration).
  • the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode since the refractive index increases in the order of air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode, an increase in reflectance at the interface between the layers can be suppressed. That is, when visually recognizing the touch panel from the operation surface side, as described above, by gradually increasing the refractive index in the order of air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode, the air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode. The difference in refractive index at each interface can be reduced. Thereby, the raise of the reflectance in each interface can be suppressed.
  • the refractive index difference reducing layer has at least two refractive index relaxation layers, and the at least two refractive index relaxation layers are touched from the operation surface side in the refractive index difference reduction layer. It is formed on the touch electrode so that the refractive index increases toward the electrode side (second configuration).
  • the refractive index can be gradually increased from the operation surface side to the touch electrode side in the refractive index difference reducing layer, so that the refractive index at the interface of each layer located between the air and the touch electrode.
  • the difference can be made smaller. Therefore, a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel can be more reliably suppressed, and the touch electrode pattern can be made more difficult to visually recognize.
  • the first or second configuration further includes a cover member disposed on the refractive index difference reducing layer so as to be in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer, wherein the cover member has a refractive index of air refraction.
  • the refractive index difference reducing layer has a refractive index smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and equal to or higher than the refractive index of the cover member (third configuration).
  • the interface of each layer is increased by increasing the transmittance in the order of the cover member, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode.
  • An increase in reflectivity at can be suppressed. Therefore, in the configuration in which the cover member is provided in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer, a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel can be suppressed, and the touch electrode pattern can be made difficult to visually recognize.
  • the cover member is a polarizing plate (fourth configuration).
  • the raise of the reflectance in each interface can be suppressed by increasing a refractive index in order of a polarizing plate, a refractive index difference reduction layer, and a touch electrode. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in transmittance of the touch panel and make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode pattern.
  • a display device with a touch panel includes a display panel capable of displaying an image, and the touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4 disposed on a viewing side of the display panel. Provided (fifth configuration).
  • FIG. 1 schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel (display device with a touch panel) provided with the touch panel 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is shown.
  • a liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel is configured by superimposing a touch panel 2 capable of detecting a touch position on a liquid crystal panel 3 (display panel) capable of displaying an image.
  • reference numeral 4 denotes a backlight.
  • the surface above the touch panel 2 (the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel 3) is an operation surface.
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 includes an active matrix substrate 5 in which a large number of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a counter substrate 6 disposed to face the active matrix substrate 5.
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 includes a liquid crystal layer 7 between the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6.
  • the liquid crystal layer 7 may be any type of liquid crystal as long as it can display an image by controlling the liquid crystal, and the operation mode of the liquid crystal may be any mode.
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 is attached with a pair of polarizing plates (not shown) so as to sandwich the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6.
  • a plurality of TFTs Thin Film Transistor; not shown
  • a pixel electrode a plurality of wirings (source wiring, gate wiring, etc.) and the like are provided on a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. Since the TFT has the same configuration as the conventional one, detailed description is omitted.
  • the pixel electrode is a transparent electrode and is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide).
  • the pixel electrodes are spaced apart from each other for each pixel.
  • the pixel electrode defines a pixel as a unit of image display.
  • the source electrode, gate electrode, and drain electrode of the TFT are connected to the source wiring, the gate wiring, and the pixel electrode, respectively.
  • the point that a signal is input to the TFT via the gate wiring and the source wiring and the TFT is driven is the same as that of the conventional liquid crystal display device, and thus detailed description is omitted.
  • a counter electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO is provided on a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate.
  • a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate.
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying a color image, for example, RGB color filters are provided on the counter substrate.
  • the configuration of the touch panel 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the lead-out wiring 24 and the bridge portion 23 are hatched to make it easy to see the lead-out wiring 24 and the bridge portion 23, although not in cross section.
  • the surface on the paper side front side is an operation surface.
  • the touch panel 2 includes a touch electrode 12 so that a position where the operation surface is touched can be detected (see FIG. 2).
  • the touch panel 2 according to the present embodiment utilizes the fact that a capacitance is formed between the touch electrode 12 and the finger touching the operation surface, and thus the capacitance between the touch electrode 12 and the finger depending on the touch position.
  • the touch position is determined from the difference between the two. That is, the touch panel 2 of the present embodiment is a so-called capacitance type touch panel.
  • the touch panel 2 includes a substrate 11 (panel substrate) that is a transparent glass substrate, a touch electrode 12 formed on one surface side of the substrate 11, and a first electrode that covers the touch electrode 12.
  • 1 refractive index relaxation layer 13 (refractive index relaxation layer), 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 (refractive index relaxation layer) which covers this 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13, and translucent cover 17 (cover member) Prepare.
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 constitute a refractive index difference reduction layer 20.
  • the touch electrode 12 has a plurality of electrode pads 21a and 22a formed in a substantially square shape in plan view and a plurality of electrode pads 21c and 22b formed in a substantially triangular shape.
  • the touch electrode 12 is configured by arranging these electrode pads 21 a, 22 a, 21 c, and 22 b on the entire operation surface of the touch panel 2 at substantially equal intervals.
  • the touch electrode 12 includes an X-direction electrode 22 extending in the X direction in FIG. 2 and a Y-direction electrode 21 extending in the Y direction.
  • These X direction electrode 22 and Y direction electrode 21 are comprised with the electroconductive material which has translucency, such as ITO. As shown in FIG. 2, the X direction and the Y direction intersect with each other on the plane of the substrate 11.
  • a substantially square Y-direction electrode pad 21a in plan view and a connection portion 21b for connecting the Y-direction electrode pads 21a are integrally formed. That is, the Y direction electrode 21 has a shape that is long in the Y direction of FIG.
  • the Y-direction electrode 21 has a plurality of Y-direction electrode pads 21a arranged so that the diagonal line coincides with the Y-direction, and the corner portions of the Y-direction electrode pads 21a are connected by the connection portions 21b. Have a different shape. These Y direction electrode pads 21a are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. A plurality of Y-direction electrodes 21 are provided side by side in the X direction.
  • a substantially triangular Y-direction electrode pad 21c is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 in plan view.
  • the Y-direction electrode pads 21c located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 are about half the size of the other Y-direction electrode pads 21a.
  • the X-direction electrode 22 has a substantially square shape similar to the Y-direction electrode pad 21a described above, and the X-direction electrode pad 22a having the same size as the Y-direction electrode pad 21a; And a bridge portion 23 for connecting the directional electrode pads 22a to each other.
  • the X-direction electrode 22 is configured by connecting the corner portions of a plurality of X-direction electrode pads 22 a arranged so that the diagonal line coincides with the X direction by the bridge portion 23.
  • the X direction electrode pads 22a are arranged at regular intervals in the X direction. Further, the X-direction electrode pad 22a is disposed so as to sandwich the connecting portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 between corner portions. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the Y-direction electrode pad 21a and the X-direction electrode pad 22a are arranged on the entire operation surface of the touch panel 2 at equal intervals. As will be described later, the X-direction electrode pads 22 a and 22 b are formed as the same layer as the Y-direction electrode pads 21 a and 21 c of the Y-direction electrode 21.
  • substantially triangular X-direction electrode pads 22b are provided at both longitudinal ends of the X-direction electrode 22. .
  • the X-direction electrode pad 22b is about half the size of the other X-direction electrode pads 22a.
  • These X-direction electrode pads 22 a and 22 b are made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO, like the Y-direction electrode 21.
  • the bridge portion 23 is provided so as to connect corner portions of adjacent X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b with the Y-direction electrode 21 interposed therebetween. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the bridge portion 23 is disposed so as to straddle the connection portion 21 b of the Y-direction electrode 21.
  • the bridge portion 23 is made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO, like the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b described above.
  • a lead-out wiring 24 is connected to substantially triangular electrode pads 21c and 22b located on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode 22.
  • the lead wiring 24 is made of a metal wiring material such as an aluminum alloy.
  • the lead-out wiring 24 is formed so that the end opposite to the end connected to the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode 22 gathers on the outer peripheral portion of the substrate 11.
  • a terminal 24 a for outputting a signal to an external circuit or the like is formed at the end of the lead-out wiring 24 collected on the outer peripheral portion of the substrate 11.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
  • an X-direction electrode pad 22a and a bridge portion 23 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO are provided on the substrate 11. That is, the X-direction electrode pad 22a and the bridge portion 23 are formed in the lowermost layer.
  • an X-direction electrode pad 22b is also formed on the substrate 11.
  • An insulating layer 15 is formed on the bridge portion 23.
  • the connecting portion 21 b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is provided so as to intersect the bridge portion 23.
  • the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 is provided so that X direction electrode pad 22a, 22b and the Y direction electrode 21 may be covered.
  • a second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is formed so as to cover the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. Further, a translucent cover 17 (cover member) is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 with the air layer 16 interposed therebetween.
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is made of, for example, aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ).
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 has a refractive index of 1.62, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index (for example, 2) of the touch electrode 12.
  • the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is larger than the refractive index (for example, 1.5) of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 described later. That is, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 has a refractive index larger than that of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 and smaller than that of the touch electrode 12.
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is made of aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), but is not limited thereto, and may be made of magnesium oxide (MgO).
  • the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is, for example, 1.74.
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is a material other than aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide as long as the refractive index is a material between the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 and the refractive index of the touch electrode 12. You may comprise by material.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is made of, for example, an acrylic resin.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 has a refractive index of 1.5, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index (for example, 1.62) of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 described above.
  • the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is larger than the refractive index of air (generally 1). That is, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 has a refractive index that is larger than air and smaller than that of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. Thereby, compared with the case where the 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 is not provided, the refractive index difference of air and the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 can be made small.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is made of acrylic resin.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the refractive index is the difference between the refractive index of air and the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. As long as the material has an intermediate value, other materials may be used.
  • the refractive index gradually increases in the order of the air layer 16, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12.
  • the refractive index difference in the interface of each layer located between the air layer 16 and the touch electrode 12 is made small. be able to.
  • the insulating layer 13 is made of, for example, a silicon oxide film. By forming the insulating layer 13 on the bridge portion 23, the three-dimensional intersection between the bridge portion 23 and the connection portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is possible.
  • the insulating layer 13 may be a film made of a material other than silicon oxide.
  • the translucent cover 17 is made of alkali glass or the like.
  • the translucent cover 17 is provided so as to be positioned on the operation surface side surface of the touch panel 2. That is, in this embodiment, the side on which the touch electrode 12 is formed on the substrate 11 is the operation surface side of the touch panel 2.
  • the translucent cover 17 is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 so as to form an air layer 16 between the light transmission cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14. That is, no adhesive layer or the like exists between the translucent cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14. Thereby, since the translucent cover 17 can be attached or detached easily, replacement
  • the translucent cover 17 may be made of a material other than alkali glass as long as it is a translucent material.
  • the refractive index relaxation layers 13 and 14 having a higher transmittance than air and a lower transmittance than the touch electrode 12 are formed on the touch electrode 12 formed on the substrate 11.
  • the refractive index difference at the interface between the layers positioned between the air and the touch electrode 12 can be reduced.
  • the increase in reflectance can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 while preventing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 2.
  • two layers of refractive index relaxation are provided on the touch electrode 12, and the two layers are formed so that the refractive index of the layer on the touch electrode 12 side is larger than the layer on the air side.
  • the refractive index difference at the interface of each layer located between the touch electrode 12 can be further reduced. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the touch electrode 12 from being visually recognized while more reliably preventing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 2.
  • the refractive index relaxation layer also functions as a protective layer for the touch electrode 12.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the touch panel 30 according to the second embodiment.
  • the configuration of the second embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment described above in that no air layer is provided between the translucent cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the portion indicated by the line III-III in FIG. 2 in the touch panel 30 of the present embodiment.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is formed by applying an acrylic resin adhesive on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13.
  • the translucent cover 17 is disposed so that an air layer is not formed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, and the translucent cover 17 is attached to the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 by the adhesive. Fix it.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is formed on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the translucent cover 17 is brought into close contact with the second refractive index relaxation layer 31. It can be arranged in the state.
  • the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 constitute a refractive index difference reduction layer 35.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 has a refractive index of 1.5, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13.
  • the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is not less than the refractive index (1.5) of the translucent cover 17. That is, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 has a refractive index that is equal to or higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17 and smaller than that of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13.
  • the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is equal to or higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17, but the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17. Larger is more preferable.
  • the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is made of an acrylic resin adhesive.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the refractive index is the same as the refractive index of the translucent cover 17 and the first refractive index. As long as it is a value between the refractive index of the relaxation layer 13, you may comprise with the adhesive agent of another material.
  • the touch panel 30 refracts in the order of air, the translucent cover 17, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12 from the operation surface side to the touch electrode 12 side.
  • the rate gradually increases.
  • the translucent cover 17 is provided on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 so as to be in close contact therewith. Then, each layer of the touch panel 30 is formed so that the refractive index increases in the order of air, the translucent cover 17, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12. As a result, the difference in refractive index at the interface between the layers can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 do not exist, and the reflectance at the interface increases. Can be suppressed.
  • the touch panel 30 having the configuration of the present embodiment it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 while suppressing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 30.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the touch panel 40 according to the third embodiment.
  • the configuration of the third embodiment is different from the configuration of the second embodiment described above in that a polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is provided instead of the translucent cover.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the portion indicated by the line III-III in FIG. 2 in the touch panel 40 of the present embodiment.
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 includes the active matrix substrate 5, the counter substrate 6, and the liquid crystal layer 7 sandwiched between the substrates (see FIG. 1).
  • the liquid crystal panel 3 also includes a pair of polarizing plates 41 disposed on the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 7 in the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6. That is, the pair of polarizing plates 41 are arranged so as to sandwich the display unit having the active matrix substrate 5, the counter substrate 6, and the liquid crystal layer 7.
  • the touch panel 40 is disposed on the counter substrate 6 of the liquid crystal panel 3, and the polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is used as a cover on the operation surface side of the touch panel 40. That is, the substrate 11 of the touch panel 40 is fixed to the counter substrate 6 of the liquid crystal panel 3, and the polarizing plate 41 is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 of the touch panel 40.
  • the touch panel 40 is disposed on the counter substrate 6, but this is not restrictive, and the touch electrode 12 may be directly formed on the counter substrate 6.
  • the polarizing plate 41 is attached to the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 so that an air layer is not formed between the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31. That is, as in the second embodiment described above, an acrylic resin adhesive is applied on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 to form the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, and the polarizing plate 41 is formed by the adhesive. Is fixed to the first refractive index relaxation layer 13.
  • the refractive index of the polarizing plate 41 is 1.5, which is larger than the refractive index of air (generally 1) and not more than the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 (for example, 1.5). . Note that the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is more preferably larger than the refractive index of the polarizing plate 41.
  • the refractive index increases in the order of air, the polarizing plate 41, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
  • the polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is also used as the cover of the touch panel 40.
  • the touch panel 40 is formed so that the refractive index increases in the order of air, the polarizing plate 41, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12.
  • the refractive index difference reduction layers 20 and 35 provided on the touch electrode 12 include the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layers 14 and 31.
  • the number of refractive index relaxation layers constituting the refractive index difference reducing layer may be one or may be three or more. In this way, even when the number of refractive index relaxation layers other than two layers is provided, the refractive index gradually increases from the translucent cover 17 (or polarizing plate 41) side to the touch electrode 12 side. It is necessary to form a refractive index relaxation layer.
  • the connecting portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is provided so as to straddle the bridge portion 23.
  • ITO is used for the X-direction electrode 22 and the Y-direction electrode 21, but this is not restrictive, and other transparent conductive materials may be used.
  • the bridge portion 23 is made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO.
  • ITO light-transmitting conductive material
  • the bridge part 23 may be a pattern size in a range that does not affect the display.
  • the X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b and the Y-direction electrode 21 are formed in a rectangular shape or a substantially triangular shape.
  • the X-direction electrode pad and the Y-direction electrode may be formed in other shapes such as a polygon or a circle.
  • the touch panel according to the present invention includes a touch electrode formed on a substrate and can be used for a translucent touch panel.

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to achieve a configuration in which touch electrodes are unlikely to be visually recognized while preventing lowering of transmissivity of light in a touch panel which is configured so as to be translucent and capable of detecting a touch position upon an operating surface. This touch panel (1) is provided with a transparent panel substrate (11) for which one surface side is positioned at an operating surface side upon which touch operations are performed, a touch electrode (12) formed by a transparent electrode material upon the surface of the operating surface side of the panel substrate (11) which is configured so as to be capable of detecting a touch position upon the operating surface, and a refractive index difference reducing layer (20) covering the operating surface side of the touch electrode (12). For the refractive index difference reducing layer (20), the refractive index is less than the refractive index of the touch electrode (12) and greater than the refractive index of air.

Description

タッチパネル及び該タッチパネルを備えた表示装置Touch panel and display device including the touch panel
　本発明は、透光性を有するタッチパネル及び該タッチパネルを備えた表示装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a translucent touch panel and a display device including the touch panel.
　透光性を有し、且つ、操作面上でペン及び指などがタッチした位置、すなわちタッチ位置を検出可能に構成されたタッチパネルが知られている。このようなタッチパネルでは、例えば特開２０１０－１５２８０９号公報に開示されるように、透明基板上に透光性の下地層及び透明導電膜が形成されている。 There is known a touch panel that has translucency and is configured to be able to detect a position touched by a pen, a finger, or the like on an operation surface, that is, a touch position. In such a touch panel, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-152809, a transparent base layer and a transparent conductive film are formed on a transparent substrate.
　具体的には、前記特開２０１０－１５２８０９号公報に開示されている構成では、透明基板上に形成された透光性の下地層上に、透明導電膜からなるパターン部が形成されている。 Specifically, in the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-152809, a pattern portion made of a transparent conductive film is formed on a light-transmitting base layer formed on a transparent substrate.
　ところが、前記特開２０１０－１５２８０９号公報に開示されるように、下地膜上にタッチ電極（透明導電膜）を形成する場合、該下地膜の屈折率とタッチ電極の屈折率との差によって、該タッチ電極の表面で反射率が高くなる場合がある。そうすると、タッチパネルにおける光の透過率が低下するとともに、タッチ電極が視認される可能性がある。 However, as disclosed in JP 2010-152809 A, when a touch electrode (transparent conductive film) is formed on a base film, the difference between the refractive index of the base film and the refractive index of the touch electrode is In some cases, the reflectance is high on the surface of the touch electrode. If it does so, while the transmittance | permeability of the light in a touch panel falls, a touch electrode may be visually recognized.
　そのため、本発明では、透光性を有し且つ操作面上でのタッチ位置を検出可能に構成されたタッチパネルにおいて、光の透過率の低下を防止しつつ、タッチ電極を視認しにくい構成を得ることを目的とする。 Therefore, according to the present invention, a touch panel that is translucent and configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface is configured to prevent the touch electrode from being visually recognized while preventing a decrease in light transmittance. For the purpose.
　本発明の一実施形態に係るタッチパネルは、タッチ操作を行う操作面を有するタッチパネルであって、透明なパネル基板と、前記パネル基板における前記操作面側の面上に透明な電極部材によって形成されているとともに、前記操作面でのタッチ位置を検出可能に構成されたタッチ電極と、前記タッチ電極の前記操作面側を覆う屈折率差低減層とを備え、前記屈折率差低減層は、屈折率が、前記タッチ電極の屈折率よりも小さく且つ空気の屈折率よりも大きい。 The touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel having an operation surface for performing a touch operation, and is formed by a transparent panel substrate and a transparent electrode member on the operation surface side surface of the panel substrate. And a touch electrode configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface, and a refractive index difference reduction layer covering the operation surface side of the touch electrode, the refractive index difference reduction layer having a refractive index Is smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and larger than the refractive index of air.
　本発明の一実施形態に係るタッチパネルでは、光の透過率の低下を防止しつつ、透明導電膜を視認しにくくすることができる。 In the touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the transparent conductive film while preventing a decrease in light transmittance.
図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネルを備えたタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置の概略構成を模式的に示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel including the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、タッチパネルの概略構成を示す平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the touch panel. 図３は、第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネルにおける図２のＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線断面図である。3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2 in the touch panel according to the first embodiment. 図４は、第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネルの図３相当図である。FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the touch panel according to the second embodiment. 図５は、第３の実施形態に係るタッチパネルの図３相当図である。FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the touch panel according to the third embodiment.
　本発明の一実施形態に係るタッチパネルは、タッチ操作を行う操作面を有するタッチパネルであって、透明なパネル基板と、前記パネル基板における前記操作面側の面上に透明な電極部材によって形成されているとともに、前記操作面でのタッチ位置を検出可能に構成されたタッチ電極と、前記タッチ電極の前記操作面側を覆う屈折率差低減層とを備え、前記屈折率差低減層は、屈折率が、前記タッチ電極の屈折率よりも小さく且つ空気の屈折率よりも大きい（第１の構成）。 The touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel having an operation surface for performing a touch operation, and is formed by a transparent panel substrate and a transparent electrode member on the operation surface side surface of the panel substrate. And a touch electrode configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface, and a refractive index difference reduction layer covering the operation surface side of the touch electrode, the refractive index difference reduction layer having a refractive index Is smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and larger than the refractive index of air (first configuration).
　上記の構成では、空気、屈折率差低減層及びタッチ電極の順に、屈折率が大きくなるため、各層の界面における反射率の上昇を抑えることができる。すなわち、タッチパネルを、操作面側から視認する場合、上述のように、空気、屈折率差低減層及びタッチ電極の順に屈折率を徐々に大きくすることで、空気、屈折率差低減層及びタッチ電極の各界面での屈折率差を小さくすることができる。これにより、各界面での反射率の上昇を抑制することができる。 In the above configuration, since the refractive index increases in the order of air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode, an increase in reflectance at the interface between the layers can be suppressed. That is, when visually recognizing the touch panel from the operation surface side, as described above, by gradually increasing the refractive index in the order of air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode, the air, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode. The difference in refractive index at each interface can be reduced. Thereby, the raise of the reflectance in each interface can be suppressed.
　したがって、上述の構成により、タッチパネルの透過率の低下を抑制することができるとともに、タッチ電極のパターンを視認しにくくすることができる。 Therefore, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in transmittance of the touch panel and make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode pattern.
　前記第１の構成において、前記屈折率差低減層は、少なくとも２つの屈折率緩和層を有し、前記少なくとも２つの屈折率緩和層は、前記屈折率差低減層において前記操作面側から前記タッチ電極側に向かって屈折率が大きくなるように、該タッチ電極上に形成されている（第２の構成）。 In the first configuration, the refractive index difference reducing layer has at least two refractive index relaxation layers, and the at least two refractive index relaxation layers are touched from the operation surface side in the refractive index difference reduction layer. It is formed on the touch electrode so that the refractive index increases toward the electrode side (second configuration).
　これにより、屈折率差低減層内で、操作面側からタッチ電極側に向かって屈折率を徐々に大きくすることができるため、空気とタッチ電極との間に位置する各層の界面での屈折率差をより小さくすることができる。よって、タッチパネルの透過率の低下をより確実に抑制できるとともに、タッチ電極のパターンをより確実に視認しにくくすることができる。 As a result, the refractive index can be gradually increased from the operation surface side to the touch electrode side in the refractive index difference reducing layer, so that the refractive index at the interface of each layer located between the air and the touch electrode. The difference can be made smaller. Therefore, a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel can be more reliably suppressed, and the touch electrode pattern can be made more difficult to visually recognize.
　前記第１または第２の構成において、前記屈折率差低減層に密着するように該屈折率差低減層上に配置されたカバー部材をさらに備え、前記カバー部材は、屈折率が、空気の屈折率よりも大きく、前記屈折率差低減層は、屈折率が、前記タッチ電極の屈折率よりも小さく且つ前記カバー部材の屈折率以上である（第３の構成）。 The first or second configuration further includes a cover member disposed on the refractive index difference reducing layer so as to be in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer, wherein the cover member has a refractive index of air refraction. The refractive index difference reducing layer has a refractive index smaller than the refractive index of the touch electrode and equal to or higher than the refractive index of the cover member (third configuration).
　このように屈折率差低減層上にカバー部材が密着して設けられている構成の場合には、カバー部材、屈折率差低減層、タッチ電極の順に透過率を大きくすることで、各層の界面での反射率の上昇を抑制することができる。したがって、屈折率差低減層上にカバー部材が密着して設けられている構成において、タッチパネルの透過率の低下を抑制できるとともに、タッチ電極のパターンを視認しにくくすることができる。 In the case where the cover member is provided in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer as described above, the interface of each layer is increased by increasing the transmittance in the order of the cover member, the refractive index difference reducing layer, and the touch electrode. An increase in reflectivity at can be suppressed. Therefore, in the configuration in which the cover member is provided in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer, a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel can be suppressed, and the touch electrode pattern can be made difficult to visually recognize.
　前記第３の構成において、前記カバー部材は、偏光板である（第４の構成）。これにより、カバー部材として液晶パネルの偏光板を用いた構成でも、偏光板、屈折率差低減層及びタッチ電極の順に屈折率を大きくすることで、各界面での反射率の上昇を抑制できる。よって、タッチパネルの透過率の低下を抑制できるとともに、タッチ電極のパターンを視認しにくくすることができる。 In the third configuration, the cover member is a polarizing plate (fourth configuration). Thereby, also in the structure using the polarizing plate of a liquid crystal panel as a cover member, the raise of the reflectance in each interface can be suppressed by increasing a refractive index in order of a polarizing plate, a refractive index difference reduction layer, and a touch electrode. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in transmittance of the touch panel and make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode pattern.
　本発明の一実施形態に係るタッチパネル付き表示装置は、画像を表示可能な表示パネルと、前記表示パネルの視認側に配置される、請求項１から４のいずれか一つに記載のタッチパネルとを備えている（第５の構成）。 A display device with a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel capable of displaying an image, and the touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4 disposed on a viewing side of the display panel. Provided (fifth configuration).
　以下、タッチパネルの好ましい実施形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、各図中の構成部材の寸法は、実際の構成部材の寸法及び各構成部材の寸法比率等を忠実に表したものではない。 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the touch panel will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the dimension of the structural member in each figure does not represent the dimension of an actual structural member, the dimension ratio of each structural member, etc. faithfully.
　［第１の実施形態］
　図１に、第１の実施形態に係るタッチパネル２を備えたタッチパネル付き液晶表示装置１（タッチパネル付き表示装置）の概略構成を示す。この図１に示すように、タッチパネル付き液晶表示装置１は、タッチ位置を検出可能なタッチパネル２を、画像を表示可能な液晶パネル３（表示パネル）に重ね合わせることによって構成される。なお、図１において、符号４は、バックライトである。また、図１において、タッチパネル２の上側（液晶パネル３とは反対側）の面が操作面である。 [First Embodiment]
In FIG. 1, schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel (display device with a touch panel) provided with the touch panel 2 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display device 1 with a touch panel is configured by superimposing a touch panel 2 capable of detecting a touch position on a liquid crystal panel 3 (display panel) capable of displaying an image. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes a backlight. Moreover, in FIG. 1, the surface above the touch panel 2 (the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel 3) is an operation surface.
　液晶パネル３は、図１に示すように、多数の画素がマトリクス状に配列されたアクティブマトリクス基板５と、該アクティブマトリクス基板５に対向して配置される対向基板６とを備える。また、液晶パネル３は、アクティブマトリクス基板５と対向基板６との間に液晶層７を備える。この液晶層７は、液晶の制御によって画像を表示可能な液晶であればどのような種類の液晶であってもよいし、液晶の動作モードもどのようなモードであってもよい。なお、液晶パネル３には、特に図示しないが、アクティブマトリクス基板５及び対向基板６を挟み込むように、一対の偏光板が取り付けられている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 3 includes an active matrix substrate 5 in which a large number of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a counter substrate 6 disposed to face the active matrix substrate 5. The liquid crystal panel 3 includes a liquid crystal layer 7 between the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6. The liquid crystal layer 7 may be any type of liquid crystal as long as it can display an image by controlling the liquid crystal, and the operation mode of the liquid crystal may be any mode. The liquid crystal panel 3 is attached with a pair of polarizing plates (not shown) so as to sandwich the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6.
　アクティブマトリクス基板５では、ガラス基板等の透明基板上に、複数のＴＦＴ（Ｔｈｉｎ　Ｆｉｌｍ　Ｔｒａｎｓｉｓｔｏｒ；薄膜トランジスタ、図示省略）、画素電極及び複数の配線（ソース配線、ゲート配線等）などが設けられている。なお、ＴＦＴは、従来と同じ構成であるため、詳しい説明を省略する。 In the active matrix substrate 5, a plurality of TFTs (Thin Film Transistor; not shown), a pixel electrode, a plurality of wirings (source wiring, gate wiring, etc.) and the like are provided on a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. Since the TFT has the same configuration as the conventional one, detailed description is omitted.
　画素電極は、透明な電極であり、例えばＩＴＯ（酸化インジウム錫）等の透明導電性材料によって形成されている。画素電極は、画素毎に互いに離間して配置されている。この画素電極によって、画像表示の一単位となる画素が規定される。 The pixel electrode is a transparent electrode and is formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (indium tin oxide). The pixel electrodes are spaced apart from each other for each pixel. The pixel electrode defines a pixel as a unit of image display.
　特に図示しないが、ＴＦＴのソース電極、ゲート電極及びドレイン電極は、ソース配線、ゲート配線及び画素電極にそれぞれ接続されている。ゲート配線及びソース配線を介してＴＦＴに信号を入力し、該ＴＦＴを駆動する点は、従来の液晶表示装置と同じであるため、詳しい説明を省略する。 Although not particularly shown, the source electrode, gate electrode, and drain electrode of the TFT are connected to the source wiring, the gate wiring, and the pixel electrode, respectively. The point that a signal is input to the TFT via the gate wiring and the source wiring and the TFT is driven is the same as that of the conventional liquid crystal display device, and thus detailed description is omitted.
　対向基板６では、ガラス基板等の透明基板上に、ＩＴＯ等の透明導電性材料からなる対向電極などが設けられている。なお、液晶パネル３がカラー画像を表示可能な液晶パネルの場合には、前記対向基板に、例えばＲＧＢのカラーフィルタが設けられている。 In the counter substrate 6, a counter electrode made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO is provided on a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate. When the liquid crystal panel 3 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying a color image, for example, RGB color filters are provided on the counter substrate.
　以下で、タッチパネル２の構成を、図２及び図３を用いて説明する。なお、図２では、引き出し配線２４及びブリッジ部２３を見やすくするために、断面ではないが、該引き出し配線２４及びブリッジ部２３にハッチングを施している。また、図２に示すタッチパネルにおいて、紙面側（手前側）の面が操作面である。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the touch panel 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, the lead-out wiring 24 and the bridge portion 23 are hatched to make it easy to see the lead-out wiring 24 and the bridge portion 23, although not in cross section. In the touch panel shown in FIG. 2, the surface on the paper side (front side) is an operation surface.
　タッチパネル２は、操作面をタッチした位置を検出可能なように、タッチ電極１２を備える（図２参照）。本実施形態のタッチパネル２は、タッチ電極１２と操作面をタッチする指との間に静電容量が形成されることを利用して、タッチ位置によるタッチ電極１２と指との間の静電容量の差から該タッチ位置を求めるように構成されている。すなわち、本実施形態のタッチパネル２は、いわゆる静電容量型のタッチパネルである。 The touch panel 2 includes a touch electrode 12 so that a position where the operation surface is touched can be detected (see FIG. 2). The touch panel 2 according to the present embodiment utilizes the fact that a capacitance is formed between the touch electrode 12 and the finger touching the operation surface, and thus the capacitance between the touch electrode 12 and the finger depending on the touch position. The touch position is determined from the difference between the two. That is, the touch panel 2 of the present embodiment is a so-called capacitance type touch panel.
　詳しくは、タッチパネル２は、図３に示すように、透明なガラス基板である基板１１（パネル基板）と、該基板１１の一面側に形成されるタッチ電極１２と、該タッチ電極１２を覆う第１屈折率緩和層１３（屈折率緩和層）と、該第１屈折率緩和層１３を覆う第２屈折率緩和層１４（屈折率緩和層）と、透光性カバー１７（カバー部材）とを備える。なお、本実施形態では、第１屈折率緩和層１３及び第２屈折率緩和層１４によって、屈折率差低減層２０が構成される。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel 2 includes a substrate 11 (panel substrate) that is a transparent glass substrate, a touch electrode 12 formed on one surface side of the substrate 11, and a first electrode that covers the touch electrode 12. 1 refractive index relaxation layer 13 (refractive index relaxation layer), 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 (refractive index relaxation layer) which covers this 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13, and translucent cover 17 (cover member) Prepare. In the present embodiment, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 constitute a refractive index difference reduction layer 20.
　タッチ電極１２は、図２に示すように、平面視で略四角形状に形成された複数の電極パッド２１ａ，２２ａと略三角形状に形成された複数の電極パッド２１ｃ，２２ｂとを有する。タッチ電極１２は、これらの電極パッド２１ａ，２２ａ，２１ｃ，２２ｂがタッチパネル２の操作面全体にほぼ均等の間隔で配置されることによって構成される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the touch electrode 12 has a plurality of electrode pads 21a and 22a formed in a substantially square shape in plan view and a plurality of electrode pads 21c and 22b formed in a substantially triangular shape. The touch electrode 12 is configured by arranging these electrode pads 21 a, 22 a, 21 c, and 22 b on the entire operation surface of the touch panel 2 at substantially equal intervals.
　また、タッチ電極１２は、図２におけるＸ方向に延びるＸ方向電極２２と、Ｙ方向に延びるＹ方向電極２１とを有する。これらのＸ方向電極２２及びＹ方向電極２１は、ＩＴＯなどの透光性を有する導電性材料によって構成される。なお、図２に示すように、Ｘ方向とＹ方向とは基板１１の平面上において互いに交差する方向である。 Further, the touch electrode 12 includes an X-direction electrode 22 extending in the X direction in FIG. 2 and a Y-direction electrode 21 extending in the Y direction. These X direction electrode 22 and Y direction electrode 21 are comprised with the electroconductive material which has translucency, such as ITO. As shown in FIG. 2, the X direction and the Y direction intersect with each other on the plane of the substrate 11.
　Ｙ方向電極２１では、平面視で略四角形状のＹ方向電極パッド２１ａと、該Ｙ方向電極パッド２１ａ同士を接続する接続部２１ｂとが一体形成されている。すなわち、Ｙ方向電極２１は、図２のＹ方向に長い形状を有する。 In the Y-direction electrode 21, a substantially square Y-direction electrode pad 21a in plan view and a connection portion 21b for connecting the Y-direction electrode pads 21a are integrally formed. That is, the Y direction electrode 21 has a shape that is long in the Y direction of FIG.
　具体的には、Ｙ方向電極２１は、対角線がＹ方向と一致するように複数のＹ方向電極パッド２１ａを配置した状態で、該Ｙ方向電極パッド２１ａの角部分を接続部２１ｂによって接続したような形状を有する。これらのＹ方向電極パッド２１ａは、Ｙ方向に均等の間隔で配置されている。また、Ｙ方向電極２１は、Ｘ方向に並んで複数、設けられている。 Specifically, the Y-direction electrode 21 has a plurality of Y-direction electrode pads 21a arranged so that the diagonal line coincides with the Y-direction, and the corner portions of the Y-direction electrode pads 21a are connected by the connection portions 21b. Have a different shape. These Y direction electrode pads 21a are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. A plurality of Y-direction electrodes 21 are provided side by side in the X direction.
　なお、Ｙ方向電極２１の長手方向両端部には、平面視で略三角形状のＹ方向電極パッド２１ｃが設けられている。Ｙ方向電極２１の長手方向両端部に位置するＹ方向電極パッド２１ｃは、他のＹ方向電極パッド２１ａに対して約半分の大きさである。 It should be noted that a substantially triangular Y-direction electrode pad 21c is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 in plan view. The Y-direction electrode pads 21c located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 are about half the size of the other Y-direction electrode pads 21a.
　Ｘ方向電極２２は、図２に示すように、上述のＹ方向電極パッド２１ａと同様に略四角形状で且つ該Ｙ方向電極パッド２１ａと同等の大きさを有するＸ方向電極パッド２２ａと、該Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａ同士を接続するブリッジ部２３とを備える。具体的には、Ｘ方向電極２２は、対角線がＸ方向と一致するように配置される複数のＸ方向電極パッド２２ａの角部分を、ブリッジ部２３によって接続することによって構成される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the X-direction electrode 22 has a substantially square shape similar to the Y-direction electrode pad 21a described above, and the X-direction electrode pad 22a having the same size as the Y-direction electrode pad 21a; And a bridge portion 23 for connecting the directional electrode pads 22a to each other. Specifically, the X-direction electrode 22 is configured by connecting the corner portions of a plurality of X-direction electrode pads 22 a arranged so that the diagonal line coincides with the X direction by the bridge portion 23.
　Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａは、Ｘ方向に一定間隔で配置されている。また、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａは、Ｙ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂを、角部分同士で挟み込むように配置されている。これにより、図２に示すように、Ｙ方向電極パッド２１ａとＸ方向電極パッド２２ａとが、互いに等しい間隔でタッチパネル２の操作面全体に配置される。後述するように、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂは、Ｙ方向電極２１のＹ方向電極パッド２１ａ，２１ｃと同じ層として形成されている。 The X direction electrode pads 22a are arranged at regular intervals in the X direction. Further, the X-direction electrode pad 22a is disposed so as to sandwich the connecting portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 between corner portions. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the Y-direction electrode pad 21a and the X-direction electrode pad 22a are arranged on the entire operation surface of the touch panel 2 at equal intervals. As will be described later, the X-direction electrode pads 22 a and 22 b are formed as the same layer as the Y- direction electrode pads 21 a and 21 c of the Y-direction electrode 21.
　なお、上述のＹ方向電極２１の長手方向両端部に位置するＹ方向電極パッド２１ｃと同様、Ｘ方向電極２２の長手方向両端部には、略三角形状のＸ方向電極パッド２２ｂが設けられている。また、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ｂは、他のＸ方向電極パッド２２ａに対して約半分の大きさである。 As in the Y-direction electrode pad 21c located at both longitudinal ends of the Y-direction electrode 21 described above, substantially triangular X-direction electrode pads 22b are provided at both longitudinal ends of the X-direction electrode 22. . The X-direction electrode pad 22b is about half the size of the other X-direction electrode pads 22a.
　これらのＸ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂは、Ｙ方向電極２１と同様、ＩＴＯなどの透光性を有する導電性材料によって構成されている。 These X-direction electrode pads 22 a and 22 b are made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO, like the Y-direction electrode 21.
　ブリッジ部２３は、Ｙ方向電極２１を挟んで隣り合うＸ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂの角部分同士を接続するように設けられている。すなわち、図２に示すように、ブリッジ部２３は、Ｙ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂを跨ぐように配置されている。ブリッジ部２３は、上述のＹ方向電極２１やＸ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂと同様、ＩＴＯなどの透光性を有する導電性材料によって構成される。 The bridge portion 23 is provided so as to connect corner portions of adjacent X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b with the Y-direction electrode 21 interposed therebetween. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the bridge portion 23 is disposed so as to straddle the connection portion 21 b of the Y-direction electrode 21. The bridge portion 23 is made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO, like the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b described above.
　図２に示すように、Ｙ方向電極２１及びＸ方向電極２２のうち、長手方向の一端側に位置する略三角形状の電極パッド２１ｃ，２２ｂには、引き出し配線２４が接続されている。引き出し配線２４は、例えばアルミニウム合金などのメタル配線材料によって構成されている。また、引き出し配線２４は、Ｙ方向電極２１及びＸ方向電極２２に接続される端部とは反対側の端部が基板１１の外周部分に集まるように形成されている。基板１１の外周部分に集められた引き出し配線２４の端部には、外部の回路等に信号を出力するための端子２４ａが形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out wiring 24 is connected to substantially triangular electrode pads 21c and 22b located on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode 22. The lead wiring 24 is made of a metal wiring material such as an aluminum alloy. In addition, the lead-out wiring 24 is formed so that the end opposite to the end connected to the Y-direction electrode 21 and the X-direction electrode 22 gathers on the outer peripheral portion of the substrate 11. A terminal 24 a for outputting a signal to an external circuit or the like is formed at the end of the lead-out wiring 24 collected on the outer peripheral portion of the substrate 11.
　次に、タッチパネル２の断面構造について、図３を用いて説明する。なお、この図３は、図２のＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線における断面図である。 Next, the cross-sectional structure of the touch panel 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
　図３に示すように、基板１１上には、ＩＴＯなどの透明導電性材料からなるＸ方向電極パッド２２ａ及びブリッジ部２３が設けられている。すなわち、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａ及びブリッジ部２３が、最下層に形成されている。なお、図３には図示しないが、基板１１上には、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ｂも形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, an X-direction electrode pad 22a and a bridge portion 23 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO are provided on the substrate 11. That is, the X-direction electrode pad 22a and the bridge portion 23 are formed in the lowermost layer. Although not shown in FIG. 3, an X-direction electrode pad 22b is also formed on the substrate 11.
　ブリッジ部２３上には、絶縁層１５が形成されている。この絶縁層１５上には、Ｙ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂがブリッジ部２３と交差するように設けられている。そして、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂ及びＹ方向電極２１を覆うように、第１屈折率緩和層１３が設けられている。この第１屈折率緩和層１３を覆うように第２屈折率緩和層１４が形成されている。さらに、第２屈折率緩和層１４上には、空気層１６を挟んで透光性カバー１７（カバー部材）が配置されている。 An insulating layer 15 is formed on the bridge portion 23. On the insulating layer 15, the connecting portion 21 b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is provided so as to intersect the bridge portion 23. And the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 is provided so that X direction electrode pad 22a, 22b and the Y direction electrode 21 may be covered. A second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is formed so as to cover the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. Further, a translucent cover 17 (cover member) is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 with the air layer 16 interposed therebetween.
　第１屈折率緩和層１３は、例えば酸化アルミニウム（Ａｌ２Ｏ３）などからなる。この第１屈折率緩和層１３は、例えば屈折率が１．６２であり、タッチ電極１２の屈折率（例えば２）よりも小さい。また、第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率は、後述する第２屈折率緩和層１４の屈折率（例えば１．５）よりも大きい。すなわち、第１屈折率緩和層１３は、第２屈折率緩和層１４よりも大きく且つタッチ電極１２よりも小さい屈折率を有する。これにより、第１屈折率緩和層１３を設けない場合に比べて、第２屈折率緩和層１４とタッチ電極１２との屈折率差を小さくすることができる。 The first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is made of, for example, aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ). The first refractive index relaxation layer 13 has a refractive index of 1.62, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index (for example, 2) of the touch electrode 12. The refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is larger than the refractive index (for example, 1.5) of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 described later. That is, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 has a refractive index larger than that of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 and smaller than that of the touch electrode 12. Thereby, compared with the case where the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 is not provided, the refractive index difference of the 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 and the touch electrode 12 can be made small.
　なお、本実施形態では、第１屈折率緩和層１３を、酸化アルミニウム（Ａｌ２Ｏ３）によって構成しているが、この限りではなく、酸化マグネシウム（ＭｇＯ）によって構成してもよい。酸化マグネシウムを用いた場合、第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率は、例えば１．７４になる。また、第１屈折率緩和層１３は、屈折率が第２屈折率緩和層１４の屈折率とタッチ電極１２の屈折率との間の値である材料であれば、酸化アルミニウム及び酸化マグネシウム以外の材料によって構成してもよい。 In the present embodiment, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is made of aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), but is not limited thereto, and may be made of magnesium oxide (MgO). When magnesium oxide is used, the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is, for example, 1.74. In addition, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 is a material other than aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide as long as the refractive index is a material between the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 and the refractive index of the touch electrode 12. You may comprise by material.
　第２屈折率緩和層１４は、例えばアクリル樹脂などからなる。この第２屈折率緩和層１４は、例えば屈折率が１．５であり、上述の第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率（例えば１．６２）よりも小さい。また、第２屈折率緩和層１４の屈折率は、空気の屈折率（一般的に１）よりも大きい。すなわち、第２屈折率緩和層１４は、空気よりも大きく且つ第１屈折率緩和層１３よりも小さい屈折率を有する。これにより、第２屈折率緩和層１４を設けない場合に比べて、空気と第１屈折率緩和層１３との屈折率差を小さくすることができる。 The second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is made of, for example, an acrylic resin. The second refractive index relaxation layer 14 has a refractive index of 1.5, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index (for example, 1.62) of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 described above. The refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is larger than the refractive index of air (generally 1). That is, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 has a refractive index that is larger than air and smaller than that of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. Thereby, compared with the case where the 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 is not provided, the refractive index difference of air and the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 can be made small.
　なお、本実施形態では、第２屈折率緩和層１４を、アクリル樹脂によって構成しているが、この限りではなく、屈折率が空気の屈折率と第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率との間の値である材料であれば、他の材料によって構成してもよい。 In the present embodiment, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 is made of acrylic resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the refractive index is the difference between the refractive index of air and the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. As long as the material has an intermediate value, other materials may be used.
　すなわち、上述の構成では、空気層１６、第２屈折率緩和層１４、第１屈折率緩和層１３及びタッチ電極１２の順に、屈折率が徐々に大きくなる。これにより、第１屈折率緩和層１３及び第２屈折率緩和層１４を設けない場合に比べて、空気層１６とタッチ電極１２との間に位置する各層の界面での屈折率差を小さくすることができる。 That is, in the above-described configuration, the refractive index gradually increases in the order of the air layer 16, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12. Thereby, compared with the case where the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 14 are not provided, the refractive index difference in the interface of each layer located between the air layer 16 and the touch electrode 12 is made small. be able to.
　したがって、上述の構成により、第１屈折率緩和層１３、第２屈折率緩和層１４及びタッチ電極１２の各層の界面で反射率が上昇するのを防止できる。よって、各層での透過率の低下を抑制しつつ、タッチ電極１２等を視認しにくくすることができる。 Therefore, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the reflectance from increasing at the interfaces of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, the second refractive index relaxation layer 14, and the touch electrode 12. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 and the like while suppressing a decrease in transmittance in each layer.
　絶縁層１３は、例えば酸化シリコン膜などからなる。この絶縁層１３をブリッジ部２３上に形成することで、該ブリッジ部２３とＹ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂとの立体交差が可能になる。なお、絶縁層１３は、酸化シリコン以外の材料からなる膜であってもよい。 The insulating layer 13 is made of, for example, a silicon oxide film. By forming the insulating layer 13 on the bridge portion 23, the three-dimensional intersection between the bridge portion 23 and the connection portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is possible. The insulating layer 13 may be a film made of a material other than silicon oxide.
　透光性カバー１７は、アルカリガラスなどからなる。この透光性カバー１７は、タッチパネル２の操作面側の表面に位置するように設けられている。すなわち、この実施形態では、基板１１においてタッチ電極１２が形成されている側が、タッチパネル２の操作面側となる。透光性カバー１７は、第２屈折率緩和層１４との間に空気層１６を形成するように、該第２屈折率緩和層１４上に配置されている。すなわち、透光性カバー１７と第２屈折率緩和層１４との間には接着層等が存在しない。これにより、透光性カバー１７を容易に着脱することができるため、該透光性カバー１７の交換が容易になる。 The translucent cover 17 is made of alkali glass or the like. The translucent cover 17 is provided so as to be positioned on the operation surface side surface of the touch panel 2. That is, in this embodiment, the side on which the touch electrode 12 is formed on the substrate 11 is the operation surface side of the touch panel 2. The translucent cover 17 is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 14 so as to form an air layer 16 between the light transmission cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14. That is, no adhesive layer or the like exists between the translucent cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 14. Thereby, since the translucent cover 17 can be attached or detached easily, replacement | exchange of this translucent cover 17 becomes easy.
　なお、透光性カバー１７は、透光性の材料であれば、アルカリガラス以外の材料によって構成されていてもよい。 The translucent cover 17 may be made of a material other than alkali glass as long as it is a translucent material.
　（第１の実施形態の効果）
　以上より、この実施形態では、基板１１上に形成されたタッチ電極１２上に、空気よりも透過率が大きく且つ該タッチ電極１２よりも透過率が小さい屈折率緩和層１３，１４を形成する。これにより、屈折率緩和層１３，１４を設けない場合に比べて空気とタッチ電極１２との間に位置する各層の界面での屈折率差を低減することができ、該タッチ電極１２の界面での反射率の上昇を抑制することができる。したがって、タッチパネル２の透過率の低下を防止しつつ、タッチ電極１２を視認しにくくすることができる。 (Effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, in this embodiment, the refractive index relaxation layers 13 and 14 having a higher transmittance than air and a lower transmittance than the touch electrode 12 are formed on the touch electrode 12 formed on the substrate 11. Thereby, compared with the case where the refractive index relaxation layers 13 and 14 are not provided, the refractive index difference at the interface between the layers positioned between the air and the touch electrode 12 can be reduced. The increase in reflectance can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 while preventing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 2.
　しかも、タッチ電極１２上に屈折率緩和層を２層、設けるとともに、該２層を、空気側の層よりもタッチ電極１２側の層の屈折率が大きくなるように形成することで、空気とタッチ電極１２との間に位置する各層の界面での屈折率差をより低減することができる。これにより、タッチパネル２の透過率の低下をより確実に防止しつつ、タッチ電極１２をより確実に視認しにくくすることができる。 In addition, two layers of refractive index relaxation are provided on the touch electrode 12, and the two layers are formed so that the refractive index of the layer on the touch electrode 12 side is larger than the layer on the air side. The refractive index difference at the interface of each layer located between the touch electrode 12 can be further reduced. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the touch electrode 12 from being visually recognized while more reliably preventing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 2.
　また、タッチ電極１２上に屈折率緩和層を設けることにより、該屈折率緩和層がタッチ電極１２の保護層としても機能する。 Further, by providing a refractive index relaxation layer on the touch electrode 12, the refractive index relaxation layer also functions as a protective layer for the touch electrode 12.
　［第２の実施形態］
　図４に、第２の実施形態に係るタッチパネル３０の断面構成を示す。この第２の実施形態の構成は、透光性カバー１７と第２屈折率緩和層３１との間に空気層を設けない点で、上述の第１の実施形態の構成とは異なる。以下の説明では、第１の実施形態と同一の構成については同一の符号を付して、異なる点についてのみ説明する。なお、図４は、本実施形態のタッチパネル３０において、図２にＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線で示す部分に相当する断面図である。 [Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the touch panel 30 according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the second embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment described above in that no air layer is provided between the translucent cover 17 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the portion indicated by the line III-III in FIG. 2 in the touch panel 30 of the present embodiment.
　具体的には、第１屈折率緩和層１３上にアクリル系樹脂の接着剤を塗布することにより第２屈折率緩和層３１を形成する。このとき、第２屈折率緩和層３１上に空気層が形成されないように透光性カバー１７を配置して、該透光性カバー１７を前記接着剤によって第１屈折率緩和層１３に対して固定する。これにより、図４に示すように、第１屈折率緩和層１３上に第２屈折率緩和層３１を形成するとともに、該第２屈折率緩和層３１に対して透光性カバー１７を密着させた状態で配置することができる。なお、本実施形態では、第１屈折率緩和層１３及び第２屈折率緩和層３１によって、屈折率差低減層３５が構成される。 Specifically, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is formed by applying an acrylic resin adhesive on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. At this time, the translucent cover 17 is disposed so that an air layer is not formed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, and the translucent cover 17 is attached to the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 by the adhesive. Fix it. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is formed on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the translucent cover 17 is brought into close contact with the second refractive index relaxation layer 31. It can be arranged in the state. In the present embodiment, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 constitute a refractive index difference reduction layer 35.
　第２屈折率緩和層３１は、例えば１．５の屈折率を有し、第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率よりも小さい。また、第２屈折率緩和層３１の屈折率は、透光性カバー１７の屈折率（１．５）以上である。すなわち、第２屈折率緩和層３１は、透光性カバー１７の屈折率以上で且つ第１屈折率緩和層１３よりも小さい屈折率を有する。これにより、第２屈折率緩和層３１を設けない場合に比べて、透光性カバー１７と第１屈折率緩和層１３との屈折率差を小さくすることができる。本実施形態では、第２屈折率緩和層３１の屈折率を透光性カバー１７の屈折率以上としているが、第２屈折率緩和層３１の屈折率は透光性カバー１７の屈折率よりも大きいのがより好ましい。 The second refractive index relaxation layer 31 has a refractive index of 1.5, for example, and is smaller than the refractive index of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. The refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is not less than the refractive index (1.5) of the translucent cover 17. That is, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 has a refractive index that is equal to or higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17 and smaller than that of the first refractive index relaxation layer 13. Thereby, compared with the case where the 2nd refractive index relaxation layer 31 is not provided, the refractive index difference of the translucent cover 17 and the 1st refractive index relaxation layer 13 can be made small. In this embodiment, the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is equal to or higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17, but the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is higher than the refractive index of the translucent cover 17. Larger is more preferable.
　なお、本実施形態では、第２屈折率緩和層３１は、アクリル系樹脂の接着剤によって構成されているが、この限りではなく、屈折率が透光性カバー１７の屈折率と第１屈折率緩和層１３の屈折率との間の値であれば、他の材質の接着剤によって構成されてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is made of an acrylic resin adhesive. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the refractive index is the same as the refractive index of the translucent cover 17 and the first refractive index. As long as it is a value between the refractive index of the relaxation layer 13, you may comprise with the adhesive agent of another material.
　これにより、タッチパネル３０では、操作面側からタッチ電極１２側に向かって、空気、透光性カバー１７、第２屈折率緩和層３１、第１屈折率緩和層１３及びタッチ電極１２の順に、屈折率が徐々に大きくなる。 As a result, the touch panel 30 refracts in the order of air, the translucent cover 17, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12 from the operation surface side to the touch electrode 12 side. The rate gradually increases.
　（第２の実施形態の効果）
　この実施形態では、第２屈折率緩和層３１上に透光性カバー１７を密着させるように設ける。そして、空気、透光性カバー１７、第２屈折率緩和層３１、第１屈折率緩和層１３及びタッチ電極１２の順に、屈折率が大きくなるようにタッチパネル３０の各層を形成する。これにより、第１屈折率緩和層１３及び第２屈折率緩和層３１が存在しない従来の構成に比べて各層の界面での屈折率差を小さくすることができ、該界面での反射率の上昇を抑制することができる。 (Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
In this embodiment, the translucent cover 17 is provided on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 so as to be in close contact therewith. Then, each layer of the touch panel 30 is formed so that the refractive index increases in the order of air, the translucent cover 17, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12. As a result, the difference in refractive index at the interface between the layers can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 do not exist, and the reflectance at the interface increases. Can be suppressed.
　したがって、本実施形態の構成を有するタッチパネル３０において、タッチパネル３０の透過率の低下を抑制しつつ、タッチ電極１２を視認しにくくすることができる。 Therefore, in the touch panel 30 having the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 while suppressing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 30.
　［第３の実施形態］
　図５に、第３の実施形態に係るタッチパネル４０の断面構成を示す。この第３の実施形態の構成は、透光性カバーの代わりに液晶パネル３の偏光板４１を設けた点で、上述の第２の実施形態の構成とは異なる。以下の説明では、第２の実施形態と同一の構成については同一の符号を付して、異なる点についてのみ説明する。なお、図５は、本実施形態のタッチパネル４０において、図２にＩＩＩ－ＩＩＩ線で示す部分に相当する断面図である。 [Third Embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the touch panel 40 according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the third embodiment is different from the configuration of the second embodiment described above in that a polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is provided instead of the translucent cover. In the following description, the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the portion indicated by the line III-III in FIG. 2 in the touch panel 40 of the present embodiment.
　既述のように、液晶パネル３は、アクティブマトリクス基板５と、対向基板６と、それらの基板の間に挟み込まれる液晶層７とを備える（図１参照）。また、図示しないが、液晶パネル３は、アクティブマトリクス基板５及び対向基板６において、それぞれ、液晶層７とは反対側の面上に配置された一対の偏光板４１も備える。すなわち、一対の偏光板４１は、アクティブマトリクス基板５、対向基板６及び液晶層７を有する表示ユニットを挟み込むように配置される。 As described above, the liquid crystal panel 3 includes the active matrix substrate 5, the counter substrate 6, and the liquid crystal layer 7 sandwiched between the substrates (see FIG. 1). Although not shown, the liquid crystal panel 3 also includes a pair of polarizing plates 41 disposed on the surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer 7 in the active matrix substrate 5 and the counter substrate 6. That is, the pair of polarizing plates 41 are arranged so as to sandwich the display unit having the active matrix substrate 5, the counter substrate 6, and the liquid crystal layer 7.
　この実施形態では、図５に示すように、液晶パネル３の対向基板６上に、タッチパネル４０を配置するとともに、該タッチパネル４０の操作面側のカバーとして液晶パネル３の偏光板４１を用いる。すなわち、タッチパネル４０の基板１１が液晶パネル３の対向基板６に対して固定されるとともに、該タッチパネル４０の第２屈折率緩和層３１上に偏光板４１が配置される。なお、本実施形態では、対向基板６上にタッチパネル４０を配置しているが、この限りではなく、対向基板６上にタッチ電極１２を直接、形成してもよい。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 40 is disposed on the counter substrate 6 of the liquid crystal panel 3, and the polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is used as a cover on the operation surface side of the touch panel 40. That is, the substrate 11 of the touch panel 40 is fixed to the counter substrate 6 of the liquid crystal panel 3, and the polarizing plate 41 is disposed on the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 of the touch panel 40. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 40 is disposed on the counter substrate 6, but this is not restrictive, and the touch electrode 12 may be directly formed on the counter substrate 6.
　偏光板４１は、第２屈折率緩和層３１に対して、該第２屈折率緩和層３１との間に空気層が形成されないように取り付けられる。すなわち、上述の第２の実施形態と同様、第１屈折率緩和層１３上にアクリル系樹脂の接着剤を塗布して第２屈折率緩和層３１を形成するとともに、該接着剤によって偏光板４１を第１屈折率緩和層１３に対して固定する。 The polarizing plate 41 is attached to the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 so that an air layer is not formed between the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 and the second refractive index relaxation layer 31. That is, as in the second embodiment described above, an acrylic resin adhesive is applied on the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 to form the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, and the polarizing plate 41 is formed by the adhesive. Is fixed to the first refractive index relaxation layer 13.
　偏光板４１の屈折率は、１．５であり、空気の屈折率（一般的には１）よりも大きく、且つ、第２屈折率緩和層３１の屈折率（例えば１．５）以下である。なお、第２屈折率緩和層３１の屈折率は、偏光板４１の屈折率よりも大きいのがより好ましい。 The refractive index of the polarizing plate 41 is 1.5, which is larger than the refractive index of air (generally 1) and not more than the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 (for example, 1.5). . Note that the refractive index of the second refractive index relaxation layer 31 is more preferably larger than the refractive index of the polarizing plate 41.
　以上より、上述の第２の実施形態と同様、空気、偏光板４１、第２屈折率緩和層３１、第１屈折率緩和層１３及びタッチ電極１２の順に、屈折率が大きくなる。 As described above, the refractive index increases in the order of air, the polarizing plate 41, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
　（第３の実施形態の効果）
　以上より、この実施形態では、液晶パネル３の偏光板４１をタッチパネル４０のカバーとして兼用する。そして、屈折率が、空気、偏光板４１、第２屈折率緩和層３１、第１屈折率緩和層１３及びタッチ電極１２の順に大きくなるように、タッチパネル４０を形成する。これにより、液晶パネル３の偏光板４１をタッチパネル４０のカバーとして用いる構成の場合においても、タッチパネル４０の各層の界面間での屈折率差を小さくすることができる。したがって、タッチパネル４０の透過率の低下を抑制しつつ、タッチ電極１２を視認しにくくすることができる。 (Effect of the third embodiment)
As described above, in this embodiment, the polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 is also used as the cover of the touch panel 40. Then, the touch panel 40 is formed so that the refractive index increases in the order of air, the polarizing plate 41, the second refractive index relaxation layer 31, the first refractive index relaxation layer 13, and the touch electrode 12. Thereby, also in the case of the structure which uses the polarizing plate 41 of the liquid crystal panel 3 as a cover of the touch panel 40, the refractive index difference between the interfaces of each layer of the touch panel 40 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the touch electrode 12 while suppressing a decrease in the transmittance of the touch panel 40.
　（その他の実施形態）
　以上、本発明の実施の形態を説明したが、上述した実施の形態は本発明を実施するための例示に過ぎない。よって、本発明は上述した実施の形態に限定されることなく、その趣旨を逸脱しない範囲内で上述した実施の形態を適宜変形して実施することが可能である。 (Other embodiments)
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.
　前記各実施形態では、タッチ電極１２上に設けられた屈折率差低減層２０，３５は、第１屈折率緩和層１３及び第２屈折率緩和層１４，３１を有する。しかしながら、屈折率差低減層を構成する屈折率緩和層の数は１層であってもよいし、３層以上であってもよい。このように、２層以外の層数の屈折率緩和層を設ける場合でも、透光性カバー１７（または偏光板４１）側からタッチ電極１２側に向かって、屈折率が徐々に大きくなるように屈折率緩和層を形成する必要がある。 In each of the embodiments, the refractive index difference reduction layers 20 and 35 provided on the touch electrode 12 include the first refractive index relaxation layer 13 and the second refractive index relaxation layers 14 and 31. However, the number of refractive index relaxation layers constituting the refractive index difference reducing layer may be one or may be three or more. In this way, even when the number of refractive index relaxation layers other than two layers is provided, the refractive index gradually increases from the translucent cover 17 (or polarizing plate 41) side to the touch electrode 12 side. It is necessary to form a refractive index relaxation layer.
　前記各実施形態では、ブリッジ部２３の上方を跨ぐようにＹ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂが設けられている。しかしながら、Ｙ方向電極２１の接続部２１ｂの上方を跨ぐように、ブリッジ部２３を設けてもよい。 In each of the above embodiments, the connecting portion 21b of the Y-direction electrode 21 is provided so as to straddle the bridge portion 23. However, you may provide the bridge part 23 so that the upper part of the connection part 21b of the Y direction electrode 21 may be straddled.
　前記各実施形態では、Ｘ方向電極２２及びＹ方向電極２１にＩＴＯを用いているが、この限りではなく、他の透明な導電性材料を用いてもよい。 In each of the above embodiments, ITO is used for the X-direction electrode 22 and the Y-direction electrode 21, but this is not restrictive, and other transparent conductive materials may be used.
　前記各実施形態では、ブリッジ部２３をＩＴＯなどの透光性の導電材料によって構成している。しかしながら、ブリッジ部２３を、例えばアルミニウム合金などの非透光性の金属材料によって構成してもよい。この場合、ブリッジ部２３は、表示に影響のない範囲のパターンサイズであればよい。 In each of the above embodiments, the bridge portion 23 is made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO. However, you may comprise the bridge | bridging part 23 with non-light-transmissive metal materials, such as an aluminum alloy, for example. In this case, the bridge part 23 may be a pattern size in a range that does not affect the display.
　前記各実施形態では、Ｘ方向電極パッド２２ａ，２２ｂ及びＹ方向電極２１を、矩形状や略三角形状に形成している。しかしながら、Ｘ方向電極パッド及びＹ方向電極を、多角形や円形など他の形状に形成してもよい。 In each of the above embodiments, the X-direction electrode pads 22a and 22b and the Y-direction electrode 21 are formed in a rectangular shape or a substantially triangular shape. However, the X-direction electrode pad and the Y-direction electrode may be formed in other shapes such as a polygon or a circle.
　本発明によるタッチパネルは、基板上に形成されたタッチ電極を備えていて、透光性を有するタッチパネルに利用可能である。 The touch panel according to the present invention includes a touch electrode formed on a substrate and can be used for a translucent touch panel.

Claims (5)

  1. 　タッチ操作を行う操作面を有するタッチパネルであって、
    　透明なパネル基板と、
    　前記パネル基板における前記操作面側の面上に透明な電極部材によって形成されているとともに、前記操作面でのタッチ位置を検出可能に構成されたタッチ電極と、
    　前記タッチ電極の前記操作面側を覆う屈折率差低減層とを備え、
    　前記屈折率差低減層は、屈折率が、前記タッチ電極の屈折率よりも小さく且つ空気の屈折率よりも大きい、タッチパネル。     A touch panel having an operation surface for performing a touch operation,
    A transparent panel substrate,
    A touch electrode that is formed by a transparent electrode member on the operation surface side surface of the panel substrate and configured to detect a touch position on the operation surface;
    A refractive index difference reducing layer covering the operation surface side of the touch electrode,
    The refractive index difference reducing layer has a refractive index smaller than that of the touch electrode and larger than that of air.
  2. 　前記屈折率差低減層は、少なくとも２つの屈折率緩和層を有し、
    　前記少なくとも２つの屈折率緩和層は、前記屈折率差低減層において前記操作面側から前記タッチ電極側に向かって屈折率が大きくなるように、該タッチ電極上に形成されている、請求項１に記載のタッチパネル。     The refractive index difference reducing layer has at least two refractive index relaxation layers,
    The at least two refractive index relaxation layers are formed on the touch electrode so that a refractive index increases from the operation surface side toward the touch electrode side in the refractive index difference reduction layer. Touch panel as described in 1.
  3. 　前記屈折率差低減層に密着するように該屈折率差低減層上に配置されたカバー部材をさらに備え、
    　前記カバー部材は、屈折率が、空気の屈折率よりも大きく、
    　前記屈折率差低減層は、屈折率が、前記タッチ電極の屈折率よりも小さく且つ前記カバー部材の屈折率以上である、請求項１または２に記載のタッチパネル。     A cover member disposed on the refractive index difference reducing layer so as to be in close contact with the refractive index difference reducing layer;
    The cover member has a refractive index larger than that of air,
    3. The touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index difference reducing layer has a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the touch electrode and equal to or larger than a refractive index of the cover member.
  4. 　前記カバー部材は、偏光板である、請求項３に記載のタッチパネル。 The touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the cover member is a polarizing plate.
  5. 　画像を表示可能な表示パネルと、
    　前記表示パネルの視認側に配置される、請求項１から４のいずれか一つに記載のタッチパネルとを備えている、タッチパネル付き表示装置。     A display panel capable of displaying images;
    The display apparatus with a touch panel provided with the touch panel as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4 arrange | positioned at the visual recognition side of the said display panel.
PCT/JP2012/069367 2011-08-03 2012-07-30 Touch panel and display device provided with touch panel WO2013018772A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006011523A (en) * 2004-06-22 2006-01-12 Three M Innovative Properties Co Touch panel sensor
JP2010061425A (en) * 2008-09-04 2010-03-18 Hitachi Displays Ltd Touch panel and display device using the same

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006011523A (en) * 2004-06-22 2006-01-12 Three M Innovative Properties Co Touch panel sensor
JP2010061425A (en) * 2008-09-04 2010-03-18 Hitachi Displays Ltd Touch panel and display device using the same

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