WO2017037414A1 - Fabrication d'un dispositif d'entrée tactile - Google Patents

Fabrication d'un dispositif d'entrée tactile Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017037414A1
WO2017037414A1 PCT/GB2016/052466 GB2016052466W WO2017037414A1 WO 2017037414 A1 WO2017037414 A1 WO 2017037414A1 GB 2016052466 W GB2016052466 W GB 2016052466W WO 2017037414 A1 WO2017037414 A1 WO 2017037414A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
substrate
face
conductive ink
electrodes
forming
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/052466
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kate Stone
Original Assignee
Novalia Ltd
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 Novalia Ltd filed Critical Novalia Ltd
Publication of WO2017037414A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017037414A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H05K3/12—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 using thick film techniques, e.g. printing techniques to apply the conductive material or similar techniques for applying conductive paste or ink patterns
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to fabricating a touch-sensitive input device.
  • Electronic components are increasingly being incorporated into printed items, such as books, magazine, posters and greeting cards, to allow these items to become interactive.
  • capacitive touch sensors are being incorporated into items to allow a user to provide input and the item or a device, such as mobile phone, wirelessly connected to the item to respond.
  • the capacitive touch interface can take the form of a touch pad.
  • the touch pad can provide a tracking or pointing device or a universal input device for different arrangements of buttons and switches. Examples of capacitive touch pads are described in WO 2013/128208 Ai and WO 2013/128209 Ai.
  • a method of fabricating a touch-sensitive input device comprises forming a first set of electrodes on a first face of a first substrate by printing conductive ink on the first face of the first substrate and allowing or causing the conductive ink to dry or to be cured.
  • the method comprises forming a laminate comprising the first substrate and a second substrate by overlaying the second substrate onto the first face of the first substrate, the second substrate having a first face and a second, opposite face facing the first substrate.
  • the method comprises, after forming the laminate, forming a second set of electrodes on the first face of a second substrate by printing further conductive ink on the first face of a second substrate, in register with the first set of electrodes and allowing or causing the further conductive ink to dry or to be cured.
  • the device can be fabricated using relatively inexpensive conductive materials, such as carbon- and/or silver-based conductive ink, using relatively a simple and cheap process, such as flexographic printing.
  • the first substrate preferably comprises an (electrically) insulating material.
  • the first substrate is preferably flexible.
  • the first substrate may comprise a cellulose fibre-based material, such as paper, card or cardboard.
  • the first substrate may comprise a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PP polypropylene
  • PEN polyethylene naphthalate
  • the substrate may comprise silica glass.
  • the second substrate preferably comprises an (electrically) insulating material.
  • the second substrate is preferably flexible.
  • the second substrate may comprise a cellulose fibre-based material, such as paper, card or cardboard.
  • the second substrate may comprise a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PP polypropylene
  • PEN polyethylene naphthalate
  • the substrate may comprise silica glass.
  • the width of the first substrate may be greater than width of the second substrate. This can allow both sets of electrodes to be accessed from the same side of the laminate.
  • the first substrate may have first and second edges running between first and second ends.
  • the first substrate may comprise a first central region running between the first and second edges and first and second edge regions running between the first edge and the central region and between the second edge and the central region respectively.
  • At least one registration marks may be disposed in the first edge region.
  • At least one registration marks may be disposed in the second edge region.
  • the second substrate may cover at least some of (e.g. all of) the first edge region and/or at least some of (e.g. all of) the second edge region.
  • the conductive ink may be water based.
  • the conductive ink may be solvent based.
  • the conductive ink may be curable, for example using ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • the conductive ink may comprise a metal-based conductive ink, such as silver- or copper-based conductive ink, or a carbon-based conductive ink.
  • a semiconductor polymer is preferably not used.
  • a touch-sensitive input device fabricated by the method.
  • a touch-sensitive input device comprising a first set of electrodes comprising conductive ink disposed on a first face of a first substrate a second substrate comprising first and second faces overlying the first substrate and the first set of electrodes, the second substrate comprising first and second faces wherein the second face faces the first substrate, a second set of electrodes disposed on the second face of a second substrate comprising conductive ink in register with the first set of electrodes.
  • Each electrode of the first set of electrodes may comprise a composite electrode comprising a body region having an outer edge, the body region comprising relatively low conductivity conductive ink, and a narrow peripheral region (e.g. ⁇ 2 mm or ⁇ 1 mm wide) running along the outer edge underlying or overlying the body region, the peripheral region comprising relatively high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region, wherein the composite electrode has substantially no other regions of high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region.
  • a composite electrode comprising a body region having an outer edge, the body region comprising relatively low conductivity conductive ink, and a narrow peripheral region (e.g. ⁇ 2 mm or ⁇ 1 mm wide) running along the outer edge underlying or overlying the body region, the peripheral region comprising relatively high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region, wherein the composite electrode has substantially no other regions of high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region.
  • a single line of high conductivity conductive ink can be used lower the resistance of the electrode.
  • Each electrode of the second set of electrodes may comprise a composite electrode comprising a body region having an outer edge, the body region comprising relatively low conductivity conductive ink, and a narrow peripheral region (e.g. ⁇ 2 mm or ⁇ 1 mm wide) running along the outer edge underlying or overlying the body region, the peripheral region comprising relatively high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region, wherein the composite electrode has substantially no other regions of high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region.
  • a composite electrode comprising a body region having an outer edge, the body region comprising relatively low conductivity conductive ink, and a narrow peripheral region (e.g. ⁇ 2 mm or ⁇ 1 mm wide) running along the outer edge underlying or overlying the body region, the peripheral region comprising relatively high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region, wherein the composite electrode has substantially no other regions of high conductivity conductive ink in direct contact with the body region.
  • the body region preferably comprises a solid block of ink.
  • a printed article comprising a composite conductive element comprising a body region comprising relatively low conductivity conductive ink and a narrow peripheral region running along an outer edge of the body region underlying or overlying the body region and being in contact with the body region.
  • the apparatus comprises a first section for forming a first set of electrodes on a first face of a first substrate, comprising a first printer arranged to print conductive ink on the first face of the first substrate and a section for allowing or causing the conductive ink to dry or to be cured.
  • the apparatus comprises a second section for forming a laminate comprising the first substrate and a second substrate, comprising a laminator arranged to overlay the second substrate onto the first face of the first substrate, the second substrate having a first face and a second, opposite face facing the first substrate.
  • the apparatus comprises a third second, following the second section, for forming a second set of electrodes on the first face of a second substrate comprising a second printer arranged to print further conductive ink on the first face of a second substrate, in register with the first set of electrodes and a section for allowing or causing the further conductive ink to dry or to be cured.
  • the first printer may be flexographic printer.
  • the second printer may be flexographic printer.
  • the first printer may be a gravure printer.
  • the second printer may be gravure printer.
  • the touch-sensitive input device may be included in a printed article such as a book, magazine, greetings card, map board game, poster, print advertising, printed point-of- sale displays, primary, secondary or tertiary packaging for a product (i.e. packaging which does not form part of the product) and other printed matter.
  • a printed article such as a book, magazine, greetings card, map board game, poster, print advertising, printed point-of- sale displays, primary, secondary or tertiary packaging for a product (i.e. packaging which does not form part of the product) and other printed matter.
  • Figure 1 is a process flow diagram of a method of fabricating a touch-sensitive input device
  • Figures 2A to 2D illustrate, in plan, a touch-sensitive input device at different stages during fabrication
  • Figures 3A to 3D illustrate the touch-sensitive input device shown in Figures 2A to 2D at different stages during fabrication taken along the line A-A';
  • Figures 4A and 4B illustrate forming an electrode using two first and second layers of ink
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a moving continuous sheet process for fabricating a touch-sensitive input device. Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments
  • Figure 1 is a process flow diagram of a method of fabricating a touch-sensitive input device in accordance with the present invention. The method can be used to fabricate x-y touchpads similar to those described in WO 2013/128208 Ai and WO 2013/128209 Ai which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • a first set of electrodes 1, a set of conductive tracks 2, a set of contact pads 3 and a set of registration marks 4 are formed by printing conductive ink 5 on a first face 6 of a first substrate 7 (step Si) and allowing or causing the conductive ink 5 to dry or to be cured (step S2).
  • the electrodes 1, tracks 2, contact terminals 3 and registration marks 4 may be formed using two types of conductive ink.
  • the electrodes 1, tracks 2 and / or contact terminals 3 may take the form of composite conductive elements 1 comprising large-area pads (or "body regions") of relatively low-conductivity conductive ink (e.g. carbon-based conductive ink) and thin lines (or "peripheral regions") of relatively high-conductivity conductive ink (e.g. silver- based conductive ink) which underlie or overlie the pads.
  • substantially no other lines of high-conductivity conductive ink are used in the electrodes 1 or terminals 3 ⁇
  • the registration marks 4 may be predefined, in which case, the first set of electrodes 1 are formed in register to the registration marks 4.
  • the substrate 7 may comprise a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, other types of plastic material can be used.
  • the substrate 7 may comprise a cellulose fibre-based material, such as paper or card.
  • the substrate 7 may be a laminate of two or more layers.
  • the substrate 7 may be transparent or opaque.
  • the substrate 7 is preferably flexible, e.g. can be bent back on itself without a crease.
  • the electrodes 1, tracks 2 and contact terminals 3 may be configured (e.g. have geometries, dimensions and/ or materials) which are the same as or similar to those described in WO 2013/128208 Ai or WO 2013/128209 Ai.
  • Drying the conductive ink may comprise allowing the ink to dry in air sufficiently long for water or other solvent to evaporate. Drying the conductive ink may comprise allowing the ink to dry in air sufficiently long for water or other solvent to evaporate. Drying may be promoted using heat lamps. Curing the conductive ink may comprise irradiating the ink, e.g. using ultraviolet lamps, so as to cause polymer cross-linking.
  • a laminate 9 is formed by overlaying a second substrate 10 having first and second faces 11, 12 onto the first face 6, i.e. onto the printed face, of the first substrate 7 and bonding the first and second substrates 7, 10 using an adhesive 13 (step S5).
  • the second face 12 (i.e. the lower face) of the second substrate 10 faces the first face 6 (i.e. the upper face/printed face) of the first substrate 7-
  • the second face 12 of the second substrate 10 may be coated with the adhesive 13.
  • the adhesive 13 may be applied to the first face 6 of the first substrate 7 and/ or to the second face 12 of the second substrate 10 prior to bring the first and second substrates together.
  • a second set of electrodes 14, second set of track 15 and connecting terminals 16 that are electrically isolated from the first set of electrodes 1, tracks 2 and terminals 3 are formed by printing further conductive ink 18 on the first face 11 of a second substrate 10 (step S6) and allowing or causing the further conductive ink 18 to dry or to be cured (step S7).
  • the second set of electrodes 14, tracks 15 and contact terminals 16 maybe formed using two types of conductive ink using an outline or rim o frelatively high conductivity conductive ink.
  • the substrate 10 may comprise a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the substrate 10 may comprise a cellulose fibre-based material, such as paper or card.
  • the substrate 7 may be a laminate of two or more layers.
  • the substrate 10 may be transparent or opaque.
  • the substrate 10 is preferably flexible, e.g. can be bent back on itself without a crease.
  • the first set of electrodes 1 is disposed in a central region 20 of the substrate 7 between first and second edge regions 2ii, 2i 2 running along first and second edges 22 1; 22 2 of the first substrate 7.
  • the first substrate 7 has a width wi.
  • the first edge region 22! may be between 0.5 and 5 cm, e.g. between 1 cm and 2 cm.
  • the second edge region 22 2 may be the same width as the first edge region 22! or may be wider.
  • the registration marks 4 are disposed in the edge regions 2ii, 2i 2 .
  • the terminals 3 may be disposed in the second edge region 22 2 .
  • the second substrate 10 need not overlap the first and/or second edge regions 2ii, 2i 2 of the first substrate 7.
  • the second substrate 10 may only overlap the central region 20.
  • the second substrate 10 has a width w 2 .
  • second substrate 10 is narrower than the first substrate 7 (i.e. Wi > w 2 ).
  • the first set of terminals 3 can be left exposed.
  • contact to both the first and second set of terminals 3, 16 can be easily made.
  • the second set of terminals 16 may be disposed on the second substrate 10 thereby avoiding the need for tracks 15 to run over an edge 23 of the second substrate 10. Also, the second set of terminals 16 can be printed in register with the first set of terminals 3 even if the second substrate 10 is opaque.
  • an electrode can take the form of a composite conductive element comprising large-area pads (or "body regions") 5, 18 of relatively low conductivity carbon-based conductive ink and thin lines (or "peripheral regions") 8, 19 of relatively high conductivity silver-based conductive ink which underlie or overlie the pads.
  • the thin lines 8, 19 follow the edge of the pads 5, 18 on or just inside the edge the pads 5, 18.
  • the thin lines 8, 19 may include cross-members (not shown) linking one edge to an opposite edge.
  • the conductive tracks 2, 15 can also take the form of a composite conductive element. Alternatively, the conductive tracks 2, 15 may comprise only high conductivity conductive ink.
  • apparatus 31 (or a "press") for manufacturing the touch-sensitive input device is shown.
  • the press 31 is based on a moving continuous flow process.
  • a sheet (or "web") of material 7, i.e. the first substrate 7, is wrapped around an unwind roller 32.
  • the sheet 4 is paid out from the unwind roller 32 and passes through a series of sections including a first printing section 33, an optional first drying section 34, an optional second printing section 35 and an optional second drying section 36.
  • Another sheet of material 10, i.e. the second substrate 10 is wrapped around another unwind roller 37.
  • the printed sheet 7 and the additional sheet 10 are fed into a laminating section 38.
  • the laminate 9 then passes through a further series of sections including a third printing section 39, an optional third drying section 40, an optional fourth drying section 41 and optional fourth drying section 42 to produce a series of devices which can be wound onto a take-up roller 43.
  • Each printing section 33, 35, 38, 40 may take the form of a flexographic printer or a gravure printer. Other forms of printers, such as ink jet printers can be used.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé permettant de fabriquer un dispositif d'entrée tactile. Le procédé consiste à : former un premier ensemble d'électrodes (1) et, éventuellement, des marques d'enregistrement (4) par impression d'encre conductrice (5) sur une première face (6) d'un premier substrat (7) ; et autoriser ou provoquer le séchage ou le durcissement de l'encre conductrice. Le procédé consiste à : former un stratifié (9) qui consiste à : superposer un second substrat (10) sur la première face du premier substrat, le second substrat ayant une première face (11) et une seconde face opposée (12), qui fait face au premier substrat ; et lier les premier et second substrats au moyen d'un adhésif (13). Le procédé consiste à : après la formation du stratifié, former un second ensemble d'électrodes (14) par impression d'encre conductrice (18) sur la première face du second substrat en alignement avec le premier ensemble d'électrodes ; et autoriser ou provoquer le séchage ou le durcissement de l'encre conductrice.
PCT/GB2016/052466 2015-08-28 2016-08-08 Fabrication d'un dispositif d'entrée tactile WO2017037414A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1515346.3 2015-08-28
GB1515346.3A GB2541735B (en) 2015-08-28 2015-08-28 Fabricating a touch-sensitive input device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017037414A1 true WO2017037414A1 (fr) 2017-03-09

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ID=54326505

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2016/052466 WO2017037414A1 (fr) 2015-08-28 2016-08-08 Fabrication d'un dispositif d'entrée tactile

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2541735B (fr)
WO (1) WO2017037414A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0471149A2 (fr) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-19 Dynapro Thin Film Products, Inc. Méthode de fabrication de membranes électriques incluant des circuits sur les films plastiques flexibles
WO2013128209A1 (fr) * 2012-03-02 2013-09-06 Novalia Ltd Dispositif d'entrée tactile
WO2013128208A1 (fr) * 2012-03-02 2013-09-06 Novalia Ltd Dispositif d'entrée tactile
WO2015126372A1 (fr) * 2014-02-19 2015-08-27 Uni-Pixel Displays, Inc. Procédé de passivation d'un motif conducteur avec des monocouches auto-assemblées

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009259063A (ja) * 2008-04-18 2009-11-05 Gunze Ltd タッチパネルおよびその製造方法
US20140248422A1 (en) * 2013-03-04 2014-09-04 Uni-Pixel Displays, Inc. Method of fabricating a conductive pattern with high optical transmission and low visibility
EP3094694A1 (fr) * 2014-01-13 2016-11-23 Eastman Kodak Company Encres composites catalytiquement actives à nanoparticules revêtues

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0471149A2 (fr) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-19 Dynapro Thin Film Products, Inc. Méthode de fabrication de membranes électriques incluant des circuits sur les films plastiques flexibles
WO2013128209A1 (fr) * 2012-03-02 2013-09-06 Novalia Ltd Dispositif d'entrée tactile
WO2013128208A1 (fr) * 2012-03-02 2013-09-06 Novalia Ltd Dispositif d'entrée tactile
WO2015126372A1 (fr) * 2014-02-19 2015-08-27 Uni-Pixel Displays, Inc. Procédé de passivation d'un motif conducteur avec des monocouches auto-assemblées

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201515346D0 (en) 2015-10-14
GB2541735B (en) 2020-05-20
GB2541735A (en) 2017-03-01

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