Touch panel device

Abstract

A touch panel device capable of reducing costs is provided. The touch panel device comprises: a first conductive film (10) having a first region and a second region, at least a portion between the first region and the second region being removed; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first terminal (38a) and a second terminal (38b) for outputting a signal from the first conductive film; a first electrode (12) provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode (11) provided on the first conductive film and opposed to the first electrode with the first region therebetween; a first resistor having a pair of electrodes provided on the first conductive film in the second region and opposed to each other with the first resistor region therebetween, one electrode being electrically connected to the second electrode and the other electrode being electrically connected to the second terminal; and a first switch portion provided between the second terminal and the first resistor and electrically connecting the first conductive film to the second conductive film in the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a touch input area and switches such as buttons are provided in a 4-wire touch panel using a pair of opposing conductive films (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). It is known that a touch input area and a switch are connected in series (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-48559

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-251105

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-23955 Summary of the invention

[0008] As in Patent Document 1, by connecting the touch input area and the switch in series, the routing circuit for the switch can be reduced. However, in Patent Document 1, no resistor is connected between the electrode of the touch input area and the switch. Therefore, the difference in potential between the conductive film of the touch input area and the switch is small, and the input to the touch input area and the input to the switch may be erroneously detected. As an example of suppressing this false detection, a switch and a resistor are connected in series to the conductive film in the touch input area on both the upper and lower substrates. Therefore, wiring and a resistor are provided on both the upper and lower substrates to connect the conductive film to the switch. In this way, the cost is increased in order to suppress false detection.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel device capable of reducing costs.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel device, comprising: a first conductive film having a first area and a second area, at least a portion between the first area and the second area being removed; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first terminal and a second terminal, outputting a signal from the first conductive film; a first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film and opposed to the first electrode with the first area therebetween; a first resistor having a pair of electrodes provided on the first conductive film in the second area and opposed to each other with the first resistor area in the first conductive film, one electrode being electrically connected to the second electrode and the other electrode being electrically connected to the second terminal; and a first switch portion, electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film in the second area.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel device, comprising: a first conductive film having a first area and a second area, wherein at least a portion of the first conductive film is removed in a third area between the first area and the second area; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first electrode disposed on the first conductive film and electrically connected to a first terminal; a second electrode disposed on the first conductive film, opposed to the first electrode with the first area and the second area therebetween in an arrangement direction of the first area and the second area, and electrically connected to a second terminal; and a plurality of switch portions disposed in the second area to electrically connect the first conductive film to the second conductive film.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel device, comprising: a first conductive film having a first region, a second region, and a third region electrically separated from each other; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to a first terminal; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film, opposed to the first electrode with the first region therebetween, and electrically connected to a second terminal; a first switch portion provided in the second region and electrically connecting the first conductive film to the second conductive film; a second switch portion provided in the third region and electrically connecting the first conductive film to the second conductive film; a third electrode provided in the second region and electrically connected to a third terminal; and a fourth electrode provided in the third region and electrically connected to a fourth terminal.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention is a touch panel device comprising: a first conductive film having a first region and a second region arranged in a first direction; a first electrode arranged on the first conductive film; a second electrode arranged on the first conductive film and opposed to the first electrode in a second direction intersecting the first direction with the first region therebetween; a third electrode arranged on the first conductive film and opposed to the second electrode in a second direction with the second region therebetween; and a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween, wherein the first region and the second region are connected in series between the first electrode and the third electrode.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a touch panel device capable of reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top view of the touch panel of Example 1.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a top view of the conductive film in Example 1.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B A-A section view.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a plan view in which the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 is enlarged.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing potentials relative to positions within the series path in Example 1.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 in Modification 1 of Example 1.

[0024] Fig.10 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.11 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 in Modification 2 of Example 1.

[0026] Fig.12 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the second variation of the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.13 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 in Modification 3 of Example 1.

[0028] Fig.14 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the third variation of the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.15 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 in Example 2.

[0030] Fig.16 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 2.

[0031] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in the second embodiment.

[0032] Fig.18 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 of Modification 1 of Example 2.

[0033] Fig.19A is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the first variation of the second embodiment, Fig.19B It is a diagram showing the potential relative to the position in the series path.

[0034] Fig. 20 This is an enlarged top view of the vicinity of 42 of Modification 2 of Example 2.

[0035] Fig.21 This is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of region 42 of Example 3.

[0036] Fig. 22 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch panel in Example 3.

[0037] Fig.23 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in the third embodiment.

[0038] Fig.24A is a top view of the conductive film 10 in Example 4, Fig. 24B This is the A-A section view of 24A.

[0039] Fig.25A is a top view of the conductive film 10 in a modified example of the fourth embodiment, Fig.25B yes Fig.25A A-A section view.

[0040] Fig.26A and Fig.26BThis is a top view of the conductive film in Example 5.

[0041] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26A as well as Fig.26B A-A section view.

[0042] Fig.28A and Fig.28B This is a top view of a conductive film in a variation of Example 5.

[0043] Fig.29 yes Fig.28A as well as Fig.28B A-A section view.

[0044] Fig.30 This is a top view of the touch panel of Example 6.

[0045] Fig.31A and Fig.31B This is a top view of the conductive film in Example 6.

[0046] Fig.32 This is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel in Example 6.

[0047] Fig.33 This is an enlarged view of the electrode 14 in Example 6.

[0048] Fig.34 This is a conceptual diagram of a touch panel in Example 6.

[0049] Fig.35 This is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 6.

[0050] Fig.36 1 is a diagram showing potentials relative to positions within the series path in Example 6.

[0051] Fig.37 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 6.

[0052] Fig.38 It is a top view of the conductive film in the comparative example.

[0053] Fig.39 This is an enlarged plan view of the touch panel in Modification 1 of Example 6.

[0054] Fig.40 This is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel in Modification 1 of Example 6.

[0055] Fig.41 It is a top view of the conductive film 10 in the second variation of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] [Example 1]

[0058] Figure 1 1 is a top view of the touch panel of Example 1. In the following, the direction in which the long side of the region 50 extends is set as the X direction (first direction), the direction in which the short side extends is set as the Y direction (arrangement direction, second direction), the normal direction of the region 50 is set as the Z direction, and the +Z direction is set as the top. The touch panel 100 is provided with a frame portion 56. An image is displayed in the area surrounded by the frame portion 56. The user touches any part of the region 50 with a contact portion such as a finger, so that the contact coordinates of the region 50 can be input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The frame portion 56 is provided with a region 52. The region 52 is provided with buttons 54a to 54c (switch portion). The user touches any button among the buttons 54a to 54c, so that the information of which button among the buttons 54a to 54c is touched is input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The FPC (Flexible printed circuits) 37 outputs a signal from the touch panel 100.

[0059] Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B This is a top view of the conductive film in Example 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B A-A section view. Figure 1 The regions 50 and 52 correspond to Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The conductive film 10 (first conductive film) is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 15. The regions 40 and 42 are arranged in the Y direction. Electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m and 14n are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. The FPC 37 is provided with terminals 38a (first terminal) and 38b (second terminal).

[0060] The electrode 11 (second electrode) extends in the X direction along the side of the conductive film 10 on the +Y side. The electrode 12 is provided between the regions 40 and 42 and extends in the X direction. The electrode 12 (first electrode) is opposite to the electrode 11 in the Y direction, and the electrodes 11 and 12 are provided in a manner of sandwiching the region 40 (first region). Electrodes 14m and 14n are provided in the region 42 (second region). The electrode 14m includes a plurality of electrodes described later, one end of which is connected to the terminal 38a, and the other end of which is connected to the electrode 12 via the electrode 13a. The electrode 14n includes a plurality of electrodes described later, one end of which is connected to the terminal 38b, and the other end of which is connected to the electrode 11 via the electrode 13b. Slits 18 where the conductive film 10 is removed are provided between the regions 40 and 42, between the region 40 and the electrode 13b, and between the electrodes 14m and 14n. The slits 18 are formed, for example, by irradiation with a laser. When voltage is applied between terminals 38a and 38b, current flows to terminal 38b via terminal 38a, electrode 14m, electrode 13a, electrode 12, region 40, electrode 11, electrode 13b, and electrode 14n as shown in series path 46 of a thick arrow.

[0061] A substrate 25 is provided above the substrate 15. A conductive film 20 (second conductive film) is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 25. The conductive film 20 is stacked with at least the regions 40 and 42 in the conductive film 10 via a gap. A decorative layer 23 is provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The decorative layer 23 corresponds to Figure 1 The decorative layer 23 has a frame portion 56. Electrodes 21, 22, 23a, 23b and 24a to 24c are provided on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. Terminals 38c and 38d are provided on the FPC 37. The electrodes 21 and 22 extend in the Y direction and are provided in a manner of sandwiching the region 40. The electrode 21 is provided along the edge of the +X side of the conductive film 20, and the electrode 22 is provided along the edge of the -X side. The FPC 37 has terminals 38c and 38d. The terminal 38c is connected to the electrode 21 via the electrode 23a. The terminal 38d is connected to the electrode 22 via the electrode 23b.

[0062] The edge of the conductive film 10 and the edge of the decorative layer 23 are bonded by a bonding layer 28. The bonding layer 28 is, for example, a resin such as a double-sided tape. The bonding layer 28 may also be a double-sided tape that bonds an insulating layer disposed on the upper surface of the conductive film 10 and an insulating layer disposed on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. The bonding layer 28 forms gaps between the conductive films 10 and 20 and between the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 23. The substrate 15 is, for example, a glass substrate, which is transparent and rigid. The substrate 25 is, for example, a resin film such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is transparent and flexible. The conductive films 10 and 20 are, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), which is transparent and conductive. Electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m, 14n, 21, 22, 23a and 23b are metal layers such as silver layers, gold layers or copper layers, and contain materials with higher conductivity than the conductive films 10 and 20. Electrodes 24a to 24c are metal layers or conductive materials such as carbon, and contain materials with conductivity close to the conductive films 10 and 20 or higher than the conductive films 10 and 20. In addition, when electrodes 24a to 24c are formed of a silver layer or the like, there is a concern that migration will occur. This concern can be eliminated by setting electrodes 24a to 24c to carbon. The decorative layer 23 is, for example, a resin containing carbon, which is opaque, flexible and conductive. Decorations such as characters, symbols and patterns are applied to the upper surface of the decorative layer 23.

[0063] Below the substrate 15, for example, a display 44 is provided. When the user observes the touch panel 100 from above, the image of the display 44 can be visually recognized in the regions 40 and 50. In the regions 42 and 52, the upper surface of the decorative layer 23 can be visually recognized. The electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m, 14n, 21, 22, 23a, and 23b are hidden by the decorative layer 23 and cannot be visually recognized. The substrate 25 is flexible, so when the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 in the region 40, the conductive films 10 and 20 come into contact. When the user touches Figure 1 When any of the buttons 54a to 54c in the region 52 is pressed, the conductive film 10 contacts any of the electrodes 24a to 24c.

[0064] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged top view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Example 1. Figure 4 In comparison with Figure 2A , the vicinity of region 42 is expanded in the Y direction. Figure 4As shown, the electrode 14n includes electrodes 14a to 14d, which are electrically connected via the conductive film 10. The electrode 14m includes electrodes 14e to 14g, which are electrically connected via the conductive film 10. Gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14b, between the electrodes 14b and 14c, between the electrodes 14c and 14d, between the electrodes 14e and 14f, and between the electrodes 14f and 14g, respectively. The gaps 34a and 34b, between the gaps 34b and 34c, and between the gaps 34d and 34e are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. The current flowing between the terminal 38a and the terminal 38b flows through the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34e. Therefore, a voltage drop occurs due to the resistance component of the conductive film 10. The resistance component of electrodes 14a to 14g is sufficiently lower than the resistance component of conductive film 10, so that almost no voltage drop occurs in electrodes 14a to 14g. In regions 33a to 33c, the portions where electrodes 24a to 24c are in contact with conductive film 10 are surrounded on three sides by electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively. The potential of conductive film 10 surrounded by electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f is approximately the potential of electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively. When buttons 54a to 54c of FIG. 1 are pressed, electrodes 24a to 24c are in contact with conductive film 10 in regions 33a to 33c. In addition, electrodes 24a to 24c may also be in contact with electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively.

[0065] Figure 5 1 is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 1. Figure 5 As shown, the touch panel device 102 includes a touch panel 100, a control unit 30, switches SW1 to SW4, and a detector 32. The control unit 30, the switches SW1 to SW4, and the detector 32 are, for example, Figure 3The display 44 is arranged in the -Z direction. The terminals 38a to 38d are connected to switches SW1 to SW4, respectively. The switch SW1 connects the terminal 38a to either the power supply 36 of the potential VDD or the detector 32. The switch SW2 connects the terminal 38b to the ground 35. The switch SW3 connects the terminal 38c to the power supply 36. The switch SW4 connects the terminal 38d to either the ground 35 or the detector 32. The detector 32 detects the voltages of the terminals 38a and 38d. The control unit 30 controls the switches SW1 to SW4 to obtain the detected voltage values ​​from the detector 32. The control unit 30 detects the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the position (touch position) where the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 in the area 40 and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c based on the voltage value detected by the detector 32. The control unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and cooperates with the software to function as a detection unit.

[0066] The detection method of the touch position is described. First, the detection of the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c is described. The control unit 30 connects the terminal 38a to the power supply 36 with the switch SW1, connects the terminal 38b to the ground line 35 with the switch SW2, floats the terminal 38c with the switch SW3, and connects the terminal 38d to the detector 32 with the switch SW4.

[0067] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 1. Figure 2A The equivalent circuit of the series path 46 from terminal 38a to 38b in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, resistors R1 to R6 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34d, 34e, the region 40, the gaps 34a, 34b and 34c, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the terminal 38a, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 14f and the region 33c, the line between the resistors R2 and R3 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the electrode 11, the line between the resistors R4 and R5 corresponds to the electrode 14b and the region 33a, the line between the resistors R5 and R6 corresponds to the electrode 14c and the region 33b, and the line between the resistor R6 and the ground line 35 corresponds to the terminal 38b.

[0068] Figure 7 is a diagram showing potentials relative to positions within the series path in Example 1. Figure 7As shown, the potential of the terminal 38a is VDD, and the potential of the terminal 38b is 0V. The conductivity of the conductive film 10 is very low (e.g., less than 1 / 100) compared to the electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, and 14a to 14g, so most of the voltage drop occurs in the region 40 and the gaps 34a to 34e, and almost no voltage drop occurs in the electrodes 11, 12, regions 33a to 33c, and terminals 38a and 38b. The potentials of the terminal 38a, region 33c, electrodes 12, 11, regions 33a, 33b, and terminal 38b are VDD, Vc, V12, V11, Va, Vb, and 0V, respectively.

[0069] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 1. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 30 sets the switches SW1 to SW4 (S10). As a result, the terminals 38a and 38b are connected to the power supply 36 and the ground line 35, respectively. The electrodes 21 and 22 are respectively floated and connected to the detector 32. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the voltage of the electrode 22 (the potential V of the conductive film 20) and obtains the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than the potential V12 and higher than the potential V11 (S14). In the case of "yes", the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 based on the potential V (S16).

[0070] When the answer is "No" in S14, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Va within the error range (S18). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54a is touched (S20). When the answer is "No" in step S18, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vb within the error range (S22). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54b is touched (S24). When the answer is "No" in step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vc within the error range (S26). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54c is touched (S28). When the answer is "No" in S26, the process ends. In addition, the order of steps S14, S18, S22 and S26 can be set arbitrarily. The potentials V11 , V12 , Va, Vb, and Vc are predetermined values ​​set in advance as the potentials of the regions 33 a to 33 c of the electrodes 11 and 12 when the terminals 38 a and 38 b are respectively set to VDD and 0 V.

[0071] Next, the detection of the X coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 is described. The control unit 30 causes the switch SW1 to connect the terminal 38a to the detector 32, causes the switch SW2 to float the terminal 38b, causes the switch SW3 to connect the terminal 38c to the power supply 36, and causes the switch SW4 to connect the terminal 38d to the ground 35. As a result, the voltage of the conductive film 20 decreases linearly from the electrode 21 to the electrode 22. The control unit 30 can detect the X coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 based on the potential detected by the detector 32.

[0072] According to Example 1, Figure 6 In this way, one end of the resistor R4 (first resistor) is connected to the electrode 11, and one end of the resistor R5 (third resistor) is connected to the terminal 38b via the resistor R6. Figure 1 Button 54a (first switch portion) and Figure 4 In the region 33a, the conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 located between the other end of the resistor R4 (gap 34a) and the other end of the resistor R5 (gap 34b) can be electrically connected. In this way, the region 40, the resistor R4, the region 33a and the resistor R5 are connected in series between the terminals 38a and 38b. Thus, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off of the button 54a can be detected. The terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11, 12 and 14a to 14g can be set to two, so the cost can be reduced. If a resistor R4 is provided between the electrode 11 and the button 54a, it is possible to reliably detect whether it is a touch input of the region 40 or the on / off of the button 54a.

[0073] In Patent Document 1, no resistor is electrically connected between the electrode in the touch input area and the switch. Figure 6 The resistance of the resistor R4 is equivalent to that of the resistor R5. Therefore, the difference between the potential detected from the conductive film 20 when the touch position of the area 40 is near the electrode 11 and when the button 54a is touched is small, and there is a possibility of false detection. In Patent Document 1, in order to suppress false detection, wiring and resistors are provided near the conductive film on both the upper and lower substrates. However, when wiring and resistors are provided on the upper and lower sides, the cost increases. In Example 1, the resistor R4 is provided on the conductive film 10, so that Figure 7 Thus, the potential of the conductive film 10 in the region 40 and the region 33a is made different. Figure 2B Thus, no wiring or resistor is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 25. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

[0074] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 6In this way, the resistor R4 includes a pair of electrodes 14a and 14b disposed on the conductive film 10 and facing each other across a region (first resistor region) of the gap 34a in the conductive film 10, and one electrode 14a is electrically connected to the electrode 11. The resistor R5 includes a pair of electrodes 14b and 14c disposed on the conductive film 10 and facing each other across a region (third resistor region) of the gap 34b in the conductive film 10, and one electrode 14c is electrically connected to the terminal 38b via a region (resistor R6) of the gap 34c. In addition, the resistor R2 (second resistor) includes a pair of electrodes 14f and 14g disposed on the conductive film 10 and facing each other across a region (second resistor region) of the gap 34e in the conductive film 10, and one electrode 14g is electrically connected to the electrode 12, and the other electrode 14f is electrically connected to the terminal 38a via a region (resistor R1) of the gap 34d. In this way, by forming the resistors R4 and R2 using the conductive film 10 and the electrodes 14 a to 14 g , the cost can be reduced compared to the case where switches and resistors are separately provided as in Patent Document 1.

[0075] like Figure 8 As in S10 of FIG. 1 , the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the terminals 38a and 38b. As in S14 and S16, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD of the terminal 38a than the potential V11 of the electrode 11 and lower than the potential V12 of the electrode 12, the control unit 30 detects the contact position (touch position) of the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within the region 40 according to the potential V of the conductive film 20. Thus, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. As in S18 to S24, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential 0V of the terminal 38b than the potential V11, the control unit 30 detects the on / off of the buttons 54a and 54b according to the potential of the conductive film 20. As in S26 to S28, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD than the potential V12, the control unit 30 detects the on / off of the button 54c according to the potential of the conductive film 20. That is, the control unit 30 can detect whether the buttons 54a, 54b, and 54c are turned on or off. Thus, it is possible to detect the touch of the buttons 54a, 54b, and 54c. Figure 8 The potentials of the electrodes 11 and 12 in the circuit can be determined in advance as a predetermined value corresponding to the potentials of the electrodes 11 and 12. Three or more buttons 54a to 54c may be provided. In addition, the button 54c may be provided on the terminal 38b side of the region 40.

[0076] like Figure 2A Thus, the slits 18 where the conductive film 10 is not provided are provided between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m and between the region 40 and the electrode 13b. Thus, the buttons 54a to 54c can be provided between the terminals 38a and 38b. Figure 2AThe current flowing between the terminals 38a and 38b in the series path 46 is sufficiently larger than the current flowing outside the series path 46, for example, the current flowing between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m. In addition, when a slit is provided in the conductive film 20, the appearance when viewed from above is impaired. For example, when a laser is used to provide the slit, the slit is sometimes provided in both the decorative layer 23 and the conductive film 20. In this case, the appearance when viewed from above is impaired. Therefore, a structure such as the resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 in which the slit 18 is required is preferably provided in the conductive film 10. The slit 18 provided in the conductive film 10 and the electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14n and 14m overlap with the decorative layer 23. As a result, the slit 18 and the electrodes cannot be visually recognized when viewed from above, and the appearance becomes better.

[0077] The total resistance value of the resistors R1, R2, and R4 to R6 is preferably equal to or less than the resistance value of the resistor R3 (region 40). Figure 7 The difference between the potential V11 of electrode 11 and the potential V12 of electrode 12. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate in area 40 can be improved. On the other hand, the total resistance value of resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 is preferably 1 / 10 or more of the resistance value of resistor R3. This is because when the difference between the potentials V11 and V12 is too large, the detection accuracy of buttons 54a to 54c decreases. Therefore, the total resistance value of resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 is preferably less than the resistance value of resistor R3 and more than 1 / 10.

[0078] [Modification 1]

[0079] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in the modification 1 of the embodiment 1. Fig. 9 As shown, an electrode 14n and an electrode 14m are connected in parallel between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14n, an electrode 14a, a gap 34a, an electrode 14b, a gap 34b, an electrode 14c, a gap 34c, and an electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14m, an electrode 14f, a gap 34e, an electrode 14e, a gap 34d, and an electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38a. An electrode 14g, a gap 34f, and an electrode 14h are connected in series between the electrode 13b connected to the electrode 11 and the terminal 38b. The regions surrounded by the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14e are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 in a manner surrounding the electrodes 14n and 14m. Other structures are similar to those of Example 1. Figure 4 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 2Bsame.

[0080] Fig.10 1 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the modification 1 of the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 10 , three paths 46a to 46b are connected in parallel between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. In the path 46a, the resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. In the path 46b, the resistors R3 to R5 are connected in series. In the path 46c, the resistors R6 and R7 are connected in series. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the region 40, the gaps 34f, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34e and 34d, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 11, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the region 33a, the line between the resistors R4 and R5 corresponds to the region 33b, and the line between the resistors R6 and R7 corresponds to the region 33c.

[0081] The potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, and the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c are set to potentials V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, the resistance values ​​of the resistors R2 to R7 are set so that the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than the potential V11 and the difference between the potentials Va to Vc is equal to or greater than the manufacturing error and the measurement error. The control unit 30 is operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Figure 8 The operation is performed in the same manner as in the flowchart of , and the Y coordinate in the area 40 and the on / off detection of the buttons 54a to 54c can be performed.

[0082] [Modification 2]

[0083] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in the second variation of the first embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, an electrode 14n is electrically connected between the electrode 13b connected to the electrode 11 and the terminal 38b, and an electrode 14m is electrically connected between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14n, the electrode 14a, the gap 34a, the electrode 14b, the gap 34b, the electrode 14c, the gap 34c, and the electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 13b and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14m, the electrode 14f, the gap 34e, the electrode 14e, the gap 34d, and the electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38a. The regions surrounded by the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14e are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 so as to surround the electrodes 14n and 14m. Other structures are similar to those of Example 1. Figure 4 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of FIG. 2B in the first embodiment.

[0084] Fig.12 1 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the second variation of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12 , two paths 46a and 46b are connected in parallel between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. Resistors R1 to R4 are connected in series in the path 46a. Resistors R5 and R6 are connected in series in the path 46b. Resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the region 40, the gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, 34e, and 34d, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 11, the line between the resistors R2 and R3 corresponds to the region 33a, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the region 33b, and the line between the resistors R5 and R6 corresponds to the region 33c.

[0085] The potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, and the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c are set to potentials V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, the resistance values ​​of the resistors R2 to R6 are set so that the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than the potential V11 and the difference between the potentials Va to Vc is equal to or greater than the manufacturing error and the measurement error. The control unit 30 is operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Figure 8 The operation is performed in the same manner as in the flowchart of , and the Y coordinate in the area 40 and the on / off detection of the buttons 54a to 54c can be performed.

[0086] [Variation 3]

[0087] Fig.13 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in the modification 3 of the embodiment 1. Fig.13 As shown, electrodes 14b to 14d are connected in parallel between electrode 14a connected to electrode 12 and electrode 14e connected to terminal 38b. Gaps 34a and 34b are provided between electrodes 14a and 14b and between electrode 14b and electrode 14e, respectively. Gaps 34c and 34d are provided between electrodes 14a and 14c and between electrode 14c and electrode 14e, respectively. Gaps 34e and 34f are provided between electrodes 14a and 14d and between electrode 14d and electrode 14e, respectively. Regions surrounded by electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14d are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. In the conductive film 10, slits 18 are provided so as to surround regions 33a to 33c, respectively. Other structures are similar to those of Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 Fig. 9 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 2B same.

[0088] Fig.14 14 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in the variant 3 of the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 14, four paths 46a to 46d are connected in parallel between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. In the path 46a, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. In the path 46b, resistors R3 and R4 are connected in series. In the path 46c, resistors R5 and R6 are connected in series. In the path 46d, resistors R7 and R8 are connected in series. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the region 40, the gaps 34g, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, and 34f, respectively. The line between power source 36 and resistor R1 corresponds to electrode 12, the line between resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to electrode 11, the line between resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to region 33a, the line between resistors R5 and R6 corresponds to region 33b, and the line between resistors R7 and R8 corresponds to region 33c.

[0089] The potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, and the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c are set to potentials V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, the resistance values ​​of the resistors R2 to R8 are set so that the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than the potential V11 and the difference between the potentials Va to Vc is equal to or greater than the manufacturing error and the measurement error. The control unit 30 is operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Figure 8 The operation is performed in the same manner as in the flowchart of , and the Y coordinate in the area 40 and the on / off detection of the buttons 54a to 54c can be performed.

[0090] As in the variant 1 of the embodiment 1 Fig.10 In this way, one end of the resistor R2 (first resistor) is connected to the electrode 11, and the other end is connected to the terminal 38b (second terminal). One end of the resistor R3 (fourth resistor) is connected to the terminal 38a (first terminal). One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the terminal 38b. Figure 1 Button 54a and Fig. 9 In the region 33a, the conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 located between the other end of the resistor R3 (gap 34a) and the other end of the resistor R4 (gap 34b) can be electrically connected. Fig.10In this way, between the terminals 38a and 38b, a path 46a including the electrode 12, the region 40, the electrode 11, and the resistor R1 is connected in parallel with a path 46b including the resistor R3, the region 33a, and the resistor R4. Thus, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off detection of the button 54a can be performed. The terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11, 12, and 14a to 14h can be provided in two, so the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, it is also possible not to provide wiring and resistors above and below as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced. If a resistor R3 is provided between the terminal 38a and the button 54a, the on / off detection of the button 54a can be performed.

[0091] Furthermore, the resistor R2 includes a pair of electrodes 14g and 14h disposed on the conductive film 10 and opposed to each other across a region of the gap 34f in the conductive film 10, one electrode 14g is connected to the electrode 11, and the other electrode 14h is connected to the terminal 38b. The resistor R3 includes a pair of electrodes 14a and 14b disposed on the conductive film 10 and opposed to each other across a region (fourth resistor region) of the gap 34a in the conductive film 10, one electrode 14a is connected to the terminal 38a. The resistor R4 includes a pair of electrodes 14b and 14c disposed on the conductive film 10 and opposed to each other across a region of the gap 34b in the conductive film 10, one electrode 14c is connected to the terminal 38b. In this way, the resistors R1 to R3 are formed using the conductive film 10 and the electrodes 14a to 14c, 14g, and 14h, so that the cost can be reduced compared to the case where switches and resistors are separately provided as in Patent Document 1.

[0092] The resistance values ​​of the resistors R1 to R4 are designed so that when a voltage is applied between the terminals 38a and 38b, the potential Va of the conductive film 10 in the region 33a is closer to the potential of the terminal 38b than the potential V11 of the electrode 11. Figure 8 In the same way, the Y coordinate of the touched position and the touch of button 54a are detected. When two or more switch units are provided, buttons 54b and 54c may be provided in series with button 54b or in parallel with button 54b.

[0093] As in Example 1 and its variations 1 to 3, the resistors R1 to R8 outside the region 40 each have a pair of electrodes, which are provided on the conductive film 10 and are opposed to each other across the regions of the gaps 34a to 34g in the conductive film 10. In this way, the cost can be reduced by using the conductive film 10 to form the resistors. By changing the width and length of the gaps 34a to 34g, the resistance values ​​of the resistors R1 to R8 can be arbitrarily designed. When the resistance values ​​of the resistors R1 to R7 are set low, the width of the gaps 34a to 34g in the direction of current flow is reduced. However, the minimum width is determined according to the manufacturing accuracy, and is 0.2 mm in one example. When the length of the gaps 34a to 34g is increased, the resistance values ​​of the resistors R1 to R8 can be reduced. However, for example in Example 1 Figure 4 In the embodiment, when the length of the gaps 34a to 34e is increased, the size of the region 42 in the Y direction becomes larger. Figure 1 The dimension of the frame portion 56 in the Y direction will become larger. Therefore, the extension direction of the gaps 34a to 34g is tilted from the direction in which the current flows. In this way, the resistance value of the gaps 34a to 34g can be reduced. The angle between the extension direction of the gaps 34a to 34g and the Y direction is preferably greater than 30° and preferably less than 45°. The planar shape of the gaps 34a to 34g can be either a straight line inclined relative to the Y direction or a W shape. In addition, as described later, Fig.39 As shown, it is V-shaped.

[0094] [Example 2]

[0095] Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in Example 2. Fig.15 As shown, the electrode 11a (first electrode) and the electrode 12a (third electrode) extend in the X direction (first direction) and are opposed to each other in the Y direction (second direction) across the region 40 (first region). The electrode 11a is connected to the terminal 38b (first terminal) via the electrode 13b. The electrode 14a, the gap 34a, and the electrode 14b are connected in series between the electrode 12a and the electrode 13a electrically connected to the terminal 38a (second terminal). The electrode 14c is connected to the electrode 13a. In the region 42, the electrode 14c extends in the X direction. The slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 in the third region between the regions 40 and 42. As a result, the potential of the conductive film 10 in the region 42 is substantially the same as the potential of the electrode 14c. Regions 33a to 33c are provided in the region 42 to which the electrodes 24a to 24c contact. The regions 33a to 33c are arranged in the X direction. The conductive film 10 is provided with a slit 18 so as to surround the gap 34a and the electrodes 14a and 14b. Figure 4 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 2B same.

[0096] Fig.16 is the equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 2. Fig.16 As shown, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. The resistors R1 and R2 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the gap 34a and the region 40, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 14c, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 12a, and the line between the resistor R2 and the ground line 35 corresponds to the electrode 11a.

[0097] Fig.17 2 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Embodiment 2. Fig.17 As shown, in S10, the control unit 30 connects the terminals 38a and 38b to the power supply 36 and the ground line 35, respectively, and makes the electrodes 21 and 22 float and connected to the detector 32, respectively. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V of the conductive film 20 and obtain the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than the potential V12 of the electrode 12a and higher than the ground potential 0V (S30). In the case of "yes", the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 based on the potential V (S32).

[0098] In the case of "No", the control unit 30 causes the switch SW1 to connect the terminal 38a to the detector 32, causes the switch SW2 to float the terminal 38b, causes the switch SW3 to connect the terminal 38c to the power supply 36, and causes the switch SW4 to connect the terminal 38d to the ground line 35 (S34). As a result, the voltage of the conductive film 20 decreases linearly from the electrode 21 to the electrode 22. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V' of the conductive film 10 and obtain the detection result (S36). The control unit 30 determines which button of the buttons 54a to 54c is pressed based on the potential V' of the conductive film 10 (S38). That is, when the control unit 30 determines that the potential V' is the potential of the electrodes 24a to 24c, it determines that the buttons 54a to 54c are pressed respectively. Then it ends.

[0099] In the second embodiment, whether the region 40 or the buttons 54a to 54c is pressed can be determined based on the potential V of the conductive film 20 , and which of the buttons 54a to 54c is pressed can be determined based on the potential V′ of the conductive film 10 .

[0100] According to Example 2, Fig.15 as well as Fig.16Thus, one end of the resistor R1 (first resistor) is connected to the electrode 12a (third electrode). The electrode 14c (second electrode) is provided in the region 42 (second region) in the conductive film 10 in the Y direction of the electrode 12a, and is electrically connected to the other end of the resistor R1 and the terminal 38a (second terminal). Figure 1 A plurality of buttons 54a to 54c ( Fig.15 The regions 33a to 33c) are provided in the region 42 ( Figure 1 The conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 are arranged in the X direction, and the conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 can be electrically connected, and the connection between the conductive films 10 and the conductive film 20 can be detected. Like the slit 18, the conductive film 10 between the regions 40 and 42 is removed. Thus, by setting two terminals 38a and 38b, the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected. The terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11a, 12a, and 14a to 14c can be set to two, so the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set wiring and resistors above and below as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced.

[0101] like Fig.17 As in S10 of FIG. 1 , the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the terminals 38a and 38b. As in S30 and S32, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential 0V of the terminal 38b than the potential V12 of the electrode 12a, the control unit 30 detects the contact position of the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction in the region 40 according to the potential of the conductive film 20. Thus, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. When the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD of the terminal 38a than the potential V12 of the electrode 12a in S30, as in S34 to S38, a voltage is applied between the electrodes 21 and 22, and the on and off of the plurality of buttons 54a to 54c are detected according to the potential of the region 42 of the conductive film 10. Thus, the touch of the button 54a can be detected.

[0102] [Modification 1]

[0103] Fig.18 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in the first variation of the second embodiment. Fig.18 As shown, electrode 12a is not provided. Electrode 14c extending in the X direction is provided. Electrode 13b connected to electrode 11a is connected to terminal 38b, and electrode 14c is connected to terminal 38a via electrode 13a. A dashed or dotted slit 18a is provided between regions 40 and 42. Regions 33a to 33c are arranged in the X direction in region 42. Other structures are the same as those of Example 2. Fig.15 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 2BThe same.

[0104] Fig.19A It is the equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 19A, resistors R1 to R3 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. The resistors R1, R2, and R3 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the regions 42, the slit 18a, and the region 40. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 14c, and the line between the resistor R3 and the ground line 35 corresponds to the electrode 11a.

[0105] Fig.19B It is a diagram showing the potential relative to the position Y in the series path in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2. As Fig.19B shown, the potential of the electrode 14c is VDD, and the potential of the electrode 11a is 0V. The slope of the voltage drop relative to the position Y in the regions 40 and 42 is constant. In the slit 18a, the voltage drops sharply with respect to the position Y. The potential in the slit 18a is V18a.

[0106] In S30 of Embodiment 2 Fig.17 , the control unit 30 determines whether V18a < V < 0V. Other controls are Fig.17 the same. By providing the slit 18a as in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2, the potential difference between the regions 40 and 42 becomes larger as Fig.19B such. Therefore, by appropriately setting V18a in S30, false determination in S30 can be suppressed.

[0107] [Modification Example 2]

[0108] Fig. 20 It is a top view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 2. As also Fig. 20 shown, the width of the electrode 14c in the Y direction can be widened, and the regions 33a to 33c in contact with the electrodes 24a to 24c are provided within the electrode 14c. Other structures are the same as those in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2 Fig.18 , and the description thereof is omitted. The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 Figure 2B The same.

[0109] According to the modification of Embodiment 2, as Fig.18 and Fig. 20In this way, the slit 18a (removed portion) in which the conductive film 10 is partially removed in a dotted line or a dotted line is provided in the conductive film 10, extends in the X direction, and faces the electrode 11a (first electrode) in the Y direction across the region 40 (first region) in the conductive film 10. The electrode 14c (second electrode) is provided in the region 42 (second region) in the conductive film 10 on the opposite side of the region 40 with respect to the slit 18a, extends in the X direction, faces the slit 18a in the Y direction, and is connected to the terminal 38a (first terminal). Figure 1 Buttons 54a to 54c and Fig.18 as well as Fig. 20 The regions 33a to 33c are arranged in the region 42 and arranged in the X direction, and the conductive films 10 and 20 can be electrically connected. Thus, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off detection of the buttons 54a to 54c can be performed. The terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11a and 14c can be provided in two, so the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide wiring and resistors above and below as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced.

[0110] When Fig.17 In S30, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the terminal 38b than the potential of the conductive film 10 in the slit 18a, the Y coordinate is detected as in S32, and when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the terminal 38a than the potential of the conductive film 10 in the slit 18a, the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c is detected as in S34 to S38. In this way, the Y coordinate can be detected and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected by the same method as in Example 2.

[0111] [Example 3]

[0112] Fig.21 FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 enlarged in Example 3. Fig.21 As shown, electrodes 11a and 12b are arranged opposite to each other with region 40 interposed therebetween. Regions 42a and 42b are arranged in region 42. Regions 42a and 42b are surrounded by slits 18, and the conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b is electrically separated from the conductive film 10 in region 40. Regions 33a and 33b, which electrodes 24a and 24b contact respectively, are arranged in region 42a, and region 33c, which electrode 24c contacts, is arranged in region 42b. The conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b is connected to terminals 38e and 38f via electrodes 13c and 13d, respectively. Other structures are the same as those of Example 2. Fig.15 The top view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Figure 2B same.

[0113] Fig. 22 3 is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 3. Fig. 22 As shown, in addition to the embodiment 1 Figure 5 In addition, switches SW5 and SW6 are provided. Switch SW5 connects terminal 38e to detector 32. Switch SW6 connects terminal 38f to detector 32. Other structures are the same as those of embodiment 1. Figure 5 The same, description omitted.

[0114] Fig.23 : is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 3. Fig.23 As shown, in S10, the control unit 30 connects the terminals 38a and 38b to the power supply 36 and the ground line 35, respectively, and makes the terminals 38c and 38d float and connect to the detector 32. Furthermore, the control unit 30 makes the switches SW5 and SW6 float the terminals 38e and 38f. The control unit 30 makes the detector 32 detect the potential V of the conductive film 20 and obtains the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is V12>V>V11 (S40). In the case of "yes", the control unit 30 detects the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 according to the potential V (S32).

[0115] In the case of "No", the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is open (S42). In the case of "No", the process ends. In the case of "Yes", the control unit 30 causes switches SW1 and SW2 to float terminals 38a and 38b, causes switch SW3 to connect terminal 38c to power supply 36, causes switch SW4 to connect terminal 38d to ground 35, and causes switch SW5 or SW6 to connect terminals 38e and 38f to detector 32 (S44). The control unit 30 causes detector 32 to detect the potential V' of conductive film 10 in region 42a or 42b, and obtains the detection result (S46). The control unit 30 determines which button among buttons 54a to 54c is pressed based on the potential V' of conductive film 10 (S48). That is, when the control unit 30 determines that the potential V' is the potential of electrodes 24a to 24c, it determines that buttons 54a to 54c are pressed respectively. The process ends thereafter.

[0116] As in the third embodiment, regions 33a to 33c may be provided in the conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b electrically isolated from the conductive film 10 in region 40, and it may be determined which button 54a to 54c is pressed based on the potential of the conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b.

[0117] According to Example 3, Fig.21 In this way, the region 42 is provided on the opposite side of the region 40 (first region) with respect to the electrode 12 b and is electrically isolated from the region 40 . Figure 1 Buttons 54a to 54c ( Fig.21 Regions 33a to 33c) are provided in region 42, and conductive films 10 and 20 can be electrically connected. Electrodes 13c and 13d are provided in conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b, and are connected to terminals 38e and 38f. That is, buttons 54a and 54b (second switch portion) are provided in region 42a (second region), and button 54c (third switch portion) is provided in region 42b (third region). Electrode 13c (third electrode) is provided in region 42a, and is connected to terminal 38e (third terminal), and electrode 13d (fourth electrode) is provided in region 42b, and is connected to terminal 38f (fourth terminal).

[0118] like Fig.23 As in S10 of FIG. 1 , the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the terminals 38a and 38b. As in S40 and S32, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is between the potential V11 of the electrode 11a (first electrode) and the potential V12 of the electrode 12b (second electrode), the control unit 30 detects the contact position of the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction in the region 40 according to the potential V of the conductive film 20. As in S42, when the conductive film 20 is open, as in S44 to S48, the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the electrodes 21 and 22 (fifth electrode) to detect the on / off of the buttons 54a to 54c according to the potential of the terminals 38e and 38f (third electrode). Thus, the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected using the terminals 38e and 38f.

[0119] [Example 4]

[0120] Fig.24A is a top view of the conductive film 10 in Example 4, Fig. 24B yes Fig.24A A-A section view. Fig.24A as well as Fig. 24B As shown, an insulating layer 26a is provided between regions 40 and 42. The conductive film 20 is not electrically connected to the region where the insulating layer 26a is provided. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection that one of the regions 40 and 42 is pressed. The insulating layer 26a is, for example, a resin insulator. The insulating layer 26a can be provided on the electrode 12 or between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m. The width W of the insulating layer 26a in the Y direction is, for example, 4 mm. The other structures are the same as those in Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0121] [Modifications]

[0122] Fig.25A is a top view of the conductive film 10 in a modified example of the fourth embodiment, Fig.25B yes Fig.25AA-A section view. Fig.25A as well as Fig.25B As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of dot-shaped insulating layers 26 b are provided between regions 40 and 42. The number of insulating layers 26 b in the Y direction can be as follows: Fig.25A That's two, or Fig.25B There are three of them. The number of insulating layers 26b in the Y direction is one or more. The insulating layer 26b is, for example, a resin insulator. The width W of the insulating layer 26b in the Y direction is, for example, 4 mm, the width W2 of the dots is, for example, 0.2 mm, and the interval W1 of the dots is, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The insulating layer 26b can be used to suppress erroneous detection that a certain area in the areas 40 and 42 is pressed. The center of the insulating layer 26b in the Y direction can also be set, for example, within a range of ±3 mm in the Y direction, centered on the boundary between the areas 40 and 42. The other structures are the same as those in Example 4 and the description is omitted. The insulating layer 26a or 26b can also be used in Examples 1 to 3 and their modifications.

[0123] According to Embodiment 4 and its variants, Fig. 24B as well as Fig.25B Thus, between the region 42 (region 52) where the buttons 54a to 54c are provided and the region 40, the insulating layers 26a and 26b are provided between the conductive films 10 and 20. Thus, erroneous detection of the regions 40 and 42 can be suppressed.

[0124] [Example 5]

[0125] Fig.26A as well as Fig.26B This is a top view of the conductive film in Example 5. Fig. 27 FIG. 26A and Fig.26B A-A section view. FIG. 26A to FIG. 27 As shown, a decorative layer 19 is provided on the conductive film 10 at the edge of the substrate 15, and a decorative layer 23 is provided under the conductive film 20 at the edge of the substrate 25. A slit 18b is provided at the edge of the substrate 15 for removing the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 19. The slit 18b extends over the entire periphery of the edge of the substrate 15 and is provided slightly inside the outer periphery of the substrate 15. A removal portion 29 is provided at the edge of the substrate 25 for removing the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23. The removal portion 29 is provided at the outer periphery of the substrate 25 over the entire periphery of the edge of the substrate 25. The other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0126] The slit 18b and the removal portion 29 are provided as a countermeasure against static electricity. In the absence of the slit 18b and the removal portion 29, when a surge caused by static electricity such as ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) is applied to the sides of the substrates 15 and 25, the surge is applied to the inside through the conductive films 10 and 20, and the electrodes and the like may be damaged. By providing the slit 18b and the removal portion 29, even if a surge of static electricity is applied to the sides of the substrates 15 and 25, the surge can be prevented from being applied to the internal electrodes, and damage caused by static electricity can be prevented.

[0127] The removal portion 29 is formed by irradiating a laser after forming the decorative layer 23. Therefore, the removal portion 29 also removes the decorative layer 23. In addition, when the decorative layer 23 is conductive, the surge of static electricity is applied to the inside via the decorative layer 23. Therefore, the decorative layer 23 is also removed in the removal portion 29. In the case where the decorative layer 19 is not provided as in Example 1, when the removal portion 29 is visually recognized from above, the substrate 25, the bonding layer 28, the conductive film 10, and the substrate 15 are transparent, so the appearance is impaired. As in Example 5, the decorative layer 19 is provided in such a manner that it overlaps with the removal portion 29 when viewed from above, so that the decorative layer 19 can be seen in the removal portion 29 when viewed from above. By setting the decorative layer 19 to the same opaque color (e.g., black) as the decorative layer 23, it is possible to suppress damage to the appearance.

[0128] [Modifications]

[0129] Fig.28A as well as Fig.28B This is a top view of a conductive film in a variation of Example 5.

[0130] Fig.29 yes Fig.28A as well as Fig.28B A-A section view. FIG. 28A to FIG. 29 As shown, the removed portion 29 is disposed away from the outer periphery of the substrate 25. The other structures are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0131] As in the modification of the fifth embodiment, the removed portion 29 may be away from the outer periphery of the substrate 25. When viewed from above, the removed portion 29 overlaps with the decorative layer 19, thereby preventing the appearance from being damaged. The removed portion 29 and the decorative layer 19 of the fifth embodiment and its modification may be used in the first to fourth embodiments and their modifications.

[0132] According to the fifth embodiment and its variation, a transparent conductive film 20 is provided under a transparent substrate 25, and a transparent bonding layer 28 bonds the conductive films 10 and 20 at the edge of the substrate 25. Figure 1The frame portion 56 is formed in the substrate 25, and an opaque decorative layer 23 is provided between the conductive film 20 and the bonding layer 28 in the edge portion of the substrate 25. When a removal portion 29 where the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23 are removed is provided at the edge portion of the substrate 25 by means of a countermeasure against static electricity, the bonding layer 28 and the conductive film 20 can be visually recognized through the removal portion 29 when viewed from above, which deteriorates the appearance. Therefore, an opaque decorative layer 19 is provided between the bonding layer 28 and the conductive film 10 so as to overlap with the removal portion 29 when viewed from above. As a result, the decorative layer 19 can be seen through the removal portion 29, so that deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

[0133] In Examples 1 to 5 and their variations, when the gap between the lower surface of the electrodes 24a to 24c in the regions 33a to 33c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 (or the electrodes 14n and 14m) is large, the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23 are greatly deflected, and the conductive film 20 or the decorative layer 23 may be damaged. Therefore, the gap between the lower surface of the electrodes 24a to 24c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 is preferably 100 μm or less. In order to prevent the electrodes 24a to 24c from unintentionally contacting the conductive film 10, the gap between the lower surface of the electrodes 24a to 24c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 is preferably 40 μm or more.

[0134] [Example 6]

[0135] Fig.30 is a top view of the touch panel of Example 6. Fig.30 As shown, the direction in which the long side of the area 50 extends is set to the X direction, the direction in which the short side extends is set to the Y direction, and the normal direction of the area 50 is set to the Z direction. A frame portion 56 is provided in the touch panel 100. An image is displayed in the area surrounded by the frame portion 56. The user touches any part in the area 50 with a contact portion such as a finger, so that the coordinates of the area 50 can be input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The frame portion 56 is provided with an area 52. Buttons 54a to 54c (button portion) are provided in the area 52. The user touches any button among the buttons 54a to 54c, so that information on which button among the buttons 54a to 54c is touched is input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. FPC37 outputs a signal from the touch panel 100.

[0136] Fig.31A as well as Fig.31B This is a top view of the conductive film in Example 6. Fig.32 is the one in Example 6 Fig.31A as well as Fig.31B A-A section view. Fig.31A as well as Fig.32As shown, a conductive film 10 is provided on a substrate 15. Regions 40 and 42 are arranged in the X direction. Electrodes 11 to 14 are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. Wiring 39a and 39b are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. Electrode 11 (second electrode) extends in the X direction along the +Y side edge of the conductive film 10. Electrodes 12 and 13 extend in the X direction along the -Y side edge of the conductive film 10. Electrode 12 (first electrode) is opposite to electrode 11 in the Y direction, and electrode 11 and electrode 12 are provided in a manner of sandwiching region 40 (first region). Electrode 13 (third electrode) is provided in a manner of sandwiching region 42 (second region) between electrodes 11 and 13 in the Y direction.

[0137] Fig.30 The regions 50 and 52 correspond to Fig.31A and Fig.31B The regions 40 and 42 of the FPC 37 are connected to the electrodes 12 and 13. The wirings 39a and 39b respectively connect the electrodes 12 and 13 to the terminals 38a (first terminal) and 38b (second terminal) of the FPC 37. A slit 18 is provided between the regions 40 and 42, where the conductive film 10 is removed. The slit 18 is formed, for example, by irradiation with a laser. When a voltage is applied between the electrodes 12 and 13, a current flows through the electrode 12, the region 40, the electrode 11, the region 42, and the electrode 13, as shown in the series path 46 of the thick arrow.

[0138] A substrate 25 is provided above the substrate 15. A conductive film 20 is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 25. The conductive film 20 is provided to face at least the regions 40 and 42 in the conductive film 10 with a gap therebetween. A decorative layer 23 is provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The decorative layer 23 corresponds to Fig.30 The frame portion 56 is provided. The electrodes 21, 22 and 24a to 24c are provided on the conductive film 20 via the decorative layer 23 under the conductive film 20. The insulating film 26 is provided in a manner covering the electrodes 21 and 22. Wirings 39c and 39d are provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The electrodes 21 and 22 extend in the Y direction and are provided in a manner interposing the region 40. The electrode 21 is provided along the side of the conductive film 20 in the +X direction, and the electrode 22 is provided between the regions 40 and 42. The wirings 39c and 39d respectively connect the electrodes 21 and 22 to the terminals 38c and 38d of the FPC 37.

[0139] The edge of the conductive film 10 and the edge of the decorative layer 23 are bonded by a bonding layer 28. The bonding layer 28 is, for example, a resin such as a double-sided tape. The bonding layer 28 may also be a double-sided tape that bonds an insulating layer provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10 and an insulating layer provided on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. The bonding layer 28 forms a gap between the conductive films 10 and 20 and between the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 23. The substrate 15 is, for example, a glass substrate, which is transparent and rigid. The substrate 25 is, for example, a resin film such as PET, which is transparent and flexible. The conductive films 10 and 20 are, for example, ITO, which is transparent and conductive. The electrodes 11 to 14, 21, 22 and the wirings 39a to 39d are, for example, metal layers such as silver layers, gold layers or copper layers, and contain a material having a higher electrical conductivity than the conductive films 10 and 20. The electrodes 24a to 24c are conductive materials such as metal layers or carbon, and include materials having conductivity close to or higher than the conductive films 10 and 20. In addition, when the electrodes 24a to 24c are formed of a silver layer or the like, there is a concern that migration may occur. This concern can be eliminated by setting the electrodes 24a to 24c to carbon. The decorative layer 23 is, for example, a resin containing carbon, which is opaque, flexible, and conductive. Decorations such as characters, symbols, and patterns are applied to the upper surface of the decorative layer 23.

[0140] For example, a display 44 is provided below the substrate 15. When the user observes the touch panel 100 from above, the image of the display 44 can be visually recognized in the regions 40 and 50. The upper surface of the decorative layer 23 can be visually recognized in the regions 42 and 52. The electrodes 11 to 14, 21, 22, and 24a to 24c are hidden by the decorative layer 23 and cannot be visually recognized. The substrate 25 is flexible, so when the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 in the region 40, the conductive films 10 and 20 are in contact. When the user touches any of the buttons 54a to 54c in the region 42, the conductive film 10 is in contact with any of the electrodes 24a to 24c.

[0141] Fig.33 is an enlarged view of the electrode 14 in Example 6. Fig.33As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrode 14 includes electrodes 14a to 14e. Gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14b, between the electrodes 14b and 14c, between the electrodes 14c and 14d, and between the electrodes 14d and 14e, respectively. The gaps 34a and 34b, between the gaps 34b and 34c, and between the gaps 34c and 34d are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. The current flowing between the electrodes 11 and 13 flows through the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d. Therefore, a voltage drop occurs due to the resistance component of the conductive film 10. The resistance values ​​of the electrodes 14a to 14e are sufficiently lower than the resistance value of the conductive film 10, so that a voltage drop hardly occurs in the electrodes 14a to 14e. In regions 33a to 33c, the portions where electrodes 24a to 24c are in contact with the conductive film 10 are surrounded on three sides by electrodes 14b to 14d, respectively. The potential of the conductive film 10 surrounded by electrodes 14b to 14d is substantially the same as that of electrodes 14b to 14d, respectively.

[0142] Fig.34 : is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 6. Fig.34 As shown in FIG. 1 , the touch panel device 102 includes a touch panel 100, a control unit 30, switches SW1 to SW4, and a detector 32. The control unit 30, the switches SW1 to SW4, and the detector 32 are, for example, Fig.32 The display 44 is arranged in the -Z direction. The electrodes 12, 13, 21, and 22 are connected to the switches SW1 to SW4 by means of the FPC 37. The switch SW1 connects the electrode 12 to either the power supply 36 of the potential VDD or the detector 32. The switch SW2 connects the electrode 13 to the ground 35. The switch SW3 connects the electrode 21 to the power supply 36. The switch SW4 connects the electrode 22 to either the ground 35 or the detector 32. The detector 32 detects the voltages of the electrodes 12 and 22. The control unit 30 controls the switches SW1 to SW4 to obtain the detected voltage values ​​from the detector 32. The control unit 30 detects the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the touch position of the upper surface of the substrate 25 touched by the user in the area 40, and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c, based on the voltage detected by the detector 32. The control unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU, and functions as a detection unit in cooperation with software.

[0143] The detection method of the touch position is described. First, the detection of the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c is described. The control unit 30 connects the electrode 12 to the power supply 36 with the switch SW1, connects the electrode 13 to the ground line 35 with the switch SW2, floats the electrode 21 with the switch SW3, and connects the electrode 22 to the detector 32 with the switch SW4.

[0144] Fig.35is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 6. Fig.31A The equivalent circuit of the series path 46 from electrode 12 to 13 in FIG. Fig.35 As shown, resistors R1 to R5 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground line 35. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the region 40, the gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrodes 11 and 14a, the line between the resistors R2 and R3 corresponds to the electrode 14b and the region 33a, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the electrode 14c and the region 33b, the line between the resistor R4 and the resistor R5 corresponds to the electrode 14d and the region 33c, and the line between the resistor R5 and the ground line 35 corresponds to the electrodes 14e and 13.

[0145] Fig.36 is a diagram showing potentials relative to positions within the series path in Example 6. Fig.36 As shown, the potential of electrode 12 is VDD, and the potentials of electrodes 14e and 13 are 0 V. The conductivity of the conductive film 10 is very low (e.g., less than 1 / 100) compared to the electrodes 11 to 13 and 14a to 14e, so most of the voltage drop occurs in the region 40 and the gaps 34a to 34d, and almost no voltage drop occurs in the electrodes 11, 12 and 14a, the regions 33a to 33c, and the electrodes 14e and 13. The potentials of electrodes 12, 11, regions 33a, 33b, 33c, and electrode 13 are VDD, V11, Va, Vb, Vc, and 0 V, respectively.

[0146] Fig.37 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 6. Fig.37 As shown, the control unit 30 sets switches SW1 to SW4 (S10). As a result, electrodes 12 and 13 are connected to the power supply 36 and the ground line 35, respectively. Electrodes 21 and 22 are floated and connected to the detector 32, respectively. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the voltage of the electrode 22 (the potential V of the conductive film 20) and obtain the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than VDD and higher than the potential V11 (S14). In the case of "yes", the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 based on the potential V (S16).

[0147] When the answer is "No" in step S14, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Va within the error range (S18). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54a is touched (S20). When the answer is "No" in step S18, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vb within the error range (S22). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54b is touched (S24). When the answer is "No" in step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vc within the error range (S26). When the answer is "Yes", the control unit 30 determines that the button 54c is touched (S28). In addition, the order of steps S14, S18, S22 and S26 can be set arbitrarily. It ends thereafter.

[0148] Next, the detection of the X coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 is described. The control unit 30 causes the switch SW1 to connect the electrode 12 to the detector 32, causes the switch SW2 to float the electrode 13, causes the switch SW3 to connect the electrode 21 to the power supply 36, and causes the switch SW4 to connect the electrode 22 to the ground 35. As a result, the voltage of the conductive film 20 decreases linearly from the electrode 21 to the electrode 22. The control unit 30 can detect the X coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 based on the potential detected by the detector 32.

[0149] Fig.38 FIG. 1 is a top view of the conductive film in the comparative example. Fig.38 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the conductive film 10, the electrodes 11a and 12 are provided so as to sandwich the region 40, and the electrodes 11b and 13 are provided so as to sandwich the region 42. The conductive film 20 is similar to that of the embodiment 6. Fig.31B The electrodes 11a and 12 are used to detect the Y coordinate of the touch position in the area 40, and the electrodes 11b and 13 are used to detect the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c in the area 42. However, the wirings 39e and 39f connected to the electrodes 11a and 11b are provided. Therefore, the touch panel becomes larger and the cost increases.

[0150] According to Embodiment 6, regions 40 and 42 are connected in series between electrodes 12 and 13. Fig.36 In this way, the potential of the conductive film 20 is different depending on which region of the regions 40 and 42 is touched. Therefore, it is possible to determine which region of the regions 40 and 42 is the touched position. Fig.31A In this way, the number of wirings 39a and 39b is reduced compared to the wirings 39a, 39b, 39e, and 39f in FIG. 38, thereby achieving miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0151] like Fig.33In this way, the plurality of electrodes 14a to 14e are connected in series between the electrodes 11 and 13 via the conductive films 10 in the plurality of gaps 34a to 34d in the region 42. The buttons 54a to 54c electrically connect the conductive films 10 in the regions 33a to 33c between two adjacent gaps 34a and 34b, between 34b and 34c, and between 34c and 34d among the gaps 34a to 34d to the electrode 12. Thus, the conductive films 20 in the gaps 34a to 34d serve as Fig.35 The resistors R2 to R5 play their role. Fig.36 Thus, the regions 33a to 33c are regions where the potential is substantially constant. Therefore, by providing the buttons 54a to 54c in the regions 33a to 33c, it is possible to detect the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c with high accuracy.

[0152] There may be one button 54a to 54c, but even if there are multiple buttons, the regions 33a to 33c are connected in series between the electrodes 11 and 13 via the conductive film 10 of three or more gaps 34a to 34d, so that the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected.

[0153] like Fig.37 As in S10 of FIG. 1 , the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the electrodes 12 and 13. As in S14 and S16, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 12 than the potential of the electrode 11, the control unit 30 detects the contact position of the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within the detection area 40 based on the potential of the conductive film 20. Thus, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. As in S18 to S28, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 13 than the potential of the electrode 11, the control unit 30 detects the on and off of the buttons 54a to 54c based on the potential of the conductive film 20. Thus, the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected. In addition, as Fig.37 The potentials of the electrodes 11, 12, and 13 in the circuit can use a value predetermined as a predetermined value corresponding to the potentials of the electrodes 11, 12, and 13.

[0154] like Fig.31A In this way, a slit 18 in which the conductive film 10 is not provided is provided between the regions 40 and 42. Thus, the regions 40 and 42 can be connected in series between the electrode 12 and the electrode 13. From the viewpoint of connecting the regions 40 and 42 in series, it is preferred that the slit 18 is provided from the electrode 11 to the edge of the conductive film 10 in the -Y direction. However, from the viewpoint of aligning the positions of the electrode 11 and the slit 18, the slit 18 sometimes does not reach the electrode 11. In addition, from the viewpoint of providing the wiring 39a or 39b in the conductive film 10, the slit 18 sometimes does not reach the edge of the conductive film 10 in the -Y direction. Via Fig.31AThe current flowing between the electrodes 12 and 13 in the series path 46 may be sufficiently larger than the current flowing between the electrodes 12 and 13 outside the series path 46 .

[0155] like Fig.31B In this way, a pair of electrodes 21 and 22 are arranged in a manner that separates the area 40. Thus, the potential of the conductive film 20 can be detected. In addition, the X coordinate of the touch position in the area 40 can be detected. The electrode 22 can also be arranged on the -X side of the area 42. However, when the electrode 22 is arranged on the -X side of the area 42, the buttons 54a to 54c cannot be arranged in a manner that overlaps with the electrode 22. Therefore, the buttons 54a to 54c are away from the end of the -X side, and the touch panel becomes larger. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the electrode 22 between the areas 40 and 42. In this case, the electrode 22 can also overlap with the slit 18 when viewed from above, so the touch panel 100 can be miniaturized.

[0156] The resistance value between the electrode 11 and the electrode 13 is preferably less than the resistance value between the electrodes 11 and 12. Fig.36 The difference between the potential V11 of electrode 11 and the potential VDD of electrode 12 in the region 40 is obtained. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate in region 40 can be improved. On the other hand, the resistance value between electrode 11 and electrode 13 is preferably 1 / 10 or more of the resistance value between electrodes 11 and 12. This is because when the potential V11 is too low, the detection accuracy of buttons 54a to 54c decreases. Therefore, the resistance value between electrode 11 and electrode 13 is preferably less than the resistance value between electrodes 11 and 12 and 1 / 10 or more.

[0157] [Modification 1]

[0158] Fig.39 FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of the touch panel in the first variant of the sixth embodiment. Fig.39 As shown, the planar shape of the gaps 34a to 34d is V-shaped. In order to reduce the potential of the electrode 11 and improve the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate of the region 40, it is preferred to reduce the resistance value of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d. However, the spacing of the gaps 34a to 34d in the Y direction is determined according to the manufacturing accuracy of the electrode 14, and is 0.2 mm in one example. In addition, the size of the region 42 in the X direction is determined according to the size of the frame portion 56 in the X direction and cannot be excessively increased. Therefore, the extension direction of the gaps 34a to 34d is inclined from the X direction. Thus, even if the spacing of the gaps 34a to 34d in the Y direction is not narrowed, the resistance value of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d can be reduced. The angle θ between the extension direction of the gaps 34a to 34d and the X direction is preferably greater than 30° and preferably less than 45°. The planar shape of the gaps 34a to 34d can be either a straight line inclined relative to the X direction or a W shape.

[0159] Fig.40 This is a cross-sectional view of a touch panel in Modification 1 of Example 6. Fig.40 It is the AA section view of Figure 39. Fig.40 As shown, when button 54b is touched, electrode 24b contacts electrode 14c. In this way, in buttons 54a to 54c, electrodes 24a to 24c can also contact electrodes 14b to 14d, respectively. When the bending of conductive film 20 is increased near bonding layer 28, conductive film 20 is sometimes damaged. When the touch panel is miniaturized, buttons 54a to 54c are arranged near bonding layer 28. Therefore, conductive film 20 may be damaged due to the pressing of buttons 54a to 54c. In variant 1 of embodiment 6, electrodes 24a to 24c contact electrodes 14b to 14d, so the deformation of conductive film 20 is smaller than that in the case where electrodes 24a to 24c contact conductive film 10 as in embodiment 6, and damage of conductive film 20 can be suppressed. Other structures are the same as those in embodiment 6, and description is omitted.

[0160] [Modification 2]

[0161] Fig.41 FIG. 1 is a top view of the conductive film 10 in the second variation of the sixth embodiment. Fig.41 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the second modification of the sixth embodiment, the electrode 14 is not provided, but even in the case where the electrode 14 is not provided, the potential of the conductive film 10 between the electrodes 11 and 13 is inclined in the Y direction. Therefore, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 13 than the potential of the electrode 11, the potential of the conductive film 20 is detected, so that it is possible to detect which electrode of the electrodes 24a to 24c is in contact with the conductive film 10. The other structures are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0162] As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiment, and various deformation|transformation and changes are possible within the scope of the summary of the present invention described in patent claims.

Claims

1. A touch panel device comprising: A first conductive film having a first region and a second region, wherein at least a portion of the first conductive film between the first region and the second region is removed; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; A first terminal and a second terminal for outputting a signal from the first conductive film; a first electrode disposed on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode disposed on the first conductive film and facing the first electrode across the first region; a first resistor having a pair of electrodes, the pair of electrodes being disposed on the first conductive film in the second region, facing each other across the first resistor region in the first conductive film, one electrode being electrically connected to the second electrode, and the other electrode being electrically connected to the second terminal; as well as a first switch portion electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film in the second region; The first switch unit and the first resistor are connected in series between the second electrode and the second terminal. The first resistor is located between the first switch unit and the second electrode.

2. The touch panel device according to claim 1, comprising: a second resistor having a pair of electrodes, the pair of electrodes being provided in the second region and facing each other via the second resistor region in the first conductive film, one electrode being electrically connected to the first electrode and the other electrode being electrically connected to the first terminal; and The second switch portion is provided between the first terminal and the second resistor, and electrically connects the first conductive film and the second conductive film.

3. The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein: The touch panel device includes a third resistor having a pair of electrodes disposed in the second region and opposed to each other via a third resistor region in the first conductive film, wherein the third resistor is connected in series with the first resistor between the second electrode and the second terminal. The first switch unit is located between the first resistor and the third resistor.

4. The touch panel device according to claim 1, comprising: a fourth resistor having a pair of electrodes disposed in the second region and opposed to each other via a fourth resistor region in the first conductive film, wherein the fourth resistor is connected in parallel with the first resistor and the first region between the first terminal and the second terminal; and The third switch portion is provided between the second terminal and the fourth resistor, the third switch portion is connected in parallel with the first resistor and the first region, and the third switch portion electrically connects the first conductive film and the second conductive film.

5. The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein: The touch panel device includes a detection unit that applies a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal, and detects a contact position between the first conductive film and the second conductive film in an arrangement direction of the first electrode and the second electrode in the first region based on the potential of the second conductive film when the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the first terminal than a predetermined value. The detection unit applies a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal, and detects on / off of the first switch unit based on the potential of the second conductive film when the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the second terminal than the predetermined value.

6. A touch panel device comprising: a first conductive film having a first region and a second region, wherein at least a portion of the first conductive film is removed in a third region between the first region and the second region; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first electrode disposed on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode disposed on the first conductive film, facing the first electrode across the first region and the second region in the arrangement direction of the first region and the second region, and electrically connected to a second terminal; a plurality of switch parts, disposed in the second region, electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; a third electrode disposed between the first region and the third region and facing the first electrode across the first region; as well as The resistor has one end connected to the second electrode and the other end connected to the third electrode.

7. The touch panel device according to claim 6, comprising: a pair of fourth electrodes provided on the second conductive film and opposed to each other across the first region in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a detection unit that applies a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal, and detects a contact position between the first conductive film and the second conductive film in an arrangement direction of the first region and the second region in the first region according to the potential of the second conductive film when the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the first terminal than a predetermined value, The detection unit applies a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal, and when the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the second terminal than the predetermined value, applies a voltage between the pair of fourth electrodes, and detects the on and off of the multiple switch units based on the potential of the second region of the first conductive film.

8. A touch panel device comprising: The first conductive film has a first region, a second region, and a third region that are electrically separated from each other; a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first electrode disposed on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film, facing the first electrode across the first region, and electrically connected to a second terminal; a first switch portion, disposed in the second region, electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; a second switch portion, disposed in the third region, electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; a third electrode disposed in the second region and electrically connected to a third terminal; and a fourth electrode, disposed in the third region and electrically connected to the fourth terminal; The second electrode is provided between the first region, the second region, and the third region.

9. A touch panel device comprising: The first conductive film has a first region and a second region arranged in a first direction; a first electrode, provided on the first conductive film and arranged along the first region; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film, arranged along the first region and the second region, and opposed to the first electrode in a second direction intersecting the first direction with the first region interposed therebetween; a third electrode provided on the first conductive film, arranged along the second region, and opposed to the second electrode in a manner sandwiching the second region in the second direction; as well as a second conductive film stacked on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween, A slit where the first conductive film is removed is provided between the first region and the second region. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the third electrode, a current flows through the first electrode, the first region, the second electrode, the second region, and the third electrode.

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