Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device includes an electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, an insulating film that electrically insulates the first electrode from the second electrode, the electrode substrate being configured to cover a surface of a display medium that displays an image, and a drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and that generates an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] JP2014-186900 discloses a discharge element and a method for manufacturing the same, which suppresses dielectric breakdown caused by a high AC voltage used to generate plasma discharge. The discharge element includes an insulating substrate, electrodes, and an insulating film. The insulating substrate is formed of heat-resistant glass or ceramic. Electrodes are formed on the insulating substrate and subjected to a high AC voltage. The insulating film covers the electrodes. The insulating substrate and the insulating film are configured such that the discharge initiation voltage on the electrode-facing side of the insulating substrate is lower than the discharge initiation voltage on the electrode-facing side of the insulating film.

[0003] When ozone is generated in the discharge element, an external power supply is connected to pads 3P1 and 3P2 to apply a high AC voltage. In the discharge element, the discharge initiation voltage on the surface near the insulating substrate is lower than the discharge initiation voltage on the surface on the insulating film side. Therefore, as the high AC voltage applied from the external power supply gradually increases, discharge begins on the surface on the insulating substrate side, and plasma is generated. Through this plasma, oxygen in the air is decomposed and combined to generate ozone (see paragraph

[0031] of JP2014-186900).

[0004] For electronic devices that people may come into contact with, such as display devices or haptic feedback devices, a separate disinfection device, such as a disinfectant spray or ozone generator, is required to disinfect the parts that people may touch. Furthermore, traditional ozone sources have low permeability due to their shape or the metal used for electrodes. Therefore, it is difficult to attach an ozone source to the parts of electronic devices that may come into contact with people. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to maintain the hygiene of surfaces where images can be viewed and surfaces that people may come into contact with.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention disclosed in this application is an electronic device, comprising: an electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on a surface of a transparent insulating substrate; an insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode from the second electrode, the electrode substrate being configured to cover the surface of a display medium for displaying an image; and a driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and generating an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0007] The second aspect of the present invention disclosed in this application is an electronic device, comprising: an electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate; a first insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode from the second electrode; a display medium wherein a display surface for displaying an image is covered by the electrode substrate; a first driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and driving the electrode substrate as an ozone source by applying voltage to the first and second electrodes; a second driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and driving the electrode substrate as a touch sensor by applying voltage to the first and second electrodes; and a selection circuit switching between the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit.

[0008] The third aspect of the present invention disclosed in this application is an electronic device comprising: an electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate; an insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode from the second electrode; a first driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and driving the electrode substrate as an ozone source by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; a second driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and driving the electrode substrate as a touch sensor by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a selection circuit switching between the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit.

[0009] According to a representative embodiment of the invention, the surfaces on which images can be viewed and surfaces that may be touched by a person can be kept hygienic. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0010] It should be understood that the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An electronic device according to embodiment 1 is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 The structure of the electrode substrate is shown.

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an illustration showing how ozone is produced.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of a model simulating the electric field generated when a voltage is applied to an electrode substrate.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5BA thermal map showing the electric field intensity distribution in the focal region is presented.

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is based on Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the results of the electric field strength near the observation location are illustrated in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It shows the basis Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the results of electric field strength near the observation location are illustrated in Figure 2.

[0018] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It shows the basis Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the results of electric field strength near the observation location are illustrated in Figure 3.

[0019] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of the electrode shape.

[0020] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a multilayer electrode structure.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to Embodiment 3.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device 100C according to embodiment 3.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to Embodiment 4.

[0025] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a scan performed in an electronic device according to Embodiment 5.

[0026] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic device according to Embodiment 6.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to Embodiment 6.

[0028] Figures 18A to 18C This is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic device according to Embodiment 7. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The electronic devices according to Embodiments 1 to 7 will now be described. The electronic devices of Embodiments 1 to 7 can be used, for example, in touch sensors, display devices, display panels, and tactile feedback devices. In the following description, materials and values ​​such as size, voltage, and electric field strength are merely examples; other values ​​and materials may be used as long as they are within feasible limits.

[0030] [Implementation Method 1]

[0031] Figure 1 An electronic device according to embodiment 1 is shown; Figure 1 The left-hand view in the diagram is a block diagram showing a configuration example. Figure 1 The right-hand view in the figure is a perspective view showing the structure. In Embodiment 1, the electronic device 100A can be used as a display device using liquid crystal or organic EL technology, or as a display panel for storing and displaying photographs, etc. The electronic device 100A includes an electrode substrate 101, a driving circuit 102, a control circuit 103, and a display medium 104. The electrode substrate 101 is a substrate having one or more sets of two opposing electrodes, and is a substrate that generates ozone by applying a predetermined voltage to it.

[0032] Figure 2 The structure of the electrode substrate 101 is shown. View (A) is a plan view of the electrode substrate 101. View (B) is a partial enlarged view of the plan view (A). View (C) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of the partial enlarged view (B). The electrode substrate 101 has an X electrode 201, a Y electrode 202, and an insulating film 203 disposed on a transparent support substrate 310.

[0033] exist Figure 2 In (A) and (B), X electrode 201 and its wiring are represented by dashed lines, and Y electrode 202 and its wiring are represented by solid lines. X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are transparent electrodes, for example, they can be made of ITO (indium tin oxide). The planar shape of X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 is, for example, quadrilateral (rhombus or rectangle).

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the driving circuit 102 applies a predetermined voltage to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 to drive the electrode substrate 101, which serves as an ozone source. By applying this voltage, ozone is generated on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101, thereby disinfecting the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0035] The control circuit 103 controls the drive circuit 102 to apply voltage. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 103 issues a command to the drive circuit 102 to start or stop the application of voltage to the electrode substrate 101 based on a sensor (non-display) or external input, such as an operation performed by a person.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in the right-hand view, the surface of the display medium 104 displaying the image is covered by the electrode substrate 101. The display medium 104 may be a medium that displays printed images (or hand-drawn or handwritten images) such as menus or photographs (first display medium), or, for example, in the case of a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, a medium in which the display medium 104 itself displays an image (second display medium).

[0037] As previously described, the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are transparent electrodes. For example, a display medium 104 is inserted between the electrode substrate 101 and the backplate 105. Therefore, an image can be observed from surface 101a. By using the electrode substrate 101 instead of the backplate 105, ozone can be generated on both surfaces of the electronic device 100A.

[0038] Next, the electrode substrate 101 will be described in detail. Figure 2 In Figure (A), the wiring of X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are connected to terminals 301 and 302, respectively. Terminals 301 and 302 are connected to drive circuit 102 (see Figure 102). Figure 1 ).

[0039] The X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are, for example, quadrilateral (rhombus or rectangle) in shape. The X electrode 201 is connected via a bridging electrode 311X, which serves as the first connection unit (see...). Figure 2 (B) are connected to each other in a beaded structure in the x-direction. That is, the X electrodes 201 are arranged along the x-direction. X electrodes electrically connected in the x-direction in this way are called X electrode groups. For example, X electrode groups are arranged at 2 mm intervals in the y-direction, and each of the X electrode groups has an X electrode connected in a beaded structure in the x-direction. The X electrode groups extend parallel to each other in the y-direction.

[0040] Y electrode 202 is connected via bridging electrode 311Y, which serves as a second connection unit (see...). Figure 2 (B) are connected to each other in a beaded structure in the y direction. That is, the Y electrodes 202 are arranged along the y direction. Y electrodes electrically connected in the y direction in this way are called Y electrode groups. For example, Y electrode groups are arranged at 2 mm intervals in the x direction, and each of the Y electrode groups has Y electrodes connected in a beaded structure in the y direction. The Y electrode groups extend parallel to each other in the x direction.

[0041] The X electrode group and the Y electrode group are configured such that, in the plan view, the first connecting unit (bridging electrode 311X) and the second connecting unit (bridging electrode 311Y) overlap each other via the insulating film 203. For example... Figure 2As shown in (C), bridging electrodes 311X and 311Y are insulated from each other by insulating film 203. In other words, the X electrode group and the Y electrode group are formed to intersect each other in different planes and the insulating film 203 is between them. Furthermore, X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are formed to not overlap each other in the planar view. That is, X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 are formed to be adjacent to each other in the planar view.

[0042] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The manufacturing method is illustrated in Figure (C). The support substrate 310 is, for example, a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate. First, a bridging electrode 311X is formed on the first surface 310a of the support substrate 310 using a transparent conductive film such as ITO. Next, an insulating film 203 is formed on the bridging electrode 311X using the like SiN (silicon nitride film).

[0043] The insulating film 203 is formed to cover the bridging electrode 311X to insulate it from the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y, while leaving a portion of the bridging electrode 311X uncovered to allow contact between the bridging electrode 311X and the X electrode 201. Next, the X electrode 201, Y electrode 202, bridging electrode 311Y, wiring, and terminals 301 and 302 are simultaneously formed through a transparent conductive film. Finally, the insulating film 312 is formed of SiN (silicon nitride) or the like, and contact holes are formed therein at the terminals 301 and 302.

[0044] An electric field is generated between the X electrode group and the Y electrode group by applying a voltage to terminals 301 and 302 of the electrode substrate 101 constructed as described above. If the strength of the generated electric field exceeds the dielectric breakdown level of air, ozone is generated by discharge. The ozone-generating locations on the insulating film 312 include the space in a single electrode layer between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, as indicated by region 321, or the space between multiple electrode layers, in other words, for example, the space between the bridging electrode 311X and the bridging electrode 311Y via the insulating film 203, as indicated by region 322.

[0045] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an illustrative diagram showing how ozone is produced. Figure 3A Shown in Figure 2 The method of ozone generation in the electric field generation region 321 within the single electrode layer shown in (B) Figure 3B It shows in Figure 2 Ozone is generated in the electric field generating region 322 in the space between the multiple electrode layers shown in (C). Signal power supply 401 is an AC power supply that applies a voltage to X electrode 201, and signal power supply 402 is an AC power supply that applies a voltage to Y electrode 202.

[0046] In one example, the output of signal power supply 401 is set to GND, and the output of signal power supply 402 is set to a predetermined AC voltage. In this case, due to the potential difference between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, Figure 3A An electric field 410 is generated in the space within the single electrode layer, and due to the potential difference between the bridging electrode 311X and the bridging electrode 311Y, an electric field 410 is generated. Figure 3B An electric field 420 is generated in the space between the multiple electrode layers. When the strengths of the electric fields 410 and 420 in the air above the insulating film 312 reach a predetermined value, dielectric breakdown occurs in the air. When dielectric breakdown occurs in the air, this leads to silent discharge and ozone generation.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of a model simulating the electric field generated when a voltage is applied to the electrode substrate 101. Figure 4 The model is a simplified three-dimensional model of the multilayer structure of the electrode substrate 101, which is shown in Figure 3 as a means of ozone generation. Figure 4 In the diagram, the z-direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the electrode substrate 101, the x-direction is the direction in which the X electrode 201 is connected to the bridging electrode 311X, and the y-direction is the direction in which the Y electrode 202 is connected to the bridging electrode 311Y.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In the left view, the xz cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generation region 321 in the space within the single electrode layer is shown. That is, Figure 4 The left-hand view in the image shows a 3D model, which contains... Figure 3A The three-dimensional region of the electric field generation region 321 is simplified. Figure 4 In the middle, the right-hand view shows the xz cross-section of a three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generation region 322 in the space between multiple electrode layers. That is, Figure 4 The right side of the image shows a 3D model, which contains... Figure 3B The three-dimensional region of the electric field generating region 322 is simplified. The three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generating region 321 in the space within a single electrode layer is called the single-layer electrode model M1, and the three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generating region 322 in the space between multiple electrode layers is called the multi-layer electrode model M2.

[0049] For the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multi-layer electrode model M2, the relative permittivity, thickness, and units of air, insulating film 312, and supporting substrate 310 are shown in Table 400. The thicknesses of X electrode 201, Y electrode 202, and insulating film 312 are as follows: Figure 4As shown. The gap between the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 in the single-layer electrode model M1 and the gap between the X electrode 201 and the bridging electrode 311Y in the multi-layer electrode model M2 are both set to 10 μm, and the width of each electrode is set to 35 μm for ease of calculation. Although not shown, the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multi-layer electrode model M2 are three-dimensional models with depth in the y-direction.

[0050] A voltage of V1 is applied to the X electrode 201 and the bridging electrode 311X, and a voltage of V2 is applied to the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y. The applied voltage V1 is set to GND, and the applied voltage V2 is set to 15V, 30V, 150V, and 600V. The electric field intensity generated within each three-dimensional model (M1, M2) is simulated. Regarding the results, the electric field distribution generated at the focusing regions 501 and 502, centered on electrodes 10μm apart, is analyzed in the xz plane at the center of the y-direction of each model.

[0051] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A heatmap of the electric field intensity distribution in the focused region is shown. Heatmaps 511 and 512 are top-down visualizations of the electric field intensity distribution based on whether the voltage V2 is 15V, 30V, 150V, or 600V (e.g., V2 = 15V), and the heatmaps represent the electric field intensity within the focused regions 501 and 502.

[0052] In heatmaps 511 and 512, the electric field strength is represented by grayscale; the darker the color, the stronger the electric field. Figure 5A Within the focal area 501 shown. Figure 5A In the region between X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 and near the opposite ends 201a and 202a of X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202, the electric field strength is greater, and the peak (maximum) electric field strength 511a and 511b are obtained at the ends 201a and 202a.

[0053] At the same time, Figure 5B Within the focal region 502 shown, the electric field strength is greater towards the end 311Ya of the bridging electrode 311Y opposite to the X electrode 201, and reaches its peak value (maximum value) 512a at the end 311Ya. Furthermore, as can be seen in thermal diagrams 511 and 512, the electric field strength of the air layer decreases further away from the support substrate 310.

[0054] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is based on Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the electric field strength near the observation location is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 6 does not show the results as described in Figure 1. Figure 5A and Figure 5BInstead of showing a top view of the electric field intensity distribution, this view shows the electric field intensity distribution when a voltage V2 of 600V is applied between the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y, with the boundary between the air and the insulating film 312 being the observation location.

[0055] Figure 6A The results 1 for the single-layer electrode model M1 (in the focusing region 501) are shown. Figure 6B Results 1 for the multilayer electrode model M2 (in the focusing region 502) are shown. Plots 601 and 602 show the dependence of the electric field strength of the air layer at the boundary with the insulating film 312 on the voltage V2. The vertical axis of plots 601 and 602 represents the electric field strength (MV / m) of the air layer at the boundary with the insulating film 312. The horizontal axis represents the x-direction position corresponding to the focusing regions 501 and 502, and the horizontal axis coordinates of 1.5E-05 are the center positions of models M1 and M2 in the x-direction.

[0056] In other words, in Figure 6A In the diagram, the horizontal axis coordinate of 1.0E-05 corresponds to the position of end 201a of X electrode 201, and the horizontal axis coordinate of 2.0E-05 corresponds to the position of end 202a of Y electrode 202, with a gap of 10 μm between them (similarly applied to...). Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8A , Figure 8B Similarly, in Figure 6B In the diagram, the horizontal axis coordinate of 1.0E-05 corresponds to the position of end 201a of X electrode 201, and the horizontal axis coordinate of 2.0E-05 corresponds to the position of end 311Ya of bridging electrode 311Y. The gap between them is 10 μm (similarly applied to...). Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8A , Figure 8B ).

[0057] The dashed lines in graphs 601 and 602 represent the electric field strength (3 MV / m) of air undergoing dielectric breakdown. When the electric field strength is greater than or equal to 3 MV / m, ozone is generated on the electrode substrate 101. As shown in graphs 601 and 602, the greater the voltage V2 applied to the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y, the higher the electric field strength. According to Figures 601 and 602, where V2 is 600V, the electric field strength in the air layer at the boundary with the insulating film 312 is much higher than 3 MV / m, and it is understandable that ozone is generated as a result.

[0058] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It shows the basis Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the electric field strength near the observation location is illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The electric field intensity distribution of the air layer between the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y is shown when the applied voltage V2 is 600V, and the position 312 of the air layer at a distance ΔZ from the boundary of the insulating film 312 is the observed position. Figure 7A The results 2 for the single-layer electrode model M1 (in the focusing region 501) are shown. Figure 7B The results for the multilayer electrode model M2 (in the focusing region 502) are shown.

[0059] Graphs 701 and 702 show the dependence of the electric field strength of the air layer on the distance ΔZ (observation position) from the boundary of the insulating film 312. The vertical axis represents the electric field strength (MV / m), and the horizontal axis, similar to graphs 601 and 602, represents the x-direction position corresponding to the focusing regions 501 and 502. The horizontal axis coordinate of 1.5E-5 is the center position of models M1 and M2 in the x-direction. The dashed line represents the electric field strength (3MV / m) of the air undergoing dielectric breakdown. When the electric field strength is greater than or equal to 3MV / m, ozone is generated on the electrode substrate 101.

[0060] As can be seen in graphs 701 and 702, in both the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multi-layer electrode model M2, the electric field strength of the air layer is lower in the region far from the boundary with the insulating film 312, but even when ΔZ is 10 μm, the electric field strength sufficiently exceeds 3 MV / m. This indicates that ozone can be generated on the electrode substrate 101.

[0061] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It shows the basis Figure 4 The simulation results are analyzed, and the electric field strength near the observation location is illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The electric field intensity distribution within the insulating film 312 is shown when a voltage V2 of 600V is applied between the Y electrode 202 and the bridging electrode 311Y.

[0062] Figure 8A Results 3 for the single-layer electrode model M1 (in the focusing region 501) are shown, while Figure 8B The results for the multilayer electrode model M2 (in the focusing region 502) are shown 3. Figure 8A The observation position is the boundary between the insulating film 312 and the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202. Figure 8B The observation position is the boundary between the insulating film 312 and the surfaces of the X electrode 201 and the bridging electrode 311Y facing the bridging electrode 311X.

[0063] Curves 801 and 802 represent the electric field intensity distribution in the insulating film 312 at the observation location. The vertical axis represents the electric field intensity (MV / m), and the horizontal axis represents the position in the x-direction corresponding to the focusing regions 501 and 502. The horizontal axis coordinate of 1.5E-05 is the center position of models M1 and M2 in the x-direction.

[0064] In this simulation, the electric field strength in the single-layer electrode model M1 (focusing region 501) is determined based on the gap between X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202, and the value of V2-V1. Furthermore, the electric field strength in the multilayer electrode model M2 (focusing region 502) is determined based on the thickness of the insulating film 312 between bridging electrodes 311X and 311Y, and the value of V2-V1.

[0065] As can be seen from graphs 801 and 802, the electric field strength in the insulating film 312 is greater in the multilayer electrode model M2 than in the single-layer electrode model M1. Under these simulation conditions (|V2-V1|=600V, insulating film thickness=0.03μm), the electric field strength in the multilayer electrode model M2 is less than 700MV / m. Therefore, for example, if a SiN (silicon nitride film) with a dielectric breakdown electric field strength of 800MV / m is used for the insulating film 312, dielectric breakdown will not occur, and ozone may be generated. Furthermore, insulating films with higher dielectric breakdown electric field strengths can be used, and for example, SiO2 (silicon oxide film) or a stacked structure of SiN and SiO2 can be used.

[0066] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing a variant example of the electrode shape. In this variant example, the X electrode 901 and Y electrode 902 have the same... Figure 2 The quadrilateral shown in (A) has more vertices and sides than the shape shown in the diagram. Specifically, for example, the X electrode 901 has a rectangular central portion 910, four first protrusions 911 protruding from the central portion 910 along its sides, and four second protrusions 912 protruding from the middle portions of the first protrusions 911 in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the first protrusions 911. Similarly, the Y electrode 902 has a rectangular central portion 920, four third protrusions 921 protruding from the central portion 920 along its sides, and four fourth protrusions 922 protruding from the middle portions of the third protrusions 921 in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the third protrusions 921.

[0067] For example, the X electrode 901 has a region 940 adjacent to the Y electrode 902. This region 940 has a recess 941 formed by a side 910a of the central portion 910, a side 911c of a first protrusion 911 perpendicular to the side 910a, and a side 912c of a second protrusion 912 opposite to the side 911c. A third protrusion 921 of the Y electrode 902 is provided in the recess 941. The sides 921a to 921c of the third protrusion 921 are opposite to the sides 910a, 911c, and 912c that form the recess 941. Therefore, compared to the quadrilateral X electrode 201, the area of ​​the electric field generating region 321 in the space within a single electrode layer is increased.

[0068] Similarly, the Y electrode 902 has a region 930 adjacent to the X electrode 901 and the Y electrode 902. This region 930 has, for example, a recess 931 formed by the edge 920a of the central portion 920, the edge 921c of the third protrusion 921 perpendicular to the edge 920a, and the edge 922b of the fourth protrusion 922 opposite to the edge 921c. The first protrusion 911 of the X electrode 901 is provided in the recess 931. The edges 911a to 911c of the first protrusion 911 are opposite to the edges 920a, 921c and 922b forming the recess 931. Therefore, compared with the quadrilateral Y electrode 202, the area of ​​the electric field generating region 321 in the space within a single electrode layer is increased.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, in the region 950 adjacent to the two X electrodes 901 and the two Y electrodes 902, each of the X electrodes 901 is arranged such that the top edge 912a of the second protrusion 912 of the X electrode 901 faces the side edge 922c of the fourth protrusion 922 of one Y electrode 902, the side edge 912c faces the side edge 921b of the third protrusion 921 of one Y electrode 902, and the side edge 912b faces the top edge 922a of the fourth protrusion 922 of the other Y electrode 902. Therefore, compared to the quadrilateral X electrode 201, the area of ​​the electric field generating region 321 within the space of a single electrode layer is increased.

[0070] Similarly, in region 950, each of the Y electrodes 902 is arranged such that the top edge 922a of the fourth protrusion 922 of the Y electrode 902 faces the side edge 912b of the second protrusion 912 of an X electrode 901, the side edge 922b faces the side edge 911b of the first protrusion 911 of an X electrode 901, and the side edge 922c faces the top edge 912a of the second protrusion 912 of the other X electrode 901. Therefore, compared to the quadrilateral Y electrode 202, the area of ​​the electric field generating region 321 within the space of a single electrode layer is increased. Thus, in regions 930, 940, and 950, the increased area of ​​the electric field generating region 321 within the space of a single electrode layer enables an increase in the ozone generating region.

[0071] Furthermore, the electrode shape is not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 9 The shape depicted can be different. In a single-layer electrode structure, if the distance between the two electrodes decreases, the resulting electric field strength increases, thereby enabling a reduction in the voltage required to generate ozone. That is, power consumption can be reduced. However, in a single-layer electrode structure, if the distance between the electrodes decreases, high processing precision is required to prevent short circuits between electrodes in the same layer. Therefore, for example, a multi-layer electrode structure like that in region 322 is preferred for reducing power consumption due to its ease of processing.

[0072] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a conceptual diagram representing a multilayer electrode structure. Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer electrode structure. Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of a multilayer electrode structure. Figure 10B This is a plan view of a multilayer electrode structure. Electrodes 1001 and 1002, which generate ozone, are positioned opposite each other separated by an insulating film 1003. Figure 10B In the plan view, the edge 1001a of electrode 1001 exists in the region of electrode 1002. That is, the multilayer electrode structure suitable for generating ozone is not limited to region 322 of FIG3, but is a structure in which two electrodes 1001, 1002 are stacked with an insulating film 1003 in between, and the edge 1001a of one electrode 1001 exists in the region of the other electrode 1002 when viewed from above.

[0073] According to Embodiment 1, the driving circuit 102 applies voltages V1 and V2 to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 (or the bridging electrode 311X and the bridging electrode 311Y), such that the electric field strength generated on the electrode substrate 101 when this voltage is applied is greater than or equal to the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air but less than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of the silicon nitride (SiN) film. As a result, ozone can be generated on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 without damaging the insulating film 312. Moreover, by changing the electrode shape to... Figure 9 The electrode shape expands the ozone generation area, thus reducing the time required for sterilization treatment on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0074] Furthermore, in the electronic device 100A according to Embodiment 1, the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 that generate ozone exist only on the first surface 310a, which serves as one side of the support substrate 310. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101. Moreover, the first surface 310a is opposite to the display surface of the display medium 104 on which an image is displayed. Therefore, in the electronic device 100A, an image can be seen from the electrode substrate 101, and the display surface of the display medium 104 opposite to the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be sterilized.

[0075] [Implementation Method 2]

[0076] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 has a structure in which a human body detection sensor is connected to the control circuit 103 of Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted.

[0077] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic device 100B according to Embodiment 2. The electronic device 100B includes a human body detection sensor 1100. The human body detection sensor 1100 is connected to a control circuit 103. The human body detection sensor 1100 is a sensor for detecting living organisms, and therefore an infrared sensor can be used for it. The infrared sensor detects infrared radiation emitted from a living organism near the electrode substrate 101 and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 103.

[0078] The control circuit 103 controls the drive circuit 102 based on the detection signal from the human body detection sensor 1100. Specifically, for example, if there is no detection signal from the human body detection sensor 1100, the control circuit 103 applies voltage to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 to generate ozone. On the other hand, if there is a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 1100, the control circuit 103 does not apply voltage to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202.

[0079] In this manner, if no living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the human body detection sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal regarding the detection of a living organism to the control circuit 103, and the drive circuit 102 applies voltage to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 to generate ozone. Therefore, if no living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the electronic device 100B can disinfect the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0080] On the other hand, if a living organism approaches or comes into contact with the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the human body detection sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal regarding the detection of the living organism to the control circuit 103, and the drive circuit 102 does not apply voltage to the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202. Therefore, if a living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the electronic device 100B can stop the generation of ozone. An example of an allowable concentration of ozone that does not affect human health is 0.1 ppm (“Recommendations on Allowable Concentration (2019)”, Journal of Occupational Health 2019, Japan Occupational Health Association). By using the human body detection sensor 1100 for control, ozone is generated only when necessary, ensuring that ozone is generated within its allowable concentration range and avoiding health impacts.

[0081] The drive circuit 102 has multiple drive conditions for the electrode substrate 101 to produce different amounts of ozone, and can change the drive conditions based on the presence or absence of a nearby person, as determined by the human detection sensor 1100. For example, the drive circuit 102 changes the drive conditions of the electrode substrate 101 such that if the human detection sensor 1100 detects the presence of a person, the amount of ozone produced decreases from the current amount, and if the human detection sensor 1100 does not detect the presence of a person, the current amount of ozone produced increases. As a result, the device is safely disinfected when no person is present, and ozone production stops when a person is present, thus improving the safety and efficiency of disinfection.

[0082] Alternatively, the driving circuit 102 can change the driving conditions of the electrode substrate 101 such that if the human body detection sensor 1100 detects the presence of a person, and the generated current is greater than or equal to a threshold, the amount of ozone generated is reduced to be less than the threshold; if the human body detection sensor 1100 does not detect the presence of a person, and the generated current is less than the threshold, the amount of ozone generated is increased to be greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0083] [Implementation Method 3]

[0084] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. Embodiment 3 is an example of driving the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor and an ozone source. A touch sensor is a sensor that detects contact with a living organism (e.g., a finger) or an object (e.g., a stylus). The following will primarily describe the case of detecting contact with a living organism. In Embodiment 3, the surface of the insulating film 312 laminated on the electrode substrate 101 is the contact surface of the touch sensor for contact with a living organism, and is therefore referred to as contact surface 101a. In Embodiment 3, components identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0085] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic device 100C according to Embodiment 3. The electronic device 100C includes an electrode substrate 101, a drive circuit 102 (hereinafter referred to as the first drive circuit 102), a processor 1201, a second drive circuit 1202, a selection circuit 1205, a control circuit 1203, and a display panel 1204.

[0086] The electrode substrate 101 serves as an ozone source or a touch sensor. Specifically, for example, if using Figure 12 When the first driving circuit 102 is used to drive, the electrode substrate 101 functions as an ozone source as shown in Embodiment 1. If the second driving circuit 1202 is used to drive, the electrode substrate 101 functions as a touch sensor.

[0087] The selection circuit 1205 connects the first drive circuit 102 to the electrode substrate 101 or the second drive circuit 1202 to the electrode substrate 101 according to the selection command from the control circuit 1203.

[0088] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device 100C according to Embodiment 3. The electronic device 100C of Embodiment 3 is configured such that a display panel 1204 and an electrode substrate 101 are housed within a housing 1206 of the electronic device 100C. Examples of this electronic device 100C include tablet computers, smartphones, etc., wherein the display panel 1204 is a liquid crystal display panel, an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display panel, etc.

[0089] The electronic device 100C functions as a touch sensor, therefore the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 in the electrode substrate 101 are transparent electrodes. The electrode substrate 101 is configured to cover the display panel 1204. Specifically, for example, the second surface 310b of the support substrate 310 of the electrode substrate 101 faces the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204. As a result, the image displayed on the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204 can be seen from the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101, and ozone can be generated on the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0090] When the electronic device 100C functions as a touch sensor, the electric field strength generated between the X electrode group and the Y electrode group due to the voltage applied to it from the terminals 301 and 302 of the electrode substrate 101 is, for example, a level that prevents ozone generation discharge in the space within a single electrode layer or between multiple electrode layers. That is, the second driving circuit 1202 applies a voltage to the X electrode group and the Y electrode group with an electric field strength lower than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air, and drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor. Therefore, the health effects of ozone during touch sensor operation can be avoided.

[0091] like Figure 12 As shown, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select either the first drive circuit 102 or the second drive circuit 1202 to be controlled, based on instructions from the processor 1201 or external input from a sensor (not shown) or human operation.

[0092] In addition, the processor 1201 outputs a selection instruction from the selection circuit 1205 to the control circuit 1203 for the drive circuit to be controlled, and outputs a drive instruction for the display panel 1204 to the control circuit 1203.

[0093] The second driving circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor. The second driving circuit 1202 is connected to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 via a selection circuit 1205. A capacitance is generated between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 at the intersection. If a current signal is input to the X electrode 201, alternating current flows between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202.

[0094] The second drive circuit 1202 has a current detection unit and uses the current detection unit to detect alternating current. On the contact surface 101a for contact with a living organism, if a living organism such as a human finger contacts the area opposite to the portion where the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 intersect, a capacitance is generated between the X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202 and the finger, and the capacitance between the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 changes.

[0095] If the capacitance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 changes, the alternating current detected by the current detection unit also changes. The X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202 are specified by control executed by the control circuit 1203. The control circuit 1203 compares the alternating current detected by the current detection unit with a predetermined threshold and detects a capacitance change between the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202. When the capacitance changes, the control circuit 1203 detects the position of the finger contact by identifying the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202.

[0096] The contact position is the area on the contact surface 101a opposite to the portion where the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202 intersect each other. The control circuit 1203 outputs a detection signal indicating the contact position to the processor 1201. In this way, the electronic device 100C detects the contact position on the contact surface 101a by mutual capacitance.

[0097] The processor 1201 drives the display panel 1204 after acquiring a detection signal. The processor 1201 can drive the display panel 1204 when a detection signal is acquired, or in other words, when a finger touches the contact surface 101a, and stop driving the display panel 1204 when no more detection signals are acquired. Furthermore, the processor 1201 can drive the display panel 1204 for a predetermined time from the acquisition of the detection signal, and stop driving the display panel 1204 after the predetermined time has elapsed. Additionally, the processor 1201 can stop driving the display panel 1204 based on external input such as human operation.

[0098] In this way, the electronic device 100C of Embodiment 3 can selectively drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone source or a touch sensor. If the drive electrode substrate 101 is used as an ozone source, the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be disinfected by ozone. When the drive electrode substrate 101 is used as a touch sensor, touch operation can be performed on the clean contact surface 101a that has been disinfected by ozone.

[0099] When used as a touch sensor driver, the electric field strength generated between the electrodes due to the input current signal is much smaller than the strength required for dielectric breakdown in air, thus preventing ozone generation. Therefore, the health effects of ozone during touch sensor operation can be avoided.

[0100] Furthermore, a configuration similar to Embodiment 2 can be adopted, wherein the human body detection sensor 1100 is connected to the control circuit 1203. In this way, if there is no living organism in the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100C, the human body detection sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal regarding the detection of a living organism to the control circuit 1203, and the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the first driving circuit 102. As a result, the first driving circuit 102 applies a voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 to generate ozone. Therefore, if there is no living organism in the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100C, the electronic device 100C can disinfect the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0101] On the other hand, if a living organism approaches or touches the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100C, the human body detection sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal regarding the detection of the living organism to the control circuit 1203, and the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the second driving circuit 1202. As a result, the first driving circuit 102 stops applying voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, and the second driving circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrode 201.

[0102] Therefore, if a living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100C, the electronic device 100C can be used as a touch sensor whose contact surface 101a has been disinfected.

[0103] [Implementation Method 4]

[0104] Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. Embodiment 4 is an example in which the driving circuit of the electronic device 100C of Embodiment 3 additionally drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile feedback panel. A tactile feedback panel is a panel that provides tactile, pressure, or vibration sensations to a living organism. The surface of the insulating film 312 laminated on the electrode substrate 101 is the contact surface 101a of the touch sensor and the tactile feedback panel, which is contacted by a living organism. In Embodiment 4, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components as in Embodiments 1 to 3, and descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Figure 14This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic device 100D according to Embodiment 4. The electronic device 100D of Embodiment 4 includes an electrode substrate 101, a first driving circuit 102, a processor 1401, a second driving circuit 1202, a third driving circuit 1402, a selection circuit 1405, a control circuit 1403, and a display panel 1204. The third driving circuit 1402 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile feedback panel. Examples of the electronic device 100D of Embodiment 4 include... Figure 13 The tablets, smartphones, etc. shown are examples.

[0106] The electrode substrate 101 is disposed at a position opposite to the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204, and serves as an ozone source, a touch sensor, or a tactile feedback panel. Specifically, for example, if using Figure 14 If the first driver circuit 102 is used to drive the electrode substrate 101, it is used as an ozone source as shown in Embodiment 1. If the second driver circuit 1202 is used to drive the electrode substrate 101, it is used as a touch sensor as shown in Embodiment 3. If the third driver circuit 1402 is used to drive the electrode substrate 101, it is used as a tactile prompt panel.

[0107] According to the selection command from the control circuit 1403, the selection circuit 1405 connects the first drive circuit 102 to the electrode substrate 101, the second drive circuit 1202 to the electrode substrate 101, or the third drive circuit 1402 to the electrode substrate 101.

[0108] Control circuit 1403 controls selection circuit 1405. Specifically, for example, control circuit 1403 causes selection circuit 1405 to select the first drive circuit 102, second drive circuit 1202, or third drive circuit 1402 to be controlled based on commands from processor 1401 or external inputs from sensors (not shown) or human operation.

[0109] Furthermore, the processor 1401 outputs a selection instruction from the selection circuit 1405 to the control circuit 1403 for the drive circuit to be controlled. Similar to Embodiment 3, if the second drive circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor, it outputs a drive instruction for the display panel 1204 to the control circuit 1403.

[0110] For example, the second drive circuit 1202 is connected to a portion of the X electrodes 201 and a portion of the Y electrodes 202 via a switch performed by the selection circuit 1405. For example, the third drive circuit 1402 is connected to the remaining X electrodes 201 and the remaining Y electrodes 202 that are not connected to the second drive circuit 1202 via a switch performed by the selection circuit 1405.

[0111] The third driving circuit 1402 independently drives the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 of the electrode substrate 101. In the third driving circuit 1402, the circuit that drives the X electrode 201 is called the X electrode driving circuit, and the circuit that drives the Y electrode 202 is called the Y electrode driving circuit.

[0112] The X-electrode driving circuit is connected to the X-electrode 201 and generates an AC voltage at a first frequency f1. The Y-electrode driving circuit is connected to the Y-electrode 202 and generates an AC voltage at a second frequency f2. The AC voltage at the first frequency f1 and the AC voltage at the second frequency f2 are voltages that do not produce ozone; in other words, they are voltages where the electric field strength is less than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air.

[0113] The tactile feedback panel (electrode substrate 101) provides tactile feedback on the contact surface 101a by operating the X electrode driving circuit and the Y electrode driving circuit. When a user's finger touches the contact surface 101a, the finger is positioned between the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202 with the insulating film 312 of the electrode substrate 101 in contact with the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202, and is equivalent to an electrode grounded through a predetermined impedance (GND).

[0114] When a voltage is applied to the X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202, an attraction force (electrostatic force) caused by static electricity is generated between the X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202 and the finger. When an alternating voltage is applied, the electrostatic force changes periodically. As the electrostatic force changes, the frictional force between the contact surface 101a and the finger changes periodically. When the user's finger traces on the contact surface 101a, the frictional force felt by the finger changes periodically, causing the user to perceive a tactile sensation.

[0115] Previous studies have shown that touch can be perceived if the frequency of the AC voltage is greater than 5 Hz and less than 500 Hz, but not if the frequency is outside this range.

[0116] Furthermore, if an AC voltage of a first frequency f1 is applied to the X electrode 201 and an AC voltage of a second frequency f2 is applied to the Y electrode 202, the electrostatic force changes at the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2. Additionally, a rhythm is generated in which the electrostatic force changes at a frequency equal to the difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2.

[0117] Previous research has shown that if the frequency of the beat is greater than 10 Hz and less than 1000 Hz, the tactile sensation caused by the beat can be perceived, while if the frequency of the beat is outside this range, the tactile sensation caused by the beat cannot be perceived.

[0118] In embodiment 4, the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 are set such that both the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 are greater than or equal to 500Hz, and the absolute value of the difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 is greater than 10Hz and less than 1000Hz. For example, the first frequency f1 is set to 1000Hz and the second frequency f2 is set to 1240Hz.

[0119] In this way, the electronic device 100 of Embodiment 4 can selectively drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone source, a touch sensor, or a tactile feedback panel. As a result, if the electrode substrate 101 is driven as an ozone source, the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be disinfected. When the electrode substrate 101 is driven as a touch sensor or a tactile feedback panel, the user can perceive touch on the clean contact surface 101a that has been disinfected with ozone. When the electrode substrate 101 is driven as a tactile feedback panel, the electric field strength generated between the electrodes due to the application of voltage is much smaller than the strength required for dielectric breakdown in air. Therefore, no ozone is generated, thus avoiding the health effects of ozone when the user touches the tactile feedback panel.

[0120] Alternatively, a configuration similar to Embodiment 2 can be used, wherein the human body detection sensor 1100 is connected to the control circuit 1403. In this way, if there is no living organism near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the human body detection sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal regarding the detection of a living organism to the control circuit 1403, and the control circuit 1403 causes the selection circuit 1405 to select the first drive circuit 102.

[0121] As a result, the first driving circuit 102 applies a voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 to generate ozone. Therefore, if there are no living organisms in the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the electronic device 100D can disinfect the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0122] On the other hand, if a living organism approaches or touches the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the human body detection sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal regarding the detection of the living organism to the control circuit 1403, and the control circuit 1403 causes the selection circuit 1405 to select the second drive circuit 1202 and / or the third drive circuit 1402.

[0123] As a result, the first driving circuit 102 stops applying voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, the second driving circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrode 201, and the third driving circuit 1402 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrode 201, and drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile prompt panel by applying voltage to the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202.

[0124] Therefore, if a living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the electronic device 100D can be used as a touch sensor and / or tactile prompt panel whose contact surface 101a has been disinfected.

[0125] In Embodiment 4, an example of simultaneously driving the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor and a tactile feedback panel is described. However, electronic devices 100A to 100D can be selectively driven as either a touch sensor or a tactile feedback panel. Furthermore, electronic devices 100A to 100D can be configured without the second driving circuit 1202. In this way, electronic devices 100A to 100D can drive the electrode substrate 101 as both an ozone source and a tactile feedback panel.

[0126] [Implementation Method 5]

[0127] Next, Embodiment 5 will be described. Embodiment 5 is that the electronic devices 100A to 100D of Embodiments 1 to 4 are configured such that when ozone is generated on the electrode substrate 101, a voltage is scanned across the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202.

[0128] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of scanning performed in an electronic device 100E according to Embodiment 5. As described in Embodiment 1, the electrode substrate 101 has one or more X electrode groups connected in a beaded configuration in the x-direction, and these X electrode groups are disposed in the y-direction. In this case, it is assumed that the Y electrode 202 is grounded. The driving circuit applies voltage sequentially upwards along the y-direction, starting from one end of the X electrode group.

[0129] For example, at time t1, ozone 1501 is generated at one end of the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 in the y direction. (B) At time t2 (>t1), ozone 1501 is generated at the middle position of the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 in the y direction. (C) At time t3 (>t2), for example, ozone 1501 is generated at the other end of the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 in the y direction.

[0130] In this way, by scanning the voltage across the X electrode group, the heat distribution generated by the generation of ozone 1501 on the surface 101a changes over time, thereby generating convection in the air containing ozone 1501.

[0131] In addition, Figure 15 In this process, the scan proceeds from one end of surface 101a in the y-direction to the other, but it can also be performed from the middle position outwards in the y-direction. Additionally, in... Figure 15 In the process, scanning is performed at both ends of the X electrode group, but the drive circuit 102 can ground the X electrode 201 and perform scanning in the x direction at both ends of the Y electrode group which is connected to the Y electrode in a beaded configuration in the y direction.

[0132] also, Figure 15 A configuration for applying a voltage to either the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202 is shown, but the drive circuit 102 can select the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 corresponding to a given region on the surface 101a and apply a voltage for generating ozone to generate ozone 1501 in that region.

[0133] For example, by limiting the voltage applied to areas of surface 101a that may come into contact with organisms, ozone 1501 can be generated in localized areas for disinfection, thereby reducing the generation of ozone 1501 in areas where disinfection is not required. Since the voltage application in areas where disinfection is not required is reduced, power consumption can be decreased.

[0134] [Implementation Method 6]

[0135] Next, Embodiment 6 will be described. Embodiment 6 is an example of using the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor without using the display medium 104 for displaying images. Components identical to those in Embodiments 1 to 5 are assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0136] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is an explanatory diagram showing the electronic device 100F according to Embodiment 6. Figure 16A This is a plan view of the electronic device 100F according to embodiment 6. Figure 16B It is along Figure 16A The cross-sectional view is taken along line B-B'. The electronic device 100F has an electrode substrate 1600. The electrode substrate 1600 has a support substrate 1601 such as a glass substrate, an X electrode 1611 on the support substrate 1601, a Y electrode 1612 on the support substrate 1601, and an insulating film 1613 covering the X electrode 1611 and the Y electrode 1612.

[0137] X electrode 1611 and Y electrode 1612 are disposed on the support substrate 1601 with a predetermined gap (e.g., 10 μm). In other words, X electrode 1611 and Y electrode 1612 are a single-layer electrode structure, as shown below. Figure 3A As shown. Furthermore, the driving electrode substrate 1600 serves as both an ozone source and a touch sensor.

[0138] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic device 100F according to Embodiment 6. The electronic device 100F of Embodiment 6 includes an electrode substrate 1600, a first driving circuit 102, a second driving circuit 1202, a selection circuit 1205, and a control circuit 1203. Furthermore, a configuration similar to that of Embodiment 2 can be adopted, wherein the human body detection sensor 1100 is connected to the control circuit 103.

[0139] For example, electronic device 100F can be used in a lamp switch. The control circuit 1203 connected to the lighting device 1700, which is an example of the object to be controlled, performs the control for turning the lamp switch on or off.

[0140] For example, if the second drive circuit 1202 is selected by the selection circuit 1205, then whenever a living organism, such as a finger, touches the contact surface 1600a of the electrode substrate 1600, which is driven as a touch sensor, the electrode substrate 1600 outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 1203 indicating the contact position of the living organism. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control circuit 1203 turns the lighting device 1700 on or off.

[0141] Specifically, for example, if the control circuit 1203 receives a detection signal in the off state, the lighting device 1700 is turned on, and if the control circuit 1203 receives a detection signal in the on state, the lighting device 1700 is turned off. The lighting device 1700 is not limited to two states, on and off, and can be configured to allow periodic switching between three or more states, such as brightness (high) -> brightness (medium) -> brightness (low) -> off -> brightness (high).

[0142] On the other hand, if the first driving circuit 102 is selected by the selection circuit 1205, the electrode substrate 1600 driven as an ozone source generates ozone on the contact surface 1600a and disinfects the contact surface 1600a.

[0143] Furthermore, the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the first drive circuit 102 and the second drive circuit 1202 based on external input from a sensor (not shown) or human operation. Specifically, for example, consider the scenario where the electronic device 100F is installed in an office as a light switch.

[0144] In this scenario, during a predetermined first day / time (e.g., Friday evening at 8 PM) or a predetermined first time (e.g., weekday evening at 8 PM), such as at night, on a holiday / weekend, control circuit 1203 controls selection circuit 1205 to switch from driving the first drive circuit 102 to driving the second drive circuit 1202. If the lighting device is turned on when the switching occurs, control circuit 1203 turns off the lighting device 1700. As a result, in electronic device 100F, electrode substrate 1600 generates ozone on contact surface 1600a and disinfects contact surface 1600a.

[0145] Furthermore, on a predetermined first day / time, such as the start of business (e.g., 7:00 AM on a weekday), the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205 to switch from driving the second drive circuit 1202 to driving the first drive circuit 102. As a result, the drive electrode substrate 1600 acts as a touch sensor, and therefore, due to the contact surface 1600a touched by a biological object such as a finger, the lighting device 1700 switches from off to on. Therefore, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205 to switch to the first drive circuit 102 during non-use periods as a touch sensor, and to switch to the second drive circuit 1202 after the non-use period has passed.

[0146] Therefore, according to embodiment 6, by using electronic device 100F in a light switch that is touched by a person, the contact surface 1600a of the lighting device 1700 can be disinfected when the contact surface 1600a is not used as a light switch.

[0147] The shapes of X electrode 1611 and Y electrode 1612 can be quadrilaterals like X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202, or they can be... Figure 9 The X electrode 901 and Y electrode 902 shown are polygonal, or can be other shapes. Furthermore, the electronic device 100F can be configured with multiple stacked structures as shown in FIG. 10. By using such electrode shapes and stacked structures, the electric field generating area can be increased. Therefore, ozone generation efficiency can be improved and power consumption reduced.

[0148] [Implementation Method 7]

[0149] Next, Embodiment 7 will be described. Embodiment 7 is an example of implementing leakage current countermeasures for the electronic devices 100A to 100F of Embodiments 1 to 6. When a finger comes into contact with a damaged part while the insulating film 312 is damaged and foreign matter such as water has entered the damaged part, leakage current occurs, and the current flows through the finger to the person's body. In the electronic device 100G of Embodiment 7, a structure for suppressing this leakage current is employed. Components that are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0150] Figures 18A to 18C This is an explanatory diagram showing the electronic device 100G of Embodiment 7. Figure 18A This is a plan view of the electronic device 100G according to embodiment 7. Figure 18B It is along Figure 18A A sectional view of line A-A'. Figure 18C This is an operational example of the electronic device 100G in Implementation Method 7.

[0151] Electronic device 100G has multiple floating electrodes 1801 on insulating film 312. The floating electrodes 1801 may be made of, for example, a conductor or semiconductor such as ITO. The floating electrodes 1801 are electrically isolated from each other. The multiple floating electrodes 1801 are covered by insulating film 1802. For example, as... Figure 18A As shown, multiple floating electrodes 1801 are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0152] Each individual floating electrode 1801 forms a capacitor with the opposite X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202. A voltage is induced due to the capacitive coupling between the floating electrode 1801 and the opposite X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between each floating electrode 1801 and the opposite X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202 is determined by the area of ​​the floating electrode 1801.

[0153] All floating electrodes 1801 have the same shape and area. However, floating electrodes 1801 do not necessarily have to be the same shape and can differ in area. In embodiment 7, it is assumed that the damaged portion formed in the insulating film 1802 is approximately cylindrical with a diameter of 3 mm. In this case, the smallest possible shape of the floating electrode 1801 containing the damaged portion would be a square with a side length of 3 mm.

[0154] In embodiment 7, if each floating electrode 1801 is a square with a side length of 3 mm, then the area of ​​the floating electrode 1801 is 9 mm². 2 For example, adjacent floating electrodes 1801 are arranged in a plane with a gap of 0.5 mm between them.

[0155] The upper surfaces of the multiple floating electrodes 1801 are covered by an insulating film 1802. The insulating film 1802 is the contact surface 101a that the user directly contacts and prevents contact between the fingers 1804 and the floating electrodes 1801. The insulating film 1802 is, for example, acrylic resin.

[0156] Figure 18CThe diagram illustrates a damaged portion 1803 formed in the insulating film 1802, extending downwards to the floating electrodes 1801, and a conductive foreign object 1805, such as water, has entered the damaged portion 1803. The foreign object 1805 makes electrical contact with up to four floating electrodes 1801. When a finger 1804 comes into contact with the foreign object 1805, the charge stored in the capacitor corresponding to the total area of ​​the four floating electrodes 1801 flows to the finger 1804 as a leakage current I.

[0157] However, this leakage current is equivalent to the charge accumulated in the four floating electrodes 1801, and is therefore very small. As a result of providing leakage current countermeasures to the electronic device 100 of embodiments 1 to 6, leakage current can be suppressed.

[0158] like Figure 18B As shown, a preferred configuration is one in which the floating electrode 1801 is not provided on the stacked electrodes. Due to this configuration, the electric field 420 generated by the potential difference between the bridging electrode 311X and the bridging electrode 311Y can reach the air above the insulating film 312 without being blocked by the floating electrode 1801. Therefore, dielectric breakdown may occur in the air, resulting in ozone generation.

[0159] As described above, in the electronic devices 100A to 100G of embodiments 1 to 7, the X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202 of the electrode substrate 101 are transparent electrodes, and the electrode substrate 101 is shared by the ozone source and the display medium. Therefore, the display surface of the display device can be attached to the second surface 310b, and the display surface can be seen through the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101. As a result, the display surface can be observed through the contact surface 101a, and the contact surface 101a remains hygienic. Furthermore, the contact surface 101a can be sterilized with fewer components.

[0160] Furthermore, in the electronic devices 100A to 100G of embodiments 1 to 7, the electrode substrate 101 is shared by an ozone source and another function (e.g., a touch sensor or a tactile feedback device). Therefore, when the other function is not in use, the contact surface 101a that comes into contact with a living organism can be disinfected while the other function is in use. Thus, the hygiene of the contact surface 101a can be maintained without providing a separate disinfectant spray or ozone generator. Moreover, the contact surface 101a can be disinfected with fewer components.

[0161] According to a representative embodiment of the present invention, the surfaces on which images can be viewed, as well as surfaces that people may come into contact with, can be kept hygienic.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: An electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and an insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrode substrate being configured to cover the surface of a display medium for displaying an image; as well as A driving circuit, connected to the electrode substrate, generates an electric field between the first and second electrodes by applying a voltage to the first and second electrodes. Ozone is generated on the electrode substrate according to the applied voltage from the driving circuit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The second electrode, the insulating film, and the first electrode are sequentially stacked on the transparent insulating substrate, and In the planar view, at least a portion of the edge of the first electrode overlaps with the second electrode.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The peak value of the electric field strength on the electrode substrate is greater than or equal to the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, in, The peak value of the electric field strength on the insulating film is less than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of the insulating film.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, Multiple first electrode groups are arranged parallel to each other in a second direction. In each first electrode group, multiple first electrodes of a specific shape connected by a first connecting unit are arranged in the first direction. In this configuration, multiple second electrode groups are arranged parallel to each other in the first direction. Within each second electrode group, multiple second electrodes of a specific shape, connected by a second connecting unit, are arranged in the second direction. In the first electrode group and the second electrode group, the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are stacked on top of each other with the insulating film disposed between the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, in, The specific shape of either the first electrode or the second electrode is a shape having a first protrusion projecting outward from the inside of the electrode, and The specific shape of the other of the first electrode and the second electrode is a shape having a first recess that covers the outer periphery of the first protrusion through the insulating film.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: The detection unit detects the presence or absence of a living organism on the surface of the electrode substrate and outputs a signal. as well as A control circuit controls the drive circuit based on signals from the detection unit. If there is no signal from the detection unit, the control circuit applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and Ozone is generated on the electrode substrate according to the applied voltage from the driving circuit.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, Multiple combinations of the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the electrode substrate, and The driving circuit drives a portion of the multiple combinations.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, in, The driving circuit drives the first and second combinations of the plurality of combinations at different times.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, in, The driving circuit drives at least one of the first and second electrodes in the plurality of combinations in a predetermined scanning direction.

11. An electronic device, comprising: An electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and a first insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode; A display medium in which a display surface for displaying an image is covered by the electrode substrate; A first driving circuit is connected to the electrode substrate and drives the electrode substrate as an ozone source by applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. A second driving circuit is connected to the electrode substrate and drives the electrode substrate as a touch sensor by applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. as well as The selection circuit switches between the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, in, The peak value of the electric field strength on the electrode substrate is greater than or equal to the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, in, The second driving circuit applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to a degree that ozone is not generated on the electrode substrate.

14. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising: A third driving circuit drives the electrode substrate, enabling tactile feedback on the contact surface of the electrode substrate. The selection circuit can select between the first driving circuit, the second driving circuit, and the third driving circuit.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, in, Multiple first electrode groups are arranged to extend parallel to each other in a second direction. In each first electrode group, multiple first electrodes with a rectangular shape are arranged in a first direction and connected by a first connecting unit. In this configuration, multiple second electrode groups are arranged parallel to each other in the first direction, and in each second electrode group, multiple second electrodes of a specific shape connected by a second connecting unit are arranged in the second direction. In the first electrode group and the second electrode group, the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are stacked on top of each other with the first insulating film disposed between the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, and The third driving circuit applies a voltage signal of the first frequency to a specific first electrode group in the first electrode group corresponding to the target area input from an external source, applies a voltage signal of the second frequency to a specific second electrode group in the second electrode group corresponding to the target area, and generates an electrical beat vibration in the target area according to the absolute value of the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, further comprising: Multiple floating electrodes are disposed on the first insulating film and electrically isolated from each other; as well as A second insulating film covers the plurality of floating electrodes.

17. An electronic device comprising: An electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a transparent second electrode disposed on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and an insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode. A first driving circuit is connected to the electrode substrate and drives the electrode substrate as an ozone source by applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. A second driving circuit is connected to the electrode substrate and drives the electrode substrate as a touch sensor by applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. as well as The selection circuit switches between the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, further comprising: A control circuit, connected to the object to be controlled, executes the selection control of the selection circuit and the control of the object to be controlled. If a detection signal indicating that contact with a living organism has been detected is output from the electrode substrate, which serves as the touch sensor, driven by the second driving circuit, the control circuit controls the object to be controlled.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, in, The control circuit controls the selection circuit to switch to the first driving circuit when the electrode substrate, as the touch sensor, is in a non-use period, and to switch to the second driving circuit when the non-use period has passed.

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