Conductive Sheet, Touch Sensor, and Method for Manufacturing Touch Sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides a conductive sheet and a touch sensor, and aims to suppress glare and improve visual recognition when a mesh shape is set to an irregular pattern. The conductive sheet (10) includes a transparent substrate (11) and a plurality of metal fine lines (12) formed in a mesh shape on one surface of the transparent substrate (11). The plurality of metal fine lines (12) include hexagons and six connecting lines formed in a virtual pattern (Xa) and an inverted virtual pattern (Xb). A virtual pattern (Xa) having hexagons and six connecting lines formed by the plurality of metal fine lines (12) and an inverted virtual pattern (Xb) obtained by horizontally inverting (Xa) are laid in such a manner that intersections of respective sides of adjacent virtual patterns (Xa) or inverted virtual patterns (Xb) overlap and opening regions (R) formed by the plurality of metal fine lines (12) are arranged non-periodically.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive sheet, a touch sensor, and a method for manufacturing a touch sensor, and particularly to a conductive sheet including a grid-shaped fine metal wire, a touch sensor, and a method for manufacturing a touch sensor. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an electrode for a touch sensor, an electrode having a grid-shaped fine metal wire pattern formed on a transparent substrate is used. As the shape of the grid, a lattice shape of a polygon such as a square, a rhombus, or a hexagon is generally used. However, such a lattice shape sometimes interferes with the periodic pattern of a black matrix of a display device disposed under the touch sensor to generate moire (striped pattern).

[0003] Therefore, in the conductive grid described in Patent Document 1, the grid pattern is made irregular to make it difficult to generate moire due to interference with the black matrix of the display device.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-203664

[0007] In the case where the shape of the grid is set to an irregular pattern in order to suppress moire, if the interior angle formed by the intersection of the fine metal wires becomes narrow, the width of the fine metal wire sometimes becomes thick near the intersection and is visually recognized as glare. Further, in the case of setting to an irregular pattern, if a portion where the fine metal wires are dense and a portion where the fine metal wires are sparse are formed in the same plane, it is sometimes visually recognized as glare. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a conductive sheet, a touch sensor, and a method for manufacturing a touch sensor that suppress glare and improve visual recognition when the shape of a grid is set to an irregular pattern.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the first invention includes: a transparent substrate; and a plurality of fine metal lines formed in a grid pattern on one surface of the transparent substrate. The plurality of fine metal lines include: a virtual pattern composed of regular hexagons virtually laid on the transparent substrate and an n-sided polygon (n ≧ 5) formed in the inverted virtual pattern; and six connecting lines connecting the n-sided polygon to the first to sixth intersection points arranged on the sides of the virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern. The virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in counterclockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on the sides of the virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in counterclockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, the second vertex to the second intersection point, the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The inverted virtual pattern obtained by horizontally inverting the virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in clockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on the sides of the inverted virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in clockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, the second vertex to the second intersection point, the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern are laid in such a manner that the intersection points of adjacent virtual patterns or inverted virtual patterns overlap and the open areas formed by the plurality of fine metal lines are arranged non-periodically. When the length of one side of the virtual pattern is set as A, the length of one side of the n-sided polygon is set as B, and the interior angle of the n-sided polygon is set as θ, it has

[0010] 150 μm ≦ A ≦ 3000 μm

[0011] A / 4 ≦ B ≦ 3A / 4

[0012] the relationship of 90° ≦ θ. (i) When the n-sided polygon is n = 5, five of the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex, and one of the connecting lines connects the side of the n-sided polygon and the intersection point. When the length of the connecting line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4 ≦ C ≦ A / 2, or (ii) when the n-sided polygon is n ≧ 6, the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex.

[0013] In the second invention, in the conductive sheet of the first invention, when the n-sided polygon is n ≧ 6 and the length of the connecting line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4 ≦ C ≦ A / 2.

[0014] If configured in this way, the inner angles formed due to the intersection of the fine metal lines become larger, so that the width thickening of the fine metal lines near the intersections can be suppressed. In addition, since the fine metal lines are formed by arranging the virtual patterns of the n-sided polygons and the lines without deviation, the fine metal lines are arranged without deviation. Thereby, glare can be suppressed and visual recognition can be improved.

[0015] The third invention is that in the conductive sheet of the first or second invention, a first blackening layer, a metal layer, and a second blackening layer are sequentially stacked from the transparent substrate side on the plurality of fine metal lines.

[0016] The fourth invention is that in the conductive sheet of the third invention, a blackening layer is formed on the side surfaces of the plurality of fine metal lines.

[0017] If configured in this way, since a blackening layer is formed on the surface of the fine metal lines, the reflectance can be reduced on the surface of the fine metal lines.

[0018] The fifth invention is a touch sensor, which includes: the conductive sheet of the first invention, wherein a plurality of fine metal lines form a plurality of electrodes and have connection parts respectively formed at the ends of the plurality of electrodes; a terminal part connected to an external wiring; and a detour wiring (winding wiring) connecting the connection part and the terminal part.

[0019] If configured in this way, the glare of the fine metal lines can be suppressed, so that a touch sensor with improved visual recognition can be obtained.

[0020] The sixth invention is that in the touch sensor of the fifth invention, a plurality of electrodes are formed in an operation area, the detour wiring is formed in a peripheral area outside the operation area, and a dummy part is further provided in an area in the operation area where the plurality of electrodes are not formed, and the dummy part is not electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes.

[0021] The seventh invention is that in the touch sensor of the sixth invention, the plurality of electrodes are in strip shapes, and the plurality of electrodes and the dummy part are alternately arranged.

[0022] If configured in this way, electrodes and a dummy part are formed in the operation area, so that the phenomenon of the skeleton of the pattern shape of the electrodes being visible to the operator can be suppressed, and a touch sensor with improved visual recognition can be obtained.

[0023] The eighth invention is that in the touch sensor of the seventh invention, the dummy part is composed of a plurality of fine metal lines.

[0024] If configured in this way, the electrode part and the dummy part are composed of the same fine metal lines and form the same pattern, so that the visual recognition can be further improved.

[0025] The ninth invention is a method for manufacturing a touch sensor, which includes: a process of sequentially forming a first blackening film layer, a metal film layer, and a second blackening film layer on one surface of a transparent substrate; a process of simultaneously forming a plurality of electrodes composed of a plurality of metal fine lines, connection portions respectively formed at ends of the plurality of electrodes, terminal portions connected to external wirings, and detour wirings connecting the connection portions and the terminal portions by etching the first blackening film layer, the metal film layer, and the second blackening film layer,

[0026] wherein the plurality of metal fine lines are formed in the following manner:

[0027] including: a virtual pattern composed of regular hexagons virtually laid on the transparent substrate and an n-sided polygon (n≧5) formed in the inverted virtual pattern; and six connection lines connecting the n-sided polygon to the first to sixth intersection points arranged on each side of the virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern. The virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in a counterclockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on each side of the virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in a counterclockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The inverted virtual pattern obtained by horizontally inverting the virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in a clockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on each side of the inverted virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in a clockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern are laid in such a manner that the intersection points of adjacent virtual patterns or inverted virtual patterns overlap and the opening regions formed by the plurality of metal fine lines are arranged non-periodically. When the length of one side of the virtual pattern is set as A, the length of one side of the n-sided polygon is set as B, and the interior angle of the n-sided polygon is set as θ, it has

[0028] 150μm≦A≦3000μm

[0029] A / 4≦B≦3A / 4

[0030] the relationship of 90°≦θ. (i) When the n-sided polygon is n = 5, five of the connection lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex, and one of the connection lines connects the side of the n-sided polygon and the intersection point. When the length of the connection line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4≦C≦A / 2, or (ii) when the n-sided polygon is n≧6, the connection lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex.

[0031] If configured in this way, since multiple electrodes, connection portions, terminal portions, and detour wirings are formed simultaneously, the number of processes can be reduced and the time taken for manufacturing can be shortened.

[0032] Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, there can be provided an electroconductive sheet, a touch sensor, and a method for manufacturing a touch sensor that suppress glare and improve visual recognition when a grid shape is set to an irregular pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is a view of the electroconductive sheet 10 based on the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view, (b) is a schematic plan view, and (c) is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the fine metal wire 12.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a view based on the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a partial enlarged plan view of the virtual pattern Xa and (b) is a partial enlarged plan view of the inverted virtual pattern Xb.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a partial enlarged plan view illustrating a laying method of the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a view of the touch sensor based on the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic plan view and (b) is a partial enlarged plan view of the region K in (a).

[0038] REFERENCE SIGNS

[0039] 10 Electroconductive sheet

[0040] 11 Transparent substrate

[0041] 12 Fine metal wire

[0042] 13 First blackening layer

[0043] 14 Metal layer

[0044] 15 Second blackening layer

[0045] 20A, 20B Electrodes

[0046] 21A, 21B Dummy portions

[0047] 22A, 22B Disconnection portions

[0048] 30A, 30B Connection portions

[0049] 40A, 40B Terminal portions

[0050] 50A, 50B detour wiring

[0051] 100 Touch Sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0053] <First embodiment>

[0054] Reference Figure 1 (a) A conductive sheet 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent substrate 11 and a plurality of metal thin wires 12 formed in a grid pattern on one surface of the transparent substrate 11. Figure 1 (b) A plurality of metal thin wires 12 include a hexagon and six connecting lines formed in a virtual pattern Xa and an inverted virtual pattern Xb. The virtual pattern Xa having a hexagon and six connecting lines formed by a plurality of metal thin wires 12, and the inverted virtual pattern Xb formed by inverting Xa left and right, are laid out in a manner that each intersection of each side of the adjacent virtual pattern Xa or inverted virtual pattern Xb overlaps, and the opening areas R formed by the plurality of metal thin wires 12 are arranged non-periodically. Details of the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb will be described later. Refer to Figure 1 (c) The metal thin wires 12 are formed by stacking the first black layer 13, the metal layer 14, and the second black layer 15 from the transparent substrate 11 side. The first black layer 13 and the second black layer 15 are layers for reducing the reflectivity of the metal thin wires 12 and improving visibility.

[0055] The material of the transparent substrate 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible material, and for example, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, EVA, cycloolefin polymer (COP) or cycloolefin copolymer (COC), vinyl resin, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, polyimide (PI), acrylic resin (PMMA), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, etc. can be used. The thickness of the transparent substrate 11 is 5 to 500 μm, preferably 20 to 100 μm.

[0056] The transparent substrate 11 may be a single-layer film or a film in which a plurality of layers are laminated. The transparent substrate 11 may include a retardation film in its configuration.

[0057] There is no particular limitation on the material of the metal layer 14. For example, gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, chromium, aluminum, molybdenum, titanium, etc. or their alloys can be used. As the materials of the first blackening layer 13 and the second blackening layer 15, metal oxides or metal nitrides such as copper, nickel, chromium, aluminum, molybdenum, and titanium can be used.

[0058] The line width of the metal fine line 12 is, for example, 1 to 10 μm, preferably 1 to 5 μm. The film thickness of the metal fine line 12 is, for example, 120 nm to 1.2 μm. The film thickness of the first blackening layer and the second blackening layer is, for example, 10 to 100 nm, and the film thickness of the metal layer 14 is, for example, 100 nm to 1 μm. The opening ratio of the metal fine line 12 is, for example, 95% or more, preferably 98% or more.

[0059] Hereinafter, the details of the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb will be described.

[0060] Refer to Figure 2 (a), the virtual pattern Xa is a regular hexagon pattern virtually drawn on the transparent substrate 11. The respective vertices of the virtual pattern Xa are set as the first vertex P1a to the sixth vertex P6a in a counterclockwise rotation. The intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex P1a and the second vertex P2a is set as the first intersection point Q1a, and the respective intersection points arranged on the respective sides of the virtual pattern Xa are set as the second intersection point Q2a to the sixth intersection point Q6a. The first intersection point Q1a to the sixth intersection point Q6a are arranged on the respective sides of the virtual pattern Xa such that the distances between P1a - Q1a, P1a - Q6a, P2a - Q2a, P4a - Q3a, P4a - Q4a, and P6a - Q5a are respectively equal. Below each vertex from the first vertex P1a to the sixth vertex P6a, virtual arrows d1a to d6a are respectively drawn. The directions indicated by the respective virtual arrows d1a to d6a are as follows: when the line connecting P1a and P4a is taken as the axis and P1a is set as the upper side and P4a is set as the lower side, d1a points to the right direction, d2a points to the upper right direction, d3a points to the lower right direction, d4a points to the right direction, d5a points to the lower left direction, and d6a points to the upper left direction. Additionally, when the virtual pattern Xa is rotated clockwise by 60°, at Figure 2 (a), the position of P2a is arranged at P1a. In the rotated Xa by 60°, when the line connecting P2a and P5a is taken as the axis and P2a is set as the upper side and P5a is set as the lower side, d2a points to the right direction, d3a points to the lower left direction, d4a points to the lower right direction, d5a points to the left direction, d6a points to the upper right direction, and d1a points to the lower right direction.

[0061] In the virtual pattern Xa, a hexagon Sa and connection lines L1a to L6a are formed by thin metal wires 12. Each vertex of the hexagon Sa and the first intersection point Q1a to the sixth intersection point Q6a are connected by the connection lines L1a to L6a respectively. The hexagon Sa is disposed near the center of the virtual pattern Xa, and from each vertex of the hexagon Sa to the intersection points on the respective sides of the virtual pattern Xa, the connection lines L1a to L6a extend radially. The connection lines L1a to L6a connect the vertices of the hexagon Sa and any one of the intersection points Q1a to Q6a with the shortest distance from its vertex.

[0062] Refer to Figure 2 (b), the inverted virtual pattern Xb is a pattern obtained by inverting the virtual pattern Xa left and right. The respective vertices of the inverted virtual pattern Xb are set as the first vertex P1b to the sixth vertex P6b in a clockwise rotation. The intersection point disposed on the side connecting the first vertex P1b and the second vertex P2b is set as the first intersection point Q1b, and the respective intersection points on the respective sides of the inverted virtual pattern Xb are set as the second intersection point Q2b to the sixth intersection point Q6b. The first intersection point Q1b to the sixth intersection point Q6b are arranged on the respective sides of the inverted virtual pattern Xb such that the distances between P1b - Q1b, P1b - Q6b, P2b - Q2b, P4b - Q3b, P4b - Q4b, and P6b - Q5b are equal respectively. Virtual arrows d1b to d6b are depicted respectively below the respective vertices from the first vertex P1b to the sixth vertex P6b. The directions indicated by the respective virtual arrows d1b to d6b are as follows: when the line connecting P1b and P4b is taken as the axis, with P1b being above and P4b being below, d1b points to the left direction, d2b points to the upper left direction, d3b points to the lower left direction, d4b points to the left direction, d5b points to the lower right direction, and d6b points to the upper right direction.

[0063] The virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb are laid in such a way that a plurality of opening regions formed by the thin metal wires 12 are arranged non - periodically. In other words, the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb are laid in such a way that the opening regions of the same shape are not arranged periodically.

[0064] A method of laying a virtual pattern in such a way that a large number of opening regions are arranged non - periodically will be described.

[0065] The virtual pattern is laid by combining the patterns obtained by rotating 60° clockwise each time. That is, the virtual patterns used are Xa, Xa rotated by 60°, Xa rotated by 120°, Xa rotated by 180°, Xa rotated by 240°, Xa rotated by 300°, Xb, Xb rotated by 60°, Xb rotated by 120°, Xb rotated by 180°, Xb rotated by 240°, and Xb rotated by 300°, a total of twelve kinds.

[0066] The above twelve virtual patterns and inverted virtual patterns are laid on the transparent substrate 11 without gaps according to two rules.

[0067] First, they are laid in such a way that any one of the intersections of the virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern overlaps with any one of the intersections of the adjacent virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern. In this way, the connecting lines of the virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern are surely connected to the connecting lines of the adjacent virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern. Therefore, a large number of opening regions R formed by a plurality of fine metal wires are arranged. The opening region R is a polygon formed in the virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern, or a region surrounded by the connecting line and the side of the polygon.

[0068] Second, for two virtual patterns or inverted virtual patterns facing each other across one side of the virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern, the virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern are laid in the same direction as the direction of the virtual arrow depicted under their facing vertices. In this way, it is possible to arrange the large number of opening regions formed by the fine metal wires 12 in a non-periodic manner.

[0069] Refer to Figure 3 , and an example of the method of laying the virtual pattern will be described.

[0070] The virtual pattern X1 is Figure 2 (a)'s virtual pattern Xa, the virtual pattern X2 is the pattern obtained by rotating the inverted virtual pattern Xb in Figure 2 (b) clockwise by 240°, and the virtual pattern X3 is the pattern obtained by rotating Xa clockwise by 240°. X1 and X2 are adjacent in such a way that the side P3a - P4a of X1 overlaps with the side P3b - P4b of X2. In other words, X1 and X2 share the side P3a - P4a of X1 (or the side P3b - P4b of X2). X2 and X3 are adjacent in such a way that the side P5b - P6b of X2 overlaps with the side P5a - P6a of X3. In other words, X2 and X3 share the side P5b - P6b of X2 (or the side P5a - P6a of X3). X1 and X3 face each other across the side P4b - P5b of X2. X1 and X3 are arranged such that the vertex P4a of X1 faces the vertex P5a of X3.

[0071] First, since X1 is adjacent to X2 in such a way that the side P3a - P4a of X1 overlaps with the side P3b - P4b of X2, the intersection point Q3a of X1 overlaps with the intersection point Q3b of X2. Therefore, the connecting line L3a of X1 is connected to the connecting line L3b of X2. Additionally, since X2 and X3 are adjacent in such a way that the side P5b - P6b of X2 overlaps with the side P5a - P6a of X3, the intersection point Q5b of X2 overlaps with the intersection point Q5a of X3. Therefore, the connecting line L5b of X2 is connected to the connecting line L5a of X3. By connecting the connecting lines in this way, a large number of opening regions formed by fine metal lines can be formed, and the fine metal lines 12 are formed in a grid pattern.

[0072] Second, X1 and X3 face each other across the side P4b - P5b of X2, and are arranged in such a way that the fourth vertex P4a of X1 faces the fifth vertex P5a of X2. If the direction where P1a is located is set as up and the direction where P4a is located is set as down with the line connecting P1a and P4a of X1 as the axis, the virtual arrow d4a of the fourth vertex P4a of X1 and the arrow d5a of the fifth vertex P5a of X3 are both arrows pointing to the right direction. In this way, the large number of opening regions formed by the fine metal lines are arranged non - periodically.

[0073] The length A of one side of the virtual pattern Xa is 150 μm to 3000 μm, preferably 500 μm to 2000 μm. If it is 150 μm or more, it is possible to prevent the fine metal lines 12 from being densely formed on the transparent substrate. If it is 3000 μm or less, it is possible to prevent the number of the fine metal lines 12 from decreasing and the resistance value from increasing.

[0074] The length B of one side of the hexagon Sa is preferably A / 4 μm to 3A / 4 μm. By setting B within such a range, it is possible to prevent the hexagon Sa and the figure formed by the connecting line and the side of the hexagon from having extremely different areas, and it is possible not to form regions where the fine metal lines are sparse and regions where they are dense. Preferably, each interior angle θa of the hexagon Sa is 90° or more. If θa is 90° or more, even near the intersection points of the fine metal lines, it is possible to control the width of the fine metal lines to be equal, and it is possible to prevent the width of the fine metal lines from becoming thick near the vertices of the hexagon Sa and causing glare.

[0075] The length C of the connecting lines L1a to L6a is preferably A / 4 μm to A / 2 μm. By setting C within such a range, it is possible to prevent the hexagon Sa and the figure formed by the connecting line and the side of the hexagon Sa from having extremely different areas, and it is possible not to form regions where the fine metal lines are sparse and regions where they are dense.

[0076] The conductive sheet 10 can be manufactured by the following methods: a method of forming a metal film including a blackened layer by sputtering or metal foil transfer on a transparent substrate 11 and patterning by etching; or a method of pattern printing a conductive ink on the transparent substrate 11.

[0077] According to the above, in the conductive sheet 10 based on the first embodiment, a hexagon Sa and connection lines L1a to L6a are formed by metal thin lines 12 in the virtual pattern Xa, and the vertices of the hexagon Sa and the first intersection Q1a to the sixth intersection Q6a are connected by the connection lines L1a to L6a. The virtual pattern Xa or the inverted virtual pattern Xb can be laid on the transparent substrate 11 while rotating in such a manner that the intersections of adjacent virtual patterns Xa or inverted virtual patterns Xb overlap and the opening regions R formed by multiple metal thin lines 12 are arranged non-periodically. Thus, multiple non-periodically arranged opening regions R can be formed by multiple metal thin lines 12, and the multiple metal thin lines 12 are formed into an irregular grid shape on the transparent substrate 11.

[0078] Furthermore, by setting the length A of one side of the virtual pattern Xa to 150 μm to 3000 μm, it is possible to prevent the metal thin lines 12 from being dense and the number of metal thin lines 12 from decreasing, resulting in an increase in the resistance value. By setting the length B of one side of the hexagon Sa to A / 4 ≤ B ≤ 3A / 4, the connection lines L1a to L6a connect the vertices of the hexagon Sa and the intersections with the shortest distance from the vertex. Thus, the hexagons Sa are respectively arranged near the center of the virtual pattern Xa in such a manner that the connection lines L1a to L6a extend radially from the vertices of the hexagon Sa to the sides of the virtual pattern Xa. If configured in this way, when the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb are laid on the transparent substrate 11, the metal thin lines 12 are arranged on the transparent substrate 11 without deviation, and the deviation of the area of the opening region R becomes smaller. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the formation of sparse and dense portions of the metal thin lines 12 and prevent the reduction of visual recognition due to glare. By setting each interior angle θa of the hexagon Sa to 90° or more, it is possible to prevent the width of the metal thin lines from becoming thick near the vertices of the hexagon Sa, causing glare.

[0079] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0080] <Second Embodiment>

[0081] Refer to Figure 4(a), The touch sensor 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes: a transparent substrate 11; a plurality of electrodes 20A formed on one surface of the transparent substrate 11; connection portions 30A respectively formed at the ends of the plurality of electrodes 20A; a terminal portion 40A connected to external wiring; and a detour wiring 50A connecting the connection portion 30A and the terminal portion 40A. Further, the touch sensor 100 includes: a plurality of electrodes 20B formed on the other surface of the transparent substrate 11; connection portions 30B respectively formed at the ends of the plurality of electrodes 20B; a terminal portion 40B connected to external wiring; and a detour wiring 50B connecting the connection portion 30B and the terminal portion 40B.

[0082] The transparent substrate 11 is divided into an operation area V1 and a peripheral area V2. The operation area V1 is an area where a user performs an input operation in the touch sensor 100, and the peripheral area V2 is an area covered by a frame-shaped decorative layer or the like of a cover substrate after assembly. A plurality of electrodes 20A and dummy portions 21A are formed in the operation area V1 on one surface of the transparent substrate, and the connection portion 30A, the terminal portion 40A, and the detour wiring 50A are formed in the peripheral area V2.

[0083] A plurality of electrodes 20A are formed in the operation area V1. The plurality of electrodes 20A are strip-shaped and are arranged on the surface of the transparent substrate 11 so as to extend in the y-axis direction and be arranged in four rows in the x-axis direction. The plurality of electrodes 20A are composed of a plurality of metal fine wires described in the first embodiment. These plurality of electrodes 20A constitute the electrodes of the touch sensor.

[0084] The size of the plurality of electrodes 20A is determined according to the size and resolution of the operation area V1, and thus is not particularly limited. Preferably, when the length of one side of the above virtual pattern Xa is set to A and the width of the electrode 20A is set to W, the relationship 3A≦W is satisfied.

[0085] The dummy portion 21A is formed in an area of the operation area V1 where the plurality of electrodes 20A are not formed. The electrodes 20A and the dummy portion 21A are alternately arranged. The dummy portion 21A is composed of a plurality of metal fine wires described in the first embodiment. Refer to Figure 4 (b), If the area K including the boundary between the electrode 20A and the dummy portion 21A in Figure 4 (a) is enlarged, the electrode 20A and the dummy portion 21A are disconnected in such a way that they are not electrically connected through a disconnection portion 22A. The disconnection portion 22A is formed in a strip shape that divides the operation area V1 to form the electrode 20A, and the electrode 20A and the dummy portion are separated by the disconnection portion 22A. No metal fine wire 12 is formed in the disconnection portion 22A. The width of the disconnection portion 22A is preferably 1 to 10 μm. If the width of the disconnection portion 22A is set within this range, it is possible to prevent the boundary line between the electrode and the dummy portion from being visible due to the presence or absence of the metal fine wire.

[0086] The connecting portion 30A is used to connect the electrode 20A and the detour wiring 50A. Through the connecting portion 30A, the fine metal wires 12 constituting the electrode 20A can be collectively connected to the detour wiring 50A. The connecting portion 30A is rectangular in shape and is formed at one end in the long side direction of the strip-shaped electrode 20A. The connecting portion 30A is formed in the peripheral region V2 so as to overlap a part of the multiple fine metal wires 12 constituting the multiple electrodes 20A. The electrode 20A extends to the boundary line of the operation region V1, and one side of the rectangle of the connecting portion 30A overlaps the boundary line between the operation region V1 and the peripheral region V2. The width of the connecting portion 30A is equal to the width of the electrode 20A. The connecting portion 30A, like the fine metal wire 12, is composed of a laminated film in which a first blackening layer, a metal layer, and a second blackening layer are laminated in sequence from the side of the transparent substrate 11.

[0087] The terminal portion 40A is used to connect an external wiring such as a flexible wiring board to the touch sensor 100 and is formed near the outer edge on the transparent substrate 11. The detour wiring 50A is used to connect the electrode 20A and the terminal portion 40A and is connected to the terminal portion 40A in a manner that bends in the middle and converges near the center. The terminal portion 40A and the detour wiring 50A, like the fine metal wire 12, have a first blackening layer, a metal layer, and a second blackening layer laminated in sequence from the side of the transparent substrate 11.

[0088] A plurality of electrodes 20B and dummy portions 21B are formed in the operation region V1 on the other surface of the transparent substrate, and a connecting portion 30B, a terminal portion 40B, and a detour wiring 50B are respectively formed in the peripheral region V2. The plurality of electrodes 20B are arranged on the back surface of the transparent substrate 11 so as to extend in the x-axis direction and are arranged in five rows in the y-axis direction. The connecting portion 30B is formed at one end in the long side direction of the strip-shaped plurality of electrodes 20B.

[0089] The terminal portions 40A and 40B formed on the front and back surfaces of the transparent substrate 11 are connected to a flexible printed circuit board (not shown). The flexible printed circuit board is connected to a control unit that realizes capacitive touch detection. When a conductor such as a user's finger or a stylus approaches or leaves, the control unit can detect the user's touch operation and touch position by detecting the current flowing corresponding to the change in capacitance generated in the plurality of electrodes 20A and 20B.

[0090] A manufacturing method of the touch sensor 100 will be described.

[0091] First, a first blackening film layer, a metal film layer, and a second blackening film layer are sequentially formed on both sides of the transparent substrate 11 by sputtering or metal foil transfer. Further, a resist layer is formed on the second blackening film layer, and exposure and development are performed using a pattern mask, thereby patterning the resist layer. After that, the patterned resist layer is used as an etching mask to etch the first blackening film layer, the metal film layer, and the second blackening film layer, thereby simultaneously forming electrodes, dummy portions, disconnection portions, connection portions, terminal portions, and detour wirings each composed of a plurality of metal fine lines on both sides of the transparent substrate 11.

[0092] According to the above, in the touch sensor 100 according to the second embodiment, since the plurality of electrodes 20A and 20B are composed of the plurality of metal fine lines according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress glare caused by the difference between the sparse portion and the dense portion of the metal fine lines and glare caused by the thickening of the width of the metal fine lines near the intersection points where the metal fine lines intersect.

[0093] In addition, since a dummy portion is formed in a portion where no plurality of electrodes are formed within the operation area V1, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the skeleton of the electrode pattern shape is visible to the operator due to the presence or absence of the electrodes, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in visual recognition. The dummy portion is composed of the plurality of metal fine lines according to the first embodiment in the same manner as the plurality of electrodes, so glare is suppressed in both the dummy portion and the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visual recognition of the operation area V1 of the touch sensor 100. Further, in the manufacturing method of the touch sensor 100 according to the second embodiment, since a plurality of electrodes, dummy portions, connection portions, terminal portions, and detour wirings can be formed simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing process from becoming complicated.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a hexagon Sa is formed in the virtual pattern Xa, but Sa may be an n-sided polygon (n ≥ 5). When n = 5, that is, when Sa is a pentagon, five of the connecting lines L1a to L6a connect the vertices of the pentagon Sa to the intersection points on the virtual pattern Xa, and the remaining one connects the side of the pentagon Sa to the remaining intersection point on the virtual pattern Xa. The length C of the connecting lines L1a to L6a only needs to satisfy A / 4 ≤ C ≤ A / 2. When n ≥ 7, that is, when Sa is a polygon with seven or more sides, the connecting lines L1a to L6a only need to connect the vertices of the polygon Sa and the intersection points on the virtual pattern Xa that are the shortest distance from the vertices. Further, the length C of the connecting lines L1a to L6a can be set to A / 4 ≤ C ≤ A / 2.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, patterns obtained by rotating the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb clockwise are used for laying, but the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb may also be used by rotating counterclockwise.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the opening region is formed only by the polygons and connecting lines formed in the virtual pattern Xa and the inverted virtual pattern Xb, and the metal fine wires 12 are formed in a grid pattern. However, the metal fine wires 12 can be further added. In this case, the metal fine wires 12 are arranged in a non-periodic manner.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the metal fine wires 12 are laminated in the order of the first blackening layer, the metal layer, and the second blackening layer. However, the lamination structure of the metal fine wires is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which only the metal layer is formed, a structure in which the metal layer and the blackening layer are laminated in order from the transparent substrate side, or a structure in which the blackening layer is formed so as to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the metal layer formed on the transparent substrate can be adopted. Furthermore, a configuration in which the entire periphery of the metal layer is covered with the blackening layer can also be used. If configured in this way, glare during the assembly of the touch sensor can be further suppressed.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of metal fine wires are formed on one side of the transparent substrate of the conductive sheet. However, the metal fine wires can also be formed on both sides of the transparent substrate. In this case, if the blackening layer is formed at least on the upper surface and the lower surface of the metal layer, the visual recognition can be further improved.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 20A and 20B are in a strip shape. However, the shape of the electrodes is not limited to this. As other shapes of the electrodes, for example, a shape in which diamond shapes are connected or a comb shape can be adopted. In addition, the number of electrodes, the position of the detour wiring, and the position of the terminal portion are not particularly limited.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the dummy portion is composed of the metal fine wires according to the first embodiment. However, the metal fine wire pattern of the dummy portion is not limited to this. The dummy portion only needs to be formed by a metal fine wire pattern capable of suppressing the generation of glare.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the electrodes are formed on both sides of the transparent substrate 11 of the touch sensor 100. However, the structure of the touch sensor is not limited to this. Two transparent substrates each having an electrode formed on one surface can be bonded with the other surfaces of the transparent substrates facing each other, or the other surface of the transparent substrate can be overlapped on the electrode with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, a connection portion is formed at one end of the electrode. However, connection portions can also be formed at both ends in the length direction of the electrode. For example, when the connection portion 30B is formed at the left end of the electrode 20B, the connection portion 30B can be further formed at the right end of the electrode 20B. In this case, the terminal portion 40B is also formed on the right side of the terminal portion 40A, and each detour wiring 50B is connected to the terminal portion 40B. The position of the terminal portion and the configuration of the detour wiring are not particularly limited.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of electrodes, dummy portions, connection portions, terminal portions, and detour wirings are formed simultaneously, but the manufacturing method of the touch sensor 100 is not limited thereto. For example, after forming the metal fine wires based on the first embodiment in the operation region V1, the metal fine wires may be cut by laser to form cut portions, and a plurality of electrodes and dummy portions may be formed. Alternatively, after forming a plurality of electrodes and dummy portions in the operation region V1, the connection portions, terminal portions, and detour wirings may be formed in the peripheral region V2. Further, instead of forming on both surfaces of the transparent substrate 11 simultaneously, it may be formed on one surface each time.

Claims

1. A conductive sheet, characterized in that, Comprising: A transparent substrate; and A plurality of fine metal wires, which are formed in a grid shape on one surface of the transparent substrate, The plurality of fine metal wires include: a virtual pattern composed of regular hexagons virtually laid on the transparent substrate and an n-sided polygon (n≥5) formed by inverting the virtual pattern; and six connecting lines connecting the n-sided polygon to the first to sixth intersection points arranged on the sides of the virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern, The virtual pattern is configured such that its respective vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices by rotating counterclockwise, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the respective intersection points arranged on the respective sides of the virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points by rotating counterclockwise. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal, The inverted virtual pattern obtained by horizontally inverting the virtual pattern is configured such that its respective vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices by rotating clockwise, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the respective intersection points arranged on the respective sides of the inverted virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points by rotating clockwise. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal, The virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern are laid in such a manner that the respective intersection points of the adjacent virtual pattern or the inverted virtual pattern overlap, and the opening regions formed by the plurality of fine metal wires are arranged non-periodically, When the length of one side of the virtual pattern is set as A, the length of one side of the n-sided polygon is set as B, and the interior angle of the n-sided polygon is set as θ, it has 150μm≤A≤3000μm A / 4≤B≤3A / 4 90°≤θ relationship, (i) When the n-sided polygon is n = 5, five of the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex, and one of the connecting lines connects the side of the n-sided polygon and the intersection point. When the length of the connecting line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4≤C≤A / 2, or (ii) When the n-sided polygon is n≥6, the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex.

2. The conductive sheet according to claim 1, wherein When the n-sided polygon is n≥6 and the length of the connecting line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4≤C≤A / 2.

3. The conductive sheet according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of fine metal wires are sequentially laminated with a first blackening layer, a metal layer, and a second blackening layer from the transparent substrate side.

4. The conductive sheet according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of fine metal wires are formed with a blackening layer on the side surface.

5. A touch sensor, characterized in that, Comprising: The conductive sheet according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of metal fine lines form a plurality of electrodes, and connection portions are respectively formed at ends of the plurality of electrodes; A terminal portion, wherein the terminal portion is connected to an external wiring; and A detour wiring, wherein the detour wiring connects the connection portion and the terminal portion.

6. The touch sensor according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of electrodes are formed in an operation area, the detour wiring is formed in a peripheral area outside the operation area, a dummy portion is further provided in an area in the operation area where the plurality of electrodes are not formed, and the dummy portion is not electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of electrodes are in a strip shape, the plurality of electrodes and the dummy portion are alternately arranged.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein the dummy portion is formed of the plurality of metal fine lines.

9. A manufacturing method of a touch sensor, characterized in that, Comprising: A step of sequentially forming a first blackening film layer, a metal film layer, and a second blackening film layer on one surface of a transparent substrate; A step of simultaneously forming a plurality of electrodes formed of a plurality of metal fine lines, connection portions respectively formed at ends of the plurality of electrodes, a terminal portion connected to an external wiring, and a detour wiring connecting the connection portion and the terminal portion by etching the first blackening film layer, the metal film layer, and the second blackening film layer, wherein the plurality of metal fine lines are formed in the following manner: Comprising: a virtual pattern formed by regular hexagons virtually laid on the transparent substrate and an n-sided polygon (n≧5) formed by inverting the virtual pattern; and six connecting lines connecting the n-sided polygon to the first to sixth intersection points arranged on the sides of the virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern. The virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in counterclockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on the sides of the virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in counterclockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The inverted virtual pattern obtained by horizontally inverting the virtual pattern is configured such that its vertices are set as the first to sixth vertices in clockwise rotation, the intersection point arranged on the side connecting the first vertex and the second vertex is set as the first intersection point, and the intersection points arranged on the sides of the inverted virtual pattern are set as the second to sixth intersection points in clockwise rotation. The distances from the first vertex to the first intersection point, from the first vertex to the sixth intersection point, from the second vertex to the second intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the third intersection point, from the fourth vertex to the fourth intersection point, and from the sixth vertex to the fifth intersection point are respectively equal. The virtual pattern and the inverted virtual pattern are laid in such a manner that the intersection points of adjacent virtual patterns or the inverted virtual patterns overlap and the opening regions formed by the plurality of metal thin lines are arranged non-periodically. When the length of one side of the virtual pattern is set as A, the length of one side of the n-sided polygon is set as B, and the interior angle of the n-sided polygon is set as θ, it has 150μm≦A≦3000μm A / 4≦B≦3A / 4 the relationship of 90°≦θ. (i) When the n-sided polygon is n = 5, five of the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex, and one of the connecting lines connects the side of the n-sided polygon and the intersection point. When the length of the connecting line is set as C, it has the relationship of A / 4≦C≦A / 2, or (ii) when the n-sided polygon is n≧6, the connecting lines connect the vertices of the n-sided polygon and the intersection points with the shortest distance from the vertex.

Images