Electrode pattern and touch sensor using same

Abstract

The electrode pattern (14) is formed such that the plurality of cells (13) are adjacent to each other. Each unit (13) is composed of conductive thin wires (20), and the thin wires (20) are formed in a ring shape. Adjacent cells (13, 13) are configured so that the fine lines (20) are in contact with each other at one intersection point, and portions of the fine lines (20) corresponding to the one intersection point are curved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode pattern and a touch sensor using the same. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a touch sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a capacitive touch sensor.

[0003] Specifically, in Patent Document 1, an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor including a plurality of first grid electrodes and a plurality of second grid electrodes is disclosed. The plurality of first grid electrodes are formed on the front surface of a substrate (support body) of the touch sensor. The plurality of second grid electrodes are formed on the back surface of the substrate of the touch sensor. The substrate is made of a flexible transparent material (transparent film material).

[0004] The first grid electrode and the second grid electrode are each composed of a grid pattern formed by arranging a plurality of cells composed of a plurality of fine wires (metal fine wires). Each cell has a rhombus shape. Furthermore, adjacent cells are arranged so that the vertices of the rhombuses constituting each cell touch each other at one intersection (see Patent Document 1). Figure 3 ).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-22512 Summary of the invention

[0006] -Technical problem to be solved by the invention-

[0007] In recent years, for example, in the field of touch sensors, touch sensors that can be used in smartphones that can be folded according to usage conditions, or touch sensors that can be used in displays with curved operation screens (i.e., touch sensors fixed to a specified curved shape) have attracted attention.

[0008] Under the premise of such a background, when the touch sensor of Patent Document 1 is applied to the above-mentioned smartphones or displays, when the substrate (support body of Patent Document 1) constituting the touch sensor is bent or fixed to a predetermined curved surface shape, stress is easily concentrated on a part of the substrate. In particular, in the grid patterns of the first grid electrode and the second grid electrode formed on the substrate, the stress is easily concentrated on the above-mentioned intersections between mutually adjacent units (the intersections where the vertices of the rhombus constituting each unit are in contact with each other). Moreover, when the load caused by the above-mentioned stress continues to exist, cracks are easily generated at the above-mentioned intersections of the thin lines starting from the vertices of the rhombus constituting each unit (i.e., the angular parts of the rhombus). If the cracks continue to develop, the part of the thin line corresponding to the above-mentioned intersection will eventually break.

[0009] Thus, for example, when the touch sensor of Patent Document 1 is applied to the above-mentioned smart phone or display, a part of the thin line in the mesh pattern is easily disconnected. As a result, the resistance value of the first mesh electrode and the second mesh electrode becomes high, and the sensor sensitivity becomes unstable, which may cause malfunction of the touch sensor.

[0010] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and its purpose is to make it difficult for thin lines to be disconnected in an electrode pattern used to constitute an electrode.

[0011] -Technical solutions for solving technical problems-

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an electrode pattern involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure is used to constitute an electrode, and is formed so that a plurality of units are adjacent to each other. The plurality of units are respectively composed of conductive thin wires, and are formed so that the thin wires are in a ring shape. Moreover, adjacent units are configured so that each thin wire contacts each other at an intersection, and the portion of the thin wire corresponding to an intersection is bent.

[0013] - Effects of the Invention -

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to make it difficult for thin lines to be disconnected in an electrode pattern constituting an electrode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an overall three-dimensional diagram of a touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken along the II-II line;

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a touch sensor when viewed from the front side;

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a transmitting electrode, a first wiring portion, and a pad when viewed from the back side of a substrate;

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a receiving electrode, a second wiring portion, and a pad when viewed from the front side of a substrate;

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of section VI shown;

[0021] Figure 7 is a diagram briefly showing the structure of an electrode pattern in a transmitting electrode;

[0022] Figure 8is a diagram briefly showing the structures of an electrode pattern, a dummy pattern, and a dummy electrode in a receiving electrode;

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of section IX shown;

[0024] Fig.10 is a diagram briefly showing a contact state between adjacent cells in an electrode pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view briefly showing a cross-sectional state of a thin line;

[0026] Fig.12 is a diagram schematically showing the contact state between adjacent cells in the electrode pattern of Modification Example 1, which is equivalent to Fig.10 's picture;

[0027] Fig.13 is a diagram showing briefly the contact state between adjacent cells in the electrode pattern of Modification Example 2, which is equivalent to Fig.10 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is based on the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is essentially for illustration only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application objects or its uses.

[0029] Figure 1 The entire touch sensor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The touch sensor 1 is applied to a display 100 (see Figure 2 The touch sensor 1 is used as an input device for, for example, a car navigation system or other vehicle-mounted device, a display device for a personal computer, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, a portable game machine, a copier, a ticket vending machine, an automatic teller machine, a clock, etc.

[0030] In the following description, the operation surface 2b of the cover member 2 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) is defined as the "front side" of the touch sensor 1, and the opposite side is defined as the "back side" of the touch sensor 1 to define the positional relationship of the elements constituting the touch sensor 1. Figure 3 The direction from the left side of the paper to the right side of the paper is defined as the "first direction X". On the other hand, Figure 3 The direction from the lower side of the paper toward the upper side of the paper is defined as the “second direction Y”.

[0031] (Cover parts)

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the touch sensor 1 includes a light-transmitting cover member 2. The cover member 2 is, for example, a glass cover or a plastic protective cover. The cover member 2 is, for example, formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. The cover member 2 is fixed to a second layer 5 (see FIG. 1 ) of a substrate 3 described later. Fig.11 )superior.

[0033] A substantially frame-shaped decorative portion 2a of a dark color such as black is formed by screen printing or the like on the peripheral portion of the back side of the cover member 2. The inner rectangular area surrounded by the decorative portion 2a becomes a visible area V that can transmit light. That is, the user can obtain visual information from the display arranged on the back side of the touch sensor 1 through the visible area V. In addition, the front side of the cover member 2 in the visible area V is configured as an operation surface 2b that is touched by the user's finger or the like in a touch operation.

[0034] (Substrate)

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the touch sensor 1 includes a substrate 3. Fig.11 As shown, the substrate 3 includes a first layer 4 and a second layer 5. The first layer 4 and the second layer 5 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, for example.

[0036] The first layer 4 is made of a transparent resin material. Examples of the transparent resin material include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, COP (cycloolefin polymer), and COC (cycloolefin copolymer).

[0037] The second layer 5 is stacked on the front surface of the first layer 4. In addition, in this embodiment, the second layer 5 is also stacked on the back surface of the first layer 4, but the illustration is omitted. The second layer 5 is a layer for forming a plurality of grooves 6 described later. The second layer 5 is made of a resin material having insulation and light transmittance. In order to ensure flexibility, the thickness of the second layer 5 is set to, for example, 1.0 μm to 10.0 μm. In addition, the thickness of the second layer 5 is formed to be greater than the depth of the grooves 6 described later.

[0038] A plurality of grooves 6 are provided on the front surface of the second layer 5. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of grooves 6 are also provided on the back surface of the second layer 5. Each groove 6 is concave in the thickness direction of the substrate 3 and has a bottom. The depth of each groove 6 is set to, for example, 0.9 μm to 3.0 μm.

[0039] (Adhesive layer)

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the touch sensor 1 includes an adhesive layer 7. The adhesive layer 7 is laminated between the cover member 2 and the substrate 3. The adhesive layer 7 is an optical clear adhesive (OCA) having light transmittance. The thickness of the adhesive layer 7 is, for example, 25 μm to 250 μm.

[0041] (Flexible circuit board)

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the touch sensor 1 includes a flexible circuit board 8. The flexible circuit board 8 is configured to have flexibility and its electrical characteristics do not change even in a deformed state. The flexible circuit board 8 is composed of a flexible insulating film such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), etc.

[0043] (electrode)

[0044] The touch sensor 1 includes a plurality of electrodes based on an electrostatic capacitance method.

[0045] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of electrodes are composed of a plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 and a plurality of receiving electrodes 12. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 12 are arranged in the substrate 3 and in the visible area V (refer to Figure 1 The touch sensor 1 can detect a touch operation performed by a user's finger (detection object) in contact with the operation surface 2b through a plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 and a plurality of receiving electrodes 12 located in the visible area V.

[0046] Each transmitting electrode 11 is connected to a driving circuit (not shown) via a flexible printed circuit board 8. Each transmitting electrode 11 is configured to radiate an electric field to the surroundings through the driving circuit. On the other hand, each receiving electrode 12 is connected to a detection circuit (not shown) via a flexible printed circuit board 8. Each receiving electrode 12 is configured to receive the electric field radiated from each transmitting electrode 11.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmitting electrodes 11 and the receiving electrodes 12 are arranged to intersect (orthogonal to) each other in a plan view. In addition, a node is formed in the region where the transmitting electrodes 11 and the receiving electrodes 12 overlap. The node is configured as a region where electrostatic capacitance can be generated.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 are provided on the back side of the substrate 3. Each transmitting electrode 11 extends along the long side direction (first direction X) of the substrate 3. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 are arranged at intervals from each other in the short side direction (second direction Y) of the substrate 3. Fig. 9 As shown, the interval ES between the transmission electrodes 11 and 11 is set to, for example, 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of receiving electrodes 12 are provided on the front side of the substrate 3. That is, the plurality of receiving electrodes 12 are arranged on the visual side of the touch sensor 1 in the substrate 3 (the side where the operation surface 2b of the cover member 2 is located). The plurality of receiving electrodes 12 are insulated from the plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 via the substrate 3. Each receiving electrode 12 extends along the short side direction (second direction Y) of the substrate 3. The plurality of receiving electrodes 12 are arranged at intervals from each other in the long side direction (first direction X) of the substrate 3.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the pitch EP between the receiving electrodes 12 and 12 in the first direction X is, for example, 3 mm or more and 7 mm or less. The electrode width EW2 of the receiving electrode 12 is configured to be smaller than the pitch EP between the receiving electrodes 12 and 12. Specifically, the electrode width EW2 of the receiving electrode 12 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more. In addition, the electrode width EW2 of the receiving electrode 12 is configured to be smaller than the electrode width EW1 of the transmitting electrode 11.

[0051] It should be noted that in Figure 6 In order to easily observe the overlapping state of each transmitting electrode 11 and each receiving electrode 12, only each receiving electrode 12 is marked with dotted shadows. Figure 6 In the figure, for the convenience of illustration, the first grounding portion 34 and the second grounding portion 35 described later are omitted.

[0052] (Electrode Pattern)

[0053] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the touch sensor 1 includes an electrode pattern 14 for constituting each of the transmitting electrode 11 and the receiving electrode 12 .

[0054] The electrode pattern 14 is formed so that a plurality of cells 13 are adjacent to each other. The electrode pattern 14 is periodically formed in units of nodes. Figure 8 In order to clearly indicate the outer edge of the receiving electrode 12 , the position corresponding to the outer edge of the receiving electrode 12 is indicated by an imaginary line.

[0055] like Fig.10 As shown, each unit 13 is composed of a conductive thin wire 20. The line width of each thin wire 20 is, for example, not less than 1 μm and not more than 3 μm. It should be noted that the specific structure of the thin wire 20 will be described later.

[0056] Each unit 13 is formed such that the thin wire 20 is looped. As a characteristic structure of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjacent units 13, 13 are configured such that the thin wires 20, 20 contact each other at one intersection, and the portion of each thin wire 20 corresponding to one intersection is bent.

[0057] In this embodiment, each unit 13 is formed in a ring shape in which the thin wire 20 is a perfect circle (ie, a complete circle). That is, each unit 13 has a curved shape formed so that the curvature of all parts of the thin wire 20 is the same.

[0058] Each unit 13 is configured such that the pitch P of the opposing portions of the thin wires 20 (see Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.10 ) is in the range of 100 μm to 500 μm. In this embodiment, the pitch P corresponds to the diameter of a perfect circle constituting each unit 13 .

[0059] (pseudo pattern)

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the receiving electrode 12 includes a dummy pattern 15. When viewed from above, the dummy pattern 15 is arranged inside each unit 13 constituting the receiving electrode 12. Figure 8 In order to clearly indicate the outer edge of the dummy pattern 15 , the position corresponding to the outer edge of the dummy pattern 15 is indicated by an imaginary line.

[0061] Like the electrode pattern 14, the dummy pattern 15 is composed of a plurality of thin lines 20. The dummy pattern 15 is formed so that a plurality of cells 13 are adjacent to each other. It should be noted that the pitch between the cells 13 constituting the dummy pattern 15 is equal to the pitch P between the cells 13, 13 constituting the electrode pattern 14.

[0062] The dummy pattern 15 is electrically insulated from the electrode pattern 14. Specifically, the ends of the thin wires 20 constituting the dummy pattern 15 are arranged at intervals from the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14 of the receiving electrode 12. That is, the thin wires 20 constituting the dummy pattern 15 do not intersect the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14. In addition, the thin wires 20 constituting the dummy pattern 15 are electrically insulated from the electrode connecting portion 17 described later.

[0063] (pseudo electrode)

[0064] A dummy electrode 16 is provided between the receiving electrodes 12, 12. Like the electrode pattern 14, the dummy electrode 16 is composed of a plurality of thin wires 20. The dummy electrode 16 is formed so that a plurality of cells 13 are adjacent to each other. It should be noted that the pitch between the cells 13 constituting the dummy electrode 16 is equal to the pitch P between the cells 13, 13 constituting the electrode pattern 14.

[0065] The dummy electrode 16 is electrically insulated from each receiving electrode 12. Specifically, the ends of each thin wire 20 constituting the dummy electrode 16 are arranged at intervals from each thin wire 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14 of the receiving electrode 12. That is, each thin wire 20 constituting the dummy electrode 16 does not intersect with the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14. In addition, each thin wire 20 constituting the dummy electrode 16 is electrically insulated from the electrode connecting portion 17 described later.

[0066] (Electrode connection part)

[0067] The transmitting electrode 11 and the receiving electrode 12 each include an electrode connection portion 17. The electrode connection portion 17 is composed of the same thin wire as the thin wire 20. The electrode connection portion 17 is arranged on the end side of each of the transmitting electrode 11 and the receiving electrode 12. The electrode connection portion 17 is electrically connected to the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14. The line width of the electrode connection portion 17 is thicker than the line width of the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the electrode pattern 14.

[0068] (Detailed structure of thin wire)

[0069] Each thin wire 20 includes a conductive material embedded in each groove 6. Fig.11 As shown, each thin wire 20 is composed of, for example, an adhesion layer 21 , a conductive layer 22 , a plating layer 23 , and a blackened layer 24 .

[0070] The adhesion layer 21 is an element for ensuring the adhesion of the conductive layer 22 to the groove portion 6. The adhesion layer 21 has a function of making the thin wires 20 difficult to be visually seen when the user observes from the operation surface 2b side.

[0071] The adhesion layer 21 is a metal layer formed of a metal nitride or a metal oxide, and the metal nitride or metal oxide contains at least one metal selected from the group consisting of, for example, Ti, Al, V, W, Ta, Si, Cr, Ag, Mo, Cu, and Zn. The adhesion layer 21 may be a single layer or a laminated body formed by laminating a plurality of layers of different compositions. The adhesion layer 21 is laminated in the groove portion 6 in a thin film form, for example, by evaporation or sputtering.

[0072] The conductive layer 22 has a function of improving the adhesion between the adhesion layer 21 and the plating layer 23. Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, during the electroplating process for forming the plating layer 23, the conductive layer 22 functions as a cathode for depositing a plating solution containing copper (Cu) or the like described later on the adhesion layer 21. The conductive layer 22 is stacked in a thin film on the adhesion layer 21 by, for example, evaporation or sputtering.

[0073] The plated layer 23 is formed by, for example, electroplating. When the electroplating is performed, the conductive layer 22 and the plated layer 23 are integrated. Thus, the interface between the conductive layer 22 and the plated layer 23 is indistinguishable.

[0074] The blackening layer 24 is stacked on the surface of the plating layer 23. The blackening layer 24 is formed by replacing the grains located on the boundaries between the copper grains located on the surface of the plating layer 23 with palladium (blackening treatment). The thickness of the blackening layer 24 is, for example, 7nm to 10nm. The blackening layer 24 has the function of making the thin wire 20 difficult to be visually seen when the user observes from the operation surface 2b side.

[0075] (Wiring Department)

[0076] The touch sensor 1 includes a plurality of wiring portions. The plurality of wiring portions are elements for electrically connecting the plurality of transmitting electrodes 11 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 12 to an external circuit (the aforementioned drive circuit and detection circuit) not shown. Each wiring portion is formed of a thin wire similar to the thin wire 20 .

[0077] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of wiring sections are composed of a plurality of first wiring sections 31 and a plurality of second wiring sections 32. The plurality of first wiring sections 31 and the plurality of second wiring sections 32 are arranged in the visible area V (refer to Figure 1 Specifically, the plurality of first wiring portions 31 and the plurality of second wiring portions 32 are arranged on the outer side of the decorative portion 2a (see FIG. 2 ) when viewed from the operation surface 2b. Figure 1 and Figure 2 That is, due to the presence of the decorative portion 2a, the plurality of first wiring portions 31 and the plurality of second wiring portions 32 cannot be visually seen from the operation surface 2b side.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first wiring portions 31 are formed on the back side of the substrate 3. One end of each first wiring portion 31 is electrically connected to an end of each transmitting electrode 11 (i.e., the electrode connecting portion 17). The plurality of first wiring portions 31 are arranged so that the other ends of each converge at the approximate center of the lower side of the substrate 3.

[0079] A plurality of second wiring portions 32 are formed on the front surface of the substrate 3. One end of each second wiring portion 32 is electrically connected to an end of each receiving electrode 12 (i.e., the electrode connecting portion 17). The plurality of second wiring portions 32 are arranged so that the other ends of each converge at the approximate center of the lower side of the substrate 3.

[0080] (Pad)

[0081] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pad 33 for electrically connecting to the flexible wiring board 8 is provided at the other end of each wiring portion. Each pad 33 is formed of the same thin wire as the thin wire 20.

[0082] (First ground portion and second ground portion)

[0083] like Figure 4and Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensor 1 includes a first grounding portion 34 and a second grounding portion 35 set to a ground potential. The first grounding portion 34 and the second grounding portion 35 are electrically insulated from the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of wiring portions. The first grounding portion 34 and the second grounding portion 35 are arranged in the visible area V (refer to Figure 1 Specifically, the first grounding portion 34 and the second grounding portion 35 are arranged to surround the outer periphery of the visible area V.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the first grounding portion 34 is formed on the back side of the substrate 3. The first grounding portion 34 is arranged at a position close to the peripheral portion of the back side of the substrate 3. The above-mentioned pads 33, 33 are provided in the middle part of the first grounding portion 34 (the middle part approximately in the center of the lower side of the substrate 3).

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the second grounding portion 35 is formed on the front side of the substrate 3. The second grounding portion 35 is arranged at a position close to the peripheral portion of the front side of the substrate 3. Both ends of the second grounding portion 35 are located at a position approximately close to the center of the lower side of the substrate 3. The above-mentioned pads 33, 33 are arranged at both ends of the second grounding portion 35.

[0086] [Functions and Effects of Implementation Methods]

[0087] As described above, in recent years, for example, in the field of touch sensors, touch sensors that can be applied to smartphones that can be bent according to usage conditions, or touch sensors that can be applied to displays with curved operation screens (i.e., touch sensors fixed to a predetermined curved shape) have attracted attention. If a touch sensor is applied to such a smartphone or display, when a substrate constituting the touch sensor is bent or fixed to a predetermined curved shape, stress is likely to be concentrated on a portion of the substrate.

[0088] Based on such a background, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, adjacent units 13, 13 in an electrode pattern 14 are configured as thin wires 20, 20 that contact each other at one intersection, and a portion of each thin wire 20 corresponding to one intersection is bent. Specifically, each unit 13 of this embodiment is formed as a ring in which the thin wire 20 is a perfect circle. That is, at the above-mentioned one intersection, due to the curved shape of the thin wire 20, the above-mentioned stress is difficult to concentrate. With such a structure, the above-mentioned stress is dispersed at the above-mentioned one intersection. As a result, cracks are difficult to occur in the portion of the thin wire 20 corresponding to the above-mentioned one intersection. Therefore, in the electrode pattern 14, the portion of each thin wire 20 corresponding to the above-mentioned one intersection can be made difficult to break.

[0089] Thus, for example, when the touch sensor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the above-mentioned smartphone or the like or a display, it is difficult for a part of the thin line 20 to be disconnected in the electrode pattern 14. As a result, the resistance values ​​of the transmitting electrode 11 and the receiving electrode 12 are stabilized, and the sensor sensitivity is stabilized. Therefore, even when the touch sensor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the above-mentioned smartphone or the like or a display, it is possible to maintain good sensor sensitivity without causing malfunction.

[0090] Each unit 13 is configured such that the pitch P of the opposing portions of the thin wires 20 is within a range of 100 μm to 500 μm. According to this configuration, each unit 13 composed of the thin wires 20 is maintained at a predetermined size, and when the user of the touch sensor 1 observes from the operation surface 2b side, it is difficult to visually see the thin wires 20 from the operation surface 2b side. That is, it is possible to prevent "line visibility" and make the touch sensor 1 beautiful.

[0091] If the line width of each fine line 20 is not less than 1 μm and not more than 3 μm, it is difficult for the user of the touch sensor 1 to visually see each fine line 20 from the operation surface 2b side when observing from the operation surface 2b side. That is, "line visibility" is prevented. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pitch EP between the receiving electrodes 12, 12 is not less than 3 mm and not more than 7 mm. In addition, the electrode width EW2 of the receiving electrode 12 is not less than 0.5 mm and is smaller than the pitch EP between the receiving electrodes 12, 12. Furthermore, the spacing ES between the transmitting electrodes 11, 11 is not less than 1 μm and not more than 20 μm. According to such a structure, when the user of the touch sensor 1 observes from the operation surface 2b side, it is also difficult to visually see the spacing between the transmitting electrodes 11, 11 and the spacing between the receiving electrodes 12, 12 from the operation surface 2b side. As a result, the touch sensor 1 can be made beautiful.

[0092] The electrode pattern 14 is formed periodically in nodes. According to this structure, the shape of the overlapping of the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the transmitting electrode 11 and the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the receiving electrode 12 is the same at any node. That is, the capacitance change of the node is the same at all nodes. As a result, the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor 1 can be stabilized.

[0093] The receiving electrode 12 includes a dummy pattern 15 that is electrically insulated from the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting the receiving electrode 12. The dummy pattern 15 can suppress the increase in the capacitance value in each receiving electrode 12. In addition, by providing the dummy pattern 15, when the user of the touch sensor 1 observes from the operation surface 2b side, it is difficult to distinguish between the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting each receiving electrode 12 and the dummy pattern 15. That is, the plurality of thin wires 20 constituting each receiving electrode 12 are not conspicuous when viewed from the operation surface 2b side. As a result, the touch sensor 1 can be made beautiful.

[0094] Between the receiving electrodes 12, 12, a dummy electrode 16 electrically insulated from the receiving electrode 12 is provided. The dummy electrode 16 can suppress the increase in the capacitance value of each receiving electrode 12 between the adjacent receiving electrodes 12, 12. In addition, since the dummy electrode 16 is located between the receiving electrodes 12, 12, when the user of the touch sensor 1 observes from the operation surface 2b side, each receiving electrode 12 is not conspicuous. As a result, the touch sensor 1 can be made beautiful.

[0095] [Modification of the embodiment]

[0096] In the above embodiment, each unit 13 is formed as a thin line 20 in a perfect circular ring shape, but the present invention is not limited to this case. Fig.12 As shown in the modification 1, each unit 13 may be formed so that the thin wire 20 is in an elliptical ring shape. That is, in each unit 13 of this modification, not all parts of the thin wire 20 are formed to have the same curvature.

[0097] In this modification 1, the portion corresponding to one intersection in the thin wire 20 is also bent. Therefore, the stress is difficult to concentrate at the one intersection. As a result, in this modification, as in the above embodiment, the portion corresponding to the one intersection of each thin wire 20 is also difficult to break.

[0098] Alternatively, you can Fig.13 Each unit 13 is configured as in the variation 2 shown. Specifically, each unit 13 of the variation 2 is formed into a ring shape in which the thin line 20 is roughly quadrilateral (a rhombus in the example of the attached figure). In addition, the vertices of the above-mentioned quadrilateral are formed into a curved shape, and adjacent units 13, 13 are arranged with each other so that the vertices of the above-mentioned quadrilateral correspond to the above-mentioned one intersection point.

[0099] In this modification example 2, the portion of the thin wire 20 corresponding to the above-mentioned one intersection is also configured to be bent. In this modification example 2, it is preferred that the portion of each thin wire 20 corresponding to the above-mentioned one intersection (the vertex of the above-mentioned quadrilateral) has an R shape of R0.1μm or more. Therefore, the above-mentioned stress is difficult to concentrate at the above-mentioned one intersection. As a result, in this modification example, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the portion of each thin wire 20 corresponding to the above-mentioned one intersection is also difficult to break.

[0100] [Other embodiments]

[0101] In the above embodiment, the case where the visible area V is substantially rectangular is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The visible area V may have a polygonal shape such as a substantially circular shape or a pentagonal shape when viewed from above.

[0102] In the above embodiment, a case where one substrate 3 is used is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. That is, two substrates may be used. Two substrates may be used in which the second layer is stacked on the front or back of the first layer, but this is not shown.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the substrate 3 includes the first layer 4 and the second layer 5, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the substrate 3 may include only the first layer 4. In this case, the plurality of grooves 6 and the plurality of fine lines 20 may be formed on at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the first layer 4.

[0104] In the above embodiment, Figure 3 The direction from the left side to the right side in the paper plane is defined as the first direction X. On the other hand, Figure 3 The direction from the lower side to the upper side in the paper surface of FIG. 1 is defined as the second direction Y, but it is not limited to this. Figure 3 The direction from the lower side to the upper side in the paper plane is defined as the first direction X. On the other hand, Figure 3 The direction from the left side to the right side in the paper plane of FIG. 1 is defined as the second direction Y. In this case, the extending direction of each transmitting electrode 11 becomes Figure 3 The direction from the bottom to the top in the paper is not shown. On the other hand, the extending direction of each receiving electrode 12 is Figure 3 The direction from the left to the right in the paper.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the touch sensor 1 is shown in a state where the cover member 2 and the flexible circuit board 8 are already mounted on the substrate 3, but the present invention is not limited to this case. That is, the concept of the touch sensor 1 disclosed in the present invention includes a state before the cover member 2 and the flexible circuit board 8 are mounted on the substrate 3. Furthermore, the concept of the touch sensor 1 disclosed in the present invention also includes a structure in which the above-mentioned transmitting electrodes 11, receiving electrodes 12, first wiring portions 31, second wiring portions 32, and a plurality of pads 33 are already formed on a long strip-shaped base material (for example, a long strip-shaped hoop-shaped member not shown) in a state before forming a separate substrate 3.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the case where the transmitting electrode 11 does not include the dummy pattern 15 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The transmitting electrode 11 may also include a dummy pattern that is the same as the dummy pattern 15 described in the above embodiment, but this is not shown. That is, in the above embodiment, the dummy pattern that is the same as the dummy pattern 15 may also be arranged on the front side of the substrate 3 (the visual side of the touch sensor 1). In this case, like the dummy pattern 15 on the receiving electrode 12 side, the dummy pattern on the transmitting electrode 11 side is composed of a plurality of thin lines (not shown). In addition, the dummy pattern on the transmitting electrode 11 side is arranged on the inner side of each unit 13 constituting the transmitting electrode 11 when viewed from above.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the case where the dummy electrode 16 is not provided between the transmitting electrodes 11, 11 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, when the electrode width EW1 of the transmitting electrode 11 is relatively small, a dummy electrode (not shown) may be provided between the transmitting electrodes 11, 11. That is, in the above embodiment, the dummy electrode may be arranged on the front side of the substrate 3 (the visual side of the touch sensor 1). Figure 8 Like the dummy electrode 16 shown, the dummy electrode is composed of a plurality of thin wires (not shown).

[0108] In the above embodiment, a case where a plurality of transmitting electrodes 11, a plurality of first wiring portions 31, and a first grounding portion 34 are arranged on the back side of the substrate 3, and a plurality of receiving electrodes 12, a plurality of second wiring portions 32, and a second grounding portion 35 are arranged on the front side of the substrate 3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, a configuration may be made such that a plurality of transmitting electrodes 11, a plurality of first wiring portions 31, and a first grounding portion 34 are arranged on the front side of the substrate 3, and a plurality of receiving electrodes 12, a plurality of second wiring portions 32, and a second grounding portion 35 are arranged on the back side of the substrate 3, but this is not shown. It should be noted that even in the above configuration, each dummy pattern 15 and each dummy electrode 16 are arranged on the front side of the substrate 3 (the visual side of the touch sensor 1).

[0109] In the above embodiment, the configuration containing copper (Cu) as the main component of the electroplating solution is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electroplating solution may contain silver, gold, or a copper alloy.

[0110] In the above-mentioned embodiments and the above-mentioned variations, the touch sensor 1 to which the electrode pattern 14 of the present disclosure is applied is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electrode pattern 14 of the present disclosure can be widely applied to technical fields other than touch sensors (for example, liquid crystal display devices, organic electroluminescent display devices (OLED), micro LED display devices, solar cell devices, heating devices, antenna devices, electromagnetic wave shielding sheets, conductive films and other various technical fields).

[0111] - Industrial Applicability -

[0112] The present disclosure can be industrially applied as an electrode pattern and a touch sensor using the electrode pattern.

[0113] - Explanation of symbols -

[0114] 1 Touch sensor

[0115] 2 Cover parts

[0116] 3 substrates

[0117] 11 Transmitting electrode

[0118] 12 receiving electrodes

[0119] Unit 13

[0120] 14 Electrode pattern

[0121] 15 Pseudo Pattern

[0122] 16 Pseudo Electrodes

[0123] 17 Electrode connection part

[0124] 20 fine wire

[0125] 31 first wiring portion

[0126] 32 second wiring portion

[0127] 33 pads

[0128] 34 first grounding portion

[0129] 35 second grounding portion

Claims

1. An electrode pattern, which is used to form an electrode, characterized in that: The electrode pattern is formed so that a plurality of units are adjacent to each other. The plurality of units are respectively composed of conductive thin wires, and the thin wires are formed in a ring shape. The adjacent units are configured such that the thin lines contact each other at one intersection, and portions of the thin lines corresponding to the one intersection are bent.

2. The electrode pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit is configured such that a pitch between opposing portions of the thin wires is within a range of 100 μm to 500 μm.

3. The electrode pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit is formed such that the thin wire is in a perfect circular ring shape.

4. The electrode pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit is formed such that the thin wire is in an elliptical ring shape.

5. The electrode pattern according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unit is formed in a substantially quadrilateral ring shape of the thin wire, The vertices of the quadrilateral are formed in a curved shape, The adjacent units are arranged with each other so that the vertices of the quadrilateral correspond to the one intersection point.

6. A touch sensor, comprising the electrode pattern according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The electrodes are provided in plurality. The plurality of electrodes are composed of a plurality of transmitting electrodes and a plurality of receiving electrodes. The plurality of transmitting electrodes extend along a first direction, and the plurality of receiving electrodes extend along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and are arranged to intersect the transmitting electrodes.

7. The touch sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The line width of the thin line is not less than 1 μm and not more than 3 μm, The pitch between the receiving electrodes is not less than 3 mm and not more than 7 mm. The electrode width of the receiving electrode is greater than 0.5 mm and smaller than the pitch between the receiving electrodes. The interval between the transmitting electrodes is not less than 1 μm and not more than 20 μm.

8. The touch sensor according to claim 6, wherein: The electrode pattern is periodically formed in units of nodes.

9. The touch sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The receiving electrode includes a dummy pattern which is electrically insulated from a plurality of thin wires constituting the receiving electrode.

10. The touch sensor according to claim 6, characterized in that: A dummy electrode electrically insulated from the receiving electrodes is disposed between the receiving electrodes.

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