Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus that maintains sanitation of a surface at which an image is viewed and a surface with which a human body comes into contact.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: an electrode substrate 101 that has an X electrode 201 and a Y electrode 202 that are transparent and provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate 310, and insulating films 203 and 312 that electrically insulate the X electrode and the Y electrode from each other, the electrode substrate covering a surface of a display medium where an image is indicated; and a driver circuit that is connected to the electrode substrate 101 and generates an electric field between the X electrode and the Y electrode by applying voltage to the electrodes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a discharge element that suppresses dielectric breakdown due to a high AC voltage that generates a plasma discharge, and a manufacturing method thereof. This discharge element includes an insulating substrate, an electrode, and an insulating film. The insulating substrate is made of heat-resistant glass or ceramics. The electrodes are formed on the insulating substrate, and a high AC voltage is applied to the electrodes. The insulating film covers the electrodes. In addition, the insulating substrate and the insulating film are formed such that the discharge start voltage of the surface side of the insulating substrate facing the electrode is lower than the discharge start voltage of the surface side of the insulating film facing the electrode.

[0003] Furthermore, when generating ozone in this discharge element, an external power supply is connected to pads 3P1 and 3P2 and a high AC voltage is applied. This discharge element is configured so that the discharge start voltage is lower on the surface on the insulating substrate side than on the surface on the insulating film side. Therefore, when the high AC voltage applied from the external power supply is gradually increased, a discharge starts on the surface on the insulating substrate side and plasma is generated. This plasma decomposes and combines oxygen in the air to generate ozone (paragraph

[0031] of Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-186900 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For electronic devices such as display devices and tactile presentation devices that may come into contact with the human body, in order to sterilize the parts that the human body may touch, it is necessary to separately prepare a sterilization device such as a sterilizing spray or an ozone generator. In addition, conventional ozone generation sources have low transmittance due to their shape or the metal used in the electrodes. Therefore, it is difficult to attach the ozone generation source to the parts of the electronic devices that the human body may touch.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to keep a surface on which an image is viewed or a surface that comes into contact with a human body hygienic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the invention disclosed in the present application includes an electrode substrate having transparent first and second electrodes provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and a first insulating film that electrically insulates the first and second electrodes, and configured to cover a surface of a display medium that displays an image; a drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate, which applies a voltage to the first and second electrodes to generate an electric field between the electrodes; wherein the electrode substrate generates ozone on the electrode substrate in response to an applied voltage from the drive circuit.

[0008] The electronic device according to a second aspect of the invention disclosed in the present application is characterized in that it comprises an electrode substrate having transparent first and second electrodes provided on one side of a transparent insulating substrate and a first insulating film electrically insulating the first and second electrodes, a display medium having a display surface for displaying an image covered by the electrode substrate, a first drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first and second electrodes to operate as an ozone generation source, a second drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first and second electrodes to operate as a touch sensor, and a selection circuit for switching between the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit.

[0009] The electronic device according to a third aspect of the invention disclosed in the present application is characterized in that it comprises an electrode substrate having transparent first and second electrodes provided on one side of a transparent insulating substrate and a first insulating film electrically insulating the first and second electrodes, a first drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first and second electrodes to operate as an ozone generation source, a second drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first and second electrodes to operate as a touch sensor, and a selection circuit for switching between the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the representative embodiment of the present invention, the surface on which an image is observed and the surface that the human body comes into contact with can be kept hygienic. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the electrode substrate. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of ozone generation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a model for simulating an electric field that is generated when a voltage is applied to an electrode substrate. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a heat map showing the electric field intensity distribution within a region of interest. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the result 1 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a result 2 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a result 3 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the electrode shape. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a laminated electrode. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of an electronic device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a scanning example of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, electronic devices according to Examples 1 to 7 will be described. The electronic devices according to Examples 1 to 7 can be applied to, for example, touch sensors, display devices, display panels, and tactile presentation devices. In the following description, values ​​and materials such as dimensions, voltages, and electric field strengths are merely examples, and other values ​​and materials may be used as long as they are within the practicable range. EXAMPLES

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an electronic device according to a first embodiment, in which (A) is a block diagram showing a configuration example, and (B) is a perspective view showing a structure. In the first embodiment, the electronic device 100A is applicable to, for example, a display device using liquid crystal or organic EL, or a display panel that accommodates and displays photographs, etc. The electronic device 100A has an electrode substrate 101, a drive circuit 102, a control circuit 103, and a display medium 104. The electrode substrate 101 is a substrate having one or more pairs of two opposing electrodes, and is a substrate that generates ozone by application of a predetermined voltage.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the electrode substrate 101. Fig. 2(A) shows a plan view of the electrode substrate 101. Fig. 2(B) shows a partial enlarged view of the plan view (A). Fig. 2(C) shows an AA' cross-sectional view of the partial enlarged view (B). The electrode substrate 101 has an X electrode 201, a Y electrode 202, and an insulating film 203 on a transparent support substrate 310.

[0015] 2(A) and (B), the X electrodes 201 and their wiring are indicated by dotted lines, and the Y electrodes 202 and their wiring are indicated by solid lines. The X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 are transparent electrodes, and can be formed using, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The planar shape of the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 is, for example, a quadrangle (diamond or rectangle).

[0016] 1, the drive circuit 102 drives the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone generation source by applying a predetermined voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202. This voltage application generates ozone on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101, and the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 is sterilized.

[0017] The control circuit 103 controls the application of voltage by the drive circuit 102. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 103 instructs the drive circuit 102 to apply a voltage to the electrode substrate 101 or to stop applying a voltage to the electrode substrate 101 in response to an external input such as a sensor (not shown) or a human operation.

[0018] 1(B), the surface of the display medium 104 that displays an image is covered by the electrode substrate 101. The display medium 104 may be a medium (first display medium) on which a printed image (or a handwritten image) such as a menu or a photograph is displayed, or may be a medium (second display medium) in which the display medium 104 itself displays an image, such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device.

[0019] As described above, the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 are transparent electrodes. The display medium 104 is inserted, for example, between the electrode substrate 101 and the back plate 105. This allows an image to be observed from the front surface 101a. By using the electrode substrate 101 instead of the back plate 105, ozone can be generated on both sides of the electronic device 100A.

[0020] Next, a detailed description will be given of the electrode substrate 101. In Fig. 2(A), the wiring of the X electrodes 201 and the wiring of the Y electrodes 202 are respectively connected to terminals 301 and 302. The terminals 301 and 302 are connected to the drive circuit 102 (see Fig. 1).

[0021] The shapes of the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 are, for example, quadrangles (diamonds or rectangles). The X electrodes 201 are connected in a rosary shape in the x direction via bridge electrodes 311X (see FIG. 2(B)), which are first connection parts. That is, the X electrodes 201 are arranged in the x direction. The X electrodes electrically connected in this manner in the x direction are called an X electrode group. The X electrode groups connected in a rosary shape in the x direction are arranged in the y direction at intervals of, for example, 2 [mm]. The X electrode groups extend parallel to each other in the y direction.

[0022] The Y electrodes 202 are connected in a rosary shape in the y direction via bridge electrodes 311Y (see FIG. 2(B)), which are second connection parts. That is, the Y electrodes 202 are arranged in the y direction. The Y electrodes electrically connected in the Y direction in this manner are called a Y electrode group. The Y electrode groups connected in a rosary shape in the y direction are arranged in the x direction at intervals of, for example, 2 mm. The Y electrode groups extend parallel to each other in the x direction.

[0023] The X electrode group and the Y electrode group are formed such that the first connection portion (bridge electrode 311X) and the second connection portion (bridge electrode 311Y) overlap with each other via the insulating film 203 in plan view. As shown in FIG. 2(C), the bridge electrodes 311X and 311Y are insulated by the insulating film 203. In other words, the X electrode group and the Y electrode group are configured to cross over each other via the insulating film 203. Furthermore, the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 are formed so as not to overlap with each other in plan view. In other words, the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 are shaped to be adjacent to each other in plan view.

[0024] Next, the manufacturing procedure will be described with reference to Fig. 2(C). The support substrate 310 is a transparent insulating substrate such as a glass substrate. First, the bridge electrodes 311X are formed on the first surface 310a of the support substrate 310 using a transparent conductive film such as ITO. Next, the insulating film 203 is formed on the bridge electrodes 311X using, for example, a silicon nitride film (SiN) or the like.

[0025] The insulating film 203 is formed in a shape that covers the bridge electrodes 311X so as to insulate the bridge electrodes 311X from the Y electrodes 202 and the bridge electrodes 311Y, but does not cover the bridge electrodes 311X so that the bridge electrodes 311X come into contact with the X electrodes 201. Next, the X electrodes 201, the Y electrodes 202, the bridge electrodes 311Y, the wiring, and the terminals 301 and 302 are collectively formed from a transparent conductive film. Finally, the insulating film 312 is formed from, for example, SiN (silicon nitride film) or the like, and contact holes are formed in the terminals 301 and 302.

[0026] By applying a voltage to the terminals 301, 302 of the electrode substrate 101 configured as described above, an electric field is generated between the X electrode group and the Y electrode group. When the intensity of the generated electric field exceeds the dielectric breakdown level of air, ozone is generated by discharge. The locations where ozone is generated on the insulating film 312 are, for example, between the single-layer electrodes between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 as shown in region 321, or between the laminated electrodes between the bridge electrode 311X and the bridge electrode 311Y with the insulating film 203 interposed therebetween as shown in region 322.

[0027] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of ozone generation. Fig. 3(A) shows the principle of ozone generation in an electric field generation region 321 between single-layer electrodes shown in Fig. 2(B), and Fig. 3(B) shows the principle of ozone generation in an electric field generation region 322 between stacked electrodes shown in Fig. 2(C). A signal power supply 401 is an AC power supply that applies a voltage to the X electrode 201, and a signal power supply 402 is an AC power supply that applies a voltage to the Y electrode 202.

[0028] For example, the output of signal power supply 401 is set to GND, and the output of signal power supply 402 is set to a predetermined AC voltage. In this case, an electric field 410 is generated between the single-layer electrodes in Fig. 3(A) due to the potential difference between X electrode 201 and Y electrode 202, and an electric field 420 is generated between the laminated electrodes in Fig. 3(B) due to the potential difference between bridge electrode 311X and bridge electrode 311Y. When the field strength of the electric fields 410 and 420 in the air above insulating film 312 reaches a predetermined value, insulation breakdown of the air occurs. When insulation breakdown of the air occurs, silent discharge occurs, generating ozone.

[0029] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a model simulating an electric field generated when a voltage is applied to electrode substrate 101. The model in Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional model that simplifies the laminated structure of electrode substrate 101, the principle of ozone generation of which is shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the z direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane of electrode substrate 101, the x direction is the direction in which X electrode 201 and bridge electrode 311X are connected, and the y direction is the direction in which Y electrode 202 and bridge electrode 311Y are connected.

[0030] FIG. 4(A) shows an xz cross section of a three-dimensional simulation model of an electric field generation region 321 between single-layer electrodes. That is, FIG. 4(A) shows a three-dimensional model that simplifies the three-dimensional region that includes the electric field generation region 321 in FIG. 3(A). FIG. 4(B) shows an xz cross section of a three-dimensional simulation model of an electric field generation region 322 between stacked electrodes. That is, FIG. 4(B) shows a three-dimensional model that simplifies the three-dimensional region that includes the electric field generation region 322 in FIG. 3(B). The three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generation region 321 between single-layer electrodes is called a single-layer electrode model M1, and the three-dimensional simulation model of the electric field generation region 322 between stacked electrodes is called a stacked electrode model M2.

[0031] For both the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multi-layer electrode model M2, the relative dielectric constants, thicknesses, and units of the air, the insulating film 312, and the support substrate 310 are as shown in Table 400. The thicknesses of the X electrode 201, the Y electrode 202, and the insulating film 312 are as shown in FIG. 4. The distance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 of the single-layer electrode model M1, and the distance between the X electrode 201 and the bridge electrode 311Y of the multi-layer electrode model M2 are set to 10 um, and the width of each electrode is set to 35 um for convenience of calculation amount. Although not shown, the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multi-layer electrode model M2 are three-dimensional models having a depth in the y direction.

[0032] The voltage applied to the X electrode 201 and bridge electrode 311X is V1, and the voltage applied to the Y electrode 202 and bridge electrode 311Y is V2. The applied voltage V1 was set to GND, and the applied voltage V2 was set to 15 [V], 30 [V], 150 [V], and 600 [V], and a simulation of the electric field intensity generated inside each three-dimensional model (M1, M2) was performed. The results were analyzed by analyzing the electric field distribution generated in the attention areas 501 and 502 centered on the above-mentioned electrodes spaced 10 μm apart on the xz plane at the center point of each model in the y direction.

[0033] 5 is a heat map showing the electric field intensity distribution in the region of interest. Heat maps 511 and 512 are data visualizing the electric field intensity distribution under the condition of a voltage V2 having a value of 15 [V], 30 [V], 150 [V], or 600 [V] (for example, V2=15), and show the electric field intensity in the regions of interest 501 and 502.

[0034] 5A, the electric field strength becomes higher near the ends 201a, 202a of the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 facing each other, and the electric field strength reaches peak values ​​(maximum values) 511a, 511b at the ends 201a, 202a.

[0035] 5(B), the electric field intensity increases toward the end 311Ya of the bridge electrode 311Y facing the X electrode 201, and the electric field intensity reaches a peak value (maximum value) 512a at the end 311Ya. Also, as can be seen from the heat maps 511 and 512, the electric field intensity of the air layer decreases with increasing distance from the support substrate 310.

[0036] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a result 1 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows the electric field intensity distribution when the observation position is the interface between the air and the insulating film 312 when the applied voltage V2=600V to the Y electrode 202 and the bridge electrode 311Y is set, rather than the electric field intensity distribution shown from a bird's-eye view as in Fig. 5.

[0037] 6(A) shows result 1 for single-layer electrode model M1 (within region of interest 501), and FIG. 6(B) shows result 1 for multi-layer electrode model M2 (within region of interest 502). Graphs 601 and 602 show the dependence of the electric field strength of the air layer at the interface of insulating film 312 on voltage V2. The vertical axis of graphs 601 and 602 is the electric field strength [MV / m] of the air layer at the interface of insulating film 312. The horizontal axis is the position in the x direction corresponding to regions of interest 501 and 502, and 1.5E-05 on the horizontal axis is the center position in the x direction of models M1 and M2.

[0038] That is, in (A), 1.0E-05 on the horizontal axis coordinate corresponds to the position of end 201a of X electrode 201, and 2.0E-05 on the horizontal axis coordinate corresponds to the position of end 202a of Y electrode 202, with a distance of 10 [μm] (similar to FIGS. 7 and 8). Similarly, in (B), 1.0E-05 on the horizontal axis coordinate corresponds to the position of end 201a of X electrode 201, and 2.0E-05 on the horizontal axis coordinate corresponds to the position of end 311Ya of bridge electrode 311Y, with a distance of 10 [μm] (similar to FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0039] The dotted lines in graphs 601 and 602 indicate the electric field strength (3 [MV / m]) at which dielectric breakdown of air occurs. When the electric field strength is 3 [MV / m] or higher, ozone is generated on the electrode substrate 101. As shown in graphs 601 and 602, the higher the applied voltage V2 to the Y electrode 202 and bridge electrode 311Y, the higher the electric field strength becomes. From each of graphs 601 and 602, it can be seen that at V2=600V, the electric field strength of the air layer at the interface with the insulating film 312 is sufficiently higher than 3 [MV / m], and ozone is generated.

[0040] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing result 2 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 shows the electric field intensity distribution of the air layer when the observation position is a position of the air layer a distance ΔZ away from the interface of the insulating film 312 when the applied voltage V2 = 600 V to the Y electrode 202 and the bridge electrode 311Y. Fig. 7(A) shows result 2 of the single-layer electrode model M1 (within the region of interest 501), and Fig. 7(B) shows result 2 of the multilayer electrode model M2 (within the region of interest 502).

[0041] Graphs 701 and 702 show the dependence of the electric field strength of the air layer on the distance ΔZ (observation position) from the interface of the insulating film 312. The vertical axis is the electric field strength [MV / m], and the horizontal axis, like graphs 601 and 602, is the position in the x direction corresponding to the regions of interest 501 and 502, with 1.5E-5 on the horizontal axis being the center position in the x direction of models M1 and M2. The dotted line indicates the electric field strength (3 [MV / m]) at which dielectric breakdown of the air occurs. When the electric field strength is 3 [MV / m] or more, ozone is generated on the electrode substrate 101.

[0042] As can be seen from graphs 701 and 702, in both the single-layer electrode model M1 and the multilayer electrode model M2, the electric field strength of the air layer decreases the farther it is from the interface of the insulating film 312, but even at ΔZ=10 μm, it is still sufficiently above 3 [MV / m]. In other words, this shows that it is possible to generate ozone on the electrode substrate 101.

[0043] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a result 3 of an analysis of the electric field intensity near the observation position from the simulation result of Fig. 4. Fig. 8 shows the electric field intensity distribution inside the insulating film 312 when the applied voltage V2=600V to the Y electrode 202 and the bridge electrode 311Y.

[0044] Fig. 8(A) shows result 3 for the single-layer electrode model M1 (within the region of interest 501), and Fig. 8(B) shows result 3 for the multilayer electrode model M2 (within the region of interest 502). The observation position in Fig. 8(A) is the interface between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 and the insulating film 312, and the observation position in Fig. 8(B) is the interface between the X electrode 201 and the surface of the bridge electrode 311Y facing the bridge electrode 311X and the insulating film 312.

[0045] Graphs 801 and 802 show the distribution of electric field strength applied to insulating film 312 at observation positions. The vertical axis is electric field strength [MV / m], the horizontal axis is positions in the x direction corresponding to regions of interest 501 and 502, and 1.5E-05 on the horizontal axis is the central positions in the x direction of models M1 and M2.

[0046] In this simulation, the electric field strength in the single-layer electrode model M1 (within the region of interest 501) is determined by the distance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 and the value of the applied voltage V2-V1. Also, the electric field strength in the multilayer electrode model M2 (within the region of interest 502) is determined by the thickness of the insulating film 312 between the bridge electrodes 311X and 311Y and the value of the applied voltage V2-V1.

[0047] As can be seen from graphs 801 and 802, the electric field strength applied to the insulating film 312 is greater in the multilayer electrode model M2 than in the single-layer electrode model M1. The electric field strength in the multilayer electrode model M2 is less than 700 [MV / m] under the conditions of this simulation (|V2-V1|=600V, insulating film thickness 0.03 μm). Therefore, for example, if SiN (silicon nitride film) with a dielectric breakdown electric field strength of 800 [MV / m] is used for the insulating film 312, it is possible to generate ozone without dielectric breakdown. It is also possible to apply an insulating film with a higher dielectric breakdown electric field strength, for example, SiO2 (silicon oxide film) or a laminated structure of SiN and SiO2.

[0048] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified electrode shape. The X electrode 901 and the Y electrode 902 of this modified example have a shape with more vertices and sides than the rectangle shown in FIG. 2(A). Specifically, for example, the X electrode 901 has a rectangular central portion 910, four first protrusions 911 protruding from the central portion 910 along the sides of the central portion 910, and four second protrusions 912 protruding from the middle of each of the first protrusions 911 in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the first protrusions 911. Similarly, the Y electrode 902 has a rectangular central portion 920, four third protrusions 921 protruding from the central portion 920 along the sides of the central portion 920, and four fourth protrusions 922 protruding from the middle of each of the third protrusions 921 in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the third protrusions 921.

[0049] In the X electrode 901, for example, in a region 940 where the X electrode 901 and the Y electrode 902 are adjacent to each other, a recess 941 is formed by a side 910a of the center portion 910, a side 911c of the first protrusion 911 perpendicular to the side 910a, and a side 922b of the second protrusion 912 facing the side 911c. A third protrusion 921 of the Y electrode 902 is disposed in the recess 941. Since the sides 921a to 921c of the third protrusion 921 face the sides 910a, 911c, and 912c constituting the recess 941, an electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes is increased compared to the rectangular X electrode 201.

[0050] Similarly, in the Y electrode 902, for example, in a region 930 where the X electrode 901 and the Y electrode 902 are adjacent to each other, a recess 931 is formed by a side 920a of the center portion 920, a side 921c of the third protrusion 921 perpendicular to the side 920a, and a side 922b of the fourth protrusion 922 opposing the side 921c. The first protrusion 911 of the X electrode 901 is disposed in the recess 931. Since the sides 911a to 911c of the first protrusion 911 and the sides 920a, 921c, and 922c constituting the recess 931 oppose each other, the electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes is increased compared to the rectangular Y electrode 202.

[0051] Also, for example, in a region 950 where two X electrodes 901 and two Y electrodes 902 are adjacent to each other, each of the X electrodes 901 is arranged so that a tip edge 912a of the second protrusion 912 of the X electrode 901 faces a side edge 922c of the fourth protrusion 922 of one Y electrode 902, the side edge 912c faces a side edge 922c of the third protrusion 921 of one Y electrode 902, and the side edge 912b faces a tip edge 922a of the third protrusion 921 of the other Y electrode 902. Therefore, compared to the rectangular X electrode 201, the electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes is increased.

[0052] Similarly, in the region 950, each of the Y electrodes 902 is disposed such that a tip edge 922a of the fourth protrusion 922 of the Y electrode 902 faces a side edge 912c of the second protrusion 912 of one X electrode 901, the side edge 922c faces a side edge 912c of the first protrusion 911 of one X electrode 901, and the side edge 922b faces a tip edge 912a of the first protrusion 911 of the other X electrode 901. Therefore, compared with the rectangular Y electrode 202, the electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes is increased. In this way, in the regions 930, 940, and 950, the electric field generation region 321 between the single-layer electrodes is increased, and therefore the ozone generation region can be expanded.

[0053] Moreover, the electrode shape is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 2 and 9, and may be another shape. In a single-layer electrode structure, narrowing the distance between two electrodes increases the generated electric field strength, and the voltage required for ozone generation can be reduced. In other words, low power consumption is possible. However, in a single-layer electrode structure, the narrower the distance between the electrodes, the higher the processing accuracy required to prevent short circuits between electrodes of the same layer. For this reason, a multilayer electrode structure such as region 322 is desirable for low power consumption, in terms of ease of processing.

[0054] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a laminated electrode, in which (A) shows a cross-sectional view of the laminated electrode structure and (B) shows a plan view of the laminated electrode structure. An electrode 1001 and an electrode 1002 that generate ozone face each other via an insulating film 1003. In the plan view of (B), an edge 1001a of the electrode 1001 is present within the region of the electrode 1002. In other words, the structure of a laminated electrode suitable for generating ozone is not limited to the region 322 in FIG. 3, but is a structure in which two electrodes 1001 and 1002 are laminated via an insulating film 1003, and an edge 1001a of one electrode 1001 is present within the region of the other electrode 1002 in a plan view.

[0055] According to the first embodiment, the drive circuit 102 applies voltages V1 and V2 to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 (or the bridge electrode 311X and the bridge electrode 311Y) so that the electric field strength generated when a voltage is applied to the electrode substrate 101 is equal to or greater than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air and less than the dielectric breakdown strength of the silicon nitride film SiN. This allows ozone to be generated on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 without destroying the insulating film 312. In addition, by modifying the electrode shape as shown in FIG. 9, the ozone generation area is expanded, so that the sterilization process on the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be performed in a shorter time.

[0056] Moreover, according to the electronic device 100A of the first embodiment, the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 that generate ozone are present only on the first surface 310a, which is one side of the support substrate 310. Therefore, the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be sterilized. The first surface 310a faces the display surface on which an image of the display medium 104 is displayed. Therefore, the electronic device 100A allows images to be observed from the electrode substrate 101, and can also sterilize the display surface of the display medium 104 that faces the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101. EXAMPLES

[0057] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. Example 2 has a configuration in which a human sensor is connected to the control circuit 103 of Example 1. In Example 2, the same components as those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100B according to a second embodiment. The electronic device 100B includes a human sensor 1100. The human sensor 1100 is connected to a control circuit 103. The human sensor 1100 is a sensor that detects a living body, and may be, for example, an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor detects infrared rays emitted from a living body near the electrode substrate 101, and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 103.

[0059] The control circuit 103 controls the drive circuit 102 based on a detection signal from the human sensor 1100. Specifically, for example, when there is no detection signal from the human sensor 1100, the control circuit 103 applies a voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 so as to generate ozone. On the other hand, when there is a detection signal from the human sensor 1100, the control circuit 103 does not apply a voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202.

[0060] In this way, when a living body is not present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the human sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 103, and the drive circuit 102 applies a voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 to generate ozone. Therefore, when a living body is not present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the electronic device 100B can sterilize the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0061] On the other hand, when a living body approaches or comes into contact with the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the human sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 103, and the drive circuit 102 does not apply a voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202. Therefore, when a living body is present in the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100B, the electronic device 100B stops generating ozone. There is an index for the permissible concentration of ozone that does not affect the human body, for example, 0.1 ppm ("Recommendations on Permissible Concentrations (2019)", Journal of Industrial Hygiene 2019, Japan Society of Occupational Health). By controlling the generation of ozone only when necessary using the human sensor 1100, ozone is generated within the permissible concentration, and effects on the living body can be avoided.

[0062] The driving circuit 102 may have a plurality of driving conditions for the electrode substrate 101 with different amounts of ozone generated, and may change the driving conditions depending on the presence or absence of a person according to the human sensor 1100. For example, the driving circuit 102 changes the driving conditions for the electrode substrate 101 so that when the human sensor 1100 detects a person, the amount of ozone generated is reduced from the current amount, and when the human sensor 1100 does not detect a person, the driving circuit 102 increases the current amount of ozone generated. This allows safe sterilization when no person is present, and stops ozone generation when a person is present, thereby improving safety and sterilization efficiency.

[0063] In addition, when the human presence sensor 1100 detects a person, the drive circuit 102 may change the drive conditions of the electrode substrate 101 so that if the current amount of ozone generated is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it becomes less than the threshold value, and if the human presence sensor 1100 does not detect a person, the drive circuit 102 may change the drive conditions of the electrode substrate 101 so that if the current amount of ozone generated is less than the threshold value, it becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value. EXAMPLES

[0064] Example 3 will be described. Example 3 is an example in which the electrode substrate 101 is driven as a touch sensor and an ozone generation source. The touch sensor is a sensor that detects contact with a living body (e.g., a finger) or an object (e.g., a touch pen). Hereinafter, a case in which contact with a living body is mainly described. In Example 3, the surface 101a of the insulating film 312 laminated on the electrode substrate 101 is the contact surface of the touch sensor with the living body, and is therefore referred to as the contact surface 101a. In Example 3, the same components as those in Examples 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100C according to Example 3. The electronic device 100C includes an electrode substrate 101, a drive circuit 102 (hereinafter, referred to as a first drive circuit 102), a processor 1201, a second drive circuit 1202, a selection circuit 1205, a control circuit 1203, and a display panel 1204.

[0066] The electrode substrate 101 functions as an ozone generation source or a touch sensor. Specifically, for example, when driven by the first driving circuit 102 in Fig. 12, the electrode substrate 101 functions as an ozone generation source as shown in the first embodiment, and when driven by the second driving circuit 1202, the electrode substrate 101 functions as a touch sensor.

[0067] The selection circuit 1205 connects the first drive circuit 102 to the electrode substrate 101 or connects the second drive circuit 1202 to the electrode substrate 101 according to a selection instruction from the control circuit 1203 .

[0068] 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device 100C according to Example 3. The electronic device 100C in Example 3 is an electronic device configured by housing a display panel 1204 and an electrode substrate 101 inside a housing 1206 of the electronic device 100C. Examples of such electronic device 100C include tablets and smartphones that use a liquid crystal display panel or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display panel as the display panel 1204.

[0069] In order to allow the electronic device 100C to function as a touch sensor, the X-electrodes 201 and the Y-electrodes 202 in the electrode substrate 101 are transparent electrodes. The electrode substrate 101 is configured to cover the display panel 1204. Specifically, for example, the second surface 310b of the support substrate 310 of the electrode substrate 101 faces the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204. This allows an image displayed on the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204 to be observed from the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101, and allows ozone to be generated on the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0070] When the electronic device 100C is made to function as a touch sensor, the electric field strength of the electric field generated between the X electrode group and the Y electrode group by applying a voltage from the terminals 301 and 302 of the electrode substrate 101 is an electric field strength at which ozone is not generated by discharge, for example, between single-layer electrodes or between laminated electrodes. That is, the second drive circuit 1202 applies a voltage to the X electrode group and the Y electrode group that makes the electric field strength less than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air, and drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the influence of ozone on a living body when operating the touch sensor.

[0071] 12, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select either the first drive circuit 102 or the second drive circuit 1202 as a control target in response to an instruction from the processor 1201 or an external input such as a sensor (not shown) or a human operation.

[0072] In addition, the processor 1201 outputs to the control circuit 1203 an instruction to select an object to be controlled by the selection circuit 1205 , and outputs an instruction to drive the display panel 1204 .

[0073] The second driving circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor. The second driving circuit 1202 is connected to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 via a selection circuit 1205. At the intersection of the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, electrostatic capacitance is generated between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202. When a current signal is input to the X electrode 201, an AC current flows between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202.

[0074] The second drive circuit 1202 has a current detection unit, which detects this AC current. When a living body such as a human finger comes into contact with a region on the contact surface 101a with the living body that faces the portion where the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 intersect, a capacitance is generated between the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202 and the finger, and the capacitance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 changes.

[0075] When the capacitance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 changes, the AC current detected by the current detection unit changes. The X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202 are identified by the control of the control circuit 1203. The control circuit 1203 compares the AC current detected by the current detection unit with a predetermined threshold value to detect a change in the capacitance between the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202. When the capacitance changes, the control circuit 1203 identifies the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 connected to the second drive circuit 1202, thereby detecting the position where the finger is touching.

[0076] The touch position is an area on the contact surface 101a facing a portion where the X-electrode 201 and the Y-electrode 202 connected to the second driving circuit 1202 intersect. The control circuit 1203 outputs a detection signal indicating the touch position to the processor 1201. In this manner, the electronic device 100C detects the touch position on the contact surface 101a by the mutual capacitance method.

[0077] When the processor 1201 acquires a detection signal, it drives the display panel 1204. The processor 1201 may drive the display panel 1204 while it is acquiring a detection signal, i.e., while a finger is in contact with the contact surface 101a, and stop driving when the detection signal is no longer acquired. The processor 1201 may also drive the display panel 1204 for a predetermined time from when the detection signal is acquired, and stop driving when the predetermined time has elapsed. The processor 1201 may also stop driving the display panel 1204 in response to an external input such as a human operation.

[0078] In this way, the electronic device 100C of the third embodiment can selectively drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone generation source or a touch sensor. When the electrode substrate 101 is driven as an ozone generation source, the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be sterilized by ozone. When the electrode substrate 101 is driven as a touch sensor, a touch operation is possible on the clean contact surface 101a sterilized by ozone.

[0079] When the sensor is operated as a touch sensor, the electric field strength generated between the electrodes by inputting a current signal is sufficiently small compared to the strength at which air breaks down, so no ozone is generated. Therefore, the effects of ozone on living organisms can be avoided when the touch sensor is operated.

[0080] Also, as in the second embodiment, the human sensor 1100 may be connected to the control circuit 1203. As a result, when a living body is not present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100, the human sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 1203, and the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the first drive circuit 102. As a result, the first drive circuit 102 applies a voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 so as to generate ozone. Therefore, when a living body is not present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can sterilize the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101.

[0081] On the other hand, when a living body approaches or comes into contact with the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100, the human sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 1203, and the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the second drive circuit 1202. As a result, the first drive circuit 102 stops applying a voltage to the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, and the second drive circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrode 201.

[0082] Therefore, when a living body is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100C can utilize a touch sensor whose contact surface 101a has been sterilized. EXAMPLES

[0083] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an example in which the driving circuit of the electronic device 100D of the third embodiment further drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile presentation panel. The tactile presentation panel is a panel that presents a tactile sensation, such as a tactile sensation, a pressure sensation, or a vibration sensation, to a living body. The surface of the insulating film 312 laminated on the electrode substrate 101 becomes the touch sensor and the contact surface 101a of the tactile presentation panel for the living body. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100D according to a fourth embodiment. The electronic device 100D of the fourth embodiment includes an electrode substrate 101, a first driving circuit 102, a processor 1401, a second driving circuit 1202, a third driving circuit 1402, a selection circuit 1405, a control circuit 1403, and a display panel 1204. The third driving circuit 1402 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile presentation panel. Examples of the electronic device 100D of the fourth embodiment include a tablet and a smartphone shown in FIG. 13.

[0085] The electrode substrate 101 is provided at a position facing the display surface 1204a of the display panel 1204, and functions as an ozone generation source, a touch sensor, or a tactile presentation panel. Specifically, for example, when driven by the first driving circuit 102 in Fig. 14, the electrode substrate 101 functions as an ozone generation source as shown in Example 1, when driven by the second driving circuit 1202, the electrode substrate 101 functions as a touch sensor as shown in Example 3, and when driven by the third driving circuit 1402, the electrode substrate 101 functions as a tactile presentation panel.

[0086] Depending on a selection instruction from the control circuit 1403, the selection circuit 1405 connects the first driving circuit 102 to the electrode substrate 101, connects the second driving circuit 1202 to the electrode substrate 101, or connects the third driving circuit 1402 to the electrode substrate 101.

[0087] The control circuit 1403 controls the selection circuit 1405. Specifically, for example, the control circuit 1403 causes the selection circuit 1405 to select the first drive circuit 102, the second drive circuit 1202, or the third drive circuit 1402 as a control target in response to an instruction from the processor 1401 or an external input such as a sensor (not shown) or a human operation.

[0088] In addition, the processor 1401 outputs to the control circuit 1403 an instruction to select an object to be controlled by the selection circuit 1405, and, as in the third embodiment, outputs an instruction to drive the display panel 1204 when the second driving circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor.

[0089] The second driving circuit 1202 is connected to some of the X electrodes 201 and some of the Y electrodes 202, for example, by switching of the selection circuit 1405. The third driving circuit 1402 is connected to the remaining X electrodes 201 and the remaining Y electrodes 202 that are not connected to the second driving circuit 1202, for example, by switching of the selection circuit 1405.

[0090] The third drive circuit 1402 independently drives the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 of the electrode substrate 101. In the third drive circuit 1402, a circuit that drives the X electrodes 201 is referred to as an X-electrode drive circuit, and a circuit that drives the Y electrodes 202 is referred to as a Y-electrode drive circuit.

[0091] The X-electrode drive circuit is connected to the X-electrode 201 and generates an AC voltage of a first frequency f1. The Y-electrode drive circuit is connected to the Y-electrode 202 and generates an AC voltage of a second frequency f2. The AC voltage of the first frequency f1 and the AC voltage of the second frequency f2 are voltages that do not generate ozone, that is, voltages whose electric field strength is less than the dielectric breakdown electric field strength of air.

[0092] The tactile presentation panel (electrode substrate 101) presents a tactile sensation on contact surface 101a by the operation of the X-electrode drive circuit and the Y-electrode drive circuit. When a user touches contact surface 101a with a finger, the finger faces X-electrode 201 or Y-electrode 202 across insulating film 312 of electrode substrate 101, and is equivalent to an electrode connected to ground (GND) via a predetermined impedance.

[0093] When a voltage is applied to the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202, a static attractive force (electrostatic force) is generated between the X electrode 201 or the Y electrode 202 and the finger. When an AC voltage is applied, the electrostatic force changes periodically. The change in the electrostatic force causes a periodic change in the frictional force between the contact surface 101a and the finger. When a user traces the contact surface 101a with his / her finger, the frictional force felt by the finger changes periodically, and the user perceives a tactile sensation.

[0094] Previous research has revealed that tactile sensation is perceived when the frequency of AC voltage is greater than 5 Hz and less than 500 Hz, and that tactile sensation is not perceived when the frequency is not within this range.

[0095] Furthermore, when an AC voltage with a first frequency f1 is applied to the X electrode 201 and an AC voltage with a second frequency f2 is applied to the Y electrode 202, the electrostatic force changes with the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2. Furthermore, a beat is generated in which the electrostatic force changes with a frequency that is the difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2.

[0096] Previous research has revealed that the tactile sensation of a beat can be perceived when the beat frequency is greater than 10 Hz and less than 1000 Hz, but that the tactile sensation of a beat is not perceived when the beat frequency is outside this range.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 are both set to 500 [Hz] or more, and the absolute value of the difference between the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 is set to be greater than 10 [Hz] and less than 1000 [Hz]. For example, the first frequency f1=1000 [Hz] and the second frequency f2=1240 [Hz].

[0098] In this way, the electronic device 100 of the fourth embodiment can selectively drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone generation source, a touch sensor, or a tactile presentation panel. As a result, when the electrode substrate 101 is driven as an ozone generation source, the contact surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 can be sterilized. When the electrode substrate 101 is driven as a touch sensor or a tactile presentation panel, the touch can be felt through the clean contact surface 101a sterilized with ozone. When driven as a tactile presentation panel, the electric field strength generated between the electrodes by applying a voltage is sufficiently smaller than the strength at which air causes dielectric breakdown. Therefore, since ozone is not generated, it is possible to avoid the influence of ozone on a living body when touching the tactile presentation panel.

[0099] Also, as in the second embodiment, the human sensor 1100 may be connected to the control circuit 1403. As a result, when a living body is not present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the human sensor 1100 does not output a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 1403, and the control circuit 1403 causes the selection circuit 1405 to select the first drive circuit 102.

[0100] As a result, the first drive circuit 102 applies a voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 so as to generate ozone. Therefore, the electronic device 100D can sterilize the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101 when no living organism is present near the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D.

[0101] On the other hand, when a living body approaches or comes into contact with the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the human presence sensor 1100 outputs a detection signal of the living body to the control circuit 1403, and the control circuit 1403 causes the selection circuit 1405 to select the second driving circuit 1202 and / or the third driving circuit 1402.

[0102] As a result, the first drive circuit 102 stops applying voltage to the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202, the second drive circuit 1202 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrodes 201, and the third drive circuit 1402 drives the electrode substrate 101 as a touch sensor by outputting an AC signal to the X electrodes 201, and drives the electrode substrate 101 as a tactile presentation panel by applying a voltage to the X electrodes 201 or the Y electrodes 202.

[0103] Therefore, when a living body is present in the vicinity of the electrode substrate 101 of the electronic device 100D, the electronic device 100D can utilize a touch sensor and / or a tactile presentation panel whose contact surface 101a has been sterilized.

[0104] In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, an example in which the electrode substrate 101 is simultaneously driven as a touch sensor and a tactile presentation panel has been described, but the electronic device 100 may selectively drive either the touch sensor or the tactile presentation panel. The electronic device 100 may be configured not to include the second drive circuit 1202. This allows the electronic device 100 to drive the electrode substrate 101 as an ozone generation source and a tactile presentation panel. EXAMPLES

[0105] Next, a description will be given of Example 5. Example 5 is an example in which, in the electronic devices 100A to 100D of Examples 1 to 4, when ozone is generated by the electrode substrate 101, the voltage application to either the X electrodes 201 or the Y electrodes 202 is scanned.

[0106] 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a scanning example of the electronic device 100E according to the fifth embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, the electrode substrate 101 has one or more X electrode groups connected in a rosary shape in the x direction arranged in the y direction. The Y electrode 202 is connected to the ground. The driving circuit sequentially applies voltage from the X electrode group on one end toward the y direction.

[0107] For example, (A) at time t1, ozone 1501 is generated at one end in the y direction of surface 101a of electrode substrate 101. (B) at time t2 (>t1), ozone 1501 is generated in a midway portion in the y direction of surface 101a of electrode substrate 101. (C) at time t3 (>t2), ozone 1501 is generated at the other end in the y direction of surface 101a of electrode substrate 101.

[0108] In this way, by scanning the group of X electrodes to which the voltage is applied, the heat distribution accompanying the generation of ozone 1501 on surface 101a is changed over time, and a convection current of air containing ozone 1501 is generated.

[0109] 15, surface 101a is scanned from one end to the other in the y direction, but it may be scanned from a midway point to both ends in the y direction. Also, although the X electrode group is scanned in Fig. 15, drive circuit 102 may connect X electrode 201 to ground and scan the Y electrode group connected in a rosary shape in the x direction in the x direction.

[0110] In addition, in FIG. 15, the voltage application to either the X electrodes 201 or the Y electrodes 202 is scanned, but the drive circuit 102 may select the X electrodes 201 and the Y electrodes 202 corresponding to any region on the surface 101a, apply a voltage that generates ozone, and generate ozone 1501 in that region.

[0111] For example, by limiting the voltage application to the area of ​​surface 101a that can be contacted by a living body, ozone 1501 can be generated partially to sterilize, and the generation of ozone 1501 in areas where sterilization is not required is suppressed. Since the voltage application in areas where sterilization is not required is suppressed, power consumption can be reduced. EXAMPLES

[0112] Example 6 will be described. Example 6 is an example in which the electrode substrate 101 functions as a touch sensor without using a display medium 104 that displays an image. The same components as those in Examples 1 to 5 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic device 100F of Example 6. Fig. 16(a) is a plan view of the electronic device 100F of Example 6. Fig. 16(b) is a BB' cross-sectional view of (a). The electronic device 100F has an electrode substrate 1600. The electrode substrate 1600 has a support substrate 1601 such as a glass substrate, one X electrode 1611 on the support substrate 1601, one Y electrode 1612 on the support substrate 1601, and an insulating film 1613 covering the X electrode 1611 and the Y electrode 1612.

[0114] The X electrodes 1611 and the Y electrodes 1612 are arranged on the support substrate 1601 at a predetermined interval (for example, 10 μm). That is, the X electrodes 1611 and the Y electrodes 1612 have a single-layer electrode structure as shown in Fig. 3(A). The electrode substrate 1600 also operates as an ozone generation source and a touch sensor.

[0115] 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100F according to Example 6. The electronic device 100F of Example 6 includes an electrode substrate 1600, a first driving circuit 102, a second driving circuit 1202, a selection circuit 1205, and a control circuit 1203. In addition, as in Example 2, a human sensor 1100 may be connected to the control circuit 103.

[0116] Electronic device 100F can be applied to, for example, a light switch. ON (lighting) / OFF (lighting out) control of the light switch is performed by control circuit 1203 connected to lighting fixture 1700, which is an example of a control target.

[0117] For example, when the second driving circuit 1202 is selected by the selection circuit 1205, each time a living body such as a finger touches the contact surface 1600a of the electrode substrate 1600 operating as a touch sensor, the electrode substrate 1600 outputs a detection signal indicating the contact position of the living body to the control circuit 1203. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control circuit 1203 turns the lighting device 1700 on or off.

[0118] Specifically, for example, when control circuit 1203 receives a detection signal in an off state, it turns on lighting device 1700, and when it receives a detection signal in an on state, it turns off lighting device 1700. Note that the lighting is not limited to two levels, on and off, and may be cyclically switchable between three or more levels, such as brightness (strong) ⇒ brightness (medium) ⇒ brightness (weak) ⇒ off ⇒ brightness (strong) ⇒ .

[0119] On the other hand, when the first driving circuit 102 is selected by the selection circuit 1205, the electrode substrate 1600 operating as an ozone generation source generates ozone on the contact surface 1600a, and sterilizes the contact surface 1600a.

[0120] Furthermore, the control circuit 1203 causes the selection circuit 1205 to select the first drive circuit 102 or the second drive circuit 1202 in response to an external input such as a sensor (not shown) or a human operation. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the electronic device 100F is installed in an office as a light switch.

[0121] In this case, at a predetermined first date and time (e.g., 8 p.m. on a Friday) or a predetermined first time (e.g., 8 p.m. on a weekday) during the night, on a holiday, or the like, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205 to switch the driving target from the first driving circuit 102 to the second driving circuit 1202. If the lighting fixture is ON (lit) at the time of switching, the control circuit 1203 turns the lighting fixture 1700 OFF (exited). As a result, in the electronic device 100F, the electrode substrate 1600 generates ozone on the contact surface 1600a, sterilizing the contact surface 1600a.

[0122] Furthermore, at a predetermined first date and time (for example, 7:00 on a weekday), such as the opening date and time of business, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205 to switch the driving target from the second driving circuit 1202 to the first driving circuit 102. As a result, the electrode substrate 1600 is driven as a touch sensor, and the lighting device 1700 is switched from OFF (light off) to ON (light on) when a living body such as a finger touches the contact surface 1600a. Therefore, the control circuit 1203 controls the selection circuit 1205 to switch to the first driving circuit 102 when a non-use time period as a touch sensor is entered, and to switch to the second driving circuit 1202 when the non-use time period has elapsed.

[0123] Thus, according to the sixth embodiment, by applying the electronic device 100F to a light switch that the human body comes into contact with, the contact surface 1600a that turns the lighting device 1700 ON (on) / OFF (off) can be sterilized during times when it is not being used as a light switch.

[0124] The shapes of the X electrode 1611 and the Y electrode 1612 may be rectangular like the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, or polygonal like the X electrode 901 and the Y electrode 902 shown in FIG. 9, or may be other shapes. The electronic device 100F may have a configuration having a plurality of laminated structures as shown in FIG. 10. By using such electrode shapes and laminated structures, it is possible to increase the electric field generation area. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ozone generation efficiency and reduce power consumption. EXAMPLES

[0125] Next, Example 7 will be described. Example 7 is an example in which a leakage current countermeasure is implemented for the electronic devices 100A to 100F of Examples 1 to 6. A leakage current is a current that flows into the human body through a finger when a foreign object such as water enters the insulating film 312 due to a scratch and the finger touches the scratch. An electronic device 100G of Example 7 employs a structure that suppresses this leakage current. Note that the same components as those of Examples 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0126] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an electronic device 100G of Example 7. Fig. 18(A) is a plan view of the electronic device 100G of Example 7, Fig. 18(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of (A), and Fig. 18(C) is an operation example of the electronic device 100G of Example 7.

[0127] The electronic device 100G has a plurality of floating electrodes 1801 on an insulating film 312. The floating electrodes 1801 can be formed using, for example, a conductor such as ITO or a semiconductor. The floating electrodes 1801 are electrically independent from each other. The plurality of floating electrodes 1801 are covered with an insulating film 1802. The plurality of floating electrodes 1801 are arranged, for example, in a two-dimensional array, as shown in (A).

[0128] Each floating electrode 1801 forms a capacitor with the opposing X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202. A voltage is induced by capacitive coupling between the floating electrode 1801 and the opposing X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202. The electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor formed by each floating electrode 1801 and the opposing X electrode 201 or Y electrode 202 is determined by the area of ​​the floating electrode 1801.

[0129] All the floating electrodes 1801 have the same shape and area. However, the shapes of the floating electrodes 1801 do not need to be the same, and the areas may also be different. In the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that the shape of the scratch that occurs in the insulating film 1802 is an approximately cylindrical shape with a diameter of 3 mm. In this case, the smallest shape of the floating electrode 1801 that can accommodate the scratch is a square with one side measuring 3 mm.

[0130] In the seventh embodiment, for example, if the shape of the floating electrode 1801 is a square with one side measuring 3 mm, the area of ​​the floating electrode 1801 is 9 mm 2 In addition, adjacent floating electrodes 1801 are arranged in a plane with a gap of, for example, 0.5 mm between them.

[0131] An insulating film 1802 that covers the floating electrodes 1801 is disposed on the upper surfaces of the floating electrodes 1801. The insulating film 1802 becomes the contact surface 101a that is directly touched by the user, and prevents contact between a finger 1804 and the floating electrodes 1801. The insulating film 1802 is made of, for example, acrylic.

[0132] 18(C) shows a state in which a scratch 1803 has occurred in the insulating film 1802 that reaches the floating electrode 1801, and a conductive foreign object 1805 such as water has entered inside the scratch. The foreign object 1805 is in electrical contact with a maximum of four floating electrodes 1801. When a finger 1804 touches the foreign object 1805, the charge stored in a capacitor equivalent to the total area of ​​the four floating electrodes 1801 flows to the finger 1804 as a leakage current I.

[0133] However, this leakage current I is remarkably small, being equivalent to the amount of charge stored in four floating electrodes 1801. In this manner, by implementing leakage current countermeasures in the electronic device 100 of Examples 1 to 6, it is possible to suppress the leakage current.

[0134] 18(B), it is preferable not to provide a floating electrode 1801 on the laminated electrode. This allows the electric field 420 generated by the potential difference between the bridge electrodes 311X and 311Y to reach the air above the insulating film 312 without being blocked by the floating electrode 1820. This causes dielectric breakdown of the air and generates ozone.

[0135] As described above, in the electronic devices 100A to G of the first to seventh embodiments, the X-electrodes 201 and the Y-electrodes 202 of the electrode substrate 101 are transparent electrodes, and the ozone generating source and the display medium share the electrode substrate 101. Therefore, it is possible to attach the display surface of the display device to the second surface 310b, and the display surface can be transmitted through the surface 101a of the electrode substrate 101. This makes it possible to observe the display surface from the surface 101a, and the surface 101a can be kept hygienic. Furthermore, the hygiene of the surface 101a can be achieved with a small number of parts.

[0136] In addition, in the electronic devices 100A to G of the first to seventh embodiments, the ozone generation source and other functions (touch sensor and tactile presentation) share the electrode substrate 101, so that the other functions can sterilize the contact surface 101a with the living body when the other functions are not in use. Therefore, the contact surface 101a can be kept sanitary without using a separate sterilizing spray or ozone generator. Also, the sanitary condition of the contact surface 101a can be achieved with a small number of parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 100 Electronic equipment 101 Electrode substrate 101a Surface (contact surface) 102 (first) drive circuit 103 Control circuit 104 Medium 201 X electrode 201a edge 203 Insulating film 310a 1st page 310b 2nd side 310 Support substrate 311X Bridge electrode 311Y Bridge electrode 312 Insulating film 900,910 Array direction 911,921 1st convex part 912,922 1st concave part 931,941 2nd concave part 932,942 2nd convex part 1000 Human Sensor 1102 Second driver circuit 1103 Control circuit 1104 Display panel 1105 Selection circuit 1202 3rd drive circuit 1203 Control circuit 1205 Selection circuit 1301 Ozone 1501 Floating Electrode 1502 Insulating film 1503 Wound 1504 finger 1505 Foreign Object

Claims

1. an electrode substrate including a transparent first electrode and a second electrode provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and an insulating film that electrically insulates the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to cover a surface of a display medium that displays an image; a drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field between the electrodes; The electrode substrate generates ozone on the electrode substrate in response to an applied voltage from the drive circuit.

1. An electronic device comprising:

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed in the same layer on the transparent insulating substrate with their edges facing each other; 1. An electronic device comprising:

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, the second electrode, the insulating film, and the first electrode are laminated in this order on the transparent insulating substrate; At least a part of an edge of the first electrode is present within the area of ​​the second electrode in a plan view.

1. An electronic device comprising:

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

1. An electronic device comprising:

5. An electronic device as claimed in claim 4, a peak value of the electric field strength applied to the insulating film is smaller than the dielectric breakdown field strength of the insulating film; 1. An electronic device comprising:

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, a first electrode group in which a plurality of the first electrodes having a specific shape and connected by first connection portions are arranged in a first direction extends parallel to each other in a second direction; a second electrode group in which a plurality of the second electrodes having specific shapes and connected by second connection portions are arranged in the second direction extends parallel to each other in the first direction; the first electrode group and the second electrode group are laminated at the first connection portion and the second connection portion via the insulating film; 1. An electronic device comprising:

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, the specific shape of one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a shape having a first convex portion protruding from an inside of the one electrode toward an outside, the specific shape of the other of the first electrode and the second electrode is a shape having a first concave portion covering a periphery of the first convex portion via the insulating film; 1. An electronic device comprising:

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, a detection unit that detects a living body on a surface of the electrode substrate and outputs a signal; A control circuit that controls the drive circuit based on a signal from the detection unit; having The control circuit applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode when there is no signal from the detection unit; The electrode substrate generates ozone on the electrode substrate in response to an applied voltage from the drive circuit.

1. An electronic device comprising:

9. An electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a second electrode provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and a first insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode; a display medium having a display surface for displaying an image covered with the electrode substrate; a first driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to operate as an ozone generation source; a second drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to drive the touch sensor; a selection circuit that switches between the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit; 1. An electronic device comprising:

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, The peak value of the electric field strength on the electrode substrate is equal to or greater than the dielectric breakdown field strength of air.

1. An electronic device comprising:

11. The electronic device according to claim 9, the second drive circuit applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode that does not generate ozone on the electrode substrate; 1. An electronic device comprising:

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, a third drive circuit that drives the contact surface of the electrode substrate so as to present a tactile sensation; a selection circuit that selects the first drive circuit, the second drive circuit, or the third drive circuit; 1. An electronic device comprising:

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, a first electrode group in which a plurality of rectangular first electrodes connected by first connection portions are arranged in a first direction extends parallel to each other in a second direction; a second electrode group in which a plurality of the second electrodes having specific shapes and connected by second connection portions are arranged in the second direction extends parallel to each other in the first direction; the first electrode group and the second electrode group are laminated at the first connection portion and the second connection portion via the first insulating film, the third drive circuit applies a voltage signal of a first frequency to a specific first electrode group among the first electrode groups that corresponds to a target area input from outside, applies a voltage signal of a second frequency to a specific second electrode group among the second electrode groups that corresponds to the target area, and generates an electrical beat vibration in the target area according to an absolute value of a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

1. An electronic device comprising:

14. An electronic device as claimed in claim 1, A plurality of combinations of the first electrodes and the second electrodes are arranged on the electrode substrate, The drive circuit drives a part of the combinations.

1. An electronic device comprising:

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, the drive circuit drives a first combination and a second combination among the plurality of combinations at different timings; 1. An electronic device comprising:

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, the drive circuit drives one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes in a predetermined scanning direction among the plurality of combinations.

1. An electronic device comprising:

17. The electronic device of claim 12, a plurality of floating electrodes disposed on the first insulating film and electrically independent from one another; a second insulating film covering the floating electrodes; 1. An electronic device comprising:

18. An electrode substrate having a transparent first electrode and a second electrode provided on one surface of a transparent insulating substrate, and an insulating film electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode; a first driving circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to operate as an ozone generation source; a second drive circuit connected to the electrode substrate and configured to apply a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode to drive the touch sensor; a selection circuit that switches between the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit; 1. An electronic device comprising:

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, a control circuit connected to a control target and performing selection control of the selection circuit and control of the control target; the control circuit controls the control target when a detection signal indicating that a living body has contacted the electrode substrate driven as the touch sensor by the second drive circuit is output.

1. An electronic device comprising:

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, The control circuit controls the selection circuit to switch to the first drive circuit during a non-use time period of the touch sensor, and to switch to the second drive circuit after the non-use time period has elapsed.

1. An electronic device comprising:

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