Touch sensor and touch panel device

Abstract

Each first electrode (30a, 30b) includes an electrode part (31) and a connection terminal part (33). The connection terminal part (33) is electrically connected to a flexible wiring board (3). At least one end portion of each of first insulation parts (14a, 14b) and first outer-peripheral conduction parts (15a, 15b) is configured so as to be located in the vicinity of each connection terminal part (33). The first outer-peripheral conduction parts (15a, 15b) are configured such that at least an end portion (17) is electrically connected to a first conductor body part (12) in the vicinity of the connection terminal part (33).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a resistive touch sensor and a touch panel device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a resistive film type touch sensor that allows a pressing operation, such as the touch sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a resistive film type touch sensor including an upper substrate, an upper conductive layer disposed on the underside of the upper substrate, an upper electrode disposed on the underside of the upper conductive layer via an intermediate layer, a lower conductive layer facing the upper conductive layer with a predetermined gap provided, a lower electrode disposed on the upper surface of the lower conductive layer, a lower substrate disposed on the underside of the lower conductive layer, and a wiring substrate disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-97415 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the touch sensor of Patent Document 1, for example, when static electricity charged to a finger or pen by a user during a pressing operation is applied to the upper surface of the upper substrate, the static electricity flows from the upper surface of the upper substrate through the side edge toward the upper conductive layer and the upper electrode located on the lower surface of the upper substrate. This static electricity flows from the wiring board electrically connected to the upper electrode toward an external control circuit connected to the touch sensor, and is reduced to a voltage that is not affected by anti-static components built into the control circuit.

[0006] However, when a relatively strong static electricity is applied to the upper surface of the upper substrate, the static electricity affects the interface between the upper conductive layer and the upper electrode, making the upper electrode more likely to peel off from the upper conductive layer. As a result, in the touch sensor of Patent Document 1, the potential distribution becomes non-uniform in the upper conductive layer, making it easier for the detection position to shift due to a pressing operation.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to maintain a uniform potential distribution in a conductive layer arranged on the underside of a substrate in a resistive film touch sensor, while appropriately preventing deviation of the detection position during a pressing operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a resistive touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate, a pair of first electrodes disposed on a periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive layer and having an electrical resistivity lower than that of the first conductive layer, and a flexible wiring board disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate. The first conductive layer includes a first conductive body portion electrically connected to the pair of first electrodes, a first insulating portion electrically insulated from the first conductive body portion and disposed on the periphery of the first conductive body portion so as to surround the pair of first electrodes at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate, and a first peripheral conductive portion disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate at a position separated from the periphery of the first conductive body portion by the first insulating portion and extending along the extension direction of the first insulating portion. Each of the pair of first electrodes includes an electrode portion disposed at a position facing each other on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion and electrically connected to each other via the first conductive body portion, and a connection terminal portion that is continuous with the electrode portion and disposed at a position not facing the electrode portion on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion. The connection terminal portion is electrically connected to the flexible wiring board. Each of the first insulating portion and the first outer peripheral conductive portion is configured such that at least one end is located near the connection terminal portion. And, at least one end of the first outer peripheral conductive portion is configured to be electrically conductive with the first conductive body portion near the connection terminal portion. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain a uniform potential distribution in the first conductive body portion in the first conductive layer, and to appropriately prevent deviation of the detection position due to a pressing operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing components of a touch sensor according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration at a position including an electrode portion of a first electrode in a peripheral portion of the touch sensor. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view that shows a schematic configuration of a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and a first electrode, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view that illustrates a schematic configuration of the first conductive layer as viewed from above the first substrate. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view that shows a schematic configuration of the second substrate, the second conductive layer, and the second electrode, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view that illustrates a schematic configuration of the second conductive layer as viewed from above the second substrate. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view showing a portion A in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and a first electrode of a touch sensor according to the second embodiment, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a first conductive layer in a touch sensor according to the second embodiment, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration at a position including an electrode portion in a peripheral portion of a touch sensor according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and a first electrode of a touch sensor according to the third embodiment, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a first conductive layer in a touch sensor according to the third embodiment, as viewed from above the first substrate. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view showing a portion B in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional configuration at a position including an electrode portion in a peripheral portion of a touch panel device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view that diagrammatically illustrates the configurations of a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a first electrode, and a second substrate of a touch panel device according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from above the first substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of each embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0012] [First embodiment] The touch sensor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is a resistive film type sensor-type input device. The touch sensor 1 is configured so that a user can operate various electronic devices connected to the touch sensor 1 by pressing the upper surface side of a first substrate 10 located directly above an operation space S (see FIG. 2) described later. The touch sensor 1 is used as an input device for, for example, in-vehicle devices such as car navigation systems, printers, copy machines, ticket vending machines, automated teller machines, operation screens for industrial equipment, POS systems, and the like.

[0013] In the following description, the side on which a first substrate 10 (described later) is located will be referred to as the "upper side" of the touch sensor 1, and the side on which a second substrate 20 (described later) is located will be referred to as the "lower side" of the touch sensor 1, and the positional relationship of each element that constitutes the touch sensor 1 will be defined based on this.

[0014] (First and second boards) As shown in Fig. 1, the touch sensor 1 includes first and second substrates 10 and 20. The first substrate 10 is made of a resin film having high light transmittance, such as a polyethylene terephthalate resin. The second substrate 20 is made of a glass material, for example. Each of the first and second substrates 10 and 20 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0015] 2, the first and second substrates 10, 20 are stacked and arranged to face each other with an operation space S sandwiched between them by an adhesive layer 2 described later. The operation space S is a space surrounded by the first substrate 10, the second substrate 20, the adhesive layer 2 (described later), a first insulating coating layer 4 (described later), and a second insulating coating layer 5 (described later).

[0016] (Adhesive layer) As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an adhesive layer 2 for bonding the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is provided between the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10 and the periphery of the upper surface of the second substrate 20. The adhesive layer 2 is made of, for example, an acrylic adhesive. The adhesive layer 2 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The adhesive layer 2 is disposed between a first insulating coating layer 4 and a second insulating coating layer 5, which will be described later.

[0017] (Flexible wiring board) 1, the touch sensor 1 includes a flexible wiring board 3. The flexible wiring board 3 is configured to have flexibility and to have electrical characteristics that do not change even when deformed. The flexible wiring board 3 is made of a flexible insulating film such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

[0018] 3 and 5, flexible wiring board 3 is fixed to the peripheral edge of each of first substrate 10 and second substrate 20 by, for example, an anisotropic conductive adhesive (not shown). Flexible wiring board 3 is electrically connected to first electrodes 30a, 30b and second electrodes 40a, 40b, which will be described later.

[0019] (First conductive layer) 1 and 2, the touch sensor 1 includes a first conductive layer 11. The first conductive layer 11 is made of a transparent material (transparent conductive film) having optical transparency, such as indium tin oxide. The first conductive layer 11 is formed by forming the transparent conductive film on the lower surface of the first substrate 10 by sputtering, vapor deposition, or the like.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first conductive layer 11 is composed of a first conductive body portion 12, first insulating portions 14a to 14g, first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a and 15b, and dummy regions 16a and 16b.

[0021] (First conductive body part) 2 to 4, the first conductive body portion 12 is formed in most of the region excluding the first insulating portions 14a to 14g, the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a and 15b, and the dummy regions 16a and 16b in the first conductive layer 11. The first conductive body portion 12 is electrically connected to first electrodes 30a and 30b, which will be described later.

[0022] The first conductive body part 12 includes an operation area 13 that can come into contact with the second conductive body part 22 by a pressing operation by the user. The operation area 13 is disposed at a position in the first conductive body part 12 that corresponds to the operation space S (see FIG. 2). The operation area 13 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape.

[0023] (First insulating part) 2, the first insulating portions 14a-14g are configured, for example, as portions of the lower surface of the first substrate 10 where the transparent conductive film is not laminated. Specifically, each of the first insulating portions 14a-14g is configured as a recessed groove formed by removing the transparent conductive film by, for example, laser etching after the transparent conductive film is formed on the lower surface of the first substrate 10. As a result, the first insulating portions 14a-14g are electrically insulated from the first conductive body portion 12.

[0024] 3 and 4, each of the first insulating portions 14a to 14g is formed in a linear shape. A preferable line width of each of the first insulating portions 14a to 14g is, for example, 50 to 250 μm.

[0025] The first insulating portions 14a, 14b are disposed so as to surround the first electrodes 30a, 30b described below at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10. The first insulating portions 14a, 14b are formed in an unclosed shape with an open left side on the paper surface of FIGS.

[0026] The first insulating portion 14a is adjacent to the outer periphery of the first conductive body portion 12. The first insulating portion 14a extends along the outer periphery of the first conductive body portion 12.

[0027] The first insulating portion 14b is disposed at a position separated from the outer periphery of the first conductive body portion 12, with the first insulating portion 14a and the first outer periphery conductive portion 15a sandwiched between them. The first insulating portion 14b is disposed between the first outer periphery conductive portion 15a and the first outer periphery conductive portion 15b. The first insulating portion 14b extends along the extension direction of the first insulating portion 14a.

[0028] First insulating portion 14c is disposed to the right of operation area 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3. First insulating portion 14c extends along the short side direction of first substrate 10. First insulating portion 14c is configured such that an end portion on the lower side of the pages of Figures 2 and 3 is continuous with first insulating portion 14a, while an end portion on the upper side of the pages extends to the vicinity of the upper right corner of operation area 13 on the pages.

[0029] The first insulating portion 14d is provided to electrically separate the operation area 13 of the first conductive body portion 12 from each wiring portion 32 and each connection terminal portion 33 described later. Specifically, the first insulating portion 14d is disposed on the left side of the operation area 13 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The first insulating portion 14d is disposed to face the first insulating portion 14c across the operation area 13. The first insulating portion 14d extends along the short side direction of the first substrate 10. The first insulating portion 14d is configured such that the end portion on the lower side of the paper in each figure is located near the lower left corner of the operation area 13, while the end portion on the upper side of the paper extends to the upper left corner of the operation area 13.

[0030] 2 and 3. First insulating portion 14e extends along the long side of first substrate 10. Specifically, first insulating portion 14e extends from the side of first substrate 10 located on the left side of the paper toward first insulating portion 14d.

[0031] The first insulating portions 14f and 14g are disposed to the left of the operation region 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, the first insulating portion 14f is disposed above the first insulating portion 14e and adjacent to the outer periphery of the dummy region 16a. The first insulating portion 14g is disposed below the first insulating portion 14e and adjacent to the outer periphery of the dummy region 16b.

[0032] (First outer conductive part) The first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15b are made of a transparent material (transparent conductive film) having optical transparency, such as indium tin oxide, similar to the first conductive body portion 12. Note that in Figures 2 to 4 and 7, the first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15b are hatched with dots to distinguish them from other components.

[0033] The first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b are disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10. Specifically, the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b are disposed so as to surround the first electrodes 30a, 30b described below at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10. Each of the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b is configured such that both end portions 17, 18 are located in the vicinity of a connection terminal portion 33 described below, and the both end portions 17, 18 are electrically connected to the first conductive body portion 12 in the vicinity of the connection terminal portion 33 of each of the first electrodes 30a, 30b.

[0034] The first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a is disposed at a position separated from the outer periphery of the first conductive body portion 12 by the first insulating portion 14a. The first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a is disposed between the first insulating portion 14a and the first insulating portion 14b. The first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a extends in a substantially strip-like shape along the extension direction of the first insulating portions 14a, 14b. The first insulating portion 14a is formed in an unclosed shape with an opening on the left side of the paper surface of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0035] The first outer circumferential conductive portion 15b is disposed at a position separated from the outer periphery of the first conductive body portion 12 by the first insulating portion 14a and the first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a. The first outer circumferential conductive portion 15b extends in a substantially strip-like shape along the extension direction of the first insulating portion 14b. The first insulating portion 14b is formed in an unclosed shape with an open left side on the paper surface of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0036] (1st electrode) As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the touch sensor 1 includes a pair of first electrodes 30a, 30b. The first electrodes 30a, 30b have an electrical resistivity lower than that of the first conductive layer 11 (first conductive body portion 12). The first electrodes 30a, 30b are made of a material containing silver or copper as a main component, for example. Specifically, the first electrodes 30a, 30b are made of a material in which silver or copper is contained in a resin material such as a polyester resin.

[0037] The first electrodes 30a, 30b are disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion 12 (outside the operation area 13). The first electrodes 30a, 30b are electrically connected to the first conductive body portion 12.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode 30a extends in a strip shape on the underside of the first conductive body portion 12 from near the end of the first insulating portion 14a located at the lower right of the page, through the corners located at the upper right and upper left of the page of the first insulating portion 14a, to near the end of the first insulating portion 14e located at the left side of the page (the attachment position of the flexible wiring board 3).

[0039] The first electrode 30b extends in a strip shape on the underside of the first conductive body portion 12 from near the end portion of the first insulating portion 14c located on the lower side of the paper, through the corner portion of the first insulating portion 14a located on the lower left of the paper, to near the end portion of the first insulating portion 14e located on the left side of the paper.

[0040] Each of the first electrodes 30a and 30b includes an electrode portion 31, a wiring portion 32, and a connection terminal portion 33.

[0041] The electrode portion 31 of each of the first electrodes 30a and 30b extends linearly along the long side direction of the first substrate 10. The electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30a is disposed above the operation area 13 shown in FIG. 3 on the paper. The electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30b is disposed below the operation area 13 shown in FIG. 3 on the paper. That is, the electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30a and the electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30b are disposed at positions facing each other on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion 12. The electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30a and the electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30b are electrically connected to each other via the operation area 13 of the first conductive body portion 12.

[0042] The wiring portion 32 of each of the first electrodes 30a and 30b is disposed on the lower surface of the first conductive body portion 12 to the left of the first insulating portion 14d shown in Fig. 3. The wiring portion 32 of the first electrode 30a is configured such that an end portion located on the upper side of the paper in Fig. 3 is continuous with the electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30a, while an end portion located on the lower side of the paper in Fig. 3 is located near the first insulating portion 14e. The wiring portion 32 of the first electrode 30b is configured such that an end portion located on the lower side of the paper in Fig. 3 is continuous with the electrode portion 31 of the first electrode 30b, while an end portion located on the upper side of the paper in Fig. 3 is located near the first insulating portion 14e.

[0043] The connection terminal portions 33 of the first electrodes 30a, 30b are continuous with the electrode portions 31 and are arranged at positions not facing the electrode portions 31 on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion 12. Specifically, the connection terminal portions 33 are located to the left of the first insulating portion 14d shown in FIG. 3 and are arranged at a position away from the operation area 13 with the first insulating portion 14d sandwiched therebetween. The connection terminal portions 33 are also located near the first insulating portion 14e and are arranged at intervals from each other with the first insulating portion 14e sandwiched therebetween. The connection terminal portions 33 are electrically connected to the flexible wiring board 3.

[0044] The connection terminal portion 33 of the first electrode 30a extends from an end of the wiring portion 32 of the first electrode 30a located on the lower side of the paper in Fig. 3 toward the left side of the paper in the extension direction of the first insulating portion 14e. The connection terminal portion 33 of the first electrode 30b extends from an end of the wiring portion 32 of the first electrode 30b located on the upper side of the paper in Fig. 3 toward the left side of the paper in the extension direction of the first insulating portion 14e.

[0045] The first electrode 30a includes a dummy portion 34. The dummy portion 34 is disposed to the left of the operation region 13 shown in FIG. 3. The dummy portion 34 is disposed between the first insulating portion 14a and the first insulating portion 14c. The dummy portion 34 is configured such that an end portion located on the lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 3 is located near an end portion of the first insulating portion 14c located on the lower side of the paper surface, while an end portion located on the upper side of the paper surface is continuous with the electrode portion 31.

[0046] (First insulating coating layer) As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the touch sensor 1 includes a first insulating coating layer 4. The first insulating coating layer 4 is made of an insulating material such as an acrylic resin. The first insulating coating layer 4 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The first insulating coating layer 4 is disposed at positions corresponding to the first electrodes 30a, 30b on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body 12. The first insulating coating layer 4 is configured to cover the entire first electrodes 30a, 30b from below the first conductive layer 11 in the thickness direction of the touch sensor 1.

[0047] (Second conductive layer) 1 and 2, the touch sensor 1 includes a second conductive layer 21. The second conductive layer 21 is made of a transparent material (transparent conductive film) having optical transparency, such as indium tin oxide, similar to the first conductive layer 11. The second conductive layer 21 is formed by forming the transparent conductive film on the upper surface of the second substrate 20 by sputtering, vapor deposition, or the like.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second conductive layer 21 is composed of a second conductive main body portion 22, second insulating portions 24a to 24e, a second outer periphery conductive portion 25, and dummy regions 26a, 26b, and 26c.

[0049] (Second conductive body part) 2, 5 and 6, the second conductive body portion 22 is formed in most of the region excluding the second insulating portions 24a-24e, the second outer peripheral conductive portion 25, and the dummy regions 26a, 26b, and 26c in the second conductive layer 21. The second conductive body portion 22 is electrically connected to second electrodes 40a and 40b, which will be described later.

[0050] The second conductive body part 22 includes an operation area 23 having the same size and shape as the operation area 13 of the first conductive body part 12. The operation area 23 is disposed in a position in the second conductive body part 22 corresponding to the operation space S (see FIG. 2).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of dot spacers 27 are provided in the operation area 23 of the second conductive body 22. Each dot spacer 27 is made of an insulating resin such as an epoxy resin or a silicone resin. Each dot spacer 27 has a substantially hemispherical shape. The plurality of dot spacers 27 are formed on the upper surface of the second conductive body 22. The plurality of dot spacers 27 are arranged at intervals from one another in the operation area 23.

[0052] (Second insulating part) 2, like the first insulating portions 14a to 14g, the second insulating portions 24a to 24e are configured as portions on the upper surface of the second substrate 20 where the transparent conductive film is not laminated. As a result, the second insulating portions 24a to 24e are electrically insulated from the second conductive body portion 22.

[0053] 5 and 6, each of the second insulating portions 24a to 24e is formed in a linear shape. A preferable line width of each of the second insulating portions 24a to 24e is, for example, 50 to 250 μm.

[0054] The second insulating portion 24a is disposed so as to surround the second electrodes 40a, 40b (described later) at a distance from the periphery of the upper surface of the second substrate 20. The second insulating portion 24a has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the second insulating portion 24a is formed in a closed shape capable of housing the second conductive body portion 22 and the dummy regions 26a, 26b, 26c.

[0055] The second insulating portion 24b is disposed below the operation region 23 shown in Figures 5 and 6. The second insulating portion 24b is disposed at a distance from the long side of the second insulating portion 24a on the lower side of the paper, and is adjacent to a part of the outer periphery of the dummy region 16a. The second insulating portion 24b extends along the long side direction of the second substrate 20. The second insulating portion 24b extends from the short side of the first insulating portion 14a on the left side of the paper to the short side located on the right side of the paper.

[0056] Second insulating portion 24c is disposed to the left of operation area 23 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Second insulating portion 24c is adjacent to part of the outer periphery of dummy areas 26b and 26c.

[0057] Second insulating portion 24d is disposed to the left of operation area 23 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Second insulating portion 24d is configured to separate dummy area 26b and dummy area 26c.

[0058] Second insulating portion 24e is disposed to the left and above operation area 23 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Second insulating portion 24e extends from the short side located on the left side of second substrate 20 in the paper, through the vicinity of the corner located in the upper left of operation area 23 in the paper, to the vicinity of the corner located in the upper right of operation area 23 in the paper.

[0059] (Second outer conductive part) The second outer periphery conductive portion 25 is made of a transparent material (transparent conductive film) having optical transparency, such as indium tin oxide, similar to the second conductive body portion 22. The second outer periphery conductive portion 25 is disposed outside the second insulating portion 24a on the periphery of the lower surface of the second substrate 20. The second outer periphery conductive portion 25 has a four-sided frame shape.

[0060] (2nd electrode) 1 and 2, the touch sensor 1 includes a pair of second electrodes 40a, 40b. The second electrodes 40a, 40b have an electrical resistivity lower than that of the second conductive layer 21 (second conductive body portion 22). The second electrodes 40a, 40b are made of a material mainly composed of, for example, silver or copper, similar to the first electrodes 30a, 30b.

[0061] The second electrodes 40a, 40b are disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the second conductive body portion 22 (outside the operation area 23). The second electrodes 40a, 40b are electrically connected to the second conductive body portion 22.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode 40a extends in a strip shape on the upper surface of the second conductive body portion 22 from near the corner located at the lower right of the operation area 23 on the paper, through the corners located at the upper right and upper left of the operation area 23 on the paper, to near the end portion of the second insulating portion 24e on the left side of the paper (the attachment position of the flexible wiring board 3).

[0063] Second electrode 40b is disposed on the left side of operation region 23 in the plane of the drawing, and has a generally T-shape. Specifically, second electrode 40b extends from the vicinity of the end portion located on the left side of second insulating portions 24c, 24e in the plane of the drawing on the upper surface of second conductive body portion 22 toward operation region 23, and branches toward both the vicinity of the upper left corner and the vicinity of the lower left corner of operation region 23 in the plane of the drawing.

[0064] The second electrode 40a includes an electrode portion 41, a wiring portion 42, and a connection terminal portion 43. The second electrode 40b includes the electrode portion 41 and the connection terminal portion 43.

[0065] The electrode portion 41 of each of the second electrodes 40a and 40b extends in a substantially strip-like shape along the short side direction of the second substrate 20. The electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40a is disposed on the right side of the operation area 23 shown in FIG. 5 on the paper. The electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40b is disposed on the left side of the operation area 23 shown in FIG. 5 on the paper. That is, the electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40a and the electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40b are disposed in positions facing each other on the periphery of the upper surface of the second conductive body portion 22. The electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40a and the electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40b are electrically connected to each other via the operation area 23 of the second conductive body portion 22.

[0066] The wiring portion 42 of the second electrode 40a is disposed on the upper surface of the second conductive body portion 22 above and to the left of the second insulating portion 24e shown in Fig. 5. The wiring portion 42 of the second electrode 40a is configured such that an end portion located on the right side of the paper in Fig. 5 is continuous with the electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40a, while an end portion located on the left side of the paper is located in the vicinity of the attachment position of the flexible wiring board 3.

[0067] The connection terminal portions 43 of the second electrodes 40a, 40b are located near the intersection of the second insulating portion 24a and the second insulating portion 24e (on the left side of the paper in FIG. 5), and are arranged at a distance from each other across the second insulating portion 24e. Each connection terminal portion 43 is electrically connected to the flexible wiring board 3.

[0068] 5, along the long side direction of the second substrate 20. The connection terminal portion 43 of the second electrode 40a extends from an end portion of the wiring portion 42 of the second electrode 40a that is located on the lower side of the paper surface in Fig. 5 toward the left side of the paper surface in Fig. 5, along the long side direction of the second substrate 20. The connection terminal portion 43 of the second electrode 40b extends from a midpoint of the electrode portion 41 of the second electrode 40b toward the left side of the paper surface in Fig. 5, along the long side direction of the second substrate 20.

[0069] (dummy electrode) As shown in Fig. 5, the touch sensor 1 includes dummy electrodes 44a and 44b. The dummy electrode 44a is disposed below the operation area 23 shown in Fig. 5 on the paper surface. The dummy electrode 44a is disposed in a rectangular area surrounded by the second insulating portions 24a and 24b. The dummy electrode 44b is located to the left of the operation area 23 shown in Fig. 5 on the paper surface. The dummy electrode 44b is disposed in a rectangular area surrounded by the second insulating portions 24a to 24d.

[0070] (Second insulating coating layer) As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the touch sensor 1 includes a second insulating coating layer 5. The second insulating coating layer 5 is made of an insulating material such as an acrylic resin. The second insulating coating layer 5 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The second insulating coating layer 5 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second electrodes 40a, 40b on the periphery of the upper surface of the second conductive body 22. The second insulating coating layer 5 is configured to cover the entire second electrodes 40a, 40b from above the second conductive layer 21 in the thickness direction of the touch sensor 1.

[0071] [Effects of the first embodiment] In the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment, the unblocked first insulating parts 14a, 14b are electrically insulated from the first conductive body part 12 and are arranged on the outer periphery of the first conductive body part 12 so as to surround the first electrodes 30a, 30b at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10. When static electricity E charged on a finger or a pen by a user is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10 during a pressing operation, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, the first insulating parts 14a, 14b prevent the flow of the static electricity E from the upper surface of the first substrate 10 toward the lower surface via the side end part. In other words, the static electricity E is less likely to flow toward the first conductive body part 12 and the electrode parts 31 of the first electrodes 30a, 30b arranged on the lower surface of the first substrate 10.

[0072] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the static electricity E flows into the first outer periphery conductive part 15b arranged at a position separated from the outer periphery of the first conductive body part 12 by the first insulating parts 14a, 14b, and into the first outer periphery conductive part 15a arranged at a position separated from the outer periphery of the first conductive body part 12 by the first insulating part 14a, at the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate 10. The static electricity E that has flowed into the first outer periphery conductive parts 15a, 15b flows toward the vicinity of each of the connection terminal parts 33 of the first electrodes 30a, 30b having an electrical resistivity lower than that of the first conductive layer 11, as shown in FIG. 7. That is, the static electricity E flows toward the end parts 17 (or end parts 18) of the first outer periphery conductive parts 15a, 15b (see the dashed arrows shown in FIG. 7). Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which a relatively strong static electricity E is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10 and flows into both the first outer periphery conductive parts 15a, 15b. If a relatively weak static electricity E is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10, most of the static electricity E flows into the first outer peripheral conductive portion 15b located on the outside, and only a small amount of static electricity E flows into the first outer peripheral conductive portion 15a located on the inside.

[0073] Each of the first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15b is configured such that both ends 17, 18 are electrically connected to the first conductive body part 12 in the vicinity of each connection terminal part 33. With this configuration, the static electricity E is transmitted from the end part 17 (or end part 18) to the wiring part 32 from the lower peripheral position of the first conductive body part 12 in the vicinity of the connection terminal part 33. Here, an external device (not shown) is connected to the connection terminal part 33 via the flexible wiring board 3. Then, it is common to make the resistance value of the external device side lower than the resistance value of the touch sensor 1 side (first conductive body part 12 side) by an electrostatic protection component (e.g., a Zener diode, an ESD suppressor, a varistor) when the static electricity E is applied. Therefore, the static electricity E transmitted to the wiring part 32 flows toward the connection terminal part 33, and further flows out from the connection terminal part 33 to the external device (not shown) connected to the touch sensor 1 via the flexible wiring board 3. The static electricity E that flows from the end 17 (or end 18) to the wiring portion 32 is prevented from flowing toward the operation area 13 of the first conductive body portion 12 by the first insulating portion 14d.

[0074] As described above, in the touch sensor 1, the effect of the static electricity E on the interface between the first conductive body part 12 and the electrode part 31 can be suppressed, and the electrode part 31 is less likely to peel off from the first conductive body part 12. Therefore, in the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment, the potential distribution in the first conductive body part 12 can be kept uniform, and deviation of the detection position due to a pressing operation can be appropriately prevented.

[0075] Furthermore, in the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment, since the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b have a non-blocking shape, there is no need to provide separate wiring (not shown) for the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b, and the touch sensor 1 can be configured as an existing four-wire resistive film touch sensor.

[0076] The second conductive layer 21 also has a second insulating portion 24a that is electrically insulated from the second conductive body portion 22 and is arranged to surround the pair of second electrodes 40a, 40b at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the second substrate 20. This second insulating portion 24a prevents static electricity E applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10 from flowing into the second conductive body portion 22 of the second conductive layer 21 arranged on the upper surface of the second substrate 20. As a result, the static electricity E can be appropriately guided toward the first peripheral conductive portions 15a, 15b arranged on the lower surface of the first substrate 10.

[0077] [Second embodiment] 8 and 9 show a touch sensor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the first insulating portion 14c and the configuration of the first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15b. Other configurations of the touch sensor 1 according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the touch sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 7, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the configuration of the first insulating portion 14c shown in the first embodiment is partially different. Specifically, the end portion of the first insulating portion 14c located on the lower side of the paper surface extends beyond the first insulating portions 14a and 14b to the long side of the first substrate 10 located on the lower side of the paper surface. In other words, the first insulating portion 14c is configured as an element for dividing each of the first outer peripheral conductive portions 15a and 15b into two.

[0079] Each of the first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15b is divided into two by the first insulating part 14c. That is, each of the first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15b is configured to be a pair. The pair of first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15a is configured such that each end 17 is electrically connected to the first conductive body part 12 in the vicinity of the connection terminal part 33, while the ends 18, 18 located in the vicinity of the first insulating part 14c are electrically insulated from each other by the first insulating part 14c. The pair of first outer circumferential conductive parts 15b, 15b is also configured in the same manner as the pair of first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15a. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise caused by the first outer circumferential conductive parts 15a, 15a and the pair of first outer circumferential conductive parts 15b, 15b.

[0080] [Third embodiment] 10 to 13 show a touch sensor 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the first insulating portion 14b and the first outer circumferential conductive portion 15b are not provided, but a new configuration is added. Other configurations of the touch sensor 1 according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the touch sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, unlike the above-described embodiments, this embodiment is constituted by first insulating portions 14a, 14c to 14h.

[0082] As also shown in Fig. 12, the first insulating portion 14h is an element for dividing the first outer periphery conductive portion 15a, 15a into two. The first insulating portion 14h is located on an extension line of the side of the first insulating portion 14a located on the right side of the paper in Figs. 11 and 12. Specifically, the first insulating portion 14h extends from an end portion of the first insulating portion 14a located on the lower right of the paper toward the long side of the first substrate 10 located on the lower side of the paper. Note that in Figs. 10 to 13, the first outer periphery conductive portion 15a is hatched with dots to distinguish it from other components.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15a are divided into two by the first insulating portion 14h. That is, the first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15a are configured to form a pair. The pair of first outer circumferential conductive portions 15a, 15a are configured such that the end portions 17 of each are electrically connected to the first conductive body portion 12 in the vicinity of the connection terminal portion 33, while the end portions 18, 18 located in the vicinity of the first insulating portion 14h are electrically insulated from each other by the first insulating portion 14h.

[0084] 10 and 11, as a feature of this embodiment, the touch sensor 1 includes a pair of peripheral electrodes 35, 35. Each peripheral electrode 35 has an electrical resistivity lower than that of the first conductive layer 11. Specifically, the material of each peripheral electrode 35 is preferably the same as the material of the first electrodes 30a, 30b. That is, each peripheral electrode 35 includes a material mainly composed of silver or copper.

[0085] The peripheral electrodes 35 extend in a generally strip-like shape along the extension direction of the first peripheral conductive portion 15a. The width of each peripheral electrode 35 is preferably narrower than the width of each electrode portion 31. The thickness of each peripheral electrode 35 is preferably approximately the same as the thickness of each electrode portion 31.

[0086] The peripheral electrode 35 is disposed on the periphery of the lower surface of the first peripheral conductive portion 15a. The pair of peripheral electrodes 35, 35 are configured such that their respective ends 36 located near the connection terminal portion 33 are electrically connected to the wiring portion 32, while their ends 37, 37 located near the first insulating portion 14h are electrically insulated from each other by the first insulating portion 14h.

[0087] Specifically, one peripheral electrode 35 extends in a strip shape on the underside of the first conductive body 12 from near the first insulating portion 14h, through the corners located at the upper right and upper left of the page of the first substrate 10 in Fig. 11, to the middle of the wiring portion 32. Meanwhile, the other peripheral electrode 35 extends in a strip shape on the underside of the first conductive body 12 from near the first insulating portion 14h, through the corner located at the lower left of the page of the first substrate 10, to the middle of the wiring portion 32.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the first insulating coating layer 4 is configured to cover the entire first electrodes 30a, 30b and the outer peripheral electrodes 35, 35 from below the first conductive layer 11 and the first outer peripheral conductive portion 15a in the thickness direction of the touch sensor 1.

[0089] 13, even if a relatively strong static electricity E is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10 when a user presses the upper surface, the static electricity E can be guided toward the peripheral electrode 35 having an electrical resistivity lower than that of the first conductive layer 11. The static electricity E that has flowed into the peripheral electrode 35 flows from the end 36 of the peripheral electrode 35 near the connection terminal 33 through the wiring portion 32 toward the connection terminal 33 (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 13). Furthermore, the static electricity E flows out from the connection terminal 33 through the flexible wiring board 3 toward an external device (not shown) connected to the touch sensor 1.

[0090] As described above, in the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment, the peripheral electrode 35 can suppress the effect of the static electricity E on the interface between the first conductive body part 12 and the electrode part 31, making it difficult for the electrode part 31 to peel off from the first conductive body part 12. Therefore, in the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment, even if a relatively strong static electricity E is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10, the potential distribution in the first conductive body part 12 can be kept uniform, and deviation of the detection position during a pressing operation can be appropriately prevented.

[0091] Furthermore, since the peripheral electrode 35 contains a material mainly composed of silver or copper, it is easy to relatively reduce the electrical resistivity of the peripheral electrode 35. As a result, even if a relatively strong static electricity E is applied to the upper surface of the first substrate 10, the static electricity E can be reliably and stably induced from the peripheral electrode 35 toward the connection terminal portions 33 of the first electrodes 30a and 30b.

[0092] [Fourth embodiment] 14 and 15 show a touch panel device 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch panel device 100 includes a touch panel 1, a housing 101, and a display panel 102. In the touch sensor 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the outer periphery of the first substrate 10 and the outer periphery of the second substrate 20 are not aligned in a plan view, as compared to the first embodiment. Other configurations of the touch sensor 1 according to the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the touch sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 to 7, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] 14, the touch panel 1 and the display panel 102 are disposed inside a housing 101. The display panel 102 is made of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel (OLED panel). The display panel 102 is disposed on the lower surface side of the second substrate 20. A display driver (not shown) for displaying images is connected to the display panel 102.

[0094] The display panel 102 has a lower surface fixed to the housing 101 and an upper surface fixed to the second substrate 20 via an adhesive member 103. The adhesive member 103 is a member such as a double-sided tape used to fix the touch panel 1 and the liquid crystal panel 102 inside the housing 101.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the outer peripheral edge of the first substrate 10 is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge of the second substrate 20 in a plan view. Specifically, the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge of the first substrate 10 is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge of the second substrate 20 in a plan view. Since the outer peripheral edge of the first substrate 10 is disposed inside the outer peripheral edge of the second substrate, the distance between the position where the static electricity E is applied and the first outer peripheral conductive parts 15a, 15b is small. Therefore, even if the static electricity E is a low voltage, the static electricity E flowing through the first outer peripheral conductive parts 15a, 15b can be guided to an external device (not shown). As a result, the electrode part 31 is less likely to peel off from the first conductive main body part 12 as in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the touch panel device 100 of this embodiment can improve durability against static electricity E.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 101 and the first substrate 10 are arranged with a gap d between them. By arranging the housing 101 and the first substrate 10 with a gap d between them, the first substrate 10 and the housing 101 are insulated from each other. This makes it difficult for static electricity E to flow to the housing 101, so that the static electricity E can be more reliably guided to the first outer periphery conductive parts 15a and 15b. Therefore, the touch panel device 100 of this embodiment can suppress the static electricity E from flowing to parts other than the first outer periphery conductive part 15a, so that the occurrence of failure of the touch panel device 100 can be suppressed. The gap d is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm or more. In addition, an insulating film for insulating the housing 101 and the first substrate 10 may be arranged at the gap d.

[0097] [Other embodiments] In the above-described first embodiment, the first insulating portion 14a, 14b and the first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a, 15b are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be configured such that only the first insulating portion 14a and the first outer circumferential conductive portion 15a are provided.

[0098] In the above first to third embodiments, the outer peripheral edge portion of the first substrate 10 and the outer peripheral edge portion of the second substrate 20 are configured to be at the same position in a planar view, but the outer peripheral edge portion of the first substrate 10 may be configured to be located more inward than the outer peripheral edge portion of the second substrate 20 in a planar view, or may be configured to be more outward than the outer peripheral edge portion of the second substrate 20 in a planar view.

[0099] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] The present disclosure has industrial applicability as a resistive film type touch sensor capable of performing a pressing operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1: Touch sensor 3: Flexible wiring board 10: First board 11: First conductive layer 12: First conductive body 13: Operation area 14a~14h: First insulation section 15a, 15b: First outer conductive part 20: Second board 21: Second conductive layer 22: second conductive body portion 23: Operation area 24a to 24e: second insulating section 25: Second outer periphery conductive part 30a, 30b: 1st electrode 31: Electrode part 32: Wiring section 33: Connection terminal section 35:Outer electrode 40a, 40b: 2nd electrode 41: Electrode part 42:Wiring section 43: Connection terminal section 100: Touch panel device 101: Cabinet 102: Display panel S: Operation space E:Static electricity

Claims

1. A resistive touch sensor, A first substrate; a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate; a pair of first electrodes disposed on peripheral edges of a lower surface of the first conductive layer and having an electrical resistivity lower than an electrical resistivity of the first conductive layer; a flexible wiring board disposed on a peripheral edge of a lower surface of the first substrate; The first conductive layer is a first conductive body electrically connected to the pair of first electrodes; a first insulating portion having a non-blocking shape, the first insulating portion being electrically insulated from the first conductive body portion and disposed on an outer periphery of the first conductive body portion so as to surround the pair of first electrodes at a distance from the periphery of the lower surface of the first substrate; a first outer peripheral conductive portion that is non-closed and that is disposed at a position separated from an outer periphery of the first conductive body portion by the first insulating portion at a peripheral edge of the lower surface of the first substrate and extends along an extension direction of the first insulating portion, Each of the pair of first electrodes is Electrode portions are arranged at positions facing each other on a periphery of a lower surface of the first conductive body portion, and are electrically connected to each other via the first conductive body portion; a connection terminal portion that is continuous with the electrode portion and is disposed at a position on the periphery of the lower surface of the first conductive body portion that does not face the electrode portion, the connection terminal portion is electrically connected to the flexible wiring board, each of the first insulating portion and the first outer peripheral conductive portion is configured such that at least one end is located near the connection terminal portion; the first outer peripheral conductive portion is configured such that at least one end is electrically connected to the first conductive body portion in the vicinity of the connection terminal portion; The first outer peripheral conductive portion is configured to form a pair, the pair of first outer peripheral conductive portions are configured such that one end is electrically connected to the first conductive body portion in the vicinity of the connection terminal portion and the other end is electrically insulated from each other, a pair of peripheral electrodes disposed on lower surfaces of the pair of first peripheral conductive portions, extending along the extension direction of each of the pair of first peripheral conductive portions, and having an electrical resistivity lower than an electrical resistivity of the first conductive layer; A touch sensor in which each of the pair of peripheral electrodes is configured so that one end is electrically conductive to each of the pair of first electrodes near the connection terminal portion, and the other ends are electrically insulated from each other.

2. 2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, The touch sensor, wherein the peripheral electrode includes a material containing silver or copper as a main component.

3. 2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, A second substrate disposed to face the first substrate across an operation space; a second conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate; a pair of second electrodes disposed on an upper surface of the second conductive layer; The second conductive layer is a second conductive body electrically connected to the pair of second electrodes; A touch sensor having a second insulating portion that is electrically insulated from the second conductive body portion and is arranged to surround the pair of second electrodes at a distance from the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the second substrate.

4. 2. The touch sensor according to claim 1, a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate across an operation space; A touch sensor configured such that an outer periphery of the first substrate is located more inward than an outer periphery of the second substrate.

5. A touch sensor according to claim 4; a housing having the touch sensor disposed therein; A touch panel device, wherein the housing and the first substrate are disposed with a gap therebetween.

6. A first substrate; a first outer peripheral conductive portion provided on a lower surface of the first substrate and positioned at an outer edge of the first substrate in a top view; a first conductive body portion provided on a lower surface of the first substrate and positioned inside the first outer peripheral conductive portion in a top view; a peripheral electrode provided on a lower surface of the first peripheral conductive portion; a first electrode provided on a lower surface of the first conductive body; a flexible wiring board provided on a lower surface of the first substrate; Equipped with The first outer peripheral conductive portion is an outer conductive portion located at an outer edge of the first substrate in a top view; an inner conductive portion located between the outer conductive portion and the first conductive body portion in a top view and spaced apart from the outer conductive portion; Including, The first electrode is An electrode portion; a connection terminal portion overlapping the flexible wiring board in a top view; a wiring portion connecting the electrode portion and the connection terminal portion; having the electrical resistivity of the first electrode is lower than the electrical resistivity of the first conductive body portion; the electrical resistivity of the peripheral electrode is lower than the electrical resistivity of the first peripheral conductive portion, The first outer peripheral conductive portion is electrically connected to the wiring portion, and is electrically connected to the flexible wiring board via the wiring portion and the connection terminal portion.

Images