Touch panel

Abstract

To provide a touch panel configured to reduce cost.SOLUTION: A touch panel includes: a first conductive film 10 having a first area and a second area and configured to remove at least a part between the first area and the second area; a second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap; a first terminal 38a and a second terminal 38b which output signals from the first conductive film; a first electrode 12 which is arranged on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode 11 which is arranged on the first conductive film and faces the first electrode across the first area; a first resistor which is arranged on the first conductive film in the second area and includes a pair of electrodes facing each other across a first resistor area in the first conductive film, one of which is electrically connected to the second electrode and the other one is electrically connected to the second terminal; and a first switch section arranged between the second terminal and the first resistor and electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film in the second area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel.

Background Art

[0002] In a four-wire touch panel using a pair of opposing conductive films, it is known to provide a touch input area and a switch such as a button (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). It is known to connect the touch input area and the switch in series (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By connecting the touch input area and the switch in series as in Patent Document 1, wiring for the switch can be reduced. However, in Patent Document 1, no resistor is connected between the electrode of the touch input area and the switch. For this reason, the potential difference between the conductive film of the touch input area and the switch is small, and there is a possibility of erroneously detecting an input to the touch input area and an input to the switch. As an example of suppressing this erroneous detection, on both the upper and lower substrates, a switch and a resistor are connected in series to the conductive film in the touch input area. For this reason, on both the upper and lower substrates, wiring for connecting the conductive film and the switch, and a resistor, are provided. Thus, the cost increases to suppress the erroneous detection.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a touch panel capable of reducing costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention includes a first conductive film having a first region and a second region, with at least a part between the first region and the second region removed; a second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first terminal and a second terminal that output signals from the first conductive film; a first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film and facing the first electrode with the first region therebetween; a first resistor having a pair of electrodes provided on the first conductive film in the second region, sandwiching a first resistance region in the first conductive film, with one electrode electrically connected to the second electrode and the other electrode electrically connected to the second terminal; and a first switch unit that electrically connects the first conductive film and the second conductive film in the second region.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention includes a first conductive film having a first region and a second region, with at least a part removed in a third region between the first region and the second region; a second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; a first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to a first terminal; a second electrode provided on the first conductive film and facing the first electrode with the first region and the second region therebetween in the arrangement direction of the first region and the second region, and electrically connected to a second terminal; and a plurality of switch units provided in the second region and electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention include a first conductive film having first, second, and third regions that are electrically separated from each other, a second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween, a first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to a first terminal, a second electrode provided on the first conductive film, facing the first electrode with the first region therebetween, and electrically connected to a second terminal, a first switch portion provided in the second region for electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film, a second switch portion provided in the third region for electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film, a third electrode provided in the second region and electrically connected to a third terminal, and a fourth electrode provided in the third region and electrically connected to a fourth terminal.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention include a first conductive film having first and second regions arranged and provided in a first direction, a first electrode provided on the first conductive film, a second electrode provided on the first conductive film, facing the first electrode so as to sandwich the first region in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a third electrode provided on the first conductive film, facing the second electrode so as to sandwich the second region in the second direction, and a second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween, wherein the first region and the second region are connected in series between the first electrode and the third electrode.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a touch panel capable of reducing costs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the touch panel according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the long side of the region 50 extends is the X direction (first direction), the direction in which the short side extends is the Y direction (arrangement direction, second direction intersecting the first direction), and the normal direction of the region 50 is the Z direction. The touch panel 100 is provided with a frame portion 56. An image is displayed in the region surrounded by the frame portion 56. By the user touching an arbitrary location within the region 50 with a contacted portion such as a finger, the coordinates of the region 50 can be input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The frame portion 56 is provided with a region 52. The region 52 is provided with buttons 54a to 54c (switch portion). By the user touching any one of the buttons 54a to 54c, information on which of the buttons 54a to 54c has been touched is input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The FPC (Flexible printed circuits) 37 outputs a signal from the touch panel 100.

[0014] Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) are plan views of the conductive film in Example 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) in Example 1. As shown in Figs. 2(a) to 3, regions 50 and 52 in Fig. 1 respectively correspond to regions 40 and 42 in Fig. 2. A conductive film 10 (first conductive film) is provided on the upper surface (+Z side surface) of the substrate 15. Regions 40 and 42 are arranged in the Y direction. Electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m, and 14n are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. Terminals 38a (first terminal) and 38b (second terminal) are provided on the FPC 37.

[0015] The electrode 11 (second electrode) extends in the X direction along the +Y side edge of the conductive film 10. The electrode 12 is provided between regions 40 and 42 and extends in the X direction. The electrode 12 (first electrode) faces the electrode 11 in the Y direction, and the electrodes 11 and 12 are provided so as to sandwich the region 40 (first region). Electrodes 14m and 14n are provided in the region 42 (second region). The electrode 14m includes a plurality of electrodes to be described later, one end is connected to the terminal 38a, and the other end is connected to the electrode 12 via the electrode 13a. The electrode 14n includes a plurality of electrodes to be described later, one end is connected to the terminal 38b, and the other end is connected to the electrode 11 via the electrode 13b. Slits 18 where the conductive film 10 is removed are provided between regions 40 and 42, between region 40 and the electrode 13b, and between the electrodes 14m and 14n. The slits 18 are formed, for example, by irradiating laser light. When a voltage is applied between the terminals 38a and 38b, current flows from the terminal 38a through the electrode 14m, the electrode 13a, the electrode 12, the region 40, the electrode 11, the electrode 13b, and the electrode 14n to the terminal 38b along the series path 46 indicated by the thick arrow.

[0016] A substrate 25 is provided above the substrate 15 (in the +Z direction). A conductive film 20 (second conductive film) is provided on the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the substrate 25. The conductive film 20 is laminated with at least regions 40 and 42 of the conductive film 10 with a gap therebetween. A decorative layer 23 is provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The decorative layer 23 corresponds to the frame portion 56 in FIG. 1. Electrodes 21, 22, 23a, 23b and 24a to 24c are provided on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. Terminals 38c and 38d are provided on the FPC 37. The electrodes 21 and 22 extend in the Y direction and are provided so as to sandwich the region 40. The electrode 21 is provided along the +X side edge of the conductive film 20, and the electrode 22 is provided along the -X side edge. Terminals 38c and 38d are provided on the FPC 37. The terminal 38c is connected to the electrode 21 via the electrode 23a. The terminal 38d is connected to the electrode 22 via the electrode 23b.

[0017] The periphery of the conductive film 10 and the periphery of the decorative layer 23 are joined by a joining layer 28. The joining layer 28 is a resin such as a double-sided tape, for example. The joining layer 28 may be a double-sided tape that joins an insulating layer provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10 and an insulating layer provided on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. A gap is formed between the conductive films 10 and 20 and between the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 23 by the joining layer 28. The substrate 15 is, for example, a glass substrate, which is transparent and has rigidity. The substrate 25 is a resin film such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), for example, which is transparent and has flexibility. The conductive films 10 and 20 are, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), which is transparent and has conductivity. The electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m, 14n, 21, 22, 23a, and 23b are metal layers such as a silver layer, a gold layer, or a copper layer, for example, and are made of a material having a higher electrical conductivity than the conductive films 10 and 20. The electrodes 24a to 24c are a metal layer or a material having conductivity such as carbon, and are made of a material having an electrical conductivity close to that of the conductive films 10 and 20 or higher than that of the conductive films 10 and 20. When the electrodes 24a to 24c are formed of a silver layer or the like, there is a concern about migration. By using carbon for the electrodes 24a to 24c, this concern can be eliminated. The decorative layer 23 is a resin containing, for example, carbon, which is opaque and has flexibility and conductivity. Decorations such as characters, symbols, and patterns are applied to the upper surface of the decorative layer 23.

[0018] For example, a display 44 is provided below (-Z direction) the substrate 15. When the user views the touch panel 100 from above, the image of the display 44 can be seen in the regions 40 and 50. In the regions 42 and 52, the upper surface of the decorative layer 23 can be seen. The electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14m, 14n, 21, 22, 23a, and 23b are hidden by the decorative layer 23 and cannot be seen. Since the substrate 25 has flexibility, when the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 within the region 40, the conductive films 10 and 20 come into contact. When the user touches any one of the buttons 54a to 54c within the region 52 in FIG. 1, the electrode of the conductive film 10 comes into contact with any one of the electrodes 24a to 24c.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Example 1. In FIG. 4, the vicinity of region 42 is enlarged in the Y direction as compared with FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode 14n includes electrodes 14a to 14d and is electrically connected via the conductive film 10. The electrode 14m includes electrodes 14e to 14g and is electrically connected via the conductive film 10. Gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14b, between the electrodes 14b and 14c, between the electrodes 14c and 14d, between the electrodes 14e and 14f, and between the electrodes 14f and 14g, respectively. Regions 33a, 33b, and 33c are located between the gaps 34a and 34b, between the gaps 34b and 34c, and between the gaps 34d and 34e, respectively. The current flowing between the terminals 38a and 38b flows through the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34e. Therefore, a voltage drop occurs due to the resistance component of the conductive film 10. Since the resistance components of the electrodes 14a to 14g are sufficiently lower than the resistance component of the conductive film 10, almost no voltage drop occurs in the electrodes 14a to 14g. In the regions 33a to 33c, the locations where the electrodes 24a to 24c contact the conductive film 10 are surrounded by three sides by the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively. The potential of the conductive film 10 surrounded by each of the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f becomes substantially the potential of the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively. When the buttons 54a to 54c in FIG. 1 are pressed, the electrodes 24a to 24c contact the conductive film 10 in the regions 33a to 33c. Note that the electrodes 24a to 24c may contact the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14f, respectively.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel device 102 includes a touch panel 100, a control unit 30, switches SW1 to SW4, and a detector 32. The control unit 30, the switches SW1 to SW4, and the detector 32 are provided, for example, in the -Z direction from the display 44 in FIG. 3. The terminals 38a to 38d are respectively connected to the switches SW1 to SW4. The switch SW1 connects the terminal 38a to either the power supply 36 with the potential VDD or the detector 32. The switch SW2 connects the terminal 38b to the ground 35. The switch SW3 connects the terminal 38c to the power supply 36. The switch SW4 connects the terminal 38d to either the ground 35 or the detector 32. The detector 32 detects the voltages of the terminals 38a and 38d. The control unit 30 controls the switches SW1 to SW4 and acquires the voltage values detected from the detector 32. Based on the voltage values detected by the detector 32, the control unit 30 detects the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the position (touch position) where the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 in the region 40, and the touches of the buttons 54a to 54c. The control unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and functions as a detection unit in cooperation with software.

[0021] A method for detecting the touch position will be described. First, the detection of the Y coordinate of the touch position and the touches of the buttons 54a to 54c in the region 40 will be described. The control unit 30 connects the terminal 38a to the power supply 36 with the switch SW1, connects the terminal 38b to the ground 35 with the switch SW2, floats the terminal 38c with the switch SW3, and connects the terminal 38d to the detector 32 with the switch SW4.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 1. It is an equivalent circuit of the series path 46 from the terminal 38a to 38b in FIG. 2(a). As shown in FIG. 6, resistors R1 to R6 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground 35. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34d, 34e, the region 40, the gaps 34a, 34b, and 34c. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 is connected to the terminal 38a, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 is connected to the electrode 14f and the region 33c, the line between the resistors R2 and R3 is connected to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 is connected to the electrode 11, the line between the resistors R4 and R5 is connected to the electrode 14b and the region 33a, the line between the resistors R5 and R6 is connected to the electrode 14c and the region 33b, and the line between the resistor R6 and the ground 35 is connected to the terminal 38b, respectively.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the potential with respect to the position in the series path in Example 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the potential of the terminal 38a is VDD, and the potential of the terminal 38b is 0V. Since the electrical conductivity of the conductive film 10 is extremely low (for example, 1 / 100 or less) compared to the electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, and 14a to 14g, the voltage drop occurs almost in the region 40 and the gaps 34a to 34e, and almost no voltage drop occurs at the electrodes 11, 12, the regions 33a to 33c, and the terminals 38a and 38b. The potentials of the terminal 38a, the region 33c, the electrode 12, 11, the regions 33a, 33b, and the terminal 38b are VDD, Vc, V12, V11, Va, Vb, and 0V, respectively.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 30 sets the switches SW1 to SW4 (S10). As a result, the terminals 38a and 38b are connected to the power supply 36 and the ground 35, respectively. The electrodes 21 and 22 are connected to the floating and the detector 32, respectively. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the voltage of the electrode 22 (i.e., the potential V of the conductive film 20) and obtains the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than the potential V12 and higher than the potential V11 (S14). When Yes, the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in the region 40 based on the potential V (S16).

[0025] If No in S14, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Va within the error range (S18). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that the button 54a has been touched (S20). If No in step S18, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vb within the error range (S22). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that the button 54b has been touched (S24). If No in step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is the potential Vc within the error range (S26). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that the button 54c has been touched (S28). When No in S26, the process ends. Note that the order of steps S14, S18, S22, and S26 can be arbitrarily set. The potentials V11, V12, Va, Vb, and Vc are predetermined values set in advance as the potentials of the electrode 11 and 12 regions 33a to 33c when the terminals 38a and 38b are set to VDD and 0V, respectively.

[0026] Next, the detection of the X coordinate of the touch position in region 40 will be described. The control unit 30 connects the terminal 38a and the detector 32 to the switch SW1, makes the terminal 38b floating for the switch SW2, connects the terminal 38c to the power supply 36 for the switch SW3, and connects the terminal 38d to the ground 35 for the switch SW4. Thereby, the voltage of the conductive film 20 linearly decreases from the electrodes 21 to 22. The control unit 30 can detect the X coordinate at the touch position within the region 40 based on the potential detected by the detector 32.

[0027] According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the resistor R4 (first resistor) is connected to the electrode 11, and one end of the resistor R5 (third resistor) is connected to the terminal 38b via the resistor R6. In the button 54a (first switch section) of FIG. 1 and the region 33a of FIG. 4, the conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 located between the other end of the resistor R4 (gap 34a) and the other end of the resistor R5 (gap 34b) can be electrically connected. In this way, the region 40, the resistor R4, the region 33a, and the resistor R5 are connected in series between the terminals 38a and 38b. Thereby, by providing the two terminals 38a and 38b, it is possible to detect the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off of the button 54a. Since the two terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11, 12, and 14a to 14g can be made, the cost can be reduced. If the resistor R4 is provided between the electrode 11 and the button 54a, it is possible to surely detect whether it is a touch input in the region 40 or the on / off of the button 54a.

[0028] In Patent Document 1, there is no electrical connection of a resistor between the electrode and the switch in the touch input area. That is, a resistor corresponding to the resistor R4 in FIG. 6 is not provided. For this reason, when the touch position in area 40 is near electrode 11 and when button 54a is touched, the difference in potential detected from conductive film 20 is small, and there is a possibility of false detection. In Patent Document 1, in order to suppress false detection, wirings and resistors are provided near the conductive film on both the upper and lower substrates. However, providing wirings and resistors on the upper and lower sides increases the cost. In Example 1, by providing resistor R4 in conductive film 10, as shown in FIG. 7, the potentials of conductive film 10 in areas 40 and 33a are made different. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2(b), it is not necessary to provide wirings and resistors on the lower surface of substrate 25. Therefore, cost reduction is possible.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, resistor R4 is provided in conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14a and 14b sandwiching the area of gap 34a (first resistor area) in conductive film 10, and one of the electrodes 14a is electrically connected to electrode 11. Resistor R5 is provided in conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14b and 14c sandwiching the area of gap 34b (third resistor area) in conductive film 10, and one of the electrodes 14c is electrically connected to terminal 38b via the area of gap 34c (resistor R6). Also, resistor R2 (second resistor) is provided in conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14f and 14g sandwiching the area of gap 34e (second resistor area) in conductive film 10, and one of the electrodes 14g is electrically connected to electrode 12, and the other electrode 14f is electrically connected to terminal 38a via the area of gap 34d (resistor R1). In this way, by forming resistors R4 and R2 using conductive film 10 and electrodes 14a to 14g, cost reduction is possible compared to the case of separately providing a switch and a resistor as in Patent Document 1.

[0030] As shown by S10 in FIG. 8, the control unit 30 (detection unit) applies a voltage between terminals 38a and 38b. As shown by S14 and S16, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD of terminal 38a than the potential V11 of electrode 11 and lower than the potential V12 of electrode 12, the control unit 30 detects the contact position (i.e., the touch position) between the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within the region 40 based on the potential V of the conductive film 20. Thereby, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. As shown by S18 to S24, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential 0V of terminal 38b than the potential V11, the control unit 30 detects the on / off states of buttons 54a and 54b based on the potential of the conductive film 20. As shown by S26 to S28, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD than the potential V12, the control unit 30 detects the on / off state of button 54c based on the potential of the conductive film 20. That is, the control unit 30 can detect whether buttons 54a, 54b, and 54c are on or off. Thereby, the touches on buttons 54a, 54b, and 54c can be detected. Note that, as the potentials of electrodes 11 and 12 in FIG. 8, values predetermined as predetermined values corresponding to the potentials of electrodes 11 and 12 can be used. Three or more buttons 54a to 54c may be provided. Also, button 54c may be provided on the terminal 38b side of region 40.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2(a), a slit 18 is provided where there is no conductive film 10 between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m, and between the region 40 and the electrode 13b. Thereby, buttons 54a to 54c can be provided between the terminals 38a and 38b. It is sufficient that the current flowing between the terminals 38a and 38b through the series path 46 in Fig. 2(a) is sufficiently larger than the current flowing through other than the series path 46 (for example, the current flowing between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m). Note that if a slit is provided in the conductive film 20, the appearance as viewed from above is impaired. For example, when a slit is provided using a laser beam, a slit may be provided in the decorative layer 23 and the conductive film 20 simultaneously. In this case, the appearance as viewed from above is impaired. Therefore, a configuration such as the resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 where it is necessary to provide the slit 18 is preferably provided in the conductive film 10. The slit 18 and the electrodes 11, 12, 13a, 13b, 14n, and 14m provided in the conductive film 10 overlap the decorative layer 23. Thereby, the slit 18 and the electrodes cannot be visually recognized when viewed from above, and the appearance is improved.

[0032] The total resistance value of the resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 is preferably equal to or less than the resistance value of the resistor R3 (region 40). Thereby, the difference between the potential V11 of the electrode 11 and the potential V12 of the electrode 12 in Fig. 7 can be increased. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate in the region 40 can be improved. On the other hand, the total resistance value of the resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 is preferably 1 / 10 or more of the resistance value of the resistor R3. This is because if the difference between the potentials V11 and V12 is too large, the detection accuracy of the buttons 54a to 54c decreases. Therefore, the total resistance value of the resistors R1, R2, R4 to R6 is preferably equal to or less than the resistance value of the resistor R3 and 1 / 10 or more.

[0033] [Modification Example 1 of Example 1] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification 1 of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 9, electrodes 14n and 14m are connected in parallel between electrode 12 and terminal 38b. In electrode 14n, electrodes 14a, gap 34a, electrode 14b, gap 34b, electrode 14c, gap 34c, and electrode 14d are connected in series between electrode 12 and terminal 38b. In electrode 14m, electrodes 14f, gap 34e, electrode 14e, gap 34d, and electrode 14d are connected in series between electrode 12 and terminal 38a. Between electrode 13b connected to electrode 11 and terminal 38b, electrodes 14g, gap 34f, and electrode 14h are connected in series. The regions surrounded by electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14e are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 so as to surround electrodes 14n and 14m. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 4 of Example 1 and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0034] FIG. 10 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Modification 1 of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 10, three paths 46a to 46b are connected in parallel between power supply 36 and ground 35. In path 46a, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. In path 46b, resistors R3 to R5 are connected in series. In path 46c, resistors R6 and R7 are connected in series. Resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in regions 40, gap 34f, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34e, and 34d. The line between power supply 36 and resistor R1 corresponds to electrode 12, the line between resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to electrode 11, the line between resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to region 33a, the line between resistors R4 and R5 corresponds to region 33b, and the line between resistors R6 and R7 corresponds to region 33c.

[0035] Let the potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, and the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c be the potentials V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than the potential V11, and the resistance values of the resistors R2 to R7 are set so that the potentials Va to Vc differ by more than the manufacturing error and the measurement error. The control unit 30 operates in the same manner as the flowchart of FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, thereby enabling the detection of the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the detection of the on / off states of the buttons 54a to 54c.

[0036] [Modification Example 2 of the First Embodiment] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification Example 2 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, an electrode 14n is electrically connected between the electrode 13b connected to the electrode 11 and the terminal 38b, and an electrode 14m is electrically connected between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14n, an electrode 14a, a gap 34a, an electrode 14b, a gap 34b, an electrode 14c, a gap 34c, and an electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 13b and the terminal 38b. In the electrode 14m, an electrode 14f, a gap 34e, an electrode 14e, a gap 34d, and an electrode 14d are connected in series between the electrode 12 and the terminal 38a. The regions surrounded by the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14e are the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 so as to surround the electrodes 14n and 14m. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of the first embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Modification 2 of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 12, between the power supply 36 and the ground 35, two paths 46a and 46b are connected in parallel. In path 46a, resistors R1 to R4 are connected in series. In path 46b, resistors R5 and R6 are connected in series. Resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in regions 40, gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, 34e, and 34d. The line between the power supply 36 and resistor R1 corresponds to electrode 12, the line between resistor R1 and R2 corresponds to electrode 11, the line between resistor R2 and R3 corresponds to region 33a, the line between resistor R3 and R4 corresponds to region 33b, and the line between resistor R5 and R6 corresponds to region 33c.

[0038] Let the potentials of electrodes 12, 11, regions 33a, 33b, and 33c be potential V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, set the resistance values of resistors R2 to R6 so that the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than potential V11 and the potentials Va to Vc differ by more than manufacturing errors and measurement errors. The control unit 30 operates in the same manner as the flowchart of FIG. 8 in Example 1, thereby enabling detection of the Y coordinate in region 40 and detection of the on / off states of buttons 54a to 54c.

[0039] [Modification 3 of Example 1] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification 3 of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 13, electrodes 14b to 14d are connected in parallel between the electrode 14a connected to the electrode 12 and the electrode 14e connected to the terminal 38b. Gaps 34a and 34b are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14b and between the electrodes 14b and 14e, respectively. Gaps 34c and 34d are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14c and between the electrodes 14c and 14e, respectively. Gaps 34e and 34f are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14d and between the electrodes 14d and 14e, respectively. The regions surrounded by the electrodes 14b, 14c, and 14d are regions 33a, 33b, and 33c, respectively. The conductive film 10 is provided with slits 18 so as to surround the regions 33a to 33c, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 9 of Modification 1 of Example 1, and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0040] FIG. 14 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Modification 3 of Example 1. As shown in FIG. 14, four paths 46a to 46d are connected in parallel between the power supply 36 and the ground 35. In path 46a, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. In path 46b, resistors R3 and R4 are connected in series. In path 46c, resistors R5 and R6 are connected in series. In path 46d, resistors R7 and R8 are connected in series. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the regions 40, gap 34g, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, and 34f, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 11, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the region 33a, the line between the resistors R5 and R6 corresponds to the region 33b, and the line between the resistors R7 and R8 corresponds to the region 33c, respectively.

[0041] Let the potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, and the regions 33a, 33b, and 33c be the potentials V12, V11, Va, Vb, and Vc, respectively. At this time, the potentials Va, Vb, and Vc are lower than the potential V11, and the resistance values of the resistors R2 to R8 are set so that the potentials Va to Vc differ by more than the manufacturing error and the measurement error. The control unit 30 operates in the same manner as the flowchart of FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, so that it is possible to detect the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off states of the buttons 54a to 54c.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10 of the first modification of the first embodiment, one end of the resistor R2 (first resistor) is connected to the electrode 11, and the other end is connected to the terminal 38b (second terminal). One end of the resistor R3 (fourth resistor) is connected to the terminal 38a (first terminal). One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the terminal 38b. In the button 54a of FIG. 1 and the region 33a of FIG. 9, the conductive film 10 and the conductive film 20 located between the other end of the resistor R3 (gap 34a) and the other end of the resistor R4 (gap 34b) can be electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 10, between the terminals 38a and 38b, a path 46a provided with the electrode 12, the region 40, the electrode 11, and the resistor R1, and a path 46b provided with the resistor R3, the region 33a, and the resistor R4 are connected in parallel. Thereby, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, it is possible to detect the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off state of the button 54a. Since the number of terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11, 12, and 14a to 14h can be reduced to two, the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide wirings and resistors vertically as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced. If a resistor R3 is provided between the terminal 38a and the button 54a, the on / off state of the button 54a can be detected.

[0043] Further, the resistor R2 is provided on the conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14g and 14h that sandwich and face each other across the region of the gap 34f in the conductive film 10. One of the electrodes 14g is connected to the electrode 11, and the other electrode 14h is connected to the terminal 38b. The resistor R3 is provided on the conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14a and 14b that sandwich and face each other across the region of the gap 34a (the fourth resistor region) in the conductive film 10. One of the electrodes 14a is connected to the terminal 38a. The resistor R4 is provided on the conductive film 10 and includes a pair of electrodes 14b and 14c that sandwich and face each other across the region of the gap 34b in the conductive film 10. One of the electrodes 14c is connected to the terminal 38b. In this way, by forming the resistors R1 to R3 using the conductive film 10 and the electrodes 14a to 14c, 14g, and 14h, the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a switch and a resistor are separately provided as in Patent Document 1.

[0044] When a voltage is applied between the terminals 38a and 38b, the resistance values of the resistors R1 to R4 are designed such that the potential Va of the conductive film 10 in the region 33a becomes closer to the potential of the terminal 38b than the potential of the electrode 11. Thereby, the Y coordinate of the touch position and the touch on the button 54a can be detected by the same method as in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. When two or more switch portions are provided, the buttons 54b and 54c may be provided in series or in parallel with the button 54b.

[0045] As in Example 1 and its Modifications 1 to 3, the resistors R1 to R8 other than the region 40 are provided on the conductive film 10 and each include a pair of electrodes sandwiching the regions of the gaps 34a to 34g in the conductive film 10. In this way, by forming a resistor using the conductive film 10, the cost can be reduced. The resistance values of the resistors R1 to R8 can be arbitrarily designed by changing the widths (in the short side direction shown in the figure) and lengths (in the long side direction shown in the figure) of the gaps 34a to 34g. When setting the resistance values of the resistors R1 to R7 low, the width in the direction in which the current flows through the gaps 34a to 34g is reduced. However, the minimum width is determined by the manufacturing accuracy and is 0.2 mm in one example. Increasing the lengths of the gaps 34a to 34g can lower the resistance values of the resistors R1 to R8. However, for example, in FIG. 4 of Example 1, increasing the lengths of the gaps 34a to 34e increases the dimension in the Y direction of the region 42. For this reason, the dimension in the Y direction of the frame portion 56 in FIG. 1 increases. Therefore, the stretching directions of the gaps 34a to 34g are inclined from the direction in which the current flows. Thereby, the resistance values of the gaps 34a to 34g can be lowered. The angle between the stretching direction of the gaps 34a to 34g and the Y direction is preferably 30° or more and preferably 45° or less. The planar shape of the gaps 34a to 34g may be a linear shape inclined with respect to the Y direction or a W-shaped shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 39 described later, it may be a V-shaped shape.

Example

[0046] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Example 2. As shown in FIG. 15, the electrode 11a (first electrode) and the electrode 12a (third electrode) extend in the X direction (first direction) and face each other with the region 40 (first region) interposed therebetween in the Y direction (second direction). The electrode 11a is connected to the terminal 38b (first terminal) via the electrode 13b. An electrode 14a, a gap 34a, and an electrode 14b are connected in series between the electrode 12a and the electrode 13a electrically connected to the terminal 38a (second terminal). An electrode 14c is connected to the electrode 13a. In the region 42, the electrode 14c extends in the X direction. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 in the third region between the regions 40 and 42. Thereby, the potential of the conductive film 10 in the region 42 becomes substantially the same as the potential of the electrode 14c. Regions 33a to 33c where the electrodes 24a to 24c contact are provided in the region 42. The regions 33a to 33c are arranged in the X direction. A slit 18 is provided in the conductive film 10 so as to surround the gap 34a, the electrodes 14a, and 14b. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 4 of Example 1 and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0047] FIG. 16 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 2. As shown in FIG. 16, between the power supply 36 and the ground 35, resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series. The resistors R1 and R2 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the gap 34a and the region 40. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 14c, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrode 12a, and the line between the resistor R2 and the ground 35 corresponds to the electrode 11a.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 2. As shown in FIG. 17, in S10, the control unit 30 connects the terminals 38a and 38b to the power supply 36 and the ground 35 respectively, and connects the electrodes 21 and 22 to the floating and the detector 32 respectively. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V of the conductive film 20 and obtains the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than the potential V12 of the electrode 12a and higher than the ground potential 0V (S30). When Yes, the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in the region 40 based on the potential V (S32).

[0049] When No, the control unit 30 connects the terminal 38a and the detector 32 to the switch SW1, makes the terminal 38b of the switch SW2 floating, connects the terminal 38c to the power supply 36 to the switch SW3, and connects the terminal 38d to the ground 35 to the switch SW4 (S34). Thereby, the voltage of the conductive film 20 linearly decreases from the electrode 21 to 22. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V' of the conductive film 10 and obtains the detection result (S36). The control unit 30 determines which of the buttons 54a to 54c has been pressed based on the potential V' of the conductive film 10 (S38). That is, the control unit 30 determines that the buttons 54a to 54c have been pressed when the potential V' is determined to be the potential of the electrodes 24a to 24c. Then it ends.

[0050] In Example 2, whether the region 40 has been pressed or the buttons 54a to 54c have been pressed can be determined based on the potential V of the conductive film 20, and which of the buttons 54a to 54c has been pressed can be determined based on the potential V' of the conductive film 10.

[0051] According to Example 2, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, one end of resistor R1 (first resistor) is connected to electrode 12a (third electrode). Electrode 14c (second electrode) is provided in region 42 (second region) within conductive film 10 in the Y direction of electrode 12a, and is electrically connected to the other end of resistor R1 and terminal 38a (second terminal). A plurality of buttons 54a to 54c in FIG. 1 (regions 33a to 33c in FIG. 15) are provided in region 42 (region 52 in FIG. 1), arranged in the X direction, and conductive films 10 and 20 can be electrically connected, and the connection between conductive films 10 and 20 can be detected. The conductive film 10 between regions 40 and 42 is removed, such as slit 18. Thereby, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, it is possible to detect the Y coordinate in region 40 and the on / off states of buttons 54a to 54c. Since two terminals 38a and 38b can be provided and electrically connected to electrodes 11a, 12a, and 14a to 14c, the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, as in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide wirings and resistors vertically. Therefore, the cost can be further reduced.

[0052] As shown by S10 in FIG. 17, control unit 30 (detection unit) applies a voltage between terminals 38a and 38b. As shown by S30 and S32, when the potential V of conductive film 20 is closer to the potential 0V of terminal 38b than the potential V12 of electrode 12a, control unit 30 detects the contact position (i.e., touch position) between conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within region 40 based on the potential of conductive film 20. Thereby, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. In S30, when the potential V of conductive film 20 is closer to the potential VDD of terminal 38a than the potential V12 of electrode 12a, as shown by S34 to S38, a voltage is applied between electrodes 21 and 22, and the on / off states of a plurality of buttons 54a to 54c are detected based on the potential of region 42 of conductive film 10. Thereby, the touch of button 54a can be detected.

[0053] [Modification Example 1 of Example 2] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification 1 of Example 2. As shown in FIG. 18, the electrode 12a is not provided. An electrode 14c extending in the X direction is provided. The electrode 13b connected to the electrode 11a is connected to the terminal 38b, and the electrode 14c is connected to the terminal 38a via the electrode 13a. A slit 18a in the form of a broken line or a dotted line is provided between the regions 40 and 42. Regions 33a to 33c are arranged in the X direction within the region 42. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 15 of Example 2 and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0054] FIG. 19(a) is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Modification 1 of Example 2. As shown in FIG. 19(a), between the power supply 36 and the ground 35, resistors R1 to R3 are connected in series. The resistors R1, R2, and R3 correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the region 42, the slit 18a, and the region 40, respectively. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 14c, and the line between the resistor R3 and the ground 35 corresponds to the electrode 11a, respectively.

[0055] FIG. 19(b) is a diagram showing the potential with respect to the position Y in the series path in Modification 1 of Example 2. As shown in FIG. 19(b), the potential of the electrode 14c is VDD, and the potential of the electrode 11a is 0V. The slopes of the voltage drops with respect to the position Y in the regions 40 and 42 are constant. In the slit 18a, the voltage drops rapidly with respect to the position Y. The potential in the slit 18a is V18a.

[0056] In S30 of FIG. 17 of Example 2, the control unit 30 determines whether V18a < V < 0V. Other controls are the same as those in FIG. 17. By providing the slit 18a as in Modification 1 of Example 2, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the potential difference between the regions 40 and 42 becomes large. Therefore, by appropriately setting V18a in S30, false determination in S30 can be suppressed.

[0057] [Modification 2 of Example 2] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Modification 2 of Example 2. As shown in FIG. 20, the width of the electrode 14c in the Y direction may be widened, and regions 33a to 33c where the electrodes 24a to 24c are in contact may be provided within the electrode 14c. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 18 of Modification 1 of Example 2, and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0058] According to the modification of Example 2, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, a slit 18a (removal portion) where the conductive film 10 is locally removed (that is, the conductive film 10 is removed in a dashed line or dotted line shape) is provided in the conductive film 10, extends in the X direction, and sandwiches and faces the electrode 11a (first electrode) and the region 40 (first region) in the conductive film 10 in the Y direction. The electrode 14c (second electrode) is provided in a region 42 (second region) in the conductive film 10 located on the opposite side of the region 40 with respect to the slit 18a, extends in the X direction, faces the slit 18a in the Y direction, and is connected to the terminal 38a (first terminal). Buttons 54a to 54c in FIG. 1 and regions 33a to 33c in FIGS. 18 and 20 are provided in the region 42, arranged in the X direction, and the conductive films 10 and 20 can be electrically connected. Thereby, by providing two terminals 38a and 38b, it is possible to detect the Y coordinate in the region 40 and the on / off of the buttons 54a to 54c. Since two terminals 38a and 38b electrically connected to the electrodes 11a and 14c can be provided, cost reduction is possible. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide wirings and resistors vertically as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, further cost reduction is possible.

[0059] In S30 of FIG. 17, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the terminal 38b than the potential of the conductive film 10 in the slit 18a, the Y coordinate is detected as in S32. When the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the terminal 38a than the potential of the conductive film 10 in the slit 18a, the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c is detected as in S34 to S38. In this way, it is possible to detect the Y coordinate and the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c in the same manner as in Example 2.

Example

[0060] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of region 42 in the conductive film 10 in Example 3. As shown in FIG. 21, the electrodes 11a and 12b are provided opposite to each other with region 40 interposed therebetween. Regions 42a and 42b are provided in region 42. Regions 42a and 42b are surrounded by the slit 18, and the conductive film 10 in regions 42a and 42b is electrically separated from the conductive film 10 in region 40. Regions 33a and 33b where the electrodes 24a and 24b respectively contact are provided in region 42a, and the region 33c where the electrode 24c contacts is provided in region 42b. The conductive films 10 in regions 42a and 42b are connected to terminals 38e and 38f via the electrodes 13c and 13d respectively. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 15 of Example 2 and the description thereof is omitted. The plan view of the conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 2(b) of Example 1.

[0061] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 3. As shown in FIG. 22, in addition to FIG. 5 of Example 1, switches SW5 and SW6 are provided. The switch SW5 connects the terminal 38e to the detector 32. The switch SW6 connects the terminal 38f to the detector 32. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 5 of Example 1 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 3. As shown in FIG. 23, in S10, the control unit 30 connects the terminals 38a and 38b to the power supply 36 and the ground 35 respectively, and connects the terminals 38c and 38d to the floating and the detector 32 respectively. Further, the control unit 30 makes the terminals 38e and 38f floating for the switches SW5 and SW6. The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V of the conductive film 20 and acquires the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V satisfies V12 > V > V11 (S40). When Yes, the control unit 30 detects the Y coordinate of the touch position in region 40 based on the potential V (S32).

[0063] When it is No, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is open (S42). When it is No, the process ends. When it is Yes, the control unit 30 makes the terminals 38a and 38b of the switches SW1 and SW2 floating, connects the terminal 38c of the switch SW3 to the power supply 36, connects the terminal 38d of the switch SW4 to the ground 35, and connects the terminals 38e and 38f to the detector 32 through the switch SW5 or SW6 (S44). The control unit 30 causes the detector 32 to detect the potential V' of the conductive film 10 in the region 42a or 42b and acquires the detection result (S46). The control unit 30 determines which of the buttons 54a to 54c has been pressed based on the potential V' of the conductive film 10 (S48). That is, when the control unit 30 determines that the potential V' is the potential of the electrodes 24a to 24c, it determines that the buttons 54a to 54c have been pressed respectively. Then the process ends.

[0064] As in the third embodiment, regions 33a to 33c may be provided on the conductive film 10 in the regions 42a and 42b that are electrically separated from the conductive film 10 in the region 40, and based on the potential of the conductive film 10 in the regions 42a and 42b, it may be determined which of the buttons 54a to 54c has been pressed.

[0065] According to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the region 42 is provided on the opposite side of the region 40 (the first region) with respect to the electrode 12b and is electrically separated from the region 40. The buttons 54a to 54c (regions 33a to 33c in FIG. 21) in FIG. 1 are provided in the region 42, and the conductive films 10 and 20 can be electrically connected. The electrodes 13c and 13d are provided on the conductive film 10 in the regions 42a and 42b and are connected to the terminals 38e and 38f. That is, the buttons 54a and 54b (the second switch portion) are provided in the region 42a (the second region), and the button 54c (the third switch portion) is provided in the region 42b (the third region). The electrode 13c (the third electrode) is provided in the region 42a and is connected to the terminal 38e (the third terminal), and the electrode 13d (the fourth electrode) is provided in the region 42b and is connected to the terminal 38f (the fourth terminal).

[0066] As shown in S10 of FIG. 23, the control unit 30 applies a voltage between terminals 38a and 38b. As in S40 and S32, when the potential V of the conductive film 20 is between the potential V11 of the electrode 11a (first electrode) and the potential V12 of the electrode 12b (second electrode) (predetermined range), the control unit 30 detects the contact position between the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within the region 40 based on the potential V of the conductive film 20. As in S42, when the conductive film 20 is open, as in S44 to S48, the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the electrodes 21 and 22 (fifth electrode) and detects the on / off states of the buttons 54a to 54c based on the potentials of the terminals 38e and 38f (third electrode). Thereby, it becomes possible to detect the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c using the terminals 38e and 38f.

Example

[0067] FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of the conductive film 10 in Example 4, and FIG. 24(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 24(a). As shown in FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b), an insulating layer 26a may be provided between the regions 40 and 42. The conductive film 20 is not electrically connected to the region where the insulating layer 26a is provided. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the misdetection of which of the regions 40 and 42 has been pressed. The insulating layer 26a is, for example, a resin insulator. The insulating layer 26a may be provided on the electrode 12, or may be provided between the electrode 12 and the electrodes 14n and 14m. The width W of the insulating layer 26a in the Y direction is, for example, 4 mm. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 1 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0068] [Modification Example 1 of Example 4] FIG. 25(a) is a plan view of the conductive film 10 in Modification 1 of Example 4, and FIG. 25(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 25(a). As shown in FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b), a plurality of dot-shaped insulating layers 26b may be provided between regions 40 and 42. The number of insulating layers 26b in the Y direction may be two as shown in FIG. 25(a) or three as shown in FIG. 25(b). The number of insulating layers 26b in the Y direction is one or more. The insulating layer 26b is, for example, a resin insulator. The width W of the insulating layer 26b in the Y direction is, for example, 4 mm, the width W2 of the dot is, for example, 0.2 mm, and the interval W1 between the dots is, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The insulating layer 26b can suppress misdetection of which of regions 40 and 42 is pressed. The center of the insulating layer 26b in the Y direction may be provided in a range of ±3 mm in the Y direction, for example, centered on the boundary between regions 40 and 42. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 4 and the description thereof is omitted. The insulating layer 26a or 26b may also be used in Examples 1 to 3 and their modifications.

[0069] According to Example 4 and the modifications, as shown in FIGS. 24(b) and 25(b), insulating layers 26a and 26b are provided between the conductive films 10 and 20 between the region 42 (region 52 in FIG. 1) where the buttons 54a to 54c are provided and the region 40. Thereby, misdetection between regions 40 and 42 can be suppressed.

Example

[0070] FIG. 26(a) and FIG. 26(b) are plan views of the conductive films in Example 5. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b). As shown in FIGS. 26(a) to 27, a decorative layer 19 (see FIGS. 26(a) and 27) is provided on the conductive film 10 at the periphery of the substrate 15, and a decorative layer 23 (see FIGS. 26(b) and 27) is provided under the conductive film 20 at the periphery of the substrate 25. A slit 18b is provided at the periphery of the substrate 15 by removing the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 19. The slit 18b is provided slightly inside the outer periphery of the substrate 15 over the entire periphery of the substrate 15. A removal portion 29 is provided at the periphery of the substrate 25 by removing the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23. The removal portion 29 is provided at the outer periphery of the substrate 25 over the entire periphery of the substrate 25. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 1 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0071] The slit 18b and the removal portion 29 are provided as countermeasures against static electricity. If the slit 18b and the removal portion 29 are not provided, when a surge due to static electricity such as ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) is applied to the side surfaces of the substrates 15 and 25, the surge is applied inside through the conductive films 10 and 20, and there is a possibility that electrodes and the like are damaged. By providing the slit 18b and the removal portion 29, it is possible to suppress the application of a surge to the internal electrodes even when a static electricity surge is applied to the side surfaces of the substrates 15 and 25, and to suppress damage caused by static electricity.

[0072] The removal portion 29 is formed by irradiating a laser beam after forming the decorative layer 23. Therefore, the decorative layer 23 is also removed in the removal portion 29. Further, when the decorative layer 23 is conductive, a static electricity surge is applied inside through the decorative layer 23. Therefore, the decorative layer 23 is also removed in the removal portion 29. When the decorative layer 19 is not provided as in Example 1, when the removal portion 29 is viewed from above, since the substrate 25, the bonding layer 28, the conductive film 10, and the substrate 15 are transparent, the appearance is impaired. As in Example 5, by providing the decorative layer 19 so as to overlap the removal portion 29 when viewed from above, the decorative layer 19 can be seen in the removal portion 29 when viewed from above. By making the decorative layer 19 the same opaque color (for example, black) as the decorative layer 23, it is possible to suppress impairment of the appearance.

[0073] [Modification Example 1 of Example 5] Figs. 28(a) and 28(b) are plan views of the conductive film in Modification Example 1 of Example 5. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figs. 28(a) and 28(b). As shown in Figs. 28(a) to 29, the removal portion 29 (see Figs. 28(b) and 29) is provided away from the outer periphery of the substrate 25. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 5 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0074] As in Modification Example 1 of Example 5, the removal portion 29 may be provided away from the outer periphery of the substrate 25. When viewed from above, the appearance can be prevented from being impaired by the removal portion 29 overlapping the decorative layer 19. The removal portion 29 and the decorative layer 19 of Example 5 and its Modification Example 1 may be used in Examples 1 to 4 and their modification examples.

[0075] According to Example 5 and its modification example, a transparent conductive film 20 is provided under the transparent substrate 25, and the transparent bonding layer 28 bonds the conductive films 10 and 20 at the periphery of the substrate 25. In order to form the frame portion 56 in Fig. 1, a decorative layer 23 (first opaque layer) is provided between the conductive film 20 and the bonding layer 28 at the peripheral portion of the substrate 25. By taking electrostatic countermeasures, when a removal portion 29 where the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23 are removed is provided at the peripheral portion of the substrate 25, the bonding layer 28 and the conductive film 20 can be visually recognized through the removal portion 29 when viewed from above, and the appearance is impaired. Therefore, a decorative layer 19 (second opaque layer) is provided between the bonding layer 28 and the conductive film 10 so as to overlap the removal portion 29 when viewed from above. Thereby, since the decorative layer 19 can be seen through the removal portion 29, the appearance can be prevented from being impaired.

[0076] In Examples 1 to 5 and their modified examples, when the distance between the lower surfaces of the electrodes 24a to 24c in the regions 33a to 33c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 (or the electrodes 14n and 14m) is large, the deflection of the conductive film 20 and the decorative layer 23 becomes large, and the conductive film 20 or the decorative layer 23 may be damaged. Therefore, the distance between the lower surfaces of the electrodes 24a to 24c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 (or the electrodes 14n and 14m) is preferably 100 μm or less. In order to prevent the electrodes 24a to 24c from unintentionally contacting the conductive film 10, the distance between the lower surfaces of the electrodes 24a to 24c and the upper surface of the conductive film 10 (or the electrodes 14n and 14m) is preferably 40 μm or more.

Example

[0077] FIG. 30 is a plan view of a touch panel according to Example 6. As shown in FIG. 30, the direction in which the long side of the region 50 extends is the X direction (first direction), the direction in which the short side extends is the Y direction (second direction intersecting the first direction), and the normal direction of the region 50 is the Z direction. The touch panel 100 is provided with a frame portion 56. An image is displayed in the region surrounded by the frame portion 56. When the user touches an arbitrary location within the region 50 with a contact portion such as a finger, the coordinates of the region 50 can be input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The frame portion 56 is provided with a region 52. The region 52 is provided with buttons 54a to 54c (button portion). When the user touches any one of the buttons 54a to 54c, information on which one of the buttons 54a to 54c has been touched is input to the device provided with the touch panel 100. The FPC (Flexible printed circuits) 37 outputs a signal from the touch panel 100.

[0078] Figs. 31(a) and 31(b) are plan views of the conductive film in Example 6. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figs. 31(a) and 31(b) in Example 6. As shown in Figs. 31(a) and 32, a conductive film 10 is provided on a substrate 15. Regions 40 and 42 are arranged in the X direction. Electrodes 11 to 14 are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. Wiring 39a and 39b are provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10. Electrode 11 (second electrode) extends in the X direction along the +Y side of the conductive film 10. Electrodes 12 and 13 extend in the X direction along the -Y side of the conductive film 10. Electrode 12 (first electrode) faces electrode 11 in the Y direction, and electrodes 11 and 12 are provided so as to sandwich region 40 (first region). Electrode 13 (third electrode) is provided so that electrodes 11 and 13 sandwich region 42 (second region) in the Y direction.

[0079] Regions 50 and 52 in Fig. 30 respectively correspond to regions 40 and 42 in Fig. 31. Wiring 39a and 39b connect electrodes 12 and 13 to terminals 38a (first terminal) and 38b (second terminal) of the FPC 37, respectively. A slit 18 where the conductive film 10 is removed is provided between regions 40 and 42. The slit 18 is formed, for example, by irradiating a laser beam. When a voltage is applied between electrodes 12 and 13, current flows through electrode 12, region 40, electrode 11, region 42, and electrode 13 as in the series path 46 of the thick arrow.

[0080] A substrate 25 is provided above the substrate 15 in the +Z direction. A conductive film 20 is provided on the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the substrate 25. The conductive film 20 is provided facing at least the regions 40 and 42 of the conductive film 10 with a gap therebetween. A decorative layer 23 is provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The decorative layer 23 corresponds to the frame portion 56 in FIG. 30. Electrodes 21, 22, and 24a to 24c are provided on the conductive film 20 via the decorative layer 23 under the conductive film 20. An insulating film 26 is provided so as to cover the electrodes 21 and 22. Wiring 39c and 39d are provided on the lower surface of the conductive film 20. The electrodes 21 and 22 extend in the Y direction and are provided so as to sandwich the region 40. The electrode 21 is provided along the +X direction side of the conductive film 20, and the electrode 22 is provided between the regions 40 and 42. The wiring 39c and 39d connect the electrodes 21 and 22 to the terminals 38c and 38d of the FPC 37, respectively.

[0081] The periphery of the conductive film 10 and the periphery of the decorative layer 23 are joined by a joining layer 28. The joining layer 28 is a resin such as a double-sided tape, for example. The joining layer 28 may be a double-sided tape that joins an insulating layer provided on the upper surface of the conductive film 10 and an insulating layer provided on the lower surface of the decorative layer 23. A gap is formed between the conductive films 10 and 20 and between the conductive film 10 and the decorative layer 23 by the joining layer 28. The substrate 15 is, for example, a glass substrate, which is transparent and has rigidity. The substrate 25 is, for example, a resin film such as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is transparent and has flexibility. The conductive films 10 and 20 are, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), which is transparent and has conductivity. The electrodes 11 to 14, 21, 22 and the wirings 39a to 39d are metal layers such as a silver layer, a gold layer or a copper layer, for example, and are made of a material having a higher electrical conductivity than the conductive films 10 and 20. The electrodes 24a to 24c are a metal layer or a material having conductivity such as carbon, and are made of a material having an electrical conductivity close to that of the conductive films 10 and 20 or higher than that of the conductive films 10 and 20. When the electrodes 24a to 24c are formed of a silver layer or the like, there is a concern about migration. By using carbon for the electrodes 24a to 24c, this concern can be eliminated. The decorative layer 23 is a resin containing, for example, carbon or the like, and is opaque and has flexibility and conductivity. Decorations such as letters, symbols and patterns are applied to the upper surface of the decorative layer 23.

[0082] For example, a display 44 is provided below (-Z direction) the substrate 15. When the user views the touch panel 100 from above, the image of the display 44 can be visually recognized in the regions 40 and 50. In the regions 42 and 52, the upper surface of the decorative layer 23 can be visually recognized. The electrodes 11 to 14, 21, 22, 24a to 24c are hidden by the decorative layer 23 and cannot be visually recognized. Since the substrate 25 has flexibility, when the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 within the region 40, the conductive films 10 and 20 come into contact with each other. When the user touches any one of the buttons 54a to 54c within the region 42, the electrode of the conductive film 10 comes into contact with one of the electrodes 24a to 24c.

[0083] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the electrode 14 in Example 6. As shown in FIG. 33, the electrode 14 includes electrodes 14a to 14e. Gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are provided between the electrodes 14a and 14b, between the electrodes 14b and 14c, between the electrodes 14c and 14d, and between the electrodes 14d and 14e, respectively. Regions 33a, 33b, and 33c are located between the gaps 34a and 34b, between the gaps 34b and 34c, and between the gaps 34c and 34d, respectively. The current flowing between the electrodes 11 and 13 flows through the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d. Therefore, a voltage drop occurs due to the resistance component of the conductive film 10. Since the resistance values of the electrodes 14a to 14e are sufficiently lower than the resistance value of the conductive film 10, almost no voltage drop occurs in the electrodes 14a to 14e. In the regions 33a to 33c, the portions where the electrodes 24a to 24c contact the conductive film 10 are each surrounded by three sides by the electrodes 14b to 14d. The potential of the conductive film 10 surrounded by each of the electrodes 14b to 14d becomes approximately the potential of the electrodes 14b to 14d, respectively.

[0084] FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram of the touch panel in Example 6. As shown in FIG. 34, the touch panel device 102 includes a touch panel 100, a control unit 30, switches SW1 to SW4, and a detector 32. The control unit 30, the switches SW1 to SW4, and the detector 32 are provided, for example, in the -Z direction from the display 44 in FIG. 32. The electrodes 12, 13, 21, and 22 and the switches SW1 to SW4 are connected by an FPC 37. The switch SW1 connects the electrode 12 to either the power supply 36 with the potential VDD or the detector 32. The switch SW2 connects the electrode 13 to the ground 35. The switch SW3 connects the electrode 21 to the power supply 36. The switch SW4 connects the electrode 22 to either the ground 35 or the detector 32. The detector 32 detects the voltages of the electrodes 12 and 22. The control unit 30 controls the switches SW1 to SW4 and acquires the voltage values detected from the detector 32. Based on the voltages detected by the detector 32, the control unit 30 detects the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the position (touch position) where the user touches the upper surface of the substrate 25 in the region 40, and the touches of the buttons 54a to 54c. The control unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and functions as a detection unit in cooperation with software.

[0085] A method for detecting the touch position will be described. First, the detection of the Y coordinate of the touch position and the touches of the buttons 54a to 54c in the region 40 will be described. The control unit 30 connects the electrode 12 and the power supply 36 to the switch SW1, connects the electrode 13 and the ground 35 to the switch SW2, makes the electrode 21 floating with the switch SW3, and connects the electrode 22 to the detector 32 with the switch SW4.

[0086] FIG. 35 is an equivalent circuit of the conductive film 10 in Example 6. It is an equivalent circuit of the series path 46 from the electrode 12 to 13 in FIG. 31(a). As shown in FIG. 35, resistors R1 to R5 are connected in series between the power supply 36 and the ground 35. The resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 respectively correspond to the resistance components of the conductive film 10 in the regions 40, gaps 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. The line between the power supply 36 and the resistor R1 corresponds to the electrode 12, the line between the resistors R1 and R2 corresponds to the electrodes 11 and 14a, the line between the resistors R2 and R3 corresponds to the electrodes 14b and the region 33a, the line between the resistors R3 and R4 corresponds to the electrodes 14c and the region 33b, the line between the resistors R4 and R5 corresponds to the electrodes 14d and the region 33c, and the line between the resistor R5 and the ground 35 corresponds to the electrodes 14e and 13, respectively.

[0087] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the potential with respect to the position in the series path in Example 6. As shown in FIG. 36, the potential of the electrode 12 is VDD, and the potentials of the electrodes 14e and 13 are 0V. Since the electrical conductivity of the conductive film 10 is extremely low (for example, 1 / 100 or less) compared to the electrodes 11 to 13 and 14a to 14e, the voltage drop occurs almost in the regions 40 and the gaps 34a to 34d, and almost no voltage drop occurs in the electrodes 11, 12, and 14a, the regions 33a to 33c, and the electrodes 14e and 13. The potentials of the electrodes 12, 11, the regions 33a, 33b, 33c, and the electrode 13 become VDD, V11, Va, Vb, Vc, and 0V, respectively.

[0088] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit in Example 6. As shown in FIG. 37, the control unit 30 sets switches SW1 to SW4 (S10). As a result, electrodes 12 and 13 are connected to power supply 36 and ground 35, respectively. Electrodes 21 and 22 are connected to floating and detector 32, respectively. The control unit 30 causes detector 32 to detect the voltage of electrode 22 (i.e., the potential V of conductive film 20) and acquires the detection result (S12). The control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is lower than VDD and higher than potential V11 (S14). When Yes, the control unit 30 calculates the Y coordinate of the touch position in region 40 based on the potential V (S16).

[0089] If No in step S14, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is potential Va within the error range (S18). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that button 54a has been touched (S20). If No in step S18, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is potential Vb within the error range (S22). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that button 54b has been touched (S24). If No in step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the potential V is potential Vc within the error range (S26). When Yes, the control unit 30 determines that button 54c has been touched (S28). Note that the order of steps S14, S18, S22, and S26 can be set arbitrarily. Then it ends.

[0090] Next, the detection of the X coordinate of the touch position in region 40 will be described. The control unit 30 connects electrode 12 and detector 32 to switch SW1, makes electrode 13 floating to switch SW2, connects electrode 21 to power supply 36 to switch SW3, and connects electrode 22 to ground 35 to switch SW4. As a result, the voltage of the conductive film 20 linearly decreases from electrode 21 to 22. The control unit 30 can detect the X coordinate at the touch position within region 40 based on the potential detected by detector 32.

[0091] FIG. 38 is a plan view of the conductive film in Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. 38, in the conductive film 10, electrodes 11a and 12 are provided so as to sandwich region 40, and electrodes 11b and 13 are provided so as to sandwich region 42. The conductive film 20 is the same as that in FIG. 31(b) of Example 6. The Y coordinate of the touch position in region 40 is detected using electrodes 11a and 12, and the touch of buttons 54a to 54c in region 42 is detected using electrodes 11b and 13. However, wirings 39e and 39f connected to electrodes 11a and 11b will be provided. Therefore, the touch panel becomes larger in size and the cost increases.

[0092] According to Example 6, regions 40 and 42 are connected in series between electrodes 12 and 13. As a result, as shown in FIG. 36, the potential of the conductive film 20 differs depending on whether region 40 or 42 is touched. Therefore, it can be determined which of regions 40 and 42 is the touch position. Also, as shown in FIG. 31(a), wirings 39a and 39b can be made fewer than wirings 39a, 39b, 39e, and 39f in FIG. 38 of Comparative Example 1, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of electrodes 14a to 14e are connected in series to region 42 via the conductive film 10 of a plurality of gaps 34a to 34d between electrodes 11 and 13. Buttons 54a to 54c electrically connect the conductive film 10 and electrode 12 in regions 33a to 33c between two adjacent gaps 34a and 34b, 34b and 34c, and 34c and 34d among gaps 34a to 34d. As a result, the conductive film 20 in gaps 34a to 34d functions as resistances R2 to R5 in FIG. 35. As shown in FIG. 36, regions 33a to 33c become regions where the potential is substantially constant. Therefore, by providing buttons 54a to 54c in regions 33a to 33c, the touch of buttons 54a to 54c can be detected accurately.

[0094] Buttons 54a to 54c may be provided singly, but even when a plurality of them are provided, the touch of buttons 54a to 54c can be detected by connecting regions 33a to 33c in series between electrodes 11 and 13 via the conductive film 10 of three or more gaps 34a to 34d.

[0095] As shown in S10 of FIG. 37, the control unit 30 applies a voltage between the electrodes 12 and 13. As in S14 and S16, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 12 than to the potential of the electrode 11, the control unit 30 detects the contact position (i.e., the touch position) between the conductive films 10 and 20 in the Y direction within the region 40 based on the potential of the conductive film 20. Thereby, the Y coordinate of the touch position can be detected. As in S18 to S28, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 13 than to the potential of the electrode 11, the control unit 30 detects the on / off states of the buttons 54a to 54c based on the potential of the conductive film 20. Thereby, the touch of the buttons 54a to 54c can be detected. Note that, as the potentials of the electrodes 11, 12, and 13 in FIG. 37, values predetermined as predetermined values corresponding to the potentials of the electrodes 11, 12, and 13 can be used.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 31(a), a slit 18 is provided between the regions 40 and 42 where the conductive film 10 is not provided. Thereby, the regions 40 and 42 can be connected in series between the electrodes 12 and 13. From the viewpoint of connecting the regions 40 and 42 in series, the slit 18 is preferably provided from the electrode 11 to the -Y direction side of the conductive film 10. However, from the viewpoint of aligning the electrode 11 and the slit 18, the slit 18 may not reach the electrode 11. Also, from the viewpoint of providing the wiring 39a or 39b on the conductive film 10, the slit 18 may not reach the -Y direction side of the conductive film 10. It is sufficient that the current flowing between the electrodes 12 and 13 through the series path 46 in FIG. 31(a) is sufficiently larger than the current flowing between the electrodes 12 and 13 other than the series path 46.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 31(b), a pair of electrodes 21 and 22 are provided so as to sandwich the region 40. Thereby, the potential of the conductive film 20 can be detected. Also, the X coordinate of the touch position in the region 40 can be detected. The electrode 22 may be provided on the -X side of the region 42. However, if the electrode 22 is provided on the -X side of the region 42, the buttons 54a to 54c cannot be provided so as to overlap the electrode 22. For this reason, the buttons 54a to 54c have to be separated from the -X side end, and the touch panel becomes larger. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the electrode 22 between the regions 40 and 42. In this case, since the electrode 22 may overlap with the slit 18 in plan view, the touch panel 100 can be downsized.

[0098] The resistance value between the electrode 11 and the electrode 13 is preferably equal to or less than the resistance value between the electrodes 11 and 12. Thereby, the difference between the potential V11 of the electrode 11 and the potential VDD of the electrode 12 in FIG. 36 can be increased. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate in the region 40 can be improved. On the other hand, the resistance value between the electrode 11 and the electrode 13 is preferably 1 / 10 or more of the resistance value between the electrodes 11 and 12. This is because if the potential V11 is too low, the detection accuracy of the buttons 54a to 54c decreases. Therefore, the resistance value between the electrode 11 and the electrode 13 is preferably equal to or less than the resistance value between the electrodes 11 and 12 and 1 / 10 or more.

[0099] [Modification 1 of Example 6] FIG. 39 is an enlarged plan view of the touch panel in Modification 1 of Example 6. As shown in FIG. 39, the planar shapes of the gaps 34a to 34d are V-shaped. In order to lower the potential of the electrode 11 and improve the detection accuracy of the Y coordinate of the region 40, it is preferable to lower the resistance value of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d. However, the interval in the Y direction of the gaps 34a to 34d is determined by the manufacturing accuracy of the electrode 14, and in one example, it is 0.2 mm. Also, the dimension in the X direction of the region 42 is determined by the dimension in the X direction of the frame portion 56 and cannot be increased arbitrarily. Therefore, the extending direction of the gaps 34a to 34d is inclined from the X direction. Thereby, even if the interval in the Y direction of the gaps 34a to 34d is not narrowed, the resistance value of the conductive film 10 in the gaps 34a to 34d can be lowered. The angle θ between the extending direction of the gaps 34a to 34d and the X direction is preferably 30° or more and preferably 45° or less. The planar shape of the gaps 34a to 34d may be a linear shape inclined with respect to the X direction or a W shape.

[0100] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel in Modification 1 of Example 6. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 39. As shown in FIG. 40, when the button 54b is touched, the electrode 24b contacts the electrode 14c. Thus, in the buttons 54a to 54c, the electrodes 24a to 24c may each contact the electrodes 14b to 14d. If the curvature of the conductive film 20 is increased in the vicinity of the bonding layer 28, the conductive film 20 may be damaged. When the touch panel is miniaturized, the buttons 54a to 54c are provided in the vicinity of the bonding layer 28. Therefore, there is a possibility that the conductive film 20 may be damaged by the pressing of the buttons 54a to 54c. In Modification 1 of Example 6, since the electrodes 24a to 24c contact the electrodes 14b to 14d, the deformation of the conductive film 20 is smaller than when the electrodes 24a to 24c contact the conductive film 10 as in Example 6, and damage to the conductive film 20 can be suppressed. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 6 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] [Modification 2 of Example 6] FIG. 41 is a plan view of the conductive film 10 in Modification 2 of Example 6. As shown in FIG. 41, in Modification 2 of Example 6, the electrode 14 is not provided. Even when the electrode 14 is not provided, the potential of the conductive film 10 between the electrodes 11 and 13 is inclined in the Y direction. Therefore, when the potential of the conductive film 20 is closer to the potential of the electrode 13 than the potential of the electrode 11, by detecting the potential of the conductive film 20, it is possible to detect which of the electrodes 24a to 24c has contacted the conductive film 10. Other configurations are the same as those in Example 6 and the description thereof is omitted.

[0102] As described above in detail with respect to the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 10, 20 Conductive film 11 to 14, 13a, 13b, 14a to 14h, 14n, 14m, 21, 22, 24a to 24c Electrodes 15, 25 Substrate 18, 18a, 18b Slits 19, 23 Decorative layer 29 Removal part 30 Control part 32 Detector 33a to 33c, 40, 42, 42a, 42b, 50, 52 Regions 34a to 34g Gaps 35 Ground 36 Power supply 38a to 38f Terminals 44 Display 46 Series path 46a to 46d Paths 54a to 54c Buttons 56 Frame part

Claims

1. A first conductive film having a first region and a second region, with at least a part between the first region and the second region removed; A second conductive film laminated on the first conductive film with a gap therebetween; A first terminal and a second terminal for outputting a signal from the first conductive film; A first electrode provided on the first conductive film and electrically connected to the first terminal; A second electrode provided on the first conductive film, sandwiching and facing the first electrode with the first region therebetween; A first resistor provided on the first conductive film in the second region, sandwiching and facing a first resistance region in the first conductive film, with one electrode electrically connected to the second electrode and the other electrode electrically connected to the second terminal; A first switch portion provided in the second region for electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; A touch panel comprising the above.

2. A second resistor provided in the second region, sandwiching and facing a second resistance region in the first conductive film, with one electrode electrically connected to the first electrode and the other electrode electrically connected to the first terminal; A second switch portion provided between the first terminal and the second resistor for electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; The touch panel according to Claim 1, comprising the above.

3. A third resistor provided in the second region, having a pair of electrodes sandwiching and facing a third resistance region in the first conductive film, and serially connected to the first resistor between the second electrode and the second terminal; The touch panel according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first switch portion is located between the first resistor and the third resistor.

4. A fourth resistor provided in the second region, having a pair of electrodes sandwiching and facing a fourth resistance region in the first conductive film, and parallely connected to the first resistor and the first region between the first terminal and the second terminal; A third switch portion provided between the second terminal and the fourth resistor, parallely connected to the first resistor and the first region, and for electrically connecting the first conductive film and the second conductive film; The touch panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising the above.

5. A transparent substrate provided on the second conductive film; A transparent bonding layer for bonding the first conductive film and the second conductive film at the periphery of the substrate; A first opaque layer provided between the second conductive film and the bonding layer at the peripheral portion of the substrate; At the peripheral portion of the substrate, a removal portion where the second conductive film and the first opaque layer are removed, A second opaque layer that overlaps the removal portion when viewed from above and is provided between the bonding layer and the first conductive film, Comprising, The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first conductive film and the second conductive film are transparent.

6. A voltage is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal. When the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the first terminal than a predetermined value, based on the potential of the second conductive film, the contact position between the first conductive film and the second conductive film in the arrangement direction of the first electrode and the second electrode in the first region is detected. The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detection unit that applies a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal and detects the on / off state of the first switch unit based on the potential of the second conductive film when the potential of the second conductive film is closer to the potential of the second terminal than the predetermined value.

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