Decorative panel

Abstract

The present invention provides a decorative panel in which a touch sensor member can be placed with a high degree of freedom even in a relatively large electronic device. The present invention is provided with a cover panel member 11 which has an opening 11c, a touch sensor member 12 which is placed in the opening 11c, and a design film 13 which covers the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 and which has a movable portion 13a that supports the touch sensor member 12 such that the touch sensor member 12 is displaceable relative to the cover panel member 11.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to decorative panels. [Background technology]

[0002] Touch sensors are widely used as input devices for electronic devices. Known touch sensors include, for example, a sensor sheet with functions integrated on a film substrate and an exterior member. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device in which a plastic layer is formed by injection molding plastic resin on a sensor sheet made of multiple film layers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-510319 A, Fig. 3A, Fig. 30 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in front of the driver's seat in a car, there is an instrument panel (fascia) on which instruments that display information necessary for driving are arranged. Instrument panels used to only contain instruments, but in recent years they have become large components that house car navigation systems and airbags.

[0005] For example, in a small electronic device such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is common to change the layout of the sensor sheet, etc. However, in a relatively large electronic device, it is generally not easy to flexibly respond to requests for changes to the configuration of details such as the touch sensor member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Some aspects disclosed in this application are configured to have the following characteristics.

[0007] That is, one aspect disclosed in the present application is a decorative panel comprising a panel member having an opening, a touch sensor member to be placed in the opening, and a covering member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable part that supports the touch sensor member so that it can be displaced relative to the panel member.

[0008] In another aspect, one aspect disclosed in the present application is a decorative panel having a panel member having a periphery that forms an opening, a touch sensor member that is separated from the panel member and placed in the opening, and a covering member that integrally covers the outer surface of the panel member and the operation surface side surface of the touch sensor member, wherein the covering member has a flexible bridge portion that spans between the panel member and the touch sensor member, and the touch sensor member is disposed at a distance from the periphery so as to be displaceable relative to the panel member.

[0009] One aspect disclosed in the present application, from another perspective, is a decorative panel having a panel member having a periphery that forms an opening, a touch sensor member that is separated from the panel member and disposed in the opening so as to be displaceable relative to the panel member, and a covering member that covers the outer surface of the panel member and the operation surface side surface of the touch sensor member, wherein the covering member has a flexible bridge portion that spans between the panel member and the touch sensor member, and integrally covers the panel member and the touch sensor member that is disposed at a distance from the periphery.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the panel member has an opening, and the touch sensor member is separated from the panel member. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can be disposed in an opening formed at a desired position in the panel member. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can be disposed with a high degree of freedom in a large component, such as an instrument panel, which is an interior component of an automobile. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the opening can be formed in the panel member corresponding to the desired position of the touch sensor member. Therefore, for example, when the overall shape of the panel member is the same but the position of the touch sensor member is different, the panel member can be shared.

[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member is spaced apart from the periphery of the opening of the panel member and is variable relative to the panel member. rank Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an input operation can be performed by pressing the touch sensor member against the panel member.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the covering member integrally covers the touch sensor member and the panel member that are spaced apart. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, even though a gap is formed between the touch sensor member and the panel member, a seamless appearance can be obtained by the covering member. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the design of the decorative panel can be improved.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member has a resin molded body and a film substrate carrying an electrode portion and circuit of a capacitance sensor, and can be configured to have the film substrate on at least either the front or back surface of the resin molded body.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member has a film substrate on the surface of a resin molded body, on which an electrode portion and a circuit of a capacitance sensor are mounted. That is, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member is configured by combining a resin molded body that forms a structure that allows a pressing input operation on a panel member and a film substrate that has a touch sensor function. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can have both a touch function on the front surface of the resin molded body and a function of a pressing input operation on a panel member.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member has an uneven shape on its surface including a convex portion, and the electrode portion can be configured to be arranged along a vertical wall surface formed on the side of the convex portion.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor element has a convex portion on its surface, and the electrode portion is arranged along the convex portion. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor element guides a user's tracing operation along the convex portion and can detect a change in capacitance of the electrode portion arranged along the convex portion. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to handle input operations such as selecting one from multiple options and adjusting a quantity.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the panel member can be configured to have a first unbonded region that is not bonded to the cover member at a peripheral edge that forms the opening.

[0018] On the other hand, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can be configured to have a second non-adhered region that is not adhered to the movable portion and is located in the opening.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the panel member has a first non-adhered region at the periphery forming the opening, where the panel member is not fixed to the cover member. On the other hand, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member has a second non-adhered region where the touch sensor member is not fixed to the movable portion located in the opening. Therefore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, when the touch sensor member is displaced relative to the panel member, the cover member does not expand or contract in response to the relative displacement between the panel member and the touch sensor member, but the non-adhered region can separate from them. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the cover member does not resist the displacement of the touch sensor member relative to the panel member due to a press input operation, and the touch sensor member can be easily pressed.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a buffer body, and the buffer body may be configured to be disposed around the periphery of the opening.

[0021] On the other hand, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor element may further include a buffer, and the buffer may be configured to be disposed on the touch sensor element so as to face the periphery of the opening.

[0022] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer is disposed on the periphery of the opening. On the other hand, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer is disposed on the touch sensor member facing the periphery. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer absorbs vibrations generated in either the panel member or the touch sensor member, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the other. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, vibrations generated in the touch sensor member can be contained within the touch sensor member, thereby reducing vibrations in the panel member.

[0023] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor device may further include a vibration generating member that vibrates the touch sensor member.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the decorative panel further includes a vibration generating member that vibrates the touch sensor member. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can be vibrated as tactile (cutaneous) feedback during operation, as needed. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to indicate to the user that an input operation has been reliably performed on the touch sensor member. Moreover, since the touch sensor member here is configured separately from the panel member, the vibration generating member can vibrate only the touch sensor member. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor member can be vibrated efficiently.

[0025] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor device may further include a receiving portion that receives the touch sensor member, and the touch sensor member may be configured to be detachable from the receiving portion.

[0026] If a touch sensor element that is not detachable from the decorative panel needs to be replaced, the entire decorative panel must be replaced, or the touch sensor element must be peeled off from the covering member. However, replacing the entire decorative panel in order to replace the touch sensor element is uneconomical. On the other hand, when peeling the touch sensor element from the covering member, excellent reworkability between the touch sensor element and the covering member is desirable, but this generally leads to poor adhesion reliability, which is the opposite of this property. Furthermore, after peeling the touch sensor element from the covering member, it is not easy to attach another touch sensor element to the covering member without allowing foreign matter such as air to enter.

[0027] In contrast, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the decorative panel further includes a receiving portion that receives the touch sensor member, and the touch sensor member is configured to be detachable from the receiving portion. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when it becomes necessary to replace the touch sensor member, the touch sensor member can be replaced while leaving the decorative panel in place. Therefore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the touch sensor member while reducing waste when replacing the touch sensor member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an automobile showing an application example of the touch sensor integrated panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a direction intersecting the direction of a press-in input operation of the touch sensor member in the touch sensor-integrated panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a modified example of the first embodiment; [Figure 5] 3, showing the operation of the touch sensor-integrated panel according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an arrangement of a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 and 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a touch sensor-integrated panel according to another modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a second embodiment; [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a third embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a touch sensor-integrated panel according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 and 4. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor integrated panel according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12]10 is a cross-sectional view equivalent to FIG. 3 showing a touch sensor integrated panel according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the drawings. Components common to the following embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions in the specification will be omitted. Furthermore, duplicated descriptions of the methods of use and effects common to the embodiments will also be omitted. Hereinafter, when "first" and "second" are used in this specification and claims, they are used to distinguish between different components, and are not used to indicate a particular order, superiority, or inferiority.

[0030] The "decorative panel" disclosed in this application is an input device operated primarily by a user's finger I to activate a desired function, and is used in electronic devices in which the board, housing, container, etc. equipping the input unit are relatively large compared to the input unit. One example of a "decorative panel" is an "in-vehicle interior panel," more specifically, a "touch sensor-containing in-vehicle interior panel." As shown in FIG. 1 , various large "in-vehicle interior panels" are installed around the driver's seat 2 and passenger seat 3 of an automobile 1. Examples of "in-vehicle interior panels" or "touch sensor-containing in-vehicle interior panels" include the center console armrest 4, the door armrest 5, and the instrument panel 6, as shown in FIG. 1 . Here, an example of an embodiment of a touch sensor-integrated panel 10 used in the center console armrest 4 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] For convenience, in this specification and claims, the left-right direction of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 as a "decorative panel" is referred to as the X direction, the front-rear direction is referred to as the Y direction, and the height direction (up-down direction) is referred to as the Z direction, as shown in Fig. 2 etc. Furthermore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 shown in Fig. 2, the side on which the cover panel member 11 as a "panel member" is placed is referred to as the lower side (back side) in the Z direction, and the side from which the touch sensor member 12 protrudes is referred to as the upper side (front side) in the Z direction. However, these do not limit the arrangement orientation of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the direction of press input operation of the touch sensor member 12, etc.

[0032] First embodiment (Figs. 1 to 3)

[0033] 2, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 has an outer frame that protrudes downward from the plane of the panel, and has a flat shape that is extremely shorter in the Z direction than in the X and Y directions. The touch sensor-integrated panel 10 has, at its upper part, a surface that is longer in the X direction than in the Y direction and is larger along the XY plane (horizontal direction) than the touch sensor member 12. The X and Y directions here are merely examples, and the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 may be formed to be longer in the Y direction than in the X direction.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 of this embodiment has a cover panel member 11, a touch sensor member 12, and a design film 13 as a "covering member." The touch sensor-integrated panel 10 is configured such that the design film 13 covers the upper surfaces in the Z direction of both the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. That is, Fig. 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative film 13 extends over the upper surface in the Z direction of the touch sensor integrated panel 10 of this embodiment, and although the outlines of the touch sensor member 12 and the cover panel member 11 are visible, they are not exposed.

[0035] The cover panel member 11 is a fundamental part of the structure of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10. The cover panel member 11 has a frame body 11a and a top plate 11b. The frame body 11a is a part that supports the top plate 11b and forms a space inside the cover panel member 11. The frame body 11a has a plate shape that extends downward in the Z direction from the outer periphery of the top plate 11b. The frame body 11a is not limited to the outer periphery of the top plate 11b, and may be configured to extend from the middle of the top plate 11b in the X and Y directions. This makes it possible to reinforce the structure of the cover panel member 11 by making it less likely for the top plate 11b to deform and be recessed toward the space inside the cover panel member 11, even if the cover panel member 11 is large.

[0036] The top plate 11b has a plate shape with a thickness in the Z direction and a surface along the XY plane. The shape of the surface of the top plate 11b is not particularly limited, and it may be curved in the Z direction (thickness direction). That is, the top plate 11b can be configured to have a shape in which the entire top plate 11b is curved in the thickness direction, or a shape in which one or more portions are curved. The top plate 11b is raised in the Z direction by a frame 11a located on its outer periphery, and a space surrounded by the top plate 11b and the frame 11a is formed below the top plate 11b and inside the frame 11a.

[0037] An opening 11c is formed in the top plate 11b, penetrating a surface along the XY plane in the Z direction. A touch sensor member 12 is disposed in the opening 11c. An inner edge 11d, which serves as a "periphery" forming the opening 11c of the top plate 11b, is, for example, circular in plan view. The shape of the inner edge 11d may be any shape that allows the touch sensor member 12 to be accommodated in the opening 11c, and may be, for example, polygonal, elliptical, or irregular in plan view.

[0038] The touch sensor member 12 has a function of detecting touch, mainly with a user's finger I. A capacitance method (projected capacitance method) is used to detect a touch operation of the touch sensor member 12. However, there is no limitation on the method used for the touch sensor member 12, and a resistive film method, an ultrasonic method, or various other methods can be used.

[0039] The touch sensor member 12 is a separate member from the cover panel member 11 and is separated from the cover panel member 11. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, there is no need to directly integrate a capacitance sensor into the cover panel member 11, which is a large housing panel or the like.

[0040] The touch sensor member 12 separated from the cover panel member 11 is placed in an opening 11c formed in the cover panel member 11. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the touch sensor member 12 can be placed in an opening 11c formed in a desired position of the cover panel member 11. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the touch sensor member 12 can be placed with a high degree of freedom on a large part such as the armrest portion 4 of the center console, which is an interior part of the automobile 1. Furthermore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 1 0In this case, it is sufficient that an opening (opening 11c) is formed in the cover panel member 11 corresponding to the position where the touch sensor member 12 is to be provided. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, when the overall shape of the cover panel member 11 is the same but the position of the touch sensor member 12 is different, the cover panel member 11 can be used in common. More specifically, a plurality of openings 11c can be formed in the cover panel member 11, and the position where the touch sensor member 12 is provided can be changed. For example, in a first vehicle model, the touch sensor member 12 can be provided in one or more first openings 11c, and a blocking member (resin molded body) that blocks the opening can be provided in one or more second openings 11c, so that the touch sensor member 12 is not provided. In contrast, in a second vehicle model, the touch sensor member 12 can be provided in the second opening 11c, and a blocking member (resin molded body) that blocks the opening can be provided in the first opening 11c, so that the touch sensor member 12 is not provided. Sa According to the body panel 10, the cover panel member 11 can be standardized while the arrangement and type of the touch sensor member 12 can be changed depending on the vehicle model, the type of interior, the function realized by the touch sensor member 12, etc.

[0041] The touch sensor member 12 includes a resin molded body 12a and a film substrate 12b on which electrodes and circuits of a capacitance sensor are mounted. The resin molded body 12a has a surface along the XY plane at its upper end and extends along the Z direction. The resin molded body 12a includes an upper plate portion 12c and a standing wall portion 12d.

[0042] The upper plate portion 12c has a thickness in the Z direction and a plate shape with a surface along the XY plane. The upper plate portion 12c is, for example, circular in plan view. However, the shape of the upper plate portion 12c may be, for example, polygonal, elliptical, or irregular in plan view. The standing wall portion 12d extends downward in the Z direction from the outer periphery of the upper plate portion 12c and has a plate shape with "standing wall surfaces" on its outer and inner peripheries. A space surrounded by the upper plate portion 12c and the standing wall portion 12d is formed below the upper plate portion 12c and inside the standing wall portion 12d. This space is connected to the space inside the cover panel member 11.

[0043] The upper plate portion 12c of the resin molded body 12a is located higher than the top plate 11b of the cover panel member 11. In other words, the resin molded body 12a has a three-dimensional shape with a "protrusion" above the cover panel member 11. The touch sensor member 12 is formed by Is hollow Structure Therefore, the thickness of the upper plate portion 12c can be made thinner, thereby reducing the distance from the finger I performing the input operation to the capacitance sensor.

[0044] The touch sensor member 12 is arranged with a certain gap 14 around the outer periphery of the upper plate portion 12c and the standing wall portion 12d relative to the inner edge 11d of the opening 11c of the cover panel member 11. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the cover panel member 11 is arranged on the outer periphery of the gap 14, and the touch sensor member 12 is arranged on the inner periphery of the gap 14. As a result, the touch sensor member 12 is arranged in the opening 11c so as to be able to move smoothly in the Z direction without hitting the cover panel member 11.

[0045] In this way, in the touch sensor integrated panel 10, the touch sensor member 12 is spaced apart from the inner edge 11d of the opening 11c of the cover panel member 11 by a gap 14, and is movable relative to the cover panel member 11. rank Therefore, according to this embodiment, the touch sensor member 12 can be pressed against the cover panel member 11 to perform an input operation.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the film substrate 12b is disposed on the back surface (lower surface, inner surface) of the upper plate portion 12c. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the film substrate 12b is disposed so as to extend along the standing wall portion 12d on one side in the X direction, the upper plate portion 12c, and the standing wall portion 12d on the side opposite to the one side in the X direction. The electrode portion of the capacitance sensor is disposed corresponding to the position of the "input operation unit" on the front surface of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10. The film substrate 12b may be disposed on at least either the front surface or the back surface of the resin molded body 12a. In other words, the film substrate 12b may be disposed on the front surface (outer surface) or the back surface (inner surface) of the upper plate portion 12c. A tail portion 12e extends from the film substrate 12b. The tail portion 12e is formed with circuit wiring extending from the electrode portion of the film substrate 12b having the capacitance sensor. The tail portion 12e has a connecting portion at its tip that connects to a substrate on which a touch sensor IC is mounted.

[0047] As described above, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the touch sensor member 12 has the film substrate 12b, on which the electrode portion and circuit of the capacitance sensor are mounted, on at least the front or back surface (for example, the back side surface) of the resin molded body 12a. That is, the touch sensor member 12 is configured by combining the resin molded body 12a, which forms a structure that allows a pressing input operation to the cover panel member 11, with the film substrate 12b having a touch sensor function. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the touch sensor member 12 can have both a touch function on the front surface of the resin molded body 12a and a function of a pressing input operation to the cover panel member 11.

[0048] The design film 13 covers the outer surface of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 to protect the other components contained therein, and also presents the user with the pattern and functions of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10. The design film 13 has a thickness in the Z direction and is shaped like a film with a surface that is mostly aligned with the XY plane. The design film 13 has a movable part 13a.

[0049] The design film 13 integrally covers the outer surface, which is the upper surface of the cover panel member 11, and the operation surface, which is the upper surface of the touch sensor member 12. More specifically, the design film 13 integrally covers the front surfaces of the frame body 11a, the top plate 11b, the gap 14, the standing wall portion 12d at the "protrusion" and the upper plate portion 12c. In doing so, the design film 13 covers and conceals the gap 14. The touch sensor member 12 and the cover panel member 11, which are arranged across the gap 14, are connected and integrated by the design film 13, which covers and connects the front surfaces of these members.

[0050] In this way, the design film 13 integrally covers the outer surface of the cover panel member 11 and the operation surface side surface of the touch sensor member 12, which are arranged with the gap 14 in between. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even though the gap 14 is formed between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12, a seamless appearance can be obtained by the design film 13. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the design of the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 can be improved.

[0051] The movable portion 13a is a portion that supports the touch sensor member 12 so that it can be displaced relative to the cover panel member 11. From another perspective, the movable portion 13a is a flexible "bridge" that spans between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. Because the movable portion 13a is provided between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 having a "protrusion," it has an L-shaped (right-angled) cross section, as shown in FIG. 3 . The movable portion 13a is a design film 13 located in the gap 14 and is configured to be bendable. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, when the touch sensor member 12 is pressed against the cover panel member 11, the movable portion 13a bends, allowing the touch sensor member 12 to be pressed downward in the vertical direction relative to the front side surface. Furthermore, the movable portion 13a returns to its original position when the pressing is released. This allows the touch sensor member 12 to move upward in the vertical direction.

[0052] The design film 13 is made of a soft film material or the like. The design film 13 may have a pattern or decorative layer over the entire surface, or may have letters, symbols, etc., displayed at the "input operation section." In the design film 13, the "input operation section" in particular is light-transmitting, allowing the letters, symbols, etc. to be illuminated by backlighting. Furthermore, in the design film 13, the area around the letters, symbols, etc. is light-blocking, allowing the illuminated display to stand out. The pattern, decorative layer, letters, symbols, etc., are the "decorative layer" of the design film 13. The decorative layer can be configured as a printed layer provided on the front or back of the base film that constitutes the design film 13. The design film 13 may also have a protective layer to protect the printed layer as a decorative layer. The design film 13 may be configured by laminating a decorative film having a decorative layer onto a base film. In addition, the deformable part of the decorative film 13 (for example, the movable part 13a) may be made up of only an easily bendable base film, and the parts other than the deformable part may be made up of a laminate of the base film and one or more functional films (with decorative function, protective function, or durability-improving function).

[0053] A base material 15a can be disposed below the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. The base material 15a may be, for example, a wiring board or a resin base material. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a base 15b protruding upward is formed on the base material 15a. The base 15b is disposed on one side in the X direction, here on the right side. The base 15b is provided at a position overlapping the lower end surface of the standing wall portion 12d of the touch sensor member 12 in a plan view. The lower end surface of the right region in the X direction of the standing wall portion 12d, which is part of the lower end surface of the touch sensor member 12, is placed on the base 15b.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the base material 15a is provided with a membrane switch 16 as an "input switch." The membrane switch 16 is arranged with a pair of thin-film electrode circuits facing each other. The membrane switch 16 has almost no stroke when actuated, which is preferable because it allows the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 to be made thinner. Furthermore, since most membrane switches 16 have almost no tactile sensation (click feeling) when performing an input operation, this is convenient when used in places where vibrations occur, as there is no confusion between the input operation result and the vibration. However, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, instead of the membrane switch 16, a push button switch or a tactile switch, for example, can be used as an "input switch" that can be operated for input.

[0055] The membrane switch 16 is disposed on the other side in the X direction, here on the left side. The membrane switch 16 is provided at a position overlapping the lower end surface of the standing wall portion 12d of the touch sensor member 12 in a plan view. The lower end surface of the left region in the X direction of the standing wall portion 12d, which is part of the lower end surface of the touch sensor member 12, is placed on the membrane switch 16.

[0056] In this case, base 15b serves as fulcrum F that supports a portion of the lower end surface of touch sensor member 12. In this way, touch sensor-integrated panel 10 forms a "lever" with force point E where user's finger I presses into the operating surface of design film 13 for input, fulcrum F of base 15b, and action point L where another portion of the lower end surface of touch sensor member 12 presses down on membrane switch 16. Therefore, in touch sensor-integrated panel 10 with base 15b arranged, due to the principle of a "lever," large forces are more likely to be transmitted to membrane switch 16 from the operating surface of design film 13 that is pressed into by user's finger I for input.

[0057] The base 15b may not be formed on the base 15a, and the touch sensor member 12 may be placed on a flat surface at the same height as the base 15a. In this case, the force point E at which the user's finger I presses the operation surface of the design film 13 for input is and support point F Base material 15aSince the distance between the membrane switch 16 and the membrane switch 16 is increased, the force transmitted to the membrane switch 16 is increased accordingly.

[0058] In order to allow the touch sensor member 12 to be smoothly displaced relative to the cover panel member 11, the gap 14 between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 is preferably 0.05 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. If the gap 14 is wider than 0.05 mm, the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 do not collide with each other during input operations, and the touch sensor member 12 can be smoothly pressed in. On the other hand, if the gap 14 is narrower than 5.0 mm, the gap 14 covered by the design film 13 is not large, and the position of the gap 14 is not noticeable from above the design film 13, which is preferable in terms of appearance.

[0059] Soft resins or rubbers are used as materials for the decorative film 13. If it is a thermoplastic resin, it can be heated, softened, and deformed according to the surface shapes of the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12, and molded into a single piece. Other materials that can be used for the decorative film 13 include fabrics, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, netting, and mesh sheets. If the gaps between the fibers are large, it is preferable to layer a soft resin film or a finely woven nonwoven fabric, etc., to eliminate the gaps. This results in a decorative panel with a background pattern of fabric or the like appearing on the surface of the decorative film 13.

[0060] The design film 13 can be made of, for example, a film made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer. If the design film 13 is made of a thermoplastic resin, it preferably has a hardness of D10 to D70 (measured using a Type D durometer in accordance with JIS K7215:1986) and a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. This allows the design film 13 to bend and deform. If the design film 13 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, it preferably has a hardness of A40 to A95 (measured using a Type A durometer in accordance with JIS K6253:2012) and a thickness of 0.05 mm to 3.0 mm. This allows the design film 13 to bend and deform. If the design film 13 is soft, the input operation surface also becomes soft, allowing the finger 1 to feel the input sensation when pressed.

[0061] As described above, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10 of this embodiment has the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 arranged on the film surface of the design film 13, forming an integrated structure connected by the design film 13. In the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the gaps 14 between the members are covered by the design film 13, so the gaps 14 are not visible from the front side, giving the design a sense of unity. Furthermore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, moisture and dust do not enter through the gaps 14, so the internal capacitance sensors and other electronic components can be protected.

[0062] In the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the shape of the resin molded body 12a constituting the touch sensor member 12 and the circuit design of the capacitance sensor may change. However, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, the touch sensor member 12 is separated from the cover panel member 11, so it is sufficient to change only the molding die, printing plate, etc. used to obtain the touch sensor member 12. Furthermore, the position of the touch sensor member 12 within the cover panel member 11 may change. However, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10, it is sufficient to form an opening (opening 11c) in the cover panel member 11 corresponding to the desired position of the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the specifications of the touch sensor member 12 change, it is not necessary to change the molding die for the entire touch sensor-integrated panel 10.

[0063] Manufacturing method of touch sensor integrated panel 10

[0064] First, electrode portions and circuits are formed on a base film using a method such as printing or metal etching, thereby obtaining a film substrate 12b having a capacitance sensor. The electrode portions and circuits can be formed on the front, back, or both surfaces of the base film. Next, a resin molded body 12a, which will become the touch sensor member 12, is integrated with the film substrate 12b. The resin molded body 12a is molded from a hard resin. The resin molded body 12a may be formed in advance before being integrated with the film substrate 12b, or may be formed simultaneously with the integration with the film substrate 12b. The resin molded body 12a and the film substrate 12b can be integrated by bonding using double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive, insert molding, vacuum molding, or the like.

[0065] Next, the cover panel member 11 is molded. The cover panel member 11 is molded from a hard resin. The cover panel member 11 is a housing panel that is larger than the touch sensor member 12. An opening (opening 11c) is provided in the cover panel member 11 at the location where the touch sensor is to be disposed. The cover panel member 11 is positioned so that the opening 11c fits the touch sensor member 12. At this time, the cover panel member 11 is adjusted so that the inner edge 11d of the opening 11c is positioned around the touch sensor member 12 with a certain gap 14 therebetween.

[0066] Next, the decorative film 13 is formed. First, letters, symbols, patterns, and decorations are applied by printing, painting, etc. to the base film, which is the base for the decorative film 13. Patterns, etc. can also be applied to the decorative film 13 by processing the surface of the base film to create a fine uneven shape.

[0067] The decorative film 13 is integrally molded to cover the front side of the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 once they have been positioned. The decorative film 13 is made of a heat-softenable material, so it conforms to the shape of the surface of each member. The decorative film 13 may have an adhesive layer, such as an adhesive, in the areas where it is desired to adhere to the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. Vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum pressure forming, and TOM (Three Dimension Overlay Method) molding are preferably used to integrally mold the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 with the decorative film 13. Other methods that can be used for this integral molding include press molding, laminate molding, insert molding, and in-mold molding.

[0068] Modification of the first embodiment (Figs. 4 to 6)

[0069] The touch sensor-integrated panel 10 of this embodiment can be modified, and examples thereof will be described.

[0070] The touch sensor-integrated panel 10A as a modified example of this embodiment may further include a piezoelectric element 17 as a "vibration generating member" that vibrates (displaces) the touch sensor member 12. The piezoelectric element 17 here vibrates itself in response to, for example, an input operation by the user, and transmits the vibration to the user's finger I via the touch sensor member 12, thereby functioning as a haptic device that indicates that the input operation has been performed reliably. The "vibration generating member" is not limited to the piezoelectric element 17, but may also be a vibration motor, a voice coil motor, or the like.

[0071] 4, the piezoelectric element 17 is disposed at the lower end of the touch sensor member 12. It is sufficient for the piezoelectric element 17 to transmit vibrations to the user via the touch sensor member 12 so that the user can recognize that he or she has performed an input operation. For this reason, the piezoelectric element 17 can be disposed not only at the lower end of the touch sensor member 12 but also on the inner surface of the touch sensor member 12, between the touch sensor member 12 and the base 15b, etc. Alternatively, vibrations can be transmitted to the user by disposing the piezoelectric element 17 (vibration generating member) on a substrate to which the tail portion 12e extending from the touch sensor member 12 is connected, and fixing the substrate to the lower end or inner surface of the touch sensor member 12, etc.

[0072] Here, the gap 14 between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 extends in the Z direction (vertical direction), which is the direction perpendicular to the front side surface of the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, when the displacement direction is the Z direction, the touch sensor member 12 can be displaced most smoothly without coming into contact with the cover panel member 11. That is, the touch sensor member 12 is not in contact with the cover panel member 11. Therefore, it is preferable that the piezoelectric element 17 vibrates the touch sensor member 12 in the Z direction. This allows the touch sensor member 12 to be vibrated effectively even if the gap 14 between the touch sensor member 12 and the cover panel member 11 is small.

[0073] 5, the touch sensor member 12 may be placed on a base 15b and a piezoelectric element 17 arranged below the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. In this case, the base 15b serves as a fulcrum F that supports a portion of the lower end surface of the touch sensor member 12. This forms a "lever" in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A, with another portion of the lower end surface of the touch sensor member 12 pushed up by the piezoelectric element 17 serving as a force point E, the base 15b serving as a fulcrum F, and the operating surface on which the design film 13 pushes up the user's finger I serving as a point of action L. In this way, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A in which the base 15b is arranged, vibrations are easily transmitted to the operating surface, which is the surface of the design film 13 arranged on the touch sensor member 12, due to the principle of a "lever."

[0074] The touch sensor-integrated panel 10A may have a plurality of piezoelectric elements 17 and a plurality of membrane switches 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A has one membrane switch 16, two bases 15b, and two piezoelectric elements 17. With this configuration, a variety of vibration tactile sensations can be generated by combining the operations of the two piezoelectric elements 17 or by using two different types of piezoelectric elements 17. For example, by generating different vibration tactile sensations when a contact input is made to the capacitance sensor by tracing the operation surface and when a membrane switch 16 is pressed by pressing the operation surface, two types (two levels) of operation sensations can be presented.

[0075] Here, in order to maximize the force of the piezoelectric element 17, it is preferable to place the piezoelectric element 17, which is the force point E, as far away as possible from the base 15b, which is the fulcrum F. Therefore, the base 15b and the piezoelectric element 17 are placed in areas that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the circle of the touch sensor member 12 in a plan view. For example, if the shape of the touch sensor member 12 in a plan view is rectangular, the base 15b and the piezoelectric element 17 can be placed in areas on opposite sides or diagonal corners.

[0076] As described above, in the modification of this embodiment, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A further includes the piezoelectric element 17 that vibrates the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A can vibrate the touch sensor member 12 as tactile (cutaneous) feedback during operation, as needed. Therefore, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A can indicate to the user that an input operation has been reliably performed on the touch sensor member 12. Here, the touch sensor member 12 is configured separately from the cover panel member 11, so the piezoelectric element 17 can vibrate only the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A can efficiently vibrate the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, vibrations can be reliably transmitted to the user even in large electronic devices, not in portable use modes like small electronic devices.

[0077] Another modification of the first embodiment (FIG. 7)

[0078] The touch sensor-integrated panel 10 of this embodiment can be modified in other ways, and examples thereof will be described below.

[0079] The touch sensor-integrated panel 10B as another modified example of this embodiment has a buffer 18 disposed between each of its constituent parts to absorb vibrations generated in one of the constituent parts so that they are not transmitted to the other. (Buffers 18a, 18b, and 18c, which will be described later) The buffer 18 has a function of absorbing vibrations by deforming itself when vibrations are transmitted from adjacent components. The buffer 18 may be made of a foam such as urethane sponge, soft rubber, soft gel, or the like.

[0080] 7, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10B preferably includes a buffer 18a on the inner edge 11d of the opening 11c of the cover panel member 11 and on the standing wall portion 12d of the touch sensor member 12 facing the inner edge 11d. In other words, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10B preferably includes the buffer 18a in the gap 14 between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12. The buffer 18a may be provided on the cover panel member 11 or on the touch sensor member 12. The buffer 18a may be provided in a ring shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the touch sensor member 12, or may be provided partially.

[0081] In the touch sensor-integrated panel 10B, the buffer 18a can suppress transmission of vibrations of the touch sensor member 12 and the piezoelectric element 17 to the cover panel member 11. Furthermore, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10B can reduce operation sounds and collision sounds on the touch sensor member 12. Therefore, according to another modification of the present embodiment, vibrations generated particularly in the touch sensor member 12 can be contained within the touch sensor member 12, thereby suppressing vibrations of the cover panel member 11.

[0082] 7, the touch sensor-integrated panel 10B can also include a buffer 18b between the touch sensor member 12 and the base 15b, and a buffer 18c between the piezoelectric element 17 and the substrate 15a. This can prevent vibrations from the touch sensor member 12 and the piezoelectric element 17 from being transmitted to the substrate 15a. Furthermore, if the design film 13 is also soft, it can also reduce vibrations transmitted from the touch sensor member 12 through the design film 13 to the cover panel member 11.

[0083] Second embodiment (Figs. 2, 8, and 10)

[0084] Hereinafter, a touch sensor-integrated panel 20 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing mainly on the differences in configuration from the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A. Unless otherwise specified, the touch sensor-integrated panel 20 can achieve the same effects as the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A.

[0085] 8, the touch sensor-integrated panel 20 of this embodiment has a cover panel member 11 as a "panel member," a touch sensor member 22, and a design film 23 as a "covering member." The cover panel member 11 is the same for the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A and the touch sensor-integrated panel 20.

[0086] The touch sensor member 22 has a resin molded body 22a and a film substrate 22b on which an electrode portion and a circuit of the capacitance sensor are mounted. The resin molded body 22a has a rectangular cylindrical shape (box shape) that has a surface along the XY plane at its upper end and extends downward along the Z direction. The resin molded body 22a has an upper plate portion 22c and a standing wall portion 22d. The touch sensor member 22 has A structure having an upper plate portion 22c and a standing wall portion 22d The touch sensor member 22 is the same as the touch sensor member 12 in terms of its length. However, the upper end of the upper plate portion 22c of the touch sensor member 22 is disposed at the same height as the upper end of the top plate 11b of the cover panel member 11, and does not have a "protrusion." That is, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 20 of this embodiment, the operation surface of the touch sensor member 22 is a flat surface that matches the height of the outer surface of the cover panel member 11. The film substrate 22b extends along the upper plate portion 22c and ends at its end, and does not extend from there along the standing wall portion 22d.

[0087] The cover panel member 11 and the resin molded body 22a of the touch sensor member 22 are arranged with a gap 14 between them, and are connected and integrated by a design film 23 that covers and connects their respective surfaces. The gap 14 is covered by the design film 23, and the operation surface of the touch sensor member 22 and the outer surface of the cover panel member 11 are at the same height. Sano Since it is a flat surface, a decorative film is used to cover it. 2 3 is a flat surface with no steps or unevenness.

[0088] The design film 23 has a movable portion 23a. The movable portion 23a is provided between the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 22, which has a flat surface at the same height as the cover panel member 11 and therefore does not have a "protrusion," and therefore has a flat plate shape in cross section, as shown in FIG. 8. The movable portion 23a is the design film 23 located in the gap 14, and is configured to be bendable like the movable portion 13a. Therefore, even in the touch sensor-integrated panel 20, by pressing the touch sensor member 22 against the cover panel member 11, the touch sensor member 22 can be pressed downward, which is perpendicular to the front surface.

[0089] In this way, the design film 23 is arranged with a gap 14 therebetween, and integrally covers the operation surface of the touch sensor member 22 and the outer surface of the cover panel member 11, which are flat surfaces of the same height. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even though a gap 14 is formed between the touch sensor member 22 and the cover panel member 11, a seamless appearance can be obtained by the design film 23. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the touch sensor integrated panel 2 This can further improve the design of 0.

[0090] Third embodiment (Fig. 9)

[0091] Hereinafter, a touch sensor-integrated panel 30 as a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing mainly on the differences in configuration from the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A. Unless otherwise specified, the touch sensor-integrated panel 30 can achieve the same effects as the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A.

[0092] 9, the touch sensor-integrated panel 30 of this embodiment has a cover panel member 31, a touch sensor member 32, and a design film 13 as a "covering member." The design film 13 is the same for the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A and the touch sensor-integrated panel 30.

[0093] The cover panel member 31 has a panel-side non-adhesive film 31f as a "first non-adhesive region" that is not adhered to the design film 13 at the inner edge 11d that forms the opening 11c. Similarly, the touch sensor member 32 has a sensor-side non-adhesive film 32f as a "second non-adhesive region" that is not adhered to the movable part 13a of the design film 13 located in the opening 11c. More specifically, both the outer surface (top surface) of the top plate 31b of the cover panel member 31 adjacent to the gap 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the standing wall part 32d of the resin molded body 32a of the touch sensor member 32 are configured to be able to separate from the design film 13 without being adhered to it.

[0094] As a result, when the touch sensor member 32 is pressed downward against the cover panel member 31, the area in which the design film 13 bends (deflects) rather than stretching and contracting is expanded. In other words, the panel-side non-adhesive film 31f and the sensor-side non-adhesive film 32f have the function of expanding the area in which the design film 13 functions as the movable part 13a. Furthermore, when the touch sensor member 32 is pressed downward against the cover panel member 31, the movable part 13a of the design film 13 is prevented from being pinched in the gap 14. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 30, the touch sensor member 32 can be more easily displaced in the vertical direction relative to the cover panel member 31.

[0095] The panel-side non-adhesive film 31f and the sensor-side non-adhesive film 32f are formed by, for example, painting a non-adhesive material on the corresponding areas of the cover panel member 31 and the touch sensor member 32. However, the "non-adhesive area" only needs to reduce the adhesion of the corresponding area, and may be a fine unevenness provided on the surface of the corresponding area. Furthermore, the "non-adhesive area" may be formed by performing a release treatment (surface treatment) on the corresponding area of ​​the design film 13.

[0096] As described above, the touch sensor-integrated panel 30 of this embodiment has a "non-adhered region" in the area near the gap 14 where at least one of the cover panel member 31 and the touch sensor member 32 is not adhered to the design film 13. Therefore, when the touch sensor member 32 is displaced relative to the cover panel member 31, the design film 13 can peel off in the "non-adhered region" rather than expanding or contracting in response to the relative displacement between the cover panel member 31 and the touch sensor member 32. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the design film 13 does not resist the displacement of the touch sensor member 32 relative to the cover panel member 31 due to a press input operation, and the touch sensor member 32 can be easily pressed.

[0097] 9, the cover panel member 31 has a panel-side non-adhered film 31f, and the touch sensor member 32 has a sensor-side non-adhered film 32f. However, the touch sensor-integrated panel 30 may have a "non-adhered region" in the area near the gap 14 where at least one of the cover panel member 31 and the touch sensor member 32 is not partially adhered to the design film 13.

[0098] Fourth embodiment (Figs. 10 and 11)

[0099] Hereinafter, a touch sensor-integrated panel 40 as a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing mainly on the configuration differences from the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10. Unless otherwise specified, the touch sensor-integrated panel 40 can achieve the same effects as the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the touch sensor-integrated panel 40 of this embodiment has a cover panel member 41 as a "panel member", a touch sensor member 42, and a design film 43 as a "covering member".

[0101] The cover panel member 41 has a plate-shaped inner frame 41e extending downward in the Z direction from the inner edge 11d (opening 11c) of the top plate 11b. The touch sensor member 42 has a resin molded body 42a and a film substrate 42b. The resin molded body 42a has a ring-shaped protrusion 42g on the outer periphery in a plan view that protrudes upward in the Z direction, and a circular recess 42h on the inner periphery that is recessed downward in the Z direction from the protrusion 42g. That is, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 40, the touch sensor member 42 has a three-dimensional shape that protrudes upward in an annular shape. The protrusion 42g does not protrude vertically upward in the Z direction, but rather protrudes with an inclined surface that has a tapered (tapering) shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0102] The decorative film 43 is bent and arranged along the upper surface (front side surface) of the resin molded body 42a, which has an uneven surface. The decorative film 43 has a movable portion 43a. 4 3a is a cover panel member 4 The movable part 1 is disposed on a top plate 11b having a surface along the XY plane, and the movable part 42 is disposed on a tapered inclined surface. 4 As shown in FIG. 11, 3a has an obtuse angle in cross section that is larger than the L-shape.

[0103] The film substrate 42b is bent and arranged along the lower surface (rear side surface) of the resin molded body 42a, which has an uneven surface. In this way, the "input operation portion" (electrode portion of the capacitive touch sensor) may be provided on the "standing wall surface" that is the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the ring shape of the touch sensor member 42, or may be provided on the protruding vertex of the ring shape or on the surface that is recessed in the center.

[0104] When the resin molded body 42a has a three-dimensional shape, the "input operation portion" can be provided on the "standing wall surface" of the resin molded body 42a, and the electrode portion of the capacitance sensor is also arranged facing the "input operation portion" on the "standing wall surface." This is not limited to this embodiment, but can be applied to all embodiments except for the second embodiment, which does not have a "protrusion."

[0105] As described above, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 40, the touch sensor member 42 has an uneven surface including the convex portions 42g, and the electrode portions are arranged along the "standing wall surfaces" formed on the sides of the convex portions 42g. Therefore, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 40, the touch sensor member 42 guides the user's tracing operation along the convex portions 42g, and can detect changes in capacitance in the electrode portions arranged along the convex portions 42g. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to handle input operations such as selecting one from multiple options and adjusting a quantity.

[0106] Fifth embodiment (Fig. 12)

[0107] Hereinafter, a touch sensor-integrated panel 50 as a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, focusing mainly on the differences in configuration from the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A. Unless otherwise specified, the touch sensor-integrated panel 50 can achieve the same effects as the above-described touch sensor-integrated panel 10A.

[0108] 12, the touch sensor-integrated panel 50 of this embodiment has a cover panel member 11 as a "panel member," a touch sensor member 52, and a design film 13 as a "covering member." The cover panel member 11 and the design film 13 are the same in the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A and the touch sensor-integrated panel 50.

[0109] The touch sensor member 52 is composed of a main body portion 52A having substantially the same configuration as the touch sensor member 12, and a receiving portion 52B. In the touch sensor-integrated panel 50, the touch sensor member 52 has a divided structure consisting of the main body portion 52A and the receiving portion 52B, and the main body portion 52A is configured to be partially detachable from the receiving portion 52B. The receiving portion 52B is located on the upper and outer periphery of the touch sensor-integrated panel 50, and the main body portion 52A is located below and overlaps the receiving portion 52B on the inner periphery.

[0110] The receiving portion 52B has a cylindrical shape with a top. The receiving portion 52B has a pair of hook-shaped portions 52Ba at the lower end on the inner periphery of the cylindrical shape. The upper and outer peripheral surfaces of the receiving portion 52B, which serves as a "protrusion" protruding above the cover panel member 11, are integrally covered with a decorative film 13. The main body portion 52A has a hook receiving recess 52Aa formed on the outer peripheral side of the standing wall portion 12d of the main body portion 52A corresponding to the hook-shaped portion 52Ba. The hook-shaped portion 52Ba and the hook receiving recess 52Aa are engaged with each other by aligning the concave and convex positions, thereby integrating the receiving portion 52B and the main body portion 52A to form the touch sensor member 52.

[0111] If it becomes necessary to replace the touch sensor element 12, which is not detachable from the touch sensor-integrated panel 10A, the entire touch sensor-integrated panel 10A must be replaced, or the touch sensor element 12 must be peeled off from the design film 13. However, replacing the entire touch sensor-integrated panel 10A in order to replace the touch sensor element 12 is uneconomical. On the other hand, when peeling the touch sensor element 12 from the design film 13, it is preferable that there be excellent re-peelability (reworkability) between the touch sensor element 12 and the design film 13, and this generally tends to result in low adhesive reliability, which is the opposite property. Furthermore, after peeling the touch sensor element 12 from the design film 13, it is not easy to attach another touch sensor element 12 to the design film 13 without allowing foreign matter such as air to enter.

[0112] In contrast, in the touch sensor-integrated panel 50, the main body 52A of the touch sensor member 52 is configured to be detachable from the receiving portion 52B. Therefore, in the case where it becomes necessary to replace the touch sensor member 52 in the touch sensor-integrated panel 50, the main body 52A of the touch sensor member 52 can be replaced while leaving the touch sensor-integrated panel 50 in place. In other words, it is possible to continue using the touch sensor-integrated panel 50 without replacing the entire panel, and it is possible to replace the minimum number of parts required. Therefore, in this embodiment, the waste when replacing the touch sensor member 52 is reduced. of The reliability of the touch sensor member 52 can be ensured while reducing the number of contacts.

[0113] If the main body 52A and the receiving portion 52B are too thick, the distance from the finger I performing the input operation to the capacitance sensor becomes too long, which may make detection difficult, so it is preferable that they are as thin as possible. Furthermore, if an air layer is partially present at the interface between the main body 52A and the receiving portion 52B, the detection by the capacitance sensor may differ depending on the thickness of the air layer, which may result in erroneous detection, so it is preferable that there is as little air layer as possible.

[0114] As long as the connection between the main body portion 52A and the receiving portion 52B is detachable, various methods can be used. For example, they can be formed so that there is no gap between them and then press-fitted to closely contact each other, or threaded grooves can be provided on the annular side surface and fastened with screws, or hook-shaped or clip members can be provided to hold them in place so that they do not fall off.

[0115] The "decorative panel" disclosed in this application can be freely combined with the configurations described in each embodiment and modification within a range consistent with the present invention. For example, the "decorative panel" may or may not include components corresponding to the membrane switch 16, piezoelectric element 17, buffer 18, panel-side non-adhesive film 31f, and sensor-side non-adhesive film 32f in any embodiment and modification. The configuration of the second embodiment, in which the cover panel member 11 and the touch sensor member 12 have the same height, may be combined with the configurations of other embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in which the touch sensor member 42 has a three-dimensional shape that protrudes upward in a ring shape, may be combined with the configurations of other embodiments and modifications. Finally, the configuration of the fifth embodiment, in which the touch sensor member 52 is detachable, may be combined with the configurations of other embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Automobiles 2 Driver's seat 3 Passenger seat 4 Armrest area of ​​center console 5 Door armrest area 6 Instrument Panel 10 Touch sensor integrated panel (first embodiment) (decorative panel) 10A Touch sensor integrated panel (modification of the first embodiment) (decorative panel) 10B Touch sensor integrated panel (another modification of the first embodiment) (decorative panel) 11 Cover panel member (panel member) 11a Frame 11b Top plate 11c opening 11d Inner edge (periphery) 12 Touch sensor component 12a Resin molded body 12b Film substrate 12c Upper plate 12d Standing wall section 12e Tail section 13 Design film (covering material) 13a Moving part 14 Gap 15a Base material 15b Base 16 Membrane switch (input switch) 17 Piezoelectric element (vibration generating component) 18 Buffer 18a Buffer 18b Buffer 18c buffer 20 Touch sensor integrated panel (second embodiment) (decorative panel) 22 Touch sensor component 22a Resin molding 22b Film substrate 22c Upper plate 22d Standing wall section 23 Design film (covering material) 23a Moving part 30 Touch sensor integrated panel (third embodiment) (decorative panel) 31 Cover panel member (panel member) 31b Top plate 31f Panel side non-adhesive film (first non-adhesive region) 32 Touch sensor component 32a Resin molded body 32d standing wall section 32f Sensor side non-sticking film (second non-sticking region) 40 Touch sensor integrated panel (fourth embodiment) (decorative panel) 41 Cover panel member (panel member) 41e Inner frame 42 Touch sensor component 42a Resin molding 42b Film substrate 42g convex part 42h recess 43 Design film (covering material) 43a Moving part 50 Touch sensor integrated panel (fifth embodiment) (decorative panel) 52 Touch sensor member 52A Main body (touch sensor component) 52Aa Hook receiving recess 52B Receiving part 52Ba Hook-shaped part E. Focus F fulcrum I finger L Point of action X Left / right direction Y Front-to-rear direction Z height direction, up and down direction

Claims

1. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The panel member is The top plate and A frame body supporting the top plate is provided. The touch sensor member is an upper plate portion protruding above the panel member; a vertical wall portion extending downward from the upper plate portion, a space is formed by the upper plate portion and the standing wall portion below the upper plate portion and inside the standing wall portion, The covering member integrally covers the frame and the top plate of the panel member and the standing wall and the upper plate of the touch sensor member. Decorative panel.

2. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; the panel member has a periphery that defines the opening; the touch sensor member has a surface of a resin molded body of the touch sensor member that has an uneven shape including a convex portion, and a standing wall surface is formed on a side portion of the convex portion; The touch sensor member is disposed so that the upright wall surface faces the periphery. Decorative panel.

3. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; Further, a vibration generating member that vibrates the touch sensor member is provided. The touch sensor member has a standing wall portion extending in a direction in which the opening portion penetrates, A first lower end surface of the touch sensor member is placed on a base, and a second lower end surface of the touch sensor member is placed on the vibration generating member. Decorative panel.

4. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; Further, the touch sensor further includes a receiving portion for receiving the touch sensor member. The touch sensor member is configured to be detachable from the receiving portion, the touch sensor member is separated from the panel member, The receiving portion is bonded to the covering member. Decorative panel.

5. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The touch sensor member is a main body; a receiving portion configured to be detachable from the main body portion, The main body and the receiving part are integrated by being positioned and engaged at the positions of the respective recesses and protrusions. Decorative panel.

6. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The panel member and the touch sensor member are arranged on the film surface of the covering member and are an integral structure connected by the covering member. Decorative panel.

7. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a decorative panel including a covering member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member, The touch sensor member has a standing wall portion extending in a direction in which the opening portion penetrates, the upright wall portion is placed on an input switch provided on the base material and on a base provided on the base material, The decorative panel is The operation surface of the covering member that is pressed by the user serves as a force point, The base on which the standing wall portion is placed serves as a fulcrum, The input switch on which the standing wall portion is placed is disposed to be a point of action. Decorative panel.

8. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The touch sensor member has a standing wall portion extending in a direction in which the opening portion penetrates, A first lower end surface of the touch sensor member is placed on a substrate, and a second lower end surface of the touch sensor member is placed on a membrane switch. Decorative panel.

9. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The covering member has a flexible bridge portion that spans between the panel member and the touch sensor member disposed in the opening. Decorative panel.

10. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The touch sensor member is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the panel member. Decorative panel.

11. A panel member having an opening; a touch sensor member disposed in the opening; a cover member that covers the panel member and the touch sensor member and has a movable portion that supports the touch sensor member so that the touch sensor member can be displaced relative to the panel member; The touch sensor member is a resin molded body; a film substrate on which an electrode portion of the capacitance sensor and a circuit are mounted, The film substrate is disposed on the back surface of the resin molded body, A tail portion extends from the film substrate. Decorative panel.

12. The touch sensor member is a resin molded body; a film substrate on which an electrode portion of the capacitance sensor and a circuit are mounted, The film substrate is provided on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the resin molded body. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. the touch sensor member has an uneven shape including a convex portion on the surface of the resin molded body, The electrode portion is disposed along a vertical wall surface formed on the side of the protrusion. The decorative panel according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The touch sensor member has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the front side beyond the outer surface of the panel member. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The operation surface of the touch sensor member is a flat surface that matches the height of the outer surface of the panel member. The decorative panel according to claim 12, which relies on any one of claims 3 to 11 or any one of claims 3 to 10.

16. the panel member has a first unbonded region that is not bonded to the covering member at a peripheral edge that forms the opening, The touch sensor member has a second non-adhered region located in the opening and not adhered to the movable portion. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Further comprising a buffer body, The buffer is disposed on the periphery of the opening. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. Further comprising a buffer body, The buffer is disposed on the touch sensor member so as to face the periphery of the opening. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The covering member integrally covers the outer surface of the panel member and the operation surface side surface of the touch sensor member disposed in the opening. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The panel member is The top plate and A frame body supporting the top plate is provided. A space is formed between the top plate and the frame body below the top plate and inside the frame body. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The panel member is The top plate and A frame body supporting the top plate is provided. The frame is placed on a base material and forms a space inside the panel member. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. The panel member is The top plate and A frame body supporting the top plate is provided. The touch sensor member is a film substrate on which an electrode portion and a circuit of the capacitance type sensor are mounted; a tail portion extending from the film substrate and positioned within a space formed by the top plate and the frame body; The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The covering member is a decorative film. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. the panel member has a periphery that defines the opening; The touch sensor member is disposed displaceably relative to the panel member with a gap therebetween. The decorative panel according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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