Wiring board and image display device

The wiring board with a transparent substrate and controlled surface roughness makes the mesh wiring layer less visible, addressing visibility issues in film antennas while maintaining radio wave sensitivity and functionality.

JP7784066B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-11DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022066436
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-04-13
Publication Date
2025-12-11
Estimated Expiration
2042-04-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional film antennas in mobile devices are visible due to the areas where the antenna pattern is formed, and there is a need to make these patterns less visible while maintaining radio wave sensitivity in limited space.

Method used

A wiring board with a transparent substrate, a primer layer, a mesh wiring layer, and a dark layer, where the surface roughness of the dark layer is controlled, and the metal layers have specific crystal properties, with a dielectric loss tangent of 0.002 or less, and can withstand bending and stretching without significant resistance increase.

Benefits of technology

The mesh wiring layer becomes less visible, maintaining radio wave sensitivity and functionality, including millimeter wave transmission/reception, while being less noticeable to the user.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a wiring board and an image display device that make a mesh wiring layer less visible.SOLUTION: A wiring board 10 has: a substrate 11 including a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b located on the opposite side of the first surface 11a; a primer layer 15 disposed on the first surface 11a of the substrate 11; a mesh wiring layer 20 disposed on the primer layer 15; and a dark layer 18 covering the mesh wiring layer 20. The substrate 11 has transparency. The mesh wiring layer 20 has: a first metal layer 21a disposed on the primer layer 15; and a second metal layer 21b disposed on the first metal layer 21a. A surface roughness Ra of the dark layer 18 is 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wiring board and an image display device. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly sophisticated, smaller, thinner, and lighter. These mobile terminal devices use multiple communication bands, requiring multiple antennas corresponding to the communication bands. For example, mobile terminal devices are equipped with multiple antennas, such as a telephone antenna, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) antenna, a 3G (Generation) antenna, a 4G (Generation) antenna, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) antenna, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna. However, as mobile terminal devices become smaller, the space available for antenna installation is limited, limiting the degree of freedom in antenna design. Furthermore, because antennas are built into a limited space, radio wave sensitivity is not always satisfactory.

[0003] For this reason, film antennas that can be mounted in the display area of ​​mobile terminal devices have been developed. These film antennas are transparent antennas in which an antenna pattern is formed on a transparent substrate, and the antenna pattern is formed by a mesh-like conductive mesh layer consisting of conductor portions as formed portions of an opaque conductive layer and numerous openings as non-formed portions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-66610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, in a conventional film antenna, one or more mesh antennas are mounted on a transparent substrate, and the transparent substrate has both an area where an antenna pattern is formed and an area where an antenna pattern is not formed. In this case, the area where an antenna pattern is not formed makes the area where the antenna pattern is formed easily visible. For this reason, there is a demand for making wiring patterns such as antenna patterns less visible.

[0006] The present embodiment provides a wiring board and an image display device that can make the mesh wiring layer less visible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring board comprising: a substrate including a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface; a primer layer disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a mesh wiring layer disposed on the primer layer; and a dark layer covering the mesh wiring layer, wherein the substrate is transparent; the mesh wiring layer has a first metal layer disposed on the primer layer and a second metal layer disposed on the first metal layer; and the surface roughness Ra of the dark layer is 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring board according to the first aspect described above, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer may have different crystal properties, and the second metal layer may have crystal properties such that the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane measured using CuKα radiation as an X-ray source is less than 43.4°.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the wiring board according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the dielectric loss tangent of the board may be 0.002 or less.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring board according to each of the first to third aspects described above, wherein when the wiring board is bent 180° around a cylinder having a diameter of 1 mm and then stretched 100 times, the increase in the resistance value of the mesh wiring layer may be 20% or less.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a wiring board according to each of the first to fourth aspects described above, wherein the wiring board may have a millimeter wave transmission / reception function, and the mesh wiring layer may function as an array antenna.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in a wiring substrate according to each of the first aspect to the fifth aspect described above, a dummy wiring layer electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer may be provided around the mesh wiring layer.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that, in a wiring board according to the sixth aspect described above, multiple dummy wiring layers may be provided, and the aperture ratios of the mesh wiring layer and the dummy wiring layer may increase stepwise from the mesh wiring layer to the dummy wiring layer farther from the mesh wiring layer.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a wiring board according to any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, and a display device stacked on the wiring board. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the mesh wiring layer can be made less visible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an image display device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1) showing the image display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a mesh wiring layer of a wiring board according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4) showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4) showing the wiring board according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) to 7(i) are cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a wiring board according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a wiring board according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a wiring board according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a wiring board according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing a wiring board according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a wiring board according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] First, one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figures 1 to 7 are diagrams showing this embodiment.

[0018] The figures shown below are schematic diagrams. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated for ease of understanding. Furthermore, appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept. In the figures shown below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, the numerical values, such as dimensions, and material names of each component described in this specification are examples of embodiments, and are not limited to these and may be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms specifying shapes or geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are interpreted not only to mean their strict meanings but also to include substantially the same state.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the "X direction" refers to a direction parallel to one side of the image display device. The "Y direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the X direction and parallel to another side of the image display device. The "Z direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction and parallel to the thickness direction of the image display device. The "front surface" refers to the surface on the positive side of the Z direction, which is the light-emitting surface side of the image display device and faces the viewer. The "rear surface" refers to the surface on the negative side of the Z direction, which is the surface opposite to the light-emitting surface of the image display device and the surface facing the viewer. Note that in this embodiment, the mesh wiring layer 20 is described as having a radio wave transmitting and receiving function (i.e., a function as an antenna), but the mesh wiring layer 20 does not necessarily have a radio wave transmitting and receiving function.

[0020] The configuration of the image display device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0021] 1 and 2, an image display device 60 according to the present embodiment includes a wiring substrate 10 and a display device 61 laminated on the wiring substrate 10. The wiring substrate 10, together with a first transparent adhesive layer 95 and a second transparent adhesive layer 96, constitutes a laminate 70 for an image display device.

[0022] The wiring board 10 includes a substrate 11, a primer layer 15, a mesh wiring layer 20, a dark layer 18, and a power supply unit 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 11 includes a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b located on the opposite side of the first surface 11a. The primer layer 15 is disposed on the first surface 11a of the substrate 11. The mesh wiring layer 20 is disposed on the primer layer 15. The mesh wiring layer 20 is covered with the dark layer 18. The power supply unit 40 is electrically connected to the mesh wiring layer 20. Furthermore, a communication module 63 is disposed on the negative side in the Z direction relative to the display device 61. The image display device laminate 70, the display device 61, and the communication module 63 are housed in a housing 62.

[0023] 1 and 2, radio waves of a predetermined frequency can be transmitted and received via a communication module 63, enabling communication. The communication module 63 may include any of a millimeter wave antenna, a telephone antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, a 3G antenna, a 4G antenna, a 5G antenna, an LTE antenna, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna, an NFC antenna, etc. Examples of such an image display device 60 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones and tablets.

[0024] 2, the image display device 60 has a light-emitting surface 64. The image display device 60 includes a wiring board 10 located on the light-emitting surface 64 side (i.e., the positive side in the Z direction) of the display device 61, and a communication module 63 located on the opposite side of the light-emitting surface 64 of the display device 61 (i.e., the negative side in the Z direction).

[0025] The display device 61 is, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device. The display device 61 may include, for example, a metal layer, a support substrate, a resin substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT), and an organic EL layer, all of which are not shown. A touch sensor, also not shown, may be disposed on the display device 61. A wiring substrate 10 is disposed on the display device 61 via a second transparent adhesive layer 96. The display device 61 is not limited to an organic EL display device. For example, the display device 61 may be another display device that has the function of emitting light itself, or may be a micro LED display device including a micro LED element. The display device 61 may also be a liquid crystal display device including liquid crystal.

[0026] A cover glass 75 is disposed on the wiring substrate 10 via a first transparent adhesive layer 95. Note that a decorative film and a polarizing plate (not shown) may be disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the cover glass 75.

[0027] The first transparent adhesive layer 95 is an adhesive layer that directly or indirectly bonds the wiring substrate 10 to the cover glass 75. This first transparent adhesive layer 95 is located on the first surface 11a side of the substrate 11. The first transparent adhesive layer 95 is optically transparent and may be an OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) layer. The OCA layer is a layer prepared, for example, as follows: First, a liquid curable adhesive layer composition containing a polymerizable compound is applied to a release film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Next, the composition is cured using, for example, ultraviolet (UV) light to obtain an OCA sheet. After the OCA sheet is attached to an object, the release film is peeled off and removed to obtain the OCA layer. The material of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 may be an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, or the like. In particular, the first transparent adhesive layer 95 may contain an acrylic resin. In this case, it is preferable that the second transparent adhesive layer 96 contains an acrylic resin. This substantially eliminates the difference in refractive index between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96, and more reliably suppresses reflection of visible light at the interface B4 between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96.

[0028] The first transparent adhesive layer 95 may have a visible light transmittance of 85% or more, preferably 90% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the visible light transmittance of the first transparent adhesive layer 95, but it may be, for example, 100% or less. By setting the visible light transmittance of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 within the above range, the transparency of the laminate 70 for an image display device can be increased, making it easier to view the display device 61 of the image display device 60. Visible light refers to light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less. A visible light transmittance of 85% or more means that, when the absorbance of the member to be measured (e.g., the first transparent adhesive layer 95) is measured, the transmittance is 85% or more over the entire wavelength range of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less. The absorbance can be measured using a known spectrophotometer (e.g., a V-670 spectrometer manufactured by JASCO Corporation).

[0029] As described above, the wiring substrate 10 is disposed on the light-emitting surface 64 side of the display device 61. In this case, the wiring substrate 10 is located between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96. More specifically, a portion of the substrate 11 of the wiring substrate 10 is disposed in a portion of the region between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96. In this case, the first transparent adhesive layer 95, the second transparent adhesive layer 96, the display device 61, and the cover glass 75 each have a larger area than the substrate 11 of the wiring substrate 10. In this way, by disposing the substrate 11 of the wiring substrate 10 in a portion of the image display device 60 rather than over the entire surface in a plan view, the overall thickness of the image display device 60 can be reduced.

[0030] As described above, the wiring board 10 includes a transparent substrate 11, a primer layer 15 disposed on the first surface 11a of the substrate 11, a mesh wiring layer 20 disposed on the primer layer 15, and a dark layer 18 covering the mesh wiring layer 20. The mesh wiring layer 20 is electrically connected to a power supply unit 40. The power supply unit 40 is electrically connected to a communication module 63 via a power supply line (not shown). A portion of the wiring board 10 is not disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96, but protrudes outward (i.e., toward the negative Y-direction) from between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96. Specifically, the region of the wiring board 10 where the power supply unit 40 is disposed protrudes outward. This facilitates electrical connection between the power supply unit 40 and the communication module 63. Meanwhile, the region of the wiring board 10 where the mesh wiring layer 20 is disposed is located between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96. The details of the wiring board 10 will be described later.

[0031] The second transparent adhesive layer 96 is an adhesive layer that directly or indirectly adheres the display device 61 to the wiring substrate 10. This second transparent adhesive layer 96 is located on the second surface 11b side of the substrate 11. Like the first transparent adhesive layer 95, the second transparent adhesive layer 96 has optical transparency and may be an OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) layer. The material of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may be an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, or the like. In particular, the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may contain an acrylic resin. This substantially eliminates the difference in refractive index between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96, thereby more reliably suppressing reflection of visible light at the interface B4 between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96.

[0032] The second transparent adhesive layer 96 may have a transmittance of 85% or more, and preferably 90% or more, for visible light (i.e., light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less). There is no particular upper limit to the visible light transmittance of the second transparent adhesive layer 96, but it may be, for example, 100% or less. By setting the visible light transmittance of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 to be within the above range, the transparency of the laminate 70 for an image display device can be increased, and the display device 61 of the image display device 60 can be made easier to view.

[0033] In such a laminate 70 for an image display device, the difference in refractive index between the primer layer 15 and the first transparent adhesive layer 95 is 0.1 or less, and preferably 0.05 or less. Furthermore, the difference in refractive index between the primer layer 15 and the substrate 11 is 0.1 or less, and preferably 0.05 or less. Here, the refractive index refers to the absolute refractive index, and can be determined based on Method A of JIS K-7142. For example, when the material of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 is an acrylic resin (refractive index 1.49), the refractive index of the primer layer 15 is set to 1.39 or more and 1.59 or less. Examples of such materials include fluororesins, silicone resins, polyolefin resins, polyester resins, acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, polyimide resins, and cellulose resins.

[0034] In this way, by keeping the difference between the refractive index of the primer layer 15 and the refractive index of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 to 0.1 or less, reflection of visible light at the interface B1 between the primer layer 15 and the first transparent adhesive layer 95 can be suppressed, making it difficult for the observer to see the substrate 11 on which the primer layer 15 is provided with the naked eye. Furthermore, by keeping the difference between the refractive index of the primer layer 15 and the refractive index of the substrate 11 to 0.1 or less, reflection of visible light at the interface B2 between the primer layer 15 and the substrate 11 can be suppressed, making it difficult for the observer to see the substrate 11 with the naked eye.

[0035] In the laminate 70 for an image display device, the difference in refractive index between the substrate 11 and the first transparent adhesive layer 95 is 0.1 or less, and preferably 0.05 or less. The difference in refractive index between the second transparent adhesive layer 96 and the substrate 11 is 0.1 or less, and preferably 0.05 or less. The difference in refractive index between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 is preferably 0.1 or less, and more preferably 0.05 or less. For example, when the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 are made of acrylic resin (refractive index 1.49), the refractive index of the substrate 11 is set to 1.39 or more and 1.59 or less. As described above, examples of such materials include fluororesins, silicone resins, polyolefin resins, polyester resins, acrylic resins, polycarbonate resins, polyimide resins, and cellulose resins.

[0036] In this way, by keeping the difference between the refractive index of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 and the refractive index of the substrate 11 to 0.1 or less, reflection of visible light at the interface B3 between the second transparent adhesive layer 96 and the substrate 11 is suppressed, making it difficult for the observer to see the substrate 11 with their naked eyes. Furthermore, by keeping the difference between the refractive index of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the refractive index of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 to 0.1 or less, reflection of visible light at the interface B4 between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 is suppressed, making it difficult for the observer to see the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 with their naked eyes.

[0037] In particular, it is preferable that the material of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the material of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 are the same. This makes it possible to further reduce the difference in refractive index between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96, and suppress reflection of visible light at the interface B4 between the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96.

[0038] 2, at least one of the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may be 1.5 times or more, preferably 2 times or more, and more preferably 2.5 times or more, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11. By making the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 or the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 sufficiently thicker than the thickness T1 of the substrate 11, the first transparent adhesive layer 95 or the second transparent adhesive layer 96 deforms in the thickness direction in the region overlapping with the substrate 11, absorbing the thickness of the substrate 11. This makes it possible to prevent steps from occurring in the first transparent adhesive layer 95 or the second transparent adhesive layer 96 around the periphery of the substrate 11, making it difficult for an observer to perceive the presence of the substrate 11.

[0039] At least one of the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 is preferably 10 times or less, and more preferably 5 times or less, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11. This prevents the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 or the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 from becoming too thick, and allows the overall thickness of the image display device 60 to be thin.

[0040] 2, the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may be the same. In this case, the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may each be 1.5 times or more, and preferably 2.0 times or more, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11. That is, the sum of the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 (i.e., T3 + T4) is three times or more the thickness T1 of the substrate 11. In this way, by making the sum of the thicknesses T3 and T4 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 sufficiently thick relative to the thickness T1 of the substrate 11, the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 deform (shrink) in the thickness direction in the region overlapping with the substrate 11. As a result, the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 absorb the thickness of the substrate 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent steps from occurring in the first transparent adhesive layer 95 or the second transparent adhesive layer 96 at the periphery of the substrate 11, making it difficult for an observer to notice the presence of the substrate 11.

[0041] When the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 are the same, the thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may each be five times or less, and preferably three times or less, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11. This prevents the thicknesses T3 and T4 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 from becoming too thick, and allows the overall thickness of the image display device 60 to be thin.

[0042] Specifically, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11 may be, for example, 2 μm or more, 10 μm or more, and preferably 15 μm or more. By setting the thickness T1 of the substrate 11 to 2 μm or more, the strength of the wiring substrate 10 can be maintained and the first directional wiring 21 and second directional wiring 22 (described later) of the mesh wiring layer 20 can be made less likely to deform. Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the substrate 11 may be, for example, 200 μm or less, 50 μm or less, and preferably 25 μm or less. Setting the thickness T1 of the substrate 11 to 200 μm or less prevents the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 from forming steps at the periphery of the substrate 11, making it difficult for an observer to recognize the presence of the substrate 11. Setting the thickness T1 of the substrate 11 to 50 μm or less further prevents the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96 from forming steps at the periphery of the substrate 11, making it even more difficult for an observer to recognize the presence of the substrate 11.

[0043] The thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 may be, for example, 15 μm or more, and preferably 20 μm or more. The thickness T3 of the first transparent adhesive layer 95 may be, for example, 500 μm or less, and preferably 300 μm or less, and more preferably 250 μm or less. The thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may be, for example, 15 μm or more, and preferably 20 μm or more. The thickness T4 of the second transparent adhesive layer 96 may be, for example, 500 μm or less, and preferably 300 μm or less, and more preferably 250 μm or less.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 2, the cover glass 75 is disposed directly or indirectly on the first transparent adhesive layer 95. This cover glass 75 is a light-transmitting glass member. The cover glass 75 is plate-shaped, and the shape of the cover glass 75 may be rectangular in plan view. The thickness of the cover glass 75 may be, for example, 200 μm to 1000 μm, and preferably 300 μm to 700 μm. The length of the cover glass 75 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., Y direction) may be, for example, 20 mm to 500 mm, and preferably 100 mm to 200 mm. The length of the cover glass 75 in the lateral direction (i.e., X direction) may be, for example, 20 mm to 500 mm, and preferably 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the image display device 60 is generally rectangular in plan view, with its longitudinal direction parallel to the Y direction and its lateral direction parallel to the X direction. The length L4 of the image display device 60 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Y direction) can be selected, for example, from 20 mm to 500 mm, and preferably from 100 mm to 200 mm. The length L5 of the image display device 60 in the lateral direction (i.e., the X direction) can be selected, for example, from 20 mm to 500 mm, and preferably from 50 mm to 100 mm. The planar shape of the image display device 60 may also be a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the wiring board will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figures 3 to 6 are diagrams showing the wiring board according to this embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the wiring board 10 according to this embodiment is a board used in the image display device 60 described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The wiring board 10 can be disposed on the light-emitting surface 64 side of the display device 61, between a first transparent adhesive layer 95 and a second transparent adhesive layer 96. As described above, the wiring board 10 has a transparent substrate 11, a primer layer 15 disposed on the substrate 11, a mesh wiring layer 20 disposed on the primer layer 15, and a dark layer 18 covering the mesh wiring layer 20. In addition, a power supply unit 40 is electrically connected to the mesh wiring layer 20.

[0048] The shape of substrate 11 is approximately rectangular in plan view. Substrate 11 is transparent and approximately flat, with a thickness that is approximately uniform overall. The length L1 of substrate 11 in the first direction (i.e., Y direction) can be selected, for example, from 3 mm to 300 mm. The length L2 (see FIG. 1) of substrate 11 in the second direction (i.e., X direction) can be selected, for example, from 3 mm to 300 mm. The planar shape of substrate 11 may be a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0049] The material of the substrate 11 may be any material that is transparent in the visible light range and electrically insulating. The material of the substrate 11 is preferably an organic insulating material such as a polyester resin, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyimide resin, a polyolefin resin, a cellulose resin, or a fluororesin material. The polyester resin may be polyethylene terephthalate or the like. The acrylic resin may be polymethyl methacrylate or the like. The polyolefin resin may be a cycloolefin polymer or the like. The cellulose resin may be triacetyl cellulose or the like. The fluororesin material may be PTFE or PFA or the like. For example, the material of the substrate 11 may be an organic insulating material such as a cycloolefin polymer (e.g., ZF-16 manufactured by Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) or a polynorbornene polymer (manufactured by Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.). Furthermore, the material of the substrate 11 may be glass, ceramics, or the like, appropriately selected depending on the application. Although the substrate 11 is illustrated as being made up of a single layer, the present invention is not limited to this and may have a structure in which multiple base materials or layers are laminated. Furthermore, the substrate 11 may be a film-like member or a plate-like member.

[0050] The dielectric loss tangent of the substrate 11 may be 0.002 or less, and preferably 0.001 or less. The lower limit of the dielectric loss tangent of the substrate 11 is not particularly limited, but may be greater than 0. When the dielectric loss tangent of the substrate 11 is in the above range, particularly when the electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves) transmitted and received by the mesh wiring layer 20 are high frequency, the gain loss (i.e., reduction in sensitivity) associated with the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic waves can be reduced.

[0051] The relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 or more and 10 or less. When the relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 is 2 or more, the options for materials for the substrate 11 are increased. When the relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 is 10 or less, the gain loss associated with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can be reduced. That is, when the relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 is large, the influence of the thickness of the substrate 11 on the propagation of electromagnetic waves increases. Furthermore, when there is an adverse effect on the propagation of electromagnetic waves, the dielectric loss tangent of the substrate 11 increases, which can increase the gain loss associated with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. In contrast, when the relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 is 10 or less, the influence of the thickness of the substrate 11 on the propagation of electromagnetic waves can be reduced. Therefore, the gain loss associated with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can be reduced. In particular, when the electromagnetic waves (e.g., millimeter waves) transmitted and received by the mesh wiring layer 20 are high frequency, the gain loss associated with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves can be reduced.

[0052] The dielectric loss tangent and relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 can be measured in accordance with IEC 62562. Specifically, first, a test piece is prepared by cutting out a portion of the substrate 11 where the mesh wiring layer 20 is not formed. Alternatively, the substrate 11 on which the mesh wiring layer 20 is formed may be cut out, and the mesh wiring layer 20 may be removed by etching or the like. The dimensions of the test piece are a width of 10 mm to 20 mm and a length of 50 mm to 100 mm. Next, the dielectric loss tangent or relative dielectric constant is measured in accordance with IEC 62562. The dielectric loss tangent and relative dielectric constant of the substrate 11 may also be measured in accordance with ASTM D150.

[0053] In this embodiment, substrate 11 is transparent. In this specification, "transparent" means that the transmittance of visible light (i.e., light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less) is 85% or more. Substrate 11 may have a visible light transmittance of 85% or more, and preferably 90% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the visible light transmittance of substrate 11, but it may be, for example, 100% or less. By setting the visible light transmittance of substrate 11 to be within the above range, the transparency of wiring board 10 can be increased, and display device 61 of image display device 60 can be made easier to view.

[0054] Next, the primer layer 15 will be described. The primer layer 15 serves to improve adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11. In this embodiment, the primer layer 15 is provided over substantially the entire first surface 11a of the substrate 11. This eliminates the need for patterning the primer layer 15. This reduces the number of process steps. The primer layer 15 may be provided only in the region of the first surface 11a of the substrate 11 where the mesh wiring layer 20 is provided.

[0055] This primer layer 15 contains a polymer material, which can effectively improve the adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11. In this case, the primer layer 15 can be made of a colorless and transparent polymer material.

[0056] The primer layer 15 preferably contains an acrylic resin or a polyester resin. This more effectively improves the adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11. When the primer layer 15 contains an acrylic resin, examples of the acrylic resin include polymers containing acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and derivatives thereof as monomer components. Examples of the acrylic resin include polymers obtained by copolymerizing a main component such as acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, or hydroxyl acrylate with a copolymerizable monomer (e.g., styrene, divinylbenzene, or acrylonitrile). In addition to the above-mentioned monomers, dimers having two acrylic or methacrylic groups per molecule, or multifunctional urethane acrylates, etc., may be added to the resin as the main component. Organic molecules having two or more epoxy groups per molecule may also be added to the resin as the main component. This crosslinks the acrylic resin, hardening the resin to form the primer layer 15. The cured primer layer exhibits excellent adhesion. It is also possible to achieve excellent water resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, solvent resistance, or a combination of these. This prevents the adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11 from decreasing during wiring formation or over time.

[0057] Furthermore, when the primer layer 15 contains a polyester-based resin, the primer layer 15 can be formed, for example, by crosslinking and curing a hydroxyl-containing polyester-based resin with a curing agent that reacts with hydroxyl groups. Examples of hydroxyl-containing polyester-based resins include polyester polyols, and examples of curing agents include polyisocyanates and / or polyisocyanate prepolymers. The primer layer 15 formed by curing a polyester polyol with a polyisocyanate and / or a polyisocyanate prepolymer exhibits excellent adhesion. It is also possible to exhibit excellent water resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, solvent resistance, or a combination thereof. This prevents deterioration of adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11 over time. Furthermore, the primer layer 15 formed by curing a polyester polyol with a polyisocyanate and / or a polyisocyanate prepolymer exhibits excellent heat resistance. Therefore, the primer layer 15 is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated in the film-forming steps performed after the formation of the primer layer 15, and whitening or cracking of the primer layer 15 due to heat can be suppressed.

[0058] Preferable examples of polyisocyanates and / or polyisocyanate prepolymers include IPDI-, XDI-, and HDI-based polyisocyanates and / or polyisocyanate prepolymers. The use of these can prevent the primer layer 15 from yellowing. Here, "IPDI-based" refers to isophorone diisocyanate and its modified forms, "XDI-based" refers to xylylene diisocyanate and its modified forms, and "HDI-based" refers to hexamelletin diisocyanate and its modified forms. Examples of modified forms include trimethylolpropane (TMP) adducts, isocyanurates, biuret compounds, and allophanates.

[0059] The polymer material of the primer layer 15 may be cured by crosslinking through irradiation with visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, electron beams, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, etc. This can improve the scratch resistance and heat resistance of the primer layer 15.

[0060] Furthermore, the primer layer 15 may have a visible light (light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less) transmittance of 85% or more, preferably 90% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the visible light transmittance of the primer layer 15, but it may be, for example, 100% or less. By setting the visible light transmittance of the primer layer 15 to be within the above range, the transparency of the wiring substrate 10 can be increased, and the display device 61 of the image display device 60 can be made easier to view.

[0061] The thickness T2 (length in the Z direction, see FIG. 5) of the primer layer 15 is preferably 0.05 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less. When the thickness T2 of the primer layer 15 is 0.05 μm or more, the adhesion between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the substrate 11 can be effectively improved. Furthermore, when the thickness T2 of the primer layer 15 is 0.5 μm or less, the transparency of the wiring substrate 10 can be ensured.

[0062] In this embodiment, the mesh wiring layer 20 is made up of an antenna pattern that functions as an antenna. This mesh wiring layer 20 functions as an array antenna. When the mesh wiring layer 20 functions as an array antenna in this way, it is possible to improve the performance of the millimeter wave antenna, which transmits and receives millimeter waves with high linearity. Note that an array antenna is an antenna in which multiple antenna elements (radiating elements) are regularly arranged, and in which the amplitude and phase of the excitation of the elements can be controlled independently.

[0063] Three mesh wiring layers 20 are formed on the substrate 11 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, the mesh wiring layers 20 may not be present on the entire surface of the substrate 11, but may be present only in a partial region on the substrate 11. The mesh wiring layers 20 may have the same shape as each other. In this case, the length (i.e., length in the Y direction) L of each mesh wiring layer 20 is set to 1 / 2. a Error and width (length in the X direction) W a It is preferable that the error of each of these is within 10%, which can effectively improve the performance of the millimeter wave antenna.

[0064] The mesh wiring layer 20 corresponds to a predetermined frequency band. That is, the mesh wiring layer 20 has a length (length in the Y direction) L a The length L of the mesh wiring layer 20 corresponds to a specific frequency band. a The mesh wiring layer 20 may be a millimeter-wave antenna, or may be compatible with any of a telephone antenna, a WiFi antenna, a 3G antenna, a 4G antenna, a 5G antenna, an LTE antenna, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) antenna, an NFC antenna, etc. Note that the lengths of the multiple mesh wiring layers 20 may be different from each other, and each may correspond to a different frequency band. Alternatively, if the wiring board 10 does not have a radio wave transmission / reception function, each mesh wiring layer 20 may perform functions such as a hovering function, fingerprint authentication, a heater, noise reduction (shielding), etc. Note that the hovering function refers to a function that allows the user to operate the display without directly touching it.

[0065] The mesh wiring layer 20 has a base end portion 20a on the power supply unit 40 side and a tip end portion 20b connected to the base end portion 20a. The base end portion 20a is connected to the power supply unit 40. The base end portion 20a and the tip end portion 20b each have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. In this case, the length of the tip end portion 20b (i.e., the distance in the Y direction) is longer than the length of the base end portion 20a (i.e., the distance in the Y direction), and the width of the tip end portion 20b (i.e., the distance in the X direction) is wider than the width of the base end portion 20a (i.e., the distance in the X direction).

[0066] The mesh wiring layer 20 has a longitudinal direction parallel to the Y direction and a lateral direction parallel to the X direction. The length L of the mesh wiring layer 20 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Y direction) is a The width W of the tip end portion 20b of the mesh wiring layer 20 in the short direction (i.e., the X direction) can be selected, for example, in the range of 3 mm to 100 mm. acan be selected, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. In particular, the mesh wiring layer 20 may be a millimeter wave antenna. When the mesh wiring layer 20 is a millimeter wave antenna, the length L of the mesh wiring layer 20 a When the mesh wiring layer 20 is a millimeter wave antenna, the length L of the mesh wiring layer 20 can be selected from the range of 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more. a can be selected in the range of 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0067] The mesh wiring layer 20 has a pattern shape in which metal wires are arranged in a lattice or mesh shape. This pattern shape is repeatedly arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. That is, the mesh wiring layer 20 has a pattern shape consisting of a portion (i.e., first-directional wiring 21) extending in a first direction (e.g., Y direction) and a portion (i.e., second-directional wiring 22) extending in a second direction (e.g., X direction).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the mesh wiring layer 20 has two or more wires. Specifically, the mesh wiring layer 20 has a plurality of first-directional wires 21 that function as antennas, and a plurality of second-directional wires 22 that connect the plurality of first-directional wires 21. The plurality of first-directional wires 21 and the plurality of second-directional wires 22 are integrated as a whole to form a lattice or mesh-like shape. Each first-directional wire 21 extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (i.e., Y direction) of the mesh wiring layer 20. Each second-directional wire 22 extends linearly in the width direction (i.e., X direction) of the mesh wiring layer 20. The first-directional wires 21 have a length L corresponding to a predetermined frequency band. a (See Figure 3) and thus functions mainly as an antenna. a is the length of the mesh wiring layer 20. On the other hand, the second directional wirings 22 connect these first directional wirings 21 together, thereby playing a role in preventing problems such as breakage of the first directional wirings 21 and loss of electrical connection between the first directional wirings 21 and the power supply section 40.

[0069] In the mesh wiring layer 20, a plurality of openings 23 are formed by being surrounded by adjacent first-directional wires 21 and adjacent second-directional wires 22. The first-directional wires 21 and the second-directional wires 22 are arranged at equal intervals. That is, the plurality of first-directional wires 21 are arranged at equal intervals, and the pitch P1 can be, for example, in the range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm. The plurality of second-directional wires 22 are arranged at equal intervals, and the pitch P2 can be, for example, in the range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm. Since the plurality of first-directional wires 21 and the plurality of second-directional wires 22 are arranged at equal intervals, the size of the openings 23 within the mesh wiring layer 20 is uniform, making the mesh wiring layer 20 difficult to see with the naked eye. The pitch P1 of the first-directional wires 21 is equal to the pitch P2 of the second-directional wires 22. Therefore, each opening 23 has a substantially square shape in a plan view, and the transparent primer layer 15 and substrate 11 are exposed through each opening 23. Therefore, by increasing the area of ​​each opening 23, the transparency of the wiring substrate 10 as a whole can be increased. The length L3 of one side of each opening 23 can be, for example, in the range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm. Although the first directional wirings 21 and the second directional wirings 22 are orthogonal to each other, this is not limitative and they may intersect at an acute or obtuse angle. Furthermore, the shape of the openings 23 is preferably the same shape and size over the entire surface, but it does not have to be uniform over the entire surface, and may vary depending on the location.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, each first-directional wiring 21 has a shape in which a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (i.e., X-direction cross section) is substantially rectangular or substantially square. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the first-directional wiring 21 is substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction of the first-directional wiring 21 (i.e., Y-direction). As shown in FIG. 6, each second-directional wiring 22 has a shape in which a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (i.e., Y-direction cross section) is substantially rectangular or substantially square, and has substantially the same shape as the cross-sectional shape (i.e., X-direction cross section) of the first-directional wiring 21 described above. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the second-directional wiring 22 is substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction of the second-directional wiring 22 (i.e., X-direction). The cross-sectional shapes of the first-directional wiring 21 and the second-directional wiring 22 do not necessarily have to be substantially rectangular or substantially square. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first direction wiring 21 and the cross-sectional shape of the second direction wiring 22 may be an approximately trapezoid in which the front side (i.e., the positive side in the Z direction) is narrower than the back side (i.e., the negative side in the Z direction), or a shape in which the side surfaces located on both sides in the width direction are curved.

[0071] In this embodiment, the line width W1 of the first-directional wiring 21 (see FIG. 5) and the line width W2 of the second-directional wiring 22 (see FIG. 6) are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application. Here, the line width W1 of the first-directional wiring 21 is the width in a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (i.e., the length in the X direction), and the line width W2 of the second-directional wiring 22 is the width in a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (i.e., the length in the Y direction). For example, the line width W1 of the first-directional wiring 21 can be selected from a range of 0.1 μm to 5.0 μm, and preferably 0.2 μm to 2.0 μm. Furthermore, the line width W2 of the second-directional wiring 22 can be selected from a range of 0.1 μm to 5.0 μm, and preferably 0.2 μm to 2.0 μm.

[0072] The height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 (see FIG. 5) and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22 (see FIG. 6) are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application. Here, the height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22 are each lengths in the Z direction. The height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22 can each be selected within the range of 60 nm or more and 5.0 μm or less, for example.

[0073] 5 and 6, the mesh wiring layer 20 has first metal layers 21a and 22a arranged on the primer layer 15 and second metal layers 21b and 22b arranged on the first metal layers 21a and 22a. That is, the first-directional wiring 21 has a first metal layer 21a arranged on the primer layer 15 and a second metal layer 21b arranged on the first metal layer 21a. Furthermore, the second-directional wiring 22 has a first metal layer 22a arranged on the primer layer 15 and a second metal layer 22b arranged on the first metal layer 22a.

[0074] Among these, the first metal layers 21a and 22a serve to improve adhesion between the substrate 11 and the mesh wiring layer 20. The first metal layers 21a and 22a also serve as seed layers when the second metal layers 21b and 22b are formed by electrolytic plating. The first metal layers 21a and 22a are preferably formed by sputtering or vapor deposition, and are particularly preferably formed by sputtering.

[0075] Thickness d of the first metal layers 21a and 22a 1a , d 2a The thickness d of the first metal layers 21a and 22a may be 10 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, preferably 30 nm or more and 500 nm or less, and more preferably 50 nm or more and 300 nm or less. 1a , d 2a When the thickness d of the first metal layers 21a and 22a is 10 nm or more, the second metal layers 21b and 22b can be effectively supported when the second metal layers 21b and 22b are formed on the first metal layers 21a and 22a. 1a , d 2aBy making the thickness 1000 nm or less, the time required to form the mesh wiring layer 20 can be reduced.

[0076] The second metal layers 21b, 22b serve to increase the height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22. This reduces the resistance values ​​of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22. The second metal layers 21b, 22b are preferably formed by plating or the like, and are particularly preferably formed by electrolytic plating.

[0077] Thickness d of second metal layers 21b and 22b 1b , d 2b The thickness d of the second metal layers 21b and 22b may be 50 nm or more and 4990 nm or less, preferably 100 nm or more and 2000 nm or less, and more preferably 200 nm or more and 1800 nm or less. 1b , d 2b When the thickness d of the second metal layers 21b and 22b is 50 nm or more, the height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22 can be increased, and the resistance values ​​of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22 can be reduced. 1b , d 2b By making the thickness 4990 nm or less, the time required to form the mesh wiring layer 20 can be reduced.

[0078] The first metal layers 21a, 22a and the second metal layers 21b, 22b may have different crystal characteristics. The first metal layers 21a, 22a and the second metal layers 21b, 22b may differ from each other in at least one of the crystal fraction, crystal structure, crystallite size, and crystal plane spacing. For example, the first metal layers 21a, 22a may have a diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane measured using CuKα radiation as an X-ray source that is larger than the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the second metal layers 21b, 22b. For example, the first metal layers 21a, 22a may have crystal characteristics such that the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane measured using CuKα radiation as an X-ray source is 43.430° or less. This improves adhesion between the substrate 11 and the first metal layers 21a, 22a. In this case, the diffraction angle 2θ is preferably 43.420° or less, more preferably 43.410° or less. The lower limit of the diffraction angle 2θ is not particularly limited, but may be 43.250° or more, preferably 43.300° or more, and more preferably 43.350° or more. The diffraction angle can be measured using an X-ray diffractometer (Rigaku Corporation, Smart Lab, 9 kW type). The diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the first metal layers 21a and 22a and the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the second metal layers 21b and 22b are measured in the power supply unit 40. As described below, the power supply unit 40 is formed simultaneously with the first metal layers 21a and 22a and the second metal layers 21b and 22b by a portion of the first metal film 51 constituting the first metal layers 21a and 22a and a portion of the second metal film 52 constituting the second metal layers 21b and 22b. Therefore, the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the first metal layers 21a and 22a and the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the second metal layers 21b and 22b can be measured in the power supply unit 40. In this case, the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the first metal layers 21a and 22a can be measured more accurately than when measuring the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the first metal layers 21a and 22a in the mesh wiring layer 20 having relatively narrow line widths W1 and W2. The measurement conditions are as follows: Measurement mode: 2θ / θ measurement (Out-Plane) X-ray source: Cu-Kα 45kV-50mA Optical system: Concentration method Incident optical system 1: Soller slit 5deg Incident optical system 2: Variable slit (IS) 1 deg Length limit slit: 10 mm Receiving optical system 1: Variable slit (RS1) 1 deg, (RS2) 0.3 mm Receiving optical system 2: PSA OPEN / solar slit 5deg Detector: Scintillation counter Measurement range: 35-80deg Step: 0.02deg Measurement time: 2.0 deg / min

[0079] The second metal layers 21b, 22b may have crystalline properties such that the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane measured using CuKα radiation as an X-ray source is less than 43.4°. This improves the formability of the second metal layers 21b, 22b when they are formed by etching. The diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane of the second metal layers 21b, 22b may be 43.390° or less, preferably 43.380° or less, and more preferably 43.370° or less.

[0080] The material of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22 may be any metal material having electrical conductivity. That is, the material of the first metal layers 21a, 22a and the second metal layers 21b, 22b may be any metal material having electrical conductivity. In the present embodiment, the material of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22 is copper, but is not limited to this. The material of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22 may be, for example, a metal material such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, tin, aluminum, iron, or nickel, or an alloy containing these metals.

[0081] The overall aperture ratio At of the mesh wiring layer 20 may be, for example, in the range of 87% or more and less than 100%. By setting the overall aperture ratio At of the mesh wiring layer 20 in this range, the conductivity and transparency of the wiring board 10 can be ensured. The overall aperture ratio At of the mesh wiring layer 20 is preferably 95% or more and less than 100%. This allows the transparency of the wiring board 10 to be increased while ensuring the conductivity of the wiring board 10. The aperture ratio refers to the ratio (%) of the area of ​​the open area to the unit area of ​​a predetermined region (for example, the entire region of the mesh wiring layer 20). The open area refers to a region where no metal parts such as the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22 exist and where the substrate 11 is exposed.

[0082] Incidentally, when a bending resistance test is performed on wiring board 10, the increase in the resistance value of mesh wiring layer 20 may be 20% or less, or may be 10% or less. The bending resistance test is a test in which, using a cylindrical mandrel bending tester, wiring board 10 is bent 180° around the circumference of a cylinder with a diameter of 1 mm and then straightened 100 times.

[0083] Specifically, the test is performed as follows. First, the electrical resistance between both ends of the mesh wiring layer 20 in the longitudinal direction is measured. This resistance is defined as R0 (Ω). Next, the wiring board 10 is wrapped around the cylinder of a cylindrical mandrel bending tester so that both ends of the wiring board 10 in the longitudinal direction are oriented in opposite directions by 180°. The wiring board 10 is then removed from the cylinder and flattened. This process is repeated 100 times. Then, the electrical resistance between both ends of the mesh wiring layer 20 in the longitudinal direction is measured again. This resistance is defined as R1 (Ω). The value calculated by ((R1 - R0) / R0) x 100 (%) is defined as the increase in resistance. If this increase in resistance is 20% or less, the durability of the wiring board 10 can be improved when the wiring board 10 is used while being curved or bent.

[0084] Next, the dark layer 18 will be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a dark layer (blackened layer) 18 is formed on the mesh wiring layer 20 of the wiring board 10. This dark layer 18 is a layer that suppresses reflection of visible light by the mesh wiring layer 20, thereby making the mesh wiring layer 20 less visible to the naked eye. The dark layer 18 covers the entire mesh wiring layer 20. This dark layer 18 may also cover the entire power supply section 40.

[0085] The dark layer 18 may be a layer of a dark color such as black, or may be a layer with a roughened surface.

[0086] The surface roughness Ra of the dark layer 18 is 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less. Having a surface roughness Ra of 5 nm or more of the dark layer 18 reduces reflection of visible light on the surface of the dark layer 18. This makes it difficult for the mesh wiring layer 20 covered with the dark layer 18 to be visible to the naked eye of an observer. Having a surface roughness Ra of 100 or less of the dark layer 18 prevents the haze value of the dark layer 18 from becoming too high. This makes it difficult for an observer to recognize the presence of the dark layer 18. This makes it difficult for an observer to see the mesh wiring layer 20 covered with the dark layer 18. In this case, the surface roughness Ra can be determined in accordance with JIS B 0601:2013 using a laser microscope (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, VK-X250 (controller), VK-X260 (measuring unit), laser wavelength 408 nm).

[0087] Dark layer 18 may be formed from a portion of mesh wiring layer 20 or power feed unit 40, for example, by subjecting a portion of the metal material constituting mesh wiring layer 20 or power feed unit 40 to a darkening treatment (blackening treatment). In this case, dark layer 18 may be formed as a layer made of metal oxide or metal sulfide. Dark layer 18 may also be formed on the surface of mesh wiring layer 20 or power feed unit 40 as a coating of a dark material or a plating layer of nickel, chromium, or the like. Dark layer 18 may also be formed by roughening the surface of mesh wiring layer 20 or power feed unit 40.

[0088] Although not shown, a protective layer may be formed on the primer layer 15 so as to cover the mesh wiring layer 20 and the dark layer 18. The protective layer protects the mesh wiring layer 20 and is formed so as to cover at least the mesh wiring layer 20 of the substrate 11. Examples of materials that can be used for the protective layer include acrylic resins such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate, modified resins thereof, copolymers thereof, polyvinyl resins such as polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetal, and polyvinyl butyral, copolymers thereof, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide, and chlorinated polyolefin, and other colorless and transparent insulating resins.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 3 , the power supply unit 40 is electrically connected to the mesh wiring layer 20. The power supply unit 40 is made of a substantially rectangular conductive thin plate member. The longitudinal direction of the power supply unit 40 is parallel to the X direction, and the lateral direction of the power supply unit 40 is parallel to the Y direction. The power supply unit 40 is disposed at the longitudinal end of the substrate 11 (i.e., the end on the negative side in the Y direction). The power supply unit 40 may be made of, for example, a metal material such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, tin, aluminum, iron, or nickel, or an alloy containing these metals. When the wiring substrate 10 is incorporated into the image display device 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the power supply unit 40 is electrically connected to the communication module 63 of the image display device 60 via a power supply line (not shown). Note that the power supply unit 40 is provided on the first surface 11 a of the substrate 11, but this is not limiting. Part or all of the power supply unit 40 may be located outside the periphery of the substrate 11. Furthermore, by forming power supply unit 40 to be flexible, power supply unit 40 may be configured to wrap around the side or back surface of image display device 60. In this case, power supply unit 40 may be electrically connected to communication module 63 on the side or back surface of image display device 60.

[0090] Next, a method for manufacturing the wiring board 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 7(i).

[0091] 7(a), a substrate 11 is prepared, which includes a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b located on the opposite side of the first surface 11a. The substrate 11 is transparent.

[0092] 7(b), a primer layer 15 is formed on the substrate 11. In this case, the primer layer 15 may be formed over substantially the entire first surface 11a of the substrate 11. Methods for forming the primer layer 15 include roll coating, gravure coating, gravure reverse coating, microgravure coating, slot die coating, die coating, knife coating, inkjet coating, dispenser coating, kiss coating, spray coating, screen printing, offset printing, and flexographic printing.

[0093] Next, on the primer layer 15, a mesh wiring layer 20 including a plurality of first directional wires 21 and a plurality of second directional wires 22 connecting the plurality of first directional wires 21 is formed.

[0094] At this time, first, as shown in FIG. 7(c), a first metal film 51 is laminated over substantially the entire surface of the primer layer 15. The first metal film 51 may be formed by, for example, a sputtering method. The thickness of the first metal film 51 may be 10 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. In this embodiment, the first metal film 51 may contain copper.

[0095] 7(d), a second metal film 52 is laminated on the first metal film 51. The second metal film 52 may be formed by electrolytic plating using the first metal film 51 as a seed layer. The thickness of the second metal film 52 may be 50 nm or more and 4990 nm or less. In this embodiment, the second metal film 52 may contain copper.

[0096] 7(e), a photo-curable insulating resist 53 is applied to almost the entire surface of the second metal film 52. Examples of the photo-curable insulating resist 53 include organic resins such as acrylic resins and epoxy resins.

[0097] 7(f), an insulating layer 54 is formed by photolithography. In this case, the photo-curable insulating resist 53 is patterned by photolithography to form the insulating layer 54 (i.e., a resist pattern). At this time, the insulating layer 54 is formed so that the second metal film 52 corresponding to the first-directional wiring 21 and the second-directional wiring 22 is exposed.

[0098] 7(g), the second metal film 52 and the first metal film 51 located on the first surface 11a of the substrate 11 in the portion not covered with the insulating layer 54 are removed. At this time, the second metal film 52 and the first metal film 51 are etched so as to expose the first surface 11a of the substrate 11 by wet processing using ferric chloride, cupric chloride, a strong acid such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, an aqueous solution of these, or a combination of these.

[0099] 7(h), the insulating layer 54 is removed by wet treatment using a permanganate solution, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, an acid or alkaline solution, or dry treatment using oxygen plasma.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(i), the dark layer 18 is formed. In this case, the dark layer 18 may be formed by subjecting a portion of the first metal film 51 and the second metal film 52 to a darkening treatment (blackening treatment). Alternatively, the dark layer 18 may be formed on the surfaces of the first metal film 51 and the second metal film 52 as a coating of a dark material or a plating layer of nickel, chromium, or the like. Furthermore, the dark layer 18 may be formed by roughening the surfaces of the first metal film 51 and the second metal film 52.

[0101] In this manner, a wiring board 10 is obtained, which includes the substrate 11, the primer layer 15 provided on the first surface 11a of the substrate 11, the mesh wiring layer 20 disposed on the primer layer 15, and the dark layer 18 covering the mesh wiring layer 20. In this case, the mesh wiring layer 20 includes first-directional wiring 21 and second-directional wiring 22. At this time, the power supply section 40 may be formed by a part of the first metal film 51 and the second metal film 52.

[0102] Then, by laminating the display device 61 on the wiring substrate 10 via the first transparent adhesive layer 95 and the second transparent adhesive layer 96, an image display device 60 is obtained, which includes the wiring substrate 10 and the display device 61 laminated on the wiring substrate 10.

[0103] Next, the operation of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0104] 1 and 2, the wiring board 10 is incorporated into an image display device 60 having a display device 61. At this time, the wiring board 10 is placed on the display device 61. The mesh wiring layer 20 of the wiring board 10 is electrically connected to a communication module 63 of the image display device 60 via the power supply unit 40. In this way, radio waves of a predetermined frequency can be transmitted and received via the mesh wiring layer 20, and communication can be performed using the image display device 60.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the mesh wiring layer 20 has first metal layers 21a and 22a disposed on the primer layer 15, and second metal layers 21b and 22b disposed on the first metal layers 21a and 22a. This effectively increases the height H1 of the first directional wiring 21 and the height H2 of the second directional wiring 22. This reduces the resistance values ​​of the first directional wiring 21 and the second directional wiring 22.

[0106] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the surface roughness Ra of the dark color layer 18 is 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less. This makes it possible to suppress reflection of visible light on the surface of the dark color layer 18. It also makes it possible to prevent the haze value of the dark color layer 18 from becoming too high, making it difficult for an observer to notice the presence of the dark color layer 18. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for an observer to see the mesh wiring layer 20 covered with the dark color layer 18 with the naked eye.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the wiring board 10 includes a substrate 11, a primer layer 15 disposed on the substrate 11, a mesh wiring layer 20 disposed on the primer layer 15, and a dark layer 18 covering the mesh wiring layer 20. The substrate 11 is transparent. The mesh wiring layer 20 has a conductor portion as a forming portion of an opaque conductive layer and a mesh pattern formed by numerous openings 23. This ensures the transparency of the wiring board 10. As a result, when the wiring board 10 is placed on a display device 61, the display device 61 can be seen through the openings 23 of the mesh wiring layer 20, and the visibility of the display device 61 is not obstructed.

[0108] Next, modified examples of the wiring board will be described.

[0109] Figures 8 and 9 show a first modified example of the wiring board. The modified example shown in Figures 8 and 9 differs in that a dummy wiring layer 30 is provided around the mesh wiring layer 20, but other configurations are substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 described above. In Figures 8 and 9, the same parts as those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] 8, a dummy wiring layer 30 is provided along the periphery of the mesh wiring layer 20. The dummy wiring layer 30 may be covered with a dark color layer 18. Unlike the mesh wiring layer 20, this dummy wiring layer 30 does not substantially function as an antenna.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, the dummy wiring layer 30 is composed of repeated dummy wirings 30a each having a predetermined unit pattern shape. That is, the dummy wiring layer 30 includes a plurality of dummy wirings 30a of the same shape, and each dummy wiring 30a is electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20 (i.e., the first-directional wirings 21 and the second-directional wirings 22). The plurality of dummy wirings 30a are regularly arranged throughout the dummy wiring layer 30. The plurality of dummy wirings 30a are spaced apart from each other in the planar direction and are arranged to protrude above the substrate 11. That is, each dummy wiring 30a is electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20, the power supply section 40, and other dummy wirings 30a. The shape of each dummy wiring 30a is approximately L-shaped in plan view.

[0112] In this case, the dummy wiring 30a has a shape in which a part of the unit pattern shape (see FIG. 4) of the above-mentioned mesh wiring layer 20 is missing. This makes it difficult to visually recognize the difference between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the dummy wiring layer 30, and makes it difficult to see the mesh wiring layer 20 arranged on the substrate 11.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 9 , the dummy wiring 30a extends parallel to the first-directional wiring 21 or the second-directional wiring 22. Specifically, the dummy wiring 30a includes a first portion 31a extending parallel to the first-directional wiring 21 and a second portion 32a extending parallel to the second-directional wiring 22. The first portion 31a has a shape in which a portion of the first-directional wiring 21 is missing. The second portion 32a has a shape in which a portion of the second-directional wiring 22 is missing. Note that other configurations of the first portion 31a and the second portion 32a are similar to the configurations of the first-directional wiring 21 and the second-directional wiring 22, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. In this way, the dummy wiring 30a extends parallel to the first-directional wiring 21 or the second-directional wiring 22, making the mesh wiring layer 20 arranged on the substrate 11 even less visible. The aperture ratio of the dummy wiring layer 30 may be the same as or different from the aperture ratio of the mesh wiring layer 20 , but is preferably close to the aperture ratio of the mesh wiring layer 20 .

[0114] In this way, the dummy wiring layer 30 electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20 is provided around the mesh wiring layer 20, thereby making the outer edge of the mesh wiring layer 20 unclear. This makes it possible to make the mesh wiring layer 20 less visible on the surface of the image display device 60, and makes it difficult for a user of the image display device 60 to recognize the mesh wiring layer 20 with the naked eye.

[0115] Figures 10 and 11 show a second modified example of the wiring board. The modified example shown in Figures 10 and 11 differs in that two or more dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B having different aperture ratios are provided around the mesh wiring layer 20, but other configurations are substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 described above. In Figures 10 and 11, the same parts as those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] In the wiring board 10 shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of (two in this case) dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B (i.e., a first dummy wiring layer 30A and a second dummy wiring layer 30B) having different aperture ratios are provided along the periphery of the mesh wiring layer 20. Specifically, the first dummy wiring layer 30A is arranged along the periphery of the mesh wiring layer 20, and the second dummy wiring layer 30B is arranged along the periphery of the first dummy wiring layer 30A. The dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B may be covered with a dark color layer 18. Unlike the mesh wiring layer 20, these dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B do not substantially function as antennas.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 11 , the first dummy wiring layer 30A is composed of repeated dummy wirings 30a1 each having a predetermined unit pattern shape. The second dummy wiring layer 30B is composed of repeated dummy wirings 30a2 each having a predetermined unit pattern shape. That is, the dummy wiring layers 30A and 30B each include a plurality of dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 each having the same shape, and each dummy wiring 30a1 and 30a2 is electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20. The dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 are regularly arranged throughout the dummy wiring layers 30A and 30B, respectively. The dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 are spaced apart from each other in the planar direction and protrude above the substrate 11. Each dummy wiring 30a1 and 30a2 is electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20, the power supply section 40, and the other dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2. The dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 each have a substantially L-shape in plan view.

[0118] In this case, the dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 have a shape in which a part of the unit pattern shape (see FIG. 4) of the mesh wiring layer 20 described above is missing. This makes it difficult to visually recognize the difference between the mesh wiring layer 20 and the first dummy wiring layer 30A, and the difference between the first dummy wiring layer 30A and the second dummy wiring layer 30B, and makes it difficult to see the mesh wiring layer 20 arranged on the substrate 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 extend parallel to the first directional wiring 21 or the second directional wiring 22. Specifically, the dummy wiring 30a1 includes a first portion 31a1 extending parallel to the first directional wiring 21 and a second portion 32a1 extending parallel to the second directional wiring 22. The dummy wiring 30a2 includes a first portion 31a2 extending parallel to the first directional wiring 21 and a second portion 32a2 extending parallel to the second directional wiring 22.

[0119] The area of ​​each dummy wiring 30a1 in the first dummy wiring layer 30A is larger than the area of ​​each dummy wiring 30a2 in the second dummy wiring layer 30B. In this case, the line width of each dummy wiring 30a1 is the same as the line width of each dummy wiring 30a2, but this is not limited to this, and the line width of each dummy wiring 30a1 may be wider than the line width of each dummy wiring 30a2. Note that other configurations of the dummy wirings 30a1 and 30a2 are similar to the configuration of the dummy wiring 30a in the first modified example, so detailed description will be omitted here.

[0120] In this modification, it is preferable that the aperture ratios of the mesh wiring layer 20 and the two or more dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B increase stepwise from the mesh wiring layer 20 toward the dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B farther from the mesh wiring layer 20. In other words, it is preferable that the aperture ratio of each dummy wiring layer gradually increase from that closer to the mesh wiring layer 20 to that farther away. In this case, it is preferable that the aperture ratio of the first dummy wiring layer 30A is greater than that of the mesh wiring layer 20. It is preferable that the aperture ratio of the second dummy wiring layer 30B is greater than that of the first dummy wiring layer 30A. This makes it possible to further obscure the outer edges of the mesh wiring layer 20 and the dummy wiring layers 30A, 30B. This makes it possible to make the mesh wiring layer 20 even less visible on the surface of the image display device 60.

[0121] In this way, by arranging the dummy wiring layers 30A and 30B electrically independent from the mesh wiring layer 20, the outer edge of the mesh wiring layer 20 can be made more unclear. This makes it possible to make the mesh wiring layer 20 less visible on the surface of the image display device 60, and makes it difficult for a user of the image display device 60 to recognize the mesh wiring layer 20 with the naked eye. Note that three or more dummy wiring layers having different aperture ratios may be provided around the mesh wiring layer 20.

[0122] Figure 12 shows a third modified example of the wiring board. The modified example shown in Figure 12 differs in the planar shape of the mesh wiring layer 20, but other configurations are substantially the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 11 described above. In Figure 12, the same parts as those shown in Figures 1 to 11 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] 12 is an enlarged plan view showing a mesh wiring layer 20 according to a third modified example. In Fig. 12, first-directional wiring 21 and second-directional wiring 22 intersect obliquely (i.e., not at a right angle), and the shape of each opening 23 is a rhombus in plan view. The first-directional wiring 21 and the second-directional wiring 22 are not parallel to either the X direction or the Y direction, but either one of the first-directional wiring 21 and the second-directional wiring 22 may be parallel to the X direction or the Y direction.

[0124] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and each modification as needed, or to delete some of the components disclosed in the above embodiment and each modification.

Claims

1. A wiring board, a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a primer layer disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a mesh wiring layer disposed on the primer layer; a dark layer covering the mesh wiring layer, The substrate is transparent, The mesh wiring layer includes: a first metal layer disposed on the primer layer; a second metal layer disposed on the first metal layer; the surface roughness Ra of the dark color layer is 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less; The wiring board, wherein the primer layer contains an acrylic resin.

2. 2. The wiring board according to claim 1, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer have different crystal properties, and the second metal layer has crystal properties such that the diffraction angle 2θ of the (111) plane measured using CuKα radiation as an X-ray source is less than 43.4°.

3. The wiring board according to claim 1 , wherein the dielectric loss tangent of the board is 0.002 or less.

4. 2. The wiring board according to claim 1, wherein when the wiring board is bent 180 degrees around a cylinder having a diameter of 1 mm and then straightened 100 times, the increase in the resistance value of the mesh wiring layer is 20% or less.

5. The wiring board according to claim 1 , wherein the wiring board has a millimeter wave transmitting and receiving function, and the mesh wiring layer functions as an array antenna.

6. 2. The wiring board according to claim 1, further comprising a dummy wiring layer provided around said mesh wiring layer and electrically independent from said mesh wiring layer.

7. 7. The wiring board according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the dummy wiring layers are provided, and the aperture ratios of the mesh wiring layer and the dummy wiring layer increase stepwise from the mesh wiring layer toward the dummy wiring layer farther from the mesh wiring layer.

8. The wiring substrate according to claim 1 , a display device laminated on the wiring substrate.

Citation Information

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