Antenna unit and touch sensor

Abstract

A conductor (7) is disposed at an interval of 1 cm or less from a second surface (3b) in the thickness direction of a substrate (2), and overlaps the substrate (2) in a plan view. An antenna (10) has an antenna body (11) that is positioned on a reference line (RL) in a planar direction of a first surface (3a). The antenna body (11) is provided with: an overlapping region (R1) that overlaps the conductor (7); a first non-overlapping region (R2a) that does not overlap the conductor (7); and a second non-overlapping region (R2b) that does not overlap the conductor (7). The overlapping region (R1) is positioned between the first non-overlapping region (R2a) and the second non-overlapping region (R2b) in a first direction (D1).

Description

Antenna unit and touch sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna unit and a touch sensor equipped with an antenna.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an antenna device disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, is known as an antenna unit including an electric field antenna such as a dipole antenna.

[0003] The antenna device of Patent Document 1 includes a metal housing, a substrate provided on the bottom surface of the housing, and a dipole antenna provided on the substrate. The dipole antenna has a power feeder and a pair of dipole antenna parts. A slot configured as a notch is provided on the top surface of the housing.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-231266

[0005] In the antenna device of Patent Document 1, when the housing is viewed from the top, the slot is located on the top surface of the housing near a position corresponding to the power supply. The longitudinal length of the slot is set to half (λ / 2) of the wavelength (λ) of the frequency used by the antenna device. This causes resonance with the radio waves generated by the dipole antenna, and polarized waves are emitted in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the dipole antenna unit (X-axis direction). Therefore, in the antenna device, when the dipole antenna unit emits radio waves, the radio waves are also emitted from the slot.

[0006] In an electric field antenna such as a dipole antenna, the voltage value is generally greatest at the tip of the dipole antenna unit (the end of the dipole antenna unit opposite the side where the power feed point is located). Therefore, in the dipole antenna unit shown in Patent Document 1, the electric field generated from the tip is stronger than the electric field generated near the power feed point. In other words, antenna performance is ensured by increasing the radiation efficiency of the electric field generated from the tip of the dipole antenna unit.

[0007] However, in the antenna device of Patent Document 1, the distance from the tip of the dipole antenna to the slot located on the top surface of the housing is longer than the distance from the tip of the dipole antenna to the bottom surface of the housing located near the antenna, making it difficult for the electric field generated from the tip of the dipole antenna to be directed toward the slot.In contrast, the electric field generated from the tip of the dipole antenna is more likely to be directed toward the metal part that constitutes the bottom surface of the housing located near the antenna.

[0008] As a result, an electrical short is likely to occur between the metal portion on the bottom of the housing and the tips of the dipole antenna units located on both sides of the power supply unit. In this state, the electric field between the dipole antenna units is reduced, and impedance is reduced. Furthermore, the electric field toward the upper side of the dipole antenna unit (the upper side of the housing) is reduced, resulting in a decrease in the upward gain of the dipole antenna unit. Thus, the antenna device of Patent Document 1 suffers from the problem of reduced antenna performance due to the presence of the metal portion (i.e., the conductor located near the antenna) that constitutes the bottom of the housing.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to prevent degradation of antenna performance regardless of the presence or absence of a conductor located near the antenna.

[0010] To achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present disclosure is an antenna unit comprising: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface; an antenna provided on the first surface of the substrate; and a conductor arranged in the thickness direction of the substrate at a distance of 1 cm or less from the second surface and overlapping the substrate in a planar view. The antenna has an antenna body located on a reference line extending along a first direction in the planar direction of the first surface. The antenna body is provided with an overlapping region that overlaps with the conductor in a planar view, a first non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the conductor in a planar view, and a second non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the conductor in a planar view. The overlapping region is located between the first non-overlapping region and the second non-overlapping region in the first direction.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent degradation of antenna performance regardless of the presence or absence of a conductor located near the antenna.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an antenna unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the antenna unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IY-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of portion V shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-sectional structure of a conductive wire. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an antenna unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view of a touch sensor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the touch sensor as viewed from the first surface side of the substrate. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of portion XII shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a touch sensor according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 15 , showing a cross-sectional configuration of a touch sensor according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 12 , showing a configuration of a touch sensor according to Modification 3 of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 13 , showing a cross-sectional configuration of a touch sensor according to Modification 4 of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 13 , showing a cross-sectional configuration of a touch sensor according to Modification 5 of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 13 , showing a cross-sectional configuration of a touch sensor according to Modification 6 of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 2 , showing a configuration of another embodiment of the first embodiment (an antenna unit including a dual-band dipole antenna). FIG. 22 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 2 , showing a configuration of another embodiment of the first embodiment (an antenna unit including a triple-band dipole antenna). FIG. 23 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 2 , showing a configuration of another embodiment of the first embodiment (an antenna unit including a bowtie antenna). FIG. 24 is a diagram equivalent to FIG. 14 , showing a configuration of a touch sensor according to another embodiment of the second embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of each embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0014] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 shows an entirety of an antenna unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna unit 1 includes an antenna 10. The antenna unit 1 is applicable to devices that perform communication, for example, at frequencies between 3G and 5G. The communication frequency of the antenna 10 is, for example, a predetermined frequency band of 0.5 GHz to 30 GHz. Specifically, the communication frequency of the antenna 10 is, for example, the 700 MHz band / 800 MHz band / 900 MHz band, 1.5 GHz band, 1.7 GHz band, 2 GHz band, 2.5 GHz band, 3.4 GHz band / 3.5 GHz band, 3.7 GHz band / 4.5 GHz band, 5.0 GHz band, 6.0 GHz band, or 28 GHz band. The basic configuration of the antenna 10 will be described later.

[0015] 1 is referred to as the "upper side" of the antenna unit 1, and the opposite side is referred to as the "lower side" of the antenna unit 1, and the positional relationship of the elements constituting the antenna unit 1 is defined accordingly. Note that this positional relationship is unrelated to the orientation of the antenna unit 1 or the product to which the antenna unit 1 is applied in actual use.

[0016] In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the direction from the left side to the right side of the paper in Fig. 1 is defined as a "first direction D1," while the direction from the bottom to the top of the paper in Fig. 1 is defined as a "second direction D2." Furthermore, the dashed dotted line shown in Figs. 1 and 2 (denoted by the symbol RL in Figs. 1 and 2) is set as a "reference line." In this embodiment, the reference line RL extends linearly along the first direction D1.

[0017] 1 to 3, the antenna unit 1 includes a substrate 2. The substrate 2 is transparent.

[0018] 3, the substrate 2 has a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b. In the first embodiment, the first surface 3a corresponds to the upper surface of the substrate 2. The second surface 3b corresponds to the lower surface of the substrate 2. In other words, the second surface 3b corresponds to the surface opposite to the first surface 3a.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the substrate 2 has a first layer 4 and a second layer 5. Each of the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, in order to show the cross-sectional configuration of the antenna unit 1 in a simplified state, illustrations of a plurality of conductive lines 20 in a mesh pattern 15, which will be described later, are omitted.

[0020] The first layer 4 is made of a transparent resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), or cycloolefin copolymer (COC).

[0021] The second layer 5 is laminated on the upper surface of the first layer 4. The second layer 5 is a layer for forming a plurality of grooves 6, which will be described later. The second layer 5 is made of a resin material that is insulating and optically transparent. The thickness of the second layer 5 is set to, for example, 1.0 μm or more and 10.0 μm or less to ensure flexibility. The thickness of the second layer 5 is also greater than the depth of the grooves 6, which will be described later.

[0022] A plurality of grooves 6 are provided on the surface of the second layer 5 (corresponding to the first surface 3 a of the substrate 2). Each groove 6 has a bottom that is recessed from the surface of the second layer 5 (the first surface 3 a of the substrate 2) in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. The depth of each groove 6 is set to, for example, not less than 0.8 μm and not more than 4.0 μm.

[0023] (Display unit) As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a display unit 100 is provided between the second surface 3b of the substrate 2 and the conductor 7 (described later). The display unit 100 is laminated on the lower surface of the substrate 2 via an adhesive layer (not shown). Here, the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment is considered to include a state prior to the display unit 100 being provided between the substrate 2 and the conductor 7. In other words, the display unit 100 is not an essential component of the antenna unit 1. Taking into account this state prior to the state, the display unit 100 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line) in Figures 1 and 3.

[0024] Examples of the display unit 100 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic electroluminescence (EL) display device. The thickness of the display unit 100 is, for example, 1 cm or less.

[0025] 1 and 3, the antenna unit 1 includes a conductor 7. The conductor 7 in the first embodiment is made of a metal material having electrical conductivity. The conductor 7 in the first embodiment has a reinforcing function to prevent bending of the display unit 100, or a static electricity prevention function for the display unit 100.

[0026] The conductor 7 has a plate, sheet, or foil shape. In the first embodiment, the conductor 7 has a plate shape. The thickness of the conductor 7 is, for example, 5 mm or less.

[0027] The conductor 7 is disposed at a distance from the second surface 3b of the substrate 2 in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. Here, if the wavelength of the electric field E (see FIG. 3 ) generated from the antenna 10 is defined as "λ," and it is assumed that the display unit 100 is provided between the substrate 2 and the conductor 7, the distance between the second surface 3b of the substrate 2 and the conductor 7 is set to λ / 10 mm or less. Preferably, the distance between the second surface 3b of the substrate 2 and the conductor 7 is set to 1 cm or less.

[0028] The conductor 7 overlaps the substrate 2 in a plan view (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the conductor 7 is laminated on the lower surface of the display unit 100 via an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0029] 2, the conductor 7 includes a first through hole 8a and a second through hole 8b. The first through hole 8a and the second through hole 8b are arranged at an interval in the first direction D1.

[0030] The first through-hole 8a penetrates the conductor 7 in the thickness direction (see FIG. 3). The first through-hole 8a is perpendicular to (intersects with) the reference line RL in a plan view (see FIG. 2).

[0031] The first through holes 8 a extend along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first through holes 8 a have a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the first through holes 8 a along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the first through holes 8 a along the first direction D1.

[0032] The second through-hole 8b penetrates the conductor 7 in the thickness direction (see FIG. 3). The second through-hole 8b is perpendicular to (intersects with) the reference line RL in a plan view (see FIG. 2).

[0033] The second through holes 8b extend along the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the second through holes 8b have a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the second through holes 8b along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the second through holes 8b along the first direction D1.

[0034] 1 to 3, the antenna 10 is provided on the first surface 3a of the substrate 2. The antenna 10 of the first embodiment is configured as a dipole antenna 10.

[0035] The antenna 10 has an antenna body 11. The antenna body 11 includes a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The antenna body 11 is located on a reference line RL in the planar direction of the first surface 3a (see FIG. 2).

[0036] The first end 12a is located closer to the peripheral edge of the substrate 2 than the first through-hole 8a in plan view (on the left side of the paper in FIG. 2 ). The second end 12b is located closer to the peripheral edge of the substrate 2 than the second through-hole 8b in plan view (on the right side of the paper in FIG. 2 ).

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the antenna body 11 is composed of a power supply portion 13 and antenna electrodes 14, 14.

[0038] The power supply unit 13 is located approximately in the center of the antenna body 11 in the first direction D1. The power supply unit 13 is located on the first surface 3a side of the substrate 2. A transmission wave is supplied to the power supply unit 13 from a power supply device (not shown) via a communication device.

[0039] The antenna electrode 14 has the function of generating radio waves in space or receiving radio waves from space. The antenna electrode 14 is located on the first surface 3a side of the substrate 2. The antenna electrode 14 extends along a first direction D1 (i.e., the extension direction of the reference line RL). In this embodiment, the antenna electrode 14 has a substantially rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending along the first direction D1. The end of the antenna electrode 14 located opposite the feed point corresponds to the first end 12a or the second end 12b. The length of the antenna electrode 14 in the first direction D1 is set to be half the wavelength λ of the electric field E (see FIG. 3).

[0040] 5, the antenna electrode 14 is configured by a mesh pattern 15. The mesh pattern 15 is made up of a plurality of conductive lines 20.

[0041] Each conductive line 20 is conductive. The plurality of conductive lines 20 extend obliquely relative to each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The line width of each conductive line 20 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less. The distance between adjacent conductive lines 20, 20 is, for example, 20 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0042] The mesh pattern 15 of the antenna electrode 14 is composed of a plurality of cells 16. Each cell 16 is composed of a plurality of conductive lines 20 that are electrically connected to one another. Each cell 16 has a quadrilateral shape. In this embodiment, the quadrilateral shape is a rhombus. Although not shown, the quadrilateral shape may also be a square or a rectangle.

[0043] 2 and 3, the antenna body 11 of this embodiment is provided with one overlapping region R1, a first non-overlapping region R2a, and a second non-overlapping region R2b. In order to clearly indicate the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b, predetermined dot hatching is applied to the portions corresponding to the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b, respectively.

[0044] The overlap region R1 is a region where the conductor 7 and the antenna main body 11 overlap in a plan view. Specifically, the overlap region R1 is a region where a portion of the conductor 7 located between the first through hole 8a and the second through hole 8b in the first direction D1 overlaps with the antenna main body 11. The overlap region R1 is located between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1. Note that the overlap region R1 in the first embodiment includes the power supply portion 13 and a portion of each antenna electrode 14.

[0045] The first non-overlapping region R2a does not overlap with the conductor 7 in plan view. Specifically, the first non-overlapping region R2a is a region where the antenna body 11 and the first through hole 8a of the conductor 7 overlap in plan view.

[0046] The second non-overlapping region R2b does not overlap with the conductor 7 in plan view. Specifically, the second non-overlapping region R2b is a region where the antenna body 11 and the second through hole 8b of the conductor 7 overlap in plan view.

[0047] The first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are located between the first end 12a and the second end 12b in the first direction D1 and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1.

[0048] The first non-overlapping region R2a is located near the first end 12a, and the second non-overlapping region R2b is located near the second end 12b. That is, the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are spaced apart from the center of the antenna body 11 (the portion where the power supply part 13 is located) in the first direction D1.

[0049] 2 and 3, each of the distances L2a and L2b is smaller than the distance L1. Specifically, each of the distances L2a and L2b is equal to or smaller than one-fourth of the distance L1.

[0050] Here, distance L1 corresponds to the distance in the first direction D1 between the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the antenna main body 11. Distance L2a located on the left side of the paper in Figures 2 and 3 corresponds to the distance in the first direction D1 between the first end 12a of the antenna main body 11 and the first non-overlapping region R2a. Furthermore, distance L2a located on the right side of the paper in Figures 2 and 3 corresponds to the distance in the first direction D1 between the second end 12b and the second non-overlapping region R2b.

[0051] The distance L2a and the distance L2b may be the same length or may be different lengths.

[0052] The distance L3 corresponds to the distance between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The distance L3 is set to be, for example, greater than λ / 6 mm and less than λ / 2.01 m.

[0053] (Cross-sectional structure of conductive wire) Next, a description will be given of the cross-sectional structure of the conductive wire 20. Each conductive wire 20 includes a conductive metal buried in each groove 6. As shown in Fig. 6, each conductive wire 20 is composed of an adhesion layer 21, a seed layer 22, a conductive layer 23, and a blackening layer 24.

[0054] The adhesion layer 21 is an element for ensuring adhesion of the seed layer 22 to the groove portion 6. The adhesion layer 21 is, for example, a metal layer composed of a metal nitride or metal oxide containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ni, Al, V, W, Ta, Si, Cr, Ag, Mo, Cu, and Zn. The adhesion layer 21 may be a single layer or a laminate in which multiple layers with different compositions are stacked. The adhesion layer 21 is stacked in the form of a thin film on the groove portion 6 by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering.

[0055] The seed layer 22 has a function of bonding the conductive layer 23 to the adhesion layer 21. Specifically, the seed layer 22 functions as a cathode for depositing a plating solution containing copper (Cu) or the like, which will be described later, on the adhesion layer 21 in this embodiment, during, for example, an electroplating process for forming the conductive layer 23. The seed layer 22 is deposited as a thin film on the adhesion layer 21 by, for example, vapor deposition or sputtering.

[0056] The conductive layer 23 is made of a conductive metal such as copper (Cu). The conductive layer 23 is formed, for example, by electroplating. When the electroplating is performed, the seed layer 22 and the conductive layer 23 are formed integrally. This makes it impossible to distinguish the interface between the seed layer 22 and the conductive layer 23. Note that although copper (Cu) is suitable as the main component of the plating solution used in the electroplating, metals other than copper (for example, silver or gold) may also be included.

[0057] The blackening layer 24 has the function of making the conductive wire 20 less visible when viewed from the top side of the antenna unit 1. The blackening layer 24 is laminated on the surface of the conductive layer 23. The blackening layer 24 is formed by substituting palladium for copper crystal grains located at the boundaries between copper crystal grains located on the surface of the conductive layer 23 (blackening treatment). The thickness of the blackening layer 24 is, for example, 7 nm or more and 10 nm or less.

[0058] [Operation and Effect of First Embodiment] Generally, in an electric field antenna 10 such as the antenna 10 (dipole antenna) shown in the first embodiment, the voltage value at each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b in the antenna body 11 is maximum. That is, in the antenna body 11, the electric field generated from each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b is stronger than the electric field generated near the power feed portion 13. Therefore, by increasing the radiation efficiency of the electric field generated from each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b, antenna performance is ensured.

[0059] The antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment has a configuration that takes into consideration the above-described antenna performance. Specifically, the antenna main body 11 is provided with an overlapping region R1 that overlaps with the conductor 7 in a planar view, a first non-overlapping region R2a that does not overlap with the conductor 7 in a planar view, and a second non-overlapping region R2b that does not overlap with the conductor 7 in a planar view. The overlapping region R1 is located between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 , when an electric field E generated near each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the antenna main body 11 travels toward the conductor 7 located near the antenna main body 11, the electric field E passes through the first and second through-holes 8a, 8b of the conductor 7 (i.e., the regions of the conductor 7 corresponding to the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b) toward the outside of the antenna unit 1.

[0060] In particular, in this embodiment, the first non-overlapping region R2a is located near the first end 12a, and the second non-overlapping region R2b is located near the second end 12b. That is, in the first direction D1, the first through hole 8a is close to the first end 12a of the antenna body 11, and the second through hole 8b is close to the second end 12b of the antenna body 11. Therefore, the electric field E generated near each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b easily passes through the first through hole 8a and the second through hole 8b toward the outside of the antenna unit 1.

[0061] As a result, in the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment, compared to the prior art (e.g., the antenna device of Patent Document 1), electrical shorts are less likely to occur between the conductor 7 and the first end 12a and between the conductor 7 and the second end 12b. This reduces the reduction in the electric field E between the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the antenna body 11. The antenna unit 1 also reduces the reduction in impedance in the antenna 10. Furthermore, the electric field E generated by the antenna body 11 is more likely to occur above the antenna body 11 (the opposite side of the substrate 2 from where the conductor 7 is located) (see FIG. 3 ). This also reduces the reduction in gain upward in the antenna body 11.

[0062] Therefore, the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can suppress degradation in antenna performance regardless of the presence or absence of the conductor 7. That is, the antenna unit 1 can make the antenna performance of the antenna 10 approach the antenna performance when the conductor 7 is not present.

[0063] According to the results of a simulation using a predetermined electromagnetic field simulation (when the operating frequency was set to 2.5 GHz), it was confirmed that in a configuration different from that of the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure (i.e., an antenna unit (not shown) including a conductor without through holes corresponding to the first through hole 8 a and the second through hole 8 b), the radio wave radiation from the antenna was −6.0 dBi and the impedance was approximately 4 Ω (lower impedance). In contrast, in the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment, it was confirmed that the radio wave radiation from the antenna 10 increased to +0.29 dBi and the impedance increased to approximately 10 Ω. Furthermore, according to the above simulation results, it was confirmed that the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment exhibited antenna characteristics such that the electric field E generated from the antenna 10 (antenna main body 11) was generated above the antenna main body 11 from the left side of the drawing to the right side of the drawing in FIG. 3 .

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are located between the first end 12a and the second end 12b. In the first direction D1, the distance L2a between the first end 12a and the first non-overlapping region R2a is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance L1 between the first end 12a and the second end 12b. This allows the first non-overlapping region R2a to be located near the first end 12a in the first direction D1, regardless of the length of the antenna body 11. In addition, the distance L2b between the second end 12b and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1 is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance L1. This allows the second non-overlapping region R2b to be located near the second end 12b in the first direction D1, regardless of the length of the antenna body 11. As a result, as described above, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, the first through hole 8a extends along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the first through hole 8a along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the first through hole 8a along the first direction D1. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4 , in a cross section of the antenna unit 1 cut along the second direction D2, the electric field E generated downward from near the first end 12a of the antenna body 11 easily passes through the first through hole 8a configured as described above. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from near the first end 12a can be further improved.

[0066] The second through hole 8a also extends along the second direction D2. The length of the second through hole 8b along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the second through hole 8b along the first direction D1. This configuration makes it easier for the electric field E generated downward from near the second end 12b of the antenna body 11 to pass through the second through hole 8b. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from near the second end 12b can be further improved.

[0067] The antenna unit 1 also includes a display unit 100. The display unit 100 is provided between the transparent substrate 2 and the conductor 7. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of antenna performance in the antenna unit 1, and also to properly obtain the display function provided by the display unit 100.

[0068] [Modification of the First Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the conductor 7 includes the first through hole 8 a and the second through hole 8 b, but this is not limiting. For example, as in the modification shown in Figures 7 and 8, the conductor 7 may further include a third through hole 9 a and a fourth through hole 9 b.

[0069] 7 and 8 , the third through hole 9 a penetrates the conductor 7 in the thickness direction. The third through hole 9 a is perpendicular to (intersects with) the reference line RL in plan view. The third through hole 9 a has a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0070] The third through hole 9 a is located on the opposite side of the first through hole 8 a from the second through hole 8 b (the left side of the paper in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The third through hole 9 a is also spaced apart from the first end 12 a in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0071] The fourth through hole 9b penetrates the conductor 7 in the thickness direction. The fourth through hole 9b is perpendicular to (intersects with) the reference line RL in plan view. The fourth through hole 9b has a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0072] The fourth through hole 9b is located on the opposite side of the second through hole 8b from the first through hole 8a (to the right side in the pages of FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The fourth through hole 9b is spaced apart from the second end 12b in the first direction D1.

[0073] In this modification, the first end 12 a of the antenna body 11 is located between the first through hole 8 a and the third through hole 9 a in a plan view, so that the electric field E generated downward from the vicinity of the first end 12 a passes through both the first through hole 8 a and the third through hole 9 a.

[0074] In addition, the second end 12b of the antenna body 11 is located between the second through hole 8b and the fourth through hole 9b in a plan view, so that the electric field E generated downward from the vicinity of the second end 12b passes through both the second through hole 8b and the fourth through hole 9b.

[0075] In this manner, in this modified example, the number of paths of the electric field E directed downward increases compared to the first embodiment, and as a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b can be further improved.

[0076] The third through hole 9a extends along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The length of the third through hole 9a along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the third through hole 9a along the first direction D1. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated downward from near the first end 12a of the antenna body 11 to pass through the third through hole 9a. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from near the first end 12a can be improved.

[0077] The fourth through hole 9b also extends along the second direction D2. The length of the fourth through hole 9b along the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the fourth through hole 9b along the first direction D1. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated downward from near the second end 12b of the antenna body 11 to pass through the fourth through hole 9b. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from near the second end 12b can be improved.

[0078] As a further modification of the second embodiment, the length of the third through hole 9 a in the second direction D2 may be the same as the length of the third through hole 9 a in the second direction D2 or may be different from the length of the fourth through hole 9 b in the second direction D2. Similarly, the length of the fourth through hole 9 b in the second direction D2 may be the same as the length of the fourth through hole 9 b in the second direction D2 or may be different from the length of the fourth through hole 9 b in the second direction D2.

[0079] 7 and 8 show the third through hole 9 a and the fourth through hole 9 b having the same shape and size as the first through hole 8 a and the second through hole 8 b, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the third through hole 9 a and the fourth through hole 9 b may have a different shape and size from the first through hole 8 a and the second through hole 8 b.

[0080] Second Embodiment Next, as a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch sensor 30 including an antenna 10 will be described. Note that in the following description, the same components as those in the antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the components illustrated in FIGS.

[0081] 9 shows the entire touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch sensor 30 is a capacitance-type sensor-type input device. The touch sensor 30 is used as an input device for, for example, in-vehicle devices such as car navigation systems, display devices for personal computers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, portable game machines, copy machines, ticket machines, automated teller machines, watches, and the like.

[0082] In the following description, the side on which an operation surface 33 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) of a cover member 31, which will be described later, is located will be referred to as the “upper side” of the touch sensor 30, and the opposite side will be referred to as the “lower side” of the touch sensor 30, and the positional relationship of the elements that make up the touch sensor 301 will be defined accordingly. Note that this positional relationship is unrelated to the orientation of the touch sensor 30 or a product to which the touch sensor 30 is applied during actual use.

[0083] Also, in the second embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the direction from the bottom to the top of the paper in Figure 11 is defined as the "first direction D1," while the direction from the left to the right of the paper in Figure 11 is defined as the "second direction D2."

[0084] The touch sensor 30 including the antenna 10 is applicable to devices that perform communication at frequencies between 3 GHz and 5 GHz. The communication frequency of the antenna electrode 14, which will be described later, is a predetermined frequency band, for example, between 0.5 GHz and 30 GHz. Specifically, the communication frequency of the antenna electrode 14 is the 700 MHz band, 800 MHz band, or 900 MHz band, the 1.5 GHz band, the 1.7 GHz band, the 2 GHz band, the 2.5 GHz band, the 3.4 GHz band or the 3.5 GHz band, the 3.7 GHz band or the 4.5 GHz band, the 5.0 GHz band, the 6.0 GHz band, or the 28 GHz band, etc.

[0085] 11 , the touch sensor 30 is provided with an active area A and a non-active area A. The active area A has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The non-active area B has a rectangular frame shape. The non-active area B surrounds the periphery of the active area A in a plan view.

[0086] 9 and 10 , the touch sensor 30 includes a light-transmitting cover member 31. The cover member 31 is made of, for example, a cover glass or a plastic cover lens. The cover member 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate in a plan view. The cover member 31 is fixed to the second layer 5 of the substrate 2 (see FIG. 13 ).

[0087] A substantially frame-shaped decorative portion 32 is formed on the periphery of the underside of the cover member 31 using a dark color such as black, for example, by screen printing. The rectangular area inside this decorative portion 32 serves as a light-transmitting view area. That is, the user can obtain visual information from a display disposed below the touch sensor 30 through this view area. The upper surface of the cover member 31 in the view area serves as an operation surface 33 that the user's fingers come into contact with during a touch operation.

[0088] (Substrate) As shown in Fig. 10 , the touch sensor 30 includes one substrate 2. As shown in Fig. 13 , the substrate 2 has a first layer 4 and second layers 5, 5. In the substrate 2 of the second embodiment, the second layers 5, 5 are located on both the first surface 3a side and the second surface 3b side of the substrate 2. Each second layer 5 has a plurality of grooves 6. Note that the other configuration of the substrate 2 is similar to that of the substrate 2 exemplified in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description of the substrate 2 will be omitted.

[0089] 10 , the touch sensor 30 includes an adhesive layer 34. The adhesive layer 34 is laminated between the cover member 31 and the substrate 2. The adhesive layer 34 is an optically transparent adhesive (OCA: Optical Clear Adhesive). The thickness of the adhesive layer 34 is, for example, 25 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

[0090] 9, the touch sensor 30 is provided with a flexible wiring board 35. The flexible wiring board 35 is configured to be flexible and to maintain its electrical characteristics even when deformed. The flexible wiring board 35 is made of a flexible insulating film such as PI (polyimide), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate).

[0091] (Sensor Electrodes) The touch sensor 30 includes a plurality of capacitance-type sensor electrodes. As shown in Fig. 11 , the plurality of sensor electrodes are configured of a plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and a plurality of receiving electrodes 42. Note that in Fig. 11 , for convenience of illustration, the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are indicated by predetermined dot hatching in order to clearly indicate the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 42.

[0092] The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are arranged at positions on the substrate 2 corresponding to the active area A (see FIG. 11 ). The touch sensor 30 is capable of detecting a touch operation by a user's finger (detection target) that touches the operation surface 33 through the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 located in the active area A.

[0093] Each transmitting electrode 41 is connected to a drive circuit of an IC device (not shown) via a flexible wiring board 35. Each transmitting electrode 41 is configured to radiate an electric field to the surroundings by the drive circuit. A predetermined pulse potential for radiating the electric field is applied to the multiple transmitting electrodes 41.

[0094] Each receiving electrode 42 is connected to a detection circuit of an IC device (not shown) via the flexible wiring board 35. Each receiving electrode 42 is configured to detect an electric field radiated from each transmitting electrode 41. A predetermined potential is constantly applied to the multiple receiving electrodes 42 in order to detect the electric field radiated from the multiple transmitting electrodes 41.

[0095] 11 , the transmitting electrodes 41 and the receiving electrodes 42 intersect (are orthogonal to) each other in a plan view. A node is formed in the area where each transmitting electrode 41 and each receiving electrode 42 overlap. The node is configured as an area where capacitance can be generated.

[0096] The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 are provided on the second surface 3b of the substrate 2. Each transmitting electrode 41 extends along the long side direction (second direction D2) of the substrate 2. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 are arranged at intervals from one another in the short side direction (first direction D1) of the substrate 2.

[0097] The plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are provided on the first surface 3 a of the substrate 2. That is, the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are located on the visible side of the touch sensor 30 (the side on which the operation surface 33 of the cover member 31 is located) on the substrate 2. The plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are insulated from the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 via the substrate 2.

[0098] Each receiving electrode 42 extends along the short side direction (first direction D1) of the substrate 2. The multiple receiving electrodes 42 are arranged at intervals from one another in the long side direction (second direction D2) of the substrate 2. Furthermore, each receiving electrode 42 is arranged at an interval from the antenna electrode 14.

[0099] The sensor electrode is configured with a mesh pattern (not shown). The mesh pattern of the sensor electrode has a configuration similar to the mesh pattern 15 of the antenna electrode 14 shown in the first embodiment. The mesh pattern that configures the transmitting electrode 41 and the mesh pattern that configures the receiving electrode 42 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the touch sensor 30 (i.e., the thickness direction of the substrate 2).

[0100] In the second embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the transmitting electrode 41 that overlaps with the antenna body 11 (antenna electrode 14) in a plan view is referred to as a "first electrode" (reference numeral 81 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). The receiving electrode 42 that overlaps with the first electrode 81 in a plan view is referred to as a "second electrode" (reference numeral 82 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). Furthermore, the transmitting electrode 41 that extends in the second direction D1 and is spaced apart from the first electrode 81 is referred to as a "third electrode" (reference numeral 83 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0101] In the second embodiment, the first electrode 81 is located below the second electrode 82 (see FIG. 13). That is, the second electrode 82 is located above the first electrode 81. The third electrode 83 is spaced apart from the ends (the first end 12a and the second end 12b) of the antenna body 11 in the first direction D1 (see FIG. 12).

[0102] (Wiring Section) The touch sensor 30 includes a plurality of wiring sections. The wiring sections are elements for electrically connecting the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 to an IC device (not shown) (mainly the drive circuit and detection circuit described above). Each wiring section is made of a conductive wire 20.

[0103] 11 , the plurality of wiring portions are configured by a plurality of first wiring portions 43 and a plurality of second wiring portions 44. The plurality of first wiring portions 43 and the plurality of second wiring portions 44 are located in the inactive area A.

[0104] The plurality of first wiring portions 43 and the plurality of second wiring portions 44 overlap with the decorative portion 32 (see FIG. 10 ) in a plan view seen from the operation surface 33 side. That is, the plurality of first wiring portions 43 and the plurality of second wiring portions 44 are prevented from being seen from the operation surface 33 side by the decorative portion 32.

[0105] The plurality of first wiring portions 43 are located on the second surface 3b (see FIG. 10 ) of the substrate 2. Each first wiring portion 43 is electrically connected to a corresponding transmitting electrode 41. One end of each first wiring portion 43 is electrically connected to an end of each transmitting electrode 41 located on the left side of the paper surface of FIG.

[0106] The plurality of second wiring portions 44 are located on the first surface 3 a (see FIG. 10 ) of the substrate 2. Each second wiring portion 44 is electrically connected to a corresponding receiving electrode 42. One end of each second wiring portion 44 is electrically connected to an end of the corresponding receiving electrode 42 that is located on the lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 11 .

[0107] 11, a pad 45 is provided at the other end of each wiring portion for electrical connection to the flexible wiring board 35. Each pad 45 is made of a conductive wire similar to the conductive wire 20.

[0108] 11 to 13, the antenna unit 1 includes an antenna 10. The antenna 10 of the second embodiment is provided on the first surface 3a of the substrate 2 (see FIG. 13). The antenna 10 of the second embodiment is also located above the second electrode 82 (see FIG. 13).

[0109] Similar to the first embodiment, the antenna 10 of the second embodiment has an antenna body 11. The antenna body 11 includes a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The first end 12a is located in a first non-overlapping region R2a. The second end 12b is located in a second non-overlapping region R2b.

[0110] The antenna body 11 of the second embodiment is located on a reference line RL extending along the first direction D1 (see FIG. 12 ). The antenna body 11 of the second embodiment is also disposed at a distance from the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in the thickness direction of the substrate 2 (see FIG. 13 ).

[0111] The basic configuration of the antenna 10 in the second embodiment is the same as the basic configuration of the antenna 10 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, detailed description of the basic configuration of the antenna 10 will be omitted.

[0112] 12 and 13, the antenna body 11 of the second embodiment is provided with two overlapping regions R1, R1, a first non-overlapping region R2a, and a second non-overlapping region R2b. In order to clearly indicate the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b, predetermined dot hatching is applied to the portions corresponding to the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b, respectively.

[0113] The overlapping region R1 is a region where the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) and the antenna main body 11 overlap in a planar view. Specifically, in the overlapping region R1 of the second embodiment, a part of the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) overlaps a part of the antenna main body 11 (a part of the antenna electrode 14) in a planar view. The overlapping region R1 is located between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1.

[0114] 12 and 13 does not include the power supply portion 13, but includes only a portion of each antenna electrode 14. Although not shown, the power supply portion 13 may also be included in the overlapping region R1.

[0115] The first non-overlapping region R2a does not overlap with the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in a plan view. The first non-overlapping region R2a in the second embodiment includes a position corresponding to the first end 12a.

[0116] The first non-overlapping region R2a is located between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83. Specifically, the first non-overlapping region R2a is located between the overlapping region R1 located on the lower side of the paper surface of Fig. 12 and the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 83) facing the first end 12a in the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0117] The second non-overlapping region R2b does not overlap with the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in a plan view. The second non-overlapping region R2b in the second embodiment includes a position corresponding to the second end 12b.

[0118] The second non-overlapping region R2b is located between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83. Specifically, the second non-overlapping region R2b is located between the overlapping region R1 located on the upper side of the paper surface of Fig. 12 and the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 83) facing the second end 12b in the first direction D1.

[0119] The first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are located between the first end 12a and the second end 12b and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1.

[0120] The first non-overlapping region R2a is spaced apart from the center of the antenna body 11 (the portion where the power supply unit 13 is located) in the first direction D1. That is, the first non-overlapping region R2a is located on the first end portion 12a side in the first direction D1. The second non-overlapping region R2b is spaced apart from the center of the antenna body 11 in the first direction D1. That is, the second non-overlapping region R2b is located on the second end portion 12b side in the first direction D1. The overlapping regions R1, R1 are located between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1.

[0121] 12 and 13, each of the distances L2a and L2b is smaller than the distance L1. Specifically, each of the distances L2a and L2b is set to be equal to or smaller than one-fourth of the distance L1.

[0122] Here, distance L1 corresponds to the distance between the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the antenna main body 11 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, distance L2a shown on the lower side of the paper in Figures 12 and 13 corresponds to the distance between the first end 12a of the antenna main body 11 and the first non-overlapping region R2a (specifically, the position corresponding to the boundary between the overlapping region R1 and the first non-overlapping region R2a) in the first direction D1. Distance L2b shown on the upper side of the paper in Figures 12 and 13 corresponds to the distance between the second end 12b of the antenna main body 11 and the second non-overlapping region R2b (specifically, the position corresponding to the boundary between the overlapping region R1 and the second non-overlapping region R2b) in the first direction D1.

[0123] The distance L2a and the distance L2b may be the same length or may be different lengths.

[0124] [Operation and Effect of Second Embodiment] As described above, in the touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment, the antenna main body 11 is provided with an overlapping region R1 that overlaps with the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in a planar view, a first non-overlapping region R2a that does not overlap with the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in a planar view, and a second non-overlapping region R2b that does not overlap with the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) in a planar view. The overlapping region R1 is located between the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b in the first direction D1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 , when an electric field E generated from each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the antenna main body 11 travels toward the transmitting electrode 41 located below the antenna main body 11, the electric field E passes from a region where the transmitting electrode 41 is not located (between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83 on the substrate 2) toward the outside of the antenna unit 1.

[0125] As a result, in the touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment, compared to the prior art (e.g., the antenna device of Patent Document 1), electrical shorts are less likely to occur between the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81 or third electrode 83) and each of the first end 12a and second end 12b of the antenna body 11. This reduces the reduction in the electric field between the first end 12a and second end 12b of the antenna body 11. This also reduces the reduction in impedance in the antenna 10. Furthermore, an electric field E generated from the antenna body 11 is more likely to occur above the antenna body 11 (in the opposite direction to the side of the substrate 2 where the transmitting electrode 41 is located) (see FIG. 13 ). This also reduces the reduction in gain upward in the antenna body 11.

[0126] Therefore, in the touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in antenna performance regardless of the presence or absence of the transmitting electrode 41. That is, in the antenna unit 1, it is possible to make the antenna performance of the antenna 10 approach the antenna performance when the transmitting electrode 41 is not present.

[0127] The antenna body 11 also includes a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are located between the first end 12a and the second end 12b. In the first direction D1, the distance L2a between the first end 12a and the first non-overlapping region R2a is equal to or less than one-fourth the distance L1 between the first end 12a and the second end 12b, and the distance L2b between the second end 12b and the second non-overlapping region R2b is equal to or less than one-fourth the distance L1. With this configuration, regardless of the length of the antenna body 11, the first non-overlapping region R2a and the second non-overlapping region R2b are located on the first end 12a side and the second end 12b side, respectively, in the first direction D1. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated from the first end 12a and the second end 12b to pass from the region where the transmitting electrode 41 is not located (between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83 of the substrate 2) to the outside of the antenna unit 1. As a result, as described above, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from the first end 12a and the second end 12b can be improved.

[0128] The touch sensor 30 also includes a third electrode 83 extending in the second direction D1 and spaced apart from the first electrode 81. The first end 12a is located in a first non-overlapping region R2a. The first non-overlapping region R2a is located between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83. This simple arrangement facilitates the electric field E generated from the first end 12a to pass from a region where the transmitting electrode 41 is not located (between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83, located below the paper surfaces of FIGS. 12 and 13 ) toward the outside of the antenna unit 1. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field generated from the first end 12a can be improved.

[0129] Similarly to the first non-overlapping region R2a, the second non-overlapping region R2b is also located between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated from the second end 12b to pass from the region where the transmitting electrode 41 is not located (between the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83, which is located on the upper side of the paper in FIGS. 12 and 13 ) toward the outside of the antenna unit 1. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field generated from the second end 12b can be improved.

[0130] Furthermore, the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 (plurality of second electrodes) and the antenna 10 are both located on the side where the first surface 3a of the substrate 2 is located. That is, in the second embodiment, the plurality of receiving electrodes 42 (plurality of second electrodes) and the antenna 10 are located on the upper surface side of the substrate 2. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated from the antenna main body 11 to be directed upwards of the touch sensor 30. As a result, it is possible to optimize the antenna performance.

[0131] 14 and 15 , in Modification 1 of the second embodiment, a first electrode 81 includes a first non-conductive portion 51 and a second non-conductive portion 52. Note that, for simplicity of illustration, dimensions L1 to L3 shown in the second embodiment are omitted in FIGS.

[0132] (First Non-Conductive Portion) The first non-conductive portion 51 is a portion where the conductive material constituting the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) is missing. The conductive metal of the conductive wire 20 constituting the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) is not embedded in the groove portion 6 of the substrate 2 at a position corresponding to the first non-conductive portion 51. As a result, the first non-conductive portion 51 is electrically non-conductive with the conductive wire 20 constituting the transmitting electrode 41.

[0133] The first non-conductive portion 51 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the first non-conductive portion 51 in the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the first non-conductive portion 51 in the first direction D1.

[0134] The first non-conductive portion 51 is orthogonal to (intersects with) the reference line RL in plan view. That is, the first non-conductive portion 51 extends along the second direction D2. The first non-conductive portion 51 overlaps with the first non-overlapping region R2a in plan view.

[0135] The first non-conductive portion 51 located on the first end 12 a side and the first non-conductive portion 51 located on the second end 12 b side are spaced apart in the first direction D1. The first non-conductive portions 51, 51 are located between the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the first end 12 a side and the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the second end 12 b side in the first direction D1.

[0136] (Second Non-Conductive Portion) The second non-conductive portion 52 is a portion where the conductive material constituting the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) is missing. The conductive metal of the conductive wire 20 constituting the transmitting electrode 41 (first electrode 81) is not embedded in the groove portion 6 of the substrate 2 at a position corresponding to the second non-conductive portion 52. As a result, the second non-conductive portion 52 is electrically non-conductive with the conductive wire 20 constituting the transmitting electrode 41.

[0137] The second non-conductive portion 52 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The length of the second non-conductive portion 52 in the second direction D2 is greater than the length of the second non-conductive portion 52 in the first direction D1.

[0138] The second non-conductive portion 52 is perpendicular to (intersects) the reference line RL in plan view. That is, the second non-conductive portion 52 extends along the second direction D2. The second non-conductive portion 52 does not overlap with the first non-overlapping region R2a in plan view.

[0139] The second non-conductive portion 52 located on the first end 12a side and the second non-conductive portion 52 located on the second end 12b side are spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1.

[0140] The second non-conductive portion 52 located on the first end 12 a side is spaced apart from the first non-conductive portion 51 located on the first end 12 a side in the first direction D1. The second non-conductive portion 52 located on the second end 12 b side is spaced apart from the first non-conductive portion 51 located on the second end 12 b side in the first direction D1.

[0141] The second non-conductive portion 52 located on the first end 12 a side is disposed at a distance from the first end 12 a in the first direction D1. The first end 12 a is located between the first non-conductive portion 51 and the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the lower side of the paper in FIG. 14 in a plan view.

[0142] The second non-conductive portion 52 located on the second end 12b side is disposed at a distance from the second end 12b in the first direction D1. The second end 12b is located between the first non-conductive portion 51 and the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the upper side of the paper in FIG. 14 in a plan view.

[0143] [Effects of Modification 1] As described above, in Modification 1 of the second embodiment, the first non-conductive portion 51 intersects the reference line RL and overlaps with the first non-overlapping region R2a in a plan view. This makes it easier for the electric field E generated downward from the vicinity of each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b to pass from the first non-conductive portion 51 (i.e., the portion where the conductive material constituting the first electrode 81 is missing) to the outside of the antenna unit 1. As a result, similar to the second embodiment, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from each of the first end 12a and the second end 12b can be improved.

[0144] Furthermore, in this modification, the first end 12a (or the second end 12b) is located between the first non-conductive portion 51 and the second non-conductive portion 52 in a plan view. This allows the electric field E generated downward from near the first end 12a (or the second end 12b) to pass through both the first non-conductive portion 51 and the second non-conductive portion 52. In other words, the number of paths for the electric field to flow downward is increased. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from the first end 12a (or the second end 12b) can be further improved.

[0145] Furthermore, the length of the first non-conductive portion 51 along the second direction D2 is greater than its length along the first direction D1. With this configuration, in a cross section (not shown) of the substrate 2 cut along the second direction D2, the electric field E generated downward from the vicinity of each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b easily passes through the first non-conductive portion 51. As a result, the radiation efficiency of the electric field E generated from each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b can be further improved. The second non-conductive portion 52 can also achieve the same effects as those achieved by the first non-conductive portion 51.

[0146] [Modification 2 of Second Embodiment] Figure 16 shows a touch sensor 30 according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. Modification 2 is a configuration in which the display unit 100 shown in the first embodiment and the conductor 7 (see Figures 7 and 8) shown in Modification 1 of the first embodiment are provided in the touch sensor 30 according to Modification 1 (see Figures 4 and 15). Note that, for simplicity of illustration, dimensions L1 to L3 shown in the second embodiment are omitted in Figure 16.

[0147] The conductor 7 is disposed at a distance from the substrate 2 in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. The distance between the substrate 2 and the conductor 7 is 1 cm or less. The conductor 7 overlaps the substrate 2 in a plan view. Note that the configuration of the conductor 7 is the same as that described in the first modification of the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description of the specific configuration of the conductor 7 will be omitted.

[0148] The first through-hole 8a located on the first end 12a side of the conductor 7 overlaps with the first non-conductive portion 51 of the first electrode 81 located on the first end 12a side. In other words, the first through-hole 8a located on the first end 12a side of the conductor 7 overlaps with the first non-overlapping region R2a located on the first end 12a side.

[0149] The third through-hole 9a located on the first end 12a side of the conductor 7 overlaps with the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the first end 12a side.

[0150] The second through-hole 8b located on the second end 12b side of the conductor 7 overlaps with the first non-conductive portion 51 of the first electrode 81 located on the second end 12b side. In other words, the second through-hole 8b located on the second end 12b side of the conductor 7 overlaps with the second non-overlapping region R2b located on the second end 12b side.

[0151] The fourth through-hole 9b of the conductor 7 located on the second end 12b side overlaps with the second non-conductive portion 52 of the first electrode 81 located on the second end 12b side.

[0152] In the touch sensor 30 according to the second modification of the second embodiment, the overlapping region R1 of the antenna body 11 overlaps with the conductor 7 in a planar view. The first non-overlapping region R2a of the antenna body 11 does not overlap with the conductor 7 in a planar view. Furthermore, the second non-overlapping region R2b of the antenna body 11 does not overlap with the conductor 7 in a planar view. Even with the touch sensor 30 according to the second modification, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0153] [Third Modification of Second Embodiment] As in a third modification shown in Fig. 17, the configuration according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 12 may be combined with the configuration according to the first modification of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 14. Even with such a combined configuration, it is possible to increase the radiation efficiency of the electric field generated from each of the first end 12 a and the second end 12 b.

[0154] [Modifications 4 to 6 of the Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment and modifications 1 to 3 of the second embodiment, the touch sensor 30 includes one substrate 2, but this is not limiting. For example, as in modifications 4 to 6 (see FIGS. 18 to 20), the touch sensor 30 may include two substrates 2. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the electric field E and dimensions L1 to L3 are omitted from FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0155] 18 to 20 , in Modifications 4 to 6, the substrate 2 includes a first substrate 61 and a second substrate 62. The first substrate 61 is located on the upper side in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. The second substrate 62 is located on the lower side in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. The first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 are laminated to each other with an adhesive layer 34.

[0156] Similar to the second embodiment, the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 have a first layer 4 and a second layer 5. Note that the first substrate 61 shown in Modifications 4 and 5 has the second layer 5 only on the upper side. The second substrate 62 shown in Modification 6 has the second layer 5 only on the lower side.

[0157] 18 , the first substrate 61 has a first layer 63 and a second layer 64a. The second layer 64a is located above the first layer 63. The second substrate 62 has a first layer 65 and second layers 66a and 66b. The second layer 66a is located above the first layer 65. The second layer 66b is located below the first layer 65.

[0158] The antenna 10 is located on the second layer 64a of the first substrate 61. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 are located on the second layer 66b of the second substrate 62. The plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are located on the second layer 66a of the second substrate 62. In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 18 , the second electrode 82 is located above the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83.

[0159] In the fourth modification, the antenna 10 is located above the second electrode 82. This makes it easier for the electric field generated from the antenna main body 11 to be directed above the touch sensor 30. As a result, the antenna performance can be optimized.

[0160] 19, a first substrate 61 has a first layer 63 and a second layer 64a. A second substrate 62 has a first layer 65 and second layers 66a and 66b.

[0161] The antenna 10 is located on the second layer 66a of the second substrate 62. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 are located on the second layer 66b of the second substrate 62. The plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are located on the second layer 64a of the first substrate 61. That is, in the fifth modification, the antenna 10 is located between the first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82 in the thickness direction of the substrate 2. This makes it possible to ensure antenna performance while preventing the sensor function of the touch sensor 30 from being impaired.

[0162] 20 , a first substrate 61 has a first layer 63 and second layers 64 a and 64 b. The second layer 64 b is located below the first layer 63. In addition, a second substrate 62 has a first layer 65 and a second layer 66 b.

[0163] The antenna 10 is located on the second layer 66b of the second substrate 62. The plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 are located on the second layer 64b of the first substrate 61. The plurality of receiving electrodes 42 are located on the second layer 64a of the first substrate 61. In the sixth modification shown in FIG. 20 , the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83 are located below the second electrode 82.

[0164] In the sixth modification, the antenna 10 is positioned below the first electrode 81. This makes it easier for the electric field generated from the antenna body 11 to be directed downwards toward the touch sensor 30. That is, in the sixth modification, it is possible to set the position on the side where the antenna performance is exerted on the opposite side from the position on the side where the sensor function of the touch sensor 30 is exerted. As a result, the configuration according to the sixth modification has the advantage that it is easier to achieve both the sensor function and the antenna performance.

[0165] [Other Embodiments] In the first embodiment, one overlapping region R1 is provided in the antenna body 11, but this is not limiting. Although not shown, multiple overlapping regions R1 may be provided in the antenna body 11.

[0166] The antenna unit 1 according to the first embodiment has been described with respect to a configuration including the antenna 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) configured as a standard dipole antenna 10, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the antenna 10 may be configured as a dual-band dipole antenna 10 (see FIG. 21 ) or a triple-band dipole antenna 10 (see FIG. 22 ). The antennas 10 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 each have a plurality of branch portions 70 formed integrally with the antenna body 11 and branching from the middle of the antenna body 11. The antenna 10 shown in the first embodiment may also be configured as a bow-tie antenna 10 shown in FIG. 23 .

[0167] Although the touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment has been described with the antenna 10 (see FIG. 12) configured as a standard dipole antenna 10, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the antenna 10 may be configured as a so-called patch antenna 10 (see FIG. 24). The antenna main body 11 shown in FIG. 24 includes an extension portion 71. The end of the extension portion 71 located opposite the power supply portion 13 is configured as a first end portion 12a (or a second end portion 12b). The extension portion 71 has a relatively large length in the second direction D2.

[0168] In the first embodiment, the antenna unit 1 includes one antenna 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the antenna unit 1 may include multiple antennas 10. Similarly, the touch sensor 30 according to the second embodiment may also include multiple antennas 10.

[0169] In the first and second embodiments, the reference line RL is shown extending linearly along the first direction D1, but the reference line RL does not necessarily have to extend linearly (for example, it may be zigzag).

[0170] In the second embodiment, a rectangular active area A is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The active area A may have a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0171] In the second embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of first wiring portions 43 are provided on the second surface 3b of the substrate 2, while the plurality of receiving electrodes 42, the plurality of second wiring portions 44, and the antenna 10 are provided on the first surface 3a of the substrate 2. However, this is not limiting. For example, although not shown, the plurality of transmitting electrodes 41 and the plurality of first wiring portions 43 may be provided on the first surface 3a, while the plurality of receiving electrodes 42, the plurality of second wiring portions 44, and the antenna 10 may be provided on the second surface 3b.

[0172] In the second embodiment, the touch sensor 30 is shown in a state in which the cover member 31 and the flexible wiring board 35 are attached to the substrate 2, but this is not limiting. That is, the concept of the touch sensor 30 includes a state before the cover member 31, the flexible wiring board 35, and the like are attached to the substrate 2. Furthermore, the concept of the touch sensor 30 also includes a configuration in which the above-described plurality of transmitting electrodes 41, the plurality of receiving electrodes 42, the plurality of first wiring portions 43, the plurality of second wiring portions 44, the plurality of pads 45, and the antenna 10 are formed on a long base material (for example, a long hoop-shaped member not shown) in a state before the substrates 2 are individually formed.

[0173] The present disclosure is industrially applicable to an antenna unit and a touch sensor.

[0174] 1: Antenna unit 2: Substrate 3a: First surface 3b: Second surface 4, 63, 65: First layer 5, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b: Second layer 6: Groove portion 7: Conductor 8a: First through hole 8b: Second through hole 9a: Third through hole 9b: Fourth through hole 10: Antenna 11: Antenna body 12a: First end 12b: Second end 13: Power supply portion 14: Antenna electrode 15: Mesh pattern 16: Cell 20: Conductive wire 21: Adhesion layer 22: Seed layer 23: Conductive layer 24: Blackening layer 30: Touch sensor 31: Cover member 32: Decorative portion 33: Operation surface 34: Adhesive layer 35: Flexible wiring board 41: Transmitting electrode 42: Receiving electrode 43: First wiring portion 44: Second wiring portion 45: Pad 51: First non-conductive portion 52: Second non-conductive portion 61: First substrate 62: Second substrate 70: Branch portion 71: Extension portion 81: First electrode 82: Second electrode 83: Third electrode 100: Display portion D1: First direction D2: Second direction RL: Reference line A: Active area B: Inactive area R1: Overlapping region R2: Non-overlapping region

Claims

1. An antenna unit comprising: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface; an antenna provided on the first surface of the substrate; and a conductor arranged at a distance of 1 cm or less from the second surface in the thickness direction of the substrate and overlapping with the substrate in a planar view, wherein the antenna has an antenna body located on a reference line extending along a first direction in the planar direction of the first surface, and the antenna body is provided with an overlapping region overlapping with the conductor in a planar view, a first non-overlapping region not overlapping with the conductor in a planar view, and a second non-overlapping region not overlapping with the conductor in a planar view, and the overlapping region is located between the first non-overlapping region and the second non-overlapping region in the first direction.

2. An antenna unit as described in claim 1, wherein the antenna body further includes a first end and a second end, the first non-overlapping region and the second non-overlapping region are located between the first end and the second end, the distance between the first end and the first non-overlapping region in the first direction is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance between the first end and the second end, and the distance between the second end and the second non-overlapping region in the first direction is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance between the first end and the second end.

3. An antenna unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductor includes a first through hole that penetrates the conductor in a thickness direction and intersects the reference line in a planar view, and a second through hole that penetrates the conductor in a thickness direction and intersects the reference line in a planar view, the first through hole overlaps with the non-overlapping region in a planar view, and the second through hole overlaps with the second non-overlapping region in a planar view.

4. An antenna unit as described in claim 3, wherein the first through hole extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second through hole extends along the second direction, the length of the first through hole along the second direction is greater than the length of the first through hole along the first direction, and the length of the second through hole along the second direction is greater than the length of the second through hole along the first direction.

5. An antenna unit as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the conductor further includes a third through hole penetrating the conductor in a thickness direction and intersecting the reference line in a planar view, and a fourth through hole penetrating the conductor in a thickness direction and intersecting the reference line in a planar view, the third through hole being located on the opposite side of the first through hole to the second through hole, the fourth through hole being located on the opposite side of the second through hole to the first through hole, the first end being located between the first through hole and the third through hole in a planar view, and the second end being located between the second through hole and the fourth through hole in a planar view.

6. An antenna unit as described in claim 5, wherein the third through hole extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the fourth through hole extends along the second direction, the length of the third through hole along the second direction is greater than the length of the third through hole along the first direction, and the length of the fourth through hole along the second direction is greater than the length of the fourth through hole along the first direction.

7. A touch sensor comprising: a substrate; an antenna provided on the substrate and having an antenna body located on a reference line extending along a first direction; a first electrode provided on the substrate, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and partially overlapping with the antenna body in a planar view; and a second electrode provided on the substrate and extending in the first direction, wherein the antenna body is disposed at a distance from the first electrode in a thickness direction of the substrate, the antenna body partially overlaps with the first electrode in a planar view, and the antenna body is provided with an overlapping region overlapping with the first electrode in a planar view, a first non-overlapping region not overlapping with the first electrode in a planar view, and a second non-overlapping region not overlapping with the first electrode in a planar view, and the overlapping region is located between the first non-overlapping region and the second non-overlapping region in the first direction.

8. A touch sensor as described in claim 7, wherein the antenna body further includes a first end and a second end, the first non-overlapping region and the second non-overlapping region are located between the first end and the second end, the distance between the first end and the first non-overlapping region in the first direction is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance between the first end and the second end, and the distance between the second end and the second non-overlapping region in the first direction is equal to or less than one-fourth of the distance between the first end and the second end.

9. A touch sensor as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further comprising a third electrode extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first electrode, the first end being located in the first non-overlapping region, and the first non-overlapping region being located between the first electrode and the third electrode.

10. A touch sensor as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the first electrode includes a first non-conductive portion in which conductive material constituting the first electrode is missing, and the first non-conductive portion intersects the reference line in a planar view and overlaps with the first non-overlapping region.

11. A touch sensor as described in claim 10, wherein the first electrode further includes a second non-conductive portion in which conductive material constituting the first electrode is missing, the second non-conductive portion intersects the reference line in a planar view, and the first end portion is located between the first non-conductive portion and the second non-conductive portion in a planar view.

12. A touch sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the second electrode is located above the first electrode, and the antenna is located above the second electrode.

13. A touch sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the antenna is located between the first electrode and the second electrode in the thickness direction of the substrate.

14. A touch sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first electrode is located below the second electrode, and the antenna is located below the first electrode.

15. A touch sensor as described in any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a conductor arranged at a distance of 1 cm or less from the substrate in the thickness direction of the substrate and overlapping the substrate in a planar view, wherein the overlapping region of the antenna body overlaps the conductor in a planar view, the first non-overlapping region of the antenna body does not overlap the conductor in a planar view, and the second non-overlapping region of the antenna body does not overlap the conductor in a planar view.

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