Touch sensor

The touch sensor addresses sensitivity variations by employing a redundant configuration with varying mesh patterns to adjust coupling capacitance, ensuring consistent responsiveness and improved reliability.

WO2026009496A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-08PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2025/007699
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-03
Filing Date
2025-03-04
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing touch sensors experience variations in sensitivity between locations at nodes where electrodes overlap, leading to issues such as deteriorated coordinate precision and non-responsiveness when non-conductive areas are touched, with concerns about productivity, reliability, and safety due to precise design and manufacturing requirements.

Method used

The touch sensor employs a redundant configuration with varying mesh patterns in the electrodes, adjusting the coupling capacitance value by using longer cells in specific mesh patterns to uniform the number of intersections, ensuring sufficient sensitivity and responsiveness across the sensor surface.

Benefits of technology

This design suppresses sensitivity variations, enhances redundancy, improves productivity and reliability, and ensures consistent responsiveness, particularly when using touch pens, by adjusting the coupling capacitance value and using a redundant configuration.

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Abstract

The touch sensor is provided with: a first electrode extending in the vertical direction; and a second electrode extending in the left-right direction and overlapping the first electrode in a plan view as seen in the front-rear direction. The first electrode has: a first mesh pattern positioned at the left end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including a first cell; a second mesh pattern positioned at the right end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including a second cell; and a third mesh pattern positioned between the first mesh pattern and the second mesh pattern, extending in the vertical direction, and including a third cell. The length of the third cell in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the first cell in the left-right direction. The length of the third cell in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the second cell in the left-right direction.
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Description

Touch Sensor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to touch sensors.

[0002] Various technologies have been disclosed for touch sensors. In a touch sensor, a first electrode extending in the vertical direction and a second electrode extending in the horizontal direction overlap each other in a plan view seen in the front-to-back direction. A node is formed in the area where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap.

[0003] The first electrode is one of a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The second electrode is the other of a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The transmitting electrode emits an electric field. The receiving electrode receives the electric field emitted from the transmitting electrode.

[0004] The first electrode and the second electrode may each be configured with a mesh pattern including cells. The density of the mesh pattern in both the first electrode and the second electrode is uniform throughout. The density of the mesh pattern indicates the number of cells per unit area. The higher the density of the mesh pattern, the smaller the cell area. The lower the density of the mesh pattern, the larger the cell area.

[0005] In nodes formed by crossing first electrodes and second electrodes having a uniform density throughout such a mesh pattern, the number of intersections where the wiring constituting the first electrode intersects with the wiring constituting the second electrode varies from location to location.

[0006] Specifically, the number of intersections is greater in the center of the node and fewer on the periphery (edges) of the node. In particular, the number of intersections is significantly smaller at the four corners of the node. When a user touches the touch sensor with their finger, the sensitivity is higher in the center of the node and lower on the periphery of the node, and the sensitivity is significantly lower especially at the four corners of the node.

[0007] If the sensitivity differs depending on the location of the node, problems such as a deterioration in coordinate precision in the touch sensor are likely to occur.

[0008] In the touch sensor shown in Patent Document 1, in one of the first and second electrodes, conductive areas where a mesh pattern exists and non-conductive areas where no mesh pattern exists at all are arranged alternately in parallel in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the electrode.

[0009] This prevents the electric field from being closed between the first electrode and the second electrode, so that the change in capacitance caused by the touch of the user's finger can be reliably recognized.

[0010] JP 2013-149236 A

[0011] The touch sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 somewhat reduces variations in sensitivity from one node to another. However, the touch sensor does not respond when a non-conductive area is touched with a finger. The touch sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires precise design and manufacturing of the dimensions of the non-conductive area and the positional relationship between the conductive and non-conductive areas, resulting in a lack of redundancy and concerns about productivity, reliability, safety, and the like.

[0012] Furthermore, the touch sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a required value for the coupling capacitance depending on the mode of use. That is, if the number of intersections in the entire touch sensor is large, the coupling capacitance may exceed the required value.

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress variations in sensitivity between locations at nodes where electrodes overlap in a touch sensor by adjusting the coupling capacitance value and using a redundant configuration.

[0014] The touch sensor according to the present disclosure comprises a first electrode extending in the vertical direction, and a second electrode extending in the horizontal direction and overlapping the first electrode in a planar view in the front-to-back direction, wherein the first electrode has a first mesh pattern located at the left end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including a first cell, a second mesh pattern located at the right end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including a second cell, and a third mesh pattern located between the first mesh pattern and the second mesh pattern, extending in the vertical direction, and including a third cell, wherein the length of the third cell along the horizontal direction is longer than the length of the first cell along the horizontal direction, and the length of the third cell along the horizontal direction is longer than the length of the second cell along the horizontal direction.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, in a touch sensor, variations in sensitivity between locations at nodes where electrodes overlap can be suppressed by adjusting the coupling capacitance value and using a redundant configuration.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a touch sensor according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensor according to the first embodiment taken along line II. FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. FIG. 4 shows a plan view of transmitting electrodes according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged plan view of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. FIG. 7 shows details of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment, separated from each other. FIG. 8 shows details of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment, overlapping each other. FIG. 9 shows nodes formed by overlapping transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows details of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the second embodiment, separated from each other. FIG. 11 shows details of dummy electrodes according to the second, third, and fourth embodiments. FIG. 12 shows details of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes according to the third embodiment, separated from each other.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0018] First Embodiment (Touch Sensor) A touch sensor 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the direction in which the touch sensor 1 and a display 100 (described later) are aligned is referred to as the front-rear direction X. The direction in which receiving electrodes 20 (described later) extend is referred to as the left-right direction Y. The direction in which transmitting electrodes 10 (described later) extend is referred to as the up-down direction Z. The front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the up-down direction Z intersect (specifically, are perpendicular to) one another.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a touch sensor 1. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensor according to the first embodiment taken along line II. The touch sensor 1 is a capacitance-type sensor-type input device. The touch sensor 1 is formed in the shape of a plate having a thickness in the front-rear direction X. In a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X, the touch sensor 1 extends in a rectangular shape with its short sides extending in the left-right direction Y and its long sides extending in the up-down direction Z.

[0020] The touch sensor 1 is applied to the display 100. The touch sensor 1 and the display 100 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction X. The touch sensor 1 is disposed in front of the display 100 in the front-to-rear direction X. The display 100 is disposed behind the touch sensor 1 in the front-to-rear direction X.

[0021] The touch sensor 1 includes a cover member 2 , a substrate 3 , an adhesive material 4 , a flexible wiring board 5 , a transmitting electrode 10 , a receiving electrode 20 , a transmitting side wiring 31 , a receiving side wiring 32 , and a pad 33 .

[0022] The cover member 2 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the front-rear direction X. In a plan view in the front-rear direction X, the cover member 2 has a rectangular shape with its short sides extending in the left-right direction Y and its long sides extending in the up-down direction Z. The cover member 2 is transparent. The cover member 2 is made of, for example, glass or plastic.

[0023] A decorative portion 2a is formed on the peripheral edge of the rear surface of the cover member 2. The decorative portion 2a is formed in a rectangular frame shape using a dark color such as black, for example, by screen printing. The internal rectangular area surrounded by the decorative portion 2a forms a light-transmitting view area V. A user obtains visual information from a display 100 disposed behind the touch sensor 1 through the view area V.

[0024] The front surface of the cover member 2 in the view area V forms an operation surface 2b that is in contact with the user's finger when the user performs a touch operation.

[0025] The substrate 3 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction aligned with the front-rear direction X. In a plan view of the substrate 3 in the front-rear direction X, the substrate 3 is rectangular with its short sides aligned with the left-right direction Y and its long sides aligned with the up-down direction Z. The substrate 3 is made of an insulating and transparent resin material.

[0026] Grooves for arranging a transmitting electrode 10 and a receiving electrode 20 (described later) are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the substrate 3. The grooves are recessed in the thickness direction of the substrate 3 (front-rear direction).

[0027] The adhesive material 4 is disposed so as to be laminated between the cover member 2 and the substrate 3. The adhesive material 4 is an optical adhesive having transparency.

[0028] The flexible wiring board 5 has flexibility. The flexible wiring board 5 extends in the left-right direction Y from near one side of the substrate 3 in the left-right direction Y.

[0029] The transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 will be described later.

[0030] (Transmitting Electrode and Receiving Electrode) The transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 as seen from the front in the front-rear direction X. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the transmitting electrode 10 as seen from the rear in the front-rear direction X. Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the receiving electrode 20 as seen from the front in the front-rear direction X. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged plan view of the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 as seen from the front in the front-rear direction X.

[0031] The transmitting electrode 10 is an example of a first electrode. The receiving electrode 20 is an example of a second electrode. There are multiple transmitting electrodes 10. There are multiple receiving electrodes 20. The transmitting electrodes 10 and the receiving electrodes 20 are arranged at positions on the substrate 3 corresponding to a view area V. The touch sensor 1 detects a touch operation by a user's finger in contact with the operation surface 2b through the transmitting electrodes 10 and the receiving electrodes 20 located within the view area V.

[0032] The transmitting electrode 10 is connected to a drive circuit (not shown) via a flexible wiring board 5. The transmitting electrode 10 radiates an electric field to the surrounding area via the drive circuit. The receiving electrode 20 is connected to a detection circuit (not shown) via the flexible wiring board 5. The receiving electrode 20 receives the electric field radiated from the transmitting electrode 10.

[0033] The transmitting electrode 10 is provided in a groove on the rear surface of the substrate 3. The transmitting electrode 10 extends in the up-down direction Z. The multiple transmitting electrodes 10 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction Y at intervals.

[0034] The receiving electrodes 20 are provided in grooves on the front surface of the substrate 3. The receiving electrodes 20 extend in the left-right direction Y. The plurality of receiving electrodes 20 are arranged side by side in the up-down direction Z at intervals.

[0035] The transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap each other so as to intersect each other (specifically, so as to be perpendicular to each other) in a plan view in the front-rear direction X. The transmitting electrode 10 overlaps with the receiving electrode 20 in a plan view in the front-rear direction X. The receiving electrode 20 overlaps with the transmitting electrode 10 in a plan view in the front-rear direction X.

[0036] A node N (see FIG. 9) is formed in the region where the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap each other. The node N is a region where capacitance can be generated.

[0037] The receiving electrode 20 is arranged on the front side of the substrate 3. The receiving electrode 20 is arranged on the visible side of the touch sensor 1 (the side on which the operation surface 2b of the cover member 2 is located) of the substrate 3. The transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 are insulated from each other via the substrate 3.

[0038] (Transmitter wiring and receiver wiring) The transmitter wiring 31 and receiver wiring 32 are arranged outside the view area V. There are multiple transmitter wirings 31. There are multiple receiver wirings 32. The transmitter wiring 31 and receiver wiring 32 are arranged in a position overlapping with the decorative portion 2a in a plan view seen from the front side in the front-rear direction X (the side of the operation surface 2b). The transmitter wiring 31 and receiver wiring 32 are blocked by the decorative portion 2a and cannot be seen from the side of the operation surface 2b.

[0039] The transmitter wiring 31 is formed on the rear surface of the substrate 3. One end of the transmitter wiring 31 is electrically connected to an end of the transmitter electrode 10. The other ends of the multiple transmitter wirings 31 converge to each other near one side of the substrate 3 in the left-right direction Y.

[0040] The receiving wiring 32 is formed on the front surface of the substrate 3. One end of the receiving wiring 32 is electrically connected to an end of the receiving electrode 20. The other ends of the multiple receiving wirings 32 converge to each other near one side of the substrate 3 in the left-right direction Y.

[0041] (Pad) The pad 33 connects the other end of the transmission side wiring 31 to the flexible wiring board 5 , and electrically connects the other end of the reception side wiring 32 to the flexible wiring board 5 .

[0042] (Mesh Pattern) The mesh patterns of the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 shows the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 in detail, with the electrodes separated. Fig. 8 shows the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 in detail, with the electrodes overlapped.

[0043] The transmitter electrode 10 is configured by forming a mesh pattern of transmitter wires 11. The transmitter wires 11 are metallic conducting wires.

[0044] The transmitter electrode 10 has a first mesh pattern 41, a second mesh pattern 42, and a third mesh pattern 43. The first mesh pattern 41 is located at the left end 10ya of the transmitter electrode 10 in the left-right direction Y. The first mesh pattern 41 extends in the up-down direction Z. The second mesh pattern 42 is located at the right end 10yb of the transmitter electrode 10 in the left-right direction Y. The second mesh pattern 42 extends in the up-down direction Z. The third mesh pattern 43 is located between the first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42 in the left-right direction Y. The third mesh pattern 43 extends in the up-down direction Z. The first mesh pattern 41, the second mesh pattern 42, and the third mesh pattern 43 are aligned in the left-right direction Y.

[0045] The first mesh pattern 41 includes first cells 51. The second mesh pattern 42 includes second cells 52. The third mesh pattern 43 includes third cells 53. The first mesh pattern 41 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the first cells 51. The second mesh pattern 42 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the second cells 52. The third mesh pattern 43 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the third cells 53. The first cells 51 are quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped). The second cells 52 are quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped). The third cells 53 are quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped).

[0046] The density of the first cells 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 (the number of first cells 51 per unit area) is equal to the density of the second cells 52 in the second mesh pattern 42 (the number of second cells 52 per unit area). The density of the third cells 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 (the number of third cells 53 per unit area) is smaller than the density of the first cells 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 and the density of the second cells 52 in the second mesh pattern 42.

[0047] The size of the first cells 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 is equal to the size of the second cells 52 in the second mesh pattern 42. The size of the third cells 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 is larger than the size of the first cells 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 and the size of the second cells 52 in the second mesh pattern 42.

[0048] The first length L1 (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular first cell 51) along the left-right direction Y of the first cell 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 and the second length L2 (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular second cell 52) along the left-right direction Y of the second cell 52 in the second mesh pattern 42 are equal to each other.

[0049] A third length L3 of the third cells 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 along the left-right direction Y (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular third cells 53) is longer than a first length L1 of the first cells 51 in the first mesh pattern 41 along the left-right direction Y. The third length L3 of the third cells 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 along the left-right direction Y is longer than a second length L2 of the second cells 52 in the second mesh pattern 42 along the left-right direction Y.

[0050] The receiving electrode 20 is configured by forming a mesh pattern of receiving wires 21. The receiving wires 21 are metallic conducting wires.

[0051] The receiving electrode 20 has a sixth mesh pattern 66, a seventh mesh pattern 67, and an eighth mesh pattern 68. The sixth mesh pattern 66 is located at an upper end 20za of the receiving electrode 20 in the up-down direction Z. The sixth mesh pattern 66 extends in the left-right direction Y. The seventh mesh pattern 67 is located at a lower end 20zb of the receiving electrode 20 in the up-down direction Z. The seventh mesh pattern 67 extends in the left-right direction Y. The eighth mesh pattern 68 is located between the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 in the up-down direction Z. The eighth mesh pattern 68 extends in the left-right direction Y. The sixth mesh pattern 66, the seventh mesh pattern 67, and the eighth mesh pattern 68 are aligned in the up-down direction Z.

[0052] The sixth mesh pattern 66 includes a sixth cell 76. The seventh mesh pattern 67 includes a seventh cell 77. The eighth mesh pattern 68 includes an eighth cell 78. The sixth mesh pattern 66 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the sixth cell 76. The seventh mesh pattern 67 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the seventh cell 77. The eighth mesh pattern 68 includes a plurality of cells having the same shape as the eighth cell 78. The sixth cell 76 is quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped). The seventh cell 77 is quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped). The eighth cell 78 is quadrangular (specifically, diamond-shaped).

[0053] The density of the sixth cells 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66 (the number of sixth cells 76 per unit area) is equal to the density of the seventh cells 77 in the seventh mesh pattern 67 (the number of seventh cells 77 per unit area). The density of the eighth cells 78 in the eighth mesh pattern 68 (the number of eighth cells 78 per unit area) is smaller than the density of the sixth cells 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the density of the seventh cells 77 in the seventh mesh pattern 67.

[0054] The size of the sixth cells 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66 is equal to the size of the seventh cells 77 in the seventh mesh pattern 67. The size of the eighth cells 78 in the eighth mesh pattern 68 is larger than the size of the sixth cells 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the size of the seventh cells 77 in the seventh mesh pattern 67.

[0055] The sixth length L6 (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular sixth cell 76) along the vertical direction Z of the sixth cell 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh length L7 (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular seventh cell 77) along the vertical direction Z of the seventh cell 77 in the seventh mesh pattern 67 are equal to each other.

[0056] An eighth length L8 of an eighth cell 78 in the eighth mesh pattern 68 along the vertical direction Z (more specifically, the diagonal dimension of the rectangular eighth cell 78) is longer than a sixth length L6 of an eighth cell 76 in the vertical direction Z of an sixth cell 76 in the sixth mesh pattern 66. The eighth length L8 of an eighth cell 78 in the vertical direction Z of an eighth mesh pattern 68 is longer than a seventh length L7 of an seventh cell 77 in the vertical direction Z of an seventh mesh pattern 67.

[0057] (Node) A node N formed by overlapping the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows a node N formed by overlapping the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20.

[0058] In the node N, the number of intersections G at which the transmitter fine wires 11 constituting the transmitter electrode 10 and the receiver fine wires 21 constituting the receiver electrode 20 intersect is almost uniform at each location. The node N has a central portion N1 and an outer peripheral portion N2. The outer peripheral portion N2 is the portion of the node N where the first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42 in the transmitter electrode 10 and the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 in the receiver electrode 20 are located in a plan view in the front-to-rear direction X. The central portion N1 is the portion of the node N other than the outer peripheral portion N2. The central portion N1 includes the center of the node N and its vicinity. The outer peripheral portion N2 (side portion) includes the outer periphery (side) of the node N and its vicinity.

[0059] In the conventional structure in which the cell density in the transmitting electrode 10 is constant and the cell density in the receiving electrode 20 is constant, the number of intersections G tends to be greater in the central portion N1 of the node N, and the number of intersections G tends to be smaller in the peripheral portion N2 (side portion) of the node N.

[0060] In this embodiment, at the center N1 of the node N, the third mesh pattern 43 and the eighth mesh pattern 68 overlap in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0061] The third mesh pattern 43 has third cells 53 that are larger in size than the first cells 51 and the second cells 52. The third mesh pattern 43 has a lower cell density than the first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42.

[0062] The eighth mesh pattern 68 has eighth cells 78 that are larger in size than the sixth cells 76 and the seventh cells 77. The eighth mesh pattern 68 has a lower cell density than the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67.

[0063] From the above, the number of intersections G per unit area in the central portion N1 of the node N is relatively smaller than the number of intersections G per unit area in the peripheral portion N2 of the node N. This makes it possible to prevent the number of intersections G from increasing in the central portion N1 of the node N.

[0064] Furthermore, by reducing the number of intersections G per unit area in the central portion N1 of the node N, where the number of intersections G tends to be large, it is possible to design the distribution of the intersections G in accordance with the required value of the coupling capacitance value. In other words, the coupling capacitance value can be adjusted.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the outer periphery N2 of the node N, the first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42 overlap with the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0066] The first mesh pattern 41 has first cells 51 that are smaller in size than the third cells 53. The second mesh pattern 42 has second cells 52 that are smaller in size than the third cells 53. The first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42 have a higher cell density than the third mesh pattern 43.

[0067] The sixth mesh pattern 66 has sixth cells 76 that are smaller in size than the eighth cells 78. The seventh mesh pattern 67 has seventh cells 77 that are smaller in size than the eighth cells 78. The sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 have a higher cell density than the eighth mesh pattern 68.

[0068] From the above, the number of intersections G per unit area in the outer periphery N2 of the node N is relatively larger than the number of intersections G per unit area in the center N1 of the node N.

[0069] This makes it possible to prevent the number of intersections G from decreasing on the outer periphery N2 (sides) of the node N. In particular, it makes it possible to prevent the number of intersections G from decreasing significantly on the four corners N2a of the outer periphery N2 of the node N.

[0070] In this way, it is possible to suppress variations in sensitivity from place to place at the node N where the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap.

[0071] Although the density of the third cells 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitting electrode 10 is small, there are a sufficient number of third cells 53 relative to the contact area between the finger, touch pen, etc. and the touch sensor 1. Furthermore, although the density of the eighth cells 78 in the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20 is also small, there are a sufficient number of eighth cells 78 relative to the contact area between the finger, touch pen, etc. and the touch sensor 1.

[0072] When the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 are overlapped, the third mesh pattern 43 and the eighth mesh pattern 68 are overlapped at the center N1 of the node N. Because the third mesh pattern 43 includes a sufficient number of third cells 53 and the eighth mesh pattern 68 includes a sufficient number of eighth cells 78, a sufficient number of intersections G exist at the center N1 of the node N.

[0073] This can prevent problems such as the touch sensor 1 not responding at all when a user touches the center N1 of the node N with a finger, a touch pen, or the like. The touch sensor 1 has excellent redundancy. The touch sensor 1 is advantageous in terms of productivity, reliability, safety, and the like.

[0074] As described above, in the touch sensor 1, the variation in sensitivity at each location at the node N where the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap can be suppressed by adjusting the coupling capacitance value and using a redundant configuration.

[0075] In particular, since a touch pen is smaller than a finger, sensitivity problems are likely to occur. The touch sensor 1 according to this embodiment is more effective when a touch pen is used.

[0076] In particular, by arranging the mesh patterns in the order of dense-sparse-dense in both the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20, it is more advantageous in suppressing the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap.

[0077] Second Embodiment A touch sensor 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 10 shows the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 in detail, with the electrodes separated. Fig. 11 shows the first dummy electrode 81 and the third dummy electrode 83 in detail.

[0078] The touch sensor 1 includes a first dummy electrode 81 and a third dummy electrode 83 .

[0079] The first dummy electrode 81 is located on the same plane as the transmitting electrode 10. That is, the first dummy electrode 81 is located at the same position in the front-rear direction X as the transmitting electrode 10. The first dummy electrode 81 is insulated from the transmitting electrode 10. The first dummy electrode 81 includes a first dummy conductive wire 91 and a second dummy conductive wire 92. The first dummy conductive wire 91 is a conductive wire made of metal. The second dummy conductive wire 92 is a conductive wire made of metal.

[0080] The first dummy conductive wire 91 is located inside I of the third cell 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitting electrode 10. The second dummy conductive wire 92 is located inside I of the third cell 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitting electrode 10.

[0081] The first dummy conductive wire 91 is arranged with a gap E between it and the third cell 53 (the transmitter thin wires 11 constituting the third cell 53) of the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitter electrode 10. The second dummy conductive wire 92 is arranged with a gap E between it and the third cell 53 (the transmitter thin wires 11 constituting the third cell 53) of the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitter electrode 10.

[0082] The first dummy conductive wire 91 and the second dummy conductive wire 92 intersect with each other in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X. The first dummy conductive wire 91 intersects with the second dummy conductive wire 92 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X. The second dummy conductive wire 92 intersects with the first dummy conductive wire 91 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0083] The third cell side dummy length F3 along the left-right direction Y between the third cell side dummy intersection J3 of the first dummy conductive line 91 and the second dummy conductive line 92 and any one of the third cell side vertices M3 in the left-right direction Y of the third cell 53 is equal to the first length L1 along the left-right direction Y of the first cell 51 (and the second length L2 along the left-right direction Y of the second cell 52).

[0084] The third dummy electrode 83 is located on the same plane as the receiving electrode 20. That is, the third dummy electrode 83 is located at the same position in the front-rear direction X as the receiving electrode 20. The third dummy electrode 83 is insulated from the receiving electrode 20. The third dummy electrode 83 includes a fifth dummy conductive wire 95 and a sixth dummy conductive wire 96. The fifth dummy conductive wire 95 is a metallic conductive wire. The sixth dummy conductive wire 96 is a metallic conductive wire.

[0085] The fifth dummy conductive line 95 is located inside I of the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20. The sixth dummy conductive line 96 is located inside I of the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20.

[0086] The fifth dummy conductive wire 95 is arranged with a gap E between it and (the receiving-side thin wires 21 constituting) the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20. The sixth dummy conductive wire 96 is arranged with a gap E between it and (the receiving-side thin wires 21 constituting) the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20.

[0087] The fifth dummy conductive wire 95 and the sixth dummy conductive wire 96 intersect with each other in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X. The fifth dummy conductive wire 95 intersects with the sixth dummy conductive wire 96 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X. The sixth dummy conductive wire 96 intersects with the fifth dummy conductive wire 95 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0088] The eighth cell side dummy length F8 along the vertical direction Z between the eighth cell side dummy intersection J8 of the fifth dummy conductive line 95 and the sixth dummy conductive line 96 and one of the eighth cell side vertices M8 in the vertical direction Z of the eighth cell 78 is equal to the sixth length L6 along the vertical direction Z of the sixth cell 76 (and the seventh length L7 along the vertical direction Z of the seventh cell 77).

[0089] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. By arranging the first dummy conductive lines 91 and the second dummy conductive lines 92 that intersect with each other in the first dummy electrode 81 in the interior I of the third cell 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 in the transmitting electrode 10, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the third mesh pattern 43 and the first and second mesh patterns 41 and 42 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire transmitting electrode 10 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the transmitting electrode 10 can be improved.

[0090] In particular, since the third cell side dummy length F3 is equal to the first length L1 and the second length L2, there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the third mesh pattern 43 and the first and second mesh patterns 41 and 42. This is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the transmitting electrode 10.

[0091] By arranging the fifth dummy conductive lines 95 and the sixth dummy conductive lines 96 that intersect with each other in the third dummy electrode 83 in the interior I of the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 in the receiving electrode 20, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire receiving electrode 20 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the receiving electrode 20 can be improved.

[0092] In particular, since the eighth cell side dummy length F8 is equal to the sixth length L6 and the seventh length L7, there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67. This is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the receiving electrode 20.

[0093] Third Embodiment A touch sensor 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 12 shows the transmitting electrodes 10 and the receiving electrodes 20 in detail, with the electrodes separated from each other.

[0094] The transmitter electrode 10 has a fourth mesh pattern 44 and a fifth mesh pattern 45. The fourth mesh pattern 44 is located between the third mesh pattern 43 and the second mesh pattern 42 in the left-right direction Y. The fourth mesh pattern 44 extends in the up-down direction Z. The fifth mesh pattern 45 is located between the fourth mesh pattern 44 and the second mesh pattern 42 in the left-right direction Y. The fifth mesh pattern 45 extends in the up-down direction Z.

[0095] The fourth mesh pattern 44 includes fourth cells 54. The fifth mesh pattern 45 includes fifth cells 55.

[0096] A fourth length L4 of the fourth cell 54 in the fourth mesh pattern 44 along the left-right direction Y is shorter than a third length L3 of the third cell 53 in the third mesh pattern 43 along the left-right direction Y. A fifth length L5 of the fifth cell 55 in the fifth mesh pattern 45 along the left-right direction Y is longer than the fourth length L4 of the fourth cell 54 in the fourth mesh pattern 44 along the left-right direction Y.

[0097] The receiving electrode 20 has a ninth mesh pattern 69 and a tenth mesh pattern 70. The ninth mesh pattern 69 is located between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 in the up-down direction Z. The ninth mesh pattern 69 extends in the left-right direction Y. The tenth mesh pattern 70 is located between the ninth mesh pattern 69 and the seventh mesh pattern 67 in the up-down direction Z. The tenth mesh pattern 70 extends in the left-right direction Y.

[0098] The ninth mesh pattern 69 includes a ninth cell 79. The tenth mesh pattern 70 includes a tenth cell 80.

[0099] A ninth length L9 of a ninth cell 79 in the ninth mesh pattern 69 along the vertical direction Z is shorter than an eighth length L8 of an eighth cell 78 in the eighth mesh pattern 68 along the vertical direction Z. A tenth length L10 of a tenth cell 80 in the tenth mesh pattern 70 along the vertical direction Z is longer than the ninth length L9 of a ninth cell 79 in the ninth mesh pattern 69 along the vertical direction Z.

[0100] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0101] By arranging the mesh patterns in the order of dense-sparse-dense-sparse-dense on both the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20, it becomes more advantageous in suppressing the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the transmitting electrode 10 and the receiving electrode 20 overlap.

[0102] Fourth Embodiment A touch sensor 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Here, Figure 11 shows the second dummy electrode 82 and the fourth dummy electrode 84 in detail.

[0103] The touch sensor 1 includes a second dummy electrode 82 and a fourth dummy electrode 84 .

[0104] The second dummy electrode 82 is located on the same plane as the transmitting electrode 10. That is, the second dummy electrode 82 is located at the same position in the front-rear direction X as the transmitting electrode 10. The second dummy electrode 82 is insulated from the transmitting electrode 10. The second dummy electrode 82 includes a third dummy conductive line 93 and a fourth dummy conductive line 94.

[0105] The third dummy conductive wire 93 is located inside the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 in the transmitting electrode 10. The fourth dummy conductive wire 94 is located inside the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 in the transmitting electrode 10.

[0106] The third dummy conductive wire 93 is arranged with a gap E between it and the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 of the transmitting electrode 10. The fourth dummy conductive wire 94 is arranged with a gap E between it and the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 of the transmitting electrode 10.

[0107] The fourth dummy conductive wires 94 intersect with the third dummy conductive wires 93 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0108] The fifth cell side dummy length F5 along the left-right direction Y between the fifth cell side dummy intersection J5 of the third dummy conductive line 93 and the fourth dummy conductive line 94 and any one of the fifth cell side vertices M5 in the left-right direction Y of the fifth cell 55 is equal to the fourth length L4 along the left-right direction Y of the fourth cell 54.

[0109] The fourth dummy electrode 84 is located on the same plane as the receiving electrode 20. That is, the fourth dummy electrode 84 is located at the same position in the front-rear direction X as the receiving electrode 20. The fourth dummy electrode 84 is insulated from the receiving electrode 20. The fourth dummy electrode 84 includes a seventh dummy conductive line 97 and an eighth dummy conductive line 98.

[0110] The seventh dummy conductive wire 97 is located inside I of the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 in the receiving electrode 20. The eighth dummy conductive wire 98 is located inside I of the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 in the receiving electrode 20.

[0111] The seventh dummy conductive wire 97 is arranged with a gap E between it and the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 in the receiving electrode 20. The eighth dummy conductive wire 98 is arranged with a gap E between it and the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 in the receiving electrode 20.

[0112] The eighth dummy conductive wires 98 intersect with the seventh dummy conductive wires 97 in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction X.

[0113] The tenth cell side dummy length F10 along the vertical direction Z between the tenth cell side dummy intersection J10 of the seventh dummy conductive line 97 and the eighth dummy conductive line 98 and any one of the tenth cell side vertices M10 in the vertical direction Z of the tenth cell 80 is equal to the ninth length L9 along the vertical direction Z of the ninth cell 79.

[0114] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0115] By arranging the third dummy conductive wires 93 and the fourth dummy conductive wires 94 that intersect with each other in the second dummy electrode 82 in the interior I of the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 in the transmitting electrode 10, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the fifth mesh pattern 45 and the first mesh pattern 41, the second mesh pattern 42, and the fourth mesh pattern 44 is reduced. The aperture ratio of the entire transmitting electrode 10 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the transmitting electrode 10 can be improved.

[0116] In particular, since the fifth cell side dummy length F5 is equal to the fourth length L4, there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the fifth mesh pattern 45 and the fourth mesh pattern 44. This is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the transmitting electrode 10.

[0117] By arranging the seventh dummy conductive wires 97 and the eighth dummy conductive wires 98 that intersect with each other in the fourth dummy electrode 84 in the interior I of the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 in the receiving electrode 20, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the tenth mesh pattern 70 and the sixth mesh pattern 66, the seventh mesh pattern 67, or the ninth mesh pattern 69 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire receiving electrode 20 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the receiving electrode 20 can be improved.

[0118] In particular, since the tenth cell side dummy length F10 is equal to the ninth length L9, there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the tenth mesh pattern 70 and the ninth mesh pattern 69. This is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the receiving electrode 20.

[0119] <Other Embodiments> Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, these descriptions are not limiting and, of course, various modifications, substitutions, and combinations are possible.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the touch sensor 1 is short in the left-right direction Y and long in the up-down direction Z in a plan view in the front-rear direction X, but is not limited to this. The touch sensor 1 may be long in the left-right direction Y and short in the up-down direction Z in a plan view in the front-rear direction X, or may have the same length in both the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z. The touch sensor 1 may be circular or a polygon other than a square.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the transmitting electrode 10 is used as the first electrode and the receiving electrode 20 is used as the second electrode, but this is not limiting. The receiving electrode 20 may be used as the first electrode and the transmitting electrode 10 as the second electrode.

[0122] <Summary> A touch sensor 1 according to the present disclosure includes a first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 extending in a vertical direction Z, and a second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 extending in a left-right direction Y and overlapping the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 in a plan view seen in a front-rear direction X, wherein the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 includes a first mesh pattern 41 located at a left end 10ya of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, extending in the vertical direction Z, and including first cells 51, and a second mesh pattern 41 located at a right end 10yb of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, extending in the vertical direction Z, and including second cells 52. and a third mesh pattern 43 located between the first mesh pattern 41 and the second mesh pattern 42, extending in the up-down direction Z, and including third cells 53, wherein a length (third length) L3 of the third cells 53 along the left-right direction Y is longer than a length (first length) L1 of the first cells 51 along the left-right direction Y, and the length (third length) L3 of the third cells 53 along the left-right direction Y is longer than a length (second length) L2 of the second cells 52 along the left-right direction Y.

[0123] The number of intersections G per unit area in the central portion N1 of the node N is relatively smaller than the number of intersections G per unit area in the peripheral portion N2 of the node N. Furthermore, the number of intersections G per unit area in the peripheral portion N2 of the node N is relatively larger than the number of intersections G per unit area in the central portion N1 of the node N.

[0124] In the touch sensor 1, the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 and the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 overlap can be suppressed by adjusting the coupling capacitance value and using a redundant configuration.

[0125] In one embodiment, the touch sensor 1 further includes a first dummy electrode 81 located in the same plane as the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, and the first dummy electrode 81 includes a first dummy conductive line 91 located inside I of the third cell 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 and arranged with a gap E between it and the third cell 53.

[0126] By arranging the first dummy conductive wires 91 of the first dummy electrode 81 inside the third cells 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the third mesh pattern 43 and the first mesh pattern 41 or the second mesh pattern 42 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 can be improved.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first dummy electrode 81 is located inside I of the third cell 53 of the third mesh pattern 43 and is arranged with a gap E between it and the third cell 53, and further includes a second dummy conductive line 92 that intersects with the first dummy conductive line 91, and a length (third cell side dummy length) F3 along the left-right direction Y between an intersection (third cell side dummy intersection) J3 between the first dummy conductive line 91 and the second dummy conductive line 92 and one of the vertices (third cell side vertices) M3 of the third cell 53 in the left-right direction Y is equal to the length (first length) L1 of the first cell 51 along the left-right direction Y.

[0128] Since there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the third mesh pattern 43 and the first mesh pattern 41, this is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 further includes a fourth mesh pattern 44 located between the third mesh pattern 43 and the second mesh pattern 42, extending in the vertical direction Z, and including a fourth cell 54, and a fifth mesh pattern 45 located between the fourth mesh pattern 44 and the second mesh pattern 42, extending in the vertical direction Z, and including a fifth cell 55, wherein a length (fourth length) L4 of the fourth cell 54 along the left-right direction Y is shorter than a length (third length) L3 of the third cell 53 along the left-right direction Y, and a length (fifth length) L5 of the fifth cell 55 along the left-right direction Y is longer than the length (fourth length) L4 of the fourth cell 54 along the left-right direction Y.

[0130] By arranging the mesh patterns in the order of dense-sparse-dense-sparse-dense on the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, it becomes more advantageous in suppressing the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 and the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 overlap.

[0131] In one embodiment, the touch sensor 1 further includes a second dummy electrode 82 located on the same plane as the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, and the second dummy electrode 82 includes a third dummy conductive line 93 located inside I of the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 and arranged with a gap E between it and the fifth cell 55.

[0132] By arranging the third dummy conductive wire 93 of the second dummy electrode 82 inside the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the fifth mesh pattern 45 and the first mesh pattern 41, the second mesh pattern 42, or the fourth mesh pattern 44 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 can be improved.

[0133] In one embodiment, the second dummy electrode 82 is located inside I of the fifth cell 55 of the fifth mesh pattern 45 and is arranged with a gap E between it and the fifth cell 55, and further includes a fourth dummy conductive line 94 that intersects with the third dummy conductive line 93, and a length F5 along the left-right direction Y between an intersection J5 (fifth cell side dummy intersection) between the third dummy conductive line 93 and the fourth dummy conductive line 94 and one of the vertices M5 (fifth cell side vertices) in the left-right direction Y of the fifth cell 55 (fifth cell side dummy length) is equal to the length L4 along the left-right direction Y of the fourth cell 54.

[0134] Since there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the fifth mesh pattern 45 and the fourth mesh pattern 44, this is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10.

[0135] In one embodiment, the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 has: a sixth mesh pattern 66 located at an upper end 20za of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, extending in the left-right direction Y, and including sixth cells 76; a seventh mesh pattern 67 located at a lower end 20zb of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, extending in the left-right direction Y, and including seventh cells 77; and an eighth mesh pattern 68 located between the sixth mesh pattern 66 and the seventh mesh pattern 67, extending in the left-right direction Y, and including eighth cells 78, wherein a length L8 of the eighth cell 78 along the up-down direction Z (eighth length) is longer than a length L6 of the sixth cell 76 along the up-down direction Z (sixth length), and a length L8 of the eighth cell along the up-down direction Z (eighth length) is longer than a length L7 of the seventh cell 77 along the up-down direction Z.

[0136] By arranging the mesh patterns in the order of dense-sparse-dense in both the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 and the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, it becomes more advantageous in suppressing the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 and the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 overlap.

[0137] In one embodiment, the touch sensor 1 further includes a third dummy electrode 83 located in the same plane as the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, and the third dummy electrode 83 includes a fifth dummy conductive line 95 located inside I of the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 and arranged with a gap E between it and the eighth cell 78.

[0138] By arranging the fifth dummy conductive wire 95 of the third dummy electrode 83 inside the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the sixth mesh pattern 66 or the seventh mesh pattern 67 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 can be improved.

[0139] In one embodiment, the third dummy electrode 83 is located inside I of the eighth cell 78 of the eighth mesh pattern 68 and is arranged with a gap E between it and the eighth cell 78, and further includes a sixth dummy conductive line 96 that intersects with the fifth dummy conductive line 95, and a length F8 along the vertical direction Z between the intersection J8 (eighth cell side dummy intersection) of the fifth dummy conductive line 95 and the sixth dummy conductive line 96 and one of the vertices M8 of the eighth cell 78 in the vertical direction Z (eighth cell side dummy length) is equal to the length L6 of the sixth cell 76 along the vertical direction Z.

[0140] Since there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the sixth mesh pattern 66, this is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20.

[0141] In one embodiment, the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 further includes a ninth mesh pattern 69 located between the eighth mesh pattern 68 and the seventh mesh pattern 67, extending in the left-right direction Y, and including a ninth cell 79, and a tenth mesh pattern 70 located between the ninth mesh pattern 69 and the seventh mesh pattern 67, extending in the left-right direction Y, and including a tenth cell 80, wherein a length (ninth length) L9 of the ninth cell 79 along the vertical direction Z is shorter than a length (eighth length) L8 of the eighth cell 78 along the vertical direction Z, and a length (tenth length) L10 of the tenth cell 80 along the vertical direction Z is longer than a length (ninth length) L9 of the ninth cell 79 along the vertical direction Z.

[0142] By arranging the mesh patterns in the order of dense-sparse-dense-sparse-dense on the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, it becomes more advantageous in suppressing the variation in sensitivity from location to location at the node N where the first electrode (transmitting electrode) 10 and the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 overlap.

[0143] In one embodiment, the touch sensor 1 further includes a fourth dummy electrode 84 located on the same plane as the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, and the fourth dummy electrode 84 includes a seventh dummy conductive line 97 located inside I of the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 and arranged with a gap E between it and the tenth cell 80.

[0144] By arranging the seventh dummy conductive wire 97 of the fourth dummy electrode 84 inside the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20, the difference in apparent aperture ratio between the tenth mesh pattern 70 and the sixth mesh pattern 66, the seventh mesh pattern 67, or the ninth mesh pattern 69 is reduced. The apparent aperture ratio of the entire second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 becomes more uniform, and the visibility of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20 can be improved.

[0145] In one embodiment, the fourth dummy electrode 84 is located inside I of the tenth cell 80 of the tenth mesh pattern 70 and is arranged with a gap E between it and the tenth cell 80, and further includes an eighth dummy conductive line 98 that intersects with the seventh dummy conductive line 97, and a length (tenth cell side dummy length) F10 along the vertical direction Z between the intersection (tenth cell side dummy intersection) J10 of the seventh dummy conductive line 97 and the eighth dummy conductive line 98 and one of the vertices (tenth cell side vertices) M10 of the tenth cell 80 in the vertical direction Z of the ninth cell 79 is equal to the length (ninth length L9) along the vertical direction Z of the ninth cell 79.

[0146] Since there is almost no difference in the apparent aperture ratio between the tenth mesh pattern 70 and the ninth mesh pattern 69, this is more advantageous in improving the visibility of the second electrode (receiving electrode) 20.

[0147] The present disclosure is applicable to touch sensors and is therefore extremely useful and has high industrial applicability.

[0148] X Front-to-back direction Y Left-to-right direction Z Up-to-down direction V View area N Node N1 Center N2 Outer periphery N2a Four corners G Intersection I Interior E Gap L1 First length (length) L2 Second length (length) L3 Third length (length) L4 Fourth length (length) L5 Fifth length (length) L6 Sixth length (length) L7 Seventh length (length) L8 Eighth length (length) L9 Ninth length (length) L10 Tenth length (length) J3 Third cell side dummy intersection (intersection) J5 Fifth cell side dummy intersection (intersection) J8 Eighth cell side dummy intersection (intersection) J10 Tenth cell side dummy intersection (intersection) M3 Third cell side vertex (vertex) M5 Fifth cell side vertex (vertex) M8 Eighth cell side vertex (vertex) M10 10th cell side vertex (vertex) F3 Third cell side dummy length (length) F5 Fifth cell side dummy length (length) F8 Eighth cell side dummy length (length) F10 Tenth cell side dummy length (length) 1 Touch sensor 2 Cover member 2a Decorative portion 2b Operation surface 3 Substrate 4 Adhesive material 5 Flexible wiring board 10 Transmitting electrode (first electrode) 10ya Left end 10yb Right end 11 Transmitting side thin wire 20 Receiving electrode (second electrode) 20za Upper end 20zb Lower end 21 Receiving side thin wire 31 Transmitting side wiring 32 Receiving side wiring 33 Pad 41 First mesh pattern 42 Second mesh pattern 43 Third mesh pattern 44 Fourth mesh pattern 45 Fifth mesh pattern 51 First cell 52 Second cell 53 Third cell 54 Fourth cell 55 Fifth cell 66 Sixth mesh pattern 67 Seventh mesh pattern 68 Eighth mesh pattern 69 Ninth mesh pattern 70 Tenth mesh pattern 76 Sixth cell 77 Seventh cell 78 Eighth cell 79 Ninth cell 80 Tenth cell81 First dummy electrode 82 Second dummy electrode 83 Third dummy electrode 84 Fourth dummy electrode 91 First dummy conductive line 92 Second dummy conductive line 93 Third dummy conductive line 94 Fourth dummy conductive line 95 Fifth dummy conductive line 96 Sixth dummy conductive line 97 Seventh dummy conductive line 98 Eighth dummy conductive line 100 Display

Claims

a first electrode extending in the vertical direction; a second electrode extending in the left-right direction and overlapping the first electrode in a plan view seen in the front-rear direction; Equipped with The first electrode is a first mesh pattern located at the left end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including first cells; a second mesh pattern located at the right end of the first electrode, extending in the vertical direction, and including second cells; a third mesh pattern located between the first mesh pattern and the second mesh pattern, extending in the vertical direction, and including third cells; and the length of the third cell along the left-right direction is longer than the length of the first cell along the left-right direction; The length of the third cell along the left-right direction is longer than the length of the second cell along the left-right direction. Touch sensor.   a first dummy electrode located on the same plane as the first electrode; the first dummy electrode includes a first dummy conductive line located inside the third cell of the third mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the third cell and the first dummy conductive line; The touch sensor of claim 1 .   The first dummy electrode is a second dummy conductive line positioned inside the third cell of the third mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the third cell and the second dummy conductive line, the second dummy conductive line intersecting the first dummy conductive line; a length in the left-right direction between an intersection of the first dummy conductive line and the second dummy conductive line and one of the left and right vertices of the third cell is equal to a length in the left-right direction of the first cell; The touch sensor according to claim 2 .   The first electrode is a fourth mesh pattern located between the third mesh pattern and the second mesh pattern, extending in the vertical direction, and including fourth cells; a fifth mesh pattern located between the fourth mesh pattern and the second mesh pattern, extending in the vertical direction, and including fifth cells; and a length of the fourth cell along the left-right direction is shorter than a length of the third cell along the left-right direction; The length of the fifth cell along the left-right direction is longer than the length of the fourth cell along the left-right direction; The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   a second dummy electrode located on the same plane as the first electrode; the second dummy electrode includes a third dummy conductive line located inside the fifth cell of the fifth mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the fifth cell and the third dummy conductive line. The touch sensor according to claim 4 .   The second dummy electrode is a fourth dummy conductive line positioned within the fifth cell of the fifth mesh pattern and arranged with a gap therebetween, and intersecting the third dummy conductive line; a length along the left-right direction between an intersection of the third dummy conductive line and the fourth dummy conductive line and one of the left and right vertices of the fifth cell is equal to a length along the left-right direction of the fourth cell; The touch sensor according to claim 5 .   The second electrode is a sixth mesh pattern located at an upper end of the second electrode, extending in the left-right direction, and including sixth cells; a seventh mesh pattern located at a lower end of the second electrode, extending in the left-right direction, and including seventh cells; an eighth mesh pattern located between the sixth mesh pattern and the seventh mesh pattern, extending in the left-right direction, and including eighth cells; and The length of the eighth cell along the vertical direction is longer than the length of the sixth cell along the vertical direction, The length of the eighth cell along the vertical direction is longer than the length of the seventh cell along the vertical direction; The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   a third dummy electrode located on the same plane as the second electrode; the third dummy electrode includes a fifth dummy conductive line located inside the eighth cell of the eighth mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the eighth cell and the fifth dummy conductive line; The touch sensor of claim 7 .   The third dummy electrode is a sixth dummy conductive line positioned within the eighth cell of the eighth mesh pattern and spaced apart from the eighth cell, the sixth dummy conductive line intersecting the fifth dummy conductive line; a length along the vertical direction between an intersection of the fifth dummy conductive line and the sixth dummy conductive line and one of the upper and lower vertices of the eighth cell is equal to a length along the vertical direction of the sixth cell; The touch sensor of claim 8 .   The second electrode is a ninth mesh pattern located between the eighth mesh pattern and the seventh mesh pattern, extending in the left-right direction, and including ninth cells; a tenth mesh pattern located between the ninth mesh pattern and the seventh mesh pattern, extending in the left-right direction, and including tenth cells; and The length of the ninth cell along the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the eighth cell along the vertical direction, The length of the tenth cell along the vertical direction is longer than the length of the ninth cell along the vertical direction; The touch sensor of claim 7 .   a fourth dummy electrode located on the same plane as the second electrode; the fourth dummy electrode includes a seventh dummy conductive line located inside the tenth cell of the tenth mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the tenth cell and the seventh dummy conductive line; The touch sensor of claim 10.   The fourth dummy electrode is an eighth dummy conductive line positioned inside the tenth cell of the tenth mesh pattern and arranged with a gap between the tenth cell and the eighth dummy conductive line, the eighth dummy conductive line intersecting the seventh dummy conductive line; a length along the vertical direction between an intersection of the seventh dummy conductive line and the eighth dummy conductive line and one of the upper and lower vertices of the tenth cell is equal to a length along the vertical direction of the ninth cell; The touch sensor of claim 11.

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