U.S. patent application number 15/539349 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for multifunction touch panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yoshiro FUJII, Yohei MATSUYAMA, Koji OKAMOTO, Ryomei OMOTE, Toshihide YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20190384454 15/539349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57585365 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190384454 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJII; Yoshiro ; et
al. |
December 19, 2019 |
MULTIFUNCTION TOUCH PANEL
Abstract
First to third electrode layers (1) are laminated. A dielectric
(22) disposed between the second and third electrode layers can be
elastically deformed by pressing force from the first electrode
layer-side to reduce distance between the second and third
electrode layers. The first electrode layer is composed of first
electrodes (Rxc) along a first direction (X). The second electrode
layer is composed of second electrodes (Txcf) along a second
direction (Y) intersecting the first direction. The third electrode
layer is composed of third electrodes (Rxf) along a third direction
(X) intersecting the second direction. During position-detection,
the second electrodes (Txcf) function as transmission-side
position-detection electrodes and the first electrodes function as
reception-side position detection electrodes to constitute a
mutual-capacitance touch panel unit (31). During force-detection,
the second electrodes function as transmission-side force-detection
electrodes and the third electrodes function as reception-side
force-detection electrodes to constitute a cross-point
electrostatic-capacitance touch panel unit (32).
Inventors: |
FUJII; Yoshiro; (Kyoto,
JP) ; OMOTE; Ryomei; (Kyoto, JP) ; OKAMOTO;
Koji; (Osaka, JP) ; YAMAMOTO; Toshihide;
(Kyoto, JP) ; MATSUYAMA; Yohei; (Hyogo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
57585365 |
Appl. No.: |
15/539349 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 1, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/066300 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0445 20190501;
G06F 3/0414 20130101; G06F 3/0446 20190501; G06F 3/041 20130101;
G06F 2203/04105 20130101; G06F 3/04166 20190501; G06F 3/0447
20190501 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 24, 2015 |
JP |
2015-126813 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A multifunction touch panel comprising: a first electrode layer
and a second electrode layer both of which are disposed in one
plane so as to be electrically insulated from each other, and a
third electrode layer electrically insulated from the first
electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the third electrode
layer being laminated on the first electrode layer and the second
electrode layer; and a dielectric, that is disposed between the
first and second electrodes layers and the third electrode layer
and that is able to be elastically deformed by a pressing force
from a first electrode layer side or a second electrode layer side
to reduce a distance between the first electrode layer or the
second electrode layer and the third electrode layer, wherein one
of band-shaped electrodes arranged side by side along a second
direction that intersects with a first direction at set intervals
from each other and row electrodes constituted of rows of a
plurality of electrode main body portions arranged side by side
along the first direction at set intervals from each other,
constitutes first electrodes of the first electrode layer, and an
other of the band-shaped electrodes and the row electrodes
constitutes second electrodes of the second electrode layer; a
plurality of band-shaped electrodes arranged side by side along a
same direction as the first electrodes of the first electrode layer
or a same direction as the second electrodes of the second
electrode layer at set intervals from each other, constitute third
electrodes of the third electrode layer; the panel further
comprises a switching unit that switches the first electrodes and
the second electrodes between an insulated state of being
electrically insulated from each other and a connected state of
being electrically connected to each other; during position
detection, the switching unit sets the insulated state such that
the second electrodes or the first electrodes function as
transmission-side position detection electrodes and the first
electrodes or the second electrodes function as reception-side
position detection electrodes, and the second electrodes and the
first electrodes constitute a projection-type mutual capacitance
touch panel unit and carry out position detection; and during force
detection, the switching unit sets the connected state such that
one of the first and second electrodes and the third electrodes
functions as transmission-side force detection electrodes and an
other of the first and second electrodes and the third electrodes
functions as reception-side force detection electrodes, and the
first electrodes, the second electrodes, and the third electrodes
constitute a cross-point electrostatic capacitance touch panel unit
and carry out force detection on basis of a change in the distance
between the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer and
the third electrodes-layer caused by the pressing force from the
first electrode layer side or the second electrode layer side.
8. The multifunction touch panel according to claim 7, wherein
electrodes constituted of rows of the plurality of electrode main
body portions arranged side by side along the first direction at
set intervals from each other, constitute the first electrodes; the
band-shaped electrodes arranged side by side along the second
direction that intersects with the first direction at set intervals
from each other, constitute the second electrodes; during the
position detection, the switching unit sets the insulated state,
the second electrodes function as transmission-side position
detection electrodes, the first electrodes function as
reception-side position detection electrodes, and the second
electrodes and the first electrodes constitute the projection-type
mutual capacitance touch panel unit; and during the force
detection, the switching unit sets the connected state, the first
electrodes and the second electrodes function as transmission-side
force detection electrodes, the third electrodes function as
reception-side force detection electrodes, and the first
electrodes, the second electrodes, and the third electrodes
constitute the cross-point electrostatic capacitance touch panel
unit.
9. The multifunction touch panel according to claim 7, wherein
electrodes constituted of rows of the plurality of electrode main
body portions arranged side by side along the first direction at
set intervals from each other, constitute the second electrodes;
the band-shaped electrodes arranged side by side along the second
direction that intersects with the first direction at set intervals
from each other, constitute the first electrodes; during the
position detection, the switching unit sets the insulated state,
the first electrodes function as transmission-side position
detection electrodes, the second electrodes function as
reception-side position detection electrodes, and the second
electrodes and the first electrodes constitute the projection-type
mutual capacitance touch panel unit; and during the force
detection, the switching unit sets the connected state, the first
electrodes and the second electrodes function as reception-side
force detection electrodes, the third electrodes function as
transmission-side force detection electrodes, and the first
electrodes, the second electrodes, and the third electrodes
constitute the cross-point electrostatic capacitance touch panel
unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunction touch
panel, constituted of a position detection touch panel unit and a
force detection touch panel unit laminated together, that detects a
position and a force.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, various touch panel structures in which a
plurality of types of touch panels are laminated together in order
to provide multiple functions are known. For example, Patent
Document 1 discloses a structure in which a capacitive touch panel
is laminated upon a resistive touch panel.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. H7-334308A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] However, with the structure described above, two types of
touch panels are simply laminated together. This means that each
panel requires electrode layers, leading to a problem in that the
overall thickness of the panel increases.
[0005] As such, an advantage of some aspects of the present
invention is to provide a multifunction touch panel in which some
of the electrodes in two switches have dual functionality in order
to reduce the number of members used and thus reduce the thickness
of the device as a whole, for solving the problem described
above.
Solution to Problem
[0006] The present invention is configured as follows to achieve
the object described above.
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a
multifunction touch panel including: a first electrode layer, a
second electrode layer, and a third electrode layer laminated in
sequence so as to be electrically insulated from each other; and a
dielectric, disposed between the second electrode layer and the
third electrode layer and can be elastically deformed by a pressing
force from the first electrode layer side to reduce a distance
between the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer.
The first electrode layer is constituted of a plurality of first
electrodes arranged along a first direction. The second electrode
layer is constituted of a plurality of second electrodes arranged
along a second direction that intersects with the first direction
of the first electrode layer. The third electrode layer is
constituted of a plurality of third electrodes arranged along a
third direction that intersects with the second direction of the
second electrode layer. During position detection, the second
electrodes function as transmission-side position detection
electrodes and the first electrodes function as reception-side
position detection electrodes, and the second electrodes and the
first electrodes constitute a projection-type mutual capacitance
touch panel unit and carry out position detection. During force
detection, the second electrodes function as transmission-side
force detection electrodes and the third electrodes function as
reception-side force detection electrodes, and the second
electrodes and the third electrodes constitute a cross-point
electrostatic capacitance touch panel unit and carry out force
detection on the basis of a change in the distance between the
second electrode layer and the third electrode layer caused by the
pressing force from the first electrode layer side.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the
second electrodes function as the transmission-side position
detection electrodes during position detection and the second
electrodes function as the transmission-side force detection
electrode during force detection. As such, the number of electrodes
can be reduced by one with certainty, and the device as a whole can
thus be made thinner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a
multifunction touch panel according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 1B-1B
in FIG. 1A.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a
multifunction touch panel according to a variation of the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 1D-1D
in FIG. 1C.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes.
[0015] FIG. 2C is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a
multifunction touch panel according to another variation of the
first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a
multifunction touch panel according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 3B-3B
in FIG. 3A.
[0018] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 3C-3C
in FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a schematic view illustrating an example of
another pattern of electrodes.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Rxc in FIG. 4A.
[0021] FIG. 4C is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Txcf in FIG. 4A.
[0022] FIG. 4D is a schematic view illustrating an example of
another pattern of electrodes Rxf.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram illustrating the
multifunction touch panel according to the second embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 6A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes.
[0025] FIG. 6B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Rxc in FIG. 6A.
[0026] FIG. 6C is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Txcf in FIG. 6A.
[0027] FIG. 6D is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Rxf in FIG. 6A.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel according to a third embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 8A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
multifunction touch panel according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 8B-8B
in FIG. 8A.
[0031] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 8C-8C
in FIG. 8A.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel according to a fourth embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 10A is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel according to a variation of the fourth
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 10B is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes in FIG. 10A.
[0035] FIG. 10C is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Txc in FIG. 10A.
[0036] FIG. 10D is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Rxcf in FIG. 10A.
[0037] FIG. 10E is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes Txf in FIG. 10A.
[0038] FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the
multifunction touch panel according to a variation on the fourth
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel according to a fifth embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a detailed diagram illustrating a second
selection circuit in FIG. 11.
[0041] FIG. 13A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes in the multifunction touch panel in FIG.
11.
[0042] FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the
multifunction touch panel in FIG. 11.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel according to a sixth embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a detailed diagram illustrating a second
selection circuit in FIG. 14.
[0045] FIG. 16A is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
pattern of electrodes in the multifunction touch panel in FIG.
14.
[0046] FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the
multifunction touch panel in FIG. 14.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0048] First, a multifunction touch panel 30 according to a first
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and
1B. FIG. 1A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
multifunction touch panel 30, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view
taken along a line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a circuit block
diagram illustrating the multifunction touch panel 30.
[0049] The multifunction touch panel 30 has a three-layer structure
of electrode layers. In other words, the multifunction touch panel
30 is constituted of a rectangular laminated body including a first
electrode layer 1, a second electrode layer 2, and a third
electrode layer 3 laminated together in that order with the layers
electrically insulated from each other. A dielectric (second
dielectric) 22 that can be elastically deformed by a pressing force
applied from the first electrode layer side to reduce the distance
between the second electrode layer 2 and the third electrode layer
3 is disposed between at least the second electrode layer 2 and the
third electrode layer 3. To be more specific, in the multifunction
touch panel 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first insulating
sheet 11, the first electrode layer 1, a dielectric (first
dielectric) 21, a second insulating sheet 12, the second electrode
layer 2, the second dielectric 22, the third electrode layer 3, and
a third insulating sheet 13 are laminated in that order from a
pressed side. FIG. 2A is a transparent view for facilitating
understanding of the positional relationships between the electrode
layers 1, 2, and 3. Note that the right direction corresponds to
the positive X direction and the downward direction corresponds to
the positive Y direction.
[0050] The first insulating sheet 11 is a flexible insulating sheet
disposed on a pressing operation side.
[0051] The first electrode layer 1 is disposed between the first
insulating sheet 11 and the first dielectric 21, and is fixed to a
bottom surface of the first insulating sheet 11, for example.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first electrode layer 1 is
constituted of adjacent electrodes extending along a first
direction (an X axis direction, for example), that is, a plurality
of hand-shaped first electrodes Rxc (Rxc1, Rxc2, and so on up to
Rxcn) arranged at set intervals from each other in a second
direction (a Y axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that n is the total
number of the first electrodes Rxc.
[0053] The first dielectric 21 is disposed below the first
insulating sheet 11, and is configured to be flexible. For example,
an Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) can be used as the first dielectric
21.
[0054] The second insulating sheet 12 is a flexible insulating
sheet disposed below the first dielectric 21.
[0055] The second electrode layer 2 is disposed between the second
insulating sheet 12 and the second dielectric 22, and is fixed to a
bottom surface of the second insulating sheet 12, for example.
Assuming the second electrode layer 2 can remain insulated from the
first electrode layer 1, the second electrode layer 2 may be
disposed on a top surface of the second insulating sheet 12.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the second electrode layer 2 is
constituted of adjacent electrodes extending in the second
direction (the Y axis direction, for example), which intersects
with the first direction of the first electrode layer 1, that is, a
plurality of band-shaped second electrodes Txcf (Txcf1, Txcf2, and
so on up to Txcfm) arranged at set intervals from each other in the
first direction so as to be electrically insulated from each other.
Note that m is the total number of the second electrodes Txcf. The
first direction and the second direction intersect at 90 degrees,
for example.
[0057] The second dielectric 22 is a flexible sheet disposed below
the second insulating sheet 12. The dielectric 22 can be
constituted of urethane foam, for example, which enables the
dielectric 22 to function as an electrode surface protective layer
as well. In the case where electrodes are disposed on the
dielectric 22 having urethane foam, the electrodes are preferably
affixed to both surfaces of the dielectric 22 using Optical Clear
Adhesive or the like. Urethane foam is elastic and thus has a
self-restoring action in response to pressure.
[0058] The third insulating sheet 13 is a flexible insulating sheet
disposed below the second dielectric 22.
[0059] The third electrode layer 3 is disposed between the second
dielectric 22 and the third insulating sheet 13, and is fixed to a
top surface of the third insulating sheet 13, for example.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the third electrode layer 3 is
constituted of adjacent electrodes extending along a third
direction (the X axis direction, for example), which intersects
with the second direction of the second electrode layer 2, that is,
a plurality of band-shaped third electrodes Rxf (Rxf1, Rxf2, and so
on up to Rxfn) arranged at set intervals from each other in the
second direction so as to be electrically insulated from each
other. Note that n is the total number of the third electrodes Rxf.
The second direction and the third direction intersect at 90
degrees, for example. Note also that this third insulating sheet 13
need not be flexible.
[0061] This layered-structure multifunction touch panel 30 further
includes a control circuit 49, functioning as an example of a
controller, a first selection circuit 40, a first amplifying
circuit 41, a first A/D converter 51, a second amplifying circuit
42, a second A/D converter 52, a specified position and pressing
detection circuit 29, and a transmission signal driving circuit
(signal generating circuit) 48. As will be described below, the
multi function touch panel 30 functions as a projection-type mutual
capacitance touch panel unit 31 and a cross point electrostatic
capacitance touch panel unit 32.
[0062] All of the plurality of band-shaped second electrodes Txcf
(Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to Txcfm) are connected to the first
selection circuit 40. All of the first electrodes Rxc (Rxc1, Rxc2,
and so on up to Rxcn) are connected to the first amplifying circuit
41 and the first A/D converter 51. All of the third electrodes Rxf
(Rxf1, Rxf2, and so on up to Rxfn) are connected to the second
amplifying circuit 42 and the second A/D converter 52. The first
A/D converter 51, the second A/D converter 52, and the control
circuit 49 are connected to the specified position and pressing
detection circuit 29.
[0063] The control circuit 49 is connected to the first selection
circuit 40, the transmission signal driving circuit (signal
generating circuit) 48, and the specified position and pressing
detection circuit 29.
[0064] Thus under the control of the control circuit 49, during
position detection and force detection, a driving signal is
inputted into the first selection circuit 40 from the transmission
signal driving circuit (signal generating circuit) 48, and driving
signals are then sequentially outputted from the first selection
circuit 40 to the second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to
Txcfm.
[0065] During position detection, the second electrodes Txcf
function as transmission-side position detection electrodes and the
first electrodes Rxc function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the first electrodes Rxc
constitute the projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit
31 to carry out the position detection. The projection-type mutual
capacitance touch panel unit 31 detects a position touched by a
conductive body such as a finger and the presence/absence of input.
Specifically, under the control of the control circuit 49, the
driving signals are sequentially outputted from the first selection
circuit 40 to the second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to
Txcfm, and at that time, signals detected by the first electrodes
Rxc (Rxc1, Rxc2, and so on up to Rxcn) are amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29. The specified position and pressing detection circuit 29
detects an input position on the basis of the driving signals from
the transmission signal driving circuit (signal generating circuit)
48, which were inputted from the control circuit 49, and the
digital signals obtained from the conversion carried out by the
first A/D converter 51.
[0066] On the other hand, during force detection, the second
electrodes Txcf function as transmission-side force detection
electrodes and the third electrodes Rxf function as reception-side
force detection electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf constitute the cross point electrostatic
capacitance touch panel unit 32 to detect a force on the basis of a
change in the distance between the second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf caused by a pressing force from the first
electrode layer side. The cross point electrostatic capacitance
touch panel unit 32 detects the force at a position pressed by a
non-conductive body such as a stylus. Specifically, under the
control of the control circuit 49, the driving signals are
sequentially outputted from the first selection circuit 40 to the
second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to Txcfm, and at that
time, signals detected by the third electrodes Rxf (Rxf1, Rxf2, and
so on up to Rxfn) are amplified by the second amplifying circuit
42. The signals amplified by the second amplifying circuit 42 are
A/D converted by the second A/D converter 52. Then, the digital
signals obtained from the A/D conversion are inputted to the
specified position and pressing detection circuit 29. The specified
position and pressing detection circuit 29 detects an inputted
pressing force on the basis of the driving signals from the
transmission signal driving circuit (signal generating circuit) 48,
which were inputted from the control circuit 49, and the digital
signals obtained from the conversion carried out by the second A/D
converter 52.
[0067] Employing a configuration in which two different types of
touch panel units, namely the projection-type mutual capacitance
touch panel unit 31 and the cross point electrostatic capacitance
touch panel unit 32, are laminated one upon the other, and having
the second electrodes Txcf functioning in both, makes it possible
to achieve both functions with a compact structure.
[0068] The first electrodes Rxc, the second electrodes Txcf, and
the third electrodes Rxf can be formed from a material exhibiting
electrical conductivity, and may be transparent or non-transparent.
A transparent conductive oxide such as Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) or
Tin-Zinc-Oxide (TZO), a conductive polymer such as polyethylene
dioxythiophene (PEDOT), or the like can be used as the material
exhibiting electrical conductivity. In this case, the electrodes
can be formed using deposition, screen printing, or the like.
[0069] A conductive metal such as copper or silver may be used as
the material exhibiting electrical conductivity. In this case, the
electrodes may be formed through deposition, or may be formed using
a metal paste such as copper paste or silver paste.
[0070] Furthermore, a material in which a conductive material such
as carbon nanotubes, metal particles, or metal nanofibers is
dispersed throughout a binder may be used as the material
exhibiting electrical conductivity.
[0071] Further still, a display device such as a liquid-crystal
display or an organic EL, display may be disposed below the third
insulating sheet 13 of the multifunction touch panel 30.
[0072] According to this configuration, the second electrodes Txcf
are sequentially driven and signals appearing in the first
electrodes Rxc are amplified by the first amplifying circuit 41.
Then, on the basis of values obtained by the first A/D converter 51
A/D converting those signals, a position touched on the first
insulating sheet 11 side is calculated and outputted from the
specified position and pressing detection circuit 29 as a position
detection result. Additionally, the second electrodes Txcf are
sequentially driven and signals appearing in the third electrodes
Rxf are amplified by the second amplifying circuit 42. Then, on the
basis of values obtained by the second A/D converter 52 A/D
converting those signals into digital signals, a pressing force
applied to the first insulating sheet 11 side is calculated and
outputted from the specified position and pressing detection
circuit 29 as a force detection result.
[0073] According to this first embodiment, some of the electrodes
in the two touch panel units 31 and 32 (that is, the second
electrodes Txcf) have dual functionality, which makes it possible
to reduce the number of members used and make the device thinner as
a whole. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, for example,
which is one variation of the first embodiment, the first electrode
layer 1 may be disposed on a top surface of a flexible first
insulating sheet 21 on the pressed side, and the second electrode
layer 2 may be disposed on a bottom surface side of the first
insulating sheet 21 (a particular case where ITO electrodes are
formed on both surfaces of a sheet is referred to as Double-Sided
ITO (DITO)). Additionally, the third electrode layer 3 may be
disposed on a top surface of the third insulating sheet 13, which
itself is disposed on the opposite side of a dielectric 24 as the
side on which the first insulating sheet 11 is disposed. The
dielectric 24 may be an air layer or may be formed from the same
material as the dielectric 22. A first insulating layer 35 in the
uppermost layer is a flexible insulating sheet disposed in the
uppermost layer. A second insulating layer 36 in the lowermost
layer is a flexible insulating sheet disposed in the lowermost
layer. The first insulating layer 35 may be constituted of a
plastic film such as PET, polycarbonate, or polyimide, or of thin
glass, for example. Meanwhile, the second insulating layer 36 may
be constituted of a plastic plate, a glass plate, or a surface of
the display device.
[0074] As a variation on the first embodiment, the second
dielectric 22 may be constituted of an air layer 24, as illustrated
in FIGS. 1C and 1D. In other words, in the configuration
illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the first electrode layer 1 may be
disposed on the top surface of the flexible first insulating sheet
21 on the pressed side, and the second electrode layer 2 may be
disposed on the bottom surface side of the first insulating sheet
21. Additionally, the third electrode layer 3 may be disposed on
the top surface of the third insulating sheet 13, which itself is
disposed on the opposite side of the dielectric 24 as the side on
which the first insulating sheet is disposed. According to this
configuration, the number of members (layers) constituting the
touch panel can be reduced, which makes it possible to improve the
thickness and optical properties.
[0075] Note that in addition to the rectangular band-shaped
electrode body portions illustrated in FIG. 2B, the third
electrodes Rxf may be constituted of trapezoidal electrode body
portions as illustrated in FIG. 4D.
Second Embodiment
[0076] A multifunction touch panel 30C according to a second
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B,
and 3C. FIG. 3A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
multifunction touch panel 30C, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view
taken along a line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is a
cross-sectional view taken along a line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 is
a circuit block diagram illustrating the multifunction touch panel
30C.
[0077] The multifunction touch panel 30C has a two-layer structure
of electrode layers. In other words, the multifunction touch panel
30C is constituted of the first insulating sheet 11, the first
electrode layer 1 and second electrode layer 2, the second
dielectric 22, the third electrode layer 3, and the third
insulating sheet 13 laminated together.
[0078] The first electrode layer 1 and the second electrode layer 2
are provided on the bottom surface of the first insulating sheet
11, within the same plane, so as to be electrically insulated from
each other.
[0079] The third electrode layer 3 is disposed such that the second
dielectric 22 is interposed between the third electrode layer 3,
and the first and second electrodes layers 1 and 2. In other words,
the third electrode layer 3 is disposed on the top surface of the
third insulating sheet 13.
[0080] The dielectric 22 that can be elastically deformed by a
pressing force applied from the first electrode layer 1 side or the
second electrode layer 2 side to reduce the distance between the
second electrode layer 2 and the third electrode layer 3 is
disposed between the first arid second electrode layers 1 and 2,
and the third electrode layer 3.
[0081] The third electrode layer 3 is constituted of a plurality of
band-shaped third electrodes Rxf (Rxf1, Rxf2, and so on up to Rxfn)
that extend along a first direction (the X axis direction, for
example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in a
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that n is the total
number of the third electrodes Rxf. The third electrodes Rxf are
each connected to the second amplifying circuit 42.
[0082] The second electrode layer 2 is constituted of a plurality
of band-shaped second electrodes Txcf (Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up
to Txcfm) that extend along the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each
other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so
as to be electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the
total number of the second electrodes Txcf. All of the plurality of
second electrodes Txcf are connected to the first selection circuit
40, which is connected to the control circuit 49.
[0083] The first electrode layer 1 is constituted of electrode main
body portions 67 (Rxc11 to Rxcnm) and wiring portions 68, serving
as the first electrodes Rxc. The electrode main body portions 67
(Rxc11 to Rxcnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for example) small square
electrode main body portions 67 arranged in rows at set intervals
from each other in at least the first direction (the X axis
direction, for example), and, for example, are numerous (m.times.n,
for example) small square electrode main body portions 67 (Rxc11 to
Rxcnm) arranged in a matrix at set intervals from each other in the
first direction (the X axis direction, for example) and the second
direction (the Y axis direction, for example). The wiring portions
68 connect each of the electrode main body portions 67 to the first
amplifying circuit 41.
[0084] In FIG. 5, the m electrode main body portions 67 (Rxc11,
Rxc12, and so on up to Rxc1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 68
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a first
electrode Rxc1, for example). These electrodes are arranged in the
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to
constitute the plurality of first electrodes Rxc (Rxc1 to Rxcn).
Note that n is the total number of the first electrodes Rxc. All of
the plurality of first electrodes Rxc are connected to the first
amplifying circuit 41 by the wiring portions 68. Note that n and m
are independent integers of 1 or greater. The numbers expressed by
n and m can be increased to increase the number of electrodes,
which makes it possible to more accurately detect positions and
pressures.
[0085] The electrode pattern illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, which
is formed through patterning, may be used as an electrode pattern
according to the second embodiment.
[0086] That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first
electrode layer 1 is constituted of, as the first electrodes Rxc,
numerous (m.times.n, for example) small E-shaped electrode main
body portions 60 (Rxc11 to Rxcnm) arranged in a matrix at set
intervals from each other in the first direction (the X axis
direction, for example) and the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example), and wiring portions 61 that connect each
of the electrode main body portions 60 to the first amplifying
circuit 41. The electrode main body portions 60 and the wiring
portions 61 correspond to examples of the electrode main body
portions 67 and the wiring portions 68, respectively.
[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the third electrode layer
3 is constituted of a plurality of band-shaped third electrodes Rxf
(Rxf1, Rxf2, and so on up to Rxfn) that extend along the first
direction (the X axis direction, for example) and are arranged at
set intervals from each other in the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example) so as to he electrically insulated from
each other. Note that n is the total number of the third electrodes
Rxf. The third electrodes Rxf are each connected to the second
amplifying circuit 42.
[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6D, the second electrode
layer 2 is constituted of, as the plurality of second electrodes
Txcf (Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to Txcfm), branched electrode
portions 63, each having two narrow parts that fit into the gaps in
the corresponding E-shaped electrode main body portions 60 of the
first electrodes Rxc, extending along the second direction (the Y
axis direction, for example) and arranged at set intervals from
each other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for
example), so as to be electrically insulated from each other; and
wiring portions 64 that connect the branched electrode portions 63
to the first selection circuit 40. Note that in is the total number
of the second electrodes Txcf. All of the plurality of second
electrodes Txcf are connected to the first selection circuit 40,
which is connected to the control circuit 49.
[0089] Forming the electrodes in an E-shape in this manner makes it
possible to combine transmission side electrodes and reception side
electrodes in a comb-tooth shape, which in turn makes it possible
to increase the electrostatic capacitance between the transmission
side electrodes and the reception side electrodes.
[0090] Thus according to the multifunction touch panel 30C, under
the control of the control circuit 49, during position detection
and force detection, a driving signal is inputted into the first
selection circuit 40 from the transmission signal driving circuit
(signal generating circuit) 48, and driving signals are then
sequentially outputted from the first selection circuit 40 to the
second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to Txcfm.
[0091] During position detection, the second electrodes Txcf
function as transmission-side position detection electrodes and the
first electrodes Rxc function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the first electrodes Rxc
constitute the projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit
31 to carry out the position detection.
[0092] On the other hand, during force detection, the second
electrodes Txcf function as transmission-side force detection
electrodes and the third electrodes Rxf function as reception-side
force detection electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf constitute the cross point electrostatic
capacitance touch panel unit 32 to detect a force on the basis of a
change in the distance between the second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf caused by a pressing force from the side of
the first electrodes Rxc or the second electrodes Txcf.
[0093] According to this second embodiment, some of the electrodes
in the two touch panel units 31 and 32 (that is, the second
electrodes Txcf) have dual functionality, which makes it possible
to reduce the number of members used and make the device thinner as
a whole.
[0094] Meanwhile, as another variation of the second embodiment,
the electrode pattern illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D may be used.
That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first electrodes
Rxc are each constituted of X-shaped electrode main body portions
65, and wiring portions 66 that connect the electrode main body
portions 65 to the first amplifying circuit 41. As illustrated in
FIGS. 4A and 6C, the third electrodes Rxf are each constituted of
rectangular hand-shaped electrode main body portions, and the
respective electrode main body portions are connected to the second
amplifying circuit 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the
second electrodes Txcf are constituted of electrode main body
portions having a shape obtained by punching out the X-shaped
electrode main body portions 65 of the first electrodes Rxc from a
rectangular band shape, and are configured to be connected to the
first selection circuit 40.
Third Embodiment
[0095] A multifunction touch panel 30D according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, in which the second electrodes
Txcf are divided into numerous parts rather than the first
electrodes Rxc as in the second embodiment, is illustrated by the
circuit block diagram in FIG. 7. A cross-sectional view of the
multifunction touch panel 30D according to the third embodiment is
the same as FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrating the multifunction
touch panel 30C according to the second embodiment.
[0096] The third electrode layer 3 is constituted of a plurality of
band-shaped third electrodes Rxf (Rxf1, Rxf2, and so on up to Rxfm)
that extend along the second direction (the Y axis direction, for
example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in the
first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the total
number of the third electrodes Rxf.
[0097] The first electrode layer 1 is also constituted of a
plurality of band-shaped first electrodes Rxc (Rxc1, Rxc2, and so
on up to Rxcm) that extend along, the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each
other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so
as to be electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the
total number of the first electrodes Rxc.
[0098] The second electrode layer 2 is constituted of electrode
main body portions 69 (Txcf11 to Txcfnm) and wiring portions 70
serving as the second electrodes Txcf. The electrode main body
portions 69 (Txcf11 to Txcfnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for
example) small square electrode main body portions 69 arranged in
rows at set intervals from each other in at least the first
direction (the X axis direction, for example), and, for example,
are numerous (in.times.n, for example) small square electrode main
body portions 69 (Txcf11 to Txcfnm) arranged in a matrix at set
intervals from each other in the first direction (the X axis
direction, for example) and the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example). The wiring portions 70 connect each of the
electrode main body portions 69 to the first selection circuit
40.
[0099] In FIG. 7, the m electrode main body portions 69 (Txcf11,
Txcf12, and so on up to Txcf1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 70
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a second
electrode Txcf1, for example). These electrodes are arranged in the
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to
constitute the plurality of second electrodes Txcf (Txcf1 to
Txcfn). Note that n is the total number of the second electrodes
Txcf. All of the plurality of second electrodes Txcf are connected
to the first selection circuit 40, which is connected to the
control circuit 49. The n electrode main body portions 69 arranged
along the Y axis direction (for example, Txcf11 and Txcf21 to
Txcfn1) are disposed in a position above one of the third
electrodes Rxf (for example, Rxf1).
[0100] Thus under the control of the control circuit 49, during
position detection and force detection, a driving signal is
inputted into the first selection circuit 40 from the transmission
signal driving circuit (signal generating circuit) 48, and driving
signals are then sequentially outputted from the first selection
circuit 40 to the second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up to
Txcfn.
[0101] During position detection, the second electrodes Txcf
function as transmission-side position detection electrodes and the
first electrodes Rxc function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the first electrodes Rxc
constitute the projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit
31 to carry out the position detection. In other words, the signals
detected by the first electrodes Rxc are amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the position detection.
[0102] On the other hand, during force detection, the second
electrodes Txcf function as transmission-side force detection
electrodes and the third electrodes Rxf function as reception-side
force detection electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf constitute the cross point electrostatic
capacitance touch panel unit 32 to detect a force on the basis of a
change in the distance between the second electrodes Txcf and the
third electrodes Rxf caused by a pressing force from the side of
the first electrodes Rxc or the second electrodes Txcf. In other
words, the signals detected by the third electrodes Rxf are
amplified by the second amplifying circuit 42. The signals
amplified by the second amplifying circuit 42 are A/D converted by
the second A/D converter 52. Then, the digital signals obtained
from the A/D conversion are inputted to the specified position and
pressing detection circuit 29 to carry out the force detection.
[0103] The third embodiment can therefore achieve the same effects
as the first embodiment.
Fourth Embodiment
[0104] In the second and third embodiments, the transmission side
electrodes are shared and the reception side electrodes are each
divided into the first electrode layer and the third electrode
layer in each of the touch panel units 31 and 32. However, in a
fourth embodiment, the reception side electrodes are constituted by
the second electrode layer, and the transmission side electrodes
each are disposed individually in the first electrode layer and the
third electrode layer in each of the touch panel units 31 and
32.
[0105] A multifunction touch panel 30E according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B,
and 8C. FIG. 8A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
multifunction touch panel 30E, FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view
taken along a line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is a
cross-sectional view taken along a line 8C-8C in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is
a circuit block diagram illustrating the multifunction touch panel
30E.
[0106] The multifunction touch panel 30E has a two-layer structure
of electrode layers. In other words, the multifunction touch panel
30E is constituted of the first insulating sheet 11, a first
electrode layer 1B and second electrode layer 2B, the second
dielectric 22, a third electrode layer 3B, and the third insulating
sheet 13 laminated together.
[0107] The first electrode layer 1B and the second electrode layer
2B are provided on the bottom surface of the first insulating sheet
11 or the top surface of the second dielectric 22, within the same
plane, so as to be electrically insulated from each other.
[0108] The third electrode layer 3B is disposed such that the
second dielectric 22 is interposed between the third electrode
layer 3B, and the first and second electrodes layers 1B and 2B. In
other words, the third electrode layer 3B is disposed on the bottom
surface of the second dielectric 22 or the top surface of the third
insulating sheet 13.
[0109] The dielectric 22 that can be elastically deformed by a
pressing force applied from the first electrode layer 1B side or
the second electrode layer 2B side to reduce the distance between
the second electrode layer 2B and the third electrode layer 3B is
disposed between the first and second electrode layers 1B and 2B,
and the third electrode layer 3B.
[0110] The third electrode layer 3B is constituted of a plurality
of band-shaped third electrodes Txf (Txf1, Txf2, and so on up to
Txfm) that extend along the second direction (Y), which intersects
with the first direction of the second electrode layer 2B (the X
axis direction, for example), and are arranged at set intervals
from each other in the first direction so as to be electrically
insulated from each other. Note that m is the total number of the
third electrodes Txf. All of the plurality of third electrodes Txf
are connected to a second selection circuit 40B, which is connected
to the control circuit 49.
[0111] The first electrode layer 1B is constituted of a plurality
of band-shaped first electrodes Txc (Txc1, Txc2, and so on up to
Txcm) that extend along the second direction (the Y axis direction,
for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in
the first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the total
number of the first electrodes Txc. All of the plurality of first
electrodes Txc are connected to the first selection circuit 40,
which is connected to the control circuit 49.
[0112] The second electrode layer 2B is constituted of electrode
main body portions 71 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) and wiring portions 72
serving as second electrodes Rxcf. The electrode main body portions
71 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for example) small
square electrode main body portions 71 arranged in rows at set
intervals from each other in at least the first direction (the X
axis direction, for example), and, for example, are numerous
(m.times.n, for example) small square electrode main body portions
71 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) arranged in a matrix at set intervals from
each other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for
example) and the second direction (the Y axis direction, for
example). The wiring portions 72 connect each of the electrode main
body portions 71 to the first amplifying circuit 41.
[0113] In FIG. 9, the m electrode main body portions 71 (Rxcf11,
Rxcf12, and so on up to Rxcf1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 72
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a second
electrode Rxcf1, for example). These electrodes are arranged in the
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to
constitute the plurality of second electrodes Rxcf (Rxcf1 to
Rxcfn). Note that n is the total number of the second electrodes
Rxcf. All of the plurality of second electrodes Rxcf are connected
to the first amplifying circuit 41 by the wiring portions 72. The n
electrode main body portions 71 arranged along the Y axis direction
(for example, Rxcf11 and Rxcf21 to Rxcfn1) are disposed, for
example, in a position above one of the third electrodes Txf (for
example, Txf1).
[0114] Thus under the control of the control circuit 49, during
position detection, a driving signal is inputted into the first
selection circuit 40 from the transmission signal driving circuit
(signal generating circuit) 48, and driving signals are then
sequentially outputted from the first selection circuit 40 to the
first electrode Txc1, Txc2, and so on up to Txcm. During this
position detection, the first electrodes Txc function as
transmission-side position detection electrodes and the second
electrodes Rxcf function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf
constitute a projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit
31B to carry out the position detection. In other words, the
signals detected by the second electrodes Rxcf are amplified by the
first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion arc
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the position detection.
[0115] On the other hand, under the control of the control circuit
49, during force detection, a driving signal is inputted into the
second selection circuit 40B from the transmission signal driving
circuit (signal generating circuit) 48, and driving signals are
then sequentially outputted to the third electrode Txf1, Txf2, and
so on up to Txfn. During this force detection, the third electrodes
Txf function as transmission-side force detection electrodes and
the second electrodes Rxcf function as reception-side force
detection electrodes. The third electrodes Txf and the second
electrodes Rxcf constitute a cross point electrostatic capacitance
touch panel unit 32B to detect a force on the basis of a change in
the distance between the third electrodes Txf and the second
electrodes Rxcf caused by a pressing force from the side of the
first electrodes Txf or the second electrodes Rxcf. In other words,
the signals detected by the second electrodes Rxcf are amplified by
the first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the force detection.
[0116] According to this fourth embodiment, some of the electrodes
in the two touch panel units 31B and 32B (that is, the second
electrodes Rxcf) have dual functionality, which makes it possible
to reduce the number of members used and make the device thinner as
a whole.
[0117] FIG. 10A illustrates a variation of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the second electrode layer 2B is constituted of numerous
(m.times.n, for example) small square electrode main body portions
71 and wiring portions 72 that connect the electrode main body
portions 71 to the first selection circuit 40. However, as a
variation of the fourth embodiment, the first electrode layer 1B
rather than the second electrode layer 2B may be constituted of
numerous (m.times.n, for example) small square electrode main body
portions 73 and wiring portions 74 that connect the electrode each
of main body portions 73 to the first selection circuit 40.
[0118] In other words, in a multifunction touch panel 30F according
to the variation illustrated in FIG. 10A, the third electrode layer
3B is constituted of a plurality of hand-shaped third electrodes
Txf (Txf1, Txf2, and so on up to Txfn) that extend along the first
direction of the second electrode layer 213 (the X axis direction,
for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in
the second direction that intersects with the first direction (the
Y axis direction, for example) so as to be electrically insulated
from each other. Note that n is the total number of the third
electrodes Txf. All of the plurality of third electrodes Txf are
connected to the second selection circuit 40B, which is connected
to the control circuit 49.
[0119] The second electrode layer 2B is constituted of a plurality
of band-shaped second electrodes Rxcf (Rxcf1, Rxcf2, and so on up
to Rxcfm) that extend along the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each
other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so
as to be electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the
total number of the second electrodes Rxcf. All of the plurality of
second electrodes Rxcf are connected to the first amplifying
circuit 41.
[0120] The first electrode layer 1B is constituted of the electrode
main body portions 73 (Txc11 to Txcnm) and the wiring portions 74
serving as the first electrodes Txc. The electrode main body
portions 73 (Txc11 to Txcnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for example)
small square electrode main body portions 73 arranged in rows at
set intervals from each other in at least the first direction (the
X axis direction, for example), and, for example, are numerous
(m.times.n, for example) small square electrode main body portions
73 (Txc11 to Txcnm) arranged in a matrix at set intervals from each
other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for example)
and the second direction (the Y axis direction, for example). The
wiring portions 74 connect each of the electrode main body portions
73 to the first selection circuit 40.
[0121] In FIG. 10A, the in electrode main body portions 73 (Txc11,
Txc12, and so on up to Txc1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 74
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a first
electrode Txc1, for example). These electrodes are arranged in the
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to
constitute the plurality of first electrodes Txc (Txc1 to Txcn).
Note that n is the total number of the first electrodes Txc. All of
the plurality of first electrodes Txc are connected to the first
selection circuit 40, which is connected to the control circuit 49.
The n electrode main body portions 73 arranged along the Y axis
direction (for example, Txc11 and Txc21 to Txcn1) are disposed in a
position lateral to one of the second electrodes Rxcf (for example,
Rxcf1).
[0122] Thus, under the control of the control circuit 49, during
position detection, a driving signal is inputted into the first
selection circuit 40 from the transmission signal driving circuit
(signal generating circuit) 48, and driving signals are then
sequentially outputted from the first selection circuit 40 to the
first electrode Txc1, Txc2, and so on up to Txcn. During this
position detection, the first electrodes Txc function as
transmission-side position detection electrodes and the second
electrodes Rxcf function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf
constitute a projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit
31B to carry out the position detection. In other words, the
signals detected by the second electrodes Rxcf are amplified by the
first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the position detection.
[0123] On the other hand, under the control of the control circuit
49, during force detection, a driving signal is inputted into the
second selection circuit 40B from the transmission signal driving
circuit (signal generating circuit) 48, and driving signals are
then sequentially outputted to the third electrode Txf1, Txf2, and
so on up to Txfn. During this force detection, the third electrodes
Txf function as transmission-side force detection electrodes and
the second electrodes Rxcf function as reception-side force
detection electrodes. The third electrodes Txf and the second
electrodes Rxcf constitute a cross point electrostatic capacitance
touch panel unit 32B to detect a force on the basis of a change in
the distance between the third electrodes Txf and the second
electrodes Rxcf caused by a pressing force from the side of the
first electrodes Txc or the second electrodes Rxcf. In other words,
the signals detected by the second electrodes Rxcf are amplified by
the first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the force detection.
[0124] The electrode pattern used in FIG. 10A may be configured as
illustrated in FIGS. 10B to 10E. That is, as illustrated in FIGS.
10B and 10C, the first electrodes Txc are constituted of "E"-shaped
electrode main body portions 73, and the wiring portions 74 that
connect each of the electrode main body portions 73 to the first
selection circuit 40. As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the
second electrodes Rxcf are constituted of branched electrode
portions 75, each having two narrow parts that fit into the gaps in
the corresponding "E"-shaped electrode main body portions 73 of the
first electrodes Txc, and wiring portions 76 that connect the
branched electrode portions 75 to the first amplifying circuit 41.
As illustrated in FIGS. 10B and 10E, the third electrodes Txf are
each constituted of rectangular band-shaped electrode main body
portions, and the respective electrode main body portions are
connected to the second selection circuit 40B. Forming the
electrodes in an "E"-shape in this manner makes it possible to
combine transmission side electrodes and reception side electrodes
in a comb-tooth shape, which in turn makes it possible to increase
the electrostatic capacitance between the transmission side
electrodes and the reception side electrodes.
[0125] FIG. 10F illustrates a timing chart according to the
variation of the fourth embodiment. The horizontal axis represents
time. During position detection, when driving signals are issued at
first electrodes Txc10 to Txc44, changes in the electrostatic
capacitances of respective second electrodes Rxcf1 to Rxcf4 are
detected carry out the position detection. On the other hand,
during force detection, when driving signals are issued at third
electrodes Txf1 to Txf4, changes in the electrostatic capacitances
of the respective second electrodes Rxcf1 to Rxcf4 are detected to
carry out the force detection.
[0126] According to this variation of the fourth embodiment, some
of the electrodes in the two touch panel units 31B and 32B (that
is, the second electrodes Rxcf) have dual functionality, which
makes it possible to reduce the number of members used and make the
device thinner as a whole.
Fifth Embodiment
[0127] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel 30G according to a fifth embodiment of
the, present invention. FIG. 12 is a detailed diagram illustrating
a second selection circuit 40C illustrated in FIG. 11. A
cross-sectional view of the multifunction touch panel 306 is the
same as FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrating the multifunction touch
panel 30C according to the second embodiment. The following will
primarily describe the differences from the second embodiment.
[0128] In the fifth embodiment, an electrode pair constituted of
electrodes functioning as a transmission side electrode and a
reception side electrode that are electrically insulated from each
other during position detection are switched by a switching unit SW
such as a switch so as to be connected as the same
transmission-side or reception-side electrode during force
detection.
[0129] Like the multifunction touch panel 30C, the multifunction
touch panel 306 has a two-layer structure of electrode layers. In
other words, the multifunction touch panel 30G is constituted of
the first insulating sheet 11, the first electrode layer 1 and
second electrode layer 2, the second dielectric 22, the third
electrode layer 3, and the third insulating sheet 13 laminated
together.
[0130] The third electrode layer 3 is constituted of a plurality of
band-shaped third electrodes Rxf (Rxf1, Rxf2, and so on up to Rxfn)
that extend along a first direction (the X axis direction, for
example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in a
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that n is the total
number of the third electrodes Rxf. All of the third electrodes Rxf
are connected to the second amplifying circuit 42.
[0131] The second electrode layer 2 is constituted of a plurality
of band-shaped second electrodes Txcf (Txcf1, Txcf2, and so on up
to Txcfm) that extend along the second direction (the Y axis
direction, for example) and are arranged at set intervals from each
other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so
as to be electrically insulated from each other. Note that m is the
total number of the second electrodes Txcf. All of the second
electrodes Txcf are connected to the first selection circuit 40,
and can be connected to the first amplifying circuit 41 or the
first electrodes Rxc via the second selection circuit 40C.
[0132] The first electrode layer 1 is constituted of electrode main
body portions 77 (Rxc11 to Rxcnm) and wiring portions 78 serving as
the first electrodes Rxc. The electrode main body portions 77
(Rxc11 to Rxcnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for example) small square
electrode main body portions 77 arranged in rows at set intervals
from each other in at least the first direction (the X axis
direction, for example), and for example, are numerous (m.times.n,
for example) small square electrode main body portions 77 (Rxc11 to
Rxcnm) arranged in a matrix at set intervals from each other in the
first direction (the X axis direction, for example) and the second
direction (the Y axis direction, for example). The wiring portions
78 connect each of the electrode main body portions 77 to the
second selection circuit 40C.
[0133] In FIG. 11, the m electrode main body portions 77 (Rxc11,
Rxc12, and so on up to Rxc1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 78
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a first
electrode Rxc1, for example). All of the first electrodes Rxc can
be connected to the first amplifying circuit 41 or the second
electrodes Txcf via the second selection circuit 40C.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second selection circuit 40C
is constituted of two types of switches, namely first switches SW1
and second switches SW2, serving as switching units. Each of the
first switches SW1 opens and closes connections between each row of
the first electrodes Rxc (Rxc11, Rxc12, and so on up to Rxc1m, for
example) arranged along the each X axis direction, and the first
amplifying circuit 41. Each of the second switches SW2 opens and
closes connections between each row of first electrodes Rxc
arranged along the each Y axis direction and a single second
electrode Txcf provided parallel to that single row of first
electrodes Rxc (for example, connections between the first
electrodes Rxc11, Rxc21, and so on up to Rxcn1, and the second
electrode Txcf1 provided parallel to those first electrodes).
[0135] Accordingly, during position detection, the first switches
SW1 are closed and the second switches SW2 are opened, and when
driving signals are issued from the first selection circuit 40 to
the second electrodes Txcf1 to Txcfm, changes in the electrostatic
capacitances in the respective rows of the first electrodes Rxc
(where one row is Rxc11, Rxc12, and so on up to Rxc1m, for example)
arranged along the X axis direction are detected to carry out the
position detection. In other words, the signals detected by the
first electrodes Rxc are amplified by the first amplifying circuit
41. The signals amplified by the first amplifying circuit 41 are
A/D converted by the first A/D converter 51. Then, the digital
signals obtained from the A/D conversion are inputted to the
specified position and pressing detection circuit 29 to carry out
the position detection.
[0136] On the other hand, during force detection, the first
switches SW1 are opened and the second switches SW2 are closed,
such that one row of the first electrodes Rxc arranged along the
each Y axis direction and the one second electrode Txcf provided
parallel to that one row of first electrodes are handled as a
single transmission side electrode. Thus when driving signals are
issued from the second selection circuit 40C, changes in the
distance from the third electrodes Rxf are detected to carry out
the force detection. In other words, the signals detected by the
third electrodes Rxf are amplified by the second amplifying circuit
42. The signals amplified by the second amplifying circuit 42 are
A/D converted by the second A/D converter 52. Then, the digital
signals obtained from the A/D conversion are inputted to the
specified position and pressing detection circuit 29 to carry out
the force detection.
[0137] Accordingly, during position detection, the first switches
SW1 are closed and the second switches SW2 are opened so as to
disconnect the first electrodes Rxc from the second electrodes
Txcf. As a result, under the control of the control circuit 49, a
driving signal is inputted into the first selection circuit 40 from
the transmission signal driving circuit (signal generating circuit)
48, and driving signals are then sequentially outputted from the
first selection circuit 40 to the second electrode Txcf1, Txcf2,
and so on up to Txcfm. During position detection, the second
electrodes Txcf function as transmission-side position detection
electrodes and the first electrodes Rxc function as reception-side
position detection electrodes. The second electrodes Txcf and the
first electrodes Rxc constitute the projection-type mutual
capacitance touch panel unit 31 to carry out the position
detection.
[0138] On the other hand, during force detection, the first
switches SW1 are opened and the second switches SW2 are closed such
that the first electrodes Rxc and the second electrodes Txcf are
handled as a single transmission side electrode. In other words,
the first electrodes Rxc and the second electrodes Txcf function as
transmission-side force detection electrodes and the third
electrodes Rxf function as reception-side force detection
electrodes. The first electrodes Rxc and second electrodes Txcf,
and the third electrodes Rxf, constitute the cross point
electrostatic capacitance touch panel unit 32 to detect a force on
the basis of a change in the distance between the first electrodes
Rxc and second electrodes Txcf, and the third electrodes Rxf,
caused by a pressing force from the side of the first electrodes
Rxc or the second electrodes Txcf.
[0139] The electrode pattern used in FIG. 11 may be configured as
illustrated in FIG. 13A. The shapes are similar to those
illustrated in FIGS. 10B to 10E, but the electrodes are different.
In other words, the first electrodes Txc in FIGS. 10B to 10E are
the first electrodes Rxc in FIG. 13A. The third electrodes Txf in
FIGS. 10B to 10E are the third electrodes Rxf in FIG. 13A. The
second electrodes Rxcf in FIGS. 10B to 10E are the second
electrodes Txcf in FIG. 13A. The first electrodes Rxc and the
second electrodes Txcf in FIG. 13A function as a transmission side
electrode Tx(f) during force detection.
[0140] FIG. 13B illustrates a timing chart according to the fifth
embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time. During position
detection, when driving signals are issued at first electrodes
Txcf1 to Txcf4, changes in the electrostatic capacitances of
respective second electrodes Rxc11 to Rxc15, Rxc21 to Rxc25, Rxc31
to Rxc35, and Rxc41 to Rxc45 are detected to carry out the position
detection. On the other hand, during force detection, when driving
signals are issued at first electrodes Txcf1 to Txcf4, changes in
the electrostatic capacitances of the respective third electrodes
Rxf1 to Rxf4 are detected to carry out the force detection.
[0141] According to this fifth embodiment, some of the electrodes
in the two touch panel units 31 and 32 (that is, the first
electrodes Rxc and the second electrodes Txcf) have dual
functionality for position detection and force detection, which
makes it possible to reduce the number of members used and make the
device thinner as a whole. Furthermore, during force detection, the
first electrodes Rxc and the second electrodes Txcf can be handled
as a single transmission side electrode Tx(f), and thus the surface
area of the transmission side electrode can be increased.
Additionally, because the transmission side electrode Tx(f) is
located closer to the finger or the like than the reception side
electrodes, noise from the finger or the like can be shielded by
the transmission side electrode Tx(f), which makes it possible to
improve the SN ratio in the electrostatic capacitance detection of
the matrix.
Sixth Embodiment
[0142] FIG. 14 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a
multifunction touch panel 30H according to a sixth embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating in detail
a second selection circuit 40D in FIG. 14. A cross-sectional view
of the multifunction touch panel 30H is the same as FIGS. 3A, 3B,
and 3C illustrating the multifunction touch panel 30C according to
the second embodiment. The following will primarily describe the
differences from the second embodiment.
[0143] In the sixth embodiment, an electrode pair constituted of
electrodes functioning as a transmission side electrode and a
reception side electrode that are electrically insulated from each
other during position detection are switched by a switching unit SW
such as a switch so as to be connected as the same
transmission-side or reception-side electrode during force
detection.
[0144] Similar the multifunction touch panel 30C, the multifunction
touch panel 30H has a two-layer structure of electrode layers. In
other words, the multifunction touch panel 30H is constituted of
the first insulating sheet 11, the first electrode layer 1 and
second electrode layer 2, the second dielectric 22, the third
electrode layer 3, and the third insulating sheet 13 laminated
together.
[0145] The third electrode layer 3 is constituted of a plurality of
band-shaped third electrodes Txf (Txf1, Txf2, and so on up to Txfn)
that extend along the first direction (the X axis direction, for
example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in the
second direction (the Y axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that n is the total
number of the third electrodes Txf. All of the third electrodes Txf
are connected to a third selection circuit 40E.
[0146] The first electrode layer 1 is constituted of a plurality of
band-shaped first electrodes Txc (Txc1, Txc2, and so on up to Txcn)
that extend along the second direction (the Y axis direction, for
example) and are arranged at set intervals from each other in the
first direction (the X axis direction, for example) so as to be
electrically insulated from each other. Note that n is the total
number of the first electrodes Txc. All of the first electrodes Txc
are connected to the first selection circuit 40, and can be
connected to the first amplifying circuit 41 or the second
electrodes Rxcf via the second selection circuit 40D.
[0147] The second electrode layer 2 is constituted of electrode
main body portions 79 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) and wiring portions 80
serving as second electrodes Rxcf. The electrode main body portions
79 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) are numerous (m.times.1, for example) small
square electrode main body portions 79 arranged in rows at set
intervals from each other in at least the first direction (the X
axis direction, for example), and, for example, are numerous
(m.times.n, for example) small square electrode main body portions
79 (Rxcf11 to Rxcfnm) arranged in a matrix at set intervals from
each other in the first direction (the X axis direction, for
example) and the second direction (the Y axis direction, for
example). The wiring portions 80 can connect each of the electrode
main body portions 79 to the second selection circuit 40D.
[0148] In FIG. 14, the m electrode main body portions 79 (Rxcf11,
Rxcf12, and so on up to Rxcf1m) arranged along the first direction
(the X axis direction, for example) and the wiring portions 80
connected thereto all correspond to the same electrode (a second
electrode Rxcf1, for example). All of the first electrodes Rxcf can
be connected to the first amplifying circuit 41 or the first
electrodes Txc via the second selection circuit 40D.
[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the second selection circuit 40D
is constituted of two types of switches, namely third switches SW3
and fourth switches SW4, serving as switching units.
[0150] Each of the third switches SW3 opens and closes connections
between each row of the second electrodes (the second electrodes
Rxcf11, Rxcf12, and so on up to Rxcf1m, for example) arranged along
the each X axis direction, and the first amplifying circuit 41, as
well as connections between the first electrodes Txc and first
electrode-side contact points of the fourth switches SW4. The third
switches SW3 open and close the connections between the first
electrodes Txc and the first electrode-side contact points of the
fourth switches SW4 for the following reason. That is, if the first
electrodes Txc are not disconnected from the first electrode-side
contact points of the fourth switches SW4 by the third switches SW3
during force detection, the first electrodes Txc will remain
selected by the transmission signal driving circuit 48 and will be
unable to receive reception signals.
[0151] Each of the fourth switches SW4 opens and closes each
connection between each row of second electrodes arranged along the
Y axis direction and a single first electrode provided parallel to
that single row of second electrodes (for example, each connection
between the second electrodes Rxcf11, Rxcf21, and so on up to
Rxcfn1, and the first electrode Txc1 provided parallel to those
second electrodes), as well as each connection between each of
these connection points (between the respective second electrodes
and the respective first electrodes) and the first amplifying
circuit 41.
[0152] Accordingly, during position detection, the third switches
SW3 are closed and the fourth switches SW4 are opened, and when
driving signals are issued from the first selection circuit 40 to
the first electrodes Txc1 to Txcm, changes in the electrostatic
capacitances in the respective rows of the second electrodes (where
one row is the second electrodes Rxcf11, Rxcf12, and so on up to
Rxcf1m, for example) arranged along the X axis direction are
detected to carry out the position detection. In other words, the
signals detected by the second electrodes Rxcf are amplified by the
first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified by the first
amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first A/D converter
51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D conversion are
inputted to the specified position and pressing detection circuit
29 to carry out the position detection.
[0153] On the other hand, during force detection, the first
electrodes Txc are disconnected from the driving circuit 48 at the
first selection circuit 40, the third switches SW3 of the second
selection circuit 40D are opened, and the fourth switches SW4 are
closed. Thus when driving signals are issued to the third
electrodes Txf1 to Txfn from the third selection circuit 40E, one
row of the second electrodes Rxcf arranged along the each Y axis
direction and the one first electrode Txc provided parallel to that
one row of the second electrodes Rxcf are handled as a single
reception side electrode. In other words, the signals detected by
the second electrodes Rxcf or the first electrodes Txc are
amplified by the first amplifying circuit 41. The signals amplified
by the first amplifying circuit 41 are A/D converted by the first
A/D converter 51. Then, the digital signals obtained from the A/D
conversion are inputted to the specified position and pressing
detection circuit 29 to carry out the force detection.
[0154] Accordingly, during position detection, the third switches
SW3 are closed and the fourth switches SW4 are opened so as to
disconnect the first electrodes Txc from the second electrodes
Rxcf. As a result, under the control of the control circuit 49, a
driving signal is inputted into the first selection circuit 40 from
the transmission signal driving circuit (signal generating,
circuit) 48, and driving signals are then sequentially outputted to
the first electrode Txc1, Txc2, and so on up to Txcm. During
position detection, the first electrodes Txc function as
transmission-side position detection electrodes and the second
electrodes Rxcf function as reception-side position detection
electrodes. The first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf
constitute a projection-type mutual capacitance touch panel unit 31
to carry out the position detection.
[0155] On the other hand, during force detection, the third
switches SW3 are opened and the fourth switches SW4 are closed so
as to connect the first electrodes Txc to the second electrodes
Rxcf. As a result, under the control of the control circuit 49, a
driving signal is inputted into the third selection circuit 40E
from the transmission signal driving circuit (signal generating
circuit) 48, and driving signals are then sequentially outputted to
the first electrode Txf1, Txf2, and so on up to Txfn. During force
detection, the first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf
are handled as a single reception side electrode. In other words,
the first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf function as
reception-side force detection electrodes and the third electrodes
Txf function as transmission-side force detection electrodes. The
first electrodes Txc and second electrodes Rxcf, and the third
electrodes Txf, constitute the cross point electrostatic
capacitance touch panel unit 32 to detect a force on the basis of a
change in the distance between the first electrodes Txc and second
electrodes Rxcf, and the third electrodes Txf, caused by a pressing
force from the side of the first electrodes Txc or the second
electrodes Rxcf.
[0156] The electrode pattern used in FIG. 14 may be configured as
illustrated in FIG. 16A. The shapes are the same as those
illustrated in FIGS. 10B to 10E, but the first electrodes Txc and
the second electrodes Rxcf function as a reception-side force
detection electrode Rx(f).
[0157] FIG. 16B illustrates a timing chart according to the sixth
embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time. During position
detection, when driving signals are issued at first electrodes Txc1
to Txc4, changes in the electrostatic capacitances of respective
second electrodes Rxcf11 to Rxcf15, Rxcf21 to Rxcf25, Rxcf31 to
Rxcf35, and Rxcf41 to Rxcf45 are detected to carry out the position
detection. On the other hand, during force detection, when driving
signals are issued at third electrodes Txf1 to Txf4, changes in the
electrostatic capacitances of the respective second electrodes
Rxcf11 to Rxcf15, Rxcf21 to Rxcf25, Rxcf31 to Rxcf35, and Rxcf41 to
Rxcf45 are detected to carry out the force detection.
[0158] According to this sixth embodiment, some of the electrodes
in the two touch panel units 31 and 32 (that is, the first
electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf) have dual
functionality for position detection and force detection, which
makes it possible to reduce the number of members used and make the
device thinner as a whole. Furthermore, during force detection, the
first electrodes Txc and the second electrodes Rxcf can be handled
as a single reception side electrode Rx(f), and thus the surface
area of the reception side electrode can be increased.
Additionally, the transmission side electrode Tx(f) serves as a
shield during projection-type sensing, and thus the transmission
side electrode Tx(f) can shield noise from below the multifunction
touch panel such as a liquid-crystal panel. This makes it possible
to improve the SN ratio in the electrostatic capacitance detection
of the matrix.
[0159] Note that the number of third electrodes Rxf or Txf in each
of the embodiments or the variations thereon is indicated by n, in
the same manner as with the other electrodes, in order to
facilitate understanding. However, the number is not limited
thereto. In other words, for example, the number of the third
electrodes Rxf and Txf may be p, where p.noteq.n.
[0160] Note that by appropriately combining any of the embodiments
or variations of the various embodiments or variations described
above, the beneficial effects of each of the embodiments and
variations can be provided. Additionally, combinations of the
embodiments, or combinations of the examples, or combinations of
the embodiments and the examples are possible. Furthermore,
combinations of the features of different embodiments or examples
are possible.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0161] In the multifunction touch panel according to the present
invention, a single electrode can have dual functionality between a
position detection touch panel unit and a force detection touch
panel unit, and thus the device can be made thinner even when both
of the touch panel units are laminated together. As such, the touch
panel can be applied in a variety of mobile electronic devices such
as personal computers, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0162] 1, 1B First electrode layer [0163] 2, 2B Second electrode
layer [0164] 3, 3B Third electrode layer [0165] 11 First insulating
sheet [0166] 12 Second insulating sheet [0167] 13 Third insulating
sheet [0168] 21 First dielectric [0169] 22 Second dielectric [0170]
24 Air layer [0171] 29 Specified position and pressing detection
circuit [0172] 30, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H Multifunction
touch panel [0173] 31 Projection-type mutual capacitance touch
panel unit [0174] 32 Cross point electrostatic capacitance touch
panel unit [0175] 35 First insulating layer [0176] 36 Second
insulating layer [0177] 40 First selection circuit [0178] 40B, 40C,
40D Second selection circuit [0179] 40E Third selection circuit
[0180] 41 First amplifying circuit [0181] 42 Second amplifying
circuit [0182] 48 Transmission signal driving circuit (signal
generating circuit) [0183] 49 Control circuit (controller) [0184]
51 First A/D converter [0185] 52 Second A/D converter [0186] 63, 75
Branched electrode portion [0187] 60, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 77, 79
Electrode main body portion [0188] 61, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76,
78, 80 Wiring portion [0189] Rxc First electrode (reception-side
position detection electrode) [0190] Rxcf Second electrode
(reception-side position detection electrode, reception-side force
detection electrode) [0191] Txc Transmission-side position
detection electrode Tx(Cap) [0192] Txcf Second electrode
(transmission-side position detection electrode, transmission-side
force detection electrode) [0193] Rxf Third electrode
(reception-side force detection electrode) [0194] Txf Transmission
side force detection electrode Tx(f)
* * * * *