U.S. patent application number 17/498242 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for display panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Display Inc.. Invention is credited to Yoshikatsu IMAZEKI.
Application Number | 20220027016 17/498242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220027016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IMAZEKI; Yoshikatsu |
January 27, 2022 |
DISPLAY PANEL
Abstract
Display panel is provided and includes substrate; conductive
member that is arranged on substrate, and that configures input
position detecting electrodes in display region; mounting terminal
in mounting region existing in peripheral region that is outside
display region; peripheral wiring lines disposed in peripheral
region, peripheral wiring lines each having first end electrically
connected to mounting terminal and second end connected to one of
input position detecting electrodes; first light blocking layer
arranged on substrate so as to overlap at least a part of
peripheral wiring lines; and second light blocking layer arranged
between substrate and peripheral wiring line, wherein first light
blocking layer overlaps at least a part of second light blocking
layer so as to partly sandwich peripheral wiring lines between
first and second light blocking layers.
Inventors: |
IMAZEKI; Yoshikatsu;
(Nagano, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Display Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
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|
Appl. No.: |
17/498242 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16823550 |
Mar 19, 2020 |
11163409 |
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17498242 |
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16170935 |
Oct 25, 2018 |
10613697 |
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16823550 |
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International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; H05K 1/02 20060101
H05K001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2010 |
JP |
2010-060319 |
Claims
1: A display panel comprising: a substrate; a conductive member
that is arranged on the substrate, and that configures input
position detecting electrodes in a display region; a mounting
terminal in a mounting region existing in a peripheral region that
is outside the display region in a plan view; a plurality of
peripheral wiring lines disposed in the peripheral region, the
peripheral wiring line each having a first end electrically
connected to the mounting terminal and a second end connected to
one of the input position detecting electrodes; a first light
blocking layer arranged on the substrate so as to overlap at least
a part of the peripheral wiring lines in the plan view; and a
second light blocking layer arranged between the substrate and the
peripheral wiring line, wherein the first light blocking layer
overlaps at least a part of the second light blocking layer so as
to partly sandwich the peripheral wiring lines between the first
light blocking layer and the second light blocking layer.
2: The display panel according to claim 1, wherein input position
detecting electrodes are touch detecting electrodes of a
capacitance type.
3: The display panel according to claim 2, wherein the touch
detecting electrodes are configured to detect a position of touch
and include: first detecting electrodes arranged extending in a
first direction; and second detecting electrodes arranged extending
in a second direction crossing the first direction.
4: The display panel according to claim 3, wherein the first
detecting electrodes and the second detecting electrodes are
disposed in a same layer configured by the conductive member.
5: The display panel according to claim 4, wherein the peripheral
wiring lines are disposed in the same layer with the first
detecting electrodes and the second detecting electrodes, and each
of the peripheral wiring lines is connected to one of the first
electrodes and the second electrodes.
6: The display panel according to claim 1, wherein the mounting
terminal is a flexible circuit board, and the first light blocking
layer covers a portion of the flexible circuit board which overlaps
the substrate.
7: A display panel comprising: a substrate; a conductive member
that is arranged on the substrate, and that configures input
position detecting electrodes in a display region; a mounting
terminal in a mounting region existing in a peripheral region that
is outside the display region in a plan view; a plurality of
peripheral wiring lines disposed in the peripheral region, the
peripheral wiring line each having a first end electrically
connected to the mounting terminal and a second end connected to
one of the input position detecting electrodes; a circuit substrate
coupled to the mounting terminal; a first light blocking layer
arranged on the substrate so as to overlap at least a part of the
peripheral wiring lines in the plan view; and a second light
blocking layer, wherein the first light blocking layer overlaps at
least a part of the second light blocking layer so as to partly
sandwich the wiring board between the first light blocking layer
and the second light blocking layer.
8: The display panel according to claim 7, wherein the first light
blocking layer and the second light blocking layer are arranged so
as to partly sandwich the peripheral wiring lines and the wiring
board between the first light blocking layer and the second light
blocking layer.
9: The display panel according to claim 7, wherein input position
detecting electrodes are touch detecting electrodes of a
capacitance type.
10: The display panel according to claim 9, wherein the touch
detecting electrodes are configured to detect a position of touch
and include: first detecting electrodes arranged extending in a
first direction; and second detecting electrodes arranged extending
in a second direction crossing the first direction.
11: The display panel according to claim 10, wherein the first
detecting electrodes and the second detecting electrodes are
disposed in a same layer configured by the conductive member.
12: The display panel according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral
wiring lines are disposed in the same layer with the first
detecting electrodes and the second detecting electrodes, and each
of the peripheral wiring lines is connected to one of the first
electrodes and the second electrodes.
13: The display panel according to claim 7, wherein the mounting
terminal is a flexible circuit board, and the first light blocking
layer covers a portion of the flexible circuit board which overlaps
the substrate.
14: A display panel comprising: a substrate; a transparent
conductive member that is arranged on the substrate, and that
configures input position detecting electrodes in a display region;
a mounting terminal in a mounting region existing in a peripheral
region that is outside the display region in a plan view; a
plurality of transparent peripheral wiring lines disposed in the
peripheral region, the transparent peripheral wiring lines each
having a first end electrically connected to the mounting terminal
and a second end connected to one of the input position detecting
electrodes; wherein the transparent peripheral wiring lines are
disposed in an identical layer as the transparent conductive
member.
15: The display panel according to claim 14, wherein a first light
blocking layer arranged on the substrate so as to overlap at least
a part of the transparent peripheral wiring lines in the plan view;
and a second light blocking layer arranged between the substrate
and the transparent peripheral wiring line, wherein the first light
blocking layer overlaps at least a part of the second light
blocking layer so as to partly sandwich the transparent peripheral
wiring lines between the first light blocking layer and the second
light blocking layer.
16: The display panel according to claim 14, wherein the
transparent conductive member includes a plurality of first
transparent conductive members arranged in a first direction, and a
plurality of second transparent conductive members arranged in a
second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein adjacent
two of the first transparent conductive members are coupled via a
connection portion that is an identical material as the transparent
conductive member, wherein adjacent two of the second transparent
conductive members are coupled via a transparent bridge that is a
different material as the transparent conductive member.
17: The display panel according to claim 14, wherein part of the
transparent peripheral wiring lines are disposed between the first
light blocking layer and the second light blocking layer.
18: The display panel according to claim 14, wherein the
transparent conductive members configure detecting electrodes to
detect a proximity object.
19: The display panel according to claim 14, wherein at least part
of the transparent peripheral wiring lines is coupled to the
mounting terminal that is coupled to the wiring board.
20: The display panel according to claim 19, wherein the at least
part of the transparent peripheral wirings and at least part of the
wiring board are disposed between the first light blocking layer
and the second light blocking layer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/823,550, filed on Mar. 19,
2020, which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/170,935, filed on Oct. 25, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No.
10,613,697 on Apr. 7, 2020, which application is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/341,515, filed on Nov. 2, 2016 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,139,972 on Nov. 27, 2018, which
application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/729,247, filed on Jun. 3, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No.
9,507,476 on Nov. 29, 2016, which application is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/190,954, filed Feb. 26, 2014,
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,081,434 on Jul. 14, 2015, which
application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/048,092, filed Mar. 15, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,692,787
on Apr. 8, 2014, which application claims priority to Japanese
Priority Patent Application JP 2010-060319 filed in the Japan
Patent Office on Mar. 17, 2010, the entire content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This application relates to a touch panel wherein an input
position detecting electrode is formed on a glass cover and a
manufacturing method for the touch panel.
[0003] While various types of touch panels are known, for example,
in a touch panel of the capacitance type, a light transmitting
input position detecting electrode is formed on one face of a glass
substrate. The input position detecting electrode is formed in an
inputting region at a central portion of the glass substrate while
a peripheral wiring line is formed at a peripheral position of the
glass substrate on the outer side of the inputting region. Further,
in the touch panel of the capacitance type, a light transmitting
glass cover is adhered to the side of the glass substrate, for
which an inputting operation is carried out, by a bonding agent. A
touch panel of the type described is disclosed, for example, in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-259203.
SUMMARY
[0004] If a touch panel is configured such that an input position
detecting electrode and a peripheral wiring line are formed on a
second face of a glass cover opposite to a first face for which an
inputting operation is carried out, then a glass substrate separate
from the glass cover can be omitted. Therefore, the touch panel of
the configuration just described is advantageous in that reduction
of the number of parts can be anticipated and reduction in
thickness and weight can be anticipated.
[0005] However, in the case where the peripheral wiring line is
formed on the second face of the glass cover, a flexible circuit
board is connected to the second face side of the glass cover.
Therefore, when the touch panel is viewed from the input operation
face, that is, from the first face, of the glass cover, a
connecting portion of the flexible circuit board is visible, and
there is a problem that the outward appearance of the touch panel
is deteriorated significantly.
[0006] Meanwhile, a touch panel is sometimes configured such that,
in order to assure a good outward appearance thereof, a colored
print layer is provided in a peripheral region of the second face
side of the glass cover. Accordingly, it seems a possibly good
structure to form a colored print layer on a lower layer side than
the peripheral wiring line to hide the mounting portion of the
flexible circuit board. However, in order to provide a colored
print layer on the lower layer side than the peripheral wiring line
on the glass cover, the colored print layer is first formed on the
overall peripheral region including the mounting region, and then
the input position detecting electrode in the inputting region and
a light transmitting conductor film, which configures the
peripheral wiring line, are formed. Therefore, there is a problem
that, upon formation of the light transmitting conductor film, the
transparency of the light transmitting conductor film is degraded
significantly by outgas generated from the colored print layer.
[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a touch panel which
can prevent significant degradation of the transparency of a light
transmitting conductor film, which configures an input position
detecting electrode, even in the case where a connecting portion of
a flexible circuit board to a glass cover is hidden with the print
layer on the lower layer side and a manufacturing method for the
touch panel.
[0008] According to an embodiment, there is provided a touch panel
including a glass cover, a light transmitting conductive film
formed on a second face side of the glass cover opposite to a first
face of an inputting operation face side and configuring an input
position detecting electrode in an inputting region and a
peripheral wiring line extending in a peripheral region on the
outer side with respect to the inputting region to a mounting
region, a flexible circuit board electrically connected to an end
portion of the peripheral wiring line in the mounting region, a
light blocking print layer formed on the second face side of the
glass cover in an overlapping relationship with an overlapping
region between the flexible circuit board and the glass cover on a
lower layer side with respect to the peripheral wiring line, and a
colored print layer formed on the second face side of the glass
cover in the peripheral region on the upper layer side of the
peripheral wiring line.
[0009] According to another embodiment, there is provided a
manufacturing method for a touch panel, including a light
transmitting conductive film forming step of forming, on a second
face side of a glass cover on the opposite side to a first face of
an inputting operation face side, a light transmitting conductive
film which configures an input position detecting electrode in an
inputting region and a peripheral wiring line extending from a
peripheral region on the outer side with respect to the inputting
region to a mounting region, a mounting step of connecting a
flexible circuit board to the mounting region, a first printing
step of forming, prior to the light transmitting conductive film
forming step, a light blocking print layer overlapping with an
overlapping region between the flexible circuit board and the glass
cover, and a second printing step of forming a colored print layer
in the peripheral region after the light transmitting conductive
film forming step.
[0010] In the touch panel and the manufacturing method for a touch
panel, the "upper layer side" and the "lower layer side" are used
to signify a positional relationship of a plurality of layers
formed on the second face of the glass cover irrespective of the
upward or downward direction of the touch panel. Therefore, the
"lower layer side" signifies the side nearer to the glass cover,
that is, the side formed at a preceding step, and the "upper layer
side" signifies the side far from the glass cover, that is, the
side to be formed at a succeeding step. Further, the "colored print
layer" signifies any print layer other than a transparent print
layer.
[0011] In the present application, the input position detecting
electrode and the peripheral wiring line are formed on the second
face side on the opposite side to the first face of the input
operation face side of the glass cover, and the structure wherein
the input position detecting electrode and the peripheral wiring
line are formed on a glass substrate separate from the glass cover
is not adopted. Therefore, a glass substrate separate from the
glass cover is not required, and consequently, reduction of the
number of parts can be achieved and reduction in thickness and
weight of the touch panel can be anticipated. Further, while the
flexible circuit board is connected to the second face side of the
glass cover, the light blocking print layer which overlaps with the
overlapping region between the flexible circuit board and the glass
cover is formed on the lower layer side with respect to the
peripheral wiring line. Therefore, the flexible circuit board is
not visible from the input operation face side, that is, from the
first face side, of the glass cover. Further, while, on the second
face side of the glass cover, the colored print layer is formed in
the peripheral region, the colored print layer is formed on the
upper layer side with respect to the peripheral wiring line.
Therefore, when the light transmitting conductive film which
configures the input position detecting electrode and the
peripheral wiring line is to be formed, what is formed on the glass
cover is only the light blocking print layer from between the light
blocking print layer and the colored print layer. Further, the
light blocking print layer is formed in a narrow region which
overlaps with the overlapping region between the flexible circuit
board and the glass cover. Therefore, when the light transmitting
conductive layer is formed, outgas to be generated from the print
layers can be suppressed to the minimum, and consequently, the
light transmitting conductive film can be formed so as to have high
transparency. Therefore, the presence of the input position
detecting electrode does not stand out, and when an image is
displayed through the touch panel, the image can be displayed with
high quality.
[0012] Preferably, the light blocking print layer has a thickness
smaller than that of the colored print layer. Or preferably, the
light blocking print layer has a thickness smaller than 10 .mu.m.
If the light blocking print layer is formed thin in this manner,
then since outgas to be generated from the light blocking print
layer when the light transmitting conductive film is to be formed
can be suppressed to a small amount, the light transmitting
conductive film can be formed with high transparency. Further,
although the light blocking print layer is placed on the peripheral
wiring line, since the thickness of the light blocking print layer
is small, there is an advantage also in that an offset cut or
disconnection of the wiring line arising from the light blocking
print layer becomes less likely to occur.
[0013] Preferably, the colored print layer partially overlaps with
the light blocking print layer. In the case where the touch panel
is configured in this manner, the entire peripheral region can be
used as a formation region for the colored print layer or the light
blocking print layer. Consequently, since no gap is provided
between the colored print layer and the light blocking print layer,
the touch panel can be provided with improved outward
appearance.
[0014] In this instance, the touch panel may be configured such
that the colored print layer covers a portion of the flexible
circuit board which overlaps with the glass cover.
[0015] Or, the touch panel may be configured such that the colored
print layer partially overlaps with the light blocking print layer
without overlapping with the flexible circuit board.
[0016] Preferably, the glass cover is made of tempered glass. With
the configuration just described, reduction in thickness of the
glass cover can be achieved. Therefore, the touch panel can be
configured with a reduced thickness and weight.
[0017] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic perspective view and a
sectional view, respectively, showing an electro-optical apparatus
with an inputting function which includes a touch panel according
to an embodiment 1 of the present application;
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic plan views showing a
configuration in plan of different portions of the touch panel of
FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views showing a cross
sectional configuration of different portions of the touch panel of
FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0021] FIGS. 4A to 4E and 5A to 5B are schematic sectional views
illustrating different steps of a manufacturing method of the touch
panel of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic sectional views showing a
touch panel according to an embodiment 2 of the present
application;
[0023] FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic sectional views showing a touch
panel according to an embodiment 3 of the present application;
and
[0024] FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic perspective views showing
different electronic equipments which include an electro-optical
apparatus with an inputting function to which the present
application is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments of the present application will be described
below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present
application are described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. It is to be noted that, in the figures referred to in the
following description, in order to show various layers and members
in respective sizes with which they can be recognized on the
drawings, the scales of them are suitably made different from each
other. Further, in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3A to 5B referred in the
following description, the inputting operation face side is
directed upwardly in order to facilitate correspondence among the
figures. Therefore, the glass cover is shown such that the second
face thereof is directed downwardly. However, in the description
given hereinbelow of a positional relationship among a plurality of
layers formed on the second face of the glass cover, the side
nearer to the glass cover, that is, the side formed at a preceding
step, is referred to as "lower face side" while the side far from
the glass cover, that is, the side to be formed at a succeeding
step, is referred to as "upper face side."
Embodiment 1
[0027] General Configuration of the Electro-Optical Apparatus with
an Inputting Function
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an electro-optical apparatus with an
inputting function which includes a touch panel according to an
embodiment 1 of the present application. More particularly, FIGS.
1A and 1B are a perspective view and a sectional view,
respectively, of the electro-optical apparatus with an inputting
function.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the electro-optical apparatus
100 with an inputting function in the present embodiment includes
an image production apparatus 5 which may be configured from a
liquid crystal apparatus or the like, and a touch panel 1 disposed
in an overlapping relationship on a face of the image production
apparatus 5 from which display light is emitted. The image
production apparatus 5 and the touch panel 1 are adhered to each
other by a bonding agent layer 85 or the like. The image production
apparatus 5 includes a liquid crystal panel in the form of an
electro-optical panel 5a as a display panel. In the present
embodiment, both of the touch panel 1 and the electro-optical panel
5a have a rectangular shape in plan, and a central region when the
touch panel 1 and the electro-optical apparatus 100 with an
inputting function are viewed in plan is an inputting region 2a.
Meanwhile, a region in which the image production apparatus 5 and
the electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting function
overlap with the inputting region 2a in plan is an image forming
region. A mounting region 240 is provided at an end portion 90e of
the touch panel 1, and a flexible circuit board 35 is connected at
an end portion thereof to the mounting region 240. Meanwhile,
another flexible circuit board 73 is connected at an end portion
thereof to the side of the electro-optical panel 5a on which the
end portion 90e of the touch panel 1 is positioned.
[0030] The image production apparatus 5 is an active matrix liquid
crystal display apparatus of the transmission type or the
semi-transmissive reflection type, and a backlight apparatus not
shown is disposed on the opposite side of the electro-optical panel
5a to the side on which the touch panel 1 is disposed, that is, on
the side opposite to the display light emitting side. The backlight
apparatus includes, for example, a light transmitting light guide
plate disposed in an overlapping relationship on the opposite side
of the electro-optical panel 5a to the side on which the touch
panel 1 is disposed, and a light source such as a light emitting
diode for emitting white light or the like toward a side end
portion of the light guide plate. Light emitted from the light
source is introduced into the side end portion of the light guide
plate, propagates in the light guide plate and goes out from the
light guide plate toward the electro-optical panel 5a. Between the
light guide plate and the electro-optical panel 5a, a sheet-like
optical member such as a light diffusing sheet or a prism sheet is
sometimes interposed.
[0031] In the image production apparatus 5, a first polarizing
plate 81 is disposed in an overlapping relationship on the display
light emitting side of the electro-optical panel 5a, and a second
polarizing plate 82 is disposed in an overlapping relationship on
the opposite side of the electro-optical panel 5a. The
electro-optical panel 5a includes a light transmitting element
substrate 50 disposed on the opposite side to the display light
emitting side thereof, and a light transmitting opposing substrate
60 disposed in an opposing relationship on the element substrate 50
on the display light emitting side. The opposing substrate 60 and
the element substrate 50 are adhered to each other by a seal member
71 of a rectangular framework shape, and a liquid crystal layer 55
is held in a region surrounded by the seal member 71 between the
opposing substrate 60 and the element substrate 50. On the face of
the element substrate 50 opposing to the opposing substrate 60, a
plurality of pixel electrodes 58 are formed from a light
transmitting conductive film such as an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) film
or an IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide) film. On the face of the opposing
substrate 60 opposing to the element substrate 50, a common
electrode 68 is formed from a light transmitting conductive film
such as an ITO film. Further, a color filter is formed on the
opposing substrate 60. It is to be noted that, in the case where
the image production apparatus 5 is of the IPS (In Plane Switching)
type or the FFS (Fringe Field Switching) type, the common electrode
68 is provided on the element substrate 50 side. Further, the
element substrate 50 is sometimes disposed on the display light
emitting side of the opposing substrate 60. In an overhanging
portion 59 of the element substrate 50 which overhangs from an edge
of the opposing substrate 60, a driving IC 75 is COG-mounted, and
the flexible circuit board 73 is connected to the overhanging
portion 59. It is to be noted that, on the element substrate 50, a
driving circuit is sometimes formed together with switching
elements on the element substrate 50.
[0032] General Configuration of the Touch Panel 1
[0033] The touch panel 1 includes a glass cover 90 on the inputting
operation face side thereof. In the present embodiment, the glass
cover 90 is made of chemically tempered glass. Such chemically
tempered glass is obtained by immersing glass in molten potassium
salt bath of a temperature of approximately 400.degree. C. to carry
out a chemically tempering process. In the chemically tempered
glass, sodium ions are exchanged by potassium ions. Here, while the
ion diameter of sodium is 95 nm, the ion diameter of potassium is
133 nm. Thus, the potassium ions have a greater ion diameter than
the sodium ions. Therefore, the glass substrate is in a state in
which the strength thereof is strengthened by the compression
stress originating from the chemically tempered film on the surface
thereof. Accordingly, the glass cover 90 in the present embodiment
is approximately 0.2 mm thick and is very thin.
[0034] As seen in FIG. 1B, on the second face 90b side of the glass
cover 90 positioned on the opposite side to the first face 90a,
although details are hereinafter described, a light blocking print
layer 93, a first light transmitting conductive film 4a, an
interlayer insulating film 23, a second light transmitting
conductive film 4b and a top coat layer 96 are formed in this order
from the lower layer side to the upper layer side. Further, in a
peripheral region 2b, a colored print layer 94 is formed on the
upper layer side of the first light transmitting conductive film
4a, and a region surrounded by the colored print layer 94 makes the
inputting region 2a.
[0035] In the touch panel 1 configured in such a manner as
described above, from between the first light transmitting
conductive film 4a and the second light transmitting conductive
film 4b, the first light transmitting conductive film 4a forms a
plurality of input position detecting electrodes 21 in the
inputting region 2a and a plurality of peripheral wiring lines 27
extending from the inputting region 2a toward the mounting region
240 in the peripheral region 2b. Further, to the end portion 90e
from among end portions 90e, 90f, 90g and 90h of the glass cover
90, the flexible circuit board 35 is connected on the second face
90b side, and the flexible circuit board 35 is electrically
connected to mounting terminals 24 formed from end portions of the
peripheral wiring lines 27.
[0036] Between the touch panel 1 and the electro-optical panel 5a,
a conductive film for shielding formed from a light transmitting
film on which a light transmitting conductive film such as an ITO
film is formed is sometimes disposed. The conductive film has a
function of preventing a potential variation on the image
production apparatus 5 side from having an influence as noise on
the input position detecting electrodes 21. It is to be noted that,
in the case where a sufficient distance can be assured between the
image production apparatus 5 and the input position detecting
electrodes 21, the conductive film may be omitted.
[0037] Configuration in Plan of the Touch Panel 1
[0038] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a configuration in plan of different
portions of the touch panel 1 according to the embodiment 1 of the
present application. More particularly, FIG. 2A shows a
configuration in plan of the colored print layer 94 and so forth
formed on the glass cover 90, and FIG. 2B shows a configuration in
plan of the input position detecting electrodes 21 and so forth
formed on the glass cover 90. It is to be noted that, in FIG. 2B,
the inputting region 2a is indicated by L-shaped marks which
individually represent the positions of the four corners
thereof.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the touch panel 1 of the
present embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes 211 for input
position detection extending in an X direction or first direction
in the inputting region 2a and a plurality of second electrodes 212
for input position detection extending in a Y direction or second
direction crossing with the X direction in the inputting region 2a
are provided on the second face 90b side of the glass cover 90. The
input position detecting electrodes 21 are formed from the first
electrodes 211 and the second electrodes 212. Meanwhile, peripheral
wiring lines 27 extending from one side end portion of the first
electrodes 211 and peripheral wiring lines 27 extending from one
side end portion of the second electrodes 212 are formed in the
peripheral region 2b on the second face 90b of the glass cover 90.
End portions of the peripheral wiring lines 27 which are positioned
in the mounting region 240 configure the mounting terminals 24.
[0040] Cross Sectional Structure of the Touch Panel 1
[0041] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a cross sectional configuration of
different portions of the touch panel 1 according to the embodiment
1 of the present application. More particularly, FIG. 3A is a cross
sectional view of the touch panel 1 taken along line C-C' of FIG.
2B, and FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the touch panel 1
taken along line D-D' of FIG. 2B.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, the light blocking
print layer 93 of a black color, first light transmitting
conductive film 4a, light transmitting interlayer insulating film
23, second light transmitting conductive film 4b and top coat layer
96 made of a light transmitting photosensitive resin or the like
are formed in this order from the lower layer side to the upper
layer side on the second face 90b side of the glass cover 90.
Further, in the peripheral region 2b, the colored print layer 94 of
a black color is formed on the upper face side of the first light
transmitting conductive film 4a.
[0043] The first light transmitting conductive film 4a is formed
from a polycrystalline ITO film, and the interlayer insulating film
23 formed from a light transmitting insulating film such as a
photosensitive resin film or a silicon oxide film is formed on the
upper layer side of the first light transmitting conductive film
4a. In the present embodiment, also the second light transmitting
conductive film 4b is formed from a polycrystalline ITO film
similarly to the first light transmitting conductive film 4a.
[0044] The first light transmitting conductive film 4a is formed as
a plurality of diamond-shaped regions in the inputting region 2a,
and such diamond-shaped regions configure pad portions 211a and
212a or large area portions of the input position detecting
electrodes 21, of first electrodes 211 and second electrodes 212.
The pad portions 211a and 212a are arrayed alternatively in the X
direction and the Y direction. Those of the pad portions 211a which
are positioned adjacent each other in the X or first direction are
connected to each other through a connecting portion 211c, and a
pad portion 211a and a connecting portion 211c configure a first
electrode 211 which extends in the X direction. In contrast, while
the pad portions 212a configure second electrodes 212 extending in
the Y or second direction, those of the pad portions 212a which are
positioned adjacent each other in the Y direction, that is,
portions overlapping with the connecting portions 211c form
disconnection portions 218a.
[0045] The interlayer insulating film 23 is formed over the overall
inputting region 2a. The interlayer insulating film 23 has contact
holes 23a formed therein. The contact holes 23a are formed at
positions at which they overlap with end portions of the pad
portions 212a opposing through the disconnection portions 218a. On
the upper layer side of the interlayer insulating film 23, the
second light transmitting conductive film 4b is formed as repeating
electrodes 215 in a region thereof overlapping with the contact
holes 23a.
[0046] In the touch panel 1 configured in such a manner as
described above, the first electrodes 211 and the second electrodes
212 are formed from the same conductive film, that is, from the
first light transmitting conductive film 4a, and besides extend in
directions crossing with each other. Therefore, crossing portions
218 at which the first electrodes 211 and the second electrodes 212
cross with each other exist on the glass cover 90. Here, the first
electrodes 211 from between the first electrodes 211 and the second
electrodes 212 extend in a mutually connected relationship in the X
direction through the connecting portions 211c formed from the
second light transmitting conductive film 4b also at the crossing
portions 218. In contrast, the second electrodes 212 have the
disconnection portions 218a configured at the crossing portions 218
thereof. However, at the crossing portions 218, the repeating
electrodes 215 are formed in the upper layer of the interlayer
insulating film 23. The repeating electrodes 215 electrically
connect those of the pad portions 212a, which are adjacent each
other with the disconnection portions 218a interposed therebetween,
to each other through the contact holes 23a of the interlayer
insulating film 23. Therefore, the second electrodes 212 extend in
the Y direction in a state in which they are electrically connected
to each other in the Y direction. It is to be noted that, since the
repeating electrodes 215 overlap with the connecting portions 211c
with the interlayer insulating film 23 interposed therebetween,
there is no possibility that they may be short-circuited to each
other.
[0047] In the present embodiment, the peripheral wiring lines 27
are formed from the first light transmitting conductive film 4a on
the second face 90b side of the glass cover 90, and the input
position detecting electrodes 21, that is, the first electrodes 211
and the second electrodes 212, and the peripheral wiring lines 27
are electrically connected in a one-by-one corresponding
relationship to each other.
[0048] In the present embodiment, on the second face 90b side of
the glass cover 90, the top coat layer 96 made of a photosensitive
resin or the like is formed on the upper layer side of the second
light transmitting conductive film 4b. The top coat layer 96 is
formed over the overall area of the inputting region 2a.
[0049] Configuration of the Light Blocking Print Layer 93 and the
Colored Print Layer 94
[0050] In the touch panel 1 of the present embodiment, the
peripheral wiring lines 27 are formed from the first light
transmitting conductive film 4a similarly to the input position
detecting electrodes 21. Therefore, the peripheral wiring lines 27
cannot be observed from the inputting operation face side, that is,
from the first face 90a side.
[0051] In a region of the second face 90b side of the glass cover
90 which overlaps with the overlapping region of the flexible
circuit board 35 and the glass cover 90, the light blocking print
layer 93 of a block color is formed on the lower layer side with
respect to the peripheral wiring line 27, that is, to the first
light transmitting conductive film 4a side. The light blocking
print layer 93 is formed over a region greater than that of the
overlapping region of the flexible circuit board 35 and the glass
cover 90. Therefore, the mounting terminals 24 formed from end
portions of the peripheral wiring lines 27 and the flexible circuit
board 35 can be electrically connected to each other, and the
overlapping portion between the flexible circuit board 35 and the
glass cover 90 is not visible as viewed from the inputting
operation face side, that is, from the first face 90a side.
[0052] Further, since the colored print layer 94 of a black color
is formed in the peripheral region 2b, the touch panel 1 is
excellent in outward appearance when viewed from the inputting
operation face side, that is, from the first face 90a side. Here,
the colored print layer 94 covers the area in which the flexible
circuit board 35 and the glass cover 90 overlap with each other
from the opposite side to the side on which the glass cover 90 is
positioned, that is, from the upper layer side. Further, the
colored print layer 94 overlaps with end portions of the light
blocking print layer 93 without interposing the flexible circuit
board 35 therebetween. Further, the light blocking print layer 93
and the colored print layer 94 have the same color, and in the
present embodiment, both of the light blocking print layer 93 and
the colored print layer 94 are a print layer of a black color.
Therefore, although, when the touch panel 1 is viewed from the
inputting operation face side, that is, from the first face 90a
side, both of the light blocking print layer 93 and the colored
print layer 94 are visible, the light blocking print layer 93 and
the colored print layer 94 look as an integral printed region.
Therefore, the touch panel 1 is superior in outward appearance when
it is viewed from the inputting operation face side, that is, from
the first face 90a side.
[0053] In the touch panel 1 configured in such a manner as
described above, the thickness of the light blocking print layer 93
is smaller than that of the colored print layer 94. More
particularly, the thickness of the colored print layer 94 is
greater than 10 .mu.m, for example, is 30 to 50 .mu.m while the
thickness of the light blocking print layer 93 is smaller than 10
.mu.m.
[0054] Input Position Detection Method
[0055] In the touch panel 1 configured in such a manner as
described above, if a position detection signal in the form of a
rectangular pulse is outputted to an input position detecting
electrode 21, then if no capacitance is parasitic on the input
position detecting electrode 21, then a signal of a waveform same
as that of the position detection signal applied to the input
position detecting electrode 21 is detected. On the other hand, if
a capacitance is parasitic on the input position detecting
electrode 21, then distortion in waveform is caused by the
capacitance, and therefore, it can be detected whether or not a
capacitance is parasitic on the input position detecting electrode
21. Accordingly, if a finger is positioned in the proximity of any
of the input position detecting electrodes 21 on the first face 90a
side of the glass cover 90, that is, on the inputting operation
face side, then the capacitance at the input position detecting
electrode 21 in the proximity of which the finger is positioned
increases by an amount corresponding to the capacitance generated
between the input position detecting electrode 21 and the finger.
Therefore, the electrode in the proximity of which the finger is
positioned can be specified.
[0056] Manufacturing Method of the Touch Panel 1
[0057] FIGS. 4A to 4E and 5A and 5B illustrate a manufacturing
method of the touch panel 1 according to the embodiment 1 of the
present application. It is to be noted that the left half in FIGS.
4A to 5B corresponds to the sectional view shown in FIG. 3A while
the right half corresponds to the sectional view shown in FIG.
3B.
[0058] In manufacture of the touch panel 1 of the present
embodiment, a glass cover 90 made of optically tempered glass is
prepared as seen in FIG. 4A, and then a light blocking print layer
93 of a black color is formed only in a partial region of the
second face 90b side of the glass cover 90 along the end portion
90e of the glass cover 90 at a first printing step illustrated in
FIG. 4B. The formation region of the light blocking print layer 93
is a region in which a mounting region 240 is to be configured at a
later step and which overlaps with an overlapping region between
the flexible circuit board 35 and the glass cover 90. Here, the
formation region of the light blocking print layer 93 is a little
greater than the overlapping region between the flexible circuit
board 35 and the glass cover 90, and the thickness of the light
blocking print layer 93 is smaller than 10 .mu.m.
[0059] Then, at an electrode forming step illustrated in FIGS. 4B
to 4D, a film forming step, an patterning step and so forth are
carried out repetitively for the second face 90b side of the glass
cover 90 to form a first light transmitting conductive film 4a, an
interlayer insulating film 23 and a second light transmitting
conductive film 4b. More particularly, first at a first light
transmitting conductive film forming step illustrated in FIG. 4B, a
film forming step and a patterning step of an ITO film are carried
out for the second face 90b of the glass cover 90 to form a first
light transmitting conductive film 4a from which input position
detecting electrodes 21 and peripheral wiring lines 27 are to be
configured. Then, at an interlayer insulating film forming step
illustrated in FIG. 4C, an interlayer insulating film 23 having
contact holes 23a therein is formed. Here, in the case where the
interlayer insulating film 23 is formed from a silicon oxide film,
a film forming step and a patterning step of a silicon oxide film
are carried out, but in the case where the interlayer insulating
film 23 is formed from a photosensitive resin, an application step
and an exposure and development step of the photosensitive resin
are carried out. It is to be noted that the interlayer insulating
film 23 is formed over a substantially overall area of the
inputting region 2a but is not formed in the peripheral region 2b.
Then, at a second light transmitting conductive film forming step
illustrated in FIG. 4D, a film forming step and a patterning step
of an ITO film are carried out to form a second light transmitting
conductive film 4b from which repeating electrodes 215 are to be
configured.
[0060] Then at a top coat layer forming step illustrated in FIG.
4E, a resin application step and a solidification step are carried
out for the second face 90b side of the glass cover 90 to form a
top coat layer 96. Here, the top coat layer 96 is formed over an
overall area of the inputting region 2a but is not formed in the
peripheral region 2b.
[0061] Then at a mounting step illustrated in FIG. 5A, a flexible
circuit board 35 is connected to the mounting region 240. More
particularly, the flexible circuit board 35 has a structure that a
conductive layer 351 is formed on an insulating base film 350, and
the conductive layer 351 is electrically connected at end portions
thereof to the mounting terminals 24 formed from end portions of
the peripheral wiring lines 27 through solder, an anisotropic
conductor film, conductive paste or the like.
[0062] Then at a second printing step illustrated in FIG. 5B, a
colored print layer 94 of a black color is formed in the peripheral
region 2b. Thereupon, the colored print layer 94 is formed such
that it covers the portion of the flexible circuit board 35, which
overlaps with the glass cover 90, on the opposite side to the side
on which the glass cover 90 is positioned. The thickness of the
colored print layer 94 is greater than 10 .mu.m, for example, is 30
to 50 .mu.m.
[0063] Principal Effects of the Present Embodiment
[0064] As described above, according to the touch panel 1 and the
manufacturing method for the same of the present embodiment, the
input position detecting electrodes 21 and the peripheral wiring
lines 27 are formed on the second face 90b side of the glass cover
90 opposite to the inputting operation face side, and the structure
wherein the input position detecting electrodes 21 and the
peripheral wiring lines 27 are formed on a glass substrate separate
from the glass cover 90 is not used. Therefore, reduction of the
number of parts by omission of the glass substrate can be achieved,
and reduction in thickness and weight of the touch panel 1 can be
anticipated.
[0065] Further, although the flexible circuit board 35 is connected
to the second face 90b side of the glass cover 90, the light
blocking print layer 93 which overlaps with the entire overlapping
region of the flexible circuit board 35 and the glass cover 90 is
formed on the lower layer side of the peripheral wiring line 27.
Therefore, the flexible circuit board 35 is not visible from the
inputting operation face side, that is, from the first face 90a
side, of the glass cover 90, and consequently, the touch panel 1 is
good in outward appearance.
[0066] On the other hand, while, on the second face 90b side of the
glass cover 90, the colored print layer 94 is formed in the
peripheral region 2b, the colored print layer 94 is formed on the
upper layer side of the peripheral wiring line 27. Therefore, when
the first light transmitting conductive film 4a which configures
the input position detecting electrodes 21 and the peripheral
wiring lines 27 is formed, what is formed on the glass cover 90 is
only the light blocking print layer 93 from between the light
blocking print layer 93 and the colored print layer 94. Further,
the light blocking print layer 93 is formed at a narrow portion
which overlaps with the overlapping region between the flexible
circuit board 35 and the glass cover 90. Therefore, when the first
light transmitting conductive film 4a is formed, outgas to be
generated from the print layer can be suppressed to the minimum,
and consequently, the first light transmitting conductive film 4a
can be formed with high transparency. More particularly, when the
first light transmitting conductive film 4a in the form of an ITO
film is to be formed, in the case where no print layer exists at
all, the transmission factor of the first light transmitting
conductive film 4a is equal to or higher than 92%. However, if the
print layer exists over the overall area of the peripheral region
2b, then the transmission factor of the first light transmitting
conductive film 4a drops to 86 to 88%. However, in the present
embodiment, when the first light transmitting conductive film 4a is
to be formed, since the light blocking print layer 93 as a print
layer is formed only in the narrow region, the transmission factor
of the first light transmitting conductive film 4a is 89 to 91%.
Therefore, the presence of the input position detecting electrodes
21 does not stand out, and when an image is to be displayed through
the touch panel 1, it can be displayed with high quality.
[0067] Further, in the present embodiment, the thickness of the
light blocking print layer 93 is smaller than that of the colored
print layer 94 and smaller than 10 .mu.m. Therefore, when the first
light transmitting conductive film 4a is to be formed, outgas to be
generated from the light blocking print layer 93 can be suppressed
to a small amount, and consequently, the first light transmitting
conductive film 4a of a high transmission factor can be formed.
Further, while the peripheral wiring lines 27 are swollen from the
light blocking print layer 93, since the thickness of the light
blocking print layer 93 is small, there is an advantage that an
offset cut or disconnection of wiring lines arising from the light
blocking print layer 93 becomes less likely to occur.
[0068] Further, since part of the colored print layer 94 overlaps
with the light blocking print layer 93, the entire inputting region
2a can be used as a formation region for the colored print layer 94
or the light blocking print layer 93, and a gap is not generated
between the colored print layer 94 and the light blocking print
layer 93. Therefore, the outward appearance of the touch panel 1
can be improved.
[0069] Further, the colored print layer 94 covers a portion of the
flexible circuit board 35 which overlaps with the glass cover 90,
and the colored print layer 94 is formed after the flexible circuit
board 35 is mounted. Therefore, there is no possibility that the
colored print layer 94 may be deteriorated by heat when the
flexible circuit board 35 is mounted.
[0070] Further, since the glass cover 90 is formed from tempered
glass, the thickness of the glass cover 90 can be reduced to
approximately 0.2 mm. Therefore, the touch panel can be configured
with a reduced thickness and weight.
Embodiment 2
[0071] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a touch panel 1 according to an
embodiment 2 of the present application. It is to be noted that,
since a basic configuration of the touch panel 1 of the present
embodiment is similar to that of the touch panel 1 of the
embodiment 1, like elements are denoted by like reference
characters and overlapping description of them is omitted herein to
avoid redundancy.
[0072] While, in the embodiment 1 described hereinabove, the
colored print layer 94 covers the entire region of the flexible
circuit board 35 which overlaps with the glass cover 90, a
different configuration may be adopted wherein the colored print
layer 94 overlaps but partially with the light blocking print layer
93 without overlapping with the flexible circuit board 35. More
particularly, at a second printing step illustrated in FIG. 6B
after a flexible circuit board 35 is mounted on a glass cover 90 at
a mounting step illustrated in FIG. 6A, a colored print layer 94 is
formed in such a manner as to partially overlap with the light
blocking print layer 93 without overlapping with the flexible
circuit board 35. Also in the case where such a configuration as
just described is adopted, substantially similar effects to those
by the embodiment 1 can be anticipated.
Embodiment 3
[0073] FIGS. 7A to 7C show a touch panel 1 according to an
embodiment 3 of the present application. It is to be noted that,
since a basic configuration of the touch panel 1 of the present
embodiment is similar to that of the touch panel 1 of the
embodiment 1, like elements are denoted by like reference
characters and overlapping description of them is omitted herein to
avoid redundancy.
[0074] While, in the embodiments 1 and 2 described hereinabove, the
colored print layer 94 is formed after the flexible circuit board
35 is mounted on the glass cover 90, the flexible circuit board 35
may be mounted on the glass cover 90 after the colored print layer
94 is formed. More particularly, at the second printing step
illustrated in FIG. 7B after the top coat layer forming step
illustrated in FIG. 7A, the colored print layer 94 is formed in
such a manner as to overlap with an end portion of the light
blocking print layer 93. Then, at the mounting step illustrated in
FIG. 7C, the flexible circuit board 35 is mounted on the glass
cover 90. Also in the case where such a configuration as just
described is adopted, substantially similar effects to those by the
embodiment 1 can be anticipated.
Other Embodiments
[0075] While, in the embodiments described above, the input
position detecting electrodes 21 and the peripheral wiring lines 27
are configured from a common light transmitting conductive film,
that is, from the first light transmitting conductive film 4a made
of ITO, the input position detecting electrodes 21 may be
configured from the first light transmitting conductive film 4a of
ITO while the peripheral wiring lines 27 may be a separate light
transmitting conductive film made of, for example, IZO. Meanwhile,
the input position detecting electrodes 21 may be configured from
the first light transmitting conductive film 4a of ITO while the
peripheral wiring lines 27 may be a light transmitting conductive
film formed from a multilayer film of IZO/Au (gold)/IZO or a light
transmitting conductive film formed from a multilayer film of
ITO/Au (gold)/ITO. Such multilayer films can reduce the wiring line
resistance of the peripheral wiring lines 27.
[0076] While, in the embodiments described hereinabove, the input
position detecting electrodes 21 are formed from the first light
transmitting conductive film 4a and the repeating electrodes 215
are formed from the second light transmitting conductive film 4b,
the present application may be applied to a different touch panel
wherein the repeating electrodes 215 are formed from the first
light transmitting conductive film 4a and the input position
detecting electrodes 21 are formed from the second light
transmitting conductive film 4b.
[0077] While, in the embodiments described above, a liquid crystal
apparatus is used as the image production apparatus 5,
alternatively an organic electroluminescence apparatus may be used
as the image production apparatus 5.
[0078] Examples of Incorporation into Electronic Equipment
[0079] Electronic equipments wherein the electro-optical apparatus
100 with an inputting function according to the embodiments
described hereinabove are applied are described. FIGS. 8A to 8C
show electronic equipments which include the electro-optical
apparatus 100 with an inputting function to which the present
application is applied. In particular, FIG. 8A shows a
configuration of a personal computer of the mobile type which
includes the electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting
function. Referring to FIG. 8A, the personal computer 2000 shown
includes an electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting
function as a display unit and a main body section 2010. The main
body section 2010 includes a power supply switch 2001 and a
keyboard 2002. FIG. 8B shows a configuration of a portable
telephone set which includes an electro-optical apparatus 100 with
an inputting function. Referring to FIG. 8B, the portable telephone
set 3000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 3001, a scroll
button 3002, and an electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting
function as a display unit. If the scroll button 3002 is operated,
then a screen image displayed on the electro-optical apparatus 100
with an inputting function is scrolled. FIG. 8C shows a
configuration of a personal digital assistant (PDA) to which the
electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting function is
applied. Referring to FIG. 8C, the personal digital assistant 4000
includes a plurality of operation buttons 4001, a power supply
switch 4002 and an electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting
function as a display nit. If the power supply switch 4002 is
operated, then various kinds of information such as an address
book, a schedule table and so forth are displayed on the
electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting function.
[0080] It is to be noted that the electro-optical apparatus 100
with an inputting function can be applied not only to the
electronic equipments described above with reference to FIGS. 8A to
8C but also to various other electronic equipments including a
digital still camera, a liquid crystal television set, a video tape
recorder of the viewfinder type or the monitor direct-view type, a
car navigation apparatus, a pager, an electronic notebook, a
desk-top calculator, a word processor, a work station, a visual
telephone set, a POS terminal and a bank terminal. The
electro-optical apparatus 100 with an inputting function described
above can be applied as a display section of such various
electronic equipments.
[0081] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is
therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered
by the appended claims.
* * * * *