JP2012083941A

JP2012083941A - Touch panel and electronic device using the same

Info

Publication number: JP2012083941A
Application number: JP2010229429A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Keishu Muraoka; 桂舟村岡; Naoshi Takagi; 直志高木
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2010-10-12
Filing date: 2010-10-12
Publication date: 2012-04-26

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel used for various operations that has improved detection accuracy when two points are pressed, and to provide an electronic device using the touch panel.SOLUTION: Plural long holes 22A and 25A are provided in an upper conductive layer 22 and a lower conductive layer 25. A resistance of the upper conductive layer 22 for a predetermined length in an orthogonal direction with respect to upper electrodes 23A and 23B is higher than that in a parallel direction, and a resistance of the lower conductive layer 25 for the predetermined length in an orthogonal direction with respect to lower electrodes 26A and 26B is higher than that in a parallel direction, which realizes a touch panel 30 suitable for improving its detection accuracy when two points are pressed.

Description

本発明は、主に液晶ディスプレイなどの表示素子の上面に配置され、操作者により操作が行われるタッチパネルおよびこれを用いた電子機器に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a touch panel that is mainly disposed on an upper surface of a display element such as a liquid crystal display and is operated by an operator, and an electronic apparatus using the touch panel.

近年、携帯電話や電子カメラ等の各種電子機器の高機能化や多様化が進むに伴い、液晶ディスプレイの上面に光透過性のタッチパネルを装着し、このタッチパネルを通して下面の液晶ディスプレイの表示を見ながら、指やペン等でタッチパネルを押圧操作することによって、電子機器に対し様々な操作を行うものが増えており、二点の押圧位置が検出可能なものが提案されている。 In recent years, as various electronic devices such as mobile phones and electronic cameras have become highly functional and diversified, a light-transmissive touch panel is mounted on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display, and the display on the lower surface of the liquid crystal display is viewed through this touch panel. The number of electronic devices that perform various operations by pressing the touch panel with a finger, a pen, or the like is increasing, and those capable of detecting two pressed positions have been proposed.

このような従来のタッチパネルについて、図７を用いて説明する。なお、この図面は構成を判り易くするために、部分的に寸法を拡大して表している。 Such a conventional touch panel will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in this drawing, in order to make the configuration easy to understand, the dimensions are partially enlarged.

図７は従来のタッチパネルの断面図であり、同図において、光透過性の上基板１の下面に光透過性かつ導電性で略矩形状の上導電層２がほぼ全面に設けられ、上導電層２の左右両端に一対の上電極３Ａ、３Ｂが形成されている。 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional touch panel. In FIG. 7, a light-transmitting and conductive, substantially rectangular upper conductive layer 2 is provided on the entire lower surface of the light-transmitting upper substrate 1 so that the upper conductive layer is electrically conductive. A pair of upper electrodes 3 A and 3 B are formed on the left and right ends of the layer 2.

また、光透過性の下基板４の上面には、光透過性かつ導電性で略矩形状の下導電層５がほぼ全面に設けられており、上電極３Ａ、３Ｂと直交する前後方向に一対の下電極（図示せず）が各々形成されている。なお、下導電層５の上面には絶縁樹脂によって、複数のドットスペーサ（図示せず）が所定間隔で形成されている。 Further, a light-transmitting and conductive substantially rectangular lower conductive layer 5 is provided on the entire upper surface of the light-transmitting lower substrate 4, and a pair of front and rear directions orthogonal to the upper electrodes 3A and 3B are provided. Lower electrodes (not shown) are respectively formed. A plurality of dot spacers (not shown) are formed on the upper surface of the lower conductive layer 5 with an insulating resin at a predetermined interval.

そして、上基板１と下基板４とが、略額縁状のスペーサ６の上下面または片面に塗布形成された接着剤（図示せず）によって、各々の外周が貼り合わされ、上導電層２と下導電層５が所定の空隙を空けて対向するようにして、タッチパネル１０が構成されている。 Then, the upper substrate 1 and the lower substrate 4 are bonded to each other by an adhesive (not shown) formed on the upper and lower surfaces or one surface of the substantially frame spacer 6 so that the upper conductive layer 2 and the lower substrate 4 are bonded together. The touch panel 10 is configured such that the conductive layer 5 is opposed with a predetermined gap.

そして、このように構成されたタッチパネル１０は、液晶ディスプレイ１１の上方に配置されて電子機器に装着されると共に、一対の上電極３Ａ、３Ｂと下電極が電子機器の制御回路（図示せず）に電気的に接続される。 The touch panel 10 configured as described above is disposed above the liquid crystal display 11 and attached to the electronic device, and a pair of upper electrodes 3A and 3B and a lower electrode are control circuits (not shown) of the electronic device. Is electrically connected.

以上の構成において、タッチパネル１０を用いた電子機器において、操作者が上基板１の上面の二点を押圧したとする。このとき、押圧された二点で上導電層２と下導電層５が接触する。 In the above configuration, it is assumed that the operator presses two points on the upper surface of the upper substrate 1 in the electronic device using the touch panel 10. At this time, the upper conductive layer 2 and the lower conductive layer 5 are in contact with each other at the two pressed points.

ここで、制御回路は、上導電層２における二点間の抵抗と、下導電層５における二点間の抵抗とが並列に接続されることによって上電極３Ａの電位が変化した変化量から二点間の距離を推定するなどして、それぞれの位置を検出するものであった。 In this case, the control circuit is configured to calculate the amount of change from the amount of change in the potential of the upper electrode 3A by connecting the resistance between the two points in the upper conductive layer 2 and the resistance between the two points in the lower conductive layer 5 in parallel. Each position is detected by estimating the distance between points.

そして、例えばタッチパネル１０に対し、操作者が親指と人差指を接触させながら間隔を広げた場合に、制御回路が、親指と人差指の接触位置に対応する部分の液晶ディスプレイ１１の表示を拡大して表示するなどの制御を液晶ディスプレイ１１に対して行うものであった。 Then, for example, when the operator widens the interval while touching the thumb and forefinger on the touch panel 10, the control circuit enlarges and displays the display on the liquid crystal display 11 corresponding to the contact position of the thumb and forefinger. The liquid crystal display 11 is controlled to perform such control.

なお、この出願の発明に関連する先行技術文献情報としては、例えば、特許文献１が知られている。 As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

特開平８−２４１１６１号公報JP-A-8-241161

しかしながら、上記従来のタッチパネルにおいては、操作者が押圧する二点間の距離が近いと、並列に接続される下導電層５における二点間の抵抗の影響が小さく、二点を押圧したことが検出されない場合や、検出精度が劣化する場合が生じるという課題があった。 However, in the conventional touch panel, when the distance between the two points pressed by the operator is short, the influence of the resistance between the two points in the lower conductive layer 5 connected in parallel is small, and the two points are pressed. There has been a problem that a case where the detection is not performed or a case where the detection accuracy is deteriorated occurs.

本発明は、このような従来の課題を解決するものであり、二点を押圧した際の検出精度が向上するタッチパネルおよびこれを用いた電子機器を提供することを目的とする。 This invention solves such a conventional subject, and it aims at providing the touchscreen which improves the detection accuracy at the time of pressing two points, and an electronic device using the same.

上記目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項１記載の発明は、上導電層と下導電層には複数の孔を設け、上導電層の所定長あたりの抵抗値は上電極に対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きく、下導電層の所定長あたりの抵抗値は下電極に対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きくしたことにより、二点を押圧した際の検出精度を向上させるのに適したタッチパネルを得ることができるという作用を有するものである。 In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer are provided with a plurality of holes, and the resistance value per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer is orthogonal to the upper electrode. The direction is larger than the parallel direction, and the resistance value per predetermined length of the lower conductive layer is suitable for improving the detection accuracy when pressing two points by making the direction perpendicular to the lower electrode larger than the parallel direction. The touch panel can be obtained.

また、請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載のタッチパネルにおいて、上導電層に設けられた複数の孔の間隔は、上電極と平行方向の桟部の幅より上電極と直交方向の導路部の幅が広く、下導電層に設けられた複数の孔の間隔は、下電極と平行方向の桟部の幅より下電極と直交方向の導路部の幅が広く構成したもので、導路部の方が桟部より電流が流れやすくなるため、方向による抵抗値の差が顕著に現れるため、二点を押圧した際の検出精度を向上させるのに、さらに適したタッチパネルを得ることができるという作用を有するものである。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the touch panel according to the first aspect, the interval between the plurality of holes provided in the upper conductive layer is guided in a direction perpendicular to the upper electrode from the width of the crosspiece in the direction parallel to the upper electrode. The width of the road portion is wide, and the interval between the plurality of holes provided in the lower conductive layer is configured such that the width of the guide portion in the direction orthogonal to the lower electrode is wider than the width of the crosspiece in the direction parallel to the lower electrode. Since the current in the guide section is easier to flow than in the crosspiece, a difference in resistance value due to the direction appears, so that a touch panel that is more suitable for improving the detection accuracy when pressing two points is obtained. It has the effect | action that can be performed.

また、請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１記載のタッチパネルと、上電極および下電極に電気的に接続された制御回路を備え、上導電層と下導電層が二点で接触した際に、上導電層の二点間の区間抵抗と下導電層の二点間の区間抵抗とが並列接続して上電極または下電極で生じる電圧と、上導電層と下導電層が一点で接触した際の上電極または下電極で生じる電圧との差分から、制御回路が二点間の距離を算出するため、請求項１記載のタッチパネルを用いて押圧された二点の検出精度が向上する電子機器を得ることができるという作用を有するものである。 The invention described in claim 3 includes the touch panel according to claim 1 and a control circuit electrically connected to the upper electrode and the lower electrode. When the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer are in contact at two points, The section resistance between the two points of the upper conductive layer and the section resistance between the two points of the lower conductive layer are connected in parallel, and the voltage generated at the upper electrode or the lower electrode is in contact with the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer at one point. An electronic device that improves the detection accuracy of two points pressed using the touch panel according to claim 1, since the control circuit calculates the distance between the two points from the difference between the voltage generated at the upper electrode or the lower electrode at the time It has the effect | action that can be obtained.

以上のように本発明によれば、二点を押圧した際の検出精度が向上するタッチパネルおよびこれを用いた電子機器を実現することができるという有利な効果が得られる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that a touch panel that improves detection accuracy when two points are pressed and an electronic apparatus using the touch panel can be realized.

本発明の一実施の形態によるタッチパネルの分解斜視図1 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 同タッチパネルを用いた電子機器の断面図Sectional view of electronic equipment using the same touch panel 同タッチパネルの要部拡大図Enlarged view of the main part of the touch panel 同タッチパネルを用いた電子機器の検出動作の概念図Conceptual diagram of detection operation of electronic equipment using the same touch panel 同タッチパネルを用いた電子機器の検出動作の概念図Conceptual diagram of detection operation of electronic equipment using the same touch panel 同タッチパネルの他の実施の形態を説明する図The figure explaining other embodiment of the touch panel 従来のタッチパネルの断面図Cross-sectional view of a conventional touch panel

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図１〜図６を用いて説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

なお、これらの図面は構成を判り易くするために、部分的に寸法を拡大して表している。 These drawings are partially enlarged in size for easy understanding of the configuration.

（実施の形態）
図１は本発明の一実施の形態によるタッチパネルの分解斜視図、図２は同タッチパネルを用いた電子機器の断面図であり、同図において、上基板２１は、ガラスやポリエチレンテレフタレートやポリエーテルサルホン、ポリカーボネート等の光透過性のフィルム、アクリル等の光透過性の樹脂で形成されている。 (Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device using the touch panel. In the figure, an upper substrate 21 is made of glass, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyethersulfate. It is formed of a light transmissive film such as a phone or polycarbonate, or a light transmissive resin such as acrylic.

この上基板２１の下面には、酸化インジウム錫や酸化錫等の光透過性で導電性の材料で形成された上導電層２２がスパッタリング法や真空蒸着法などにより形成されている。 On the lower surface of the upper substrate 21, an upper conductive layer 22 made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as indium tin oxide or tin oxide is formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum evaporation method, or the like.

そして、上導電層２２の左右両端に銀をペースト状にしたものやカーボンを印刷するなどして、導電体で一対の上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂが形成されている。 Then, a pair of upper electrodes 23A and 23B are formed of a conductor by printing silver on the left and right ends of the upper conductive layer 22 or by printing carbon.

また、下基板２４は、上基板２１と同様にガラスやポリエチレンテレフタレートやポリエーテルサルホン、ポリカーボネート等の光透過性のフィルム、アクリル等の光透過性の樹脂で形成されている。なお、下基板２４の材料は上基板２１と同じ材料であっても、異なっていても良い。 Similarly to the upper substrate 21, the lower substrate 24 is made of a light transmissive film such as glass, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethersulfone, or polycarbonate, or a light transmissive resin such as acrylic. The material of the lower substrate 24 may be the same material as that of the upper substrate 21 or may be different.

そして、この下基板２４の上面には、酸化インジウム錫や酸化錫等の光透過性で導電性の材料で形成された下導電層２５がスパッタリング法や真空蒸着法などにより形成されている。 On the upper surface of the lower substrate 24, a lower conductive layer 25 made of a light-transmitting conductive material such as indium tin oxide or tin oxide is formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum deposition method, or the like.

また、下導電層２５の上面にはエポキシやシリコーン等の絶縁樹脂によって、複数のドットスペーサ（図示せず）が所定間隔で形成されている。 A plurality of dot spacers (not shown) are formed at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of the lower conductive layer 25 by an insulating resin such as epoxy or silicone.

そして、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと直交して、下導電層２５の前後両端に銀をペースト状にしたものやカーボンを印刷するなどして、導電体で一対の下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂが形成されている。 Then, a pair of lower electrodes 26A and 26B are formed of a conductor by printing silver or paste on the front and rear ends of the lower conductive layer 25 perpendicular to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B. Yes.

ここで、上導電層２２にはエッチング加工などにより複数の長孔２２Ａが、下導電層２５にも同様に複数の長孔２５Ａが所定間隔で並んで形成されている。なお、これらの長孔２２Ａと長孔２５Ａは、本発明でいう孔の一例である。 Here, a plurality of long holes 22A are formed in the upper conductive layer 22 by etching or the like, and a plurality of long holes 25A are similarly formed in the lower conductive layer 25 at predetermined intervals. The long holes 22A and the long holes 25A are examples of the holes referred to in the present invention.

これらの長孔２２Ａと長孔２５Ａは、それぞれの長手方向が直交するよう設けられている。また、長孔２２Ａの長手方向が上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと平行に、長孔２５Ａの長手方向が下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと平行に設けられる。 The long holes 22A and the long holes 25A are provided so that their longitudinal directions are orthogonal to each other. Further, the longitudinal direction of the long hole 22A is provided in parallel with the upper electrodes 23A and 23B, and the longitudinal direction of the long hole 25A is provided in parallel with the lower electrodes 26A and 26B.

また、これらの長孔２２Ａと長孔２５Ａは概ね同様の寸法と間隔で形成される。ここで、図３の要部拡大図を用いて、長孔２２Ａ、長孔２５Ａの寸法と間隔について説明する。同図（ａ）は長孔２２Ａ、同図（ｂ）は長孔２５Ａについて説明するもので、同図（ａ）で、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと平行方向の桟部２２Ｂの幅ＬＣと、長孔２２Ａの短手方向の幅ＬＢとの積である（ＬＣ×ＬＢ）と、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと直交方向の導路部２２Ｃの幅ＬＤと長孔２２Ａの長手方向の幅ＬＡとの積である（ＬＤ×ＬＡ）を比較したときに、（ＬＤ×ＬＡ）が（ＬＣ×ＬＢ）より大きくなるよう構成されている。 The long holes 22A and the long holes 25A are formed with substantially the same dimensions and intervals. Here, the dimension and space | interval of the long hole 22A and the long hole 25A are demonstrated using the principal part enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 6A illustrates the long hole 22A, and FIG. 5B illustrates the long hole 25A. In FIG. 5A, the width LC of the crosspiece 22B parallel to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B The product of the width LB in the short direction of the hole 22A (LC × LB), and the product of the width LD of the guide portion 22C perpendicular to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B and the width LA in the long direction of the long hole 22A. When (LD × LA) is compared, (LD × LA) is configured to be larger than (LC × LB).

また、同図（ｂ）について、下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと平行方向の桟部２５Ｂの幅ＬＣと、長孔２５Ａの短手方向の幅ＬＢとの積となる（ＬＣ×ＬＢ）と、下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと直交方向の導路部２５Ｃの幅ＬＤと長孔２５Ａの長手方向の幅ＬＡとの積となる（ＬＤ×ＬＡ）を比較すると、（ＬＤ×ＬＡ）が（ＬＣ×ＬＢ）より大きくなるよう構成されている。 Further, in FIG. 5B, the product of the width LC of the crosspiece 25B parallel to the lower electrodes 26A and 26B and the width LB of the long hole 25A in the short direction (LC × LB) Comparing (LD × LA), which is the product of the width LD of the guide portion 25C in the orthogonal direction with 26A, 26B and the width LA in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 25A, (LD × LA) is more than (LC × LB). It is configured to be large.

また、ここで、桟部２２Ｂ、２５Ｂの幅ＬＣより導路部２２Ｃ、２５Ｃの幅ＬＤを広く構成するのがより好ましい。これは、桟部２２Ｂ、２５Ｂより導路部２２Ｃ、２５Ｃに、さらに電流が流れやすくなり、方向による抵抗値の差が顕著になるためである。 Here, it is more preferable that the width LD of the guide path portions 22C and 25C is wider than the width LC of the crosspiece portions 22B and 25B. This is because the current is more likely to flow from the crosspieces 22B and 25B to the conductors 22C and 25C, and the difference in resistance value depending on the direction becomes remarkable.

そして、上基板２１と下基板２４とが、略額縁状のスペーサ２７の上下面または片面に塗布形成された接着剤（図示せず）によって、各々の外周が貼り合わされ、上導電層２２と下導電層２５が所定の空隙を空けて対向するようにして、タッチパネル３０が構成されている。 Then, the outer periphery of the upper substrate 21 and the lower substrate 24 is bonded to each other by an adhesive (not shown) formed on the upper and lower surfaces or one surface of the spacer 27 having a substantially frame shape. The touch panel 30 is configured such that the conductive layer 25 is opposed with a predetermined gap.

つまり、タッチパネル３０では、上導電層２２に複数の長孔２２Ａが所定間隔で並べて形成され、下導電層２５に複数の長孔２５Ａが所定間隔で並べて形成され、長孔２２Ａの長手方向は長孔２５Ａの長手方向と直交するように配置される。 That is, in the touch panel 30, a plurality of long holes 22 A are formed in the upper conductive layer 22 with a predetermined interval, and a plurality of long holes 25 A are formed in the lower conductive layer 25 with a predetermined interval. It arrange | positions so that it may orthogonally cross with the longitudinal direction of the hole 25A.

そして、このように配置されることで、上導電層２２の所定長あたりの抵抗値は、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと直交する左右方向の方が、平行な前後方向より大きくなる。 And by arrange | positioning in this way, the resistance value per predetermined length of the upper electroconductive layer 22 becomes larger in the left-right direction orthogonal to upper electrode 23A, 23B than the parallel front-back direction.

一方、下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値は、下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと直交する前後方向の方が、平行な左右方向より大きくなる。 On the other hand, the resistance value per predetermined length of the lower conductive layer 25 is greater in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the lower electrodes 26A, 26B than in the parallel left-right direction.

その結果、上導電層２２と下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値は、左右方向で上導電層２２のほうが下導電層２５より大きく、前後方向で下導電層２５のほうが上導電層２２よりも大きくなる。 As a result, the resistance values per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are larger in the upper conductive layer 22 than in the left-right direction than in the lower conductive layer 25, and the lower conductive layer 25 in the front-rear direction. Bigger than.

そして、このように構成されたタッチパネル３０が、液晶ディスプレイ１１の上方に配置されると共に、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂや下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂから延出した配線がフレキシブルプリント基板３２として、液晶ディスプレイ１１の下方のガラスエポキシ基板などの配線基板３３の上面に設けたコネクタ３４に接続される。 The touch panel 30 configured as described above is arranged above the liquid crystal display 11, and wirings extending from the upper electrodes 23 A and 23 B and the lower electrodes 26 A and 26 B serve as the flexible printed circuit board 32. It is connected to a connector 34 provided on the upper surface of a wiring board 33 such as a lower glass epoxy board.

ここで、配線基板３３の上面には、電源回路３５、マイコンなどの制御回路３６などが配置されており、制御回路３６は、コネクタ３４、電源回路３５と配線基板３３の上下面の配線を介して電気的に接続され、これにより上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂや下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂが制御回路３６と電気的に接続する。 Here, a power circuit 35, a control circuit 36 such as a microcomputer, and the like are disposed on the upper surface of the wiring board 33. The control circuit 36 is connected to the connector 34, the power circuit 35 and the wiring on the upper and lower surfaces of the wiring board 33. Thus, the upper electrodes 23A and 23B and the lower electrodes 26A and 26B are electrically connected to the control circuit 36.

さらに、タッチパネル３０の上面を露出させて、タッチパネル３０、液晶ディスプレイ１１、配線基板３３を筐体３８が覆って電子機器４０が構成されている。 Furthermore, the upper surface of the touch panel 30 is exposed, and the housing 38 covers the touch panel 30, the liquid crystal display 11, and the wiring substrate 33, thereby configuring the electronic device 40.

このように構成された電子機器４０において、タッチパネル３０に対し、操作者が二点を押圧操作した場合の動作について、図４、図５の概念図を用いて説明する。 In the electronic device 40 configured as described above, an operation when the operator presses two points on the touch panel 30 will be described with reference to conceptual diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 5.

なお、例えば所定長あたりの抵抗値は、左右方向で上導電層２２が下導電層２５の４倍、前後方向では下導電層２５が上導電層２２の４倍になるよう、長孔２２Ａ、２５Ａを構成したものとする。 For example, the resistance value per predetermined length is such that the upper conductive layer 22 is four times as large as the lower conductive layer 25 in the left-right direction and the lower conductive layer 25 is four times larger than the upper conductive layer 22 in the front-rear direction. It is assumed that 25A is configured.

ここで、制御回路３６が行う二点検出のための動作手順は従来のタッチパネルで二点検出を行っていた場合と概ね同様である。しかしながら、上導電層２２、下導電層２５の左右方向と前後方向の抵抗値が違うため、検出精度が向上する。 Here, the operation procedure for the two-point detection performed by the control circuit 36 is substantially the same as the case where the two-point detection is performed by the conventional touch panel. However, since the resistance values of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are different, the detection accuracy is improved.

次に左右方向の点Ａ、点Ｂを押圧した場合の検出動作について、図４を用いて説明し、前後方向の点Ｄ、点Ｅを押圧した場合の検出動作について、図５を用いて説明する。 Next, the detection operation when pressing point A and point B in the left-right direction will be described with reference to FIG. 4, and the detection operation when point D and point E in the front-rear direction are pressed will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

まず、左右方向の二点を押圧した場合の検出動作について、図４を用いて説明する。 First, the detection operation when two points in the left-right direction are pressed will be described with reference to FIG.

同図において、参照抵抗Ｒｒｅｆは電源回路３５と上電極２３Ａ間に接続される抵抗値、区間抵抗Ｒ１ａは上導電層２２での上電極２３Ａ−点Ａ間、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂは点Ａ−点Ｂ間、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｃは点Ｂ−上電極２３Ｂ間の抵抗値である。 In the figure, the reference resistance Rref is a resistance value connected between the power supply circuit 35 and the upper electrode 23A, the section resistance R1a is between the upper electrode 23A and the point A in the upper conductive layer 22, and the section resistance R1b is a point A-point B. The section resistance R1c is a resistance value between the point B and the upper electrode 23B.

また、接触抵抗Ｒ２は上導電層２２と下導電層２５との間の接触抵抗、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｂは下導電層２５での点Ａ−点Ｂ間の抵抗値である。 The contact resistance R2 is a contact resistance between the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25, and the section resistance R2b is a resistance value between point A and point B in the lower conductive layer 25.

ここで、一点を押圧した場合の上電極２３Ａの電圧を電圧Ｖ１ａ、二点を押圧した場合の上電極２３Ａの電圧を電圧Ｖ１ｂとすると、制御回路３６は電圧Ｖ１ａと電圧Ｖ１ｂの差分を算出し、これから点Ａ−点Ｂ間の距離を推定する。 Here, assuming that the voltage of the upper electrode 23A when pressing one point is the voltage V1a and the voltage of the upper electrode 23A when pressing two points is the voltage V1b, the control circuit 36 calculates the difference between the voltage V1a and the voltage V1b. From this, the distance between point A and point B is estimated.

ここで、電圧Ｖ１ａは、（参照抵抗Ｒｒｅｆ）と（区間抵抗Ｒ１ａ＋Ｒ１ｂ＋Ｒ１ｃ）の分圧比から算出される。 Here, the voltage V1a is calculated from the voltage dividing ratio of (reference resistance Rref) and (section resistance R1a + R1b + R1c).

また、電圧Ｖ１ｂは（参照抵抗Ｒｒｅｆ）と（区間抵抗Ｒ１ａ＋（区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂ、接触抵抗Ｒ２、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｂの合成抵抗）＋区間抵抗Ｒ１ｃ）の分圧比から算出される。 The voltage V1b is calculated from a voltage dividing ratio of (reference resistance Rref) and (section resistance R1a + (combined resistance of section resistance R1b, contact resistance R2, and section resistance R2b) + section resistance R1c).

ここで、上導電層２２の抵抗値は下導電層２５の抵抗値に対し、左右方向で４倍になるように長孔２２Ａ、２５Ａを設けているので、上導電層２２と下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値が等しい場合に比べ、合成抵抗の低下量が大きくなる。 Here, since the long holes 22A and 25A are provided so that the resistance value of the upper conductive layer 22 is four times the resistance value of the lower conductive layer 25 in the left-right direction, the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are provided. Compared with the case where the resistance values per predetermined length are equal, the amount of decrease in the combined resistance becomes larger.

より具体的には、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂ、Ｒ２ｂに対し接触抵抗Ｒ２が非常に小さいものと仮定すれば、上導電層２２と下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値が等しい場合の合成抵抗は区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂの１／２にしかならないが、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｂは区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂの１／４となるため、本発明での合成抵抗は区間抵抗Ｒ１ｂの１／５に低下する。 More specifically, assuming that the contact resistance R2 is very small relative to the section resistances R1b and R2b, the combined resistance when the resistance values per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are equal is the section. Although the resistance is only ½ of the resistance R1b, the section resistance R2b is ¼ of the section resistance R1b. Therefore, the combined resistance in the present invention is reduced to ５ of the section resistance R1b.

このように同じ距離でも低下量が増大するので分解能が上がり、点Ａ−点Ｂ間の距離を推定する精度が向上し、例えば点Ａ、点Ｂ間の距離が短い場合でも正しく推定できる。 As described above, since the amount of decrease increases even at the same distance, the resolution is improved, and the accuracy of estimating the distance between point A and point B is improved. For example, even when the distance between point A and point B is short, it can be correctly estimated.

さらに、制御回路３６は、下電極２６Ａの電圧Ｖ１ｃも検出しており、これにより、点Ａと点Ｂの中点となる点Ｃの位置を推定する。 Furthermore, the control circuit 36 also detects the voltage V1c of the lower electrode 26A, and thereby estimates the position of the point C that is the midpoint between the point A and the point B.

そして、制御回路３６は、左右方向の点Ａ、点Ｂについて、点Ａ−点Ｂの中点となる点Ｃの位置と点Ａ−点Ｂ間の距離の推定結果から、二点を検出する。 Then, the control circuit 36 detects two points for the point A and the point B in the left-right direction from the estimation result of the distance between the point A and the point B, which is the midpoint of the point A-point B. .

このように、左右方向の点Ａ、点Ｂの検出について、上導電層２２、下導電層２５の左右方向と前後方向の抵抗値が違うことにより、検出精度が向上するものとなっている。 As described above, regarding the detection of the point A and the point B in the left-right direction, the detection accuracy is improved because the resistance values in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are different.

次に、前後方向の二点の検出について図５を用いて説明する。 Next, detection of two points in the front-rear direction will be described with reference to FIG.

ここで、同図において、参照抵抗Ｒｒｅｆは電源回路３５と下電極２６Ａ間に接続される抵抗値、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｄは下導電層２５での下電極２６Ａ−点Ｄ間、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｅは点Ｄ−点Ｅ間、区間抵抗Ｒ２ｆは点Ｅ−下電極２６Ｂ間の抵抗値である。 In this figure, reference resistance Rref is a resistance value connected between power supply circuit 35 and lower electrode 26A, section resistance R2d is between lower electrode 26A and point D in lower conductive layer 25, and section resistance R2e is point D. Between the point E, the section resistance R2f is a resistance value between the point E and the lower electrode 26B.

また、接触抵抗Ｒ２は上導電層２２と下導電層２５との間の接触抵抗、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｅは上導電層２２での点Ｄ−点Ｅ間の抵抗値である。 The contact resistance R2 is a contact resistance between the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25, and the section resistance R1e is a resistance value between point D and point E in the upper conductive layer 22.

そして、制御回路３６は、一点を押圧した場合の下電極２６Ａの電圧Ｖ２ａと、二点を押圧した場合との下電極２６Ａの電圧Ｖ２ｂの差分から点Ｄ−点Ｅ間の距離を推定している。 Then, the control circuit 36 estimates the distance between point D and point E from the difference between the voltage V2a of the lower electrode 26A when one point is pressed and the voltage V2b of the lower electrode 26A when two points are pressed. Yes.

すなわち、この場合においても、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｅ、Ｒ２ｅに対し、接触抵抗Ｒ２が非常に小さいものと仮定すれば、上導電層２２と下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値が等しい場合の合成抵抗は区間抵抗Ｒ２ｅの１／２にしかならないが、区間抵抗Ｒ１ｅは区間抵抗Ｒ２ｅの例えば１／４となるため、本発明での合成抵抗は区間抵抗Ｒ２ｅの１／５に低下する。 That is, also in this case, if it is assumed that the contact resistance R2 is very small with respect to the section resistances R1e and R2e, the combined resistance when the resistance values per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are equal. Is only ½ of the section resistance R2e. However, since the section resistance R1e is, for example, ¼ of the section resistance R2e, the combined resistance in the present invention is reduced to 1/5 of the section resistance R2e.

このように同じ距離でも低下量が増大するので分解能が上がり、点Ｄ−点Ｅ間の距離を推定する精度が向上し、例えば点Ｄ、点Ｅ間の距離が短い場合でも正しく推定できる。 In this way, since the amount of decrease increases even at the same distance, the resolution increases and the accuracy of estimating the distance between point D and point E is improved. For example, even when the distance between point D and point E is short, it can be estimated correctly.

また、制御回路３６は、上電極２３Ａの電圧Ｖ２ｃを検出し、これから点Ｄと点Ｅの中点となる点Ｆの位置を推定し、二点の位置を検出する。 Further, the control circuit 36 detects the voltage V2c of the upper electrode 23A, estimates the position of the point F, which is the midpoint between the points D and E, and detects the positions of the two points.

このように、前後方向の点Ｄ、点Ｅの検出においても、上導電層２２、下導電層２５の左右方向と前後方向の抵抗値が違うことにより、検出精度が向上するものとなっている。 Thus, also in the detection of the point D and the point E in the front-rear direction, the detection accuracy improves because the resistance values in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are different. .

そして、電子機器４０の操作の例としては、タッチパネル３０に対し、操作者が親指と人差指を接触させながら間隔を広げた場合、制御回路３６は二点を検出し、親指と人差指の接触位置に対応する部分の液晶ディスプレイ１１の表示を拡大して表示するものである。 As an example of the operation of the electronic device 40, when the operator widens the touch panel 30 while bringing the thumb and the index finger into contact with each other, the control circuit 36 detects two points and sets the contact position between the thumb and the index finger. The display of the corresponding portion of the liquid crystal display 11 is enlarged and displayed.

なお、上述の説明では孔の一例として、長孔２２Ａ、２５Ａを挙げて説明したが、長手方向と短手方向がある形状の孔としては、他に例えば図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示す長孔５１、５２、５３の形状でも良い。ここで、同図は上導電層２２での配置を例として示しているが、長孔５１、５２、５３の長手方向は上電極２３Ａと平行である。 In the above description, the long holes 22A and 25A have been described as examples of the holes. However, as other holes having a shape having a longitudinal direction and a short direction, for example, as shown in FIGS. The shape of the long holes 51, 52, and 53 shown may be sufficient. Here, the drawing shows the arrangement in the upper conductive layer 22 as an example, but the longitudinal directions of the long holes 51, 52, 53 are parallel to the upper electrode 23A.

さらには、図６（ｄ）〜（ｅ）に示すような、円孔５４、正方形孔５５であっても良い。 Furthermore, the circular hole 54 and the square hole 55 as shown to FIG.6 (d)-(e) may be sufficient.

ここで、円孔５４、正方形孔５５などのように長手方向と短手方向の長さが等しい場合は、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと平行方向の桟部の幅ＬＣより上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと直交方向の導路部の幅ＬＤが広く、下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと平行方向の桟部の幅ＬＣより下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと直交方向の導路部の幅ＬＤを広く構成することで本発明が実施できる。 Here, when the lengths in the longitudinal direction and the short direction are equal, such as the circular hole 54 and the square hole 55, the upper electrodes 23A and 23B are orthogonal to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B from the width LC of the cross section in the direction parallel to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B. The present invention is configured such that the width LD of the guide path portion in the direction is wide, and the width LD of the guide path portion in the direction orthogonal to the lower electrodes 26A and 26B is wider than the width LC of the cross section in the direction parallel to the lower electrodes 26A and 26B. Can be implemented.

なお、制御回路３６で行う二点の検出手順については上述で説明したものに限らず、一点を押圧した場合と二点を押圧した場合の上導電層２２と下導電層２５の抵抗値から検出するものであれば良く、様々な変形が可能である。 The two-point detection procedure performed by the control circuit 36 is not limited to that described above, but is detected from the resistance values of the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 when one point is pressed and when two points are pressed. Any modification can be made.

なお上述の説明では、表示素子として液晶ディスプレイ１１を用いて説明したが、本発明はこれに限られるものでなく、上面に図形などを表示可能なものであれば良く、プラズマディスプレイやブラウン管を用いた場合などさまざまな変形が可能である。 In the above description, the liquid crystal display 11 is used as the display element. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any display device can be used as long as it can display a figure or the like on the upper surface. Various modifications are possible, such as when

このように本実施の形態によれば、上導電層２２と下導電層２５には複数の孔として長孔２２Ａ、２５Ａを設け、上導電層２２の所定長あたりの抵抗値は上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂに対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きく、下導電層２５の所定長あたりの抵抗値は下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂに対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きくしたことにより、二点を押圧した際の検出精度を向上させるのに適したタッチパネル３０を得ることができる。 Thus, according to the present embodiment, the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are provided with the long holes 22A and 25A as a plurality of holes, and the resistance value per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer 22 is the upper electrode 23A, Since the orthogonal direction is larger than the parallel direction with respect to 23B, and the resistance value per predetermined length of the lower conductive layer 25 is larger than the parallel direction with respect to the lower electrodes 26A and 26B, two points are pressed. The touch panel 30 suitable for improving the detection accuracy can be obtained.

また、上導電層２２に設けられた複数の孔である長孔２２Ａの間隔は、上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと平行方向の桟部２２Ｂの幅ＬＣより上電極２３Ａ、２３Ｂと直交方向の導路部２２Ｃの幅ＬＤが広く、下導電層２５に設けられた複数の孔である長孔２５Ａの間隔は、下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと平行方向の桟部２５Ｂの幅ＬＣより下電極２６Ａ、２６Ｂと直交方向の導路部２５Ｃの幅が広く構成したもので、導路部２２Ｃ、２５Ｃの方が桟部２２Ｂ、２５Ｂより電流が流れやすくなり、方向による抵抗値の差が顕著に現れるため、二点を押圧した際の検出精度を向上させるのに、さらに適したタッチパネル３０を得ることができる。 Further, the interval between the long holes 22A, which are a plurality of holes provided in the upper conductive layer 22, is such that the guide portions in the direction orthogonal to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B from the width LC of the crosspiece 22B in the direction parallel to the upper electrodes 23A and 23B. The interval between the long holes 25A, which are a plurality of holes provided in the lower conductive layer 25, is wider than the width LC of the crosspiece 25B in the direction parallel to the lower electrodes 26A, 26B, and is orthogonal to the lower electrodes 26A, 26B. The width of the direction path part 25C is configured to be wide, and the currents in the path parts 22C and 25C are more likely to flow than the crosspieces 22B and 25B, and a difference in resistance value depending on the direction appears significantly. A touch panel 30 that is more suitable for improving the detection accuracy when pressing is obtained.

さらに、上導電層２２と下導電層２５が二点で接触した際に、上導電層２２の二点間の区間抵抗と下導電層２５の二点間の区間抵抗とが並列接続して上電極２３Ａまたは下電極２６Ａで生じる電圧Ｖ１ｂ、Ｖ２ｂと、上導電層２２と下導電層２５が一点で接触した際の上電極２３Ａまたは下電極２６Ａで生じる電圧Ｖ１ａ、Ｖ２ａとの差分から、制御回路３６が二点間の距離を算出するため、押圧された二点の検出精度が向上した電子機器４０を得ることができる。 Further, when the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 are in contact at two points, the section resistance between the two points of the upper conductive layer 22 and the section resistance between the two points of the lower conductive layer 25 are connected in parallel. From the difference between the voltages V1b and V2b generated at the electrode 23A or the lower electrode 26A and the voltages V1a and V2a generated at the upper electrode 23A or the lower electrode 26A when the upper conductive layer 22 and the lower conductive layer 25 contact at one point, the control circuit Since 36 calculates the distance between two points, the electronic device 40 with improved detection accuracy of the two pressed points can be obtained.

本発明によるタッチパネルおよびこれを用いた電子機器は、二点を押圧した際の二点の検出精度が向上するものを実現することができるという有利な効果を有し、主に各種電子機器の操作用として有用である。 The touch panel according to the present invention and the electronic device using the touch panel have an advantageous effect of improving the detection accuracy of the two points when the two points are pressed, and mainly operate various electronic devices. Useful for use.

１１液晶ディスプレイ
２１上基板
２２上導電層
２２Ａ、２５Ａ、５１、５２、５３長孔
２３Ａ、２３Ｂ上電極
２４下基板
２５下導電層
２６Ａ、２６Ｂ下電極
２７スペーサ
３０タッチパネル
３２フレキシブルプリント基板
３３配線基板
３４コネクタ
３５電源回路
３６制御回路
３８筐体
４０電子機器
５４円孔
５５正方形孔 11 Liquid crystal display 21 Upper substrate 22 Upper conductive layer 22A, 25A, 51, 52, 53 Slot 23A, 23B Upper electrode 24 Lower substrate 25 Lower conductive layer 26A, 26B Lower electrode 27 Spacer 30 Touch panel 32 Flexible printed circuit board 33 Wiring board 34 Connector 35 Power supply circuit 36 Control circuit 38 Housing 40 Electronic device 54 Circular hole 55 Square hole

Claims

光透過性の上基板と、前記上基板の下面に形成した上導電層と、前記上導電層の対辺に形成した一組の上電極と、前記上電極の下方に備えた光透過性の下基板と、前記下基板の上面に形成され前記上電極と空隙を設けて配置される下導電層と、前記下導電層の対辺に前記上電極と直交して形成された一組の下電極を備え、前記上導電層と前記下導電層には複数の孔が設けられ、前記上導電層の所定長あたりの抵抗値は上電極に対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きく、前記下導電層の所定長あたりの抵抗値は下電極に対し直交方向が平行方向よりも大きいタッチパネル。 A light transmissive upper substrate, an upper conductive layer formed on the lower surface of the upper substrate, a pair of upper electrodes formed on opposite sides of the upper conductive layer, and a light transmissive lower layer provided below the upper electrode A substrate, a lower conductive layer formed on an upper surface of the lower substrate and disposed so as to provide a gap, and a pair of lower electrodes formed on the opposite side of the lower conductive layer and orthogonal to the upper electrode A plurality of holes are provided in the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer, and a resistance value per predetermined length of the upper conductive layer is larger in a direction perpendicular to the upper electrode than in a parallel direction, The touch panel has a resistance value per predetermined length larger in the orthogonal direction than in the parallel direction with respect to the lower electrode.

前記上導電層に設けられた複数の孔の間隔は、前記上電極と平行方向の桟部の幅より前記上電極と直交方向の導路部の幅が広く、前記下導電層に設けられた複数の孔の間隔は、前記下電極と平行方向の桟部の幅より前記下電極と直交方向の導路部の幅が広い請求項１記載のタッチパネル。 The interval between the plurality of holes provided in the upper conductive layer is such that the width of the guide portion in the direction orthogonal to the upper electrode is wider than the width of the crosspiece in the direction parallel to the upper electrode, and is provided in the lower conductive layer. The touch panel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the interval between the plurality of holes is such that the width of the guide portion in the direction orthogonal to the lower electrode is wider than the width of the crosspiece in the direction parallel to the lower electrode.

請求項１記載のタッチパネルと、上電極および下電極に電気的に接続された制御回路を備え、上導電層と下導電層が二点で接触した際に、前記上導電層の前記二点間の区間抵抗と前記下導電層の前記二点間の区間抵抗とが並列接続して前記上電極または前記下電極で生じる電圧と、上導電層と下導電層が一点で接触した際の前記上電極または前記下電極で生じる電圧との差分から、前記制御回路が前記二点間の距離を算出する電子機器。 The touch panel according to claim 1, comprising a control circuit electrically connected to the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and when the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer are in contact at two points, between the two points of the upper conductive layer The section resistance of the lower conductive layer and the section resistance between the two points of the lower conductive layer are connected in parallel, the voltage generated at the upper electrode or the lower electrode, and the upper when the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer contact at one point An electronic device in which the control circuit calculates a distance between the two points from a difference from a voltage generated at an electrode or the lower electrode.