JP7209519B2 - Force touch sensor and force touch sensor module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to force-sensitive touch sensors and force-sensitive touch sensor modules.

BACKGROUND ART In various fields such as in-vehicle electronic devices, capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor modules capable of detecting pressure have been proposed as sensor modules for detecting operations on operation surfaces.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on one side of a base sheet, and the base sheet is partially folded back so that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other. Furthermore, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor is disclosed in which an elastic sheet (elastic layer) is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. In such a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, a portion where the first electrode, the elastic layer and the second electrode are laminated serves as a pressure-sensitive detection portion.

An adhesive layer is provided on one surface of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module is attached to the back surface of the operation panel via the adhesive layer. In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, when the operation surface is pressed, the elastic layer is compressed and deformed in the pressure-sensitive detection part of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor, and the first electrode and the second electrode are brought closer to change the capacitance. . By detecting a change in this capacitance, it is possible to detect pressing of the operation surface.

JP 2010-217967 A

However, in such a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, there is a difference in thickness between the pressure-sensitive detection portion and the portion other than the pressure-sensitive detection portion, and there is a step at the boundary between them. Therefore, when attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor to the operation panel, it is difficult to apply a uniform force, and air bubbles may enter the adhesive portion between the pressure-sensitive touch sensor and the operation panel. Inclusion of air bubbles causes erroneous detection by the pressure-sensitive touch sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive touch sensor capable of suppressing erroneous detection by suppressing inclusion of air bubbles when attached to an operation panel, and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module including the pressure-sensitive touch sensor.

The present invention has the following configurations.
[1] A capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor that detects pressing,
A base sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, an elastic layer, and an adhesive layer,
The first electrode is provided on the first surface or the second surface of the base sheet,
The second electrode is arranged such that the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other with the elastic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. provided in
A pressure-sensitive detection unit is formed that detects pressure from a change in capacitance due to the elastic layer being compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by a pressing force, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode being shortened,
A capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor, wherein the adhesive layer is provided in a region of the second surface of the base sheet excluding the pressure-sensitive detection section.
[2] The capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to [1], wherein the adhesive layer is formed of double-sided tape.
[3] The capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to [1] or [2], wherein the second electrode and the elastic layer are arranged on the adhesive layer side.
[4] The pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the elastic layer has a space.
[5] A third electrode is further provided on the base sheet, and a change in the capacitance of the third electrode due to contact or proximity of a conductor to the third electrode causes a change in the capacitance of the third electrode. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to any one of [1] to [4], which detects contact or proximity of the conductor.
[6] An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to any one of [1] to [5],
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member.
[7] The frame member has a projection,
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module according to [6], wherein a portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor where the elastic layer is located is sandwiched between the operation panel and the convex portion.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor which can suppress the mixing of air bubbles at the time of sticking to an operation panel, and can suppress false detection, and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module provided with the said pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be provided.

1 is a plan view showing an example of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 1 taken along line AA; FIG. 2 is a BB cross-sectional view of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state before the folding portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 1 is folded; FIG. 5 is a CC cross-sectional view of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 4; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state before providing between folded portions of an elastic layer in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a DD cross-sectional view of the elastic layer of FIG. 6; 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for recognizing a touch on an operation surface by the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state before the folding portion of another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is folded; FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a state in which the folded portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 13 is folded; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state before the folding portion of another example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is folded; FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which the folded portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of FIG. 15 is folded;

[Pressure-sensitive touch sensor]
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is a capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor that detects pressure. For example, by attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention to the back surface of the operation panel, it is possible to detect pressure on the operation surface of the operation panel. An example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention will be described below.
It should be noted that the dimensions and the like of the drawings illustrated in the following description are only examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to them, and can be implemented with appropriate changes within the scope of not changing the gist of the present invention. .

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 of this embodiment includes a base sheet 10, a protective layer 12, an adhesive layer 14, a release paper 16, four first electrodes 18, It has four second electrodes 20 , three third electrodes 22 , three auxiliary electrodes 24 and four elastic layers 26 . An elastic layer 26 is arranged between each of the first electrodes 18 and the second electrodes 20 to form a pressure sensing portion 25 .

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 of this example includes a main body portion 1a which is rectangular in plan view, and four folded portions 1b which are rectangular in plan view and formed to protrude outward in the width direction from four corners of the main body portion 1a. and a strip-like portion 1c extending from the short side of the main body portion 1a. It should be noted that the portion of the body portion 1a where the band-shaped portion 1c extends is arbitrary and is not limited to the short side of the body portion 1a. Alternatively, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor that does not have the band-shaped portion 1c may be used.

A first electrode 18, a second electrode 20, a third electrode 22 and an auxiliary electrode 24 are provided on the first surface 10a of the base sheet 10, and the protective layer 12 is laminated so as to cover them. . A release paper 16 is attached to the second surface 10 b side of the base sheet 10 with an adhesive layer 14 interposed therebetween. The second surface 10b of the base sheet 10 is the surface facing the operation panel.

The shape of the base sheet 10 is not limited to the shape of this example, and can be appropriately set according to the application. The dimensions of the base sheet 10 are also not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the application.
A transparent insulating film made of resin can be used as the base sheet. Here, "transparent" means that the light transmittance measured according to JIS K7136 is 50% or more. "Insulated" means that the electrical resistance value is 1 MΩ or more, preferably 10 MΩ or more.

Materials for forming the base sheet include, for example, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin, cyclic polyolefin resin, triacetyl cellulose, and the like.
The material forming the base sheet may be of one type or two or more types.

The thickness of the base sheet is preferably 10-250 μm, more preferably 25-188 μm. When the thickness of the base sheet is at least the lower limit of the above range, it is easy to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity. If the thickness of the base sheet is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be easily reduced.

The protective layer 12 is laminated on the first surface 10a side of the base sheet 10 over the entirety of the body portion 1a, the folded portion 1b and the belt-like portion 1c of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 .
The shape and dimensions of the protective layer 12 are not limited to the shape of this example, and can be appropriately set according to the application.
The protective layer is not particularly limited, and for example, the same transparent resin insulating film as those mentioned in the base sheet can be exemplified.

The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 10-250 μm, more preferably 10-188 μm. When the thickness of the protective layer is at least the lower limit of the range, sufficient strength and rigidity can be easily secured. If the thickness of the protective layer is equal to or less than the upper limit of the range, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be easily reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 has four folded portions 1b folded back toward the main body portion 1a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, a folding line portion 1d for folding the folding portion 1b of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, that is, the main body portion 1a and the folding portion of the base sheet 10 and the protective layer 12 A linear slit 28 is formed in the boundary line portion of 1b.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, the slits 28 can be used to easily fold back the folded portions 1b toward the main body portion 1a. Further, generally, when the base sheet is partially folded back, the folded portion spreads and tries to return to the original unfolded state. However, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, since the slit 28 is formed in the folding line portion 1d, the force that causes the folding portion 1b to return to its original state is weakened. Therefore, since the distance between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 is stabilized, the accuracy of detection of changes in capacitance due to pressure is increased, and erroneous detection of pressure is suppressed.

In this example, the slits 28 are formed continuously in a solid line, but the slits 28 may be formed intermittently in a broken line.
The length of the slit 28 can be appropriately set according to the length of the folding line of the folded portion.
The width of the slit 28 can be appropriately set, for example, 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, more preferably 1 to 3 mm. If the width of the slit 28 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above range, it is easy to sandwich the elastic layer. If the width of the slit 28 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, the product size is less likely to increase.

The first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are pressure-sensitive electrodes for detecting pressure on the operation surface. Each of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 is connected to a connection terminal portion 30 formed at the tip portion of the belt-shaped portion 1c by wires 2a and 2b. It is electrically connected to the capacitance detection unit that does not.

In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 , the second electrodes 20 are provided on each of the four folded portions 1 b on the first surface 10 a of the base sheet 10 . Further, first electrodes 18 are provided on the first surface 10a of the base sheet 10 at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the slits 28 at the four corners of the main body 1a. Thus, in this example, a slit 28 is formed between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 in the base sheet 10 and protective layer 12 . As shown in FIG. 2, in a state in which the folded portion 1b is folded toward the main body portion 1a so that the first surface 10a of the base sheet 10 faces inside, when viewed from the thickness direction of the base sheet 10, The first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 overlap each other so that their surfaces face each other.
In the present invention, the distance between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 becomes more stable, and the pressure detection accuracy becomes higher. A slit is preferably formed between the second electrodes.
In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention, the folded portion 1b may be folded so that the second surface 10b of the base sheet 10 faces inside.

The shapes of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 in this example are rectangular in plan view. The shapes of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are not limited to rectangular shapes, and can be designed as appropriate.
The dimensions of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are also not particularly limited, and can be, for example, approximately 10 mm long by 10 mm wide. As the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are larger, the pressing force detection sensitivity is improved.
In the present invention, of the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrode farther from the operation surface may be smaller in size than the electrode closer to the operation surface. For example, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 , the second electrodes 20 may be sized smaller than the first electrodes 18 . As a result, when viewed from the thickness direction, the electrodes on the side far from the operation surface are less likely to protrude from the electrodes on the side close to the operation surface, thereby making it easier to suppress erroneous detection.

Of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20, the electrode arranged closer to the operation surface is preferably grounded. As a result, even if a finger approaches the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 , the grounded electrode serves as a shield, thereby suppressing a change in capacitance. As a result, the effect of the finger approaching the pressure sensing unit 25, which is about to touch the operation surface, is eliminated from changes in the capacitance of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20, and the effect of the pressing force is eliminated. Since it can be limited to changes, erroneous detection of pressing can be further suppressed.

The first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 may be pressure-sensitive electrodes of a known form, and may be self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance.
As the self-capacitance method, for example, both the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are solid electrodes, and the first electrode 18 is grounded.
As the mutual capacitance method, there is a mode in which both the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are solid electrodes, and they are used as a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. Alternatively, the first electrode 18 may be a grounded solid electrode, and the second electrode 20 may be a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode arranged in a comb shape.

Materials for the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are not particularly limited, and electrodes that are commonly used as pressure-sensitive electrodes can be used. Examples include copper and silver. Depending on the application, indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), conductive polymers, silver nanowires, silver paste, carbon, graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc. may be used as electrode materials. Silver paste is particularly preferable as the electrode material for the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 .
Here, "conductive" means having an electrical resistance value of less than 1 MΩ.
The thickness of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 may be appropriately set according to the material, and the preferred range of the average thickness is the same as the preferred range of the average thickness of the third electrode described later. .

In this example, there are four first electrodes 18 and four second electrodes 20, but the number of first electrodes 18 and second electrodes 20 is not particularly limited. The number of first electrodes 18 may be three or less, or may be five or more. Similarly, the number of second electrodes 20 may be three or less, or five or more.

The material of the wirings 2a and 2b can be exemplified by the same material as the material of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20, preferably silver paste.
The preferred range of the average thickness of the wirings 2a and 2b is the same as the preferred range of the average thickness of the third electrode, which will be described later.

Further, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, the elastic layer 26 is provided between the main body portion 1a and each folded portion 1b in a state where the four folded portions 1b are folded. In this example, each elastic layer 26 is positioned between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 with the four folded portions 1b folded back to form the pressure sensing portion 25. FIG.

The elastic layer 26 is a layer containing an elastic body, and is compressed and deformed by pressing. When the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is pressed in the thickness direction, the elastic layer 26 is compressed and deformed in the thickness direction, and the distance between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 becomes closer, thereby changing the capacitance. do. A press on the operation surface is recognized by detecting a change in this capacitance.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the elastic layer 26 in this example includes a pair of a first sheet portion 26a and a second sheet portion 26b, and a plurality of elastic layers sandwiched between the first sheet portion 26a and the second sheet portion 26b. is a rubber-like elastic body provided with a column portion 26c. The first seat portion 26a, the second seat portion 26b, and the plurality of column portions 26c are integrated. The elastic layer 26 has a space portion 26d around each column portion 26c.

An elastic member such as a sponge may be arranged in the space 26d other than the column portion 26c between the first sheet portion 26a and the second sheet portion 26b. This makes it easier to prevent the elastic layer 26 from excessively compressively deforming and damaging the base sheet 10 and the folding line portion 1d of the protective layer 12 .

The materials forming the first sheet portion 26a, the second sheet portion 26b, and the plurality of column portions 26c may be the same or different. Of the elastic layer 26, only the column portion 26c that is compressively deformed needs to be made of an elastic material. The first seat portion 26a and the second seat portion 26b may be made of an elastic material, or may be made of an inelastic hard material. Examples of hard materials include resins other than elastomers, glass, metals, ceramics, and wood.

As the elastic material forming the elastic body of the elastic layer 26, it is preferable to use an elastic material that has an appropriate degree of compressive deformation in the thickness direction when pressed and that is comfortable to press. Examples of elastic materials include thermosetting elastomers such as urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber; Thermoplastic elastomers such as butadiene-based or fluorine-based elastomers; or composites thereof. Among these, silicone rubber is preferable because it has a small dimensional change against repeated pressing, that is, a small compression set. The elastic material may be a foamed material with internal cells or a non-foamed material without substantial cells.

The type A durometer hardness when measured according to JIS K 6253 with the thickness (height) of the elastic body forming the elastic layer 26 as 1 cm is preferably 85 or less. If the type A durometer hardness is 85 or less, it is easily elastically deformed when pressed. However, if the material is excessively soft, the recovery after elastic deformation is delayed, so the type A durometer hardness is preferably 10 or more.

The thickness of the first sheet portion 26a is preferably 5 to 100 μm, more preferably 10 to 100 μm. If the thickness of the first sheet portion 26a is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, the bonding strength with the column portion 26c can be increased. If the thickness of the first sheet portion 26a is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, the distance between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 can be easily reduced when the operation surface is not pressed, and the pressing detection accuracy increases. can be made higher.
The preferable range of thickness of the second sheet portion 26b is the same as the preferable range of thickness of the first sheet portion 26a. The thickness of the first sheet portion 26a and the thickness of the second sheet portion 26b may be the same or different.

The shape of the column portion 26c is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a columnar shape such as a columnar shape, a truncated cone shape, and a prismatic shape. Among them, a columnar shape and a truncated cone shape are preferable from the viewpoint of excellent durability. The shapes of the plurality of pillars 26c may be the same or different.

The cross-sectional area of the single columnar portion 26c in the direction perpendicular to the height direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.005 to 4 mm ² , preferably 0.02 to 0.8 mm ² . If the cross-sectional area of the column portion 26c is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, it becomes easy to compressively deform in the height direction when a pressing force is applied, and the column portion 26c is prevented from bending without being compressed. easy to prevent. If the cross-sectional area of the column portion 26c is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, it can be easily compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force such as pressing with a finger.
Here, the cross-sectional area of the column means the area of the cross section orthogonal to the height direction at the half height position of the column. The cross-sectional area of the columnar portion can be measured by a known fine structure observation means such as an optical microscope measuring instrument.

The total cross-sectional area of all the pillars 26c of the elastic layer 26 can be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the elastic material and the desired pressing comfort. When the area of the first sheet portion 26a or the second sheet portion 26b is 100%, the total cross-sectional area is preferably 0.1 to 30%, more preferably 0.5 to 20%, and 1 to 20%. is more preferred. If the total cross-sectional area is within the above range, it can be easily compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force such as pressing with a finger.
Specifically, for example, the total cross-sectional area can be 1 to 100 mm ² .

The height of the columnar portion 26c is preferably 1 to 3000 μm, more preferably 50 to 2000 μm, even more preferably 200 to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 300 to 1000 μm. If the height of the column portion 26c is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above range, the distance between the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 can be easily reduced when the operation surface is not pressed, and the pressing force detection accuracy can be improved. can be higher. In addition, the feeling that the operation surface is dented when the operation surface is pressed is easily suppressed, and it becomes easy to operate with the same feeling as touching a hard surface like a normal touch panel.
Here, the height of the column portion 26c does not include the thickness of the first sheet portion 26a and the thickness of the second sheet portion 26b. The height of the pillar portion 26c can be measured by a known fine structure observation means such as an optical microscope measuring instrument.

The column portion 26c is a member that supports the thickness of the elastic layer 26 by being connected to the thickness of the first sheet portion 26a and the second sheet portion 26b. If the thickness of the elastic layer 26 is the same regardless of the location, the heights of the plurality of columns 26c are substantially the same.

In this example, the arrangement pattern of the plurality of pillars 26c in plan view is 5×5=25 in the vertical and horizontal directions in the thickness of the rectangular first sheet portion 26a and the planar direction of the second sheet portion 26b. It is a pattern in which pillars 26c of books are arranged at intervals. The arrangement pattern of the plurality of pillars 26c is not limited to this pattern, and may be, for example, a pattern in which the plurality of pillars 26c are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

The number of pillars 26c included in the elastic layer 26 may be plural or one. For example, one pillar portion 26c having a rectangular shape in a plan view may be provided in the thickness of the first sheet portion 26a and the center region of the second sheet portion 26b in the plane direction. In the case of this aspect, the elastic body forming the column portion 26c is preferably a foam containing air bubbles inside.

The number of columns 26c included in the elastic layer 26 is preferably 1 to 1000, more preferably 3 to 100, and even more preferably 4 to 50. When the number is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the above range, the elastic layer 26 can be compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force of pressing the operation surface with a finger. If the number is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of pressing by a finger.

The pitch between adjacent column portions 26c is preferably 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 3 mm. If the pitch is equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the range, the elastic layer 26 can be compressed and deformed with a moderate pressing force such as pressing the operation surface with a finger. If the pitch is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detection of pressing by a finger.

The elastic layer 26 of this example is, as shown in FIG. It is arranged between the parts and adhered to the protective layer 12 via adhesive layers 36,38. Release papers 40 and 42 are laminated on the surfaces of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 before the folded portion 1b is arranged between the folded portions.

The adhesive layers 36 and 38 may be provided only on part of the contact surface of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 with the protective layer 12, respectively, or may be provided on the entire contact surface. good too. It is preferable that the adhesive layers 36 and 38 are provided on the entire contact surface because it is easy to make the pressing force on the elastic layer 26 uniform in the surface direction.

Examples of materials for the adhesive layers 36 and 38 independently include, for example, known curable adhesives (liquid adhesive before bonding) or adhesives (gel-like pressure-sensitive adhesive before bonding). . Also, each adhesive layer may be a substrate-type adhesive layer in which an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive is placed on both sides of a substrate layer. Examples of the substrate-type adhesive layer include a known double-sided tape.
Examples of the adhesives and adhesives include acrylic resins, urethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and the like. The curable adhesive may be of a solvent type containing a solvent that volatilizes during curing, or may be of a hot-melt type.

The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 may be, for example, 1 to 75 μm independently. The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 using the curable adhesive is preferably 1 to 20 μm. The thickness of the adhesive layers 36 and 38 using the adhesive is preferably 10 to 75 μm.

As a material for forming the first base film 32 and the second base film 34, an insulating resin material can be used. Examples include vinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), urethane, and the like. The resin forming the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 may be of one type or two or more types.

The thicknesses of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are independently, for example, 10 to 200 μm. When the resin material described above is used, its thickness is preferably 10 to 200 μm, more preferably 25 to 150 μm, even more preferably 25 to 100 μm.
If the thickness is equal to or more than the lower limit of the above range, it is easy to make the pressing force against the elastic layer 26 uniform in the surface direction. If the thickness is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of input to the operation surface.

The first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are adhered to the outer surface of the first sheet portion 26a and the outer surface of the second sheet portion 26b of the elastic layer 26, respectively. These may be adhered by an adhesive layer (not shown), or may be directly adhered by a known surface treatment or heat treatment.
The bonding surfaces of the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 may be subjected to a known physical or chemical surface treatment for the purpose of improving the adhesive force.

The first base film 32 and the second base film 34 have smooth surfaces with respect to the elastic layer 26 so that the pressing force applied to the operation surface is uniformly transmitted to the elastic layer 26 . If the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 were not present, the unevenness of the portion where the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 were provided would cause the elastic layer 26 to be pressed unevenly. There is In this embodiment, since the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 are provided, the unevenness of the portion where the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are provided prevents the elastic layer 26 from being pressed. Equalization effects can be reduced. Also, the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are prevented from being locally damaged by the stress from the columnar portion 26c of the elastic layer 26. FIG.

In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, three third electrodes 22 are provided at intervals in the length direction in the center of the first surface 10a of the base sheet 10 in the width direction. The third electrode 22 is an electrode that detects contact or proximity of a conductor to the third electrode 22 from a change in capacitance due to contact or proximity of the conductor to the third electrode 22 . The third electrode 22 functions as a touch electrode for detecting contact of a conductor with the operation surface in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module.
In the present invention, in addition to the first and second electrodes for detecting pressure on the operation surface, the third electrode, which is a touch electrode, is further provided on the first surface of the base sheet. It is preferable that As a result, the operation of the operation surface can be determined and recognized in two stages, that is, finger contact and finger pressure, so that erroneous detection can be suppressed more stably.

The shape of the third electrode 22 in this example is rectangular in plan view. Note that the shape of the third electrode 22 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and can be designed as appropriate. The dimensions of the third electrode 22 are also not particularly limited, and can be, for example, approximately 10 mm long by 10 mm wide.

The third electrode 22 may be self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance.
The form of the mutual-capacitance third electrode 22 is not particularly limited. A rectangular electrode pattern, a diamond pattern, etc., in which a plurality of strip-shaped receiving electrodes are formed on the other surface and extend in a direction orthogonal to the transmitting electrodes are exemplified.
The form of the third electrode 22 of the self-capacitance method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include solid electrodes such as circular, elliptical, and rectangular shapes, and diamond patterns.

A transparent conductive film can be used as the third electrode 22 .
The transparent conductive film includes a film containing a conductive polymer, a film containing conductive nanowires, a film containing metal particles or conductive metal oxide particles, a film containing carbon, and a metal deposition film formed by a metal deposition method. etc. As the transparent conductive film, a film containing a conductive polymer is preferable from the viewpoint of excellent bending resistance.

Examples of conductive polymers include polythiophene, polypyrrole, and polyaniline. Among the conductive polymers, polythiophene is preferred, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrenesulfonic acid is particularly preferred.

Examples of conductive nanowires include silver nanowires, gold nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and the like.
Examples of metal particles include particles of metals such as silver, copper, and gold.
Conductive metal oxide particles include, for example, particles of indium-doped tin oxide.
Examples of carbon include carbon black and graphite.
Examples of the metal forming the metal deposition film include copper, aluminum, nickel, chromium, zinc, and gold. Among these, copper is preferable because of its low electrical resistance and low cost.

The average thickness of the third electrode 22 made of a transparent conductive film containing a conductive polymer is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 μm.
The average thickness of the third electrode 22 made of a transparent conductive film containing metal nanowires is preferably 20 to 1000 nm, more preferably 50 to 300 nm.
The average thickness of the third electrode 22 made of a transparent conductive film containing metal particles, conductive metal oxide particles or carbon is preferably 0.01 to 25 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 15 μm.
The average thickness of the third electrode 22 made of a transparent conductive film of a vapor-deposited metal film is preferably 0.01 to 1.0 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 0.3 μm.
If the average thickness of the third electrode 22 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the range, disconnection due to pinholes can be easily suppressed. If the average thickness of the third electrode 22 is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range, thinning is facilitated.

The third electrode 22 is not limited to a transparent conductive film, and may be silver paste, carbon paste, or the like.
The average thickness of the third electrode 22 made of silver paste or carbon paste is preferably 1 to 25 μm.

The method of measuring electrode thickness varies depending on the thickness range. For example, in the case of a film thickness on the order of μm, the thickness can be measured by a micrometer, digimatic indicator, or laser displacement measurement. In addition, in the case of a film thickness smaller than the μm order, the thickness can be measured by cross-sectional observation using a scanning electron microscope or by a fluorescent X-ray analyzer.
Average thickness is the average thickness measured near the center of the electrode.

Although there are three third electrodes 22 in this example, the number of third electrodes 22 is not particularly limited. The number of third electrodes 22 may be two or less, or may be four or more.

In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor, an auxiliary electrode 24 is provided so as to surround the third electrode 22 and is in contact with the third electrode 22 over the entire circumference. The auxiliary electrode 24 is connected by the wiring 2c to a connection terminal portion 30 formed at the tip portion of the strip portion 1c, and is electrically connected to a capacitance detection portion (not shown) via the connection terminal portion 30. be. This allows the third electrode 22 to be connected to the capacitance detection section.
By providing the auxiliary electrode 24, the effect of resistance is reduced as compared with the case where the third electrode 22 and the wiring 2c are in point contact. Therefore, even when the third electrode 22 is made of a conductive polymer having a relatively high resistance, high detection accuracy can be ensured.

The material of the auxiliary electrode 24 can be exemplified by the same material as the material of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20, preferably silver paste.
The preferred range of the average thickness of the auxiliary electrode 24 is the same as the preferred range of the average thickness of the third electrode 22 .

The adhesive layer 14 and the release paper 16 in this example are not provided on the folded portion 1b of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, the portion overlapping the folded folded portion 1b of the main body portion 1a, and the strip portion 1c. In this manner, the adhesive layer 14 and the release paper 16 are partially provided in the area of the base sheet 10 excluding the pressure-sensitive detection section 25 .

Since the adhesive layer 14 is provided in the area of the base sheet 10 excluding the pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 , the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 from which the release paper 16 has been peeled off can be attached to the back surface of the operation panel via the adhesive layer 14 . When attached, the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 is not adhered to the operation panel. By not adhering the pressure-sensitive detection part 25 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 to the operation panel, but by adhering only the other part to the operation panel, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 can be changed when the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is attached. It eliminates the need to attach parts all at once. In this way, by sticking only the portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 that has a uniform thickness other than the pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 to the operation panel, adhesion between the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 and the operation panel is reduced. It is possible to suppress air bubbles from entering the portion.

The material forming the adhesive layer 14 is not particularly limited, and for example, the same adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives as those mentioned for the adhesive layers 36 and 38 can be exemplified. Among them, the double-sided tape is preferable because the fixed area can be easily controlled.
The release paper 16 is not particularly limited, and known release papers can be used.

A manufacturing method of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used.
The first electrode 18, the second electrode 20, the third electrode 22, and the auxiliary electrode 24 can be manufactured, for example, by forming a pattern of an electrode material on the base sheet 10 by printing or the like. Alternatively, electrodes may be formed on one side or both sides of the base material and attached to the base sheet 10 with an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like. Examples of the method of forming the electrodes include a method of printing a conductive paste followed by heating and curing, a method of printing an ink containing metal particles, a method of forming a metal foil or metal deposition film and patterning the paste, and the like. be done.
After forming the first electrode 18, the second electrode 20, the third electrode 22, and the auxiliary electrode 24, the protective layer 12 is attached to the first surface 10a side of the base sheet 10 with an adhesive or the like. Laminate. In addition, on the second surface 10b side of the base material sheet 10, an adhesive layer 14 is formed by attaching a double-sided tape or the like to a region excluding the portion where the folded portion 1b of the main body portion 1a is folded back, and a release paper 16 is attached. wear.

The elastic layer 26 can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. Specifically, the second sheet portion 26b is formed on one side of the second base film 34 by screen printing or the like. The surface of the second sheet portion 26b and the surface of each of the column portions 26c in contact with the second sheet portion 26b are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and they are overlapped and pressed to join the second sheet portion 26b and each column portion 26c. . Also, the first sheet portion 26a is formed on one side of the first base film 32 by screen printing or the like. The surface of the first sheet portion 26a and the surface of each column portion 26c in contact with the first sheet portion 26a are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the first sheet portion 26a and each column portion 26c are joined by pressing them together. . Thereby, the elastic layer 26 sandwiched between the first base film 32 and the second base film 34 can be formed.

The folded portion 1b of the base sheet 10 and the protective layer 12 is folded at the fold line 1d so that the first surface 10a of the base sheet 10 faces inside, and the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 are connected to each other. facing each other. Next, the elastic layer 26 is arranged between the folded parts and adhered to the protective layer 12 via the adhesive layers 36 and 38 . Thereby, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is obtained.

[Pressure-sensitive touch sensor module]
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention includes an operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention, wherein the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member. It is a device. Hereinafter, as an example of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module of the present invention, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor module 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "module 100") including the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. .

The module 100 includes an operation panel 110 having an operation surface 112 , a frame member 120 having four projections 122 , and a pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 . The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is attached to the back surface of the operation panel 110 via the adhesive layer 14 with the release paper 16 removed.

A method for attaching the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 to the operation panel 110 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a diaphragm method and a roller method. Among them, the diaphragm method is preferred because it is easy to prevent air bubbles from entering between the adhesive layer 14 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 and the operation panel 110, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 can be adhered more neatly. preferable.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is sandwiched between the operation panel 110 and the frame member 120 with the folded portion 1b folded back and the elastic layer 26 provided between the folded portions. A frame member 120 is provided on the side where the folded portion 1b of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is folded, and an operation panel 110 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the folded portion 1b is folded. In this example, the operation panel 110 and the frame member 120 are connected by a spring 130 .
The surface of the operation panel 110 opposite to the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 serves as an operation surface 112 .

As the operation panel 110, a panel having such rigidity as to compress the elastic layer at a position away from the finger-pressed position through the panel can be used when the finger is pressed. However, if the position to be pressed is close to the position of the elastic layer, a panel with low rigidity may be used as the operation panel 110 . The operation panel 110 includes, for example, a cover layer covering the surface of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 and a decorative layer formed on the surface of the cover layer. The cover layer may be a layer that also serves as a light guide layer that guides light rays from the light source in a planar direction.

Examples of materials for the cover layer include glass and resin.
Examples of resin include PC, acrylic resin, ABS resin, polystyrene (PS), PVC, PET, PBT, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and the like. These resins may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

The thickness of the cover layer is preferably 0.05 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. When the thickness of the cover layer is at least the lower limit of the above range, sufficient strength is likely to be obtained. If the thickness of the cover layer is equal to or less than the upper limit of the above range, it is easy to prevent the module 100 from becoming excessively thick, and the capacitance of the third electrode changes sufficiently when the electrode is touched with a finger. good detection accuracy.

The decorative layer is a layer on which arbitrary decoration is applied by decoration, letters, figures, symbols, patterns, a combination thereof, or a combination of these and colors. The decorative layer can be formed, for example, by printing on the cover layer.
Note that the operation panel 110 may not have a decorative layer.

The frame member 120 is provided with four rectangular projections 122 in plan view at positions corresponding to the elastic layers 26 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 on the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 side surface. When the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 is sandwiched between the operation panel 110 and the frame member 120, each of the four projections 122 is in pressure contact with the folded portion 1b of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 where the elastic layer 26 is located. In this manner, the portion of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 where the elastic layer 26 is located is sandwiched between the operation panel 110 and the convex portion 122 of the frame member 120 .

In the module 100 , the pressure-sensitive detection section 25 in which the first electrode 18 , the elastic layer 26 , and the second electrode 20 overlap is press-fitted and fixed to the operation panel 110 by the protrusions 122 of the frame member 120 . there is Therefore, even if the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 is not adhered to the operation panel 110, the performance is not deteriorated. Since the adhesive layer 14 is not provided in the pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, the pressure-sensitive detection is not affected by the adhesive layer 14, so that the pressure-sensitive detection accuracy is further improved.
Note that the convex portion 122 may be adhered to the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 with an adhesive or the like.

In this example, a control board 124 having a capacitance detection unit (IC) is fixed inside the four projections 122 on the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 side surface of the frame member 120 . The control board 124 may be connected to the connection terminal portion 30 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 via a connector (not shown). In addition to the capacitance detection unit (IC), the control board 124 is mounted with an LED 126 for illuminating characters. Characters are illuminated through the panel 110 .

In the present invention, it is preferable that the frame member has such a protrusion, and that the portion where the elastic layer of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is located is sandwiched between the operation panel and the protrusion of the frame member. This makes it easier for the elastic layer 26 to be compressed and deformed even when it is pressed by a finger, thereby increasing the detection accuracy of the touch operation.

Materials for forming the frame member include, for example, resins, glass, and inorganic substances.
As the resin for forming the frame member, for example, the same resin as the resin for forming the cover layer can be used. The resin forming the frame member may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

A touch operation determination process using the module 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 10 .
The four pairs of the first electrodes 18 and the second electrodes 20 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1 in the module 100 are connected with one capacitive sensing unit, and the three third electrodes 22 are each connected with an individual capacitive sensing unit. connect with the department. Then, a first threshold value is set for each detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit connected to each third electrode 22 , and a specific third electrode 22 on the operation surface 112 of the operation panel 110 is set. When the portion corresponding to is touched, the detected value corresponding to the third electrode 22 is set to be equal to or greater than the first threshold. Further, a second threshold value is set for the detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit connected to the four pairs of first electrodes 18 and the second electrode 20, and when pressing with a predetermined pressing force or more, The detected value is made equal to or greater than the second threshold.
Note that the four pairs of the first electrodes 18 and the second electrodes 20 may be connected to individual capacitance detection units, respectively. In that case, the second threshold can be set for the total value of the detection values detected by each of the four capacitance detection units.

In this state, a finger presses a portion of the operation surface 112 of the operation panel 110 corresponding to one third electrode 22 . Then, the capacitance of the third electrode 22 first changes, and the detection value detected by the corresponding capacitance detection unit becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold. Furthermore, when the elastic layer 26 of each pressure sensing portion 25 is compressed and deformed by pressing, the distance between the four pairs of the first electrodes 18 and the second electrodes 20 becomes closer and the capacitance changes, the static electricity connected to them changes. The detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit is equal to or greater than the second threshold. In this case, it is determined that the touch state is a pressing state with an intention to operate.

On the other hand, when the finger just approaches the operation surface 112 of the operation panel 110 without touching it, the detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit corresponding to each third electrode 22 is less than the first threshold. , is determined to be in a non-touch state.
Further, when a portion corresponding to one third electrode 22 on the operation surface 112 of the operation panel 110 is only touched and the portion is not pressed, capacitance detection corresponding to the third electrode 22 is performed. Although the detection value detected by the electrostatic capacitance detection unit corresponding to the four pairs of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit corresponding to the four pairs of the first electrode 18 and the second electrode 20 is the second threshold value. less than Therefore, when the finger simply touches the operation surface without any intention to operate it, it is determined that the operation surface is in the non-touch state.
Further, when a portion of the operation surface 112 of the operation panel 110 that does not correspond to the third electrode 22 is pressed, the detection value detected by the capacitance detection unit corresponding to each third electrode 22 changes to the first is less than the threshold, it is determined that the state is in the non-touch state.

As described above, in the present invention, the adhesive layer of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor to be attached to the operation panel is partially provided in a region other than the pressure-sensitive detection portion of the base sheet in the thickness direction, The pressure sensing part is not attached to the operation panel. This prevents air bubbles from entering between the adhesive layer of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor and the operation panel when the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is attached to the operation panel. Therefore, erroneous detection of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor can be suppressed.

Intrusion of air bubbles between the pressure-sensitive touch sensor and the operation panel has a particularly large adverse effect on detection of contact or proximity of the conductor by the third electrode. However, according to the present invention, even in the case of a pressure-sensitive touch sensor including a third electrode like the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1, erroneous detection of conductor contact or proximity by the third electrode can be suppressed. Further, in a mode in which a first electrode and a second electrode for detecting pressure are combined with a third electrode for detecting finger contact, that is, a mode in which independent pressure-sensitive electrodes and touch electrodes are provided, finger contact and Since the touch state can be determined using two levels of thresholds for pressure sensitivity, erroneous detection can be further suppressed.

In addition, when the elastic layer of the pressure-sensitive detection section has a space like the elastic layer 26, when it is attached to the operation panel, the pressure-sensitive detection section is more evenly distributed than when the elastic layer does not have a space. It is difficult to apply pressure, and there is a tendency for uneven adhesion to occur in the pressure-sensitive detection unit attached to the operation panel. However, in the present invention, since there is no adhesive layer to be attached to the operation panel in the region of the base sheet that becomes the pressure-sensitive detection portion, there is no adhesion unevenness in this portion.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A in which a pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 is formed by folding back the folding portion 1b so that the second electrode 20 and the elastic layer 26 are on the adhesive layer 14 side. good. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor module 100A including the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A is positioned on the operation panel so that the step of the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 is on the operation panel 110 side. 110 is attached. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 from being damaged by another member or the like getting caught in the step of the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 during manufacturing or the like.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention may be the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, four projecting portions 1e that are rectangular in plan view are formed so as to protrude outward in the width direction from four corners of a main body portion 1a that is rectangular in plan view. A rectangular folded portion 1b in a plan view is connected to the opposite side of the main body portion 1a. A slit 28 is provided at the boundary line between each projecting portion 1e and the folded portion 1b.
A first electrode 18 is provided on the projecting portion 1e of the base sheet 10, and a second electrode 20 is provided on the folded portion 1b. In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, the folded portion 1b is folded back and overlapped with the projecting portion 1e, and an elastic layer 26 is provided between them, thereby forming a pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 outside the main body portion 1a. .

The adhesive layer 14 is provided on the entire main body portion 1a of the base sheet 10, and is not provided on the overhanging portion 1e, the folded portion 1b, and the strip portion 1c. That is, in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1</b>B, the adhesive layer 14 is partially provided on the area of the base sheet 10 excluding the pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 . As a result, even in the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering between the adhesive layer 14 of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1A and the operation panel when the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B is attached to the operation panel. Therefore, erroneous detection of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B can be suppressed.
Since the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B has the adhesive layer 14 over the entire main body 1a, which is rectangular in plan view, it is advantageous in that it can be easily attached to the operation panel by a roller method.

Also, the pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention may be the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C illustrated in FIGS. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C has a configuration similar to that of the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1B, except that a slit 28A is provided at the boundary between each overhanging portion 1e and the main body portion 1a.
In the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C, the folded portion 1b is folded back, and an elastic layer 26 is provided between the overhanging portion 1e and the folded portion 1b to form a pressure-sensitive detection portion 25. Further, the pressure-sensitive detection portion 25 is connected to the body portion 1a. It can be folded to the side. After being attached to the operation panel, the pressure-sensitive detection unit 25 is folded back toward the main body 1a in this way, thereby preventing air bubbles from entering between the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C and the operation panel. , the pressure-sensitive touch sensor 1C can be made compact and housed in the storage portion of the module.

The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention may be the pressure-sensitive touch sensors 1, 1A to 1C in which the slits 28, 28A are not formed.
The pressure-sensitive touch sensor of the present invention is not limited to the aspect in which the folded-back portion provided with the second electrode is folded back to form the pressure-sensitive detection portion. A mode in which the elastic layer is formed as a separate member and adhered so that the elastic layer is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode to form the pressure-sensitive detection portion may be employed.

In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the constituent elements in the above-described embodiment with well-known constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the modifications described above may be combined as appropriate.

Reference Signs List 1, 1A to 1C Pressure-sensitive touch sensor 2a, 2b Wiring 10 Base sheet 12 Protective layer 14 Adhesive layer 16 Release paper 18 First electrode 20 Second electrode Electrode 22 Third electrode 24 Auxiliary electrode 26 Elastic layer 26d Space portion 100, 100A Pressure-sensitive touch sensor module 110 Operation panel 112 Operation surface 120 Frame member 122 …convex part.

Claims (7)

A capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor that is attached to the back surface of an operation panel and detects pressure on the operation surface of the operation panel ,
a base sheet, a first electrode, a second electrode, an elastic layer, and an adhesive layer for bonding the base sheet and the operation panel ;
The base sheet is made of a transparent insulating resin film,
The first electrode is provided on the first surface or the second surface of the base sheet,
The second electrode is arranged such that the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode face each other with the elastic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. provided in
A pressure-sensitive detection unit is formed that detects pressure from a change in capacitance due to the elastic layer being compressed and deformed in the thickness direction by a pressing force, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode being shortened,
A capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor, wherein the adhesive layer is provided in a region excluding the pressure-sensitive detection section on a second surface of the base sheet facing the operation panel . The capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is formed of double-sided tape. The second electrode, the elastic layer , and the adhesive layer are all arranged on the second surface side of the base sheet facing the operation panel , and the adhesive layer is on the second surface. 3. The capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein the capacitive pressure-sensitive touch sensor is provided in a region including the second electrode and the elastic layer, excluding the pressure-sensitive detection section. The pressure sensitive touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic layer has a space. A third electrode is further provided on the base sheet, and a change in the capacitance of the third electrode due to contact or proximity of the conductor to the third electrode causes a change in the conductor to the third electrode. The pressure sensitive touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which detects contact or proximity. An operation panel having an operation surface, a frame member, and the pressure-sensitive touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A pressure-sensitive touch sensor module, wherein the pressure-sensitive touch sensor is sandwiched between the operation panel and the frame member. the frame member has a convex portion,
7. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor module according to claim 6, wherein a portion of said pressure-sensitive touch sensor where said elastic layer is positioned is sandwiched between said operation panel and said protrusion.

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