Capacitive Switch Patents (Class 200/600)
  • Patent number: 9059713
    Abstract: A capacitive touch keypad assembly includes a housing, a capacitance sensing substrate disposed within the housing, and a plurality of conducting members. The housing includes a barrier panel and a keypad display disposed on an exterior surface of the barrier panel. The keypad display defines a plurality of key locations each aligned with a corresponding bore in the barrier panel. The capacitance sensing substrate includes a plurality of key sensors in alignment with the corresponding plurality of key locations. Each of the plurality of conducting members has a first end disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of barrier panel bores and a second end engaging a corresponding one of the plurality of key sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Jonely, D. Scott Kalous
  • Patent number: 9048842
    Abstract: A sensor element device for a capacitive proximity switch of an operating device, where the sensor element device has an upper side for contacting the underside of an operating panel of the operating device and a block-like illuminated display with a lighting direction towards the underside of the operating panel. The sensor element device is electrically conductive on its side or an upper side facing the operating panel, thereby forming a sensor element. The illuminated display is mounted on a component carrier by a voluminous, spatial-shape-variable, elastic and electrically conductive material, where this material layer provides the required variable distance and electrical connection from the upper side to the underside as electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Dombrowski, Thorsten Fix
  • Publication number: 20150144475
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a set-top box, includes at least one capacitive touch button with a guard feature that provides, among other things, the ability to detect and reject false touches. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first conductive element that is capacitively isolated from ground, and a second conductive element that is capacitively isolated from ground and located adjacent to the first conductive element. A first sensor is coupled to the first conductive element and measures a change in capacitance between the first conductive element and ground due to a change in physical environment. A second sensor is coupled to the second conductive element and measures a change in capacitance between the second conductive element and ground due to the change in physical environment. A controller is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and determines a difference between the measured changes in capacitance of the first sensor and the second sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 9040854
    Abstract: A MEMS electrostatic actuator includes a bottom plate affixed to a substrate and a top plate suspended above the bottom plate. The top plate has a parallel plate center section and two rotating members electrically connected to the center section. Each rotating member is attached centrally of the rotating member for rotation about an axis of rotation to a set of anchor posts. The attachment includes at least one pair of torsional springs attached along each axis, each spring comprising a rectangular metal square that twists as the rotational members rotate. Electrostatic pull-down electrodes are underneath each rotational member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Arun K. Gupta, William C. McDonald
  • Patent number: 9040834
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electroconductive sheet and a touch panel which do not impair visibility in a vicinity of an electrode terminal in a sensing region. In an electroconductive sheet which has an electrode pattern constructed of a metal thin wire and an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to an end of the electrode pattern, a transmittance of the electrode pattern is 83% or more, and when the transmittance of the electrode pattern is represented by a %, a transmittance of the electrode terminal is controlled to be (a-20)% or more and (a-3)% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshige Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9040858
    Abstract: A layout method of a touch panel electrode includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first electro-conductive layer, having pattern blocks disposed adjacently to one another, on one side of the substrate, wherein the first electro-conductive layer is transparent; forming an alignment film on the one side of the substrate; forming an second electro-conductive layer, having wires to be connected to at least one of the pattern blocks, on the one side of the substrate; and forming a protection layer on the second electro-conductive layer to protect the second electro-conductive layer. The present invention can reduce the processes of manufacturing the conventional electrode, especially do not needs to form another electro-conductive layer and another protection layer on the other side of the substrate, and can effectively prevent the electrostatic charge effect and increase the capacitance and sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Li-Li Fan
  • Publication number: 20150129408
    Abstract: A capacitive control interface for a domestic appliance includes an outer layer configured to be pressed by a user, a first capacitive component, a second capacitive component facing and separated from the first capacitive component, a first layer of insulating material between the outer layer and the first capacitive component, and a second layer of insulating material beneath the first layer of insulating material and in contact with the first capacitive component, the second layer having a thru hole encompassing the second capacitive component, wherein the second capacitive component faces the first capacitive component at the thru hole, and wherein the outer layer is flexibly responsive to pressure and is configured to transfer a flexure to the first capacitive component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: LEONARDO SERGI
  • Publication number: 20150114816
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a cover substrate including an active area and an inactive area; a first printing layer on the inactive area; and first and second conductive layers on the first printing layer, wherein the first and second conductive layers extend from a side surface of the first printing layer along a top surface of the first printing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Byeong Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 9006598
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a touch panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a touch display device using the same. The touch panel includes a substrate, a lower conductive layer disposed on the substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the lower conductive layer, at least one first conductive wire disposed on the insulating layer, a light shielding layer disposed on the first conductive wire, and an upper conductive layer disposed on the light shielding layer. The light shielding layer and the at least one first conductive wire are located in an edge region of the touch panel in a planar view. The light shielding layer includes at least one first through hole. The upper conductive layer is electrically connected to the at least one first conductive wire via the at least one first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Innolux Corporation
    Inventor: Kai Meng
  • Publication number: 20150096878
    Abstract: This touch-sensitive sensor includes a layer of piezoelectric material interposed between, on the one hand, first and second electrically-conductive elements and, on the other hand, at least one third conductive element including a surface opposite at least one of the first and second conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Abdelkader Aliane, Mohammed Benwadih, Olivier Haon
  • Publication number: 20150096877
    Abstract: A touch display device including a substrate, a display medium layer disposed above the substrate, first side electrodes and a sensing electrode disposed above the substrate is provided. The display medium layer includes charged particles and micro-structures connected to each other. Each of the micro-structures holds a portion of the charged particles, and has a first side wall which is not parallel to the substrate. Each of the first side electrodes is disposed above the first side wall of each of the micro-structures. The micro-structures are disposed between the substrate and the first side electrodes. A touch sensing unit is composed by the sensing electrode and the first side electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Wei Chu
  • Patent number: 9001081
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20150090578
    Abstract: There is provided a touch panel including: a substrate; mesh pattern electrodes formed on the substrate; and hard coating layers formed on the substrate and filling air gaps of the mesh pattern electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jang Bae SON, Kang Heon Hur, Sang Hoon Park, Hyun Chul Jung
  • Publication number: 20150090579
    Abstract: An input device includes an insulation substrate, a switch element, and a detection portion. The switch element includes a fixed electrode portion that is provided on the substrate, and a movable electrode portion that is provided on a main surface side of the substrate, at least part of the movable electrode portion being elastically displaceable toward a direction approaching and leaving the fixed electrode portion. The movable electrode portion is displaceable toward a direction approaching the fixed electrode portion due to pressure from an object to be detected that is an electric conductor. The detection portion is capable of detecting a capacitance change caused by the object to be detected approaching and leaving the movable electrode portion and a capacitance change between the movable electrode portion and the fixed electrode portion produced by displacement of the movable electrode portion due to pressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei KURIKAWA, Wataru KONDO, Makoto TAKAMATSU, Yoshinori SANO, Toshimizu TOMITSUKA, Yasushi ONO, Osamu AOKI, Shinsuke AOSHIMA, Yasuyuki TACHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20150084910
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with providing use input are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a capacitive touch sense module having a center region and a plurality of arms extending away from the center region in a plurality of directions. The arms may include a first arm extending away from the center region in a first direction, and a second arm extending away from the center region in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The apparatus may further include one or more pairs of springs, including a first pair of springs disposed at respective edges of an undersurface of the first and second arms to allow the capacitive touch sense module to pivot between the first and second directions. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Payne
  • Publication number: 20150085205
    Abstract: A touch panel includes a substrate, a plurality of first conductive elements, and a plurality of second conductive elements. Each of the first conductive elements includes a plurality of first conductive patterns and a plurality of first connection portions alternately connected with each other. The first conductive elements and the second conductive elements are intersected with each other and electrically insulated. Each of the second conductive elements includes a plurality of intersection portions respectively intersected with the first connection portions of each of the first conductive elements. A linewidth of the intersection portions is W1, and 100 ?m<W1?300 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: WINTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsing Chen, Chung-Hsien Li, Cheng-Yen Yeh, Yu-Ting Chen, Chen-Hao Su, Siang-Lin Huang
  • Publication number: 20150083569
    Abstract: A touch panel including a substrate, a touch-sensing element, transmission lines, a ground electrode, a first electrode layer, an insulation layer and a second electrode layer is provided. The transmission lines are electrically connected to the touch-sensing element. The ground electrode surrounds the touch-sensing element and the transmission lines. The first electrode layer is located around and electrically connected to the ground electrode. The insulation layer is at least disposed on the first electrode layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the insulation layer to form at least one capacitance storage unit, so that the electro static discharge can be conducted to the ground electrode through the capacitance storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: WINTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ting-Yu Chang, Chong-Wei Li, Ching-Fu Hsu, Chen-Ho Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150083568
    Abstract: A touch sensor including an electrostatic discharge pattern. The touch sensor includes: touch electrodes disposed in a touch region of a touch panel and configured to sense a touch; and a connection wire disposed in the touch region and connected to the touch electrode. A width of the connection wire is less than a width of the touch electrode, and an electrostatic discharge pattern is disposed adjacent a bottleneck portion, which is a part where the touch electrode and the connection wire are connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi-Ae PARK, Sung Ku KANG, Jung-Yun KIM
  • Patent number: 8987624
    Abstract: An information handling system can include a base, a printed circuit board including a capacitive switch, and a cover. The printed circuit board can be attached to the base, and the cover can lie adjacent to the printed circuit board. The capacitive switch can be configured to change state when an object is close to the cover. The cover can be configured such that it can be detached from the remainder of the information handling system while the printed circuit board remains attached to the base. The configuration of the printed circuit board and cover can be particularly useful when maintaining a keyboard or a touch pad or when replacing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Gurmeet Singh Bhutani, Shih-Wei Yang, Kuo-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 8987625
    Abstract: A capacitive touch panel structure includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer, a polymeric transparent substrate and an adhesive layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The polymeric transparent substrate has a third side and a fourth side. The adhesive layer is disposed between the transparent substrate and the polymeric transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel structure, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Lin
  • Publication number: 20150075960
    Abstract: A touch panel including a substrate, at least one decoration layer, and a conductive electrode structure is provided. The decoration layer is disposed on at least one side of the substrate. The decoration layer has at least one hot key area. The hot key area includes a hot key pattern area and a hot key touching area. The hot key touching area is located on at least one side of the hot key pattern area without overlapping each other. The decoration layer has at least one recess disposed in the hot key pattern area. The conductive electrode structure is disposed on the decoration layer. The conductive electrode structure is located in the hot key touching area, and an orthogonal projection of the conductive electrode structure on the substrate and an orthogonal projection of the recess on the substrate do not overlap with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: WINTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Hsieh, Shyh-Jeng Chen, Chia-Lun Chang, Chun-Ming Huang, Kuo-Hsing Chen, Chen-Hao Su
  • Patent number: 8981230
    Abstract: A touch cover including a substrate, a sensing circuit and a grounding circuit is provided. The substrate has an inner plane and an inner side surface extending from the inner plane. The inner plane and the inner side surface are not coplanar. The sensing circuit is disposed on the inner plane. At least a portion of the grounding circuit is disposed on the inner side surface. An electronic apparatus with the touch cover and a fabricating method of the touch cover are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Tien Lin, Weng-Chang Shen
  • Patent number: 8975526
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a touch panel, including at least a plurality of first electrode axes, a plurality of second electrode blocks. Each first electrode axis and corresponding second electrode block are disposed at the same level, staggered and electrically isolated from each other. Each first electrode axis is an uninterrupted structure. The touch panel of the present disclosure provides a new electrode pattern, and since all electrodes are disposed at the same level, therefore the electrodes can be formed simultaneously, thereby decreasing the cost of manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Yau-Chen Jiang, Defa Wu, Jianbin Yan
  • Publication number: 20150060257
    Abstract: A switch system that can be accurately operated even when disposed in a narrow area is provided. In this switch system, an operator touches an operation surface of a switch with a finger, a change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the touch is sensed, and the movement of the finger of the operator is detected. The operation surface of the switch is formed into concavities or convexities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takeyuki Suzuki, Masahiko Shimada, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150062452
    Abstract: A touch panel is disclosed. The touch panel comprises a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate spaced from first electrode plate. The first electrode plate comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer opposite to the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer form a two-dimensional coordinate touching module. The second electrode plate comprises a third conductive layer. A distance between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer is deformable. The second conductive layer and the third conductive layer form a third-dimensional coordinate touching module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: TIANJIN FUNAYUANCHUANG TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: PO-SHENG SHIH, CHIEN-YUNG CHENG, CHIH-HAN CHAO, JIA-SHYONG CHENG
  • Publication number: 20150060256
    Abstract: An electrostatic capacitive touch-sensitive panel has an active area; a touch electrode forming area; a routing wire forming area disposed; a plurality of first touch electrode lines disposed in the active area, with both ends extending to a plurality of electrode pattern extension regions; a plurality of second touch electrode lines disposed in the active area to cross the first direction so as to cross the first touch electrode lines without contact; a plurality of first routing wires connected to the plurality of first touch electrode lines, respectively; and a plurality of second routing wires connected to the plurality of second touch electrode lines, respectively. Each of the second touch electrode lines includes a plurality of second touch electrode patterns and a plurality of second connecting portions connecting neighboring second touch electrode patterns. The second touch electrode pattern has an asymmetrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dongsup Kim, Jaegyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8963036
    Abstract: This is directed to a dome switch that includes a capacitive sensor. A dome switch can include a dome operative to deform to provide tactile feedback to a user. To provide an electrical instruction to the device, the region underneath the dome can define a free space separating conductive regions forming a capacitor. For example, a tip of the dome, a button placed between the dome and a circuit board, or a user's finger can form a first conductor of a capacitor, and a support structure for the dome can include a terminal forming a second conductor completing the capacitor. When the dome deflects, the distance between the conductors can change and provide a measurable capacitance variation, which the device can detect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Nicholas G. Merz
  • Publication number: 20150041302
    Abstract: A touch sensor including a plurality of first electrode films and a plurality of second electrode films which are formed on a surface of a substrate and are arranged in different directions from each other; and a manufacturing method for the same. The manufacturing method includes: a first transfer step, which uses a transfer ribbon made by at least an insulating layer and an electrode-imparting layer which are entirely sequentially stacked as a transfer layer upon an elongated release film, attaches to a substrate only a portion of the transfer layer to which heat and pressure have been applied, and by stripping the release film, transfers the transfer layer in at least the shape of a first electrode film; and a second transfer step including attaching only the portion of the transfer layer to which the heat and the pressure had been applied and stripping the release film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shuzo Okumura, Asako Sakashita, Eiji Nakagawa, Ryohei Nagase, Tomohiro Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20150044481
    Abstract: Provided is a surface protective sheet whereby antifouling properties are enhanced and excellent wiping properties and sliding properties are ensured, the present invention is a surface protective sheet (1) having a protective film (3) on a surface of a substrate (2). The protective film (3) is configured from a cured product of a curable composition, the curable composition includes a coating material and a curable resin. The coating material is configured from a reaction product of at least compounds A, B, C and D. Compound A is an acrylic polymer having a hydroxyl group in a side chain thereof, compound B is a diisocyanate, compound C is a polyether polyol, and compound D is a photopolymerizable compound having both a hydroxyl group and a photopolymerizable group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yutaka Shibata, Hikaru Nishinaga
  • Publication number: 20150041303
    Abstract: Disclosed are a novel ITO crossover integrated capacitive touch screen and a manufacturing method thereof. The novel ITO crossover integrated capacitive touch screen comprises a transparent substrate, and a silicon dioxide layer, a niobium pentoxide layer, a black resin layer, an ITO crossover electrode, a first insulation layer, an ITO electrode, a metal electrode, and a second insulation layer sequentially stacked on the transparent substrate. The silicon dioxide layer covers the glass completely, and the niobium pentoxide layer covers the silicon dioxide layer completely. The ITO electrode comprises a capacitive screen driver and a sensing electrode, and is provided with a patterned graphic structure. The capacitive screen driver and the sensing electrode are on the same layer, mutually independent, mutually insulated, and vertical in design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Xiaoxing Cao
  • Publication number: 20150038638
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a polymer thick film white reflective flexible dielectric composition comprising urethane resin, thermoplastic phenoxy resin, and white reflective powder. Dielectrics made from the composition can be used in various electronic applications to protect electrical elements and particularly to reflect light in 3D circuits containing LED's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: JAY ROBERT DORFMAN
  • Publication number: 20150034473
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a polymer thick film thermally conductive thermoformable dielectric composition comprising urethane resin, thermoplastic phenoxy resin, diacetone alcohol and thermally conductive powder. Dielectrics made from the composition can be used in various electronic applications to protect electrical elements and particularly to insulate and protect both the conductive thermoformable silver and the polycarbonate substrate in capacitive switch applications. The thermoformed electrical circuit may be subsequently subjected to an injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Vincenzo ARANCIO, Jay Robert DORFMAN
  • Patent number: 8946578
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a touch technology, and more particularly, to a touch panel and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention discloses a touch panel comprising a touch region, a first peripheral region at the first side of said touch region, a second peripheral region at the second side opposite to said first side, a plurality of first axial electrodes and second axial electrodes that intersect with each other diagonally to limit peripheral routing in the two peripheral regions, a plurality of peripheral first lead-wires disposed at the first peripheral region, and a plurality of second lead wares disposed at the second peripheral region. A manufacturing method of a touch panel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Yanjun Xie, Yau-Chen Jiang, Limei Huang, Shouxing Yu
  • Patent number: 8946579
    Abstract: A touch panel includes an upper substrate having insulating property, an upper conductive layer on a lower surface of the upper substrate, an intermediate layer on a lower surface of the upper conductive layer, an upper electrode on a lower surface of the intermediate layer, a lower conductive layer facing the upper conductive layer with a predetermined gap interposed between the conductive layers, a lower electrode on an upper surface of the lower conductive layer, and a lower substrate on a lower surface of the lower conductive layer and having insulating property. The upper and lower electrodes contain 70 wt. % to 98 wt. % of conductive metal. The intermediate layer contains a resin and 40 wt. % to 90 wt. % of carbon and has a thickness ranging from 1 ?m to 50 ?m. The touch panel has resistance to environment and is applicable to a large size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ryonai, Seiichi Minami
  • Publication number: 20150029412
    Abstract: Provided is a capacitive touch panel which has enhanced sensitivity and is usable in an image display panel, etc. in this capacitive touch panel, a window, a first transparent film having a first transparent conductive electrode pattern formed on one surface thereof, and a second transparent film having a second transparent conductive electrode pattern which is formed on one surface thereof and disposed with respect to the first transparent film in such a manner as to allow a capacitance to be formed therebetween, are stacked in turn. The capacitive touch panel comprises a first transparent inter-layer resin provided between the window and the first transparent film, and a second transparent inter-layer resin provided between the first transparent film and the second transparent film, wherein the first transparent inter-layer resin has a dielectric constant greater than that of the second transparent inter-layer resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mayumi Banba
  • Patent number: 8941585
    Abstract: An input device with touch input function has an input member which is operable to input at least one of shifting operation and pushing operation. The input member has a touch input device which is responsive to touch of a user. The input device has an operation sensor which detects the operation on the input member. The input member and the operation sensor provides an input unit which is supported by a support member in a manner that the input unit is movable among a lock position and an unlock position with respect to a base member on which the input unit is supported. The input device has a lock mechanism which locks the input member in inoperable condition at the lock position and which releases the input member in operable condition at the unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Minamitani, Hiroaki Sasaki, Shingo Kitabayashi
  • Publication number: 20150021156
    Abstract: A transparent conductive element easily formed by a printing method includes a substrate having a surface, and transparent conductive portions and transparent insulating portions that are alternately provided in a planar manner on the surface. Each of the transparent insulating portions is a transparent conductive layer including a plurality of hole elements provided two-dimensionally in a first direction and a second direction on the surface of the substrate. The hole elements that are adjacent in the first direction are connected to each other, and the hole elements that are adjacent in the second direction are connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Junichi Inoue, Tomoo Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20150021157
    Abstract: [Object] To provide an input device, a display device, an electronic device, and a mobile terminal in which an opening of a decorative layer can be decorated while reducing a possibility of peeling off of a protective layer. [Solution] An input device X1 includes a substrate 2, a first decorative layer 6 that is disposed on the substrate 2 and includes an opening 6a, a first protective layer 7 that is disposed on the first decorative layer 6 and is partially located inside the opening 6a, and a second decorative layer 8 disposed on the first protective layer 7, wherein the second decorative layer 8 is located so as to at least partially overlap the opening 6a in plan view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Kouji Tsurusaki, Katsuya Chaen, Hiroshi Tokumori
  • Publication number: 20150014141
    Abstract: An environmental seal is formed around a square sensor disposed beneath a circular button cap within a button assembly. The button assembly includes shelf portions each extending separately into the interior of the assembly from a sidewall of the assembly. Portions of the sidewall are exposed between the shelf portions large enough to permit the four corners of the square sensor to contact the sidewall. The button cap is set above the sensor, resting upon the shelf portions. A first sealant bonds the top faces of the shelf portions to the bottom of the button cap. A second sealant bonds the edges of the sidewall to the corners of the sensor. The second sealant interfaces with the first sealant to form a complete environmental seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew P. Rao, Scott A. Myers, James R. Kroghdahl, Alex M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20150008115
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a touch sensing component and a method for manufacturing the same, a touch screen and an electronic device. The touch sensing component includes a base layer which serves as a carrier of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO); and an ITO layer provided on the base layer. The ITO layer is divided into two or more portions in a direction parallel with the base layer, and the two or more portions are staggered in a direction perpendicular to the base layer. In the embodiments of the present invention, the boarder size of the electronic device can be further reduced, and a larger effective display or control area can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Xiyong TIAN
  • Patent number: 8927890
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to capacitance-based keyswitch technologies. According to one implementation, an apparatus includes a key with a floating electrode. The floating electrode pairs with a fixed electrode and a capacitance may be generated between them. The apparatus has a controller configured to measure the capacitance as the electrodes move relative to each other as the key is depressed and released. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Cody George Peterson, Douglas M. Krumpelman, Andrew P. Huska
  • Publication number: 20150001060
    Abstract: Provided is an electrode pattern of a touch panel, including: a plurality of conductive pattern cells which are formed to be spaced apart from each other on a substrate; and an insulating layer which is formed on the conductive pattern cells; and a plurality of metal bridge line electrodes which are formed on the insulating layer so that the conductive pattern cells are connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jong Sun Kim, Dong Keon Lee, Chan Kyu Koo
  • Patent number: 8921726
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a touch screen, comprising the steps of: a) forming a conductive layer on a substrate; b) forming an etching resist pattern on the conductive layer; and c) forming a conductive pattern having a line width smaller than the line width of the etching resist pattern by over-etching the conductive layer by using the etching resist pattern and a touch screen manufactured by the method. According to the present invention, a touch screen comprising a conductive pattern having an ultrafine line width can be economically and efficiently provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Young Hwang, In-Seok Hwang, Sang-Ki Chun, Dong-Wook Lee, Yong-Koo Son, Min-Choon Park, Seung-Heon Lee, Beom-Mo Koo, Young-Jun Hong, Ki-Hwan Kim, Su-Jin Kim, Hyeon Choi
  • Patent number: 8921727
    Abstract: A double-layer electrode device includes an electrode bottom layer formed on a transparent substrate, and an electrode top layer formed on the electrode bottom layer. First electrodes of the electrode bottom layer are separated from each other, and second electrodes of the electrode bottom layer are connected via second conductive connecting portions. An insulating block is formed on the second conductive connecting portion. Second electrodes of the electrode top layer are separated from each other, and first electrodes of the electrode top layer are connected via first conductive connecting portions, which are disposed cross the insulating blocks, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: HengHao Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsun Ming Sun
  • Publication number: 20140374232
    Abstract: A touch switch device with an illuminator for detecting a close approach or contact of a human body to an operation surface includes: a wiring board having a light-emitting device and a detection electrode on a one surface side; a light guide plate located on the one surface side of the wiring board to emit light from the light-emitting device to the outside from the operation surface opposite the wiring board; and a detector connected with the detection electrode to detect change in electrostatic capacity to be generated at the detection electrode when a human body closely approaches or contacts the operation surface to produce a detection signal corresponding to the detected condition. An operation part is displayable on a surface of the light guide plate to serve as the operation surface, and the operation part is positioned corresponding to a position of the detection electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Naoya HANADA, Nobuki HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20140367242
    Abstract: A decoration cover plate and a touch panel having the decoration cover plate are provided. The decoration cover plate includes a substrate having an appearance decoration layer, an auxiliary light-shielding layer and a buffer layer stacked thereon. The buffer layer is disposed between the appearance decoration layer and the auxiliary light-shielding layer. The auxiliary light-shielding layer and the appearance decoration layer are opposite to each other. The touch panel further includes a touch-sensing element and a plurality of transmission lines. The touch-sensing element is disposed on the substrate and at least located within a transparent region of the touch panel. The transmission lines are disposed at a side of the auxiliary light-shielding layer far away from the substrate and electrically connected to the touch-sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: WINTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsuan-Yang Chen, Yi-Hsuan Huang, Tzung-Fu Lai
  • Publication number: 20140367239
    Abstract: A capacitive keypad position sensor includes a keypad touch panel having a first defined key area disposed in a plane having first and second orthogonal axes. First and second electrodes respectively occupy first and second areas below the first defined key area. Each electrode includes a plurality of parallel rows extending along the first axis and spaced apart from one another along the second axis. Each of the plurality of rows has a length along the first axis that is substantially equal to a width of the first defined key area along the first axis measured at a position along the second axis corresponding to the respective one of the plurality of rows. At least some of the first and second pluralities of rows are interleaved with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Changchao Shi, Yonggang Chen, Dechang Wang
  • Publication number: 20140360855
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a touch sensor panel with a reduced number of masks includes forming a first resist layer with both full and partial thickness patterns, the latter being at a region corresponding to a plurality of first sensor electrodes; etching a first transparent conductive layer and a first other conductive layer using the first resist layer patterns having both full and partial thicknesses; forming a second resist layer with both full and partial thickness patterns, the latter being at a region corresponding to a plurality of second sensor electrodes; and etching while using the second resist layer patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-Sung KIM, Sung Man KIM, Jong Hoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20140360856
    Abstract: Provided is a touch panel that has excellent visibility without being dependent on positional accuracy of bonding between substrates on which electrodes are formed, and without being affected by the substrates. A touch panel 100 includes a first planar body 1 including, on one surface of a first substrate 11, a plurality of first electrodes 12a mutually extending in a substantially identical direction, and a second planar body 2 including, on one surface of a second substrate 21, a plurality of second electrodes 22a mutually extending in a substantially identical direction which is different from the direction in which the first electrodes 12a extend, the first planar body and the second planar body being arranged in a vertical direction, wherein each of the first electrodes 12a and each of the second electrodes 22a are bent-line-shaped electrode wires having a plurality of bend points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: GUNZE LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideaki Mizumoto, Kunitomo Tsureyama
  • Publication number: 20140346029
    Abstract: A touch panel includes a first conductive film having separate areas, each of which has a strip shape with a length direction thereof extending in a first direction, a second conductive film having separate areas, each of which has a strip shape with a length direction thereof extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third conductive film, wherein the separate areas of the first conductive film are arranged side by side in the second direction, and the separate areas of the second conductive film are arranged side by side in the first direction, wherein position detection based on a capacitive method is performed by using the first conductive film and the second conductive film, and wherein a potential of a position of contact between the second conductive film and the third conductive film is detected to detect the position of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro SEKIZAWA, Satoshi SAKURAI, Nobuyoshi SHIMIZU, Shigemi KURASHIMA