WO2013117650A1

WO2013117650A1 - Capacitive sensor element

Info

Publication number: WO2013117650A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/052442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Fix; Andreas Ullmann; Manfred Walter
Original assignee: Polyic Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2012-02-07
Filing date: 2013-02-07
Publication date: 2013-08-15
Also published as: DE102012002193B4; DE102012002193A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a capacitive sensor element, comprising one or more touch sensor fields (20) arranged in a first area. The capacitive sensor element has a substrate, which in particular is transparent in at least the first area, and an electrically conductive layer provided on the substrate. A transmitting area (21) and a receiving area (22) are formed in the electrically conductive layer in the area of at least one of the touch sensor fields (20) and are arranged galvanically isolated from each other on both sides of a gap (30) separating the transmitting area and the receiving area. The gap (30) has a spiral course in at least one first section (31, 32).

Description

Capacitive sensor element

The invention relates to a capacitive sensor element with one or more arranged in a first region touch sensor fields.

For the production of sensor-controlled touch screens, a multilayer structure has hitherto usually been used which comprises at least two

Has printed circuit traces, which are separated by an insulator. The

Conductor layers are formed here from a transparent conductive material such as ITO and the transmitting and receiving electrodes of the capacitive

Sensors are formed in different tracks.

The invention is now the task of specifying an improved structure of a capacitive sensor element.

This object is achieved by a capacitive sensor element having one or more touch sensor arrays arranged in a first region, wherein the capacitive sensor element is transparent, in particular in the first region Carrier substrate and provided on the carrier substrate has an electrically conductive layer, wherein in the region of at least one of the touch sensor fields in the electrically conductive layer, a transmitting area and a receiving area are formed, the galvanically separated from each other on either side of this, ie the transmitting separating from the receiving area Spaces are arranged and the gap has a spiral course at least in a first section.

It has surprisingly been found that can be formed by the use of a gap with a spiral course, a capacitive sensor element which requires only one conductor track level and yet excellent

Properties relating to the capacitive detection of input means,

For example, a human finger has. Due to the helical arrangement of the gap, a particularly uniform and precisely defined detection of the input means can be achieved. Furthermore, this embodiment also opens up the possibility of using thicker, intrinsically opaque metal layers as the electrically conductive layer instead of a transparent conductive material and nevertheless to achieve a transparent appearance of the capacitive sensor element in the first region for the human eye, as explained in more detail below ,

The shape of the gap and the transmission and reception ranges here refers to a view in plan view, d. H. the formation in the plane spanned by the electrically conductive layer.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are designated in the subclaims. Preferably, the nip has a web-like shape, with the web depending on the direction of travel away from or approaching a point in the center of the touch sensor array. The first section, in which the gap has a spiral course, may in this case have a curved course, thus composed of individual, curved segments. However, it is also possible that the first section is composed of at least partially rectilinear sections running. In this case, successive rectilinear sections preferably enclose an angle of 90 or 135 °, so that the individual turns of the spiral section extend

have rectangular, preferably square or hexagonal shape. However, it is also possible that the individual turns of the spiral portion of the gap have the shape of any other polygon, for example, a triangular or octagonal shape. Further, it is also possible that the spiral portion of the gap is composed of sections, some of which have a curved course and the other have a straight course, composed for example of circular arc and straight lines.

In addition to the first section, which has a spiral course, the gap may still have a second section in which, for example, it also has a spiral course or has the shape of a straight line, the shape of a U, etc. Further, it is also possible that the entire gap has a spiral course and thus consists only of the first section. In particular, the spiral course can be understood to mean a course according to an Archimedean spiral, a logarithmic spiral, a Fermatian spiral, a hyperbolic spiral, a spiral composed of circular arcs, a Fibonacci spiral, a spiral track or a root spiral. However, it is also possible to provide any other plane helical course, which may in particular also be formed by way of a geometrical combination of the aforementioned exemplary helical courses and / or may be derived from the geometric basic forms of the aforementioned exemplary helical courses.

Preferably, the first portion of the gap, in which the gap has a spiral course, comprises between 1 and 10 turns, more preferably between 1 and 3 turns. The width of the gap is preferably between 100 μιτι and 500 μιτι, more preferably between 200 μιτι and 300 μιτι.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention is the

Transmitting portion at least partially formed in the form of a helically extending first path and the receiving area at least partially in the form of a spirally extending second path. The spirally extending first and second tracks are interlaced and separated by the gap in the respective touch sensor array. Again, as already stated above with respect to the gap, it is possible for the first web and / or the second web to have a curved course, to consist of subareas extending rectilinearly in sections, or to consist of a combination of curved subsections and rectilinear subsections composed. Preferably, this corresponds to the shape of the

curved course of the first and second path of the gap.

The spirally extending first web and / or the spirally extending second web preferably has a width between 200 μm and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 μm and 1.5 mm. Further, the helically extending first web and / or the spirally extending second web preferably have has a constant width or width over its length that does not vary more than 10%, more preferably not more than 5%. However, it is also possible for the width of the first and / or second web to change over the course of the web, in particular to become linearly wider and / or narrower.

The length of the first and / or second spirally running web is preferably between 5 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the longitudinal edges of the first and second spiral-shaped webs adjoining the gap are arranged parallel to one another at least in regions, so that the gap has a constant gap width in this section. Preferably, the longitudinal edges of the first and second helical paths adjoining the gap are arranged at least 70%, in particular 90%, of the course of the helical first section of the gap parallel to one another. However, it is also possible that the gap width changes along the course of the spiral-shaped first section of the gap. It is particularly advantageous that the gap width of the gap in adjacent turns of the gap is different, whereby the sensitivity of the sensor over the course of the Touch sensor field can be further optimized. The gap width can be monotonically, in particular linear, or changed abruptly.

Preferably, at least in one section of the first spiral track and / or the second spiral track both adjoin one another

Longitudinal edges of the respective web to the gap. This subsection of the first helical path thus has two relevant edges with respect to the sensory detection of the input means, which further improves the effectiveness of detection.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire surface of the first and / or second helical path is covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer. This is particularly advantageous when a transparent electrically conductive material is used as the electrically conductive material, since the highest possible surface conductivity is achieved.

It is particularly advantageous further, in this embodiment, to choose the width and spacing of the first and / or second spiral path such that the first and / or the second path and in particular the transmission range and reception range for the human eye, even in the case of opaque embodiment of the electric conductive layer, for example, as an opaque metal layer is transparent. To achieve this effect, the width of the first and / or second spiral path is preferably selected between 1 μηη and 50 μηη, preferably between 5μηη and 25μηη. In such an embodiment, as well as the use of a metallic material for the electrically conductive layer, a capacitive sensor element is provided, which is characterized by a high

Transmissivity and excellent sensitivity in terms of capture of the input device. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitting region and / or the receiving region and / or the first and / or second spiral-shaped path is not completely covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer. Rather, the first and / or second helical path is a conductor pattern consisting of a plurality of ones

preferably cross-conductor tracks occupied, which fills the area within the outer contours of the first and / or second spiral path. In this case, the width and / or spacing of these conductor tracks is preferably also selected so that the first or second helical track and in particular the transmitting and receiving area for the human observer

appears transparent. This is preferably achieved by selecting the width of the conductor tracks forming between 1 μηη and 50 μηη, preferably between 5 and 25 μηη. Further, in such a configuration, a metallic material is preferably used for the electrically conductive layer.

Preferably, the area of the first and / or second spiral path is occupied by less than 15%, preferably between 3% and 15%, more preferably between 5% and 15%, of the material of the electrically conductive layer.

In this case, it is possible that the conductor pattern is guided to the edges of the first and / or second web and so the edges of the spiral

running track a substructured in accordance with the conductor pattern

Have edge course.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second spiral path has two running in the region of the longitudinal edges of the respective web, with the material of the electrically conductive layer occupied Grenzleiterbahnen on. These Grenzleiterbahnen are preferred on

Head ends of the respective web interconnected. However, it is also possible that the Grenzleiterbahnen not connected to each other at the head. The boundary conductor tracks preferably run at least over between 20% and 80%, more preferably at least between 40% and 60% of the longitudinal edge of the first or second spiral path adjoining the gap.

As a result, on the one hand the advantage is achieved that the gap width through the

Grenzleiterbahnen is determined and so not for example by the

Circuit pattern subject to certain variations. These variations are quite small. However, it has been found that these variations nevertheless have a negative effect on the sensitivity of the sensor element, so that a significant improvement in the sensitivity can be achieved by such a configuration. It also ensures that even if one of the two is destroyed

Boundary conductor tracks of the first or second path, the sensor element is still ready for use, so that in particular the resistance to environmental influences and also the reject rate in production significantly improved.

The Grenzleiterbahnen in this case preferably have a width between 1 μιτι and 40 μιτι, more preferably between 5 μιτι and 25 μιτι on. The two

Grenzleiterbahnen the first path are preferably between 200 μιτι and 3 mm apart, more preferably between 500 μιτι and 1, 5 mm apart. The same applies advantageously to the

Spacing of the two Grenzleiterbahnen the second track. Further, it is advantageous that between the running in the region of the longitudinal edges of the respective track Grenzleiterbahnen a pattern of

Connecting conductor tracks is provided, which are covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer. These interconnect tracks are preferably designed as a cross bar, which connect the two Grenzleiterbahnen at regular or irregular intervals with each other. Such an embodiment further reduces the susceptibility to environmental influences and the reject rate. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the

Transmitting range and / or the receiving area on a occupied with the material of the electrically conductive layer Grenzleiterbahn which extends in the region of an edge adjacent to the gap of the transmitting range or receiving area and their gap-oriented edge at least a portion of the transmitting range or receiving range from the gap delimiting edge of the transmission range or reception range. Also in this embodiment, the advantage is achieved that in the region of the transmission range and / or receiving range in which the Grenzleiterbahn is provided, the width of the gap is determined by the Grenzleiterbahn and thus varies significantly less than when the transmission range and / or the Receiving area is provided only with a conductor pattern. As already stated above, this significantly improves the sensitivity of the capacitive sensor element. The occurrence of unwanted electric field peaks at the ends of the conductor pattern is reliably prevented by the Grenzleiterbahn. It settles

uniform and defined field distribution between transmit and

Achieve reception areas. Preferably, the boundary conductor tracks are not only provided in a subsection of the transmit area and / or receive area, but are provided along the entire edge of the transmit area or receive area delimiting the transmit area or receive area from the gap, or at least over 10%, more preferably at least 70% thereof Edge provided.

Again, it has proved to be advantageous if the transmission range and / or reception area a subsequent to the Grenzleiterbahn pattern of

Having interconnect lines, which are covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer. This significantly reduces the influence of environmental influences and the reject rate.

Preferably, the Grenzleiterbahn the transmission range is at least

partially arranged parallel to the Grenzleiterbahn the receiving area. By this arrangement, a constant in the corresponding area

Forming the width of the gap achieved, whereby the advantages described above are achieved. Further, it is also possible that the Grenzleiterbahnen sections parallel to each other, but the gap width in these sections differ from each other, as already stated above.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive layer is formed of a metallic material and the width and / or the spacing of the Grenzleiterbahn or the Grenzleiterbahnen and the connecting track or connecting tracks chosen so that the

Transmit areas and reception area in the first area are transparent to the human eye, despite the use of a material that appears opaque to the human observer in full-surface education itself. To achieve this effect, the width of the Grenzleiterbahn or the Grenzleiterbahnen and / or the interconnect lines between 1 μηη to 40μηη, preferably between 5μηη and 25μηη chosen. The electrically conductive layer is preferably made of a metallic material, preferably of silver or copper. The layer thickness of the electrically conductive layer is in this case preferably between 10 nm and 1 μm, more preferably between 30 nm and 100 nm. The optionally provided in the range of the transmission range or reception area pattern of interconnects or the conductor pattern preferably consists of a plurality of interconnects, which have one or more crossing points, each of which two or more interconnects electrically interconnect. The interconnects of the conductor pattern are preferred here according to a 2-dimensional grid with a

Track spacing between 10μηη and 5mm, in particular between 300μηη and 1 mm arranged. The printed conductors of the printed conductor pattern preferably have a wave-shaped course and are preferably positioned at a non-regular interconnect distance from one another.

Each of the touch panels of the capacitive sensor element preferably has a width and / or a length between 2 mm and 20 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm. Furthermore, each of the touch sensor arrays of the capacitive sensor element is preferably designed with a transmitting region and a receiving region as described above, wherein the gap separating the transmitting region and the receiving region has a spiral profile at least in a first section. However, it is also possible to use one or more of the touch sensor arrays of the capacitive sensor element in another form to occupy the material of the electrically conductive layer and to provide for example differently shaped transmitting and receiving areas there.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transmitting and receiving regions are each connected to a connecting region which connects the transmitting region to a connecting element arranged outside the first region or to a transmitting region or receiving region of another touch sensor field. In this case, each of the reception areas and transmission areas of the capacitive sensor element preferably has an associated therewith

Connection area and the coupling of one or more

Transmission areas or reception areas of the capacitive sensor element is realized outside the first area.

Those connected to the transmission area and the reception area

In this case, connecting regions can be guided in the same direction in the direction outside the first region, can extend at a 90 ° angle or run at a 180 ° angle to one another.

In the following, the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to several embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a capacitive sensor element.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the capacitive sensor element according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the configuration of a transmission range and of a reception range of one of the touch sensor fields of the capacitive sensor element according to FIG. 1. 4 shows a schematic representation of the shaping of the transmission range and reception range of a touch sensor field.

5 shows a schematic representation of the shaping of the transmission range and reception range of a touch sensor field.

6 shows a schematic representation of the shaping of the transmission range and reception range of a touch sensor field.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of the shaping of the transmitting regions and receiving regions of a plurality of touch sensor fields arranged next to one another.

FIG. 8 a shows a schematic illustration of the shaping of the transmitting and receiving regions of a plurality of touch sensor fields arranged next to one another.

9 shows a schematic representation of the shaping of the transmission and reception ranges of a plurality of touch sensor arrays arranged next to one another.

1 shows a top view and FIG. 2 shows a sectional illustration of a capacitive sensor element 1. The capacitive sensor element 1 has a carrier substrate 10, an electrically conductive layer 11, a dielectric layer 12, an electrically conductive layer 13 and a dielectric layer 14. It is also possible that the capacitive sensor element does not have all of the aforementioned layers, but merely consists of the carrier substrate 10 and the electrically conductive layer 11. Furthermore, it is also possible for the capacitive sensor element to comprise, in addition to these layers, further layers, for example comprising one or more decorative layers or further electrically conductive layers.

The capacitive sensor element 1 has a region 2 in which the capacitive sensor element 1 appears transparent to the human observer. In the surrounding area, the capacitive sensor element 1 may be opaque, semi-transparent or optionally also transparent. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor element 1 has a contacting region 4, in which a contact connector with a plurality of contact fields 41 is provided, which enables electrical contacting of the capacitive sensor element 1. However, it is also possible that the capacitive sensor element 1 does not have such a connector connector and the contacting of electrical

conductive layers of the capacitive sensor element by means of electrically conductive adhesive bond, bonding, soldering or welding connections takes place. The carrier substrate 10 is preferably made of a flexible plastic film, for example of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyester (PE) and / or polycarbonate (PC). This film preferably has a layer thickness between 15μηη and 300μηη, preferably between 23 and 100μηη.

The carrier substrate 10 is formed transparent at least in the area 2. Preferably, however, the carrier substrate 10 is designed to be transparent over the entire surface and thus consists, for example, of a transparent plastic film. Furthermore, it is also possible that the carrier substrate 10 consists of several layers and, for example, in addition to the aforementioned transparent plastic film, one or more further layers, for example

Adhesive layers or protective layers comprises.

The electrically conductive layer 11 preferably consists of a metal, for example copper, aluminum, silver or gold. This metal layer is preferably in a layer thickness between 20nm and 100nm on the

Carrier substrate 10 is applied and patterned. The structuring is preferably carried out by means of an etching or washing process. However, it is also possible that the electrically conductive layer 11 consists of a transparent electrically conductive material such as ITO. In the electrically conductive layer 1 1 in the area 2, a plurality of electrically conductive transmitting areas, receiving areas and

Formed connecting areas. In this case, in each of the touch sensor arrays 20, a transmitting region and a receiving region are respectively formed, which are arranged galvanically separated from one another on both sides of a gap separating them. The connection areas each connect one or more of the transmission areas or reception areas with areas outside the area 2

Contact areas. Contact regions can be formed here by the contact fields 41 of the contact connector of the connection region 4. However, it is also possible that a contact region represents a region in which the first electrically conductive layer 1 1, for example via a via, is contacted with other electrically conductive layers, for example the electrically conductive layer 13. Thus, the connection regions, for example, in the area surrounding the area 2 with each other and / or with the contact fields 41 via in the electrically conductive layer 1 1 and electrically conductive layer 13 provided connecting conductor tracks, preferably connected with the aid of one or more vias. The shaping of the transmission areas and reception areas within the touch sensor fields 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9

described by way of example.

3 shows by way of example one of the touch sensor arrays 20, in which the electrically conductive layer 1 1 in the form of a transmitting region 21 and a

Receiving area 22 is formed. The transmission range 21 and the

Receiving area 22 are, as shown in Fig. 3, galvanically separated from each other on both sides of this separating gap 30 is arranged. The gap 30 in this case has two sections 31 and 32, which have a spiral course. The transmitting region 21 is, as shown in Fig. 3, formed in the form of a spiral-shaped path. Likewise, the receiving area 22 is formed in the form of a spirally running path. The transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22 each have edges 21 1 and 212 or 221 and 222 bordering these webs. Within this edge of the transmission range 21 and

Reception area 22 over the entire area occupied by the material of the electrically conductive layer 1 1 or has a conductive pattern of one or more tracks, which are covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer and thus provide a certain area conductivity in the transmission area 21 and receiving area 22. Regarding the possibilities of molding the electric

conductive layer 21 and 22, reference is made to the following statements.

Between the transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22, the gap 30 is provided. In the region of the gap 30, no material of the electrically conductive Layer 1 1 provided, so that the gap 30, the transmitting region 21 of the receiving region 22 electrically isolated.

The helical path forming the transmitting region 21 preferably has a width 51 between 200 μm and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 μm and 1.5 mm, and the helical path forming the receiving region 22 has a width between 200 μm and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 μιτι and 1, 5 mm. on. The gap 30 arranged between these webs preferably has a width 53 between 100 μιτι and 500 μιτι, more preferably between 200 μιτι and 300 μιτι on.

Preferably, the portion of the gap in which the gap has a spiral shape, d. H. the sections 31 and 32 between 1 to 10 turns, more preferably between 1 and 3 turns. The two

Sections 31 and 32 of the gap are in this case in the center of the spiral, according to which the transmitting region 21, the receiving region 22 and the gap 30 is formed, connected to each other, so that the transmitting region 21 and the

Reception area 22 are also galvanically separated from each other by the gap 30 in this area. As already stated above, the term "helical course" is to be understood not only as the course indicated in FIG. 3, in which the gap and the helical paths forming the transmission range and reception range have a curved course, but also to understand any other course the gap or the webs at least partially embrace a central point and depending on the direction of the distance from the central point or approaches this. Thus, it is also possible that the gap 30 not only has a curved course, but also the course of a polygon with successive has rectilinear section or has a compressed or stretched in a spatial direction or course.

Preferably, the edges 212 and 221 or 222 and 21 1 of the transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22 are oriented parallel to each other so that the width of the gap 30 is constant over the entire spiral course.

Further, it is possible for one, that, as indicated in Fig. 4, the

Transmission areas 21 and 22 are each fully occupied with the material of the electrically conductive layer 1 1 and thus the transmission range and the

Receiving area, for example, each of a spirally arranged, fully occupied with the material of the electrically conductive layer 1 1

Conductor tracks is formed, wherein the gap 30 is formed in a preferably constant gap width 53 between these interconnects.

In this embodiment, the transmission range 21 preferably has a track width between 1 μιτι and 40 μιτι, more preferably between 5 μιτι and 25 μιτι on. The reception area 22 likewise has a track width between 1 μm and 40 μm, more preferably between 5 μm and 25 μm. The gap 30 further preferably has a gap width between 100 μιτι and

500 μιτι, more preferably between 200 μιτι and 300 μιτι on. Through this

Forming the transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22, it is achieved that the touch sensor field 20 appears transparent to the human observer, although the electrically conductive layer 1 1 per se would appear to be opaque in the case of full-surface shaping.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the transmitting region 21 or receiving region 22 arranged in the touch sensor fields 20. In this case, the transmitting region 21 has a boundary conductor track 215 which is covered by the material of the electrically conductive layer 11 and extends in the region of the inner edge 21 1 of the transmitting region 21 adjoining the gap 30 and has a boundary conductor track 214 covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer. which extends in the region of the outer edge 212 of the transmitting region 22. Furthermore, the receiving region 22 has a boundary conductor track 224, which is covered by the material of the electrically conductive layer 11 and runs in the region of the outer edge 221 of the receiving region 22 adjoining the gap, and a boundary conductor track 225 covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer Area of adjacent to the column 30 inner edge 222 of the receiving portion 22 extends. The edges of the boundary conductor tracks 224, 225, 214 and 215 which are oriented toward the gap 30 form at least one subsection of the edges 21 1, 212, 221 and 222 delimiting the transmission region 22 or the reception region 23 from the gap 30.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, the transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22 each have two border conductor tracks 214 and 215 or 224 and 225, which are also connected to one another at the head end 217 or 227 of the spiral path forming the transmitting region 221 or receiving region 222 are as shown in Fig. 5. However, it is also possible for the transmitting region 21 or the receiving region 22 to have only one such boundary conductor track which forms an edge of the transmitting region 21 or receiving region 22 adjoining the gap 30, and / or that these limiting conductor tracks or the limiting conductor paths 214, 215, 224 and 225 are not provided along the entire course of the spiral portions 31 and 32 of the gap 30, but only over 10% to 95%, more preferably over 70% to 90% of the course of the respective spiral section are provided.

Preferably, each of which is arranged on both sides of the gap 30

Boundary conductors of the transmission area 21 and the reception area 22, d. H. For example, the Grenzleiterbahnen 215 and 224 or 214 and 225, arranged parallel to each other or at a constant distance from each other.

Further, it is advantageous that the transmission range 21 and / or the

Receiving region 22 has a subsequent to the Grenzleiterbahn 214 and / or 215 or 224 and / or 225 pattern of interconnect lines 216 and 226, which are covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, this pattern is in each case formed by the connecting conductor tracks 216 or 226 indicated in FIG. 5, which are formed as webs between the limiting conductor tracks 214 and 215 or 224 and 225. However, it is also possible that the pattern of

Verbindungsleiterbahnen is significantly more complex and so, for example, from a variety of intersecting, and in a regular and / or

consists of irregular grid arranged interconnect tracks, which preferably also have one or more crossing points, which

Connecting conductor tracks 216 and 226 electrically connect with each other. For example, it is possible for a network-like arrangement of connecting conductor tracks to be provided between the boundary conductor tracks 214 and 215 or 224 and 225. The pattern of interconnect traces preferably includes a plurality of interconnect traces connected to both

Boundary conductors 214 and 215 and 224 and 225 are electrically contacted and thus produces a galvanic connection between the Grenzleiterbahnen 214 and 215 or 224 and 225.

The Grenzleiterbahnen 214, 215, 224, 225 and the Verbindungsleiterbahnen 216 and 226 preferably have a conductor track width between 1 and 40μηη, more preferably between 5 and 25μηη on.

Next, the transmitting area 22 forming helical path

preferably a width 51 between 200 μιτι and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 μιτι and 1, 5 mm and the receiving area 22 forming spiral path a width 52 between 200 μιτι and 3 mm, more preferably between 500 μιτι and 1, 5 mm on.

Next, the Grenzleiterbahnen 214 and 215 of the transmission range and / or the Grenzleiterbahnen 224 and 225 of the receiving area 22 preferably between 1 μιτι and 40 μιτι, more preferably between 5 μιτι and 25 μιτι

spaced apart.

The connecting conductor tracks 216 and 226 are preferably arranged between 200 μm and 3 mm apart and are preferably arranged in a 1- or 2-dimensional grid.

In the gap 30, dummy tracks 25 are arranged between the transmitting area 21 and the receiving area 22, which lead to an improvement of the optical appearance of the touch sensor field 20. The dummy conductors 25 have no electrical functionality and are also not galvanically connected to the transmitting region 21 and the receiving region 22. They are parallel to arranged the connecting lines 216 and 226 and otherwise similar to this formed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment for the shaping of the transmitting region 21 and of the receiving region 22 in a touch sensor field 20.

The transmission range 21 consists here of two spirally extending tracks 218 and 219, which are connected to each other in the head 217. Of the

Receiving area 22 also consists of two spirally extending tracks 228, 229, which are also connected to each other in the head 227. The gap 30 consists of two spirally extending portions 31 and 32, with the portion 31 between the spiral track 219 and 228 and the portion 32 between the spirally extending tracks 229 and 218 is arranged. The webs 218, 219, 228 and 229 are formed as previously described with reference to the figures Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, d. H. they can each occupy a full surface with the material of the electrically conductive layer 1 1

Conductor tracks or be occupied by a conductor pattern, as has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 for the transmission area 21 and receiving area 22.

The great advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is that the

Transmit area 21 and the receiving area 22 can be connected not only on one side, but on two sides with connection areas 23 and 24, thereby simplifying the contacting of the transmission areas and receiving areas within the touch sensor element.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment in which the shape of the

Transmission areas 21 and reception areas 22 more adjacent arranged touch sensor panel 20 is shown by way of example. Next there is also the contacting of the transmitting areas 21 and receiving areas 22 shown by means of connecting regions 23 to 24 and further blind lines 25 indicated, which lead to an improvement of the visual appearance of the area 2.

8 shows a further embodiment in which the shape of the transmitting regions 21 and receiving regions 22 of a plurality of touch sensor fields 20 as well as the respective connection of the transmitting regions 21 and receiving regions 22 by means of connecting regions 23 and 24 are likewise shown.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the gap 30 in this case has a spiral course, wherein the spirally extending portion 31 of the gap 30 in this case composed of sections 31 1, which each extend in a straight line. Successive rectilinear sections 31 1 in this case enclose an angle of about 135 °, so as to a

spiral, hexagonal course of the gap and also the

Send areas 21 and receive areas 22 forming spiral tracks to achieve.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment in which the shaping of the transmitting regions 21 and receiving regions 22 of a plurality of juxtaposed touch sensor arrays 20 is shown. Furthermore, the connection of the transmitting regions 21 and receiving regions 22 by means of connecting regions 23 and 24 is also clarified. Again, the one spirally extending portion 31 of the gap 30 is composed of rectilinear sections 31 1 together. Successive sections 31 1 include this one Angle of 90 ° so that each gap has a spiraling,

has rectangular course.

The transmission areas 21 and reception areas 22 in accordance with

Embodiments according to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 can either be completely covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer 11 or only partially covered with this material and, in particular, be covered with a pattern of conductor tracks, as described above in particular with reference to FIG to Fig. 5 has been explained. With regard to the design of the transmission areas 21 and

Reception areas 22 as well as with regard to the configuration of the gap 30 will thus be referred to the above explanations regarding the FIGS. 3 to 5

directed. The connection regions 23 and 24 can likewise either be occupied by the entire surface of the material of the electrically conductive layer

Conductor tracks are formed, or be formed by tracks which are covered with a pattern of thin interconnects corresponding to the interconnect lines 216 and 226, respectively. Also in this regard is on the previous ones

Refer to the figures Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 referenced.

The dummy traces 25 described with reference to FIG. 5 may also be implemented between the transmit regions 21 and the receive regions 22 described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in analogy to those of FIG. 5 may be formed, so that an even better homogeneous optical impression is achieved.

Claims

Claims :

1. Capacitive sensor element (1) with one or more in a first

The capacitive sensor element is a carrier substrate (10), which is transparent in at least the first region (2), and an electrically conductive layer (11) provided on the carrier substrate (10). has, and wherein in

In the region of at least one of the touch sensor arrays (20) in the electrically conductive layer (11) a transmitting region (21) and a receiving region (22) are formed, which are galvanically separated from each other on both sides of a gap separating them (30), and the gap (30) in at least a first portion (31, 32) has a spiral shape.

2. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to claim 1,

characterized,

the first section (31, 32) of the gap (30), in which the gap (30) has a spiral course, has between 1 and 10 turns, preferably between 1 and 3 turns.

3. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

the first section (31, 32) has a curved course.

4. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the first section (31, 32) is composed of at least partially rectilinear sections (311), wherein successive rectilinear sections (311)

preferably enclose an angle of about 90 ° or 135 °.

5. capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims dad u rch geken net nets,

the transmitting region (21) is formed at least in sections in the form of a helically extending first web and the receiving region (22) at least in sections in the form of a spirally extending second web, the helically extending first and second webs being intermeshed and separated by the gap (30) are arranged in the respective touch sensor field.

6. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to claim 5,

characterized,

that the spirally extending first path and / or the spirally extending second path has a width (51, 52) of 200 μm to 3 mm, preferably of 500 μm to 1, 5 mm, and / or a length of 5 mm to 70 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized

in that the longitudinal edges (211, 212, 221, 222) of the first and second helical paths adjoining the gap (30) are arranged parallel to one another at least in regions, preferably over at least 70%, more preferably over 90%, of the course of the helical section of the gap (30) are arranged parallel to each other.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized

in that at least in one section of the first spiral path and / or the second spiral path both opposite longitudinal edges (211, 212, 221, 222) of the respective tracks adjoin the gap (30).

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 8, characterized

that the entire surface of the first and / or second spiral path is covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer and the first and / or second spiral path has in particular a width of between 200 μm and 3 mm, preferably between 500 μm and 1.5 mm ,

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized

that the first and / or second spiral-shaped path is not completely covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer (10), in particular the respective surface of the first and / or second spiral path between 5 and 15% is occupied by the material of the electrically conductive layer.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized

in that the first and / or second helical path has two limiting conductor tracks (214, 215, 224, 225) running in the region of the longitudinal edges (211, 212, 221, 222) of the respective track and covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer (10) , 12. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to claim 11,

characterized,

in that a pattern of connecting tracks (215, 225) is provided between the limiting tracks (214, 215, 224, 225) extending in the region of the longitudinal edges (211, 212, 221, 222) of the respective track, which is provided with the material of the electrically conductive layer (10) are occupied.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

in that the transmitting region (21) and / or the receiving region (22) has a boundary conductor track (224, 225, 214, 215) which is in the region of an edge adjoining the gap (30) and is covered by the material of the electrically conductive layer (10) (211, 212, 221, 222) of the transmitting region (21) or receiving region (22) and whose edge oriented toward the gap (30) comprises at least a subsection of the transmitting region or the

Receiving area of the gap (30) delimiting edge (214, 215, 224, 225) of the transmission range or receiving area is formed.

14. Capacitive sensor element according to claim 13,

characterized,

in that the transmission region (21) and / or the reception region (22) has a pattern of .mu. (214, 215, 224, 225) adjoining the boundary conductor

Connecting conductor tracks (216, 226) which are covered with the material of the electrically conductive layer (10).

15. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to any one of claims 13 and 14,

characterized,

the boundary conductor track (214, 215) of the transmission region (21) is arranged at least in regions parallel to the boundary conductor track (224, 225) of the reception region (22).

16. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

that the Grenzleiterbahn or Grenzleiterbahnen (214, 215, 224, 225) and / or the interconnect lines (216, 226) have a width of 1 μιτι to 40μηη, preferably from 5μηη to 25μηη.

17. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

in that the electrically conductive layer (10) consists of a metallic material, preferably of silver or copper.

18. Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the electrically conductive layer (10) has a layer thickness between 20 nm and 1μηη, preferably between 30nm and 100nm.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating gap (30) has a width between 100 μιτι and 500 μιτι between the transmission range and the reception range, in particular between 200 μιτι and 300 μιτι.

Capacitive sensor element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that each touch sensor field (2) has a width and / or length between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm.