Touch-sensor structures and method of forming the same

A touch-sensor structure includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, insulating isolation portions, and an intermediate conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes first conductive units, connection lines and second conductive units. Each connection line connects to two first conductive units. The second conductive layer includes bridge lines. Each bridge line is electrically connected to two second conductive units. The insulating isolation portion is disposed between the connection line and the bridge line. The intermediate conductive layer is at least disposed at an overlapping position between the bridge lines and the second conductive units to isolate the first conductive layer from the second conductive layer. The intermediate conductive layer electrically connects each bridge line to the corresponding second conductive units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This Application claims priority of the People's Republic of China Patent Application No. 201310657434.4, filed on Dec. 9, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to touch device technology, and in particular, to touch-sensor structures and methods of forming the same.

Description of the Related Art

Recently, touch panel techniques have been developed to be a main input method and have been popularly applied in various electronic products, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), and handheld personal computers. Touch sensors of a touch panel are usually formed from a first indium tin oxide (ITO) layer and a second ITO layer. The first. ITO layer forms a plurality of sensing-electrode patterns connecting with each other and arranged to form a plurality of columns, and a plurality of sensing-electrode patterns separated from each other and arranged to form a plurality of rows. The second ITO layer forms jumpers for electrically connecting the sensing-electrode patterns separated from each other and arranged in the rows.

The jumpers from the second ITO layer are usually formed by an etching process. However, if the first and second ITO layers are formed from the same material, an etching solution for etching the second ITO layer will also damage the first ITO layer. Thus, the first ITO layer is made of a crystalline indium tin oxide and the second ITO layer is made of a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. Next, an etching solution, which can only etch the non-crystalline indium tin oxide and cannot etch the crystalline indium tin oxide, is used to etch the non-crystalline indium tin oxide of the second ITO layer to avoid damaging the first ITO layer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The second ITO layer made of the non-crystalline indium tin oxide easily produces a re-crystalline phenomenon during the fabrication processes of conventional touch panels. The etching solution cannot completely etch the second ITO layer to form the required pattern. It causes a short or open issue to occur between the sensing-electrode patterns of the touch sensors. The touch-sensing function of conventional touch panels is often poor, or fails altogether. The disclosure provides touch-sensor structures and methods of forming the same to overcome the aforementioned problems associated with conventional touch panels. According to embodiments of the disclosure, an intermediate conductive layer is disposed between a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer of touch sensors, such that the second conductive layer is not recrystallized. Therefore, it can prevent the second conductive layer from an incomplete etching.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a touch-sensor structure is provided. The touch-sensor structure comprises a first conductive layer including a plurality of first conductive units arranged along a first axis, a plurality of connection lines, and a plurality of second conductive units arranged along a second axis, wherein the second conductive units are correspondingly disposed at two opposite sides of each connection line, and the two ends of each connection line are connected to two adjacent first conductive units. The touch-sensor structure also comprises a second conductive layer including a plurality of bridge lines, wherein the two ends of each bridge line are respectively electrically connected to the second conductive units disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line. The touch-sensor structure further comprises a plurality of insulating isolation portions respectively disposed between each of the connection lines and each of the bridge lines, which correspond with each other, for insulating the first conductive units from the second conductive units. In addition, the touch-sensor structure comprises an intermediate conductive layer at least disposed at overlapping positions between the bridge lines and the second conductive units to isolate the first conductive layer from the second conductive layer without coming into direct contact, wherein the intermediate conductive layer has conductivity and electrically connects each of the bridge lines with the corresponding second conductive units.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensor structure further comprises a substrate. The first conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The material of the first conductive layer is a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the second conductive layer is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer is further disposed on the first conductive units, the connection lines and the second conductive units. The intermediate conductive layer has a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the first conductive units, the connection lines and the second conductive units.

In some embodiments, the first conductive layer includes a first region and a second region. The first region is a region of the first conductive layer overlapping the insulating isolation portions. The second region is a region of the first conductive layer that does not overlap the insulating isolation portions. The intermediate conductive layer is further disposed in the second region of the first conductive layer and directly contacts with the first conductive layer. The intermediate conductive layer has a pattern corresponding to and overlapped with the pattern of the first conductive layer in the second region.

In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer is further disposed between each of the bridge lines and each of the insulating isolation portions, which correspond with each other. The intermediate conductive layer has a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the bridge lines.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensor structure further comprises a substrate. The second conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The material of the second conductive layer is a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the first conductive layer is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer is disposed at the overlapping positions between the bridge lines and the second conductive units. In addition, the intermediate conductive layer wraps the outer sides of the bridge lines.

In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer is further disposed between each of the connection lines and each of the insulating isolation portions, which correspond with each other. The intermediate conductive layer is also disposed between the first conductive units, the second conductive units and the substrate. In addition, the intermediate conductive layer has a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the first conductive units, the connection lines and the second conductive units.

In some embodiments, the material of the intermediate conductive layer is made of a transparent conductive material. The transparent conductive material is selected from a group consisting of tin oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, zinc gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide and indium tungsten oxide.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a method of forming a touch-sensor structure is provided. The method comprises the step of forming a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes a plurality of first conductive units arranged along a first axis, a plurality of connection lines, and a plurality of second conductive units arranged along a second axis. The second conductive units are correspondingly disposed at two opposite sides of each connection line, and the two ends of each connection line are connected to two adjacent first conductive units. The method also comprises the step of forming a second conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes a plurality of bridge lines. The two ends of each bridge line are respectively electrically connected to the second conductive units disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line. The method further comprises the step of forming a plurality of insulating isolation portions. The insulating isolation portions are respectively disposed between each of the connection lines and each of the bridge lines, which correspond with each other, for insulating the first conductive units from the second conductive units. Before forming the insulating isolation portions, the method further comprises the step of forming an intermediate conductive material layer to completely cover the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer for isolating the first conductive layer from the second conductive layer without coming into direct contact. In addition, the method comprises the step of patterning the intermediate conductive material layer to from an intermediate conductive layer. The intermediate conductive layer is at least located in overlapping positions between the bridge lines and the second conductive units. The intermediate conductive layer has conductivity and electrically connects each of the bridge lines with the corresponding second conductive units.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, a method of forming a touch-sensor structure is provided. The method comprises the step of forming a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes a plurality of first conductive units arranged along a first axis, a plurality of connection lines, and a plurality of second conductive units arranged along a second axis. The second conductive units are correspondingly disposed at two opposite sides of each connection line, and the two ends of each connection line are connected to two adjacent first conductive units. The method also comprises the step of forming a second conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes a plurality of bridge lines. The two ends of each bridge line are respectively electrically connected to the second conductive units disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line. The method further comprises the step of forming a plurality of insulating isolation portions. The insulating isolation portions are respectively disposed between each of the connection lines and each of the bridge lines, which correspond with each other, for insulating the first conductive units from the second conductive units. After forming the insulating isolation portions, the method further comprises the step of forming an intermediate conductive material layer to partially cover the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer. The areas of the intermediate conductive material layer and the insulating isolation portions are enough to isolate the first conductive layer from the second conductive layer without coming into direct contact. In addition, the method comprises the step of patterning the intermediate conductive material layer to from an intermediate conductive layer. The intermediate conductive layer is at least located in overlapping positions between the bridge lines and the second conductive units. The intermediate conductive layer has conductivity and electrically connects each of the bridge lines with the corresponding second conductive units.

In some embodiments, the first conductive layer is directly formed on a substrate. The intermediate conductive material layer covers the first conductive layer. The material of the first conductive layer is a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the second conductive layer is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

In some embodiments, the step of forming the second conductive layer includes patterning a second conductive material layer to form the second conductive layer. The step of patterning the second conductive material layer is performed with the step of patterning the intermediate conductive material layer together in the same step.

In some embodiments, the second conductive layer is directly formed on a substrate. The intermediate conductive material layer covers the second conductive layer. The material of the second conductive layer is a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the first conductive layer is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

In some embodiments, the step of forming the first conductive layer includes patterning a first conductive material layer to form the first conductive layer. The step of patterning the first conductive material layer is performed with the step of patterning the intermediate conductive material layer together in the same step.

The embodiments of the disclosure can prevent the second conductive layer of the touch-sensor structures from re-crystallization which is produced by the effect of the first conductive layer. Thus, issues such as failure and poor result in the etching of the second conductive layer are overcome. It can avoid a short-circuit of the touch-sensor structures to ensure the touch-sensing function. Therefore, the product yield of the touch panels is enhanced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURES

The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the disclosure. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

In the descriptions that follow, the orientations of “on”, “over”, “above”, “under” and “below” are used for representing the relationship between the relative positions of each element in the touch-sensor structures, and are not used to limit the disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, in order to clearly illustrate the characteristics of embodiments of the disclosure, each element in the touch-sensor structures may not be drawn to scale. Moreover, the embodiments of the touch-sensor structures and the methods of forming the same are described in an orientation in which the substrate is disposed at the bottom. However, in at least some touch panel applications, the touch-sensor structures are provided for users in an orientation in which the substrate is disposed at the top of touch panels.

Referring toFIG. 1, a plane view of a part of a touch-sensor structure10of a touch panel according to one or more embodiments is shown. The touch-sensor structure10includes a first conductive layer110(see, for example,FIG. 2), a second conductive layer120, a plurality of insulating isolation portions104and an intermediate conductive layer106.

The first conductive layer110includes a plurality of first conductive units112arranged along a first axis, a plurality of connection lines116, and a plurality of second conductive units114arranged along a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. There are two second conductive units114correspondingly disposed at two opposite sides of each connection line116. The two ends of each connection line116are connected to two adjacent first conductive units112.

The second conductive layer120includes a plurality of bridge lines108. The two ends of each bridge line108are respectively electrically connected to the second conductive units114disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection lines116.

The first conductive units112and the connection lines116constitute a plurality of first axial electrodes100Y. The second conductive units114and the bridge lines108constitute a plurality of second axial electrodes100X.

The insulating isolation portions104are respectively disposed between each of the connection lines116and each of the bridge lines108for insulating the first conductive units112from the second conductive units114. The insulating isolation portions104prevents a short circuiting at the intersections of the first axial electrodes100Y and the second axial electrodes100X. The insulating isolation portions104are formed from a transparent insulating material. In some embodiments, the transparent insulating material is an inorganic material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide and silicon oxynitride, or an organic material, such as acrylic resin, or other suitable materials.

The intermediate conductive layer106is at least disposed at overlapping positions118between the bridge lines108and the second conductive units114to isolate the first conductive layer110from the second conductive layer120. The intermediate conductive layer106has conductivity and electrically connects each of the bridge lines108with the corresponding second conductive units114. The intermediate conductive layer106can be formed from a transparent conductive material. In some embodiments, the transparent conductive material is tin oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, zinc gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide or indium tungsten oxide, or a combination thereof.

Various embodiments of touch-sensor structures are illustrated in the cross sections ofFIGS. 2-13C. The positions of the intermediate conductive layer106in various embodiments will be described in detail as follows.

In embodiments of touch-sensor structures shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the touch-sensor structures further comprise a substrate100. The substrate100can be used as a carrier. Moreover, the substrate100can be used as a cover plate of a touch panel, which can be a strengthening glass substrate or a plastic substrate. The first conductive layer110is formed on the substrate100. In addition, the material of the first conductive layer110can be a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the second conductive layer120can be a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

Referring toFIG. 2, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

The first conductive units112and the connection lines116of the first axial electrodes100Y, and the second conductive units114of the second axial electrodes100X (see, for example,FIG. 1) are includes in the first conductive layer110The connections and the functions of the elements of the first conductive layer110are described above, and are not repeated again.

Description of the connections and the functions of the intermediate conductive layer106is provided in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is disposed on the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114of the first conductive layer110. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106corresponds to the pattern of the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106corresponds to, and has substantially the same pattern as, the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114.

Description of the connections and the functions of the insulating isolation portions104is provided in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the insulating isolation portions104are disposed on the intermediate conductive layer106between each of the connection lines116and each of the bridge lines108.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer120is further disposed on the insulating isolation portions104to respectively electrically connect with the second conductive units114disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line116.

The connections and the functions of each element, and the material and the method of forming each element are described in the description ofFIG. 1, and are not repeated again herein.

FIGS. 3A-3Cshow cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 2according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 3A, a first conductive material layer101is formed on the substrate100. The material of the first conductive material layer101is a crystalline indium tin oxide. Next, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed to completely cover the first conductive material layer101. The first conductive material layer101includes the subsequently patterned first conductive layer110. The intermediate conductive material layer105completely covers the first conductive layer110herein. In some embodiments, the material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is selected from tin oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum doped zinc oxide, zinc gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide and indium tungsten oxide or a combination thereof. The first conductive material layer101and the intermediate conductive material layer105can be formed by, for example deposition processes, but embodiments including other suitable processes are also contemplated herein.

A step for patterning the first conductive material layer101and a step for patterning the intermediate conductive material layer105are performed together in the same step for forming the patterns of the first conductive layer110and the intermediate conductive layer106as shown inFIG. 3B. The structures and the connections of the first conductive layer110and the intermediate conductive layer106are described in the description ofFIG. 2. The intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to, or the same as, the pattern of the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114of the first conductive layer110. In some embodiments, the steps for patterning the first conductive material layer101and the intermediate conductive material layer105are completed by, a photolithography and etching process, but without limitation to that. In other embodiments, the first conductive layer110and the intermediate conductive layer106can be formed in separated steps. Firstly, the patterned first conductive layer110is formed, and then the intermediate conductive material layer105is formed on the first conductive layer110. Next, the intermediate conductive material layer105is patterned to form the intermediate conductive layer106. The formed intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern that corresponds to, or is the same as, the pattern of the first conductive layer110.

As shown inFIG. 3C, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 2are formed on the intermediate conductive layer106and correspond to the connection lines of the first conductive layer110. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

A second conductive material layer is formed on the insulating isolation portions104, and the second conductive material layer is patterned to form the second conductive layer120including the bridge lines108. The material of the second conductive layer120is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments the second conductive material layer is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. In some embodiments, the second conductive material layer is patterned by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process to obtain the second conductive layer120including the bridge lines108as shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the etching process described above is performed by using an oxalic acid solution to form the bridge lines108. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 2is completed.

In some embodiments, before the insulating isolation portions104are formed, both the formed intermediate conductive material layer105and the subsequently patterned intermediate conductive layer106completely cover the first conductive layer110to isolate the first conductive layer110from the subsequently formed second conductive layer120without coming into direct contact between the first and second conductive layers110and120. Thus, there is no crystallization produced between the first conductive layer110and the subsequently formed second conductive layer120.

Referring toFIG. 4, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

The first conductive layer110includes the first conductive units112and the connection lines116which constitute the first axial electrodes100Y, and the second conductive units114of the second axial electrodes100X as shown inFIG. 1. The connections and the functions of the elements of the first conductive layer110are described above, and are not repeated again. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer110is divided into a first region A and a second region B. The first region A is a region of the first conductive layer110overlapping the insulating isolation portions104. The second region B is a region of the first conductive layer110that does not overlap the insulating isolation portions104. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is not disposed in the first region A. The intermediate conductive layer106is disposed in the second region B of the first conductive layer110and directly contacts with the first conductive layer110. The intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to and overlapping with the pattern of the first conductive layer110in the second region B. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern that is the same as, and consistent with, the pattern of the first conductive layer110in the second region B.

The connections and the functions of the insulating isolation portions104can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the insulating isolation portions104are respectively disposed on each of the connection lines116.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108are described in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer120is further disposed on the insulating isolation portions104to respectively electrically connect with the second conductive units114disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line116.

In addition, the connections and the functions of each element, and the material and the method of forming each element are described in the description ofFIG. 1, and are not repeated again herein.

FIGS. 5A-5Cshow cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 4according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 5A, first, a pattern of the first conductive layer110as shown inFIG. 4is formed on the substrate100. The first conductive layer110can be formed by a deposition, photolithography and etching process. The material of the first conductive layer110is a crystalline indium tin oxide. A first conductive material layer is deposited on the substrate100, and the first conductive material layer is patterned by a photolithography and etching process to form the first conductive layer110. The pattern of the first conductive layer110can also be formed by other methods in one step, for example by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 5B, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 4are formed over the connection lines of the first conductive layer110. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 5C, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed by, but without limitation to, a deposition process to cover a portion of the first conductive layer110. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is the same as in the above description, and to simplify the description it is not repeated again herein. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive material layer105is patterned by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process to form the intermediate conductive layer106as shown inFIG. 4. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is formed in the second region B which is the region of the first conductive layer110that does not overlap the insulating isolation portions104. In the second region B, the intermediate conductive layer106directly contacts with the first conductive layer110. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to and overlapped with the pattern of the first conductive layer110in the second region B. The areas of forming the intermediate conductive material layer105(or even the patterned intermediate conductive layer106) and the insulating isolation portions104are enough to isolate the first conductive layer110from the subsequently formed second conductive layer120without coming into direct contact therebetween. Thus, the probability of crystallization occurring at the second conductive layer120is reduced.

A second conductive material layer is formed on the insulating isolation portions104, and the second conductive material layer is patterned to form the second conductive layer120including the bridge lines108. The material of the second conductive layer120is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the second conductive material layer is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. In some embodiments, the second conductive material layer is patterned by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process to obtain the second conductive layer120including the bridge lines108as shown inFIG. 4. In some embodiments, the etching process described above is performed by using an oxalic acid solution to form the bridge lines108. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 4is completed.

Referring toFIG. 6, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

The first conductive layer110includes the first conductive units112and the connection lines116which constitute the first axial electrodes100Y, and the second conductive units114of the second axial electrodes100X as shown inFIG. 1. The connections and the functions of the elements of the first conductive layer110are described above, and the description is not repeated again here.

The connections and the functions of the intermediate conductive layer106are described in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is further disposed between each of the bridge lines108and each of the insulating isolation portions104, which correspond with each other. The intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the bridge lines108.

The connections and the functions of the insulating isolation portions104are described in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the insulating isolation portions104are disposed on each of the connection lines116, but do not completely cover the connection lines116. In some embodiments, the two ends of each connection line116are connected to two adjacent first conductive units112.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer120is further disposed on the intermediate conductive layer106to respectively electrically connect with the second conductive units114disposed at the two opposite sides of each connection line116.

In addition, the connections and the functions of each element, and the material and the method of forming each element can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1, and are not repeated again herein.

Referring toFIGS. 7A-7C, which shows cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 6according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 7A, a pattern of the first conductive layer110as shown inFIG. 6is formed on the substrate100. The first conductive layer110can be formed by a deposition, photolithography and etching process. The material of the first conductive layer110is a crystalline indium tin oxide. A first conductive material layer is firstly deposited on the substrate100and then the first conductive material layer is patterned by a photolithography and etching process to form the first conductive layer110. The pattern of the first conductive layer110can also be formed by other methods in one step, for example by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 7B, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 6are formed over the connection lines of the first conductive layer110. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 7C, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed by, but without limitation to, a deposition process to cover a portion of the first conductive layer110and all of the insulating isolation portions104. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is the same as in the above description and is not repeated again herein to simplify the description. Next, a second conductive material layer107is formed on the intermediate conductive material layer105. The material of the second conductive material layer107is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the second conductive material layer107is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. The intermediate conductive material layer105is enough to isolate the first conductive layer110from the subsequently formed second conductive layer120without coming into direct contact therebetween. Thus, it can prevent the second conductive layer120from being affected by the first conductive layer110and crystallization in the second conductive layer120. A poor etching issue of the second conductive layer120is thereby prevented.

In some embodiments, the steps for patterning the second conductive material layer107and the intermediate conductive material layer105are performed by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process, and in the same step or in separated steps for forming the second conductive layer120including the bridge lines108and the intermediate conductive layer106, respectively, as shown inFIG. 6. As a result, the intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the subsequently formed bridge lines108. The intermediate conductive layer106is formed between each of the bridge lines108and each of the insulating isolation portions104, which correspond with each other. The etching process described above can be performed by using an oxalic acid solution to form the bridge lines108. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 6is completed.

In embodiments of touch-sensor structures ofFIGS. 8, 10 and 12, the touch-sensor structures further comprise a substrate100. The substrate100can be used as a carrier. Moreover, the substrate100can be used as a cover plate of a touch panel, which can be a strengthening glass substrate or a plastic substrate. The second conductive layer120is formed on the substrate100. In addition, the material of the second conductive layer120can be a crystalline indium tin oxide and the material of the first conductive layer110can be a non-crystalline indium tin oxide.

Referring toFIG. 8, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108as shown inFIG. 1. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108are described above, and are not repeated again.

The connections and the functions of the intermediate conductive layer106can be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is disposed between each of the insulating isolation portions104and each of the bridge lines108, which correspond with each other. The intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the bridge lines108.

The connections and the functions of the insulating isolation portions104can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the insulating isolation portions104are disposed on the intermediate conductive layer106which is disposed between each of the connection lines116and each of the bridge lines108.

The first conductive layer110includes the first conductive units112and the connection lines116which constitute the first axial electrodes100Y, and the second conductive units114of the second axial electrodes100X as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, a portion of the first conductive layer110, such as the first conductive units112and the second conductive units114, is disposed on the substrate100. Another portion of the first conductive layer110, such as the connection lines116, is not disposed on the substrate100, but is disposed on the insulating isolation portions104. Other details of the structure and the connection of the first conductive layer110can be referred to the description ofFIG. 1.

In addition, the connections and the functions of each element, and the material and the method of forming each element can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1, and are not repeated again herein.

Referring toFIGS. 9A-9D, which shows cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 8according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 9A, firstly, a second conductive material layer107is formed on the substrate100. The material of the second conductive material layer107is a crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the second conductive material layer107is formed by, but without limitation to, a deposition process. Next, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed to completely cover the second conductive material layer107. The second conductive material layer107includes the subsequently patterned second conductive layer120, thus the intermediate conductive material layer105completely covers the second conductive layer120herein. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is recited as above and is not repeated herein. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive material layer105is formed by, but without limitation to, deposition processes.

As shown inFIG. 9B, the steps for patterning the second conductive material layer107and the intermediate conductive material layer105can be performed together by a photolithography and etching process in the same step for forming the bridge lines108of the second conductive layer120and the intermediate conductive layer106. The structures and the connections of the formed second conductive layer120and the intermediate conductive layer106can be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 8. Thus, the intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the bridge lines108. In some embodiments, the steps for patterning the second conductive material layer107and the intermediate conductive material layer105are completed by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process. In other embodiments, the second conductive layer120and the intermediate conductive layer106can be formed in separated steps. Firstly, the patterned second conductive layer120is formed, and then the intermediate conductive material layer105is formed on the second conductive layer120. Next, the intermediate conductive material layer105is patterned to form the intermediate conductive layer106. The formed intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the second conductive layer120.

As shown inFIG. 9C, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 8are formed on the intermediate conductive layer106. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 9D, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, a first conductive material layer101is formed. The material of the first conductive material layer101is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the first conductive material layer101is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. In some embodiments, the first conductive material layer101is patterned by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process to form the pattern of the first conductive layer110as shown inFIG. 8. The etching process described above can be performed by using an oxalic acid solution. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 8is completed.

In some embodiments, before the insulating isolation portions104are formed, the formed intermediate conductive material layer105or the subsequently patterned intermediate conductive layer106is enough to isolate the second conductive layer120from the subsequently formed first conductive layer110without a large area of direct contact between the first and second conductive layers110and120. Thus, it can prevent or reduce crystallization produced between the second conductive layer120and the subsequently formed first conductive layer110.

Referring toFIG. 10, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108as shown inFIG. 1. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108are described above, and are not repeated again.

The connections and the functions of the intermediate conductive layer106can be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is disposed at overlapping positions118between each of the bridge lines108and the second conductive units114. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106wraps the outer sides of the bridge lines108.

The connections and the functions of the insulating isolation portions104can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the insulating isolation portions104are disposed on each of the bridge lines108. Thus, the region in which the intermediate conductive layer106wraps the bridge lines108is the outer edges of the bridge lines108that are outside of the insulating isolation portions104.

The first conductive layer110includes the first conductive units112and the connection lines116which constitute the first axial electrodes100Y, and the second conductive units114of the second axial electrodes100X as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, a portion of the first conductive layer110, such as the first conductive units112and the second conductive units114, is disposed on the substrate100and completely isolated from the second conductive layer120. The portion of the first conductive layer110is electrically connected with the second conductive layer120. Another portion of the first conductive layer110not disposed on the substrate100, such as the connection lines116, is disposed on the insulating isolation portions104. Other details of the structure and the connection of the first conductive layer110can be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1.

In addition, the connections and the functions of each element, and the material and the method of forming each element can also be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1, and are not repeated again herein.

Referring toFIGS. 11A-11D, which shows cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 10according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 11A, the bridge lines108of the second conductive layer120can be formed on the substrate100by a deposition, photolithography and etching process. The material of the second conductive layer120is a crystalline indium tin oxide. A second conductive material layer is firstly deposited on the substrate100and then the second conductive material layer is patterned by a photolithography and etching process to form the second conductive layer120. The pattern of the second conductive layer120can also be formed by other methods in one step, for example by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 11B, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 10are formed on the bridge lines108of the second conductive layer120. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 11C, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, in some embodiments, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed by, a deposition process to cover a portion of the second conductive layer120, but without limitation to that. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is the same as in the above description and is not repeated again herein to simplify the description. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive material layer105is patterned by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process to form the intermediate conductive layer106as shown inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is located at the overlapping positions between the bridge lines108and the subsequently formed second conductive units114of the first conductive layer110. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106wraps the outer sides of the bridge lines108. In some embodiments, the areas of forming the intermediate conductive material layer105and the insulating isolation portions104are enough to isolate the second conductive layer120from the subsequently formed first conductive layer110without coming into direct contact therebetween.

As shown inFIG. 11D, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, a first conductive material layer101is formed. The material of the first conductive material layer101is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the first conductive material layer101is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. In some embodiments, the first conductive material layer101is patterned by, a photolithography and etching process to form the pattern of the first conductive layer110as shown inFIG. 10, but without limitation to that. The etching process described above can be performed by using an oxalic acid solution. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 10is completed.

Referring toFIG. 12, a cross section of a touch-sensor structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

The second conductive layer120includes the bridge lines108as shown inFIG. 1. The connections and the functions of the bridge lines108are described above, and are not repeated again.

The connections and the functions of the intermediate conductive layer106can be illustrated in the description ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the intermediate conductive layer106is further disposed between each of the connection lines116and each of the insulating isolation portions104, which correspond with each other. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106is disposed between the first conductive units112and the substrate100, and between the second conductive units114and the substrate100. The intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114.

Referring toFIGS. 13A-13C, which shows cross sections of intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 12according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown inFIG. 13A, in some embodiments, the bridge lines108of the second conductive layer120is formed on the substrate100by, but without limitation to, a deposition, photolithography and etching process. The material of the second conductive layer120is a crystalline indium tin oxide. A second conductive material layer is firstly deposited on the substrate100and then the second conductive material layer is patterned by a photolithography and etching process to form the second conductive layer120. The pattern of the second conductive layer120can also be formed by other methods in one step, for example by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 13B, the insulating isolation portions104as described inFIG. 12are formed on the bridge lines108of the second conductive layer120. The insulating isolation portions104can be formed by a coating, photolithography and etching process, or by a printing process.

As shown inFIG. 13C, after the insulating isolation portions104are formed, in some embodiments, an intermediate conductive material layer105is formed by, but without limitation to, a deposition process. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105is the same as in the above description and is not repeated again herein. The area of the intermediate conductive material layer105at least can completely cover the second conductive layer120. In some embodiments, the area of the intermediate conductive material layer105further completely covers the insulating isolation portions104and a portion of the substrate100. Next, a first conductive material layer101is formed on the intermediate conductive material layer105. The material of the first conductive material layer101is a non-crystalline indium tin oxide. In some embodiments, the first conductive material layer101is deposited by, but without limitation to, a low-temperature deposition process. The intermediate conductive material layer105is enough to isolate the second conductive layer120from the subsequently formed first conductive layer110without coming into direct contact therebetween. Thus, the intermediate conductive material layer105can prevent the second conductive layer120from being affected by the first conductive layer110and crystallization in the second conductive layer120is thereby prevented. Thus, a poor etching issue of the second conductive layer120is prevented.

In some embodiments, the steps for patterning the first conductive material layer101and the intermediate conductive material layer105are performed by, but without limitation to, a photolithography and etching process, and in the same step or separated steps for forming the patterns of the first conductive layer110and the intermediate conductive layer106as shown inFIG. 12, respectively. As a result, the intermediate conductive layer106has a pattern corresponding to or the same as the pattern of the first conductive units112, the connection lines116and the second conductive units114as shown inFIG. 12. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106is formed at the above mentioned overlapping positions118. In addition, the intermediate conductive layer106is further formed between each of the connection lines116and each of the insulating isolation portions104, which correspond with each other. Moreover, the intermediate conductive layer106is formed between the first conductive units112and the substrate100, and between the second conductive units114and the substrate100. The etching process described above can be performed by using an oxalic acid solution to form the first conductive layer110and the intermediate conductive layer106. Then, the main structure of the touch-sensor structure ofFIG. 12is completed.

In summary, according to the embodiments of the disclosure, in the intermediate stages of forming the touch-sensor structures and in the completed touch-sensor structures, the intermediate conductive material layer105or the intermediate conductive layer106can isolate the non-crystalline indium tin oxide (the first conductive layer110or the second conductive layer120) from the crystalline indium tin oxide (the second conductive layer120or the first conductive layer110) without coming into direct contact (of a large area) therebetween. The material of the intermediate conductive material layer105or the intermediate conductive layer106is different from the material of the second conductive layer120and/or the first conductive layer110. Thus, in the whole fabrication process, the non-crystalline indium tin oxide (the first conductive layer110or the second conductive layer120) is not affected (or it is less affected) by the crystalline indium tin oxide (the second conductive layer120or the first conductive layer110). The embodiments of the disclosure can prevent the non-crystalline indium tin oxide (the first conductive layer110or the second conductive layer120) from crystallization and poor etching of the non-crystalline indium tin oxide is thereby prevented. As a result, the embodiments of the disclosure can prevent the touch-sensor structures from short-circuiting that is produced by a residue of the etching process of the non-crystalline indium tin oxide. Therefore, the embodiments of the disclosure can ensure the touch-sensing function of the touch-sensor structures and enhance the production yield of the touch panels.

While the disclosure has been described by way of example and in terms of certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.