Touch module and manufacturing method thereof, and display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a touch module and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device, and belongs to the field of displays. The touch module includes a substrate and multiple rows of first electrodes and multiple rows of second electrodes arranged in parallel on the substrate, any row of first electrodes and any row of second electrodes are arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes in the same row of first electrodes are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes in at least one row of second electrodes are connected by a connecting bridge; the touch module has a bending area, the bending area has a center line, the bending area is bent along the center line, and the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge on the plane parallel to the substrate where the center line is located does not overlap with the center line. When the bending area is bent, since there is no connecting bridge at the center line, the stress on the connecting bridge can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of cracks when the connecting bridge is bent, avoiding affecting the function of the touch module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of displays, and in particular to a touch module and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as narrow-framed display devices have become increasingly popular, especially in the mobile phone industry, the full-screen era has begun. In order to achieve a narrow-framed or full-screen design, the edge of the touch module of an active matrix organic light emitting display (AMOLED) is bent to reduce the borders on both sides of the touch module, forming a curved full-screen with a bent area.

[0003] For curved full-screen with touch function, driving electrodes and sensing electrodes need to be arranged in the bending area. The driving electrodes and sensing electrodes are collectively called touch electrodes. Adjacent driving electrodes (English: Tx) or adjacent sensing electrodes (English: Rx) are electrically connected through a connecting bridge (English: Bridge), and touch detection of the touch screen panel is realized through the driving electrodes and sensing electrodes. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a touch module and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device, which can prevent the connection bridge connecting the touch electrode in the bending area from breaking. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a touch module, the touch module comprising a substrate and a plurality of rows of first electrodes and a plurality of rows of second electrodes arranged in parallel on the substrate, any row of the first electrodes and any row of the second electrodes being arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes in the same row of the first electrodes are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes in at least one row of the second electrodes are connected via a connecting bridge;

[0006] The touch module has a bending area, the bending area has a center line, the bending area is bent along the center line, and the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge on a plane parallel to the substrate where the center line is located does not overlap with the center line.

[0007] In an implementation manner of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection bridge connected to the second electrode in the bending region is located on one side of the center line of the bending region.

[0008] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting bridge is not provided in the bending area.

[0009] In an implementation manner of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection bridge connected to the second electrode in the bending area is a straight-line connection bridge.

[0010] In one implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear connection bridge is a grid-shaped connection bridge.

[0011] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the extension direction of the linear connecting bridge is the same as the length direction of the center line.

[0012] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a first direction, the width of the grid-shaped connecting bridge is smaller than the width of the second electrode, and the first direction is parallel to the surface of the substrate and perpendicular to the center line.

[0013] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch module further has a non-bending area, and the connecting bridge in the non-bending area is a bending type connecting bridge.

[0014] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance between two adjacent second electrodes in the bending region is greater than a distance between two adjacent second electrodes in the non-bending region.

[0015] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a touch module, the method comprising:

[0016] Providing a substrate, wherein the substrate has a bendable region, the bendable region has a center line, and the bendable region can be bent along the center line;

[0017] An electrode layer is formed on the substrate, the electrode layer includes a plurality of rows of first electrodes arranged in parallel and a plurality of rows of second electrodes arranged in parallel, any row of the first electrodes and any row of the second electrodes are arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes in the same row of the first electrodes are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes in at least one row of the second electrodes are connected via a connecting bridge; the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge on a plane parallel to the substrate and where the center line is located does not overlap with the center line.

[0018] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of forming an electrode layer on the substrate includes:

[0019] forming a first pattern layer on the substrate;

[0020] forming an insulating layer on the first pattern layer;

[0021] forming an electrode connection hole on the insulating layer;

[0022] forming a second pattern layer on the insulating layer;

[0023] Among them, one of the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer includes the connecting bridge, the other of the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer includes the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the connecting bridge through the electrode connecting hole.

[0024] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a display device, comprising the touch module as described in any one of the above.

[0025] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In the touch module provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting bridge in the touch module for electrically connecting two adjacent second electrodes does not overlap with the center line of the bending area. When the bending area is bent, the stress at the center line of the bending area is the largest. When the bending area is bent, since there is no connecting bridge at the center line, the stress on the connecting bridge can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of cracks appearing in the connecting bridge when it is bent, thereby avoiding affecting the function of the touch module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a side view of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 It is a force analysis diagram of a linear connection bridge provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the AA surface;

[0033] Figure 6 It is a force analysis diagram of a bending type connecting bridge provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the BB surface;

[0035] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig.10 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a touch module manufacturing method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] When the bending area is bent, the connecting bridge in the bending area will also bend, and the stress at the center line of the bending area is the greatest. In the related art, a connecting bridge is also arranged at the center line of the bending area. When the bending area is bent, the connecting bridge at the center line is subjected to greater stress, which can easily cause cracks (English: Crack) in the connecting bridge at the center line, affecting the touch function.

[0049] Figure 1is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , the touch module has a bending area 20.

[0050] Figure 2 is a side view of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The edge of the light emitting surface (i.e., the display surface) of the touch module is a curved surface, thereby forming a curved full screen, and the aforementioned bending area 20 is generated for forming the curved surface.

[0051] certainly, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the touch module provided is only an example, and the solution provided in this application is also applicable to other touch modules with a bending area 20, for example, a touch module with fewer bending areas, such as a touch module including only one bending area, etc. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0052] The touch module provided in the present disclosure is a touch device in a touch screen panel (English: Touch Screen Panel, TSP for short), that is, the bending area 20 has display and touch screen functions.

[0053] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The touch module includes a substrate 10 and multiple rows of first electrodes 101 and multiple rows of second electrodes 102 arranged in parallel on the substrate 10. Any row of first electrodes 101 and any row of second electrodes 102 are arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes 101 in the same row of first electrodes 101 are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes 102 in at least one row of second electrodes 102 are electrically connected through a connecting bridge 103. The bending region 20 has a center line 201, and the bending region 20 is bent along the center line 201. The orthographic projection of the connecting bridge 103 on the plane of the center line 201 parallel to the substrate 10 does not overlap with the center line 201.

[0054] In the touch module provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting bridge 103 in the touch module for electrically connecting two adjacent second electrodes 102 does not overlap with the center line 201 of the bending area 20. When the bending area 20 is bent, the stress at the center line 201 of the bending area 20 is the largest. When the bending area 20 is bent, since there is no connecting bridge at the center line 201, the stress on the connecting bridge 103 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of cracks appearing in the connecting bridge 103 when it is bent, thereby avoiding affecting the function of the touch module.

[0055] Here, adjacent second electrodes 102 in at least one row of second electrodes 102 are electrically connected via the connecting bridge 103, which means that in the touch module, adjacent second electrodes 102 in each row of second electrodes 102 may be electrically connected via the connecting bridge 103, or adjacent second electrodes 102 in only some rows of second electrodes 102 may be electrically connected via the connecting bridge 103.

[0056] Exemplarily, the first electrode 101 may be a sensing electrode, the second electrode 102 may be a driving electrode, and the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 are collectively referred to as a touch electrode. The connecting bridge 103 is part of the touch module and may also be referred to as a touch bridge.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 are both arranged in the same layer, and the first electrode 101 can be directly electrically connected. In this case, the second electrode 102 needs to be electrically connected across the layer through the connecting bridge 103 to avoid short circuit between the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102. In the touch module, a detection signal is input to the first electrode 101, and a capacitor is formed between the second electrode 102 and the first electrode 101. When the user touches the touch module, the capacitance value between the second electrode 102 and the first electrode 101 at the corresponding position changes. By receiving the signal on the second electrode 102, the user's touch position can be calculated to realize the touch function of the touch module.

[0058] In another implementation, a detection signal may be input to the second electrode 102 to form a capacitor between the second electrode 102 and the first electrode 101 , thereby realizing the touch function of the touch module.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the first electrodes 101 may be arranged in a row direction, and the second electrodes 102 may be arranged in a column direction. In other implementations, the first electrodes 101 may be arranged in a column direction, and the second electrodes 102 may be arranged in a row direction.

[0060] Any two adjacent first electrodes 101 in the same row of first electrodes 101 are directly connected, which means that the first electrodes 101 in the same row are directly electrically connected, that is, the first electrodes 101 in the same row can be connected in an integrated manner, for example, formed by a single patterning process, and any two adjacent rows of first electrodes 101 are not connected. Adjacent second electrodes 102 in at least one row of second electrodes 102 are electrically connected via a connecting bridge 103, which means that adjacent second electrodes 102 in the same column are electrically connected via a connecting bridge 103, and second electrodes 102 in the same row are not connected. Through the above-mentioned electrode arrangement, a mesh-shaped touch electrode can be formed, so that the touch electrode is arranged in the entire touch module to realize the touch screen function.

[0061] like Figure 3As shown, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 are both rhombus-shaped, and the two diagonal lines of the rhombus-shaped electrodes are parallel to the row direction and the column direction, respectively. This design facilitates the arrangement of the touch electrodes in a grid shape, and makes the touch electrodes occupy a larger area in the touch module, thereby improving the touch sensitivity of the touch module.

[0062] In other implementations, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 may also be in other shapes, or the diagonal lines of the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 may also be arranged along other directions, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting bridge 103 of the bending area 20 may be a straight connecting bridge 103A.

[0064] In this implementation, the connection bridge 103 of the bending area 20 is arranged in a straight line. There is no bending angle in the middle of the straight connection bridge 103A, and the bending angle is prone to stress concentration when bending. Compared with the connection bridge with a bending angle, the straight connection bridge 103A is subjected to less stress when bending and is not easily damaged, thereby ensuring the strength of the connection bridge and avoiding the connection bridge 103 from breaking when bending, which affects the function of the touch module. At the same time, compared with the connection bridges of other structures, the straight connection bridge 103A has the shortest length, which can reduce the area occupied by the connection bridge 103A in the touch module and facilitate the arrangement of the connection bridge.

[0065] Figure 4 It is a force analysis diagram of a straight-line connecting bridge provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The cross-section of the AA surface. Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the linear connection bridge 103A is bent, the two sides of the linear connection bridge 103A are subjected to force, and the magnitude of the force is F1. Since the linear connection bridge 103A has no bending angle, the linear connection bridge 103A is subjected to force only on two sides.

[0066] Figure 6 It is a force analysis diagram of a bending type connecting bridge provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 When the bending type connecting bridge is bent, the two sides of the bending type connecting bridge are subjected to forces of F2 and F4 respectively. The bending type connecting bridge is also subjected to forces of F3 at the corner. Figure 6 It can be seen that the force F3 at the corner is greater than the forces F2 and F4 at both sides. Therefore, the straight connecting bridge 103A provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is subjected to less force when bent, thus preventing cracks from occurring in the straight connecting bridge 103A.

[0067] like Figure 3As shown, the linear connecting bridge 103A is arranged along the length direction a of the center line 201 .

[0068] In this implementation, the bending area 20 is bent along the center line 201, and the straight connecting bridge 103A is arranged parallel to the center line 201. This can reduce the bending width of the straight connecting bridge 103A in the bending area 20 when bending, that is, the width parallel to the surface of the touch module and perpendicular to the length direction a, thereby reducing the impact of the bending on the straight connecting bridge 103A and avoiding cracks in the straight connecting bridge 103A.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the linear connection bridge 103A may be a grid-shaped connection bridge. The grid-shaped connection bridge refers to a connection bridge that is shaped like a grid and has a hollow portion in the middle. For example, it may be composed of a plurality of metal wires that are cross-connected to each other, and the shape of the grid may be a rectangle, a triangle, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0070] In this implementation, a grid-shaped connecting bridge is used, which ensures the electrical connection effect on the one hand, and on the other hand, the grid-shaped light transmittance is good, thereby ensuring the transmittance of the touch module.

[0071] For example, Figure 3 The extending direction of the grid-shaped connecting bridge shown is parallel to the length direction a, that is, the grid-shaped connecting bridge is linear as a whole, so it can be called a linear grid-shaped connecting bridge.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, in a first direction, a width L1 of the linear connection bridge 103A is smaller than a width L2 of the second electrode 102 . The first direction is parallel to the surface of the substrate 10 and perpendicular to the center line 201 .

[0073] In this implementation, the width L1 of the linear grid-shaped connecting bridge 103 is relatively small, smaller than the width L2 of the second electrode 102, so as to avoid the linear grid-shaped connecting bridge being too wide, causing an electrical short circuit between adjacent linear grid-shaped connecting bridges, thereby ensuring the independence of each row of second electrodes 102 and thus ensuring the touch accuracy of the touch module.

[0074] Exemplarily, the first electrode 101 and the second electrode 102 may also be arranged as electrodes in a grid structure, which can achieve electrical connection on the one hand, and improve the transmittance of the touch module on the other hand.

[0075] See again Figure 3 , the connection bridge 103 connected to the second electrode 102 in the bending region 20 is located on one side of the center line 201 of the bending region 20 .

[0076] In this implementation, the connecting bridge 103 is arranged on one side of the center line 201 so that there is no overlapping portion between the center line 201 and the connecting bridge 103 , thereby preventing the connecting bridge 103 from breaking when being bent.

[0077] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 , no connecting bridge 103 is provided in the bending area 20 .

[0078] In this implementation, the connection bridge 103 is not arranged in the bending area 20, so that the connection bridge 103 does not need to be bent, which can further reduce the possibility of cracks in the connection bridge 103. Among them, the second electrode 102 still needs to be arranged in the bending area 20 to ensure that the bending area 20 can realize the touch screen function.

[0079] In other implementations, the connection bridge 103 connected to the second electrode 102 in the bending region 20 may also be located in the bending region 20 , as long as the connection bridge 103 avoids the center line 201 .

[0080] Figure 8 The connecting bridge 103 connecting the second electrode 102 in the middle bending region 20 is connected to the middle portion of the second electrode 102 .

[0081] Fig. 9 is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 , the connecting bridge 103 connecting the second electrode 102 in the bending area 20 can be connected to the edge of the second electrode 102. This design can arrange more touch electrodes in the bending area 20, thereby improving the touch sensitivity of the bending area. At the same time, this arrangement method can also be applied to touch modules with larger bending areas.

[0082] See again Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The touch module further has a non-bending region 30. When the connecting bridge 103 is not provided in the bending region 20, the connecting bridge 103 connected to the second electrode 102 in the bending region 20 may be provided in the non-bending region.

[0083] Fig.10 is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 The connection bridge 103 in the non-bending area 30 may be a bending type connection bridge 103B.

[0084] In this implementation, the non-bending region 30 does not need to be bent, and the connection bridge 103 in the non-bending region 30 can be arranged as a bending type connection bridge 103B to enhance the strength of the connection bridge 103 .

[0085] like Fig.10 As shown, the bent connection bridge 103B can be a grid-shaped connection bridge, which ensures the effect of electrical connection and the good light transmittance of the grid-shaped connection bridge, thereby ensuring the transmittance of the touch module.

[0086] Fig.10 The bent connection bridge 103B shown can also be called a triangular connection bridge, that is, it is formed by connecting two segments of straight grid bridges, and the connection bridge has two ends and a middle bending point, forming a similar triangle. In other implementations, the bent connection bridge 103B can also adopt a bent connection bridge with other bending angle structures, and of course, multiple bending angles can also be arranged in the bent connection bridge.

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, two adjacent second electrodes 102 can be electrically connected via two meandering bridges 103B to ensure the effectiveness of the electrical connection. When one of the meandering bridges 103B is damaged and cannot transmit electrical signals, the other meandering bridge 103B can transmit electrical signals between the two adjacent second electrodes 102.

[0088] like Fig.10 As shown, the two meandering connection bridges 103B connecting two adjacent second electrodes 102 may be symmetrically arranged. In other implementations, the two meandering connection bridges 103B may also be asymmetrically arranged.

[0089] Fig.11 is a structural diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 , a distance L3 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the bending region 20 is greater than a distance L4 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the non-bending region 30 .

[0090] In this implementation, the spacing L3 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the bending area 20 is larger, greater than the spacing L4 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the non-bending area 30, which can reduce the number of second electrodes 102 in the bending area 20, thereby reducing the number of connecting bridges 103 in the bending area 20, so that it is easier to arrange the connecting bridges 103 away from the center line 201, and avoid the connecting bridges 103 from being damaged due to bending. That is, by changing the number and arrangement of the first electrodes 101 and the second electrodes 102 in the bending area of ​​the touch module, the spacing L3 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the bending area 20 is greater than the spacing L4 between two adjacent second electrodes 102 in the non-bending area 30, so that the connecting bridges 103 can be distributed on one side of the center line 201.

[0091] The bending areas and non-bending areas shown in the above figures are only examples and can be set as needed. Figure 1In the touch control module shown, there are two bending regions 20 and three non-bending regions, and the bending regions 20 and the non-bending regions 30 are arranged alternately. The non-bending regions 30 also have display and touch functions.

[0092] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 The touch module includes a base substrate 40, a first pattern layer 50, an insulating layer 60 and a second pattern layer 70 which are stacked in sequence.

[0093] The first pattern layer 50 includes a connecting bridge 103 for electrically connecting the second electrode 102 , and the second pattern layer 70 includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Alternatively, the first pattern layer 50 includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the second pattern layer 70 includes a connecting bridge 103 .

[0094] Exemplarily, both the first pattern layer 50 and the second pattern layer 70 may be pattern layers of indium tin oxide (chemical formula: ITO) to ensure effectiveness of electrical connection between the first electrodes and between the second electrode and the connecting bridge.

[0095] The insulating layer 60 separates the first pattern layer 50 from the second pattern layer 70 to prevent the first electrode from being electrically connected to the connecting bridge 103 and affecting the transmission of electrical signals. The insulating layer 60 is provided with an electrode connecting hole 601 through which the second electrode 102 is connected to the connecting bridge 103 .

[0096] For example, the insulating layer 60 may be a flexible layer dielectric (FLD). The insulating layer 60 may be made of silicon nitride (chemical formula: SiNx), which has good insulation properties and ensures the insulation properties of the insulating layer 60 .

[0097] For example, the base substrate 40 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) substrate, which includes a glass substrate 401, an OLED layer 402, an encapsulation layer 403, and a water barrier layer 404 stacked in sequence.

[0098] Exemplarily, the OLED layer 402 may include a thin film transistor (TFT) array, an anode layer, a pixel defining layer, a hole transport layer, an organic light emitting layer, an electron transport layer and a cathode layer.

[0099] Exemplarily, the touch module may further include a buffer layer (English: Buffer), and the buffer layer is located between the water-blocking layer 404 and the OLED layer 402 .

[0100] The buffer layer has a similar function to the water-blocking layer 404 , and both are used to protect the OLED layer 402 , prevent the OLED layer 402 from being corroded by water and oxygen, and ensure that the OLED layer 402 can work normally.

[0101] See again Fig.12 The touch module may also include a protection (Over Coat, OC) layer 80 to ensure the display effect of the touch module. The protection layer 80 has insulation properties and can separate the second pattern layer 70 from other film layers to ensure the effectiveness of electrical signal transmission. At the same time, the protection layer 80 also has a flattening effect to ensure the flatness of the touch module and avoid affecting the display effect of the touch module.

[0102] For example, the protective layer 80 may be an acrylic resin protective layer or an epoxy resin protective layer. The acrylic resin protective layer or the epoxy resin protective layer has insulation properties, which ensures the insulation properties of the protective layer 80.

[0103] The disclosed embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a touch module, which is used to manufacture the touch module of any one of the above figures. Fig.13 is a flow chart of a touch module manufacturing method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 , the method comprising:

[0104] Step S1: providing a substrate, wherein the substrate has a bendable region, the bendable region has a center line, and the bendable region can be bent along the center line.

[0105] Figures 14 to 19 This is a schematic diagram of a touch module manufacturing process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 14 to 19 This paper introduces the production process of touch module.

[0106] See also Fig.14 , providing a base substrate 40, which may be an OLED substrate.

[0107] See also Fig.15 , providing a display substrate may include:

[0108] A glass substrate 401 is provided; an OLED layer 402 is formed on the glass substrate 401 ; a packaging layer 403 is made on the OLED light-emitting layer 402 ; and a water-blocking layer 404 is formed on the packaging layer 403 .

[0109] Exemplarily, the encapsulation layer 403 may be encapsulated in the form of thin film encapsulation (English: TFE) to ensure the encapsulation effect.

[0110] Exemplarily, the water-blocking layer 404 may be formed on the thin-film encapsulation layer by using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process.

[0111] Step S2: forming an electrode layer on the substrate, the electrode layer comprising a plurality of rows of first electrodes arranged in parallel and a plurality of rows of second electrodes arranged in parallel, any row of first electrodes and any row of second electrodes being arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes in the same row of first electrodes being directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes in at least one row of second electrodes being connected via a connecting bridge; the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge on a plane parallel to the substrate where the center line is located does not overlap with the center line.

[0112] In this implementation, the connecting bridge in the touch module for electrically connecting two adjacent second electrodes does not overlap with the center line of the bendable area. When the bendable area is bent, the stress at the center line of the bendable area is the largest. When the bendable area is bent, the stress on the connecting bridge can be reduced because there is no connecting bridge at the center line, thereby reducing the possibility of cracks appearing when the connecting bridge is bent, thereby avoiding affecting the function of the touch module.

[0113] Exemplarily, forming an electrode layer on a substrate includes:

[0114] In the first step, a first pattern layer is formed on the base substrate, wherein the first pattern layer includes a connecting bridge.

[0115] See also Fig.16 , a first pattern layer 50 is formed on the base substrate 40 . The first pattern layer 50 includes a connecting bridge 103 for electrically connecting the second electrode 102 .

[0116] For example, a layer of electrical connection layer may be formed on the base substrate 40 by sputtering, and then the electrical connection layer may be patterned to form the first pattern layer 50 .

[0117] For example, the first pattern layer 50 may be patterned using a mask to form a connection bridge 103, and then the formed connection bridge 103 may be patterned again using a metal mesh mask to form a grid-shaped connection bridge. The accuracy of making a grid-shaped connection bridge may be improved by performing two patterning processes. The patterning process may be an etching process or an exposure and development process.

[0118] The second step is to form an insulating layer on the first pattern layer.

[0119] See also Fig.17, an insulating layer 60 is formed on the first pattern layer 50 .

[0120] For example, a chemical vapor deposition method can be used to form an insulating layer 60 on the first pattern layer 50. The insulating layer 60 is used to separate the connecting bridge 103 and the first electrode 101 on the first pattern layer 50 to prevent the connecting bridge 103 from short-circuiting with the first electrode 101 and affecting the transmission of electrical signals between the first electrodes 101.

[0121] The third step is to form electrode connection holes on the insulating layer.

[0122] See also Fig.18 , an electrode connection hole 601 is formed on the insulating layer 60. The electrode connection hole 601 corresponds to the position of the connection bridge 103, so that the connection bridge 103 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 102 through the electrode connection hole 601. The connection bridge 103 is electrically connected to the second electrode 102 through the electrode connection hole 601 to realize electrical signal transmission and ensure the effectiveness of electrical signal transmission.

[0123] For example, the electrode connection hole 601 may be formed on the insulating layer 60 by laser drilling, or by etching.

[0124] In the fourth step, a second pattern layer is formed on the insulating layer, wherein the second pattern layer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the connection bridge through the electrode connection hole.

[0125] See also Fig.19 A second pattern layer 70 is formed on the insulating layer 60 , and the second pattern layer 70 includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the second electrode 102 shown in the figure, and the second electrode 102 is electrically connected to the connection bridge 103 through the electrode connection hole 601 .

[0126] For example, a sputtering method can be used to first form an electrode layer on the insulating layer 60, and then the electrode layer is patterned to form a Fig.19 The second pattern layer 70 is shown.

[0127] In an implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure, forming a touch module on a display substrate may further include:

[0128] forming a first pattern layer on the display substrate, wherein the first pattern layer includes a first electrode and a second electrode;

[0129] forming an insulating layer on the first pattern layer;

[0130] forming an electrode connection hole on the insulating layer;

[0131] A second pattern layer is formed on the insulating layer, the second pattern layer includes a connection bridge, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the connection bridge through the electrode connection hole.

[0132] That is, firstly, the first electrode and the second electrode are made on the substrate, then the insulating layer is made, and then the connecting bridge is made. The method of making the first electrode, the second electrode, the insulating layer and the connecting bridge is the same as the above method, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] For example, after the second pattern layer 70 is manufactured, module (MDL) assembly and circuit binding are performed. The touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can avoid the connection bridge from being broken during the module assembly process, thereby affecting the function of the touch module.

[0134] Exemplarily, the method may further include:

[0135] A protective layer 80 is formed on the second pattern layer 70. Fig.12 The touch module shown.

[0136] In this implementation, a protective layer 80 is formed on the second pattern layer 70 to ensure the display effect of the touch module. The protective layer 80 has insulation properties and can separate the second pattern layer 70 from other film layers to ensure the effectiveness of electrical signal transmission. At the same time, the protective layer 80 also has a flattening effect to ensure the flatness of the touch module and avoid affecting the display effect of the touch module.

[0137] The protective layer is covered with a cover plate, which is used to protect the touch electrodes. After covering the cover plate, a touch module is finally formed.

[0138] Exemplarily, the cover plate may be a glass cover plate (English: Cover Glass).

[0139] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a display device, which includes the touch module as described in any one of the above items.

[0140] In the display device, the connection bridge of the bending area does not overlap with the center line of the bending area. Thus, when the bending area is bent, there is no connection bridge at the center line, which can reduce the stress on the connection bridge, thereby reducing the possibility of cracks when the connection bridge is bent, avoiding affecting the function of the display device.

[0141] In specific implementation, the display device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be any product or component with a display function, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, etc.

[0142] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A touch module, characterized in that: The touch control module comprises a substrate (10) and a plurality of rows of first electrodes (101) and a plurality of rows of second electrodes (102) arranged in parallel and arranged on the substrate (10); any row of the first electrodes (101) and any row of the second electrodes (102) are arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes (101) in the same row of the first electrodes (101) are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes (102) in at least one row of the second electrodes (102) are connected via a connecting bridge (103); The touch module has a bending region (20) and a non-bending region (30), the bending region (20) has a center line (201), the bending region (20) is bent along the center line (201), and the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge (103) on a plane parallel to the substrate (10) where the center line (201) is located does not overlap with the center line (201); The connecting bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the non-bending region (30) is connected to the middle of the second electrode (102), the connecting bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) is connected to the edge of the second electrode (102), and the connecting bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) is located in the non-bending region (30); The length of the connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) is greater than the length of the connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the non-bending region (30), and, in a direction perpendicular to the substrate (10), the overlapping area of ​​the connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) and the first electrode (101) is greater than the overlapping area of ​​the connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the non-bending region (30) and the first electrode (101).

2. The touch module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) is located on one side of the center line (201) of the bending region (20).

3. The touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The connection bridge (103) connected to the second electrode (102) in the bending region (20) is a straight-line connection bridge (103A).

4. The touch module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The linear connecting bridge (103A) is a grid-shaped connecting bridge.

5. The touch module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The extension direction of the linear connecting bridge (103A) is the same as the length direction (a) of the center line (201).

6. The touch module according to claim 5, characterized in that: In a first direction, a width (L1) of the linear connection bridge (103A) is smaller than a width (L2) of the second electrode (102), and the first direction is parallel to the surface of the substrate (10) and perpendicular to the center line (201).

7. The touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The connection bridge (103) in the non-bending area (30) is a bending type connection bridge (103B).

8. The touch module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The distance (L3) between two adjacent second electrodes (102) in the bending region (20) is greater than the distance (L4) between two adjacent second electrodes (102) in the non-bending region (30).

9. A method for manufacturing a touch module, characterized in that: The method comprises: Provide a substrate, the substrate having a bendable region and a non-bending region, the bendable region having a center line, and the bendable region can be bent along the center line; An electrode layer is formed on the substrate, the electrode layer comprising a plurality of rows of first electrodes arranged in parallel and a plurality of rows of second electrodes arranged in parallel, any row of the first electrodes and any row of the second electrodes are arranged to intersect, any two adjacent first electrodes in the same row of the first electrodes are directly connected, and adjacent second electrodes in at least one row of the second electrodes are connected via a connecting bridge; the orthographic projection of the connecting bridge on a plane parallel to the substrate and where the center line is located does not overlap with the center line; Wherein, the connection bridge connecting the second electrode in the non-bending region is connected to the middle of the second electrode, the connection bridge connecting the second electrode in the bending region is connected to the edge of the second electrode, and the connection bridge connected to the second electrode in the bending region is located in the non-bending region; The length of the connecting bridge connected to the second electrode in the bending region is greater than the length of the connecting bridge connected to the second electrode in the non-bending region, and, in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the overlapping area between the connecting bridge connected to the second electrode in the bending region and the first electrode is greater than the overlapping area between the connecting bridge connected to the second electrode in the non-bending region and the first electrode.

10. The method for manufacturing a touch module according to claim 9, characterized in that: The step of forming an electrode layer on the substrate comprises: forming a first pattern layer on the substrate; forming an insulating layer on the first pattern layer; forming an electrode connection hole on the insulating layer; forming a second pattern layer on the insulating layer; Among them, one of the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer includes the connecting bridge, the other of the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer includes the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the connecting bridge through the electrode connecting hole.

11. A display device, characterized in that: The display device comprises the touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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