Flexible touch panel equipment

Abstract

The flexible touch panel device comprises: a series of first electrodes extending along a first direction; at least one second electrode extending along a second direction, the second electrode defining a bending axis of the flexible touch panel. An elastic layer is arranged between the series of first electrodes and the at least one second electrode. A series of third electrodes extends along the second direction parallel to the bending axis, and an insulating layer is arranged between the at least one second electrode and the series of third electrodes. At least one second electrode is capacitively coupled to at least one of the series of first electrodes to perform bending sensing along the bending axis in the flexible touch panel. The third electrode is capacitively coupled to the first electrode to perform touch sensing on the flexible touch panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to bendable and foldable displays, and more particularly to a touch and bend sensing touch panel for a foldable display having bend sensing capabilities that can change the layout and functionality of the display. Background Art

[0002] User interaction through traditional keyboards, mice, and joysticks with various implementations of physical buttons and levers has been replaced in various embodiments by sensors integrated into a multi-touch sensor panel and configured by software to display and sense on an interactive display panel such as OLED, QLED, etc. Touch panels are integrated into display panels to facilitate control and display content in sync with such control, for example, on smartphones, tablet computers, notebook and laptop PCs, gaming consoles, and in various industrial and automotive controls.

[0003] In recent years, display sensors that can detect both static and dynamic forces on a touch panel have received increasing attention because these features replace traditional physical hardware, such as mice and keyboards. In addition, OLED displays that are flexible (i.e., bendable and foldable) have become available, allowing the display to bend and fold from one physical structure to another. For example, by mounting a bendable OLED display in a foldable housing, the device and its display can be folded to mimic a notebook computer configuration, and unfolded to mimic a tablet computer configuration. Other configurations are also possible.

[0004] Having a display that can switch between, for example, folded and flat configurations presents a challenge. For example, in the flat configuration, the user may want to manipulate the entire display, and the display may rely entirely on interactive graphics and icons without the need to enter text. In the folded configuration, the user may want to manipulate the display in a manner similar to a notebook computer, where part of the display becomes a virtual screen and another part of the display becomes a virtual keyboard for entering text. In this case, it is important that the device can automatically detect these configurations (i.e., flat or folded) and adjust its display screen accordingly.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a bendable and / or foldable display device that can automatically switch an OLED or similar type display between a flat configuration display and a folded configuration display. There is also a need for a display device with touch functionality that can also determine the difference between a touch panel input action and a bending and / or folding action. Summary of the invention

[0006] A flexible touch panel device with a bending sensing capacitor includes: a plurality of first electrodes extending along a first direction; at least one second electrode extending along a second direction. The second electrode (i.e., one or more second electrodes) defines a bending axis of the flexible touch panel. An elastic layer is arranged between the plurality of first electrodes and the at least one second electrode; a plurality of third electrodes extend along the second direction parallel to the bending axis. An insulating layer is arranged between the at least one second electrode and the plurality of third electrodes.

[0007] The at least one second electrode is capacitively coupled to at least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes to perform bending sensing along the bending axis in the flexible touch panel. In addition, the plurality of third electrodes are capacitively coupled to the plurality of first electrodes to perform touch sensing on the flexible touch panel.

[0008] Preferably, the second electrode is capacitively coupled to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes for force sensing in the flexible touch panel. In addition, bending along the bending axis causes a change in the thickness of the elastic layer between the at least one second electrode and at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, thereby changing the capacitance between the at least one second electrode and at least one of the plurality of first electrodes. To facilitate bending detection, the elastic layer has an elastic modulus of less than 1 MPa.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of third electrodes overlaps the second electrode in a third direction, thereby shielding the second electrode from interference by a capacitive touch effect of a user. Preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. In order to isolate the touch effect from the bending effect, the insulating layer preferably has an elastic modulus greater than that of the elastic layer.

[0010] In many embodiments, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the plurality of third electrodes include projected capacitive touch sensing electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes are configured to transmit at least one sensing signal, the second electrode is configured to receive one or more sensing signals, and the plurality of third electrodes are configured to receive one or more sensing signals. In many embodiments, a light touch refers to a conventional projected capacitive touch (e.g., a touch does not detect any force, only a capacitance change between the first electrode and the third electrode when a finger is present).

[0011] In one embodiment, the second electrode is disposed adjacent to an edge of the touch panel. In addition, the plurality of first electrodes include a transmission electrode for touch and a dedicated transmission electrode for bend sensing. In such an example, the transmission electrode for touch and the dedicated transmission electrode for bend sensing are disposed in a common layer of the flexible touch panel.

[0012] In another embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes, the second electrode and the plurality of third electrodes are disposed between the polarizer and the OLED display. In such an example, the OLED display includes a thin film encapsulation layer. The OLED display is disposed between the plurality of third electrodes and the plurality of first electrodes. The OLED display is disposed between the plurality of third electrodes and the at least one second electrode. In such an example, a thin film encapsulation layer is further included between the OLED display and the plurality of third electrodes. In addition, the plurality of first electrodes include a transmission layer deposited directly on the thin film encapsulation layer of the OLED display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Combined with Figure 1 The exemplary disclosed aspects are best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the following detailed description. The various features are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0014] Figure 1 The touch-flex sensing panel is shown facing both a flat configuration and a folded configuration.

[0015] Figure 2 A cross-sectional elevation view of a touch-flex sensing panel in a planar configuration is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A cross-sectional elevation view of a touch-flex sensing panel in a folded configuration is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A plan view of an electrode arrangement in at least a portion of a touch-flex sensing panel is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 Plan views of alternative arrangements of electrodes in at least a portion of a touch-flex sensing panel are shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A first exemplary circuit is shown that illustrates an electrode configuration for a touch-flex sensing panel.

[0020] Figure 7 A second exemplary circuit is shown, illustrating an electrode configuration for a touch-flex sensing panel.

[0021] Figure 8A third exemplary circuit is shown, illustrating an electrode configuration for a touch-flex sensing panel.

[0022] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional elevation view of a first alternative embodiment touch-flex sensing panel is shown.

[0023] Fig.10 A plan view of an electrode arrangement in a touch-flex sensing panel of a first alternative embodiment is shown.

[0024] Fig.11 A cross-sectional elevation view of a second alternative embodiment touch-flex sensing panel is shown.

[0025] Fig.12 A cross-sectional elevation view of a display with a touch-flex sensing panel in an over-the-top configuration is shown.

[0026] Fig.13 A cross-sectional elevation view of a display with a touch-flex sensing panel in an "OLED-under" configuration is shown.

[0027] Fig.14 A cutaway elevation view of a display with a touch-flex sensing panel in an in-cell configuration is shown.

[0028] Fig.15 A flow chart of an algorithm for detecting bend and touch in a touch-bend sensing panel is shown.

[0029] Fig.16 A system diagram of a touch-flex sensing panel is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description contains specific information related to the embodiments in the present disclosure. The drawings and their illustrations in the present disclosure only relate to the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Other variations and embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, the same or corresponding elements in the drawings may be represented by the same or corresponding reference numerals. In addition, the drawings and descriptions in the present disclosure are generally not to scale and are not intended to correspond to actual relative sizes.

[0031] For the purpose of consistency and ease of understanding, similar features may be identified by reference numerals in the example figures (although not shown in some examples). However, features in different embodiments may differ in other aspects and therefore should not be limited to what is shown in the drawings.

[0032] This description uses the phrases "in one embodiment," or "in some embodiments," each of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. The term "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The term "comprising," when used, means "including, but not necessarily limited to," and it specifically refers to the unrestricted membership or qualifications in the combinations, groups, series, and equivalents so described. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of the following: A, B, and C" means "only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B, and C."

[0033] In addition, for the purpose of explanation and non-limiting, specific details such as functional entities, technologies, protocols, standards, etc. are set forth to provide an understanding of the described technology. In other examples, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, technologies, systems, architectures, etc. are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary details.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , one embodiment of a touch-bend sensing panel 10 incorporated into, for example, an OLED display includes a touch-bend sensing panel 10 having touch panel functionality along with integrated bend sensing (i.e., a "touch-bend" sensing panel). The touch-bend sensing panel 10 is shown in a planar configuration 12 and a folded configuration 14. In the planar configuration 12, the touch-bend sensing panel 10 preferably includes touch functionality implemented on the touch-bend sensing panel 10 in the manner of a conventional flat-panel touch screen (e.g., a handheld tablet computing device, etc.). In the folded configuration 14, folding and / or bending of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 has been sensed, and portions of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 have been divided into a display portion 16 for displaying information and an input portion 18 that allows a user to input information on the input portion 18 using the touch sensing capabilities of the touch-bend sensing panel 10.

[0035] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, when folded, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is configured to function similarly to a conventional notebook computer, including: a display portion 16 configured to represent a screen for displaying information; and an input portion 18, including a keyboard area 20 and a trackpad ("mouse") 22 area configured to receive user input information. A first arrow 24 represents the transition of the touch-flex sensing panel 10 from the planar configuration 12 to the folded configuration 14, whereby the touch-flex sensing panel 10 switches to the functionality of the folded configuration 14. A second arrow 26 represents the transition of the touch-flex sensing panel 10 from the folded configuration 14 to the planar configuration 12, whereby the touch-flex sensing panel 10 switches back to the planar configuration 12.

[0036] Figure 2 Shows that Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of at least a portion of a touch-flex sensing panel 10 in a planar configuration 12 as shown in FIG. The touch-flex sensing panel 10 includes a base substrate layer 28 on which additional layers are deposited. A series of first electrodes 30 configured as transmission electrodes for transmitting sensing signals have been deposited on the base substrate layer 28, preferably in an array extending across the touch-flex sensing panel 10 in a first direction. The schematic diagram shows a cross section of one of the first electrodes 30 in the array. An elastic layer 32 is deposited on the first electrode array 30.

[0037] A series of second electrodes 34 are deposited on the elastic layer 32, preferably in an array extending across the touch-flex sensing panel 10 in a second direction, orthogonal and / or perpendicular to the first direction. An insulating layer 36 is deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32. A series of third electrodes 38 are deposited on the insulating layer 36, preferably in an array extending across the touch-flex sensing panel 10 in the second direction and on the second electrodes 34, and a top substrate layer 40 has been deposited on the third electrodes 38 and the insulating layer 36.

[0038] The second electrode 34 is configured as a bending sensing electrode for sensing a bending signal from the first electrode 30, and the third electrode 38 is configured as a touch sensing electrode for sensing a touch signal from the first electrode 30. Since the second electrode 34 and the third electrode 38 extend in a direction orthogonal and / or perpendicular to the first electrode 10, touch and bending can be detected at any point on the touch-bend sensing panel 10, depending on the address of the first electrode 30, and the corresponding addresses of the second electrode 34 and the third electrode 38. The second electrode 34 is capacitively coupled to the first electrode 30 through the first capacitor 42, and the third electrode 38 is capacitively coupled to the first electrode 30 through the second capacitor 44, so that they can sense changes in mutual capacitance coupled to the first electrode 30.

[0039] See also Figure 3 , showing Figure 1FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of at least a portion of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 in a folded configuration 14 of FIG. 1 . In the folded configuration 14, the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is bent along a bending axis 46, thereby producing a wrinkling effect along the bending axis 46. The elastic layer 32 has a low elastic modulus, preferably less than 1 MPa, so that bending of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 (and the accompanying creasing effect) causes the elastic layer 32 to deform along the bending axis 46. Because the bottom substrate layer 28, the insulating layer 36, and the top substrate layer 40 each have a greater elastic modulus than the elastic layer 32, the thickness of the elastic layer 32 decreases when bending. As the thickness of the elastic layer 32 decreases, the second electrode 34 and the first electrode 30 along the bending axis 46 are brought closer together, and thus the first capacitance 42 between the second electrode 34 and the first electrode 30 along the bending axis 46 is detectably changed.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the third electrode 38 is patterned in a manner that overlaps and shields the second electrode 34 from capacitive interference. The shielding effect prevents the second electrode 34 from being interfered with by the capacitive touch effect when the user engages the third electrode 38, ensures that the second electrode 34 responds only to bending, and prevents the touch-bend sensing panel 10 from inadvertently interpreting the touch input as a folding action.

[0041] Figure 4 An exemplary arrangement of first electrodes 30, second electrodes 34, and third electrodes 38 across at least a portion of the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is shown in plan view. In this exemplary arrangement, the array of first electrodes 30 is oriented vertically in parallel, and the array of first electrodes 30 extends horizontally across the touch-flex sensing panel 10. The second electrodes 34 and third electrodes 38 are oriented horizontally in parallel, and the array of second electrodes 34 and third electrodes 38 extends vertically across the touch-flex sensing panel 10. As shown in the exemplary arrangement, and as described above, the third electrode 38 covers the second electrode 34, thereby shielding the second electrode 34 from touch-based capacitive interference. Also shown in this view is a bend axis 46 that extends across the array of first electrodes 30 and parallel to the second electrodes 34 and third electrodes 38, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0042] When the first electrodes 30, the second electrodes 34, and the third electrodes 38 form a grid covering the entire touch area of ​​the touch-bend sensing panel 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, when switching from the planar configuration 12 to the folded configuration 14, it becomes important to distinguish the effect of bending the touch-flex sensing panel 10 from the effect of touching (i.e., pressing) the touch-flex sensing panel 10, which is used for the purpose of inputting information. An algorithm can be used to distinguish the activations caused by these two actions, respectively.

[0043] Each type of activation produces a non-zero signal on a set of connected electrodes, the extent of which can be analyzed. If the electrodes connected by a set are well positioned, it is understood as a pressing (i.e., touching) action. If a set of connected electrodes constitutes a line, for example, from one edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 to the other edge, and in some embodiments, constitutes a bending action in the direction of a possible bending axis. In order to calculate the position and degree of the bend, the algorithm extracts the centroid of the signals within the connected group in a direction parallel to the allowed bending axis to provide possible bending positions. The sum of the signals within the connected group estimates the degree of bending, and calibration can be used to convert the sum of the signals into an angle measurement. This allows the touch-bend sensing panel 10 to switch from a planar configuration 12 to a folded configuration 14 not only when it is bent, but also when it is bent to a certain degree.

[0044] Reference Figure 5 , shows an alternative exemplary arrangement of the first electrode 30, the second electrode 34 and the third electrode 38. The alternative exemplary arrangement is similar to Figure 4 , since the array of first electrodes 30 is vertically oriented 20 and extends horizontally across the touch-bend sensing panel 10, while the array of second electrodes 34 and the array of third electrodes 38 are horizontally arranged and extend vertically across the touch-bend sensing panel 10. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the second electrodes 34 and the third electrodes 38 are diamond-patterned. By patterning the array of second electrodes 34 and the array of third electrodes 38 in the manner shown (or in other pattern configurations as preferred), the accuracy of touch sensing and bend sensing can be increased.

[0045] Figure 6 A first exemplary circuit arrangement 48 is shown for the configuration of the first electrode 30, the second electrode 34, and the third electrode 38 of the touch integrated circuit 50 relative to the touch-flex sensing panel 10. The touch integrated circuit 50 includes an internal capacitance sensor 52 in communication with an analog-to-digital converter 54 for processing a bend signal or a touch signal from the touch-flex sensing panel 10. In the first exemplary circuit arrangement 48, a first capacitance 56 exists between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 34, a second capacitance 58 exists between the first electrode 30 and the third electrode 38, and a third capacitance 60 exists between the second electrode 34 and the third electrode 38. The first capacitance 56 (e.g., Figure 2 and 3 The first capacitor 54 (shown) changes when the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is bent to generate a bending signal, while the second capacitor 58 changes when the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is touched (ie, pressed) by a user using a touch function.

[0046] Figure 7A second exemplary circuit arrangement 62 is shown that incorporates a switch multiplexer 64 between the touch-flex sensing panel 10 and the touch integrated circuit 50. In the second exemplary circuit arrangement 62, the first electrode 30 communicates with the second electrode 34 through the first capacitance 56, and communicates with the third electrode 38 through the second capacitance 58. The second electrode 34 and the third electrode 38 are connected to the switch multiplexer 64, which in turn is connected to the touch integrated circuit 50, including the internal capacitance sensor 52 and the analog-to-digital converter 54. The switch multiplexer 64 is configured to switch between sensing bending by changes in the first capacitance 56 when the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is bent or folded, and sensing bending by changes in the second capacitance 58 when the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is touched.

[0047] Figure 8 A third exemplary circuit arrangement 66 employing a differential sensing method is shown. In the third exemplary circuit arrangement 66, there are two points of first capacitance 56 between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 34, which results in the separation of independent internal capacitance sensors 52, each of which is respectively connected to the analog-to-digital converter 54. Similarly, there are two points of second capacitance 58 between the first electrode 30 and the third electrode 38, which results in the separation of independent internal capacitance sensors 52, each of which is respectively connected to the analog-to-digital converter 54.

[0048] Reference Fig. 9 , shows a cross-sectional elevation view of a first alternative embodiment of a touch-flex sensing panel 68. In this embodiment, the touch-flex sensing panel 68 includes two different sets of transmission electrodes. Figure 2-3 The touch-bend sensing panel 10 includes a bottom substrate layer 28, an elastic layer 32, an insulating layer 36, and a top substrate layer 40. Figures 2 to 3 Unlike the touch-bend sensing panel 10 of FIG. 6 , this embodiment has dedicated transmission electrodes 72 used only for bend sensing, which are deposited on the base substrate layer 28 and only along the edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 68. The elastic layer 32 is deposited on the dedicated transmission electrodes and the base substrate layer 28.

[0049] The second electrodes 34 are deposited on the elastic layer 32 only along the edge 20 of the touch-flex sensing panel 68, and an array of conventional transmission electrodes 70 are deposited on the elastic layer 32 between the second electrodes 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the conventional transmission electrodes 70 are oriented vertically in parallel, and the array of conventional transmission electrodes 70 extends across the touch-flex sensing horizontal panel 68 without covering the dedicated transmission electrodes 72, which are also oriented vertically along the sides of the touch-flex sensing panel 68. Therefore, the second electrodes 34 and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 are deposited on the elastic layer 32 in substantially the same horizontal plane between the elastic layer 32 and the insulating layer 36. The third electrodes 38 for touch sensing are arranged between the insulating layer 36 and the top substrate layer 36. The third electrodes 38 are arranged horizontally in parallel, and the array of third electrodes 38 extends vertically across the touch-flex sensing panel 68.

[0050] Thus, in the touch-bend sensing panel 68, when the elastic layer is compressed by the crease effect from bending the touch-bend sensing panel 68, the second electrode 34 senses a change in the bend sensing capacitance 74 between the dedicated transmission electrode 72 and the second electrode 34, which is caused by a change in the distance between the dedicated transmission electrode 72 and the second electrode 34 separated by the elastic layer 32. In contrast, the third electrode 38 senses a change in the touch sensing capacitance 76 between the conventional transmission electrode 70 and the third electrode 38 inside the edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 68 and across the insulating layer 36. By limiting the second electrode 34 and the dedicated transmission electrode 72 to the edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 68, a clearer separation of the two modalities is achieved, and the cost may be reduced. This also provides more freedom to arrange the conventional transmission electrodes 70 and the third electrode 38 in different ways to provide better sensitivity for both sensing (i.e., bend and touch) and / or provide better suppression of crosstalk between the two modalities (i.e., preventing a finger touch from giving an erroneous bend reading and vice versa).

[0051] Fig.10 The arrangement of electrodes in the first alternative embodiment touch-bend sensing panel 68 is shown in plan view. Conventional transmission electrodes 70 are shown as being oriented vertically and extending horizontally across the touch-bend sensing panel 68 except at the edge where a dedicated transmission electrode 72 is used for bend sensing. Second electrodes 34 are arranged along the edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 68 for sensing the bending of the touch-bend sensing panel 68. Third electrodes 38 are oriented horizontally and extend vertically across the touch-bend sensing panel 68, thereby providing touch screen functionality in the touch-bend sensing panel 68. The bend axis 46 is also shown in this view. When the touch-bend sensing panel 68 is bent along the bend axis 46, the wrinkle effect causes the elastic layer 32 ( Fig. 9) is reduced in thickness, and a change in capacitance between the second electrode 34 and the dedicated transmission electrode 72 identifies the position of the bending axis 46 for conversion to the folded configuration 14 (eg Figure 1 , Fig.10 and Figure 3 shown).

[0052] Reference Fig.11 , showing a cross-sectional elevation view of a second alternative embodiment touch-bend sensing panel 78. The second alternative embodiment touch-bend sensing panel 78 is similar to the first alternative embodiment touch-bend sensing panel 68 ( Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ), because it includes a bottom substrate layer 28, an elastic layer 32 deposited on the bottom substrate layer 28, an insulating layer 36 deposited on the elastic layer 32, and a top substrate layer 40 deposited on the insulating layer 36, and has a conventional transmission electrode 70 deposited between the elastic layer 32 and the insulating layer 36, and a third electrode 38 deposited between the insulating layer 36 and the top substrate layer 40.

[0053] The touch-bend sensing panel 78 of the second alternative embodiment differs from the touch-bend sensing panel 68 of the first alternative embodiment in that the bend sensing second electrodes 34 are arranged on the edge of the touch-bend sensing panel 78 between the base substrate layer 28 and the elastic layer 32, and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 are disposed between the elastic layer 32 and the insulating layer 36. Therefore, both the conventional transmission electrodes 70 and the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are deposited in the same plane.

[0054] The touch-bend sensing panel 78 of the second alternative embodiment is similar to the touch-bend sensing panel 68 of the first alternative embodiment, and the change in thickness of the elastic layer 32 causes the distance between the second electrode 34 and the dedicated transmission electrode 72 along the side of the touch-bend sensing panel 78 to change, causing the bending sensing capacitance 74 for detecting the bending of the touch-bend sensing panel 78 to change, and the touch sensing capacitance 76 is detected across the insulating layer 36 between the conventional transmission electrode 70 and the third electrode 38. The main difference between the touch-bend sensing panel 68 of the first alternative embodiment and the touch-bend sensing panel 78 of the second alternative embodiment is that the relative position of the second electrode 34 and the dedicated transmission electrode 72 for bending sensing is reversed.

[0055] Fig.12 A cross-sectional elevation view of a touch-bend sensing OLED display 80 including a touch-bend sensing panel 10 and an OLED 82 in an off-hook configuration is shown. The touch-bend sensing panel 10 includes Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11The layers shown in the figure include a bottom substrate layer 28, an array of first electrodes 30 deposited on the bottom substrate layer 28, an elastic layer 32 deposited on the first electrodes 30, an array of second electrodes 34 deposited on the elastic layer 32 and orthogonal to or perpendicular to the array of first electrodes 30, an insulating layer 34 deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32, an array of third electrodes 38 deposited on the insulating layer parallel to and covering the second electrodes 34, and a top substrate layer 40 deposited on the third electrodes 38 and the insulating layer 36.

[0056] OLED 82 includes a thin film transistor backplane layer 88, a cathode layer 90, and a thin film encapsulation layer 92, as well as other conventional OLED layers, and is placed below the touch-flex sensing panel 10 and adhered to the touch-flex sensing panel 10 via an adhesive layer 86, which laminates the touch-flex sensing panel 10 to the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of OLED 82. Polarizer 84 is placed on the top substrate layer 40 and fixed to the top substrate layer 40 via an adhesive layer 86 between the polarizer 84 and the top substrate layer 40.

[0057] Fig.13 A cross-sectional elevation view of a touch-flex sensing OLED display 94 is shown that includes a touch-flex sensing panel 10 below an OLED 82 (i.e., in an "OLED-under" configuration). In this embodiment, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 includes a base substrate layer 28, a first electrode array 30, an elastic layer 32, a second electrode array 34 deposited on the elastic layer 32 orthogonal or perpendicular to the first electrode array 30, an insulating layer 34, and an insulating layer 34 deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32, but lacks Figure 2 , 3 , the top substrate layer 40 shown in 9, 11 and 12.

[0058] OLED 82 includes a thin film transistor backplane layer 88, a cathode layer 90, and a thin film encapsulation layer 92, among other conventional OLED layers. The thin film transistor backplane layer 88 is laminated directly to the insulating layer 36 with an adhesive layer 86. An array of third electrodes 38 for touch sensing is deposited directly on the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of OLED 82, and polarizer 84 is laminated on the third electrodes 38 and the thin film encapsulation layer 92.

[0059] Fig.14 A cross-sectional elevation view of a foldable touch-flex sensing OLED display 96 including an OLED 82 and a touch-flex sensing panel 10 in an on-cell configuration is shown. In this embodiment, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 includes an array of first electrodes 30, an elastic layer 32, an array of second electrodes 34, an insulating layer 36, an array of third electrodes 38, and a top substrate layer 40, but lacks some bottom substrate layers 28 (e.g., Figure 2 , 3, 9, 11, 12 and 13). OLED 82 includes a thin film transistor backplane layer 88, a cathode layer 90 and a thin film encapsulation layer 92 as well as other conventional OLED layers.

[0060] In the absence of the bottom substrate layer 28, the array of first electrodes 30 of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is directly laminated to the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of the OLED 82, which serves as the bottom substrate of the touch-bend sensing panel 10. The elastic layer 34 is deposited on the first electrodes 30, and the array of second electrodes 34 has been deposited on the elastic layer 32 orthogonal or perpendicular to the array of first electrodes 30, with a bend sensing capacitor 74 between them. The insulating layer 36 is placed on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32. The array of third electrodes 38 has been deposited on the insulating layer. The third electrodes 38 are preferably parallel to and cover the second electrodes 34, and have a touch sensing capacitor 76 between the third electrodes 38 and the first electrodes 30. The top substrate layer 40 is deposited on the third electrodes 38 and the insulating layer 36, and a polarizer is laminated on the top substrate layer 40.

[0061] Fig.15 An algorithm flow chart 98 is shown for operating the touch-bend sensing panel 10 and display integrated shape sensing to detect a bend in the touch-bend sensing panel 10. In act 100, the algorithm determines whether the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is folded. This determination may be made using Figure 6-8 If the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is not folded, the algorithm proceeds to action 102, sets the touch sensing function 20 for the first interface (i.e., the flat touch interface), and proceeds to action 110, which is used to detect the touch of the user using the touch-flex sensing panel 10 in the flat configuration 12, and proceeds to action 112, which generates a human interface device HID report for sending interpretation data.

[0062] If the algorithm determines in act 100 that the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is folded, it proceeds to act 104 to set the touch sensing function of the touch-flex sensing panel 10 for the second interface according to the folding configuration 14. The algorithm then proceeds to act 106 to determine the folding angle and then to act 108 to assign appropriate functions (e.g., such as the folding angle) in various locations on the touch-flex sensing panel 10. Figure 1 As shown, a display 16 and an input 18 are provided. Once the appropriate functions are assigned, the algorithm advances to action 110 for detecting a touch made by a user using the touch-bend sensing panel 10 in the folded configuration 14, and the algorithm produces action 112 for generating a HID report.

[0063] In one embodiment, the folding detection operation 100 is configured to determine whether the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is open or completely folded closed (similar to a notebook computer) or partially folded. In another embodiment, the folding angle detection operation 106 can be configured to assign different functions at multiple different folding angles. In yet another embodiment, the function assignment operation 108 enables some areas of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 to have both display functions and touch functions, while other areas of the touch-bend sensing panel 10 have only display functions.

[0064] Fig.16 A system diagram of a device incorporating a touch-bend sensing panel 10 is shown. A user provides a touch input 114 on the touch-bend sensing panel 10 and / or folds the touch-bend sensing panel 10 along a bend axis 116. When a folding (i.e., bending) action 20 occurs, the touch-bend sensing panel 10 sends a touch and / or bend raw signal 118 to a touch / bend controller 120, which converts the raw signal into digital information. The digital information is provided to a processing unit (e.g., a processor) 122. Using application / operating system / storage information 124, the processing unit 122 controls output on the touch-bend sensing panel 10. In the illustrated embodiment, when the touch-bend sensing panel 10 is folded along the bend axis 116, the processing unit 122 causes the touch-bend sensing panel 10 to display a first graphical output 126 (e.g., a first graphical output 126) above the bend axis 116. Figure 1 16), and a second graphic output 128 below the bending axis 116 (e.g., Figure 1 Input section 18).

[0065] Having shown and described the structure and function of the touch-flex sensing panel 10 , an exemplary method of manufacturing will now be discussed.

[0066] To manufacture the touch-bend sensing panel 10, Figure 1 In the main embodiment shown, a base substrate layer 28 is formed. Thereafter, an array of first electrodes 30 is formed on the base substrate layer 28. Preferably, the first electrodes 30 extend parallel across the base substrate layer 28 in a first direction, as is conventional for touch screen displays. An elastic layer 32 is then deposited on the first electrodes 30 and the base substrate layer 28. As discussed above, the elastic layer 32 preferably has a low elastic modulus, preferably less than 1 MPa. Then, an array of second electrodes 34 is formed on the elastic layer 15. The second electrodes 34 are preferably arranged orthogonal or perpendicular to the first electrodes 30, so that the first capacitance 42 between the second electrodes 34 and the first electrodes 30 can be detected at any point on the touch-flex sensing panel 10.

[0067] An insulating layer 36 is formed over the second electrode 34 and the elastic layer 32, and an array of third electrodes 38 is formed over the insulating layer 36. The third electrodes 38 are also arranged to be orthogonal or perpendicular to the first electrodes 30, and preferably cover the second electrodes 34, so that the second capacitance 44 between the third electrodes 38 and the first electrodes 30 can be detected at any point across the touch-flex sensing panel 10, while shielding the second electrodes 34 from unwanted touch capacitance. Thereafter, a top substrate layer 40 is deposited over the third electrodes 38 and the insulating layer 36.

[0068] To manufacture the touch-flex sensing panel 68 of the first alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, a bottom substrate layer 28 is formed. Thereafter, a series of dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are formed on the bottom substrate layer 28 along the edge of the touch-flex sensing panel 68. Then, an elastic layer 32 is formed on the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 and the bottom substrate layer 28. Then, the second electrodes 34 are deposited on the elastic layer 32 above the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 along the edge of the touch-flex sensing panel 68, and an array of conventional transmission electrodes 70 are deposited on the elastic layer 32 between the second electrodes 34. Preferably, the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 are arranged in parallel across the touch-flex sensing panel 68 in a first direction, and the second electrodes 34 are parallel to the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 and at least partially cover the dedicated transmission electrodes 72, so that there is a first capacitance 42 between them.

[0069] The insulating layer 34 is deposited on the second electrodes 34, the conventional transmission electrodes 70, and the elastic layer 32. A series of third electrodes 38 are then formed on the insulating layer 36. The third electrodes 38 are preferably arranged in a second direction that is orthogonal or perpendicular to the conventional transmission electrodes 70, so that the touch sensing capacitance 76 between the third electrodes 38 and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 is detected at any point on the touch-bend sensing panel 68. In contrast, the second electrodes 20 and the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are arranged only on opposite sides of the touch-bend sensing panel 68, so that bend detection is performed along an axis parallel to the second direction at any location on the touch-bend sensing panel 68.

[0070] To manufacture the touch-bend sensing panel 78 of the second alternative embodiment, Fig.11In the second alternative embodiment shown, a base substrate layer 28 is formed, and a series of second electrodes 34 are formed on the base substrate layer 28 along the edge of the touch-flex sensing panel 10. The elastic layer 32 is then deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the base substrate layer 28. Thereafter, dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are formed on the elastic layer 32 along the edge of the touch-flex sensing panel 78 on the second electrodes 34, and conventional transmission electrodes 70 are formed across the elastic layer 32 between the dedicated transmission electrodes 72. Preferably, the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 are arranged in parallel across the touch-flex sensing panel 78 in a first direction, and the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are parallel to the second electrodes 34 and at least partially cover the second electrodes 34, so that there is a first capacitance 42 between them.

[0071] The insulating layer 34 is deposited on the second electrodes 34, the conventional transmission electrodes 70, and the elastic layer 32. A series of third electrodes 38 are then formed on the insulating layer 36. The third electrodes 38 are preferably arranged in a second direction that is orthogonal or perpendicular to the conventional transmission electrodes 70, so that the touch sensing capacitance 76 between the third electrodes 38 and the conventional transmission electrodes 70 is detected at any point on the touch-bend sensing panel 78. In contrast, the second electrodes 20 and the dedicated transmission electrodes 72 are arranged only on opposite sides of the touch-bend sensing panel 68, so that bend detection is performed along an axis parallel to the second direction at any location on the touch-bend sensing panel 68.

[0072] In such Fig.12 In the embodiment of combining the OLED 82 and the touch-flex sensing panel 10 to form the display 80 in the illustrated off-hook configuration, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is formed according to one of the previously discussed embodiments. The touch-flex sensing panel 10 is then laminated to the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of the OLED 82 using an adhesive layer 86. The polarizer 84 is then laminated to the touch-flex sensing panel 10, also using an adhesive layer 86, so that the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is disposed between the OLED 82 and the polarizer 84.

[0073] In such Fig.13 In another embodiment of combining the OLED 82 and the touch-flex sensing panel 10 to form a display 94 in the "OLED-under" configuration shown, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 is formed with a base substrate layer 28. An array of first electrodes 30 is formed on the base substrate layer 28, and an elastic layer 32 is deposited on the first electrodes 30. An array of second electrodes 34 is then formed on the elastic layer 32. The second electrodes 34 are preferably arranged orthogonal or perpendicular to the first electrodes 30. An insulating layer 36 is deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32.

[0074] OLED 82 includes a thin film transistor backplane layer 88 and a thin film encapsulation layer 92 and other conventional OLED layers. The thin film transistor backplane layer 88 is laminated to the touch-flex sensing panel 10 with an adhesive layer 86. An array of third electrodes 38 is formed on the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of OLED 82. The third electrode array 38 is also arranged orthogonally or vertically to the first electrode 30, and preferably covers and shields the second electrode 34. The polarizer 84 is stacked on the third electrode array 38 and the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of OLED 82.

[0075] In yet another implementation, wherein, in Fig.14 The display 96 is formed by combining the OLED 82 and the touch-flex sensing panel 10 in the illustrated on-cell configuration, the touch-flex sensing panel 10 being formed with an array of first electrodes 30 formed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer 92 of the OLED 82. An elastic layer 32 is deposited on the first electrodes 30, and an array of second electrodes 34 is formed on the elastic layer 32. The second electrodes 34 are preferably arranged orthogonally or perpendicularly to the first electrodes 30. An insulating layer 36 is deposited on the second electrodes 34 and the elastic layer 32.

[0076] An array of third electrodes 38 is formed on the insulating layer 36. The third electrodes 38 are also preferably arranged orthogonal or perpendicular to the first electrodes 30 to cover and shield the second electrodes 34 from capacitive touch forces. A top substrate layer 40 is deposited on the third electrode array 38 and the insulating layer 36, and then a polarizer 84 is laminated on the top substrate layer 40.

[0077] From the above description, it is shown that different technologies can be used to implement these concepts without departing from the scope of the concepts described in the present disclosure. In addition, although concepts have been described with specific reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. In this way, the described embodiments are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive in all aspects. It should also be understood that although the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, many rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible touch panel device, characterized in that: include: a plurality of first electrodes extending along a first direction; at least one second electrode extending along a second direction, the at least one second electrode defining a bending axis of the flexible touch panel; an elastic layer disposed between the plurality of first electrodes and the at least one second electrode; a plurality of third electrodes extending along the second direction parallel to the bending axis; an insulating layer disposed between the at least one second electrode and the plurality of third electrodes; The at least one second electrode is capacitively coupled to at least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes to perform bending sensing along the bending axis in the flexible touch panel; and wherein the plurality of third electrodes are capacitively coupled to the plurality of first electrodes to perform touch sensing on the flexible touch panel, At least one third electrode among the multiple third electrodes overlaps with the at least one second electrode in a third direction, thereby shielding the at least one second electrode from interference from the user's capacitive touch effect to cover the entire portion of the at least one second electrode in the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

2. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one second electrode is capacitively coupled to at least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes for force sensing in the flexible touch panel.

3. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Bending along the bending axis causes a thickness of the elastic layer between the at least one second electrode and at least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes to change, thereby changing a capacitance between the at least one second electrode and at least one first electrode of the plurality of first electrodes.

4. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic layer has an elastic modulus lower than 1 MPa.

5. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating layer has an elastic modulus greater than that of the elastic layer.

6. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

7. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of third electrodes include projected capacitive touch sensing electrodes.

8. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first electrodes are configured to transmit at least one sensing signal.

9. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one second electrode is configured to receive one or more sensing signals.

10. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of third electrodes are configured to receive one or more sensing signals.

11. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one second electrode is disposed adjacent to an edge of the touch panel.

12. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first electrodes include transmission electrodes for touch and dedicated transmission electrodes for bending sensing.

13. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The transmission electrodes for touch and the dedicated transmission electrodes for bending sensing are disposed in a common layer of the flexible touch panel.

14. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first electrodes, the at least one second electrode, and the plurality of third electrodes are disposed between a polarizer and an OLED display.

15. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The OLED display includes a thin film encapsulation layer.

16. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The OLED display is disposed between the plurality of third electrodes and the plurality of first electrodes.

17. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The OLED display is disposed between the plurality of third electrodes and the at least one second electrode.

18. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 16, characterized in that: Further comprising a thin film encapsulation layer between the OLED display and the plurality of third electrodes.

19. The flexible touch panel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first electrodes include a transmission layer deposited directly on the thin film encapsulation layer of the OLED display.

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