Touch Module and Touch Display Device

Abstract

A touch module and a touch display device are provided. The touch module includes a substrate, which includes a touch area and a non-touch area located around the touch area; the non-touch area includes a wiring area, an unbonded area, and a bonded area; a touch structure located in the touch area; at least one pad located in the non-touch area, the at least one pad including a pad bonding portion located in the bonded area and a pad non-bonding portion located in the unbonded area; at least one wiring located in the wiring area and electrically connected to the touch structure; and at least one first dummy pattern; wherein, the at least one wiring is also electrically connected to the at least one pad, and the at least one first dummy pattern is located in the unbonded area and adjacent to the at least one pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of display technologies, and particularly to a touch control module and a touch display device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, flexible AMOLED screens have become standard in mid- to high-end mobile phones. The requirements for the environmental reliability of flexible screens are becoming increasingly stringent, and it is usually required to perform a highly accelerated temperature and humidity stress test (HAST: 110°C, 85% RH, 0.122 MPa, 32 h) on flexible AMOLED screens. The high-temperature and high-humidity environment requires that the sensor traces be better protected from water and oxygen erosion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a touch control module and a touch display device, which block water vapor from eroding the traces in the non-touch area through dummy patterns, ensuring that the traces are not corroded and broken.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a touch control module is provided. The touch control module includes: a substrate including a touch area and a non-touch area around the touch area; the non-touch area includes a trace area, an unbonded area, and a bonded area; a touch structure located in the touch area; at least one pad located in the non-touch area, the at least one pad including a pad bonding portion located in the bonded area and a pad non-bonding portion located in the unbonded area; at least one trace located in the trace area and electrically connected to the touch structure; and at least one first dummy pattern; wherein the at least one trace is also electrically connected to the at least one pad, and the at least one first dummy pattern is located in the unbonded area and adjacent to the at least one pad.

[0005] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace is distributed on a side of the at least one first dummy pattern close to the touch area.

[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one first dummy pattern is located at an end of the unbonded area close to the touch area. Optionally, in some embodiments, the length extension direction of the at least one first dummy pattern is substantially parallel to the length extension direction of the at least one pad.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the minimum distance between the at least one first dummy pattern and the most adjacent pad is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the minimum distance between the at least one first dummy pattern and the most adjacent trace is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the minimum length of the at least one first dummy pattern is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the most adjacent pad.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the at least one first dummy pattern is at least one of a conductive metal, a metal oxide, or a metal alloy material.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace, the at least one pad, and the at least one first dummy pattern comprise the same material.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the end of the at least one first dummy pattern close to the trace is substantially flush with the end of at least one adjacent pad close to the trace.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the maximum distance and the minimum distance of the end of the at least one first dummy pattern away from the trace from the bonding region are in the range of about 0.05 mm - 0.15 mm.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments, the non-touch region includes at least one pad group composed of the at least one pad.

[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one pad group includes at least one sensing electrode pad group and at least one transmitting electrode pad group.

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one first dummy pattern and / or the at least one trace has a double-layer structure.

[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments, the double-layer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch module is provided. The touch module includes: a substrate including a touch region and a non-touch region located around the touch region, the non-touch region including a side region; a touch structure located within the touch region; at least one trace; at least one bonding block; and at least one second dummy pattern; wherein a part of the at least one trace, the at least one bonding block, and the at least one second dummy pattern are located within the side region; the at least one trace is electrically connected to the at least one bonding block, the at least one bonding block is electrically connected to the touch structure, and the at least one second dummy pattern is adjacent to the at least one bonding block.

[0019] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one overlapping block includes a plurality of overlapping blocks arranged in a first direction, and the at least one second dummy pattern is located in a gap between adjacent overlapping blocks.

[0020] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace includes a plurality of traces, and the plurality of traces are distributed on a side of the at least one second dummy pattern away from the touch area.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one second dummy pattern and the plurality of overlapping blocks are arranged in the first direction, the at least one second dummy pattern and the plurality of overlapping blocks have substantially the same width in a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0022] Optionally, in some embodiments, the touch structure includes a plurality of touch signal lines; the plurality of touch signal lines include a plurality of first touch signal lines arranged in the first direction and a plurality of second touch signal lines arranged in the second direction, and the plurality of first touch signal lines correspond to the plurality of overlapping blocks one by one, and one end of the overlapping block close to the touch area is connected to the corresponding first touch signal line.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line includes a sensing electrode.

[0024] Optionally, in some embodiments, a minimum distance between the at least one second dummy pattern and the most adjacent overlapping block is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

[0025] Optionally, in some embodiments, an extending direction of the at least one second dummy pattern is substantially parallel to an extending direction of the plurality of traces in the side area; a minimum distance between the at least one second dummy pattern and the most adjacent trace is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the at least one second dummy pattern is at least one of a conductive metal, a metal oxide, or a metal alloy material.

[0027] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace, the at least one overlapping block, and the at least one second dummy pattern include the same material.

[0028] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one second dummy pattern and / or the at least one trace has a double-layer structure.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments, the double-layer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line and the overlapping block have at least a partial overlapping area.

[0031] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line and the overlapping block are made of different materials and are located in different film layers.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch display device is provided. The touch display device includes: a display panel, and a touch module as described in any of the above embodiments disposed on the display panel.

[0033] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the trace of the touch module includes copper; the atomic percentage of copper in the trace is greater than or equal to 40%. Description of the Drawings

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0035] Figure 1 Shows the stacked structure of a touch display panel in the related art;

[0036] Figure 2 Shows the process of using a dry film process to fabricate an insulating layer in the related art;

[0037] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of a touch module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4 For Figure 3 A partial view of the pad of the touch module of the embodiment shown;

[0039] Figure 5 For Figure 3 A partial view of the side area of the touch module of the embodiment shown;

[0040] Figure 6 Shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 7 Shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a touch module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8 Shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a touch module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 9 Shows the comparison of the trace components that have undergone the HAST test measured by the energy spectrometer;

[0044] Figure 10 Shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional schematic diagram obtained along the line A-A' shown; and

[0045] Figure 11 Shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional schematic diagram obtained along the line B-B' shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The present application provides a technical solution for improving the reliability of traces in a touch control module. By adding dummy patterns in the pads and / or side regions, water and oxygen intrusion into the traces is blocked, and the problem of trace corrosion and disconnection caused by high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure testing (HAST) is solved.

[0048] Figure 1 Shows the stacked structure 100 of a touch display panel in the related art. In the edge region of the touch control module, the touch electrode 101 is usually electrically connected to the trace 102, and a pad 103 is arranged at the end of the trace 102 for connection to an external circuit such as a touch flexible printed circuit 104. The trace 102 is usually made of metal (for example, copper). In the manufacturing process of the touch control module, an insulating layer 105 is generally covered on the trace 102. The insulating layer 105 is usually manufactured by a sheet-to-sheet process or a roll-to-roll process. In the sheet-to-sheet process, a coating process is generally used to manufacture the insulating layer. In the roll-to-roll process, a dry film pressing process is generally used to manufacture the insulating layer.

[0049] Figure 2 Shows the process of using a dry film pressing process to manufacture an insulating layer in the related art. The release roller 201 releases the film material carrying the touch electrode and the trace, the release roller 202 releases the insulating layer film material, and the pressure rollers 203 and 204 apply temperature and pressure to these two film materials to realize the combination of these two film layers. The dry film pressing process generally may further include a winding roller 205 for collecting the film material carrying the touch electrode, the trace, and the insulating layer.

[0050] The roll-to-roll process has high production efficiency and low cost. However, when using the dry film pressing process to fabricate the insulating layer, it is required that process parameters such as temperature and pressure be adjusted properly. Otherwise, the adhesion of the insulating layer will decrease, and it will not be able to play the role of insulating and waterproofing.

[0051] The inventors found that in the extreme environment of high-acceleration temperature and humidity-pressure tests, due to the following factors, the risk of the traces being eroded by water vapor increases. The adhesion of the insulating layer fabricated by the dry film pressing process may decrease, which will lead to poor insulating and sealing effects at the edge position of the touch module. In a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the materials expand and contract severely, and different materials have inconsistent expansion and contraction, resulting in poor adhesion of the insulating layer. In the high-acceleration temperature and humidity-pressure test, each layer of the module absorbs water to varying degrees. At the position where the pad is connected to the external circuit, considering the combination tolerance and the expansion and contraction of the materials, the risk of the traces being exposed increases (for example, at the Figure 1 shown gap 106). Currently, most flexible screens adopt an ultra-narrow bezel design, and the traces are getting thinner and thinner (the line width is about 5um). Therefore, at the pad position and the side position of the touch module, the risk of the traces being broken due to corrosion is increasing.

[0052] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a touch module is provided. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the touch module 300 includes: a substrate 301, including a touch area 302 and a non-touch area 303 located around the touch area 302; the non-touch area 303 includes a trace area, a non-bonding area, and a bonding area; a touch structure located in the touch area; at least one pad 306 located in the non-touch area 303; the at least one pad 306 includes a pad bonding portion located in the bonding area and a pad non-bonding portion located in the non-bonding area; at least one trace 305 located in the trace area and electrically connected to the touch structure; and at least one first dummy pattern 307; wherein, the at least one trace 305 and the at least one pad 306 are electrically connected, and the at least one first dummy pattern 307 is located in the non-bonding area and adjacent to the at least one pad 306.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by using the first dummy pattern 307 disposed within the non-bonding area and adjacent to the pad 306, it is possible to effectively prevent water and oxygen from penetrating through the non-bonding area and corroding the traces. When the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, after water and oxygen enter the non-bonding area, they will be blocked by the first dummy pattern 307. The first dummy pattern 307 is located within the non-bonding area, adjacent to the pad 306, and has a certain width, thereby restricting the channels for water and oxygen to invade. The above arrangement not only restricts the channels for water and oxygen to invade, but also ensures the insulation between the pads 306 and the insulation between the traces 305. Therefore, when the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, it blocks water and oxygen from invading the traces, solving the problem of corrosion and disconnection of the traces 305 caused by the high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the trace 305 can be used as the pad 306, that is, the trace 305 and the pad 306 connected to the trace 305 can be integrated and made of the same material. Alternatively, the end of the trace 305 can be electrically connected to the corresponding pad 306, that is, the trace 305 and the pad 306 connected to the trace 305 can also not be integrated and are made of different materials. In the context of the present disclosure, the "bonding part" refers to the overlapping part of the pad 306 and a touch flexible printed circuit board (TFPC) after they are bonded (i.e., electrically connected). In the context of the present disclosure, the "non-bonding part" refers to the part of the pad 306 that is not bonded (i.e., electrically connected). Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the at least one trace 305 is distributed on a side of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 close to the touch area 302.

[0055] With the above arrangement, the at least one trace 305 is closer to the touch area 302 of the touch module relative to the at least one pad 306 and the at least one first dummy pattern 307. Therefore, water and oxygen from outside the touch module can only approach the trace 305 through the narrow gap between the pad 306 and the first dummy pattern 307.

[0056] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the at least one first dummy pattern 307 is located at an end of the non-bonding area close to the touch area 302.

[0057] Arranging the at least one first dummy pattern 307 at an end of the non-bonding area close to the touch area 302 can form multiple narrow paths near the trace 305 to block the invasion of water and oxygen and protect the trace 305 around the touch area 302.

[0058] Optionally, in some embodiments, the length extension direction of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 (as shown by arrow a in Figure 4 ) is substantially parallel to the length extension direction of the at least one pad 306 (as shown by arrow b in Figure 4 ).

[0059] In the context of the present disclosure, the "length extension direction" refers to the length direction of an element, which is relative to the width direction. Generally, the dimension of an element in the length direction is greater than the dimension of the element in the width direction. "Substantially parallel" means that the length extension directions of two elements are not limited to being completely parallel, and the included angle can also be a value within the range of process or measurement errors, for example, the included angle is between 175° and 185°. The at least one first dummy pattern 307 and the at least one pad 306 have substantially the same extension direction, such that water and oxygen need to pass through a narrow path to approach the trace, thus better protecting the trace.

[0060] Optionally, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4 , the minimum distance G1 between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent pad 306 is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width W1 of the trace 305.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the trace 305 is substantially uniform. However, the present invention is also applicable to designs with varying trace widths. Correspondingly, the minimum distance G1 between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent pad 306 should be greater than or equal to twice the minimum width W1 of the trace 305. By using the above arrangement, a short circuit between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent pad 306 is avoided. In addition, too small a distance will result in higher process precision, so the above arrangement can also simplify the manufacturing process.

[0062] Optionally, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4 , the minimum distance G2 between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent trace 305 is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width W1 of the trace 305.

[0063] Similarly, for designs with different trace widths, the minimum distance G2 between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent trace 305 should be greater than or equal to twice the minimum width W1 of the trace 305. By using the above arrangement, a short circuit between the first dummy pattern 307 and the most adjacent trace 305 is avoided. In addition, too small a distance will result in higher process precision, so the above arrangement can also simplify the manufacturing process.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4As shown, the minimum length L of the first dummy pattern 307 is greater than or equal to the maximum width W2 of the pad 306.

[0065] The minimum length of the first dummy pattern 307 is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the pad 306, such that water and oxygen need to pass through a narrow path to approach the trace 305. In addition, such a configuration also improves the flatness of the surface of the touch module 300. Thus, after the touch module 300 is bonded to an external circuit such as a touch flexible printed circuit board (TFPC), a more ideal isolation effect can be obtained.

[0066] Optionally, in some embodiments, the maximum length L of the first dummy pattern 307 is greater than or equal to the maximum width W2 of the pad 306.

[0067] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the touch module 300 further includes: an insulating layer 308 covering the at least one trace 305; wherein, the insulating layer 308 is located on a side of the at least one trace 305 facing away from the substrate 301.

[0068] By arranging the insulating layer 308 covering the at least one trace 305, a sealing structure is formed on a surface of the at least one trace 305 facing away from the substrate 301.

[0069] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 is at least one of a conductive metal, metal oxide, or metal alloy material. The metal materials include but are not limited to copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), etc. The first dummy pattern 307 made of a metal material can react with the invading water and oxygen, consume the water and oxygen, and produce an effect of "absorbing" the water and oxygen, thereby more effectively preventing the corrosion of the trace by the water and oxygen.

[0070] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace 305, the at least one pad 306, and the at least one first dummy pattern 307 comprise the same material. Further, the at least one trace 305, the at least one pad 306, and the at least one first dummy pattern 307 can be made of the same material. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a single patterning process is used to pattern a film layer of the same material to form the at least one trace 305, the at least one pad 306, and the at least one first dummy pattern 307. The above patterning process can be performed on a single metal film layer, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, the at least one trace 305, the at least one pad 306, and the at least one first dummy pattern 307 manufactured in the above manner can be located in the same layer, further eliminating the step difference and limiting the channels for water and oxygen intrusion.

[0071] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, one end of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 close to the trace 305 is substantially flush with one end of at least one adjacent pad 306 close to the trace 305.

[0072] Optionally, in some embodiments, one end of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 close to the trace 305 is closer to the trace 305 than one end of at least one adjacent pad 306 close to the trace 305.

[0073] With the above arrangement, the space between the pad 306 and the trace 305 can be reduced, avoiding the accumulation after the intrusion of water and oxygen, and effectively preventing the corrosion of the trace 305 by water and oxygen.

[0074] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one first dummy pattern 307 includes a plurality of first dummy patterns, and one end of the plurality of first dummy patterns 307 close to the trace 305 gradually approaches the bonding area in the horizontal direction, and the slope k of the arrangement is not 0, for example, within the range of -1 to 0 and 0 to -1.

[0075] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the maximum distance and the minimum distance H between one end of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 far from the trace 305 and the bonding area are within the range of about 0.05 mm - 0.15 mm.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "about 0.05 mm - 0.15 mm" means that the numerical range of the minimum distance and the maximum distance is not limited to between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm, and its size can be a value within the process or measurement error range, for example, floating 10% above and below 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm. With the above arrangement, a short circuit between the first dummy pattern 307 and the bonding area is avoided.

[0077] Optionally, in some embodiments, the non-touch area includes at least one pad group composed of the pads 306.

[0078] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one pad group includes at least one inductive electrode (RX) pad group and at least one transmitting electrode (TX) pad group.

[0079] Optionally, in some embodiments, the minimum length of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 in the at least one inductive electrode (RX) pad group is greater than or equal to the minimum length of the at least one first dummy pattern 307 in the at least one transmitting electrode (TX) pad group.

[0080] The minimum length of the first dummy pattern 307 in the inductive electrode (RX) pad group is greater than or equal to the minimum length of the first dummy pattern 307 in the transmit electrode (TX) pad group, which can form a longer narrow path near the trace 305 electrically connected to the inductive electrode (RX) pad group to block the intrusion of water and oxygen. The trace 305 electrically connected to the inductive electrode (RX) pad group is more vulnerable to water and oxygen erosion than the trace 305 electrically connected to the transmit electrode (TX) pad group. With the above arrangement, the trace 305 electrically connected to the inductive electrode (RX) pad group can be better protected.

[0081] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 10 shown, the at least one first dummy pattern 307 and / or the at least one trace 305 (305') has a double-layer structure.

[0082] Optionally, in some embodiments, the double-layer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer. For example, Figure 10 the trace 305 in

[0083] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch module is provided. As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the touch module 300 includes: a substrate 301, including a touch area 302 and a non-touch area 303 located around the touch area 302, the non-touch area 303 including a side area 309; a touch structure located within the touch area; at least one trace 305; at least one overlapping block 310; and at least one second dummy pattern 311; wherein, a part of the at least one trace 305, the at least one overlapping block 310, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 are located within the side area 309; the at least one trace 305 is electrically connected to the at least one overlapping block 310, the at least one overlapping block 310 is electrically connected to the touch structure, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 is adjacent to the at least one overlapping block 310.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing a second dummy pattern 311 adjacent to the overlapping block 310, it is possible to effectively prevent water and oxygen from penetrating through the gap region between the overlapping block 310 and the second dummy pattern 311 and corroding the traces. When the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, water and oxygen will be blocked by the second dummy pattern 311 after entering the gap region. The second dummy pattern 311 is adjacent to the overlapping block 310 and has a certain width, thereby restricting the channels for water and oxygen to invade. The above arrangement not only restricts the channels for water and oxygen to invade, but also ensures the insulation between the overlapping blocks 310 and the insulation between the traces 305. Therefore, when the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, it blocks water and oxygen from invading the traces, solving the problem of corrosion and disconnection of the traces 305 caused by the high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test.

[0085] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the at least one overlapping block 310 includes a plurality of overlapping blocks 310 arranged along the first direction X, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 is located in the gap between adjacent overlapping blocks 310.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the second dummy pattern 311 in the gap region between two adjacent overlapping blocks 310, it is possible to effectively prevent water and oxygen from penetrating through the gap region and corroding the traces.

[0087] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the at least one trace 305 includes a plurality of traces 305, and the plurality of traces 305 are distributed on a side of the at least one second dummy pattern 311 away from the touch region 302. With the above arrangement, the plurality of traces 305 are further away from the touch region 302 of the touch module relative to the plurality of overlapping blocks 310 and the at least one second dummy pattern 311. Therefore, water and oxygen from outside the touch module can only approach the traces 305 through the narrow gap between the overlapping blocks 310 and the second dummy pattern 311.

[0088] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the at least one second dummy pattern 311 and the plurality of overlapping blocks 310 are arranged in the first direction X, the at least one second dummy pattern 311 and the plurality of overlapping blocks 310 have substantially the same width in the second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect. With such an arrangement, the channels for water and oxygen to invade are restricted, making it difficult for water and oxygen to approach the traces 305 from between adjacent overlapping blocks 310. In addition, with such an arrangement, the multiple channels for water and oxygen to invade are arranged in the first direction X, which also facilitates the formation of a further sealing structure later.

[0089] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the first direction X and the second direction Y are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0090] In the context of the present disclosure, "substantially perpendicular to each other" means that the two directions are not limited to being completely perpendicular, and the included angle can also be a value within the range of process or measurement errors. For example, the included angle is between 85° and 95°.

[0091] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the touch structure includes a plurality of touch signal lines; the plurality of touch signal lines include a plurality of first touch signal lines 312 arranged along the first direction X and a plurality of second touch signal lines 312' arranged along the second direction Y. The plurality of first touch signal lines 312 correspond to the plurality of overlapping blocks 310 one by one. One end of the overlapping block 310 close to the touch area 302 is connected to the corresponding first touch signal line 312.

[0092] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line 312 includes a sensing electrode.

[0093] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second touch signal line 312' includes a transmitting electrode.

[0094] Optionally, in some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, the minimum distance G3 between the second dummy pattern 311 and the most adjacent overlapping block 310 is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width W1 of the trace 305.

[0095] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the widths of the traces 305 are substantially the same. However, the present invention is also applicable to designs with varying trace widths. Correspondingly, the minimum distance G3 between the second dummy pattern 311 and the most adjacent overlapping block 310 should be greater than or equal to twice the minimum width W1 of the trace 305. With the above arrangement, a short circuit between the second dummy pattern 311 and the most adjacent overlapping block 310 is avoided. In addition, too small a distance will result in higher process precision. Therefore, the above arrangement can also simplify the manufacturing process.

[0096] Optionally, in some embodiments, the extending direction of the at least one second dummy pattern 311 (as shown by the arrow c in Figure 5 ) is substantially parallel to the extending direction of the plurality of traces 305 in the side region 309 (as shown by the arrow d in Figure 5 ); the minimum distance G4 between the second dummy pattern 311 and the plurality of traces 305 is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width W1 of the trace 305.

[0097] Similarly, for designs with different trace widths, the minimum distance G4 between the second dummy pattern 311 and the closest trace 305 should be greater than or equal to twice the minimum width W1 of the trace 305. With the above arrangement, a short circuit between the second dummy pattern 311 and the closest trace 305 is avoided. In addition, an overly small distance will result in higher process precision, so the above arrangement can also simplify the manufacturing process.

[0098] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the at least one second dummy pattern 311 is at least one of a conductive metal, metal oxide, or metal alloy material. The metal materials include, but are not limited to, copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), etc. The second dummy pattern 311 made of a metal material can react with the intruding water and oxygen, consume the water and oxygen, and produce an effect of "absorbing" the water and oxygen, thereby more effectively preventing the corrosion of the traces by the water and oxygen.

[0099] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one trace 305, the at least one overlap block 310, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 comprise the same material. Further, the at least one trace 305, the at least one overlap block 310, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 can be made of the same material. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a single patterning process is used to pattern a film layer of the same material, thereby forming the at least one trace 305, the at least one overlap block 310, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311. The above patterning process can be performed on a single metal film layer, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, the multiple traces 305, multiple overlap blocks 310, and multiple second dummy patterns 311 made in the above manner can be located in the same layer, further eliminating the step difference and limiting the channels for water and oxygen intrusion.

[0100] Optionally, in some embodiments, Figure 11 As shown, the at least one second dummy pattern 311 and / or the at least one trace 305 has a bilayer structure.

[0101] Optionally, in some embodiments, the bilayer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer. For example, Figure 11 the trace 305 in includes a part of the first touch signal line 312 and a metal layer.

[0102] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line 312 and the overlap block 310 have at least a partially overlapping area.

[0103] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the first touch signal line 312 and the overlapping block 310 is different and they are located in different film layers.

[0104] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a touch display device is provided. Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a touch display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the touch display device 600 includes: a display panel 601, and a touch module 300 arranged on the display panel 601 as described in any of the above embodiments. The touch module 300 includes a substrate 301, a plurality of first touch signal lines 312 located on a first surface of the substrate 301, at least one trace 305, at least one pad 306, and at least one first dummy pattern (not shown). The touch module 300 is electrically connected to an external circuit 604 (such as a TFPC) via a bonding portion of the at least one pad 306. The touch module 300 may further include an insulating layer 308 covering the at least one trace 305; wherein, the insulating layer 308 is located on a side of the at least one trace 305 away from the substrate 301. In addition, similar to the arrangement on the first surface of the substrate 301, the touch module 300 may further include a plurality of second touch signal lines 312' and at least one trace 305' located on a second surface of the substrate 301. The touch module 300 may further include an insulating layer 308' covering the at least one trace 305'; wherein, the insulating layer 308' is located on a side of the at least one trace 305' away from the substrate 301.

[0105] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first touch signal line 312 includes a sensing electrode.

[0106] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second touch signal line 312' includes a transmitting electrode.

[0107] Optionally, in some embodiments, the material of the trace 305 of the touch module 300 includes copper; the atomic percentage of copper in the trace 305 is greater than or equal to 40%.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a touch module is provided. As Figure 7As shown, the method includes: S701 providing a substrate, the substrate including a touch area and a non-touch area around the touch area; the non-touch area including a wiring area, an unbonded area, and a bonded area; a touch structure located in the touch area; at least one pad located in the non-touch area, the at least one pad including a pad bonding portion located in the bonded area and a pad non-bonding portion located in the unbonded area; S702 arranging at least one wiring in the wiring area, one end of the at least one wiring being electrically connected to the touch structure and the other end of the at least one wiring being electrically connected to the pad; and S703 arranging at least one first dummy pattern in the unbonded area, the first dummy pattern being adjacent to the at least one pad.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by using the first dummy pattern 307 disposed in the unbonded area and adjacent to the pad 306, it is possible to effectively prevent water and oxygen from penetrating and corroding the wiring from the unbonded area. When the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, water and oxygen will be blocked by the first dummy pattern 307 after entering the unbonded area. The first dummy pattern 307 is located in the unbonded area, adjacent to the pad 306, and has a certain width, thereby restricting the channel for water and oxygen intrusion. The above arrangement not only restricts the channel for water and oxygen intrusion, but also ensures the insulation between the pads 306 and the insulation between the wirings 305. Therefore, when the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, it blocks water and oxygen from invading the wiring, solving the problem of corrosion and disconnection of the wiring 305 caused by the high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a touch module is provided. As Figure 8As shown, the method includes: S801 providing a substrate, the substrate including a touch area and a non-touch area surrounding the touch area, the non-touch area including a side area; a touch structure located in the touch area; and S802 arranging at least one trace, at least one bonding pad, and at least one second dummy pattern on a first surface of the substrate, a part of the at least one trace, the at least one bonding pad, and the at least one second dummy pattern being located in the side area; the at least one trace 305 being electrically connected to the at least one bonding pad 310, the at least one bonding pad 310 being electrically connected to the touch structure, and the at least one second dummy pattern 311 being adjacent to the at least one bonding pad 310. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the second dummy pattern 311 adjacent to the bonding pad 310, it is possible to effectively prevent water and oxygen from penetrating through the gap area between the bonding pad 310 and the second dummy pattern 311 and corroding the trace. When the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, water and oxygen will be blocked by the second dummy pattern 311 after entering the gap area. The second dummy pattern 311 is adjacent to the bonding pad 310 and has a certain width, thereby restricting the channel for water and oxygen intrusion. The above arrangement not only restricts the channel for water and oxygen intrusion but also ensures the insulation between the bonding pads 310 and the insulation between the traces 305. Therefore, when the touch module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure undergoes a high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test, it blocks water and oxygen from invading the traces, solving the problem of trace 305 corrosion and disconnection caused by the high-acceleration temperature and humidity pressure test.

[0111] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the materials of the trace, the first dummy pattern, the second dummy pattern, the touch signal line, the pad, and the bonding pad may be at least one of electrically conductive metals, metal oxides, or metal alloy materials, including but not limited to, for example, copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), indium tin oxide (ITO), etc.

[0112] When the trace is made of copper, the reaction equation for electrochemical corrosion is: Cu - 2e → Cu 2+ , and O2 + 4e - + 2H2O → 4OH - . Figure 9Shows the comparison of the trace components measured by an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) that have undergone the HAST test. After undergoing the HAST test, in the touch module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the atomic percentage (At%) of copper in the trace decreases from 57.84% to 43.34%. Compared with the traces in the touch module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, after undergoing the HAST test, the atomic percentage of copper in the traces of the control group sample decreases from 57.84% to 24.25%, and the atomic percentages of carbon and oxygen elements increase to 51.02% and 21.68% respectively. Thus, it can be seen that more copper oxides are formed in the traces of the control group sample. In addition, the results of Focused Ion Beam (FIB) testing also show that compared with the traces in the touch module of the embodiment of the present disclosure, in the traces of the control group, the morphology of the copper layer in the corrosion area changes, dense holes appear in the metal wires, and the copper traces are severely corroded.

[0113] In the description of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure rather than requiring the present disclosure to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0114] In the description of this specification, the description referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "another embodiment", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples. Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms "first", "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features.

[0115] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be subject to the protection scope of the claimed rights.

Claims

1. A touch control module, comprising: A substrate, including a touch region and a non-touch region surrounding the touch region; the non-touch region includes a routing region, an unbonded region, and a bonded region; A touch structure, located in the touch region; A plurality of pads, located in the non-touch region, each pad of the plurality of pads including a pad bonding portion located in the bonded region and a pad non-bonding portion located in the unbonded region; A plurality of routings, located in the routing region and electrically connected to the touch structure; And A plurality of first dummy patterns; Wherein, the plurality of routings are also electrically connected to the plurality of pads, the plurality of first dummy patterns are located in the unbonded region, and each first dummy pattern of the plurality of first dummy patterns is located between two adjacent pads of the plurality of pads, so that the plurality of first dummy patterns and the plurality of pads form an alternating arrangement.

2. The touch control module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of routings are distributed on a side of the plurality of first dummy patterns close to the touch region.

3. The touch control module according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first dummy patterns are located at one end of the unbonded region close to the touch region.

4. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The length extension direction of the plurality of first dummy patterns is parallel to the length extension direction of the plurality of pads.

5. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The minimum distance between the plurality of first dummy patterns and the closest adjacent pad is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the routing.

6. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The minimum distance between the plurality of first dummy patterns and the closest adjacent routing is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the routing.

7. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The minimum length of the plurality of first dummy patterns is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the closest adjacent pad.

8. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The material of the plurality of first dummy patterns is at least one of a conductive metal, metal oxide, or metal alloy material.

9. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The plurality of routings, the plurality of pads, and the plurality of first dummy patterns are made of the same material.

10. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, One end of the plurality of first dummy patterns close to the routing is flush with one end of at least one adjacent pad close to the routing.

11. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The maximum distance and the minimum distance between the end of the plurality of first dummy patterns far from the routing and the bonded region are in the range of 0.05 mm - 0.15 mm.

12. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The non-touch region includes at least one pad group composed of the plurality of pads.

13. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The plurality of pad groups include at least one sensing electrode pad group and at least one transmitting electrode pad group.

14. The touch control module according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The plurality of first dummy patterns and / or the plurality of routings have a double-layer structure.

15. The touch control module according to claim 14, wherein, The double-layer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer.

16. A touch control module, comprising: A substrate, including a touch region and a non-touch region surrounding the touch region, the non-touch region including a side region; A touch structure, located within the touch region; A plurality of routings; A plurality of overlapping blocks; And A plurality of second dummy patterns; Wherein A part of the plurality of routings, the plurality of overlapping blocks, and the plurality of second dummy patterns are located in the side region; the plurality of routings are electrically connected to the plurality of overlapping blocks, the plurality of overlapping blocks are electrically connected to the touch structure, and each second dummy pattern of the plurality of second dummy patterns is located in a gap between adjacent overlapping blocks, so that the plurality of second dummy patterns and the plurality of overlapping blocks form an alternating arrangement.

17. The touch module according to claim 16, wherein, The multiple overlapping blocks are arranged in a first direction, and the multiple second dummy patterns are located in the gaps between adjacent overlapping blocks.

18. The touch module according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The multiple traces are distributed on a side of the multiple second dummy patterns away from the touch area.

19. The touch module according to claim 17, wherein, The multiple second dummy patterns and the multiple overlapping blocks are arranged in the first direction, the multiple second dummy patterns and the multiple overlapping blocks have the same width in a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction.

20. The touch module according to claim 19, wherein, The touch structure includes multiple touch signal lines; the multiple touch signal lines include multiple first touch signal lines arranged in the first direction and multiple second touch signal lines arranged in the second direction, the multiple first touch signal lines correspond to the multiple overlapping blocks one by one, and one end of an overlapping block close to the touch area is connected to the corresponding first touch signal line.

21. The touch module according to claim 20, wherein, The first touch signal line includes a sensing electrode.

22. The touch module according to any one of claims 16 - 17, 19 - 21, wherein, The minimum distance between the multiple second dummy patterns and the closest overlapping block is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

23. The touch module according to any one of claims 16 - 17, 19 - 21, wherein, The length extension direction of the multiple second dummy patterns is parallel to the extension direction of the multiple traces in the side area; the minimum distance between the multiple second dummy patterns and the closest trace is greater than or equal to twice the maximum width of the trace.

24. The touch module according to any one of claims 16 - 17, 19 - 21, wherein, The material of the multiple second dummy patterns is at least one of a conductive metal, metal oxide, or metal alloy material.

25. The touch module according to any one of claims 16 - 17, 19 - 21, wherein, The multiple traces, multiple overlapping blocks, and multiple second dummy patterns are made of the same material.

26. The touch module according to any one of claims 16 - 17, 19 - 21, wherein, The multiple second dummy patterns and / or the multiple traces have a double-layer structure.

27. The touch module according to claim 26, wherein, The double-layer structure includes an ITO layer and a metal layer having at least a partially overlapping area with the ITO layer.

28. The touch module according to claim 20, wherein, The first touch signal line and the overlapping block have at least a partially overlapping area.

29. For the touch module according to claim 28, the material of the first touch signal line and the overlapping block is different, and they are located in different film layers.

30. A touch display device, comprising: A display panel, and a touch module as claimed in any one of claims 1-29 arranged on the display panel.

31. The touch display device according to claim 30, wherein, The material of the trace of the touch module includes copper; the atomic percentage of copper in the trace is greater than or equal to 40%.

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