Touch structures, foldable screens and electronic devices

By using cross-arranged electrodes and virtual electrodes in a foldable touch structure to detect finger touch position and folding angle, the problems of signal interference and increased weight in the prior art are solved, achieving high sensitivity and low cost folding angle detection.

CN117827039BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-17GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
Filing Date
2023-12-28
Publication Date
2026-07-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices require additional magnets and Hall sensors to detect the screen folding angle, which increases cost and weight and is not conducive to lightweight design. At the same time, the finger touch position detection signal and the folding angle detection signal are prone to interference.

Method used

It adopts a foldable touch structure, and detects the finger touch position by multiple first electrodes and second electrodes that are cross-arranged and mutually insulated. The folding angle is detected by the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes that are symmetrically arranged in pairs, thus avoiding signal interference.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy of folding angle detection and the sensitivity of finger touch, reduces the cost and weight of electronic devices, and avoids the need for additional magnets and Hall sensors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application discloses a touch structure, a foldable screen, and an electronic device. The touch structure is foldable and has a folding line extending along a first direction. The touch structure includes multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. The multiple first electrodes are arranged along the first direction, and the multiple second electrodes are arranged along a second direction. Each second electrode intersects with and is insulated from the multiple first electrodes. The multiple first electrodes are symmetrically arranged about the folding line, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each second electrode is provided with a first virtual electrode. Each pair of first virtual electrodes is symmetrically arranged about the folding line, so that the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged pairs of first virtual electrodes is used to detect the folding angle of the touch structure. The touch structure, foldable screen, and electronic device of this application simultaneously achieve low cost, low overall weight, and high detection accuracy and sensitivity.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of touch structure technology, and in particular to a touch structure, a foldable screen, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] To improve the convenience of human-computer interaction, most electronic devices are equipped with touch screens. Flexible screens have attracted much attention due to their unique properties and enormous potential. Compared to traditional screens, flexible screens are highly flexible and bendable, providing users with new interaction methods based on their bendability and meeting more of their needs for electronic devices.

[0003] Foldable screens are a specific application of flexible screen technology. Currently, most foldable electronic devices detect the folding angle by installing magnets on both sides of the screen located on the folding axis, and using Hall sensors installed in the hinge area to sense the strength of the magnetic force at different angles. However, this method requires additional magnets and Hall sensors to be installed inside the foldable electronic device, which greatly increases the cost and overall weight of the device, hindering lightweight design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, this application needs to address the above-mentioned technical problems by providing a touch structure, foldable screen, and electronic device that can simultaneously achieve low cost, low overall weight, and high detection accuracy and sensitivity.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a touch structure, which is a foldable structure, having a folding line extending along a first direction. The touch structure:

[0006] Multiple first electrodes are arranged along the first direction;

[0007] A plurality of second electrodes are provided, each of which is intersected with a plurality of first electrodes and is insulated from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes are arranged along a second direction and are symmetrical about the fold line. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] Each of the second electrodes is provided with a first virtual electrode, and a plurality of the first virtual electrodes are arranged along the second direction. Furthermore, each pair of the first virtual electrodes is symmetrically arranged about the fold line, so that the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes can detect the folding angle of the touch structure.

[0009] Secondly, this application provides a foldable screen, which includes a display structure and a touch structure as described in the first aspect above, wherein the touch structure is interconnected with the display structure.

[0010] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device having a foldable screen as described in the second aspect above.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0012] The touch structure, foldable screen, and electronic device provided in this application are foldable structures with fold lines. The touch structure includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes that are arranged in a cross configuration and insulated from each other. The touch position of a finger can be detected by the change in the node capacitance value at the intersection of the first electrodes and the second electrodes. Moreover, the plurality of second electrodes are symmetrically arranged about the fold lines, and each second electrode is provided with a first virtual electrode. The plurality of first virtual electrodes are symmetrically arranged about the fold lines, so the folding angle of the touch structure can be detected by the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes. Because the touch structure provided in this application can detect the finger's touch position by the change in the node capacitance value at the intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode, and detect the folding angle of the touch structure by the mutual capacitance between the two symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes, the detection of the finger's touch position and the folding angle of the touch structure can be achieved by different electrodes. This not only avoids interference between the touch position detection signal and the folding angle detection signal when it is necessary to detect the finger's touch position and the folding angle at the same time, thus effectively improving the accuracy of the folding angle detection and the sensitivity of the touch structure to finger touch; at the same time, it also eliminates the need for electronic devices to add magnets and Hall sensors, thereby helping to reduce the cost and weight of electronic devices. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the touch structure in the unfolded state in the embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the touch structure in the folded state in the embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the touch structure in the folded state in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of the touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a first cross-sectional view of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a second cross-sectional view of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a third cross-sectional view of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a fourth cross-sectional view of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 12 This is a fifth cross-sectional view of the touch structure in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the 4x4 touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the 4x4 touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the 4x4 touch unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable screen in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Explanation of main figure symbols

[0032] 10 - Touch structure; 10a - First edge; 10a1 - First metal trace; 10a2 - Third metal trace; 10b - Second edge; 10b1 - Second metal trace; 10b2 - Fourth metal trace; 11 - First electrode; 12 - Second electrode; 121 - First sub-electrode; 122 - Second sub-electrode; 13 - First virtual electrode; 131 - First sub-virtual electrode; 132 - Second sub-virtual electrode; 14 - Touch unit; 141 - First electrode unit; 1411 - First sub-electrode unit; 142 - Second electrode unit; 1421 - Second sub-electrode unit; 143 - Virtual 1431-Pseudo-electrode unit; 1431a-Electrical connection part; 144-Connecting bridge; 144a-First connecting bridge; 144b-Second connecting bridge; 145-Connecting electrode; 146-Virtual connecting electrode; 147-Virtual connecting bridge; 148-Second virtual electrode; 15-Touch layer; 16-Metal layer; 16a-First metal layer; 16b-Second metal layer; 161-Insulating layer; 1611-Via; 161a-First insulating layer; 161a1-First via; 161a2-Second via; 161b-Second insulating layer; 161b1-Third via;

[0033] 200 - Foldable screen; 20 - Display structure;

[0034] 300 - Electronic devices;

[0035] f1 - First direction; f2 - Second direction;

[0036] M-fold line. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0039] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first electrode may be referred to as a second electrode, and similarly, a second electrode may be referred to as a first electrode. Both the first electrode and the second electrode are electrodes, but they are not the same electrode.

[0040] It is understood that the term "connection" in the following embodiments should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if the connected circuits, modules, units, etc., have electrical signal or data transmission with each other.

[0041] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0042] To improve the convenience of human-computer interaction, most electronic devices are equipped with touchscreens. Flexible screens have attracted much attention due to their unique properties and enormous potential. Compared to traditional screens, flexible screens are highly flexible and bendable, providing users with new interaction methods based on their bendability and meeting more of their needs for electronic devices.

[0043] Foldable screens are a specific application of flexible screen technology. Currently, most foldable electronic devices have magnets installed on both sides of the folded screen, and the folding angle is detected by Hall sensors installed in the hinge area to sense the strength of the magnetic force at different angles. However, this method requires additional magnets and Hall sensors to be installed inside the foldable electronic device, which greatly increases the cost and overall weight of the device, hindering lightweight design.

[0044] The inventors discovered that when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, its folding angle can be considered as 180°. The mutual capacitance between the two effective touch electrodes symmetrically arranged along the folding axis is very small. However, when the foldable electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the mutual capacitance between the two effective touch electrodes symmetrically arranged along the folding axis increases. Furthermore, as the folding angle gradually decreases, the mutual capacitance between the two effective touch electrodes symmetrically arranged along the folding axis gradually increases. When the screen is completely closed, the folding angle of the foldable electronic device can be considered as 0°, and the mutual capacitance between the two effective touch electrodes symmetrically arranged along the folding axis reaches its maximum.

[0045] Based on this, the inventors attempted to detect the screen's folding angle by simultaneously detecting the mutual capacitance between two effective touch electrodes symmetrical along the folding axis on the touch structure using a touch IC. In other words, this method reuses the electrodes in the touch structure used to detect the finger's touch position to detect the screen's folding angle. Although this method does not require additional magnets or Hall sensors, and does not increase cost or overall weight, the need for simultaneous finger touch detection during folding angle detection can easily lead to interference between the touch position detection signal and the folding angle detection signal. This is especially true when wet fingers are present, which can easily result in inaccurate folding angle detection or decreased sensitivity to finger touch.

[0046] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a foldable touch structure. In this touch structure, multiple electrodes symmetrically arranged about the folding line of the touch structure are each provided with a first virtual electrode. The multiple first virtual electrodes are symmetrically arranged about the folding line, so that the folding angle of the touch structure can be detected by the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes. This eliminates the need for additional magnets and Hall sensors, and also eliminates the need to reuse the electrodes used to detect the finger touch position to detect the folding angle. This reduces the cost and weight of the electronic device, while avoiding interference between the touch position detection signal and the folding angle detection signal when it is necessary to detect the finger touch position and the folding angle simultaneously. This improves the accuracy of folding angle detection and the sensitivity of the touch structure to finger touch.

[0047] The touch structure of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 This illustrates an exemplary touch structure provided in an embodiment of this application. The touch structure 10 is a foldable structure, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the touch structure 10 is in a folded state, and the folding angle of the touch structure 10 at this time is approximately 90°, as... Figure 2 As shown, the touch structure 10 is in the unfolded state, and the folding angle of the touch structure 10 at this time is approximately 180°. The touch structure 10 provided in this application can switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. It should be noted that when the touch structure 10 is in the folded state, the folding angle of the touch structure can be 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 75°, 100°, 105°, 120°, 135°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, or 175°, in addition to the aforementioned 90°.

[0049] Please see Figure 1The touch structure 10 has a folded line M extending along a first direction f1, and includes a plurality of first electrodes 11 and a plurality of second electrodes 12. The plurality of first electrodes 11 are arranged along the first direction f1, and each second electrode 12 is intersected with the plurality of first electrodes 11 and insulated from the plurality of first electrodes 11. The plurality of second electrodes 12 are arranged along a second direction f2, and are symmetrically arranged about the folded line M. The second direction f2 is perpendicular to the first direction f1. The first electrode 11 is one of a driving electrode (abbreviated as Tx) and a sensing electrode (abbreviated as Rx), and the second electrode 12 is the other of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. That is, when the first electrode 11 is Tx, the second electrode 12 is Rx, and when the first electrode 11 is Rx, the second electrode 12 is Tx. Exemplarily, this embodiment of the application uses the first electrode 11 as Tx and the second electrode 12 as Rx as an example for explanation.

[0050] In practical applications, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are electrically connected to the touch chip. Thus, during normal use, the touch chip can detect the change in the node capacitance value at the intersection of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to detect the position of the finger touch.

[0051] It should be noted that in some embodiments of this application, both the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be made of metal mesh (MM). Furthermore, it should be noted that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mesh markings are only used to distinguish the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the first virtual electrode 13, and are not used to show the specific shape of the metal mesh. In practical applications, the metal mesh can be a mesh structure formed by intersecting metal lines, which can avoid obscuring the pixels in the display structure located below the touch structure 10.

[0052] Optional, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first direction f1 can be the x-axis direction in a planar coordinate system, which is commonly referred to as the horizontal direction, and the second direction f2 is the y-axis direction in a planar coordinate system, which is commonly referred to as the vertical direction. Therefore, the touch structure 10 is a vertically folding structure. Of course, in the optional embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first direction f1 can also be the y-axis direction in the plane coordinate system, which is commonly referred to as the vertical direction. The second direction f2 is the x-axis direction in the plane coordinate system, which is commonly referred to as the horizontal direction. Therefore, the touch structure 10 is a vertically folded structure.

[0053] For example, this application embodiment uses the first direction f1 as the x-axis direction in the planar coordinate system, the second direction f2 as the y-axis direction in the planar coordinate system, and the touch structure 10 as a vertically folded structure for illustration.

[0054] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each second electrode 12 is provided with a first virtual electrode 13. The first virtual electrodes 13 are symmetrically arranged in pairs about the fold line M, so that the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes 13 is used to detect the folding angle of the touch structure 10. The first virtual electrodes 13 can be made of a metal mesh.

[0055] It should be noted that in practical applications, the first virtual electrode 13 is electrically connected to the touch chip. Furthermore, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the first virtual electrode 13 are each electrically connected to different signal drive pins of the touch chip, so that the touch chip can independently control each electrode.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, there may be multiple second electrodes 12, and the multiple second electrodes 12 may be symmetrically arranged about the fold line M. The number of second electrodes 12 is even. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen or sixteen second electrodes 12, etc. Correspondingly, the number of first virtual electrodes 13 is also even. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen or sixteen first virtual electrodes 13, etc.

[0057] For example, this application embodiment uses ten second electrodes 12 and ten first virtual electrodes 13 as an example for illustration.

[0058] When the touch structure 10 is in the unfolded state, it can be considered that the folding angle of the touch structure 10 is 180°. The mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13, which are symmetrically arranged along the folding line M, is very small. For example... Figure 2 The diagram shows ten second electrodes 12 and ten first virtual electrodes 13. The ten first virtual electrodes 13 are designated as Dummy1, Dummy2, Dummy3, Dummy4, Dummy5, ​​Dummy6, Dummy7, Dummy8, Dummy9, and Dummy10. When the touch structure 10 is in the unfolded state, the mutual capacitance between Dummy1 and Dummy10, between Dummy2 and Dummy9, between Dummy3 and Dummy8, between Dummy4 and Dummy7, and between Dummy5 and Dummy6 is very small. However, when the touch structure 10 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, for example, from... Figure 2 Switching to the current state Figure 1When the folding angle gradually decreases, the mutual capacitance between Dummy1 and Dummy10, Dummy2 and Dummy9, Dummy3 and Dummy8, Dummy4 and Dummy7, and Dummy5 and Dummy6 will all increase. Moreover, as the folding angle gradually decreases, the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 that are symmetrically arranged along the folding line M will gradually increase. When the touch structure 10 is fully closed, it can be regarded that the folding angle of the folding electronic device is 0°, and the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 that are symmetrically arranged along the folding line M reaches its maximum.

[0059] Therefore, the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 symmetrically arranged along the folding line M can be matched with the folding angle of the touch structure 10. This allows the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 symmetrically arranged along the folding line M to correspond to the folding angle of the touch structure 10. Specifically, assuming the touch chip detects that the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 symmetrically arranged along the folding line M is the first mutual capacitance value, it indicates that the touch structure 10 is in the unfolded state. When the touch structure 10 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, for example, when the folding angle is 90°, the touch chip will measure that the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 symmetrically arranged along the folding line M is the second mutual capacitance value, no longer the first mutual capacitance value. This second mutual capacitance is not equal to the first mutual capacitance, indicating that the touch structure 10 is in the folded state with a folding angle of 90°. Thus, by detecting the change in the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 symmetrically arranged along the folding line M, the folding angle of the touch structure 10 can be effectively detected.

[0060] When the touch structure 10 is applied to a foldable screen of an electronic device, when the touch chip detects the current folding angle of the touch structure 10, since the folding angle of the touch structure 10 is also the folding angle of the entire electronic device, the touch chip can report the folding angle of the entire device at the same time as detecting the folding angle of the touch structure 10, thereby adjusting the display content of the foldable screen for easier viewing. For example, when the current folding angle of the entire device is detected to be 90°, the display content can be adjusted so that all the content is displayed on the upper half of the foldable screen.

[0061] The foldable touch structure 10 provided in this embodiment has a folding line M extending along a first direction f1. The touch structure 10 includes a plurality of first electrodes 11 and a plurality of second electrodes 12 that are arranged crosswise and insulated from each other. The plurality of first electrodes 11 are arranged along the first direction f1, and the plurality of second electrodes 12 are arranged along the second direction f2. Thus, the touch position of the finger can be detected by the change in the node capacitance value at the intersection between the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12. At the same time, the plurality of second electrodes 12 are symmetrically arranged about the folding line M, and each of the plurality of second electrodes 12 has a first virtual electrode 13 disposed inside it. The plurality of first virtual electrodes 13 are symmetrically arranged about the folding line M. Thus, the folding angle of the touch structure 10 can be detected by the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes 13. Because the touch structure 10 provided in this application detects the finger touch position by the change in the node capacitance value at the intersection of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and detects the folding angle of the touch structure 10 by the mutual capacitance between the first virtual electrodes 13 arranged in pairs, the detection of the finger touch position and the folding angle of the touch structure 10 can be achieved by different electrodes. This not only avoids interference between the touch position detection signal and the folding angle detection signal when it is necessary to detect the finger touch position and the folding angle at the same time, but also effectively improves the accuracy of folding angle detection and the sensitivity of the touch structure 10 to finger touch; at the same time, it also eliminates the need for additional magnets and Hall sensors in electronic devices, thereby helping to reduce the cost and weight of electronic devices.

[0062] In this application, a first virtual electrode 13 may be disposed inside a second electrode 12, or a first virtual electrode 13 may be disposed around a second electrode 12, for example, a second electrode 12 may be disposed inside a first virtual electrode 13.

[0063] Preferably, a first virtual electrode 13 can be disposed inside a second electrode 12. This not only allows the mutual capacitance between the two symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes 13 to detect the folding angle of the touch structure 10, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the folding angle and the sensitivity of the touch structure 10 to finger touch, but also reduces the effective area of ​​the second electrode 12 by using the first virtual electrode 13, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance between the second electrode 12 in the touch structure 10 and the cathode in the display structure disposed below the touch structure 10.

[0064] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5The touch structure 10 includes a plurality of touch units 14 arranged in a matrix along the first direction f1 and the second direction f2. Each touch unit 14 includes a first electrode unit 141 and a second electrode unit 142 that are arranged in a cross manner and insulated from each other. The second electrode unit 142 is provided with a virtual electrode unit 143. The first electrode 11 includes a plurality of first electrode units 141 that are continuously connected in the second direction f2. The second electrode 12 includes a plurality of second electrode units 142 that are continuously connected in the first direction f1. The first virtual electrode 13 includes a plurality of virtual electrode units 143 that are continuously connected in the first direction f1.

[0065] Please see Figure 5 This is a diagram of a touch unit 14 of the touch structure 10, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the first electrode unit 141 includes two first sub-electrode units 1411 spaced apart along the second direction f2, the second electrode unit 142 includes two second sub-electrode units 1421 spaced apart along the first direction f1, and the virtual electrode unit 143 includes two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 spaced apart along the first direction f1. The two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are respectively disposed inside the two second sub-electrode units 1421, i.e., one sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 is disposed inside one second sub-electrode unit 1421. Furthermore, the two first sub-electrode units 1411 and the two second sub-electrode units 1421 are electrically connected via connecting bridges 144, so that the two first sub-electrode units 1411 are continuously conductive in the second direction f2, the two second sub-electrode units 1421 are continuously conductive in the first direction f1, and the two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are electrically connected via virtual connecting electrodes 146, so that the two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are continuously conductive in the first direction f1. The virtual connection electrode 146 is located between the two first sub-electrode units 1411, and the virtual connection electrode 146 and the connection bridge 144 are mutually insulated.

[0066] For example, both the connecting bridge 144 and the virtual connecting electrode 146 can be made of metal mesh. Moreover, the metal mesh of the virtual connecting electrode 146 and the metal mesh of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 can be integrated, in other words, the virtual connecting electrode 146 can be regarded as part of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431.

[0067] exist Figure 5In the illustrated touch unit 14, for ease of description, the connecting bridge 144 connecting the two first sub-electrode units 1411 is defined as the first connecting bridge 144a, and the connecting bridge 144 connecting the two second sub-electrode units 1421 is defined as the second connecting bridge 144b. Since the first connecting bridge 144a and the second connecting bridge 144b intersect, to ensure insulation between them, the first connecting bridge 144a and the second connecting bridge 144b need to be located on different metal layers and separated by an insulating layer. For example, as shown... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the touch structure 10 also includes a touch layer 15 and two metal layers 16, which are a first metal layer 16a and a second metal layer 16b, respectively. The first metal layer 16a is disposed between the touch layer 15 and the second metal layer 16b. The touch layer 15 is formed by a first electrode unit 141, a second electrode unit 142, a virtual electrode unit 143, and a virtual connection electrode 146. The first metal layer 16a includes a first connection bridge 144a and a first insulating layer 161a covering the first connection bridge 144a. The second metal layer 16a... 6b includes a second connecting bridge 144b and a second insulating layer 161b covering the second connecting bridge 144b. The first insulating layer 161a is provided with a through first via 161a1 and a second via 161a2. The second insulating layer 161b is provided with a through third via 161b1. The first connecting bridge 144a passes through the first via 161a1 to be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode unit 1411. The second connecting bridge 144 passes through the third via 161b1 and the second via 161a2 in sequence to be electrically connected to the second sub-electrode unit 1421.

[0068] Please see Figure 8 This is an illustration of another type of touch unit 14 in the touch structure 10, as shown below. Figure 8As shown, the first electrode unit 141 includes two first sub-electrode units 1411 spaced apart along the second direction f2, the second electrode unit 142 includes two second sub-electrode units 1421 spaced apart along the first direction f1, and the virtual electrode unit 143 includes two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 spaced apart along the first direction f1. The two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are respectively disposed inside the two second sub-electrode units 1421, i.e., one sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 is disposed inside one second sub-electrode unit 1421. Furthermore, the two first sub-electrode units 1411 are electrically connected via a connecting bridge 144, and the two second sub-electrode units 1421 are electrically connected via a connecting electrode 145. The connecting electrode 145 is located in the partition region between the two first sub-electrode units 1411, and the connecting electrode 145 and the connecting bridge 144 are insulated from each other. The two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are electrically connected via a virtual connecting electrode 146, which is located inside the connecting electrode 145.

[0069] For example, the connecting bridge 144, the connecting electrode 145, and the virtual connecting electrode 146 can all be made of metal mesh. Furthermore, the metal mesh of the connecting electrode 145 and the metal mesh of the second sub-electrode unit 1421 can be integrated; in other words, the connecting electrode 145 can be considered as part of the second sub-electrode unit 1421. Similarly, the metal mesh of the virtual connecting electrode 146 and the metal mesh of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 can be integrated; in other words, the virtual connecting electrode 146 can be considered as part of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431.

[0070] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated touch unit 14, since the virtual connection electrode 146 is located inside the connection electrode 145, and the connection electrode 145 and the connection bridge 144 are intersecting, to ensure insulation between the connection electrode 145, the virtual connection electrode 146, and the connection bridge 144, the connection electrode 145 and the virtual connection electrode 146 can be disposed on the same metal layer, while the connection electrode 145 and the connection bridge 144 need to be disposed on different metal layers, and the two need to be separated by an insulating layer 161. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the touch structure 10 also includes a touch layer 15 and a metal layer 16. The first electrode unit 141, the second electrode unit 142, the connecting electrode 145, and the virtual connecting electrode 146 form the touch layer 15. The metal layer 16 is stacked on the touch layer 15. The metal layer 16 includes a connecting bridge 144 and an insulating layer 161 covering the connecting bridge 144. The insulating layer 161 has a through-hole 1611 so that the connecting bridge 144 can pass through the through-hole 1611 to be electrically connected to the first sub-electrode unit 1411. Compared to a design where both first sub-electrode units 1411 and both second sub-electrode units 1421 are electrically connected via the connecting bridge 144, this design reduces the number of metal layers 16, thus enabling a thinner and lighter design for the touch structure 10. It also simplifies the overall touch pattern structure and layout of the touch structure 10, facilitating its production and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0071] Please see Figure 10 This is an illustration of another type of touch unit 14 in the touch structure 10, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the first electrode unit 141 includes two first sub-electrode units 1411 spaced apart along the second direction f2, the second electrode unit 142 includes two second sub-electrode units 1421 spaced apart along the first direction f1, and the virtual electrode unit 143 includes two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 spaced apart along the first direction f1. The two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are respectively disposed inside the two second sub-electrode units 1421, i.e., one sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 is disposed inside one second sub-electrode unit 1421. Furthermore, the two second sub-electrode units 1421 are electrically connected via a connecting bridge 144, and the two first sub-electrode units 1411 are electrically connected via a connecting electrode 145. The connecting electrode 145 is located in the partition region between the two second sub-electrode units 1421, and the connecting electrode 145 and the connecting bridge 144 are mutually insulated. The two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are electrically connected via a virtual connecting bridge 147, and the virtual connecting bridge 147 is mutually insulated from both the connecting bridge 144 and the connecting electrode 145.

[0072] For example, the connecting bridge 144, the connecting electrode 145, and the virtual connecting bridge 147 can all be made of metal mesh. Moreover, the metal mesh of the connecting electrode 145 and the metal mesh of the first sub-electrode unit 1411 can be integrated, in other words, the connecting electrode 145 can be regarded as part of the first sub-electrode unit 1411.

[0073] exist Figure 10In the illustrated touch unit 14, since the connecting bridge 144 and the virtual connecting bridge 147 can be arranged in parallel, while the connecting bridge 144 and the connecting electrode 145 are arranged intersectingly, to ensure insulation between the connecting bridge 144 and the connecting electrode 145, the connecting bridge 144 and the virtual connecting bridge 147 can be disposed on the same metal layer, while the connecting bridge 144 and the connecting electrode 145 need to be located on different metal layers, and the two need to be separated by an insulating layer 161. For example, as... Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the touch structure 10 includes a touch layer 15 and a metal layer 16. The touch layer 15 is formed by a first electrode unit 141, a second electrode unit 142, and a connecting electrode 145. The metal layer 16 is stacked on one side of the touch layer 15. The metal layer 16 includes a connecting bridge 144, a virtual connecting bridge 147, and an insulating layer 161 covering the connecting bridge 144 and the virtual connecting bridge 147. The connecting bridge 144 and the virtual connecting bridge 147 are arranged at intervals along the second direction f2. The insulating layer 161 is provided with two through holes 1611. The two through holes 1611 are respectively a first through hole 161a1 and a second through hole 161a2, so that the connecting bridge 144 can pass through the first through hole 161a1 to be electrically connected to the second sub-electrode unit 1421, and the virtual connecting bridge 147 can pass through the second through hole 161a2 to be electrically connected to the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431. Compared to the method where both the two first sub-electrode units 1411 and the two second sub-electrode units 1421 are electrically connected through the connecting bridge 144, the number of metal layers 16 can be reduced, thereby enabling a thinner and lighter design for the touch structure 10. At the same time, it can also simplify the overall touch pattern structure and layout of the touch structure 10, making the production of the touch structure 10 easier and improving production efficiency.

[0074] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 In an optional embodiment of this application, the shape of the virtual electrode unit 143 matches the shape of the second electrode unit 142, and the center of the virtual electrode unit 143 coincides with the center of the second electrode unit 142. Specifically, the shape of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 matches the shape of the second sub-electrode unit 1421, and the center of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 coincides with the center of the second sub-electrode unit 1421.

[0075] By designing the shape of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 to match the shape of the second sub-electrode unit 1421—for example, when the shape of the second sub-electrode unit 1421 is rhomboid, the shape of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 is also rhomboid, and the center of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 coincides with the center of the second sub-electrode unit 1421—the outer and inner edges of the second sub-electrode unit 1421 can remain parallel at any position, meaning the distance between the outer and inner edges of the second sub-electrode unit 1421 can remain consistent at any position. This maintains the uniformity of the capacitive electric field (the uniformity of the electric field line distribution), thereby ensuring the uniformity of the touch signal and preventing excessive differences in the amount of touch signal at different positions, which could lead to inconsistent touch sensitivity at different positions.

[0076] In an optional embodiment of this application, the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 is provided with an electrical connection portion 1431a extending along the first direction f1. This electrical connection portion 1431a is located inside the second sub-electrode unit 1421 and between the two sub-virtual electrode units 1431. The electrical connection portion 1431a located between the two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 is conductive in the first direction f1, thereby enabling the two sub-virtual electrode units 1431 to be conductive in the first direction f1. By extending an additional electrical connection portion 1431a on the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 to achieve electrical connection between two adjacent sub-virtual electrode units 1431, it is possible to ensure that the second sub-electrode unit 1421 has a suitable effective touch area, so as to avoid the effective touch area of ​​the second sub-electrode unit 1421 being too small and resulting in too small touch signal, while reducing the length of the electrical connection structure (such as the virtual connection bridge 147 and the virtual connection electrode 146) used to achieve electrical connection between two adjacent sub-virtual electrode units 1431 in the first direction f1. In particular, when two adjacent sub-virtual electrode units 1431 are electrically connected through the virtual connection bridge 147, it is easier to bridge the virtual connection bridge 147 with the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431.

[0077] The electrical connection portion 1431a can be a grid connection line, an electrical connection line, etc. Preferably, the electrical connection portion 1431a is a grid connection line, and the metal grid of the electrical connection portion 1431a and the metal grid of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431 can be connected as one unit. In other words, the electrical connection portion 1431a can be regarded as part of the sub-virtual electrode unit 1431.

[0078] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14In an optional embodiment of this application, the touch structure 10 has a first edge 10a and a second edge 10b opposite each other in a first direction f1. The first edge 10a is provided with a first metal trace 10a1, and the second edge 10b is provided with a second metal trace 10b1. A plurality of first virtual electrodes 13 include a first sub-virtual electrode 131 and a second sub-virtual electrode 132. The first sub-virtual electrode 131 and the second sub-virtual electrode 132 are symmetrical about the fold line M. One end of the first sub-virtual electrode 131 located at the first edge 10a is electrically connected to the touch chip via the first metal trace 10a1, and one end of the second sub-virtual electrode 132 located at the second edge 10b is electrically connected to the touch chip via the second metal trace 10b1. Both the first metal trace 10a1 and the second metal trace 10b1 can extend to a third edge of the touch structure 10 in the second direction f2 to facilitate electrical connection with the touch chip.

[0079] This application achieves electrical connection between the first virtual electrode 13 (i.e., the first sub-virtual electrode 131 and the second sub-virtual electrode 132) located on both sides of the fold line M in the second direction f2 and the touch chip through metal traces (i.e., the first metal trace 10a1 and the second metal trace 10b1) set at different edges of the touch structure 10. Compared with multiple first virtual electrodes 13 achieving electrical connection with the touch chip through metal traces at the same edge, the total length of the metal traces (i.e., the sum of the lengths of the first metal trace 10a1 and the second metal trace 10b1) can be shortened. This reduces the trace area of ​​the metal traces, reduces the touch blind zone, thereby increasing the capacitance change caused by finger or active pen touch, improving recognition accuracy, and thus improving the touch accuracy and linearity of the touch structure 10.

[0080] When there are multiple first sub-virtual electrodes 131 and multiple second sub-virtual electrodes 132, that is, when there are four or more first virtual electrodes 13, the multiple first sub-virtual electrodes 131 are located at one end of the first edge 10a and connected in parallel, and the first metal trace 10a1 is connected to the parallel line of the multiple first sub-virtual electrodes 131, and / or, the multiple second sub-virtual electrodes 132 are located at one end of the second edge 10b and connected in parallel, and the second metal trace 10b1 is connected to the parallel line of the multiple second sub-virtual electrodes 132.

[0081] Multiple first sub-virtual electrodes 131 are connected in parallel at one end of the first edge 10a. These parallel first sub-virtual electrodes 131 can share a single first metal trace 10a1 for electrical connection to the touch chip. Compared to a series connection at one end of the first edge 10a, this reduces the trace area of ​​the metal trace and the width of the first edge 10a in the first direction f1. Similarly, multiple second sub-virtual electrodes 132 are connected in parallel at one end of the second edge 10b. These parallel second sub-virtual electrodes 132 can share a single second metal trace 10b1 for electrical connection to the touch chip. Compared to a series connection at one end of the second edge 10b, this reduces the trace area of ​​the metal trace and the width of the first edge 10a in the first direction f1, thus facilitating the narrow bezel design of the touch structure 10.

[0082] It should be noted that, in order to ensure the electrical connection between the multiple first virtual electrodes 13 and the touch chip, metal traces can also be laid out according to actual design requirements if the metal traces are not set up in the manner described above.

[0083] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 In an optional embodiment of this application, the first edge 10a is further provided with a third metal trace 10a2, and the second edge 10b is provided with a fourth metal trace 10b2; the plurality of second electrodes 12 include a first sub-electrode 121 and a second sub-electrode 122, the first sub-electrode 121 and the second sub-electrode 122 are symmetrical about the fold line M, one end of the first sub-electrode 121 located at the first edge 10a is electrically connected to the touch chip through the third metal trace 10a2, and one end of the second sub-electrode 122 located at the second edge 10b is electrically connected to the touch chip through the fourth metal trace 10b2.

[0084] The third metal trace 10a2 and the fourth metal trace 10b2 can both extend to the third edge of the touch structure 10 in the second direction f2 to facilitate electrical connection with the touch chip. Multiple first sub-virtual electrodes 131 are respectively disposed inside multiple first sub-electrodes 121, and multiple second sub-virtual electrodes 132 are respectively disposed inside multiple second sub-electrodes 122.

[0085] This application achieves electrical connection between the second electrodes 12 (i.e., the first sub-electrode 121 and the second sub-electrode 122) located on both sides of the fold line M in the second direction f2 and the touch chip through metal traces (i.e., the third metal trace 10a2 and the fourth metal trace 10b2) disposed at different edges of the touch structure 10. Compared with multiple second electrodes 12 achieving electrical connection with the touch chip through metal traces at the same edge, the total length of the metal traces (i.e., the sum of the lengths of the third metal trace 10a2 and the fourth metal trace 10b2) can be shortened. This reduces the trace area of ​​the metal traces, reduces the touch blind zone, thereby increasing the capacitance change caused by finger or active pen touch, improving recognition accuracy, and thus improving the touch accuracy and linearity of the touch structure 10.

[0086] When there are multiple first sub-electrodes 121 and multiple second sub-electrodes 122, that is, when there are four or more second electrodes 12, there are multiple first sub-electrodes 121 and multiple second sub-electrodes 122. Multiple first sub-electrodes 121 are located at one end of the first edge 10a and connected in parallel. A third metal trace 10a2 is connected to the parallel line of multiple first sub-electrodes 121. And / or, multiple second sub-electrodes 122 are located at one end of the second edge 10b and connected in parallel. A fourth metal trace 10b2 is connected to the parallel line of multiple second sub-electrodes 122.

[0087] Multiple first sub-electrodes 121 are connected in parallel at one end of the first edge 10a. These parallel first sub-electrodes 121 can share a single third metal trace 10a2 for electrical connection to the touch chip. Compared to a series connection at one end of the first edge 10a, this reduces the trace area of ​​the metal trace and the width of the first edge 10a in the first direction f1. Similarly, multiple second sub-electrodes 122 are connected in parallel at one end of the second edge 10b. These parallel second sub-electrodes 122 can share a single fourth metal trace 10b2 for electrical connection to the touch chip. Compared to a series connection at one end of the second edge 10b, this reduces the trace area of ​​the metal trace and the width of the first edge 10a in the first direction f1, thus facilitating the narrow bezel design of the touch structure 10.

[0088] It should be noted that, in order to ensure the electrical connection between the multiple second electrodes 12 and the touch chip, metal traces can also be laid out according to actual design requirements if the metal traces are not set up in the manner described above.

[0089] Please see Figure 15In an optional embodiment of this application, a second virtual electrode 148 is further provided inside the first electrode 11. The second virtual electrode 148 is insulated from the first electrode 11 and is also insulated from the first virtual electrode 13; and / or, a second virtual electrode 148 is further provided inside the second electrode 12. The second virtual electrode 148 is insulated from the second electrode 12.

[0090] By providing a second virtual electrode 148 inside the effective electrodes (i.e., the first electrode 11 and / or the second electrode 12), the effective area of ​​the electrodes can be reduced, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance between the effective electrodes in the touch structure 10 and the cathode in the display structure below the touch structure 10. Generally, excessive parasitic capacitance between the effective electrodes in the touch structure 10 and the cathode in the display structure below the touch structure 10 leads to a decrease in signal strength and an increase in signal attenuation. Therefore, providing a second virtual electrode 148 inside the effective electrodes (i.e., the first electrode 11 and / or the second electrode 12) of the touch structure 10 can effectively increase the signal strength and reduce signal attenuation, thus improving the performance of the touch structure 10.

[0091] In some embodiments of this application, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be separated by a break in the metal mesh, that is, the metal mesh structures of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 do not contact each other, thereby achieving mutual insulation between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. In other embodiments of this application, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can also be separated by a third virtual electrode. For example, a metal mesh structure of a third virtual electrode can be provided between the metal mesh structures of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to insulate the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 from each other.

[0092] Please see Figure 16 This application also provides a foldable screen, which includes a display structure 20 and a touch structure 10 provided in the above embodiments. The touch structure 10 is connected to the display structure 20, for example, by bonding. In optional embodiments of this application, the foldable screen 200 can be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) foldable screen. It should be noted that the orthographic projection of the metal mesh of each electrode in the touch structure 10 can be located at the gaps between the pixels of the display structure 20, thus avoiding any impact on the display of the display structure 20.

[0093] Please see Figure 17This application also provides an electronic device 300, which includes the foldable screen 200 provided in the above embodiments. The foldable screen 200 constitutes the display portion of the electronic device 300, used to display images, text, and other information. The foldable screen 200 can also be used for user touch operation to realize the touch function of the electronic device 300. Exemplarily, the electronic device 300 can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, smart TV, wearable device (such as a smartwatch or smart bracelet), etc. This application does not limit the type of electronic device 300.

[0094] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application, and the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A touch structure, characterized in that, The touch structure is a foldable structure, and the touch structure has a fold line extending along a first direction. The touch structure: Multiple first electrodes are arranged along the first direction; A plurality of second electrodes are provided, each of which is intersected with a plurality of first electrodes and is insulated from the plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes are arranged along a second direction and are symmetrical about the fold line. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the second electrodes is provided with a first virtual electrode, and a plurality of the first virtual electrodes are arranged along the second direction. The first virtual electrodes are arranged symmetrically about the fold line in pairs, so that the mutual capacitance between the symmetrically arranged first virtual electrodes can detect the folding angle of the touch structure.

2. The touch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first virtual electrode is disposed inside the second electrode.

3. The touch structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch structure includes a plurality of touch units arranged in a matrix along the first direction and the second direction. Each touch unit includes a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit that are intersected and insulated from each other. The second electrode unit has a virtual electrode unit inside. The first electrode includes a plurality of first electrode units that are continuously conductive in the second direction, the second electrode includes a plurality of second electrode units that are continuously conductive in the first direction, and the first virtual electrode includes a plurality of virtual electrode units that are continuously conductive in the first direction. The first electrode unit includes two first sub-electrode units spaced apart along the second direction, the second electrode unit includes two second sub-electrode units spaced apart along the first direction, the virtual electrode unit includes two sub-virtual electrode units spaced apart along the first direction, and one of the sub-virtual electrode units is disposed inside one of the second sub-electrode units; In this configuration, one of the two first sub-electrode units and one of the two second sub-electrode units are electrically connected via a connecting bridge, and the other is electrically connected via a connecting electrode. The two sub-virtual electrode units remain conductive in the first direction.

4. The touch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two first sub-electrode units are electrically connected by a connecting bridge, and two second sub-electrode units are electrically connected by a connecting electrode located between the two first sub-electrode units. The connecting electrode and the connecting bridge are insulated from each other. Two sub-virtual electrode units are electrically connected by a virtual connecting electrode located inside the connecting electrode.

5. The touch structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The touch structure further includes a touch layer and a metal layer. The first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the connecting electrode form the touch layer, and the metal layer is stacked on the same side of the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the connecting electrode. The metal layer includes the connecting bridge and an insulating layer covering the connecting bridge. The insulating layer has a via, and the connecting bridge passes through the via and is electrically connected to the first sub-electrode unit.

6. The touch structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two second sub-electrodes are electrically connected by a connecting bridge, and two first sub-electrode units are electrically connected by a connecting electrode. The connecting electrode is located between the two second sub-electrode units, and the connecting electrode and the connecting bridge are mutually insulated. Two sub-virtual electrode units are electrically connected by a virtual connecting bridge, and the virtual connecting bridge is mutually insulated from the connecting bridge and the connecting electrode.

7. The touch structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The touch structure further includes a touch layer and a metal layer. The first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the connecting electrode form the touch layer, and the metal layer is stacked on the same side of the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the connecting electrode. The metal layer includes the connecting bridge, the virtual connecting bridge, and an insulating layer covering the connecting bridge and the virtual connecting bridge. The connecting bridge and the virtual connecting bridge are arranged at intervals along the second direction. The insulating layer is provided with a first via and a second via. The connecting bridge passes through the first via and is electrically connected to the second sub-electrode unit. The virtual connecting bridge passes through the second via and is electrically connected to the sub-virtual electrode unit.

8. The touch structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The touch structure includes a plurality of touch units arranged in a matrix along the first direction and the second direction. Each touch unit includes a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit that are intersected and insulated from each other. The second electrode unit has a virtual electrode unit inside. The first electrode includes a plurality of first electrode units that are continuously conductive in the second direction, the second electrode includes a plurality of second electrode units that are continuously conductive in the first direction, and the first virtual electrode includes a plurality of virtual electrode units that are continuously conductive in the first direction. The shape of the virtual electrode unit matches the shape of the second electrode unit, and the center of the virtual electrode unit coincides with the center of the second electrode unit.

9. The touch structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first electrode unit includes two first sub-electrode units spaced apart along the second direction, the second electrode unit includes two second sub-electrode units spaced apart along the first direction, and the virtual electrode unit includes two sub-virtual electrode units spaced apart along the first direction, with the two sub-virtual electrode units respectively disposed inside the two second sub-electrode units; Wherein, the two first sub-electrode units are kept conductive in the second direction, the two first sub-electrode units are kept conductive in the first direction, each of the sub-virtual electrode units is provided with an electrical connection portion extending along the first direction, the electrical connection portion is located inside the second sub-electrode unit and between two adjacent sub-virtual electrode units, and the electrical connection portion located between two adjacent sub-virtual electrode units is conductive in the first direction.

10. The touch structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The touch structure has a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other in the first direction, the first edge is provided with a first metal trace, and the second edge is provided with a second metal trace; The plurality of first virtual electrodes include a first sub-virtual electrode and a second sub-virtual electrode. The first sub-virtual electrode and the second sub-virtual electrode are symmetrical about the fold line. The end of the first sub-virtual electrode located at the first edge is electrically connected to the touch chip through the first metal trace, and the end of the second virtual electrode located at the second edge is electrically connected to the touch chip through the second metal trace.

11. The touch structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, Both the first and second sub-virtual electrodes are multiple, with the multiple first sub-virtual electrodes located in parallel at one end of the first edge, and the first metal trace connected to the parallel line of the multiple first sub-virtual electrodes; and / or, Multiple second sub-virtual electrodes are located at one end of the second edge and connected in parallel, and the second metal trace is connected to the parallel line of the multiple second sub-virtual electrodes.

12. The touch structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The touch structure has a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other in the first direction, the first edge is provided with a third metal trace, and the second edge is provided with a fourth metal trace; The plurality of second electrodes include a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode, the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode being symmetrical about the fold line, the end of the first sub-electrode located at the first edge being electrically connected to the touch chip through the third metal trace, and the end of the second sub-electrode located at the second edge being electrically connected to the touch chip through the fourth metal trace.

13. The touch structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, Both the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode are multiple, with the multiple first sub-electrodes connected in parallel at one end of the first edge, and the third metal trace connected to the parallel line of the multiple first sub-electrodes; and / or, Multiple second sub-electrodes are connected in parallel at one end of the second edge, and the fourth metal trace is connected to the parallel line of the multiple second sub-electrodes.

14. The touch structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first electrode is further provided with a second virtual electrode, which is insulated from the first electrode.

15. The touch structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The second electrode also has a second virtual electrode inside, and the second virtual electrode and the second electrode are insulated from each other.

16. A foldable screen, characterized in that, The foldable screen includes a display structure and a touch structure as described in any one of claims 1-15, wherein the touch structure is connected to the display structure.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device has a foldable screen as described in claim 16.