Touch module and display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a touch module and a display device. The touch module comprises a first supporting layer and a touch layer arranged on the first supporting layer; the touch module comprises at least one touch area and at least one non-touch area; the touch layer comprises a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch wires which are located in a touch area, and the touch electrodes are electrically connected with the touch wires and used for sending or receiving touch signals; the touch layer further comprises at least one virtual electrode located in the non-touch area, and the virtual electrode does not send or receive a touch signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a touch module and a display device. Background Art

[0002] At present, display devices with touch functions include full-surface touch display devices and partial touch display devices. Partial touch refers to a technology in which part of the display device supports touch, while other areas do not support touch. Compared with full-surface touch technology, partial touch is a low-cost touch solution.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] In one aspect, a touch module is provided, comprising: a first supporting layer and a touch layer disposed on the first supporting layer;

[0005] The touch module includes at least one touch area and at least one non-touch area;

[0006] The touch layer includes a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch traces located in the touch area, and the plurality of touch electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of touch traces respectively for sending or receiving touch signals;

[0007] The touch layer further includes at least one virtual electrode located in the non-touch area, and the virtual electrode does not send or receive a touch signal.

[0008] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch area is located on one side of the non-touch area; or,

[0009] The touch area is half-surrounded by the non-touch area; or,

[0010] The touch area is surrounded by the non-touch area.

[0011] According to some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of touch electrodes are arranged in an array in the touch area along a first direction and a second direction;

[0012] The touch layer includes a plurality of virtual electrodes located in the non-touch area, and the plurality of virtual electrodes are arranged in an array in the non-touch area along a first direction and a second direction; and

[0013] The plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of dummy electrodes are arranged in a row along the first direction, and / or the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of dummy electrodes are arranged in a column along the second direction.

[0014] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch layer further includes a plurality of virtual traces located in the non-touch area;

[0015] The plurality of virtual wirings are respectively arranged at intervals from the plurality of virtual electrodes; or, the plurality of virtual wirings are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of virtual electrodes for transmitting non-touch signals.

[0016] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch electrodes and the virtual electrodes are arranged in the same layer; and / or,

[0017] The touch control wiring and the virtual wiring are arranged on the same layer.

[0018] According to some exemplary embodiments,

[0019] The orthographic projection of the virtual electrode on the first supporting layer does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the virtual routing line on the first supporting layer.

[0020] According to some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the virtual routing lines includes a plurality of disconnected virtual sub-routing lines.

[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the virtual traces is connected to a specific voltage signal.

[0022] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch module further includes a lead-out wiring area, one end of the touch wiring is electrically connected to the touch electrode, and the other end of the touch wiring converges to the lead-out wiring area.

[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch module further includes a polarizing layer located between the first supporting layer and the touch layer.

[0024] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch layer includes a first substrate disposed on a side of the polarizing layer away from the first supporting layer; and a first electrode layer, a first insulating layer, a second electrode layer, and a second insulating layer stacked on a side of the first substrate away from the polarizing layer; and

[0025] The touch electrodes include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, wherein the driving electrodes are used to send driving signals, and the sensing electrodes are used to sense touch operations.

[0026] Part of the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are located in the first electrode layer, and another part of the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are located in the second electrode layer.

[0027] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch routing includes a first sub-touch routing and a second sub-touch routing, the first sub-touch routing is located in the first electrode layer, and the second sub-touch routing is located in the second electrode layer; and / or,

[0028] The virtual routing includes a first sub-virtual routing and a second sub-virtual routing, the first sub-virtual routing is located in the first electrode layer, and the second sub-virtual routing is located in the second electrode layer.

[0029] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch layer includes a first substrate disposed on a side of the polarizing layer away from the first supporting layer; and a first electrode layer and a first insulating layer stacked on a side of the first substrate away from the polarizing layer; and

[0030] The touch electrodes include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, the driving electrodes are used to send driving signals, the sensing electrodes are used to sense touch operations, the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are both located in the first electrode layer, and the multiple touch traces are all located in the first electrode layer.

[0031] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch module further includes a first adhesive layer located on a side of the first supporting layer away from the polarizing layer; and a release film located on a side of the first adhesive layer away from the first supporting layer.

[0032] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch module further includes a protective film located on a side of the touch layer away from the polarizing layer.

[0033] In another aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, comprising the touch module as described in any one of the above items.

[0034] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device further includes a base substrate, and the touch module is located on the base substrate;

[0035] The base substrate includes a display area, and the display area includes at least one touch display area.

[0036] The orthographic projection of the touch display area on the base substrate falls within the orthographic projection of the touch area on the base substrate.

[0037] According to some exemplary embodiments, the touch display area includes at least one of a screen menu adjustment touch display area, a taskbar menu touch display area, and an information writing touch display area.

[0038] Among them, the screen menu adjustment touch display area is used to adjust the screen menu of the display device, the taskbar menu touch display area is used for touch operation of the taskbar menu of the display device, and the information writing touch display area is used to write or record information.

[0039] According to some exemplary embodiments, the display device includes a first side area and a second side area that are adjacent to each other, and the taskbar menu touch display area is located in the first side area; and / or the information writing touch display area is located in the second side area; the display device also includes a first corner area, and the screen menu adjustment touch display area is located in the first corner area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above contents and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0042] Figure 2 is a partial plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0043] Figure 3 is a partial plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model, wherein a touch area and a peripheral area are shown;

[0044] Figure 4 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0045] Figure 5 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0046] Figure 6 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to some other embodiments of the utility model;

[0047] Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0048] Figure 8 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0049] Fig. 9 is a partial schematic diagram of a non-touch area of ​​a touch module according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.10 is a partial schematic diagram of a non-touch area of ​​a touch module according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 11A-11C is a plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the present utility model, which shows the positional relationship between a touch area and a non-touch area;

[0052] Fig.12 is a plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0053] Fig.13 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch layer according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0054] Fig.14 yes Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of a touch unit;

[0055] Fig.15 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch layer according to other embodiments of the utility model;

[0056] Fig.16 is a schematic plan view of a touch layer according to an embodiment of the utility model;

[0057] Fig.17 is a structural block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the utility model; and

[0058] Fig.18 It is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0059] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, in the drawings used to describe the embodiments of the present invention, the sizes of layers, structures or regions may be enlarged or reduced, that is, these drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiment of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiment of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0061] It should be noted that in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. Thus, the size and relative size of each element are not necessarily limited to the size and relative size shown in the drawings. In the specification and drawings, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this utility model shall have the usual meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The words "include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects.

[0063] In this document, unless otherwise specified, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device, element or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operate in a specific orientation. It should be understood that when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship they represent may also change accordingly. Therefore, these directional terms cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0064] In this document, directional expressions "first direction" and "second direction" are used to describe different directions of a touch module or a display substrate, for example, the row direction and column direction of touch electrodes. It should be understood that such expressions are only exemplary descriptions and are not limitations of the present invention.

[0065] In this document, unless otherwise specified, the expression "electrically connected" may mean that two parts or elements are directly electrically connected, for example, part or element A is in direct contact with part or element B, and electrical signals can be transmitted between the two parts; it may also mean that two parts or elements are electrically connected through a conductive medium such as a conductive wire, for example, part or element A is electrically connected to part or element B through a conductive wire to transmit electrical signals between the two parts or elements; it may also mean that two parts or elements are electrically connected through at least one electronic component, for example, part or element A is electrically connected to part or element B through at least one thin film transistor to transmit electrical signals between the two parts or elements.

[0066] Currently, touch modules in display devices with touch functions mainly include two categories: in-cell touch modules and on-cell touch modules.

[0067] Taking liquid crystal display devices as an example, an embedded touch module sets the touch electrodes in the touch module inside the liquid crystal box, which does not need to increase the thickness of the liquid crystal box, but the touch will occupy the display time, so it is difficult to support high-frequency products.

[0068] The embedded touch module does not occupy the display time and can support high-frequency products. For example, the refresh rate of some e-sports screens can reach more than 240Hz, which is difficult to meet with embedded touch technology, but can be supported by external touch technology. The embedded touch module has various forms. Taking the liquid crystal display device as an example, an embedded touch module is to make the touch electrode on the color filter of the liquid crystal box, and then attach the polarizer. Among them, it is necessary to bind the touch electrode to the color filter, and the technical process route and structure of this method are relatively complicated. Another type of embedded touch module is to make the touch electrode on the cover glass, and then attach the cover glass to the liquid crystal display device. This technology will increase the thickness of the liquid crystal display device.

[0069] An embodiment of the utility model provides a touch module, comprising: a first supporting layer and a touch layer arranged on the first supporting layer; the touch module comprises at least one touch area and at least one non-touch area; the touch layer comprises a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch traces located in the touch area, the plurality of touch electrodes are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of touch traces for sending or receiving touch signals; and the touch layer further comprises at least one virtual electrode located in the non-touch area, the virtual electrode does not send or receive touch signals.

[0070] By setting a touch area and a non-touch area in the touch layer, the touch module can have a local touch function. The touch module is attached to the display device to realize the local touch function of the display device. The attachment of the touch module is the same as the normal attachment of the polarizer, which is conducive to reducing costs and does not increase the thickness of the display device.

[0071] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0072] For example, refer to Figure 1 The touch module 100 includes a first supporting layer 3 and a touch layer 5 disposed on the first supporting layer.

[0073] The touch layer 5 may include at least one touch electrode layer. The touch electrode layer may include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes for sending or receiving touch signals.

[0074] Exemplarily, the touch module 100 may further include a polarizing layer 4 located between the first supporting layer 3 and the touch layer 5 .

[0075] The material of the first support layer 3 may include various types of materials, for example, may include tri-cellulose acetate (TCA). The material of the first support layer 3 may also be other materials, which are not limited here. The first support layer 3 may be used to isolate moisture and air and protect the polarizing layer 4.

[0076] The material of the polarizing layer 4 may include various types of materials, for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The material of the polarizing layer 4 may also be other materials, which are not limited here. The polarizing layer 4 may absorb light of one polarization state in natural light and transmit light of another polarization state, thereby obtaining polarized light.

[0077] Exemplarily, the touch module 100 can also be used as a polarizer, wherein the performance of the polarizing layer 4 determines the polarization performance and light transmittance of the touch module 100 .

[0078] By integrating the touch layer 5 and the polarizing layer 4, the touch module 100 can have both touch function and polarizing function, and the structure is simple, which is conducive to reducing costs. In addition, through such an integrated design, the thickness of the touch module 100 is less affected, which is conducive to achieving the thinness of the touch module, and then achieving the thinness of the display panel.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The touch module 100 may further include a first adhesive layer 2 located on a side of the first supporting layer 3 away from the polarizing layer 4 ; and a release film 1 located on a side of the first adhesive layer 2 away from the first supporting layer 3 .

[0080] For example, the material of the first adhesive layer 2 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which can be used to attach the touch module 100 to the display panel. The performance of the first adhesive layer 2 will affect the adhesion performance and chip processing performance of the touch module 100.

[0081] Before attaching the touch module 100 to the display panel, the release film 1 can protect the material in the first adhesive layer 2 from being damaged and avoid the generation of lamination bubbles. When attaching the touch module 100 to the display panel, the release film 1 can be removed first.

[0082] Exemplarily, the touch module 100 may further include a protective film 6 located on a side of the touch layer 5 away from the polarizing layer 4. The protective film 6 may protect the touch module 100 from being damaged by external forces.

[0083] Figure 2 is a partial plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 is a partial plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model, wherein a touch area and a peripheral area are shown; Figure 4 It is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0084] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 2, the touch module 100 includes at least one touch area TA and at least one non-touch area VA. The touch area TA may be an area with a touch function, and the non-touch area VA may be an area without a touch function. By adjusting the positional relationship between the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA, the position of the area with a touch function in the touch module 100 can be flexibly designed. Accordingly, the position of the area with a touch function in the display device using the touch module 100 can also be flexibly designed, which is conducive to meeting various types of touch requirements of the display device.

[0085] For example, in conjunction with reference Figure 1-Figure 3 The touch layer 5 may include a plurality of touch electrodes 501 and a plurality of touch traces 502 located in the touch area TA. The plurality of touch electrodes 501 are electrically connected to the plurality of touch traces 502 respectively for sending or receiving touch signals.

[0086] Exemplarily, at least a portion of the touch wiring 502 is located in the touch area TA and can be electrically connected to the touch electrode 501. At least another portion of the touch wiring 502 can be located in the peripheral area MA of the touch module 100. The touch wiring 502 located in the peripheral area MA can be connected to an external circuit, thereby achieving electrical connection between the external circuit and the touch electrode 501.

[0087] Exemplarily, the touch electrodes 501 may be arranged in an array in the touch area TA along the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the touch electrodes 501 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes 5011 and a plurality of second touch electrodes 5012. The first touch electrodes 5011 extend along the second direction Y. The second touch electrodes 5012 extend along the first direction X. The first touch electrodes 5011 and the second touch electrodes 5012 are arranged crosswise, and the crosswise positions are isolated by an insulating layer.

[0088] Here, the shape and quantity of the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 are not limited. The first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 can be selected in corresponding shapes and quantities according to actual needs, as long as the position of the touch point can be determined by detecting capacitance.

[0089] Here, the types of the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 are not limited. For example, the first touch electrode 5011 may be a driving electrode TX, and the second touch electrode 5012 may be a sensing electrode RX. Alternatively, the first touch electrode 5011 may be a sensing electrode RX, and the second touch electrode 5012 may be a driving electrode TX.

[0090] It should be noted that the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 are arranged crosswise, and the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 may be perpendicular to each other, or the angle between the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 may be an acute angle. The embodiment of the utility model is illustrated by taking the first touch electrode 5011 and the second touch electrode 5012 as an example of being perpendicular to each other.

[0091] Exemplarily, one first touch electrode 5011 may include a plurality of first electrode blocks 5011a and a plurality of first bridge portions 5011b, wherein two adjacent first electrode blocks 5011a may be connected via one first bridge portion 5011b.

[0092] Exemplarily, one second touch electrode 5012 may include a plurality of second electrode blocks 5012a and a plurality of second bridge portions 5012b, wherein two adjacent second electrode blocks 5012a may be connected via one second bridge portion 5012b.

[0093] For example, the first bridge portion 5011b and the second bridge portion 5012b may be located in different conductive layers and isolated by an insulating layer. Therefore, there is an intersecting area between the first bridge portion 5011b and the second bridge portion 5012b.

[0094] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 3 , a first touch electrode 5011 can be electrically connected to a touch wire 502. And / or, a second touch electrode 5012 can be electrically connected to a touch wire 502. The touch wire 502 can be electrically connected to an external touch chip to achieve a touch function.

[0095] For example, in conjunction with reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The touch layer 5 may further include at least one virtual electrode 503 located in the non-touch area VA. The virtual electrode 503 does not send or receive a touch signal.

[0096] For example, the touch layer 5 may include a plurality of virtual electrodes 503 located in the non-touch area VA. The plurality of virtual electrodes 503 may be arranged in an array in the non-touch area VA along the first direction X and the second direction Y. Figure 2 The touch electrodes 501 and the dummy electrodes 503 are arranged in a row along the first direction X. And / or the touch electrodes 501 and the dummy electrodes 503 are arranged in a column along the second direction Y.

[0097] Exemplarily, multiple virtual electrodes 503 may be spaced apart and do not send or receive touch signals. For example, multiple virtual electrodes 503 may only include multiple virtual electrode blocks 5031 without a bridge portion, so that multiple virtual electrode blocks 5031 cannot send or receive touch signals.

[0098] When the touch module 100 is applied to a display device, the evenly distributed touch electrodes 501 and virtual electrodes 503 have a more consistent effect on light output at different positions, thereby reducing the impact on the display uniformity of the display device and improving the display effect of the display device.

[0099] Figure 5 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model; Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 The virtual electrode 503 of the non-touch area VA may include a plurality of virtual electrode blocks 5031 and a plurality of virtual bridges 5032. The virtual bridges 5032 may be designed to be disconnected, so that the virtual electrode 503 does not send or receive a touch signal.

[0101] The virtual bridge portion 5032 , the first bridge portion 5011 b and the second bridge portion 5012 b are evenly distributed in the touch module 100 , which can further reduce the influence of the touch module 100 on the uniformity of the display device, and is beneficial to improving the display effect of the display device.

[0102] In some embodiments, reference Figure 6 The touch module 100 further includes at least one virtual wiring 504. The virtual wiring 504 can be connected to a specific voltage signal V1. For example, the specific voltage signal V1 can be a low-level signal, such as a ground signal, so that other signals in the virtual wiring 504 can be shielded, ensuring that no touch signal is transmitted between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504, thereby ensuring that the non-touch area does not have a touch function.

[0103] The dummy wiring 504 and the touch wiring 502 are evenly distributed in the touch module 100 , which can further reduce the influence of the touch module 100 on the uniformity of the display device, and is beneficial to improving the display effect of the display device.

[0104] Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model; Figure 8 is a partial plan view of a non-touch area according to an embodiment of the utility model; Fig. 9 is a partial schematic diagram of a non-touch area of ​​a touch module according to other embodiments of the present invention; Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a partial schematic diagram of a non-touch area of ​​a touch module according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0105] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figure 7 , the touch electrode 501 in the touch area TA may include a plurality of touch units 510. For example, one touch unit 510 may include one first touch electrode 5011 and one second touch electrode 5012. Exemplarily, one first touch electrode 5011 may include two first electrode blocks 5011a and one first bridge 5011b. One second touch electrode 5012 may include two second electrode blocks 5012a and one second bridge 5012b.

[0106] and Figure 3 The difference of the embodiment is that Figure 7 In the embodiment, the multiple touch control units 510 in the same row are independent of each other. Alternatively, the multiple touch control units 510 in the same column are independent of each other. One touch control unit 510 can be connected to an external circuit, such as an external touch control chip, through two touch control traces 502. For example, the first touch control electrode 5011 is electrically connected to the external touch control chip through the first sub-touch control trace 5021, and the second touch control electrode 5012 is electrically connected to the external touch control chip through the second sub-touch control trace 5022.

[0107] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the touch layer 5 may further include a plurality of virtual wirings 504 located in the non-touch area VA. The plurality of virtual wirings 504 are respectively arranged at intervals with the plurality of virtual electrodes 503. Alternatively, the plurality of virtual wirings 504 are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of virtual electrodes 503 for transmitting non-touch signals.

[0108] For example, refer to Figure 8 In the non-touch area VA, the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual routing line 504 may be designed to be disconnected. For example, multiple virtual routing lines 504 are spaced apart from multiple virtual electrodes 503, respectively, and the orthographic projection of the virtual electrode 503 on the first supporting layer 3 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the virtual routing line 504 on the first supporting layer 3. Through such a disconnection design, the signal transmission channel between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual routing line 504 can be disconnected, so that the touch signal can not be transmitted between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual routing line 504, so that the non-touch area does not have a touch control function.

[0109] Other design methods may also be used between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504 in the non-touch area to ensure that no touch signal is transmitted between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504 .

[0110] For example, refer to Fig. 9, at least one virtual routing line 504 includes a plurality of disconnected virtual sub-routing lines 5043. The virtual routing line 504 may be connected to or not connected to the virtual electrode 503. The virtual routing line 504 itself is divided into a plurality of disconnected virtual sub-routing lines 5043, so that a channel for transmitting a touch signal cannot be formed between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual routing line 504, thereby ensuring that the non-touch area does not have a touch function.

[0111] For example, refer to Fig.10 , at least one virtual wiring 504 is electrically connected to the specific voltage signal V1. For example, the specific voltage signal V1 can be a low-level signal, such as a ground signal, so that other signals in the virtual wiring 504 can be shielded, ensuring that the non-touch signal is transmitted between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504, thereby ensuring that the non-touch area does not have a touch function. By designing the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA in the touch module 100, the local touch function of the touch module 100 can be realized, which is conducive to simplifying the design scheme, saving costs, and realizing the design of a low-cost display device with a local touch function.

[0112] The touch electrodes 501 in the touch area TA and the virtual electrodes 503 in the non-touch area VA are evenly distributed on the touch module; and / or, the touch wiring 502 in the touch area TA and the virtual wiring 504 in the non-touch area VA are evenly distributed on the touch module, so that the touch module 100 has a more consistent effect on light output at different positions of the display device, thereby reducing the impact on the display uniformity of the display device, which is beneficial to improving the display effect of the display device.

[0113] It should be noted that, in the case of no conflict, the touch electrodes 501 and the touch traces 502 can be designed in the following manner: Figure 3 and Figure 7 Any one or more combinations of the above designs can ensure that the touch signal can be transmitted between the touch electrode 501 and the touch wiring 502. The design of the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504 can be adopted. Figure 4-Figure 6 and Figure 8-Figure 10 Any one or more combinations of designs can be used to ensure that no touch signal is transmitted between the virtual electrode 503 and the virtual wiring 504.

[0114] Figure 11A-11C 1 is a schematic plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the present utility model, which shows the positional relationship between a touch area and a non-touch area.

[0115] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA in the touch module 100 can be flexibly set.

[0116] For example, the touch area TA may be located on one side of the non-touch area VA. Fig.11A , the touch area TA may be located on the right side of the non-touch area VA. For another example, the touch area TA may also be located on the left side, the upper side or the lower side of the non-touch area VA.

[0117] For example, the touch area TA may be half-surrounded by the non-touch area VA. Fig. 11B , the touch area TA may be located at the lower side of the non-touch area VA, and the left side, right side and top side of the touch area TA are adjacent to the non-touch area VA. For another example, the touch area TA may also be located at the lower right side of the non-touch area, and the left side and top side of the touch area TA are adjacent to the non-touch area VA.

[0118] For example, the touch area TA may be surrounded by the non-touch area VA. Fig. 11C , the four sides of the touch area TA are adjacent to the non-touch area VA.

[0119] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the shapes of the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA are described as rectangles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The shapes of the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA may also include various shapes such as circles, triangles, diamonds or polygons. The shapes and positions of the touch area TA and the non-touch area VA in the touch module can be flexibly designed according to the shapes and positions of the areas in the display device that require touch functions, so as to ensure that the touch module can meet the local touch requirements of the display device.

[0120] It should also be noted that Figure 11A-11C In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , one touch control area is shown, but the embodiment of the utility model is not limited thereto. The touch control module may also include two touch control areas or more touch control areas.

[0121] Fig.12 It is a plan view of a touch module according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0122] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, referring to Fig.12 The touch module 100 further includes a lead-out wiring area DA. One end of the touch wiring 502 in the touch area TA is electrically connected to the touch electrode 501, and the other end of the touch wiring 502 is gathered in the lead-out wiring area DA for electrical connection with an external touch chip.

[0123] The virtual wiring 504 in the non-touch area VA may not converge into the lead-out wiring area DA, so that the number of pins in the lead-out wiring area DA can be small, and the gaps between the pins can be larger, which is beneficial to improving the pin bonding yield.

[0124] Fig.13 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch layer according to an embodiment of the utility model; Fig.14 yes Figure 7An enlarged schematic diagram of a touch unit in FIG.

[0125] For example, in the embodiments of the present utility model, in combination with reference Figure 1 and Fig.13 The touch layer 5 may include a first substrate 51 disposed on a side of the polarizing layer 4 away from the first supporting layer 3. The touch layer 5 may also include a first electrode layer 52, a first insulating layer 53, a second electrode layer 54 and a second insulating layer 55 stacked on a side of the first substrate 51 away from the polarizing layer 4.

[0126] For example, the material of the first substrate 51 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET has excellent physical and mechanical properties in a wide temperature range, a long-term use temperature of up to 120°C, and excellent electrical insulation. Even at high temperature and high frequency, its electrical properties are still good, and its creep resistance, fatigue resistance, friction resistance, dimensional stability and other properties are all very good, thereby ensuring the stability of the film layer on the first substrate 51, which is conducive to improving the stability of the touch layer 5.

[0127] Exemplarily, the materials of the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54 may include a metal conductive material, such as aluminum, or may include a transparent conductive material, such as ITO.

[0128] The first insulating layer 53 and the second insulating layer 55 can be used to isolate the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54. The first insulating layer 53 and the second insulating layer 55 can also protect the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54.

[0129] For example, in conjunction with reference Figure 7 and Fig.14 , the touch control unit 510 may include a first touch control electrode 5011 and a second touch control electrode 5012. Exemplarily, the first touch control electrode 5011 may be a driving electrode TX for sending a touch signal, and the second touch control electrode 5012 may be a sensing electrode RX for sensing a touch operation. Alternatively, the first touch control electrode 5011 may be a sensing electrode RX for sensing a touch operation, and the second touch control electrode 5012 may be a driving electrode TX for sending a touch signal.

[0130] For example, in conjunction with reference Fig.13 and Fig.14, a portion of the driving electrodes TX and the touch electrodes RX may be located in the first electrode layer 52, and another portion of the driving electrodes TX and the sensing electrodes RX may be located in the second electrode layer 54. For example, the first touch electrode 5011 may include two first electrode blocks 5011a and one first bridge 5011b. A second touch electrode 5012 may include two second electrode blocks 5012a and one second bridge 5012b. The first electrode block 5011a, the second electrode block 5012a, and the first bridge 5011b may all be located in the first electrode layer 52. The second bridge 5012b may be located in the second electrode layer 54. Alternatively, the first electrode block 5011a, the second electrode block 5012a, and the first bridge 5011b may all be located in the second electrode layer 54. The second bridge 5012b may be located in the first electrode layer 52.

[0131] The first bridge portion 5011b and the second bridge portion 5012b may be insulated from each other by the first insulating layer 53. The second electrode block 5012a may be electrically connected to the second bridge portion 5012b via a via hole VH penetrating the first insulating layer 53. With such a design, the driving electrodes TX and the sensing electrodes RX may be arranged in an interlaced manner, and a coupling capacitor may be provided between the two. The touch function may be realized by monitoring the capacitance change of the coupling capacitor.

[0132] Exemplarily, the virtual electrode 503 may be disposed in the same layer as the touch electrode 501. Figure 7 and Figure 8 For example, the virtual electrode block 5031 may be located at the same layer as the first electrode block 5011a, the second electrode block 5012a and the first bridge 5011b. For another example, the virtual bridge 5032 may be located at the same layer as the second bridge 5012b.

[0133] The touch electrodes 501 and the dummy electrodes 503 can be formed in the same process step, ensuring that the patterns of the touch electrodes 501 and the dummy electrodes 503 are evenly distributed in the touch module 100. When the touch module 100 is applied to a display device, the evenly distributed touch electrodes 501 and the dummy electrodes 503 have a more consistent effect on light output at different positions, thereby reducing the impact on the display uniformity of the display device, which is beneficial to improving the display effect of the display device.

[0134] Exemplarily, the touch control trace 502 may be located in any one of the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54 .

[0135] Exemplarily, the touch control trace 502 may be located in both the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54 , which is beneficial to improving the conductivity of the touch control trace 502 .

[0136] Exemplarily, the virtual wiring may be located in any one of the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54. Alternatively, the virtual wiring may be located in both the first electrode layer 52 and the second electrode layer 54.

[0137] For example, refer to Figure 7 The touch wiring 502 may include a first sub-touch wiring 5021 and a second sub-touch wiring 5022. The first sub-touch wiring 5021 may be electrically connected to the first touch electrode 5011. The second sub-touch wiring 5022 may be electrically connected to the second touch electrode 5012.

[0138] Exemplarily, the first sub-touch wiring 5021 is located in the first electrode layer 52 , and the second sub-touch wiring 5022 is located in the second electrode layer 54 .

[0139] For example, refer to Figure 8 , the virtual routing 504 may include a first sub-virtual routing 5041 and a second sub-virtual routing 5042. The first sub-virtual routing 5041 is located in the first electrode layer 52, and the second sub-virtual routing 5042 is located in the second electrode layer 54. The touch routing 502 and the virtual routing 504 may be arranged in the same layer. For example, the first sub-touch routing 5021 and the first sub-virtual routing 5041 may be arranged in the same layer. For another example, the second sub-touch routing 5022 and the second sub-virtual routing 5042 may be arranged in the same layer. Through such a design, it can be ensured that the patterns of the touch routing 502 and the virtual routing 504 in the touch module 100 are evenly distributed.

[0140] When the touch module 100 is applied to a display device, the evenly distributed touch electrodes 501 and virtual electrodes 503 and the evenly distributed touch traces 502 and virtual traces 504 have a more consistent effect on light output at different positions, thereby reducing the impact on the display uniformity of the display device and helping to improve the display effect of the display device.

[0141] Fig.15 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch layer according to other embodiments of the utility model; Fig.16 It is a schematic plan view of a touch layer according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0142] In some embodiments, the touch electrode 501 may be disposed in a separate conductive layer. Fig.15 and Fig.16, the touch layer 5 may include a first substrate 51 disposed on a side of the polarizing layer 4 away from the first supporting layer 3. The touch layer 5 may also include a first electrode layer 52 and a first insulating layer 53 stacked on a side of the first substrate 51 away from the polarizing layer 4. The touch electrode 501 includes a driving electrode TX and a sensing electrode RX. The driving electrode TX and the sensing electrode RX may both be located in the first electrode layer 52. The touch trace 502 may also be located in the first electrode layer 52.

[0143] Each driving electrode TX and sensing electrode RX is equivalent to a channel and is electrically connected to a pin of the flexible circuit board via a lead wire. The touch position can be determined by detecting the change in capacitance between three adjacent channels.

[0144] In the non-touch area VA, the virtual electrode 503 may also be located in the first electrode layer 52. The virtual electrode 503 does not transmit a touch signal. For example, the virtual electrode 503 is spaced apart from the touch electrode 501.

[0145] Exemplarily, the material of the first electrode layer 52 may include a transparent conductive material, such as ITO.

[0146] When the touch module 100 is applied to a display device, the evenly distributed touch electrodes 501 and virtual electrodes 503 have a more consistent effect on light output at different positions, thereby reducing the impact on the display uniformity of the display device and improving the display effect of the display device.

[0147] Fig.17 It is a structural block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0148] Optionally, the embodiment of the present utility model further provides a display device 200, referring to Fig.17 , the display device 200 may include the above-mentioned touch module 100 .

[0149] Exemplarily, the display device 200 may further include a touch control chip 150 . The touch control module 100 is electrically connected to the touch control chip 150 , so that the touch control signal collected by the touch control module can be transmitted to the touch control chip 150 .

[0150] For example, after the touch traces 502 in the touch module 100 converge to the lead-out trace area DA, they can be connected to a flexible circuit board (e.g., an FPC board) through a conductive adhesive (e.g., an ACF adhesive), and the touch chip 150 can be designed on the flexible circuit board. The other side of the flexible circuit board can be connected to an external driving circuit board (e.g., a PCB board) through a binding technology, so that signal transmission can be achieved between the touch electrode 501, the touch chip 150, and the driving circuit board, thereby achieving touch control of the display device 200.

[0151] For example, the external driving circuit board may include a driving power supply, which can drive the touch chip 150 in real time, thereby realizing real-time collection and transmission of touch signals, which is beneficial to improving the sensitivity of touch.

[0152] Fig.18 It is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0153] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, referring to Fig.18 The display device 200 further includes a base substrate 201 . The touch module 100 is disposed on the base substrate 201 .

[0154] Exemplarily, the display device 200 may further include a driving circuit layer, a liquid crystal layer and a glass cover plate between the touch module 100 and the base substrate 201, or the display device 200 may further include a driving circuit layer, a light-emitting layer and an opposing substrate between the touch module 100 and the base substrate 201. The touch module 100 may be attached to the glass cover plate or the opposing substrate through the first adhesive layer 2, and then the touch trace 502 located in the lead-out trace area of ​​the touch module 100 is electrically connected to the pins at one end of the flexible circuit board on the display device 200, so that the display device 200 has a local touch function. Exemplarily, the flexible circuit board may be located in the non-display area of ​​the display device.

[0155] Continue to refer to Fig.18 The base substrate 201 includes a display area AA, and the display area AA includes at least one touch display area TSA. Exemplarily, the display area AA may also include multiple touch display areas TSA.

[0156] For example, the touch display area TSA in the display device 200 and the touch area TA in the touch module 100 can be arranged correspondingly, so that the display device 200 has a local touch function in the corresponding area. For example, one touch display area TSA can correspond to one touch area TA.

[0157] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the touch display area TSA on the base substrate 201 falls within the orthographic projection of the touch area TA on the base substrate 1. With such a design, the integrity of the touch function in the touch display area TSA can be ensured.

[0158] In some display devices, commonly used touch functions mainly include screen menu touch adjustment, taskbar menu touch adjustment, touch writing or recording information, etc. Fig.18By designing one or more of the taskbar menu touch area 110, the screen menu adjustment touch area 120, and the information writing touch area 130 in the touch module 100, the display device can have a local touch function in the corresponding area. For example, the touch display area TSA of the display device 200 may include one or more of the taskbar menu touch display area 210, the screen menu adjustment touch display area 220, and the information writing touch display area 230. The taskbar menu touch display area 210 can be used for touch operation of the taskbar menu of the display device 200. The screen menu adjustment touch display area 220 can be used to adjust the screen menu of the display device 200. The information writing touch display area 230 can be used to write or record information.

[0159] The position of the touch display area TSA in the display device 200 can be flexibly designed according to actual needs. For example, the position of the touch display area TSA in the display device 200 can be adjusted by flexibly designing the position of the touch area TA in the touch module 100. Through such a design, the local touch function of the display device can be realized while reducing the cost, and the thickness of the display device is not increased, which is conducive to the thinness of the display device.

[0160] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the taskbar menu touch display area 210 on the base substrate in the display device falls within the orthographic projection of the taskbar menu touch area 110 on the base substrate in the touch module 100, thereby ensuring the integrity of the touch function of the taskbar menu touch display area 210.

[0161] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the screen menu adjustment touch display area 220 on the base substrate in the display device falls within the orthographic projection of the screen menu adjustment touch area 120 on the base substrate in the touch module 100, thereby ensuring the integrity of the touch function of the screen menu adjustment touch display area 220.

[0162] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the information writing touch display area 230 in the display device on the base substrate falls within the orthographic projection of the information writing touch area 130 in the touch module 100 on the base substrate, thereby ensuring the integrity of the touch function of the information writing touch display area 230.

[0163] For example, continue to refer to Fig.18 , the display device includes a first side area NA1 and a second side area NA2 that are adjacently arranged. The first side area NA1 and the second side area NA2 may be located in the display area AA. For example, the first side area NA1 may be located directly below the display device 200. The second side area NA2 may be located on the right side of the display device 200. The taskbar menu touch display area 210 may be located in the first side area NA1. The information writing touch display area 230 may be located in the second side area NA2.

[0164] Exemplarily, the display device 200 may further include a first corner area NA3. The first corner area NA3 may be located in the display area AA. For example, the first corner area NA3 may be located at the lower right side of the display area AA. The screen menu adjustment touch display area 220 may be located in the first corner area NA3.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch display area TSA in the display device 200 can be set to different areas according to the user's habits. For example, the taskbar menu touch display area 210 can be located at the bottom of the display device. The screen menu adjustment touch display area 220 can be located at the lower right side of the display device. The information writing touch display area 230 can be located on the right side of the display device. Multiple touch display areas with different functions can overlap partially or not overlap. For example, Fig.18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the taskbar menu touch display area 210 does not overlap with the screen menu adjustment touch display area 220. For another example, the screen menu adjustment touch display area 220 partially overlaps with the information writing touch display area 230.

[0166] Through such a design, the position of the area with local touch function in the display device can be flexibly set, and the touch function type in the local touch area can be designed in a targeted manner. While meeting user habits and needs, it can simplify the process, reduce costs, and help improve the cost performance of the display device.

[0167] Although some embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A touch module, characterized in that: include: A first supporting layer and a touch layer disposed on the first supporting layer; The touch module includes at least one touch area and at least one non-touch area; The touch layer includes a plurality of touch electrodes and a plurality of touch traces located in the touch area, and the plurality of touch electrodes are electrically connected to the plurality of touch traces respectively for sending or receiving touch signals; and The touch layer further includes at least one virtual electrode located in the non-touch area, and the virtual electrode does not send or receive a touch signal.

2. The touch module according to claim 1, wherein: The touch area is located on one side of the non-touch area; or, The touch area is half-surrounded by the non-touch area; or, The touch area is surrounded by the non-touch area.

3. The touch module according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of touch electrodes are arranged in an array in the touch area along a first direction and a second direction; The touch layer includes a plurality of virtual electrodes located in the non-touch area, and the plurality of virtual electrodes are arranged in an array in the non-touch area along a first direction and a second direction; and The plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of dummy electrodes are arranged in a row along the first direction, and / or the plurality of touch electrodes and the plurality of dummy electrodes are arranged in a column along the second direction.

4. The touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The touch layer further includes a plurality of virtual wirings located in the non-touch area; and The plurality of virtual wirings are respectively arranged at intervals from the plurality of virtual electrodes; or, the plurality of virtual wirings are respectively electrically connected to the plurality of virtual electrodes for transmitting non-touch signals.

5. The touch module according to claim 4, wherein: The touch electrodes and the virtual electrodes are arranged in the same layer; and / or, The touch control wiring and the virtual wiring are arranged on the same layer.

6. The touch module according to claim 4, wherein: The orthographic projection of the virtual electrode on the first supporting layer does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the virtual routing line on the first supporting layer.

7. The touch module according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the virtual routing lines includes a plurality of disconnected virtual sub-routing lines.

8. The touch module according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the virtual lines is connected to a specific voltage signal.

9. The touch module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The touch module further includes a lead-out wiring area, one end of the touch wiring is electrically connected to the touch electrode, and the other end of the touch wiring converges to the lead-out wiring area.

10. The touch module according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5-8, wherein: The touch module further includes a polarizing layer located between the first supporting layer and the touch layer.

11. The touch module according to claim 10, wherein: The touch control layer includes a first substrate disposed on a side of the polarizing layer away from the first supporting layer; and a first electrode layer, a first insulating layer, a second electrode layer and a second insulating layer stacked on a side of the first substrate away from the polarizing layer; and The touch electrodes include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, wherein the driving electrodes are used to send driving signals, and the sensing electrodes are used to sense touch operations. Part of the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are located in the first electrode layer, and another part of the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are located in the second electrode layer.

12. The touch module according to claim 11, wherein: The touch routing includes a first sub-touch routing and a second sub-touch routing, the first sub-touch routing is located in the first electrode layer, and the second sub-touch routing is located in the second electrode layer; and / or, The touch layer further includes a plurality of virtual routing lines located in the non-touch area, wherein the virtual routing lines include a first sub-virtual routing line and a second sub-virtual routing line, wherein the first sub-virtual routing line is located in the first electrode layer, and the second sub-virtual routing line is located in the second electrode layer.

13. The touch module according to claim 10, wherein: The touch control layer includes a first substrate disposed on a side of the polarizing layer away from the first supporting layer; and a first electrode layer and a first insulating layer stacked on a side of the first substrate away from the polarizing layer; and The touch electrodes include driving electrodes and sensing electrodes, the driving electrodes are used to send driving signals, the sensing electrodes are used to sense touch operations, the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes are both located in the first electrode layer, and the multiple touch traces are all located in the first electrode layer.

14. The touch module according to claim 10, wherein: The touch module further includes a first adhesive layer located on a side of the first supporting layer away from the polarizing layer; and a release film located on a side of the first adhesive layer away from the first supporting layer.

15. The touch module according to claim 14, wherein: The touch module further includes a protective film located on a side of the touch layer away from the polarizing layer.

16. A display device, wherein: The touch module comprises the touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The display device further comprises a base substrate, and the touch control module is located on the base substrate; and The base substrate includes a display area, and the display area includes at least one touch display area. The orthographic projection of the touch display area on the base substrate falls within the orthographic projection of the touch area on the base substrate.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The touch display area includes at least one of a screen menu adjustment touch display area, a taskbar menu touch display area and an information writing touch display area. The screen menu adjustment touch display area is used to adjust the screen menu of the display device, the taskbar menu touch display area is used for touch operation of the taskbar menu of the display device, and the information writing touch display area is used to write or record information.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The display device includes a first side area and a second side area that are adjacent to each other, and the taskbar menu touch display area is located in the first side area; and / or, the information writing touch display area is located in the second side area; and / or, the display device also includes a first corner area, and the screen menu adjustment touch display area is located in the first corner area.

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