Capacitive sensing touchpad and touch sensing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a capacitive sensing touchpad and a touch sensing device, relates to the technical field of touch electronic products, and solves the technical problem that a touchpad capable of ensuring a sensing touch function on the premise of not increasing process complexity and cost is urgently needed at present. The touch panel comprises a touch chip, a touch layer and a pressure-sensitive layer, the touch layer comprises a plurality of first induction electrode blocks; the pressure sensing layer comprises a plurality of block areas, and each block area comprises a second sensing electrode block and a wire; each first induction electrode block and each second induction electrode block are connected with the touch chip through the wires; the second induction electrode blocks are equal in area and unequal in shape. The touch panel provided by the utility model is good in touch sensitivity and consistency of touch data, simple in manufacturing process, low in cost and suitable for mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of touch electronic product technology, and in particular to a capacitive touch panel and touch sensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Touch sensing technology is widely used in modern electronic devices, especially in capacitive touch-sensitive buttons. Compared with traditional mechanical buttons, capacitive touch-sensitive buttons are not only more aesthetically pleasing and stylish, but also have advantages such as longer lifespan, lower power consumption, lower cost, smaller size, and greater durability. Capacitive touch sensing technology allows for button on / off control, quantitative adjustment, and directional and pressure control with just a light touch, greatly enhancing the user experience.

[0003] Currently, capacitive touchpads on the market not only provide touch functionality but also pressure sensing via pressure sensors. Typically, these touchpads have a double-layered, equally divided touch and pressure-sensitive surface to achieve both touch and sensing functions. When a finger presses the touchpad surface, the sensing electrodes and foam on the pressure-sensitive surface deform close to the internal grounded metal shell, causing a change in the parameters of the parallel plate capacitor. This change in capacitance is then detected, enabling the pinch function.

[0004] Current capacitive touchpads require both a touch layer and a pressure-sensitive layer to simultaneously achieve touch and sensing functions. Considering cost and ease of mass production, a double-layer flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is used to design both the touch and pressure-sensitive layers, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs. However, some problems arise during the design process: such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows the current structure of a capacitive touchpad with a sensor surface. Because it's a double-sided layout, to ensure touch sensitivity, wiring is typically routed on the pressure-sensitive surface. This wiring encroaches on the sensor electrodes, resulting in inconsistent electrode sizes. Inconsistent electrode sizes lead to poor touch sensitivity and inconsistent sensor data, thus affecting touch accuracy and user experience.

[0005] While the lack of coverage of the sensing electrode block can be compensated for by using multi-layer FPC board technology or FPC electromagnetic film shielding layer technology to make the sensing touch panel, both of these processes increase the complexity and cost of the process.

[0006] In the process of developing this utility model, the applicant discovered at least the following problems in the prior art:

[0007] Currently, there is an urgent need for a touchpad that can guarantee touch functionality without increasing process complexity and cost. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a capacitive touchpad and touch sensing device to solve the technical problem of the current urgent need for a touchpad that can guarantee touch sensing functionality without increasing process complexity and cost. The various technical effects of the preferred solutions among the many technical solutions provided by this invention are detailed below.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0010] This utility model provides a capacitive touch panel, including a touch chip, a touch layer, and a pressure-sensitive layer; the touch layer includes a plurality of first sensing electrode blocks; the pressure-sensitive layer includes a plurality of block regions, each block region including a second sensing electrode block and a trace; each first sensing electrode block and each second sensing electrode block are connected to the touch chip through the trace; each second sensing electrode block has an equal area but different shapes.

[0011] Optionally, the block region is rectangular in shape, and the area of ​​each block region is not equal.

[0012] Optionally, each of the block regions has the same width but different lengths, and the number of block regions in each row of the pressure-sensitive layer is equal, as is the number of block regions in each column.

[0013] Optionally, the width of each block region is 3.60 mm.

[0014] Optionally, each row of the pressure-sensitive layer has three block regions; the lengths of the three block regions in the first row of the pressure-sensitive layer are 15.02 mm, 15.91 mm, and 17.45 mm, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the first sensing electrode block array is arranged on the touch layer, and each of the first sensing electrode blocks has the same area and shape.

[0016] Optionally, the number of the first sensing electrode blocks is greater than the number of the second sensing electrode blocks.

[0017] Optionally, the touch layer and pressure-sensitive layer are respectively disposed on both sides of the flexible circuit board.

[0018] A touch sensing device, comprising any of the capacitive touch panels described above.

[0019] Optionally, the touch-sensing device may be a smartphone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, or smart home appliance.

[0020] Implementing one of the above-described technical solutions of this utility model has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention avoids the problem of inconsistent sizes of the sensing electrode blocks on the pressure-sensitive layer caused by the need for wiring, by equally dividing the size of each sensing electrode block on the pressure-sensitive layer to ensure that the area of ​​each sensing electrode block is equal. This ensures that the touch sensitivity is not affected by the size of the sensing electrode blocks due to the gaps between the wiring. By changing the shape of the sensing electrode blocks and equally dividing the area of ​​the sensing electrode blocks, the touch data effect of each sensing electrode block is balanced, thereby ensuring the data consistency of the entire touch panel. This does not increase the complexity and cost of the process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing capacitive touchpad;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the touch layer of the capacitive touch panel according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the capacitive touch panel before the pressure-sensitive layer is divided according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure-sensitive layer of the capacitive touch panel according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Touch chip; 2. Touch layer; 21. First sensing electrode block; 3. Pressure-sensitive layer; 31. Block area; 311. Second sensing electrode block; 4. Wiring. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, various exemplary embodiments described below will be referenced to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the exemplary embodiments, illustrating various exemplary embodiments that may be adopted to implement this utility model. Unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. It should be understood that they are merely examples of processes, methods, and apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this utility model disclosed as detailed in the appended claims, and other embodiments may be used, or structural and functional modifications may be made to the embodiments listed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. The term "multiple" means two or more. The terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, integral connections, mechanical connections, electrical connections, communication connections, direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] To illustrate the technical solution described in this utility model, specific embodiments are described below, showing only the parts related to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] like Figures 2-4As shown, this utility model provides a capacitive touchpad, including a touch chip 1, a touch layer 2, and a pressure-sensitive layer 3. The touch layer 2 includes multiple first sensing electrode blocks 21. The pressure-sensitive layer 3 includes multiple block regions 31, each block region 31 including a second sensing electrode block 311 and a trace 4. It should be noted that, for aesthetic purposes and to simplify the manufacturing process, in this embodiment, the trace 4 is placed in the middle of each row of second sensing electrode blocks 311. Each first sensing electrode block 21 and each second sensing electrode block 311 are connected to the touch chip 1 through the trace 4. Each second sensing electrode block 311 has an equal area but different shapes, ensuring that the area of ​​each second sensing electrode block 311 is equal, which can guarantee the sensitivity of the entire touchpad and the consistency of sensing data, thereby ensuring the touch sensing function of the touchpad and improving the user experience.

[0033] This embodiment avoids the problem of inconsistent sizes of the sensing electrode blocks on the pressure-sensitive layer 3 caused by the need to arrange the wiring 4, by equally dividing the size of each sensing electrode block on the pressure-sensitive layer 3 to make the area of ​​each sensing electrode block equal. This ensures that the touch sensitivity is not affected by the size of the sensing electrode blocks due to the gaps in the wiring 4. By changing the shape of the sensing electrode blocks and equally dividing the area of ​​the sensing electrode blocks, the touch data effect of each sensing electrode block is balanced, thereby ensuring the data consistency of the entire touch panel without increasing the complexity and cost of the process.

[0034] As an alternative implementation method, such as Figure 4 As shown, the shape of the block area 31 is rectangular, and the area of ​​each block area 31 is not equal. The width of each block area 31 is equal, but the length is unequal, to ensure that the second sensing electrode blocks 311 can be neatly arranged while maintaining the same area for each block. Furthermore, the number of block areas 31 in each row of the pressure-sensitive layer 3 is equal, and the number of block areas 31 in each column is also equal. The second sensing electrode blocks 311 in a column are arranged vertically to form a sensing channel, thereby realizing the touch sensing function of the touchpad. For example, in... Figure 4 The touchpad shown has 18 block areas and 31 sensing channels on its sensing layer.

[0035] Each block region 31 includes a second sensing electrode block 311 and a portion of traces 4. That is, the area of ​​the block region 31 is equal to the area of ​​the second sensing electrode block 311 plus the area of ​​the traces 4 on the block region 31. According to the arrangement of the traces 4, the area of ​​the traces 4 on the block region 31 that is farther away from the touch chip 1 is smaller. Therefore, in order to make the area of ​​each second sensing electrode block 311 the same, the length of each row of block regions 31 is divided without changing the width. If the area of ​​the traces 4 is larger, the length of the block region 31 is longer, and vice versa, so that the area of ​​each second sensing electrode block 311 is the same.

[0036] Below, in conjunction with Figures 3-4 The structural design of the capacitive touchpad provided in this embodiment is described below:

[0037] First, the size of each row of pressure-sensitive electrode blocks in layer 3 is defined. A trace 4 is placed at the center of each row of electrode blocks, and the area of ​​intrusion of trace 4 into the corresponding row of electrode blocks is calculated. Then, the area of ​​intrusion of trace 4 is subtracted from the area of ​​the row of electrode blocks. Next, the size of each column of electrode blocks is equally divided based on the area of ​​each row of electrode blocks. The calculation starts from the area where trace 4 has the largest intrusion area, ensuring that the size of each electrode block is consistent and avoiding any loss of shape due to trace 4.

[0038] by Figure 4 Taking the touchpad shown as an example, the total length of the three blocks 31 in the first row of the touchpad is 48.23mm, the width is 3.60mm, and the area is 173.628mm². 2 The trace 4 on the first block region 31 of the first row is basically set in the gap of the second sensing electrode block 311, so the area occupied by the trace 4 can be ignored; the area of ​​the trace 4 intruded on the remaining two block regions 31 is extracted, and the length and width are 16.02mm and 0.5mm and 16.02mm and 0.21mm respectively, with a total area of ​​11.3742mm². 2 The total area of ​​block region 31 in the first row minus the area encroached by trace 4 is 162.2538 mm. 2 Because three sensing channels are set up, the area of ​​each second sensing electrode block 311 in the first row is 54.0846 mm². 2 Dividing by the width of each second sensing electrode block 311 (3.60mm, 3.40mm, 3.10mm respectively) yields lengths of 15.02mm, 15.91mm, and 17.45mm for each block. The other rows are calculated in the same way to obtain the area of ​​each block region 31.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of each block region 31 is 3.60 mm. Each row of the pressure-sensitive layer 3 has 3 block regions 31; the lengths of the 3 block regions 31 in the first row of the pressure-sensitive layer 3 are 15.02 mm, 15.91 mm and 17.45 mm, respectively.

[0040] As an alternative implementation, the first sensing electrode blocks 21 are arranged in an array on the touch layer 2, and each first sensing electrode block 21 has the same area and shape. Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the touch layer 2. Since there is no need to set up the traces 4 on the touch layer 2, the first sensing electrode blocks 21 can be arrayed on the touch layer 2 to ensure the touch function of the touch panel.

[0041] As an alternative implementation, the number of first sensing electrode blocks 21 is greater than the number of second sensing electrode blocks 311. Touch detection on the touch layer 2 is more frequent; therefore, to ensure touch detection accuracy, a greater number of sensing electrode blocks need to be provided on the touch layer 2. Figure 2 As shown, the number of first sensing electrode blocks 21 is 30, and the number of sensing channels is 5.

[0042] As an alternative implementation, the touch layer 2 and pressure-sensitive layer 3 are respectively disposed on both sides of the flexible circuit board. Employing a double-sided FPC design, without altering the original double-sided FPC structure, optimizes the routing 4 of each sensing electrode block to the touch chip 1, simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, reducing the number of FPC layers increases the FPC's flexibility, lowers manufacturing costs and mass production difficulty, making this design easier to apply to various touch products.

[0043] The embodiment is merely a special case and does not indicate that this utility model is implemented in such a way.

[0044] Example 2:

[0045] The difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second embodiment provides a touch-sensing device, including a capacitive touchpad as described in any of the embodiments in the first embodiment. The touch-sensing device can be a smartphone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, or smart home appliance. This embodiment uses the capacitive touchpad provided in the embodiment, which, without altering the original double-sided FPC structure, ensures the touch sensitivity of the touchpad and the consistency of touch data across the entire board, greatly improving the user experience.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present utility model, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A capacitive sensing touchpad, comprising: The application relates to a capacitive touch panel, which comprises a touch chip (1), a touch layer (2) and a pressure-sensitive layer (3); the touch layer (2) comprises a plurality of first sensing electrode blocks (21); the pressure-sensitive layer (3) comprises a plurality of block areas (31), each of which comprises a second sensing electrode block (311) and a wire (4); each of the first sensing electrode blocks (21) and each of the second sensing electrode blocks (311) are connected with the touch chip (1) through the wire (4); the area of each of the second sensing electrode blocks (311) is equal, and the shapes of the second sensing electrode blocks (311) are not equal.

2. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 1, wherein, The shapes of the block areas (31) are rectangular, and the areas of each of the block areas (31) are not equal.

3. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 2, wherein, The width of each of the block areas (31) is equal, the length of each of the block areas (31) is not equal, the number of the block areas (31) in each row of the pressure-sensitive layer (3) is equal, and the number of the block areas (31) in each column of the pressure-sensitive layer (3) is also equal.

4. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 3, wherein, The width of each of the block areas (31) is 3.60 mm.

5. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 4, wherein, Each row of the pressure-sensitive layer (3) has three block areas (31); the lengths of the three block areas (31) in the first row of the pressure-sensitive layer (3) are 15.02 mm, 15.91 mm and 17.45 mm respectively.

6. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensing electrode blocks (21) are arranged in an array on the touch layer (2), and the area and shape of each of the first sensing electrode blocks (21) are equal.

7. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 1, wherein, The number of the first sensing electrode blocks (21) is greater than that of the second sensing electrode blocks (311).

8. A capacitive sensing touchpad according to claim 1, wherein, The touch layer (2) and the pressure-sensitive layer (3) are arranged on two surfaces of a flexible circuit board respectively.

9. A touch sensitive device comprising: The capacitive touch panel comprises any one of claims 1-8.

10. The touch sensitive device of claim 9, wherein, The touch sensing device is a smart phone, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smart watch or a smart home appliance.

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