Touch display panel capable of generating physical keys

Abstract

The utility model discloses a touch display panel capable of generating physical keys, and the touch display panel comprises a display panel module which comprises a display area and a non-display area located on at least one side of the display area; the plug-in touch control module comprises a movable end, a fixed end and a flexible touch control interface located between the movable end and the fixed end, and the flexible touch control interface is located on the display area; the movable connecting assembly is operably connected between the display panel module and the plug-in touch module; and the driver is connected with the movable end so as to drive the movable end to move towards the fixed end, so that the flexible display area generates a raised entity key part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a touch display panel, and more particularly to a touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, touch panels have become widely used in all aspects of human life. For example, as the functionality of in-vehicle systems continues to expand, touch panels, which are not limited to a one-to-one button configuration for each function, are ideally suited as human-machine interfaces for operating complex in-vehicle systems. Furthermore, because touch panels lack recessed or raised physical buttons, their smooth surface is considered a sign of advanced and futuristic design in industry. Therefore, for aesthetic reasons, touch panels are increasingly prevalent in the human-machine interfaces of in-vehicle systems, with some advanced vehicle models even employing completely buttonless touch panels.

[0003] However, in actual driving, to operate the touch-screen in-vehicle system while driving, the driver needs to turn their gaze to the touch panel and tap the graphical user interface. This gaze shift can distract the driver while driving, potentially posing a danger to their driving safety; or the driver can only operate the touch panel when temporarily parked on the side of the road, which is inconvenient.

[0004] Therefore, while existing in-vehicle touch panels provide the ability to operate complex in-vehicle systems, they still sacrifice some of the driver's driving safety and need to be improved. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this application aims to solve is to provide a touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons, addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies. By installing an external touch module on the display panel and generating physical buttons on the external touch module that are linked to the display panel, users can operate the panel blindly by touch without having to shift their gaze from the driver's field of vision. This improves driving safety when operating the panel while ensuring that the touch function of the panel is executed normally.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons, comprising: a display panel module including a display area and a non-display area located on at least one side of the display area; an external touch module including a mobile end, a fixed end, and a flexible touch interface located between the mobile end and the fixed end, wherein the flexible touch interface is located above the display area; a movable connecting component operably connected between the display panel module and the external touch module; and a driver connected to the mobile end to drive the mobile end to move toward the fixed end, thereby generating raised physical button portions in the flexible display area.

[0007] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the movable connection component includes a first slider and a second slider, the first slider and the second slider being configured to be connected to each other and to slide relative to each other in one direction by disengaging the connection, and the first slider being disposed on the non-display area, and the second slider being disposed on the external touch module, such that the external touch module is mounted on the non-display area of ​​the display panel module via the movable connection component and at least covers the display area.

[0008] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the first slider is a slide rail component, and the second slider is a plurality of slider components, the plurality of slider components being disposed at positions corresponding to the display content of the display area disposed in the direction, and each of the plurality of slider components being individually controlled to connect and disconnect from the slide rail component.

[0009] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the driver includes a motor module and a drive shaft module, the movable end being connected to the motor module via the drive shaft module, such that the motor module is configured to move the movable end via the drive shaft module.

[0010] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the connection between the slide rail member and the plurality of sliders is formed by generating an electromagnetic force between the slide rail member and the plurality of sliders.

[0011] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the touch display panel further includes a microcontroller configured to control the electromagnetic force between each of the plurality of sliders and the slide rail member.

[0012] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the microcontroller is also signal-connected to the display panel module and the external touch module, and configured to control the electromagnetic force between the plurality of sliders and the slide rail component according to the display information of the display panel module, and configured to transmit the touch signal received by the external touch module to the display panel module.

[0013] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the raised height of the physical button portion is between 4 and 6 mm, and the width of the physical button portion along the direction is 10 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the area of ​​the flexible touch interface of the external touch module is larger than the area of ​​the display area.

[0015] Furthermore, in one feasible or preferred embodiment, the length difference between the external touch module and the display area in the direction is 13 to 16 mm.

[0016] One of the beneficial effects of this application is that the touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons provided by this application can generate protruding physical buttons on the smooth surface of the display panel module through the technical solutions of "an external touch module including a mobile end, a fixed end and a flexible touch interface located between the mobile end and the fixed end, wherein the flexible touch interface is located on the display area", "a movable connecting component operably connected between the display panel module and the external touch module", and "a driver connected to the mobile end to drive the mobile end to move toward the fixed end, so that the flexible display area generates a raised physical button portion". The display panel module can be controlled by touching the physical button portion, so that the original display panel can support a safer touch usage method when the vehicle is in motion.

[0017] To further understand the features and technical content of this application, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of this application. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the first embodiment of the touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a plan view of a display panel module according to a first embodiment of the touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the external touch module of the first embodiment of the touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first embodiment of the touch panel capable of generating physical buttons according to this application during operation.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the touch panel capable of generating physical buttons according to this application during operation.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the module functions and signal connection relationships of a second embodiment of the touch panel capable of generating physical buttons according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation methods of the "touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons" disclosed in this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this application. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings in this application are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this application in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Materials involved in the embodiments are commercially available or made according to prior art, unless otherwise specified. Methods or operations involved in the embodiments are conventional methods or operations in the art, unless otherwise specified.

[0026] It should be understood that although the steps in the method flowchart are described in a specific order in this document, this does not require or imply that these steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all steps must be performed to achieve the desired result. Optionally, multiple steps may be combined into one step, or a single step may be broken down into multiple steps.

[0027] First Embodiment

[0028] Please see Figure 1This document illustrates a plan view of a first embodiment of the touch display panel Z capable of generating physical buttons according to this application. The touch display panel Z includes a display panel module 1, an external touch module 2, a movable connection component 3, and a driver 4. By connecting the external touch module 2 to the display panel module 1 via the movable connection component 3, and using the driver 4 to move a portion of the external touch module 2 relative to the display panel module 1 to generate raised physical button portions, physical buttons that can be blindly pressed by the user can be generated on the smooth display panel of a conventional vehicle system, enabling the touch display panel to have the operational characteristics of physical buttons as needed.

[0029] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagrams show planar schematics of the display panel module 1 and the external touch module 2 of the first embodiment of the touch display panel Z capable of generating physical buttons according to this application. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display panel module 1 can be an interface for displaying vehicle system information to a user, and may include a display area 11 and a non-display area 12. The display area 11 is configured to perform the aforementioned human-machine interface function of displaying vehicle system information to a user. For example, the display area 11 can display operational information and functions of the vehicle system, such as navigation maps, music playback interfaces, in-vehicle temperature control interfaces, and seat adjustment interfaces, and can provide these system operational information and functions to the user through a graphical user interface (e.g., graphical blocks). In contrast, the non-display area 12 is the portion of the display panel module 1 that does not perform these functions and is located on at least one side of the display area 11. For example, the non-display area 12 may be a border portion surrounding or accommodating the display area 11.

[0030] Correspondingly, the external touch module 2 has a flexible touch interface 23 corresponding to the display area 11, and includes a fixed end 22 and a movable end 21 at opposite ends of the flexible touch interface 23. The flexible touch interface 23 is the part of the external touch module 2 that generates raised physical buttons for user touch operation; therefore, the flexible touch interface 23 can be made of a flexible touch material, such as a flexible substrate formed of organic material. The fixed end 22 of the external touch module 2 is fixedly disposed on the display panel module 1.

[0031] The movable connection component 3 is operably disposed and connected between the display panel module 1 and the external touch module 2, and may include a first slider 31 and a second slider 32. The first slider 31 and the second slider 32 have so-called "connected" and "disconnected" operation modes. For example, when the first slider 31 and the second slider 32 are in the "disconnected" operation mode, a slidable connection is established between the first slider 31 and the second slider 32, allowing them to slide relative to each other in a specific direction (e.g., horizontally), without relative movement in other directions. On the other hand, when the first slider 31 and the second slider 32 are in the "connected" operation mode, the first slider 31 and the second slider 32 are configured to establish a completely immovable connection therebetween, preventing them from moving relative to each other. Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the first slider 31 is disposed on the non-display area 12 of the display panel module 1, while the second slider 32 is disposed on the outer periphery of the flexible touch interface 23 of the external touch module 2, so that the display panel module 1 and the external touch module 2 can be connected by the movable connecting component 3.

[0032] The driver 4 is connected to the movable end 21 of the external touch module 2 and includes a motor module 41 and a drive shaft module 42. The drive shaft module 42 is connected between the motor module 41 and the movable end 21, so that the movable end 21 obtains the driving energy or driving force provided by the motor module 41 through the drive shaft module 42, and can move relative to the fixed end 22 along the direction D.

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5This will describe one mode of operation of the touch display panel Z capable of generating physical buttons according to this application. For example, the display panel module 1 is configured to display a screen (e.g., a music playback interface) on the display area 11, which displays graphic blocks (not shown) for user operation. Based on the relative positions of these graphic blocks in the display area 11, the movable connecting component 3 is controlled to connect a portion of the second slider 32' with the first slider 31, forming a complete lock (i.e., the second slider 32' and the first slider 31 cannot move relative to each other); while the other portion of the second slider 32" can still move relative to the first slider 31 along a specific direction (e.g., horizontal direction), in a disengaged state. Specifically, in a particular embodiment, the edge of the graphic block near the fixed end 22 can be used as the boundary to control the complete lock connection between the second slider 32' and the first slider 31 located between the boundary and the fixed end 22, and to control the second slider 32" located between the boundary and the moving end 21 to maintain a relative sliding state with the first slider 31. For example, in a specific embodiment, the first slider 31 may be a slide rail component, and the second sliders 32' and 32" may be multiple sliders that slide within the slide rail component. The connection between the slide rail component and the sliders is formed by generating an electromagnetic force between the slide rail component and the sliders. Therefore, the electromagnetic force between the first slider 31 and the second sliders 32' and 32" can be controlled respectively to achieve the aforementioned state of "partial connection / locking between the first slider 31 and the second slider 32".

[0034] In this case, the motor module 41 of the driver 4 is activated, causing the motor module 41 to drive the moving end 21 along direction D via the drive shaft module 42. Since the second slider 32' between the graphic block and the fixed end 22 is completely locked to the first slider 31 at the edge of the graphic block near the fixed end 22, the flexible touch interface 23, possessing flexible material properties, is compressed by the movement of the moving end 21 towards the fixed end 22, causing it to bulge upwards with the edge of the graphic block near the fixed end 22 as a support point, thus forming a solid button portion B with a raised shape, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0035] The size of the physical button portion B on the flexible touch interface 23 generally corresponds to the size of the graphic square displayed in the display area 11 for touch operation. For example, it may have a similar width W to the graphic square in direction D. Furthermore, the physical button portion B has a certain raised height H, allowing the user to perceive its shape by touch and determine its position, thus enabling touch operation without having to look at it. For example, in a specific embodiment, the raised height H of the physical button portion B may be between 4 and 6 mm, and the width W of the physical button portion B along direction D is 10 mm. Therefore, to form a physical button portion B with the aforementioned physical features, the external touch module 2 must at least cover the display area 11 of the display panel module 1. Additionally, in a specific embodiment, the area of ​​the flexible touch interface 23 of the external touch module 2 is larger than the area of ​​the display area 11 of the display panel module 1. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the length difference between the external touch module 2 and the display area 11 in direction D is 13 to 16 mm.

[0036] Furthermore, when a physical button portion B has been formed, the second slider 32 and the first slider 31 located between the edge of the physical button portion B and / or the graphic block on the side near the moving end 21 and the moving end 21 can also be completely locked by control to fix the raised shape of the physical button portion B.

[0037] In this way, by controlling the connection between the second sliders 32', 32" and the first slider 31 corresponding to different graphic blocks in the display area 11, and by using the driver 4 to press the flexible touch interface 23, physical button parts B corresponding to different graphic blocks can be formed.

[0038] Second Embodiment

[0039] Please see now Figure 6This diagram illustrates the module functions and signal link relationships of a second embodiment of the touch display panel Z capable of generating physical buttons according to this application. The main difference between this embodiment and the aforementioned first embodiment is that the touch display panel Z capable of generating physical buttons in this embodiment further includes a microcontroller 5. The microcontroller 5 is configured to have at least a signal connection with the movable connection component 3 to control the connection and disconnection between the first slider 31 and the second slider 32 (e.g., controlling the electromagnetic force between the first slider 31 / slide rail component and the second slider 32 / slider component), and can be further configured to control the connection between the first slider 31 and the second slider 32 based on display information (e.g., the position of the aforementioned graphic square) on the display area 11 of the display panel module 1. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the microcontroller 5 has a signal connection with the display panel module 1 and the external touch module 2, and is configured to transmit the touch signals received by the external touch module 2 to the display panel module 1 to achieve information and operation synchronization between the external touch module 2 and the display panel module 1.

[0040] In addition, in certain embodiments, the microcontroller 5 may further have a signal connection with the motor module 41 to control the movement of the mobile end 21 by controlling the motor module 41 and the drive shaft core module 42.

[0041] Beneficial effects of the embodiments

[0042] One beneficial effect of this application is that the touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons provided by this application can generate protruding physical buttons on the smooth surface of the display panel module through the technical solutions of "an external touch module including a mobile end, a fixed end and a flexible touch interface located between the mobile end and the fixed end, wherein the flexible touch interface is located on the display area", "a movable connecting component operably connected between the display panel module and the external touch module", and "a driver connected to the mobile end to drive the mobile end to move towards the fixed end, so that the flexible display area generates a raised physical button portion". The display panel module can be controlled by touching the physical button portion, so that the original display panel can support a safer touch usage method when the vehicle is in motion.

[0043] Compared to existing touch panel systems, the touch display panel of this application, capable of generating physical buttons, can generate physical touch areas corresponding to the displayed information, depending on the situation. When used in conjunction with an in-vehicle system, it provides blind-press functionality for drivers, eliminating the need to shift their gaze from the driver's field of vision to the touch display panel for operation, thus improving ease of use and further reducing the dangers of operating the touch panel while driving. Furthermore, since the external touch module is mounted to the display panel module via a movable connecting component, provided the size and / or shape are compatible, the external touch module can be installed as an additional expansion device for the in-vehicle system, without requiring a complete overhaul of the in-vehicle system to convert a full touchscreen to one with physical buttons. It also has the potential to adapt to different display panels, thus broadening its application scope.

[0044] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims of this application. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the description and drawings of this application are included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons, characterized in that, The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons includes: A display panel module includes a display area and a non-display area located on at least one side of the display area; An external touch module includes a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, and a flexible touch interface located between the mobile terminal and the fixed terminal, wherein the flexible touch interface is located above the display area; A movable connection component is operably connected between the display panel module and the external touch module; and A driver, connected to the mobile terminal, drives the mobile terminal to move toward the fixed terminal, causing the flexible display area to generate raised physical button portions.

2. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable connection assembly includes a first slider and a second slider, which are connected to each other and can slide relative to each other in one direction by disengaging the connection. The first slider is disposed on the non-display area, and the second slider is disposed on the external touch module, such that the external touch module is mounted on the non-display area of ​​the display panel module through the movable connection assembly and at least covers the display area.

3. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first slider is a slide rail component, and the second slider is a plurality of slider components. The plurality of slider components are configured to be positioned in the direction corresponding to the display content of the display area, and each of the plurality of slider components is individually controlled to connect and disconnect from the slide rail component.

4. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driver includes a motor module and a drive shaft module. The mobile end is connected to the motor module through the drive shaft module, such that the motor module is configured to move the mobile end through the drive shaft module.

5. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connection between the slide rail component and the plurality of slider components is formed by generating an electromagnetic force between the slide rail component and the plurality of slider components.

6. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 5, characterized in that, The touch display panel also includes a microcontroller configured to control the electromagnetic force between each of the plurality of sliders and the slide rail member.

7. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 6, characterized in that, The microcontroller is also signal-connected to the display panel module and the external touch module, and is configured to control the electromagnetic force between the multiple sliders and the slide rail components according to the display information of the display panel module, and is configured to transmit the touch signals received by the external touch module to the display panel module.

8. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the raised part of the physical button is between 4 and 6 mm, and the width of the physical button part along the direction is 10 mm.

9. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area of ​​the flexible touch interface of the external touch module is larger than the area of ​​the display area.

10. The touch display panel capable of generating physical buttons according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length difference between the external touch module and the display area in the direction is 13 to 16 mm.

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