A touchpad module capable of providing visual feedback

Abstract

The utility model discloses an embodiment of a kind of touchpad module that can provide visual feedback, it is related to touchpad technical field, comprising: cover glass substrate and sequentially laminated first electrode layer, electrochromic material layer, ion channel layer, piezoelectric material layer, second electrode layer and insulating layer on it, and be connected with PCBA by adhesive layer. First electrode layer and second electrode layer are all graphed as multiple mutually isolated and vertical projection one-to-one corresponding electrode partition, and PCBA is connected with each electrode partition respectively. The utility model is integrated by multilayer function structure, realizes the real-time dynamic visual feedback of touch track, and piezoelectric material layer promotes response speed, and ion channel layer ensures reaction stability and circuit safety. The module does not need light guide assembly, significantly reduce thickness, effectively solve the problem that visual feedback is missing in touch interaction and equipment light and thin difficult to take into account, greatly improve the interaction intuitiveness and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of touchpad technology, and in particular to a touchpad module that can provide visual feedback. Background Technology

[0002] Laptops, with their excellent portability, have become indispensable tools in modern work and life. As a key component for human-computer interaction, the touchpad module's user experience directly impacts the efficiency and comfort of overall operation. Currently, mainstream touch feedback methods primarily rely on haptic feedback mechanisms. One common approach is the mechanical touchpad module, which transmits pressure to a bottom spring structure by the user pressing the panel, triggering a mechanical signal and providing a physical click sensation. Another increasingly popular approach is the pressure-sensitive touchpad module, which uses a force sensor to convert pressure into an electrical signal, then uses a vibration motor to simulate a vibration feedback effect, giving the user a tactile response. While these technologies enhance the realism of operation to some extent, they are all limited to tactile feedback.

[0003] From the current application status of existing technologies, visual feedback functionality in touch interaction is still significantly lacking. Most existing products can only provide tactile sensing signals such as pressure rebound or vibration, failing to offer an intuitive and visual response when the user touches the screen. This results in a limited form of feedback in multitasking or scenarios requiring visual confirmation, restricting the richness of interactive expression and the efficiency of information transmission. Although some solutions have attempted to add light guide structures and light sources under the cover glass substrate to achieve a light-emitting effect, these methods typically require additional light guide layers and side-mounted light elements, significantly increasing the overall thickness of the module and failing to meet the increasingly stringent demand for thinner and lighter consumer electronics devices. Furthermore, such edge-incidence-based light-emitting technologies usually only achieve uniform overall light emission, unable to provide localized and dynamic color and brightness changes based on the user's finger movement. Therefore, they cannot achieve precise and responsive visual indication of touch trajectories, reducing the intuitiveness, fun, and functionality of the interaction.

[0004] Therefore, the prominent problem in the existing technology is: how to achieve a solution that can follow the touch trajectory in real time and accurately and provide dynamic visual feedback while ensuring the thin and light structure of the touch module, so as to make up for the lack of visual feedback in the current touch interaction and meet the user's dual needs for efficient and intuitive interaction and device portability. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model embodiment is how to achieve a solution that can follow the touch trajectory in real time and accurately and provide dynamic visual feedback while ensuring the thin and light structure of the touch module, so as to make up for the lack of visual dimension feedback in the current touch interaction and meet the user's dual needs for efficient and intuitive interaction and device portability.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a touchpad module that offers visual feedback, comprising:

[0007] Cover glass substrate;

[0008] A first electrode layer is disposed on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate, and the first electrode layer is patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated first electrode partitions.

[0009] An electrochromic material layer disposed on the first electrode layer;

[0010] An ion channel layer disposed in the electrochromic material layer;

[0011] A piezoelectric material layer disposed in the ion channel layer;

[0012] The second electrode layer is disposed on the piezoelectric material layer. The second electrode layer is patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated second electrode partitions, and the second electrode partitions correspond one-to-one with the first electrode partitions in vertical projection.

[0013] An insulating layer disposed on the second electrode layer;

[0014] A PCBA bonded to the insulating layer by an adhesive layer, wherein the PCBA is connected to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions respectively, and the PCBA can independently apply voltage to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions.

[0015] A further technical solution is that each of the first electrode partitions has a wire led out to the outer edge of the first electrode layer.

[0016] A further technical solution is that each of the second electrode partitions has a wire led out to the outer edge of the second electrode layer.

[0017] A further technical solution is that the PCBA is provided with an FPC, and the PCBA is connected to the wires of each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions through the FPC.

[0018] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the first electrode layer is 100-300nm.

[0019] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the second electrode layer is 100-300nm.

[0020] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the electrochromic material layer is 200-500 nm.

[0021] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the ion channel layer is 500-1000 nm.

[0022] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the piezoelectric material layer is 200-500nm.

[0023] A further technical solution is that the deposition thickness of the insulating layer is 50-100nm.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by the embodiments of this utility model include:

[0025] This invention provides a touchpad module that provides visual feedback, comprising: a cover glass substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate, the first electrode layer being patterned into multiple isolated first electrode partitions; an electrochromic material layer disposed on the first electrode layer; an ion channel layer disposed on the electrochromic material layer; a piezoelectric material layer disposed on the ion channel layer; a second electrode layer disposed on the piezoelectric material layer, the second electrode layer being patterned into multiple isolated second electrode partitions, and the second electrode partitions corresponding one-to-one with the first electrode partitions in vertical projection; an insulating layer disposed on the second electrode layer; and a PCBA bonded to the insulating layer by an adhesive layer, wherein the PCBA is connected to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions, and the PCBA can independently apply voltage to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions. This invention achieves precise local visual feedback in an ultra-thin structure by sequentially integrating the first electrode layer, electrochromic material layer, ion channel layer, piezoelectric material layer, second electrode layer, and insulating layer onto the cover glass. The corresponding design of the first and second electrode partitions, combined with PCBA control, can precisely locate touch coordinates and drive changes in the electric field of specific areas, causing the electrochromic material to undergo a reversible reaction and achieving real-time dynamic display of the touch trajectory. A piezoelectric material layer enhances the response speed, while an ion channel layer ensures reaction stability and circuit safety. This structure eliminates the need for light guide components, significantly reducing module thickness and completely solving the core problem of balancing lack of visual feedback and device thinness in touch interaction, greatly improving interactive intuitiveness and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0029] Figure 1 An exploded view of a touchpad module that provides visual feedback, as provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure Labels

[0031] 1. Cover glass substrate, 21. First electrode layer, 22. Electrochromic material layer, 23. Ion channel layer, 24. Piezoelectric material layer, 25. Second electrode layer, 3. Insulating layer, 4. Adhesive layer, 5. PCBA. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar component reference numerals in the drawings represent similar components. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0033] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0034] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification of embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. As used in this specification of embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] See Figure 1 This utility model embodiment proposes a touchpad module that can provide visual feedback. The touchpad module that can provide visual feedback includes a cover glass substrate 1, a first electrode layer 21, an electrochromic material layer 22, an ion channel layer 23, a piezoelectric material layer 24, a second electrode layer 25, an insulating layer 3, an adhesive layer 4, and a PCBA 5. The specific structure is described below:

[0036] A first electrode layer 21 is disposed on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate 1. The first electrode layer 21 is patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated first electrode partitions. An electrochromic material layer 22 is disposed on the first electrode layer 21. An ion channel layer 23 is disposed on the electrochromic material layer 22. A piezoelectric material layer 24 is disposed on the ion channel layer 23. A second electrode layer 25 is disposed on the piezoelectric material layer 24. The second electrode layer 25 is patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated second electrode partitions, and the second electrode partitions correspond one-to-one with the first electrode partitions in vertical projection. An insulating layer 3 is disposed on the second electrode layer 25. A PCBA5 is bonded to the insulating layer 3 through an adhesive layer 4. The PCBA5 is connected to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions, and the PCBA5 can independently apply voltage to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions.

[0037] In practical implementation, the cover glass substrate 1 serves as the supporting foundation and touch interface of the entire module. Its high strength and surface treatment characteristics provide a stable carrier for subsequent functional layers and ensure a good touch feel. The first electrode layer 21, located on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate 1, is patterned into multiple mutually isolated electrode zones. This structure allows the touch area to be independently addressed and precisely controlled, laying the hardware foundation for localized and responsive visual feedback. The electrochromic material layer 22, located on the first electrode layer 21, serves as the core functional medium. It can undergo a reversible oxidation-reduction reaction under the action of an electric field and produce obvious color changes, thereby directly converting electrical signals into visible visual signals. The ion channel layer 23 located on the electrochromic material layer 22 has selective ion conduction characteristics, which can efficiently transport the ions required for the reaction while effectively blocking the flow of electrons. This ensures the smooth progress of the electrochemical reaction and completely prevents the short-circuit risk between the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25, significantly improving the reliability and lifespan of the device.

[0038] The piezoelectric material layer 24 disposed on the ion channel layer 23 further enhances the system's response performance and stability. It converts the mechanical pressure of touch operation into a corresponding electrical signal and provides an additional ion source, working in conjunction with electric field modulation to accelerate the color-changing reaction and improve the clarity of visual feedback. The second electrode layer 25 disposed on the piezoelectric material layer 24 is also patterned and strictly corresponds to the first electrode partition in vertical projection. This precisely aligned electrode layout allows each independent control unit to form a complete electric field loop in the vertical direction, ensuring that the applied voltage is precisely limited to the target area, greatly improving energy utilization efficiency and avoiding signal crosstalk and false triggering. The insulating layer 3 disposed on the second electrode layer 25 provides electrical isolation between the functional layer and the PCBA5, preventing circuit interference and ensuring the accuracy of the drive signal.

[0039] Finally, the cover glass substrate 1, which integrates a multi-layered functional structure, is bonded to the PCBA5 via the adhesive layer 4. The PCBA5, through independent connections to each first electrode zone and each second electrode zone, achieves real-time recognition of touch coordinates and precise control of the corresponding zone voltage, completing an intelligent closed-loop control from touch perception to visual feedback. In summary, this touchpad module, by integrating sensing, driving, and feedback functions into a single thin structure, successfully provides precise dynamic visual feedback following the touch trajectory without increasing module thickness. This effectively solves the technical contradiction between the lack of visual feedback in traditional touch interaction and the difficulty in achieving a thinner and lighter device, significantly improving the intuitiveness of human-computer interaction and user experience.

[0040] Furthermore, the conductive materials used in the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25 include one of indium tin oxide, silver nanowires, or PEDOT:PSS; the material of the electrochromic material layer 22 includes one of tungsten trioxide, titanium dioxide, viologen compounds, polyaniline, or polythiophene; the material of the ion channel layer 23 includes one of LiPON, LiTaO3, or PEO-LiTFSI composite electrolyte; and the material of the piezoelectric material layer 24 includes one of zinc oxide, aluminum nitride, or lead zirconate titanate, which are not specifically limited in this invention.

[0041] Furthermore, the forming methods of the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25 include magnetron sputtering, spin coating, and coating; the forming methods of the electrochromic material layer 22 include magnetron sputtering, spraying, and coating; the forming methods of the ion channel layer 23 include plasma vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and spraying; the forming methods of the piezoelectric material layer 24 include magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, inkjet printing, and spin coating annealing; the forming methods of the insulating layer 3 include magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation, atomic layer deposition, and chemical vapor deposition, etc., and this utility model does not specifically limit these methods.

[0042] This utility model embodiment proposes a touchpad module that can provide visual feedback, comprising: a cover glass substrate 1; a first electrode layer 21 disposed on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate 1, the first electrode layer 21 being patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated first electrode partitions; an electrochromic material layer 22 disposed on the first electrode layer 21; an ion channel layer 23 disposed on the electrochromic material layer 22; a piezoelectric material layer 24 disposed on the ion channel layer 23; a second electrode layer 25 disposed on the piezoelectric material layer 24, the second electrode layer 25 being patterned into a plurality of mutually isolated second electrode partitions, and the second electrode partitions corresponding one-to-one with the first electrode partitions in vertical projection; an insulating layer 3 disposed on the second electrode layer 25; and a PCBA5 bonded to the insulating layer 3 by an adhesive layer 4, wherein the PCBA5 is connected to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions respectively, and the PCBA5 can independently apply voltage to each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions. This invention achieves precise local visual feedback in an ultra-thin structure by sequentially integrating a first electrode layer 21, an electrochromic material layer 22, an ion channel layer 23, a piezoelectric material layer 24, a second electrode layer 25, and an insulating layer 3 onto a cover glass. The corresponding design of the first and second electrode zones, combined with PCBA5 control, accurately locates the touch coordinates and drives changes in the electric field of specific areas, causing a reversible reaction in the electrochromic material and enabling real-time dynamic display of the touch trajectory. The piezoelectric material layer 24 enhances the response speed, while the ion channel layer 23 ensures stable reaction and circuit safety. This structure eliminates the need for light guide components, significantly reducing module thickness and completely solving the core problem of balancing lack of visual feedback and device thinness in touch interaction, greatly improving interactive intuitiveness and user experience.

[0043] In some preferred embodiments, each of the first electrode partitions has a lead wire extending to the outer edge of the first electrode layer 21; each of the second electrode partitions has a lead wire extending to the outer edge of the second electrode layer 25. The PCBA5 is provided with an FPC, and the PCBA5 is connected to the lead wires of each of the first electrode partitions and each of the second electrode partitions via the FPC. The lead wires are formed during patterning. Specifically, each of the first electrode partitions, each of the second electrode partitions, and the corresponding lead wires are fabricated using photolithography and etching processes.

[0044] In this embodiment, each first electrode partition is configured to have wires led out to the outer edge of the first electrode layer 21. This feature greatly improves the manufacturability and reliability of the module. Leading the wires to the outer edge of the first electrode layer 21 facilitates connection to external circuits through standardized processes, making it particularly suitable for bonding processes using flexible circuit boards, thus improving production efficiency and yield. This design avoids complex connection structures within the electrode area, reducing the occupation of the effective electrode area and ensuring the integrity and uniformity of the visual feedback area. The lead-to-outer-edge scheme also reduces the complexity of the wire layout, making modular design and subsequent maintenance more convenient, while reducing the risk of short circuits caused by wire crossings or excessive density.

[0045] Furthermore, each second electrode zone also extends lead wires to the outer edge of the second electrode layer 25. This feature, combined with the lead design of the first electrode layer 21, creates a synergistic effect, jointly optimizing the electrical connection performance of the module. The consistent lead strategy used in both the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25 simplifies the manufacturing process, reducing process development difficulty and equipment costs. Concentrating all leads at the outer edge facilitates unified connection with PCBA5, improving assembly accuracy and efficiency. This symmetrical lead design also helps maintain the module's mechanical balance, avoiding warping or deformation caused by uneven stress distribution, while providing a more stable and reliable path for signal transmission.

[0046] Furthermore, the PCBA5 is equipped with an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), which is connected to the wires of each first electrode zone and the second electrode zone. This feature optimizes and standardizes the electrical connections of the module. The use of FPC provides a flexible and reliable connection method, which can adapt to the design requirements of modules of different sizes and shapes. FPC connections simplify the interface design between PCBA5 and the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25, reduce connection complexity, and improve assembly efficiency and production yield. The good flexibility of FPC can also alleviate connection stress caused by temperature changes or mechanical stress, improving product durability and reliability. This connection method also facilitates module repair and replacement, helping to reduce later maintenance costs.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the deposition thickness of the first electrode layer 21 is 100-300 nm. The deposition thickness of the second electrode layer 25 is 100-300 nm.

[0048] In this embodiment, the deposition thickness of the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25 is limited to 100-300 nm. This thickness range has been carefully optimized to balance multiple performance requirements. This thickness is sufficient to ensure that the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25 form a continuous and dense film, providing stable and sufficiently low sheet resistance, ensuring that voltage can be efficiently transmitted to the entire electrode partition, avoiding voltage attenuation and response delay caused by excessive resistance. At the same time, this thickness maintains good optical transparency, minimizing interference with visual feedback effects and the display content that may exist below the touchpad module. Although a thicker electrode layer has better conductivity, it increases cost, prolongs processing time, and may affect the adhesion and flexibility of the film due to increased internal stress; an excessively thin electrode layer may be discontinuous, resulting in excessive resistance and low driving efficiency. Therefore, this thickness range achieves the best balance between conductivity, transparency, mechanical properties, and fabrication cost.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the deposition thickness of the electrochromic material layer 22 is 200-500 nm.

[0050] In this embodiment, the deposition thickness of the electrochromic material layer 22 is limited to 200-500 nm. This thickness range is crucial for achieving excellent visual feedback. This thickness ensures sufficient electrochromic active material to participate in the reaction, generating adequate color contrast and saturation, providing clear and obvious visual feedback. Simultaneously, the thickness is controlled within a reasonable range, avoiding the problems of excessively thick ion migration paths and slowed response speeds, thus ensuring the rapid color change and fading processes. This thickness also balances material utilization and manufacturing costs; excessively thick coatings increase material consumption and processing time, while excessively thin coatings may result in indistinct or uneven color changes. Therefore, this thickness range achieves an optimal balance between visual effect, response speed, and cost control.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments, the deposition thickness of the ion channel layer 23 is 500-1000 nm.

[0052] In this embodiment, the deposition thickness of the ion channel layer 23 is limited to 500-1000 nm, a thickness that has a critical impact on the device's performance and reliability. This thickness ensures that the ion channel layer 23 has sufficient ion transport capacity, enabling it to promptly provide or absorb the ions required for the electrochromic reaction, ensuring the reaction's high efficiency. Simultaneously, this thickness provides good electronic insulation, effectively preventing direct electron migration between the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 25, preventing short circuits, and improving the device's reliability and lifespan. A suitable thickness also ensures interlayer mechanical compatibility; an excessively thick ion channel layer 23 may increase internal stress and fabrication difficulty, while an excessively thin layer may produce pinhole defects, affecting insulation performance. Therefore, this thickness range achieves the optimal balance between ion conductivity, electronic insulation, and mechanical reliability.

[0053] In some preferred embodiments, the deposition thickness of the piezoelectric material layer 24 is 200-500 nm.

[0054] In this embodiment, the deposition thickness of the piezoelectric material layer 24 is limited to 200-500 nm. This thickness range ensures the effective performance of the piezoelectric effect. This thickness allows the piezoelectric material layer 24 to generate sufficient piezoelectric response, effectively polarize under touch pressure, and provide an ion source to assist and enhance the electrochromic reaction. Simultaneously, this thickness maintains good mechanical properties, enabling it to withstand repeated touch operations without damage, thus improving the product's durability. A moderate thickness also facilitates interface bonding with the upper and lower layers. An excessively thick piezoelectric layer may increase stress and affect the overall module's flexibility, while an excessively thin layer may result in insufficient piezoelectric effect. Therefore, this thickness range achieves an optimal balance between piezoelectric performance, mechanical reliability, and structural compatibility.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, the deposition thickness of the insulating layer 3 is 50-100 nm.

[0056] In this embodiment, the deposition thickness of the insulating layer 3 is limited to 50-100 nm, achieving a fine balance between protection and insulation. This thickness provides sufficient electrical insulation strength, effectively preventing current leakage or short circuits between the second electrode layer 25 and PCBA5, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the drive signal. Simultaneously, this thickness maintains good mechanical protection, preventing damage to the underlying functional structure during subsequent processing and use. The ultra-thin design avoids a significant increase in the overall module thickness, meeting the demand for thinner and lighter devices. While an excessively thick insulating layer 3 offers better insulation performance, it increases stress and affects heat dissipation; conversely, an excessively thin layer may introduce insulation defects. Therefore, this thickness range achieves the optimal balance between insulation performance, mechanical protection, and thickness control.

[0057] To further illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the working principle of the touchpad module providing visual feedback provided by this utility model is explained as follows:

[0058] 1. Hardware Basics:

[0059] a. Zoned electrodes:

[0060] The first and second electrode layers were photolithographically etched into many (e.g., 4x4 mm) tiny, insulated, independent electrode squares. Each square had an extremely fine, almost invisible wire leading out.

[0061] b. Dedicated driver circuit (on PCBA):

[0062] The PCBA integrates a driver IC that can output positive and negative voltages (typically an integrated power management unit or a dual-channel PWM output directly controlled by an MCU). This circuit can be viewed as a bipolar power switch that can independently apply voltage to each of the first electrode zones and each of the second electrode zones.

[0063] c. Control unit (MCU, which can be integrated on PCBA) and addressing network:

[0064] All these wires leading from the first and second electrode partitions are connected to a set of multiple output channels of the driver IC (e.g., via FPC). The MCU internally pre-configures the mapping relationship between the output channels and the coordinates on the touchpad module, as well as the electrode partitions (first and second electrode partitions).

[0065] The MCU acts as the master controller, instructing the driver IC to supply power individually to any one of the electrode zones in the grid (the first electrode zone and the second electrode zone).

[0066] 2. Workflow:

[0067] Step 1: Touch Positioning

[0068] When a finger touches the cover glass, the TouchIC on the PCBA detects the change in capacitance and accurately calculates the coordinates (X, Y) of the touch point.

[0069] Step 2: Signal Processing and Decision Making

[0070] TouchIC sends the coordinates (X,Y) to the MCU.

[0071] The MCU can immediately look up which first electrode partition and which second electrode partition this coordinate point corresponds to based on its internal mapping table.

[0072] Step 3: Apply voltage (taking color change as an example)

[0073] The MCU sends a command to the driver IC: "Output a negative voltage (-V) to the first electrode partition that has been queried; at the same time, output a positive voltage (+V) or ground (0V) to the corresponding second electrode partition."

[0074] After receiving the instruction, the driver IC applies a negative voltage precisely to the corresponding first electrode partition through the corresponding output channel. At the same time, the corresponding second electrode partition is either applied a positive voltage or grounded.

[0075] Step 4: An electric field is formed, and a reaction occurs.

[0076] Since the potential of the second electrode section is higher than that of the first electrode section, a downward electric field is established between these two corresponding electrode sections.

[0077] This electric field will drive electrons (e - The material is injected from the first electrode zone with a low potential into the color-changing material sandwiched in between.

[0078] At the same time, the pressure from the finger causes the piezoelectric material to generate ions (+), which enter the color-changing layer through the ion channel.

[0079] Electrons and ions combine in the color-changing material, triggering a redox reaction that causes the zone to change color.

[0080] When fading is required, the process is completely reversed:

[0081] The MCU commands the IC to output a positive voltage (+V) to the first electrode partition it queries; and to output a negative voltage (-V) or ground to the corresponding second electrode partition.

[0082] In this way, the direction of the electric field is reversed, forming an upward-directed electric field. This reverse electric field acts like a pump, drawing back the electrons (electrons) previously injected into the color-changing material. - The first electrode section was re-extracted.

[0083] At the same time, the pressure disappears, and the ions flow back. The chemical reaction, which has lost the support of electrons and ions, reverses, and the color disappears.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0085] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0086] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0087] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0088] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0089] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0090] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0091] The above description describes specific embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A touchpad module that provides visual feedback, characterized in that, include: Cover glass substrate; The first electrode layer is disposed on the non-touch surface of the cover glass substrate, and the first electrode layer is patterned into multiple mutually isolated first electrode partitions. An electrochromic material layer disposed on the first electrode layer; An ion channel layer disposed in the electrochromic material layer; A piezoelectric material layer disposed in the ion channel layer; The second electrode layer is disposed on the piezoelectric material layer. The second electrode layer is graphically represented as multiple mutually isolated second electrode partitions, and the second electrode partitions correspond one-to-one with the first electrode partitions in vertical projection. An insulating layer disposed on the second electrode layer; A PCBA is constructed by bonding an adhesive layer and an insulating layer, wherein the PCBA is connected to each first electrode partition and each second electrode partition respectively, and the PCBA can independently apply voltage to each first electrode partition and each second electrode partition.

2. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each first electrode zone has a lead wire extending to the outer edge of the first electrode layer.

3. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each second electrode zone has a lead wire extending to the outer edge of the second electrode layer.

4. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PCBA is equipped with an FPC, and the PCBA is connected to the wires of each first electrode section and each second electrode section through the FPC.

5. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deposition thickness of the first electrode layer is 100-300 nm.

6. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deposition thickness of the second electrode layer is 100-300 nm.

7. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deposition thickness of the electrochromic material layer is 200-500 nm.

8. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deposition thickness of the ion channel layer is 500-1000 nm.

9. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the piezoelectric material layer is 200-500 nm.

10. The touchpad module providing visual feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the insulating layer is 50-100 nm.

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