Touch panel and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a touch panel and an electronic device. The touch panel comprises a touch area and a device mounting hole located in the touch area, the touch area comprises a plurality of RX electrode groups and a plurality of TX electrode groups constituting an array, and at least one of the plurality of RX electrode groups and the plurality of TX electrode groups is cut into a plurality of sub-electrode groups by the device mounting hole. The touch panel further comprises a connecting line, all the sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series through the connecting line, the touch area comprises a crack-prone area located at the edge of the device mounting hole; and the connecting line is located outside the crack-prone area. Thus, even if the force generated in the process of mounting the device in the device mounting hole causes cracks at the edge of the device mounting hole, the force will not damage the connecting line, and the cut electrode group can still work normally, so that the touch panel will not be invalid, the robustness of the touch panel is enhanced, and the hole area defect is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to touch technology, and more particularly to touch panels and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices include touch panels. Touch panels often require mounting holes for different components, such as cameras, gaming shoulder buttons, and fingerprint recognition devices.

[0003] When setting the mounting holes for the device, the RX or TX electrode group is often cut off, causing touch failure. Therefore, the touch panel needs to be improved to avoid this touch failure problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to disclose a touch panel and an electronic device. Even with mounting holes, the touch panel is less prone to touch malfunction.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application discloses a touch panel. The touch panel includes a touch area and a device mounting hole located within the touch area. The touch area includes multiple sets of RX electrode groups and multiple sets of TX electrode groups arranged in an array. At least one set of the multiple sets of RX electrode groups and the multiple sets of TX electrode groups is cut into multiple sub-electrode groups by the device mounting hole. The touch panel also includes connecting lines, through which all sub-electrode groups of the same set of electrode groups are connected in series. The touch area includes a region located at the edge of the device mounting hole where cracks may occur; the connecting lines are located outside the region where cracks may occur.

[0006] In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the connecting line and the edge of the device mounting hole is d, where d ≥ 0.2 mm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the touch panel includes an auxiliary line, the distance between the auxiliary line and the edge of the mounting hole is less than the distance between the connecting line and the edge of the mounting hole, and all sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series through the auxiliary line.

[0008] In some implementations, the auxiliary line is located within the area where cracks may occur.

[0009] In some embodiments, the touch panel includes a black frame area located at the edge of the touch area, and the black frame area is provided with at least a portion of the connecting line.

[0010] In some embodiments, the device mounting hole is located at the edge of the touch area; only one set of RX electrodes located at the edge of the touch area is cut off by the device mounting hole, and / or only one set of TX electrodes located at the edge of the touch area is cut off by the device mounting hole.

[0011] In some implementations, all of the connection lines are located in the black frame area; or, the connection line located in the black frame area is one of the connection lines of the RX electrode group and the connection lines of the TX electrode group, and the other of the connection lines of the RX electrode group and the connection lines of the TX electrode group is located in the touch area.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the connecting lines in the black-framed area include the connecting lines of the RX electrode group, the connecting lines of the RX electrode group are arranged in parallel; when the connecting lines in the black-framed area include the connecting lines of the TX electrode group, the connecting lines of the TX electrode group are arranged in parallel.

[0013] In some implementations, all of the connecting lines are located in the touch area.

[0014] Secondly, this application discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes any of the aforementioned touch panels.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a camera; the camera is mounted in the device mounting hole.

[0016] For the aforementioned touch panels and electronic devices, even if the force generated by mounting the device in the mounting hole causes cracks at the edge of the mounting hole, these forces will not damage the connecting wire because the connecting wire is located outside the area where cracks may occur. The severed electrode group is still connected as a continuous electrode group through the connecting wire, and the severed electrode group can still work normally. Therefore, the touch panel will not fail to touch, enhancing the robustness of the touch panel and reducing defects in the hole area. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an array of RX and TX electrode groups in a touch panel;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single sensing unit;

[0019] Figure 3 In related technologies, the electrode group of the touch panel is cut into sub-electrode groups, and a schematic diagram of the connecting wires connecting the sub-electrode groups is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Equivalent diagram;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode group of the first type of touch panel in this application being cut into sub-electrode groups, and the connecting wires connecting the sub-electrode groups;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5Equivalent diagram;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of touch panel in this application, in which the electrode group is cut into sub-electrode groups, and the connecting lines and auxiliary lines are respectively connected to the sub-electrode groups;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode group of the third type of touch panel in this application being cut into sub-electrode groups, and the connecting wires connecting the sub-electrode groups;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode group of the fourth type of touch panel in this application being cut into sub-electrode groups, and the connecting wires connecting the sub-electrode groups;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth type of touch panel in this application, in which the electrode group is cut into sub-electrode groups and the connecting wires connect the sub-electrode groups;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth type of touch panel of this application, in which the electrode group is cut into sub-electrode groups, and the connecting line and auxiliary line are respectively connected to the sub-electrode groups;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the seventh type of touch panel of this application, in which the electrode group is cut into sub-electrode groups and the connecting wires connect the sub-electrode groups. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0030] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1The diagram illustrates a touch panel including a touch area 1. Touch area 1 includes multiple sets of RX electrode groups 11 and multiple sets of TX electrode groups 12. Each RX electrode group 11 extends horizontally and includes multiple electrodes. Each TX electrode group 12 extends vertically and includes multiple electrodes. In other cases, the RX electrode groups 11 may extend vertically, and the TX electrode groups 12 may extend horizontally. The multiple sets of RX electrode groups 11 and TX electrode groups 12 intersect to form an array, and the intersections form a sensing unit (commonly known in the industry as a pitch sensor). Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the structure of a sensing unit, with the RX electrode group 11 located horizontally, the RX electrode group 12 located vertically, the bridging part 14 (referred to in the industry as Bridge) connecting the vertical TX electrode group 12, and the grid being a suspended dummy block 15.

[0032] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The touch area 1 will have device mounting holes 16. The number of device mounting holes 16 is not limited to one, depending on the needs of the electronic device. Each device mounting hole 16 is used to mount devices such as cameras, gaming shoulder buttons, fingerprint recognition devices, etc. For electronic devices (such as mobile phones), all device mounting holes 16 can mount the same type of device or different devices. Creating device mounting holes 16 will cut at least one of the RX electrode group 11 and the TX electrode group 12. When the RX electrode group 11 is cut into multiple sub-electrode groups, the sub-electrode groups are located on both sides of the device mounting hole 16. When the TX electrode group 12 is cut into multiple sub-electrode groups, the sub-electrode groups are located on both sides of the device mounting hole 16.

[0033] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the relevant design, all sub-electrode groups of the severed electrode group are connected in series via connecting line 17, so that the severed electrode group is restored to a continuous electrode group. Connecting line 17 extends along the edge of the device mounting hole 16. During the device installation process, the force generated during device installation may cause cracks in the area where the device mounting hole 16 is located (this area is referred to as the crack potential area). If these forces damage connecting line 17, the touch panel will fail to function.

[0034] To address the problem of touch malfunction caused by damaged connection cable 17, this application discloses a touch panel. See also... Figures 5 to 12 The touch panel includes a touch area 1 and a device mounting hole 16 located in the touch area 1. The position of the device mounting hole 16 is determined by the position of the device to be mounted. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The device mounting hole 16 is used to mount the camera, and the device mounting hole 16 is located near the edge of the touch panel. Figures 8 to 12This diagram primarily illustrates how the connecting line 17 connects to the sub-electrode groups; therefore, the position of the device mounting hole 16 in each diagram does not represent its actual location. The touch area 1 includes multiple sets of RX electrode groups 11 and multiple sets of TX electrode groups 12 forming an array. At least one set of the multiple sets of RX electrode groups 11 and the multiple sets of TX electrode groups 12 is cut into multiple sub-electrode groups by the device mounting hole 16. The number of cut RX electrode groups 11 and / or TX electrode groups 12 is determined according to the size of the device mounting hole 16, for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an RX electrode group 11 cut into two sub-electrode groups, located on either side of a device mounting hole 16. Other diagrams illustrate two RX electrode groups 11 and two TX electrode groups 12 cut into two sub-electrode groups, each located on either side of a device mounting hole 16. Similarly, each TX electrode group 12 is cut into two sub-electrode groups, with the two end sub-electrode groups located on either side of the device mounting hole 16. The number of sub-electrode groups in each RX electrode group 11 and each TX electrode group 12 needs to be determined based on the number of device mounting holes 16. For example, if there are two device mounting holes 16, this RX electrode group 11 and / or TX electrode group 12 may have three sub-electrode groups. The touch panel also includes connecting wires 17, the number of which is determined by the number of cut electrode groups. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A connector 17 is needed. Figures 8 to 12 Four connecting lines 17 are required. All sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series via the connecting lines 17, so that a severed electrode group can be restored into a continuous electrode group, for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, the two sub-electrode groups are repaired into a continuous electrode group by a connecting line 17 (that is, repaired into a non-disconnected electrode group). Figures 8 to 12 In the two sets of RX electrode groups 11, each RX electrode group 11 is restored to a continuous electrode group by the connecting line 17; similarly, in the two sets of TX electrode groups 12, each TX electrode group 12 is restored to a continuous electrode group by the connecting line 17. The touch area 1 includes a region located at the edge of the device mounting hole 16 where cracks may occur. The extent of the region where cracks may occur at the edge of the device mounting hole 16 can be determined experimentally or empirically. The connecting line 17 is located outside the region where cracks may occur. In some embodiments, the minimum distance between the connecting line 17 and the edge of the device mounting hole 16 is d, where d ≥ 0.2 mm; in other embodiments, d ≥ 0.5 mm, thereby ensuring that the connecting line 17 is located outside the region where cracks may occur.

[0035] As described above, even if the force generated during the installation of the device in the device mounting hole 16 causes cracks at the edge of the device mounting hole, the connecting line 17 will not be damaged because it is located outside the area where cracks may occur. The severed electrode group is still connected as a continuous electrode group through the connecting line 17, and the severed electrode group can still work normally. Therefore, the touch panel will not fail to touch, enhancing the robustness of the touch panel and reducing defects in the hole area.

[0036] See Figure 7 and Figure 11 The touch panel includes an auxiliary line 18. The distance between the auxiliary line and the edge of the mounting hole is less than the distance between the connecting line and the edge of the mounting hole. In a further embodiment, the auxiliary line 18 is located in the area where cracks may occur, so that the distance between the auxiliary line and the edge of the mounting hole is less than the distance between the connecting line and the edge of the mounting hole. All sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series through the auxiliary line 18. Figure 7 In the middle, two segments of an RX electrode group 11 are connected in series by an auxiliary line 18. Although Figure 11 Only one auxiliary line 18 is shown in the diagram; however, other cut electrode groups can be connected via auxiliary lines to restore a continuous electrode group. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of auxiliary lines 18 can be equal to the number of connecting lines 17. When the touch panel includes auxiliary lines 18, which are located between the connecting lines 17 and the edge of the device mounting hole 16, the minimum distance d between the connecting lines 17 and the edge of the device mounting hole 16 can satisfy d ≥ 0.2 mm, or it can not.

[0037] As described above, when the touch panel includes the auxiliary line 18 and the connecting line 17, the distance between the auxiliary line and the edge of the mounting hole is less than the distance between the connecting line and the edge of the mounting hole. This ensures the robustness of the display panel and reduces defects in the hole area. For example, in one case, if the auxiliary line 18 fails first (e.g., if the mounting device causes a crack in the area where the mounting hole 16 is located, resulting in the failure of the auxiliary line 18), then because the connecting line 17 is further from the edge of the mounting hole (located outside the cracked area), the connecting line 17 will still connect the electrode group as a continuous electrode group and will not be damaged by the crack. Therefore, even if the auxiliary line 18 breaks, there is still... The connecting line 17 ensures that the function of this electrode group remains unaffected, preventing touch failure and enhancing the robustness of the touch panel, thus reducing defects in the hole area. In another scenario, cracks or other conditions may cause the auxiliary line 18 to break. In this case, only the connecting line 17 connects the electrode group. Compared to when the electrode group is connected via both the auxiliary line 18 and the connecting line 17 (i.e., no cracks and no breakage of the auxiliary line 18), the capacitance value will be different. This difference in capacitance value indicates whether cracks or other defects have occurred in the area where the device mounting hole 16 is located. If a crack occurs, it may develop into a black spot. Touch panels with cracks will not be shipped. If the auxiliary line 18 breaks due to reasons other than cracks, it may also lead to a defective display panel. Therefore, defective products caused by black spots or other reasons can be prevented from being shipped.

[0038] See Figures 6 to 9 The touch panel includes a black frame area 2 (also called the border area) located at the edge of the touch area 1, and the black frame area 2 is provided with at least part of the connecting line 17. Figures 6 to 8 This shows that all the connecting lines 17 are located in the black box area 2. Figure 9 The diagram shows that one part of the connecting line 17 is located in the black frame area 2, and the other part of the connecting line 17 is located in the touch area.

[0039] As described above, since the black frame area 2 is provided with at least part of the connecting line 17, the connecting line 17 is protected within the black frame area 2 and is not easily damaged, further ensuring the robustness of the touch panel and reducing defects in the hole area.

[0040] See Figure 6 and Figure 7The device mounting hole 16 is located at the edge of the touch area 1. Only one set of RX electrode groups 11 located at the edge of the touch area 1 is cut off by the device mounting hole 16. As a variation of the above embodiment, the device mounting hole 16 is located at the edge of the touch area 1, and only one set of TX electrode groups 12 located at the edge of the touch area 1 is cut off by the device mounting hole 16. Of course, in another embodiment, only one set of RX electrode groups 11 and one set of TX electrode groups 12 located at the edge of the touch area 1 are cut off.

[0041] As described above, since the device mounting hole 16 is located at the edge of the touch area 1, and the RX electrode group 11 and / or TX electrode group 12 include a connecting line 17, the connecting line 17 is located in the black frame area 2. The black frame area 2 does not have this, so there are fewer connecting lines and the wiring is simpler, which also makes the connecting line 17 shorter.

[0042] See Figure 8 The at least some of the connecting lines include the connecting line 17 of the RX electrode group and the connecting line 17 of the TX electrode group. That is, all the connecting lines 17 are within the black frame area 2.

[0043] As described above, when the connecting line 17 is located in the black frame area 2, it can be connected to the two ends of the corresponding RX electrode group 11 and the two ends of the TX electrode group 12 through the connecting line, thereby facilitating the connection of the corresponding RX electrode group 11 or TX electrode group 12 to the external circuit.

[0044] See Figure 9 The connecting line located in the black frame area 2 is one of the connecting line 17 of the RX electrode group 11 and the connecting line 17 of the TX electrode group 12, while the other connecting line 17 of the RX electrode group 11 and the connecting line 17 of the TX electrode group 12 is located in the touch area 1. That is, a portion of the connecting line 17 is located within the black frame area 2, and another portion of the connecting line 17 is located in the touch area 1. Based on Figure 9 For technical insights, see [link / reference]. Figures 10 to 12 All of the connecting lines 17 are located in the touch area 1.

[0045] As described above, since a portion of the connecting line 17 is located in the touch area 1, the wiring is shorter, facilitating parameter control during the manufacturing process, resistance control, and resulting in a high yield. When the connecting line 17 is located in the touch area 1, it can be led outwards through both ends of the RX electrode group or the TX electrode group. When the connecting line 17 is located in the black frame area 2, it can also be led outwards, thereby facilitating the connection of the corresponding RX electrode group 11 or TX electrode group 12 to external circuitry.

[0046] See Figure 8and Figure 9 When the connecting lines in the black-framed area 2 include the connecting lines of the RX electrode group 11, the connecting lines 17 of the RX electrode group 11 are arranged in parallel; when the connecting lines in the black-framed area 2 include the connecting lines 17 of the TX electrode group 12, the connecting lines 17 of the TX electrode group 12 are arranged in parallel. Of course, in some embodiments, the connecting lines 17 may not be arranged in parallel.

[0047] As described above, the parallel arrangement of the connecting lines 17 of the RX electrode group 11 and / or the parallel arrangement of the connecting lines 17 of the TX electrode group 12 facilitates manufacturing.

[0048] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the connecting lines in the black-framed area 2 include the connecting lines 17 of the RX electrode group 11, the spacing between the connecting lines 17 of the RX electrode group 11 is not less than 2 micrometers. In some embodiments, when the connecting lines 17 in the black-framed area 2 include the connecting lines 17 of the TX electrode group 12, the spacing between the connecting lines of the TX electrode group is not less than 2 micrometers. If the connecting lines 17 are parallel, the spacing between adjacent connecting lines 17 is equal everywhere, and this spacing is not less than 2 micrometers. If the connecting lines 17 are not parallel, the spacing between adjacent connecting lines 17 is not equal, and the minimum spacing is not less than 2 micrometers.

[0049] As described above, the spacing between adjacent connection lines 17 is at least 2 micrometers, and the distance between adjacent connection lines 17 is large to avoid short circuits and signal interference.

[0050] In some embodiments, the line width of the connecting line 17 of the RX electrode group 11 is not less than 4 micrometers, and / or the line width of the connecting line 17 of the TX electrode group 12 is not less than 4 micrometers.

[0051] As described above, the line width is no less than 4 micrometers, which facilitates process control and results in a high yield rate for the touch panel.

[0052] Secondly, this application discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes any of the aforementioned touch panels. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a camera. The camera is mounted in a mounting hole. In still other embodiments, the device further includes at least one of a gaming shoulder button and a fingerprint recognition device, each mounted in a mounting hole 16.

[0053] As described above, the touch panel of the electronic device includes a connecting line 17, and in some cases, a connecting line 17 and an auxiliary line 18, which enhances the robustness of the touch panel and reduces defects in the hole area.

[0054] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A touch panel, characterized in that, The touch panel includes a touch area and a device mounting hole located in the touch area. The touch area includes multiple sets of RX electrode groups and multiple sets of TX electrode groups forming an array. At least one of the multiple sets of RX electrode groups and multiple sets of TX electrode groups is cut into multiple segments of electrode groups by the device mounting hole. The touch panel also includes connecting lines, through which all sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series. The touch area includes a region located at the edge of the device mounting hole that may crack; the connecting lines are located outside the region that may crack.

2. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the connecting line and the edge of the device mounting hole is d, where d ≥ 0.2 mm.

3. The touch panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch panel includes an auxiliary line, the distance between the auxiliary line and the edge of the mounting hole is less than the distance between the connecting line and the edge of the mounting hole, and all sub-electrode groups of the same electrode group are connected in series through the auxiliary line.

4. The touch panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The auxiliary line is located within the area where cracks may occur.

5. The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The touch panel includes a black frame area located at the edge of the touch area, and the black frame area is provided with at least a portion of the connecting lines.

6. The touch panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device mounting hole is located at the edge of the touch area; Only one set of RX electrodes located at the edge of the touch area is cut off by the device mounting hole, and / or only one set of TX electrodes located at the edge of the touch area is cut off by the device mounting hole.

7. The touch panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, All of the connecting lines are located within the black frame area; Alternatively, the connecting line located in the black frame area may be one of the connecting lines of the RX electrode group and the TX electrode group, and the other of the connecting lines of the RX electrode group and the TX electrode group may be located in the touch area.

8. The touch panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the connecting lines in the black frame area include the connecting lines of the RX electrode group, the connecting lines of the RX electrode group are arranged in parallel. When the connecting lines in the black frame area include the connecting lines of the TX electrode group, the connecting lines of the TX electrode group are arranged in parallel.

9. The touch panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, All of the connecting lines are located in the touch area.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a touch panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a camera; the camera is mounted in the mounting hole of the device.

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