Touch control module, display panel and display apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a touch control module, a display panel and a display apparatus. The touch control module comprises: a first metal layer, which first metal layer comprises touch control electrodes and antenna units, wherein the antenna units and the touch control electrodes are spaced apart from each other and are insulated from each other, each antenna unit is provided with an opening penetrating each touch control module in the direction of thickness, and at least some of the touch control electrodes are provided in the opening. The touch control module provided in the embodiments of the present application can avoid the occurrence of touch control dead zones while being compatible with antenna functions.

Description

Touch module, display panel and display device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310787744.1, filed on June 29, 2023, entitled “Touch module, display panel and display device,” and the entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a touch module, a display panel, and a display device. Background Art

[0004] In existing display panels or display devices, touch control is usually used for human-computer interaction. The corresponding touch module is provided with touch electrodes, and the touch signal is detected by the change of the capacitance signal between the electrodes. On this basis, in order to communicate, the existing display panel is usually also provided with a millimeter wave antenna to achieve higher capacity and faster communication using the millimeter wave band. However, the millimeter wave antenna is highly sensitive to signal blocking, and its upper and lower sides cannot be blocked by metal parts, otherwise it will interfere with the transmission of the signal. Based on this, when setting the antenna on the existing display panel, it is necessary to stagger the touch electrode and the antenna. If the position where the touch electrode cannot be set will result in a decrease in touch performance, or even a touch blind area.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a touch module that is compatible with antenna functions and has no blind spots, as well as a corresponding display panel and display device.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a touch module, a display panel, and a display device. The touch module can ensure good touch control effects while being compatible with antenna functions.

[0008] In a first aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a touch module is proposed, comprising a first metal layer, wherein the first metal layer comprises touch electrodes and an antenna unit, wherein the antenna unit and the touch electrodes are insulated from each other, and the antenna unit has an opening extending through the thickness direction of the touch module, and at least part of the touch electrodes are disposed within the opening.

[0009] In a second aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a display panel is proposed, comprising: the touch module according to any embodiment of the first aspect; and a screen body stacked with the touch module.

[0010] In a third aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a display device is proposed, comprising the display panel in any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0011] The touch module provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a first metal layer, within which are disposed mutually insulated touch electrodes and an antenna unit. At least a portion of the touch electrodes is disposed within an opening in the antenna unit, that is, the antenna unit surrounds at least a portion of the touch electrodes. By adjusting the shape and placement of the antenna unit and touch electrodes, touch control can be achieved in the area near the antenna while preserving antenna functionality, avoiding touch blind spots. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0013] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the section AA' in FIG1;

[0014] FIG3 is an enlarged view of area P in FIG1 ;

[0015] FIG4 is an enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0016] FIG5 is another enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0017] FIG6 is another enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0018] FIG7 is another enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0019] FIG8 is another enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0020] FIG9 is another enlarged view of area Q in FIG3 ;

[0021] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of a section BB' in FIG5;

[0022] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of a section CC' in FIG11;

[0024] FIG13 is an enlarged view of area N in FIG11 ;

[0025] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a display device provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To increase the screen-to-body ratio and facilitate operation, most displays use touch control for human-computer interaction. At the same time, some display devices that need to interact with the outside world are equipped with antenna structures, including millimeter-wave antennas. When transmitting signals, the millimeter-wave band has attracted widespread attention due to its high bandwidth, large capacity, and fast transmission speed. Accordingly, the aforementioned millimeter-wave antennas have also been widely used.

[0027] Based on this, the applicant discovered that compared to non-millimeter wave bands, millimeter wave bands have higher propagation losses and are more sensitive to occlusion on the upper and lower sides of their antenna units. To achieve reliable signal transmission, an antenna array consisting of multiple antenna units is often required, and other metal components or structures cannot be placed on the upper and lower sides. As a result, the touch electrodes required for touch control cannot be placed in the locations where millimeter wave antennas are installed in the display device, resulting in reduced touch performance in this area and even the creation of touch blind spots.

[0028] In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present application proposes a touch module, in which the touch electrode is embedded inside the antenna unit. By adjusting the position and shape and size of the touch electrode and the antenna unit, touch sensitivity can be guaranteed while being compatible with the antenna function.

[0029] The following embodiments of this application are only described by arranging the antenna unit and the touch electrode on the same layer as an example, but this application is not limited to this. This arrangement can also be applied to other situations where shielding-sensitive devices are arranged on the same layer as metal structures to provide protection for them.

[0030] In order to better understand the present application, the touch module, display panel and display device provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 .

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 together. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a touch module provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view at AA' in Figure 1, Figure 3 is an enlarged view of area P in Figure 1, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is another enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3.

[0032] In the first aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a touch module 100 is proposed, including a first metal layer 10, the first metal layer 10 including touch electrodes 11 and an antenna unit 12, the antenna unit 12 and the touch electrodes 11 are insulated from each other, the antenna unit 12 has an opening 121 extending through the thickness direction X of the touch module 100, at least part of the touch electrodes 11 are arranged in the opening 121 and are electrically connected to adjacent touch electrodes 11.

[0033] The present embodiment provides a touch module 100 comprising a first metal layer 10, which is made of a metal material and is divided into mutually insulated touch electrodes 11 and an antenna unit 12, both of which can be block-shaped or mesh-shaped metal structures. The multiple touch electrodes 11 can be arranged in an array and can be connected using self-capacitance or mutual capacitance. The antenna unit 12 encloses at least some of the touch electrodes 11, meaning that the touch electrodes 11 can be embedded within the antenna unit 12, thereby achieving the desired touch function in the area where the antenna is located.

[0034] Specifically, the antenna unit 12 is provided with an opening 121 extending through the antenna unit 12 in the thickness direction X. Each antenna unit 12 may have one or more openings 121, and at least some of the touch electrodes 11 are provided in the openings 121. In this case, the openings 121 may correspond one to one with the touch electrodes 11, or multiple touch electrodes 11 may be provided in each opening 121, and any suitable number may be selected. The openings 121 in the antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application may be provided in different shapes and sizes depending on the shape and size of the electrodes, and at least a portion of the opening 121 should extend to the edge of the antenna unit 12 and connect the inside and outside of the antenna unit 12, so as to facilitate electrical connection between the touch electrode 11 provided in the opening 121 and adjacent touch electrodes 11 or corresponding touch chips and other components.

[0035] Optionally, the number of antenna units 12 in the embodiments of the present application can be designed based on parameters such as usage requirements. In some optional embodiments, all touch electrodes 11 in the touch module 100 can be disposed in the openings 121 of the antenna units 12, that is, each antenna unit 12 can be disposed corresponding to one or more touch electrodes 11 and enclose these corresponding touch electrodes 11; alternatively, the touch module 100 can be provided with an antenna array consisting of 2 to 6 antenna units 12, with some touch electrodes 11 disposed in the openings 121 of these antenna units 12, and the remaining touch electrodes 11 can be disposed according to the area required to implement the touch function. On this basis, the total area of ​​the antenna units 12 and the distribution density of the touch electrodes 11 should be ensured to ensure touch accuracy while being able to implement the antenna function.

[0036] The antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application is used to receive or send signals. When in operation, the antenna unit 12 can be connected to a chip corresponding to the antenna function through electrical connectors such as a flexible circuit board to realize signal processing and control.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the touch electrode 11 includes a first touch electrode 111 and a second touch electrode 112, the second touch electrode 112 is arranged in the opening 121 and is electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111; the touch module 100 also includes an insulating layer 20 and a second metal layer 30, the insulating layer 20 is arranged between the first metal layer 10 and the second metal layer 30, the second metal layer 30 includes a plurality of first bridging portions 31, and at least two first touch electrodes 111 are electrically connected through the first bridging portions 31.

[0038] The touch electrode 11 in the embodiment of the present application can be partially disposed in the opening 121. In this case, the touch electrode 11 can be divided into a first touch electrode 111 not disposed in the opening 121 and a second touch electrode 112 disposed in the opening 121. In order to improve touch accuracy, the touch module 100 can adopt a mutual capacitance structure. On this basis, the touch module 100 may include a first metal layer 10, an insulating layer 20, and a second metal layer 30 stacked in sequence. The first metal layer 10 can be provided with the touch electrode 11 and the antenna unit 12 as described above. The insulating layer 20 is used to achieve insulation between the two metal layers and can be provided with vias at locations where cross-layer electrical connection is required. The second metal layer 30 can be provided with multiple first bridging portions 31 for achieving electrical connection between corresponding electrodes under the premise that the touch electrodes 11 are mutually insulated.

[0039] Specifically, in the mutual capacitance structure, multiple touch electrodes 11 can be arranged in an array, and the touch electrodes 11 in the same row / column can be electrically connected in sequence to form a complete touch network. At this time, at the position where the row electrode and the column electrode intersect each other, one of them can be selected to be connected to the first bridging portion 31 in the second metal layer 30 through a via to achieve the required electrical connection.

[0040] The antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application can be arranged near the edge of the touch module 100, so that the second touch electrode 112 arranged in the opening 121 becomes the one located at the edge of the row / column electrodes. At this time, the second touch electrode 112 only needs to be connected to the adjacent first touch electrode 111, and the side of the opening 121 extending to the edge of the antenna unit 12 can be arranged close to the adjacent first touch electrode 111 to be connected, which can effectively reduce the connection wiring that needs to be set around the antenna unit 12 for easy processing.

[0041] It should be noted that when the first bridging portion 31 in the second metal layer 30 is electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111, its orthographic projection in the thickness direction X should be completely staggered with the orthographic projection of the antenna unit 12, so as to achieve electrical connection while avoiding shielding or interference with the signal reception and transmission of the antenna unit 12.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 together. Figure 6 is another enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3, Figure 7 is another enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3, Figure 8 is another enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3, and Figure 9 is another enlarged view of area Q in Figure 3.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, the first touch electrodes 111 include first drive electrodes 1111 and first sensing electrodes 1112; the second touch electrodes 112 include second drive electrodes 1121 and second sensing electrodes 1122; the second drive electrodes 1121 are electrically connected to the first drive electrodes 1111, and the second sensing electrodes 1122 are electrically connected to the first sensing electrodes 1112; along the thickness direction X, the orthographic projection of each antenna unit 12 encloses the orthographic projection of at least one of the second drive electrodes 1121 and the second sensing electrodes 1122.

[0044] As described above, the touch module 100 in the embodiment of the present application can adopt a mutual capacitance setting method. Based on this, the electrodes not set in the opening 121 can be divided into first drive electrodes 1111 and first sensing electrodes 1112 according to the connection structure. The second touch electrodes 112 in the opening 121 can also be correspondingly divided into second drive electrodes 1121 and second sensing electrodes 1122. That is, the electrodes connected to the first drive electrodes 1111 are the second drive electrodes 1121, and the electrodes connected to the first sensing electrodes 1112 are the second sensing electrodes 1122.

[0045] On this basis, at least one of the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 can be disposed in the opening 121 of each antenna unit 12, and touch control of the antenna area can be achieved through the second touch electrode 112 at this location. In embodiments where both the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 are disposed in the opening 121, these two electrodes can be disposed adjacently and insulated from each other to increase the coupling area between the two electrodes and improve touch sensitivity. In embodiments where only one type of electrode is disposed in the opening 121, different antenna units 12 can have different second touch electrodes 112 disposed in their respective openings 121, depending on their respective locations. Any suitable arrangement can be used.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, the touch module 100 further includes a touch signal line 33 . The touch signal line 33 is disposed in the second metal layer 30 and electrically connected to the first bridge portion 31 .

[0047] The touch module 100 in the embodiment of the present application includes a first metal layer 10, an insulating layer 20 and a second metal layer 30 stacked in sequence. In addition to being used to set a first bridge portion 31 for connecting electrodes, the second metal layer 30 can also be used to set a touch signal line 33, that is, a lead line of the touch electrode 11. The touch signal line 33 can be connected between a pad, a chip or other component and a row / column / a touch electrode 11 to apply an electrical signal to the electrode.

[0048] On this basis, in order to save space in the first metal layer 10 and simplify the wiring layout in the first metal layer 10, the touch signal line 33 can also be set in the second metal layer 30 and led outward from the first bridge portion 31, thereby fully utilizing the space in the second metal layer 30. In an embodiment in which the touch module 100 adopts a self-capacitance structure, the touch signal line 33 can be connected to the touch electrode 11 through a via, or the touch signal line 33 can be connected to the first bridge portion 31 provided in the second metal layer 30 and directly extended to the chip or connection terminal required for touch control. In an embodiment of a mutual capacitance structure, the touch signal line 33 can be electrically connected to the first bridge portion 31, then extend to the edge area and extend through the edge area to the component to be connected, or the touch signal line 33 can be directly extended to the component to be connected.

[0049] At this time, it should be ensured that the orthographic projection of the touch signal line 33 in the thickness direction X is staggered with the orthographic projection of the antenna unit 12 to avoid interference or shielding of the antenna unit 12 by the metal wiring.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, a second driving electrode 1121 and a second sensing electrode 1122 are disposed in the opening 121 of each antenna unit 12. The second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 extend in the same direction. Alternatively, one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 at least partially surrounds the other.

[0051] The antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application has an opening 121. Each opening 121 can be provided with both a second drive electrode 1121 and a second sensing electrode 1122. The capacitance fluctuation between the two electrodes can then generate a touch signal. Furthermore, the two electrodes can extend along a specific trajectory, and the second drive electrode 1121 can extend in the same direction as the second sensing electrode 1122. This further increases the coupling area between the two electrodes, improves the signal variation, and thus enhances touch sensitivity.

[0052] Alternatively, the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 disposed in the same opening can have different shapes and sizes. In this case, one can at least partially surround the other, thereby increasing the coupling area by surrounding the adjacent edges of the two within the disposed area. For example, the two can be nested, that is, one of the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 is embedded in the other, and the other is disposed within the opening 121, thereby further enhancing touch sensitivity.

[0053] In some optional embodiments, the extension tracks of the second driving electrodes 1121 and the second sensing electrodes 1122 are both in at least one of a straight line, a broken line, and a ring shape.

[0054] As mentioned above, the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 arranged in the same opening can extend along a certain trajectory, and the extension direction of the two can be the same. In this case, the two electrodes can extend along a trajectory such as a straight line, a broken line or an arc. For example, the extension trajectory of the two electrodes can be spiral, that is, extending along an arc with a gradually decreasing radius, thereby extending the coupling path between the two second touch electrodes 112 to a greater extent. Alternatively, the extension trajectory of the two electrodes can be a broken line that continuously changes direction, and the coupling path between the electrodes is extended within a limited area by changing the direction. Any suitable extension trajectory can be selected, as long as the signal change amount in the area where the antenna unit 12 is located can meet a certain standard when receiving a touch signal.

[0055] In some optional embodiments, the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 are both rectangular ring structures.

[0056] Corresponding to the aforementioned extension along a certain trajectory, the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 can also be in a ring shape connected end to end. In this case, one of the two electrodes can be arranged outside the other, the two electrodes can be arranged adjacent to each other, or a part of the antenna unit 12 can be arranged between the two electrodes. Any suitable arrangement can be used.

[0057] Optionally, in a mutual capacitance touch structure, to ensure touch accuracy and coverage of the touch area, the first body of each touch sensing electrode and the first body of the touch drive electrode are typically configured to be rectangular. Based on this, the antenna unit 12 can also be configured to be a rectangular ring and concentrically arranged with the antenna unit 12, so that the edges of the two are parallel to each other. This allows the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 to have a longer coupling path and facilitates processing.

[0058] In some optional embodiments, the antenna unit 12 includes a first subunit 122 having a first opening 1211 and a second subunit 123 having a second opening 1212. The second driving electrode 1121, the second sensing electrode 1122, and the second subunit 123 are all disposed in the first opening 121. One of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 is disposed in the second opening 121, and the other is disposed between the first subunit 122 and the second subunit 123.

[0059] The antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application has an opening 121, in which a second driving electrode 1121 and a second sensing electrode 1122 can be simultaneously disposed. In this embodiment, the antenna unit 12 can be configured to have a double-ring structure with inner and outer rings nested inside each other. Specifically, the antenna unit 12 can include a first sub-unit 122 disposed on the periphery and a second sub-unit 123 disposed on the interior. The first sub-unit 122 encloses a first opening 1211, and the second sub-unit 123 is located in the first opening 1211 and encloses a second opening 1212. One of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 is disposed in the first opening 1211, that is, disposed between the first sub-unit 122 and the second sub-unit 123, and the other is disposed in the second opening 1212, that is, enclosed by the second sub-unit 123.

[0060] By configuring the antenna unit 12 to have both first and second subunits, the second touch electrodes 112 are more evenly distributed within the area where the antenna unit 12 is located, further ensuring that no blind spots are present in the touch module 100. Furthermore, by adjusting the contours of the first subunit 122 and the second subunit 123, the coupling area between the two second touch electrodes 112 can be adjusted, thereby increasing signal variation and improving touch sensitivity.

[0061] One of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 located within the second opening 1212 needs to be electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111 located outside the antenna unit 12. This electrical connection line can also be provided on the second metal layer 30 and needs to sequentially pass through the second sub-unit 123, another electrode, and the corresponding position of the first sub-unit 122. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the orthographic projections of the first sub-unit 122 and the second sub-unit 123 in the thickness direction X are staggered and do not contact the orthographic projection of the line to prevent the metal line from interfering with or shielding the antenna unit 12.

[0062] As shown in FIG9 , in some optional embodiments, a first protrusion 1231 is provided on an edge of a side of the second subunit 123 facing away from the first subunit 122, and is protruded in a direction away from the first subunit 122. The gap between the second subunit 123 and one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 disposed in the second opening 1212 is of equal width at all locations along the second subunit 123's extension direction.

[0063] And / or, a second protrusion 1232 is provided on an edge of one side of the second subunit 123 adjacent to the first subunit 122, protruding toward the first subunit 122. The gap between the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122, which is disposed between the first subunit 122 and the second subunit 123, and the second subunit 123 has the same width at all locations along the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122.

[0064] As previously described, in the embodiment where the antenna unit 12 has two inner and outer subunits, the antenna unit 12 may be provided with, from the outermost to the innermost, a first subunit 122, one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122, a second subunit 123, the second driving electrode 1121, and the other of the second sensing electrode 1122. Furthermore, both the inner and outer sides of the second subunit 123 may be provided with concave and convex structures to extend the length of the edge line, thereby extending the coupling path between the driving motor and the sensing electrode.

[0065] Specifically, the second subunit 123 may have a plurality of first protrusions 1231 on its inner side and a plurality of second protrusions 1232 on its outer side. By setting both the inner and outer edges to be uneven and to have protrusions extending outward, the coupling area between the second subunit 123 and the electrodes on both sides can be effectively increased, thereby further improving the touch sensitivity.

[0066] The first protrusion 1231 and the second protrusion 1232 can have the same shape and size, or they can be set to different shapes and sizes based on the different length dimensions of the inner and outer edges of the second sub-unit 123. These protrusions can be arranged at equal intervals along the extension direction of the edge of the second sub-unit 123. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the antenna unit 12 has a mesh metal structure, the first protrusion 1231 and the second protrusion 1232 can also be rectangular, and the position and size of the two protrusions can be designed based on the mesh position and size of the mesh structure. When the antenna unit 12 has a block metal structure, the first protrusion 1231 and the second protrusion 1232 can also have semicircular, triangular, or other shapes. Any suitable shape can be selected as long as the protruding structure is easy to process.

[0067] In some optional embodiments, an avoidance channel 124 is provided in at least a portion of the antenna unit 12 enclosing the opening 121 , and the second touch electrode 112 at least partially extends out of the antenna unit 12 through the avoidance channel 124 and is electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111 .

[0068] As mentioned above, in order to facilitate the electrical connection of the second touch electrode 112 inside the antenna unit 12 and avoid interference of metal wiring on signal reception and transmission, an avoidance channel 124 can be provided in the antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application. The avoidance channel 124 is connected from the opening 121 to the edge position of the antenna unit 12, and is used to electrically connect the second touch electrode 112 set inside the opening 121 with the first touch electrode 111 set outside.

[0069] In the embodiment where the antenna unit 12 includes a first subunit 122 and a second subunit 123, to electrically connect the electrodes located in the second opening 1212, both subunits should be provided with a relief groove 124. The relief groove 124 on the second subunit 123 connects the second opening 1212 with the first opening 1211, while the relief groove on the first subunit 122 connects the first opening 1211 with the exterior of the antenna unit 12. The relief grooves 124 on the two subunits can extend along the same straight line to facilitate processing and wiring arrangement.

[0070] Optionally, the width of the touch trace used to achieve electrical connection in the touch module 100 can be 15 to 35 μm. Correspondingly, the width of the avoidance groove can be above 40 μm, which can avoid the trace from overlapping with the orthographic projection of the antenna unit 12 while also avoiding a short circuit between the two.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in Figure 5. In some optional embodiments, the touch module 100 further includes a connecting wire 40, which is disposed in the avoidance channel 124 and connected between the first driving electrode 1111 and the second driving electrode 1121, or between the first sensing electrode 1112 and the second sensing electrode 1122.

[0072] As mentioned above, in order to achieve electrical connection inside and outside the antenna unit 12, an avoidance groove 124 should be provided in the antenna unit 12, and a connecting line 40 can be provided in the avoidance groove 124, that is, the second touch electrode 112 can be provided as a whole in the opening 121, and electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111 through the connecting line 40 passing through the avoidance groove 124.

[0073] Specifically, the second drive electrode 1121 in the opening 121 should be electrically connected to the first drive electrode 1111, and the second sensing electrode 1122 should be electrically connected to the first sensing electrode 1112. In embodiments where both the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 are disposed in the opening 121, both are respectively connected to the first touch electrode 111. Therefore, multiple connecting wires 40 can be disposed in the avoidance groove 124. These connecting wires 40 can be disposed in the same layer or in different layers, provided they are insulated from each other. The only requirement is that the orthographic projections of the connecting wires 40 in the thickness direction X are offset from the orthographic projections of the antenna unit 12 in that direction.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, the connecting wire 40 is at least partially disposed in the second metal layer 30 to form a second bridging portion 32. Along the thickness direction X, the orthographic projection of the second bridging portion 32 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122. Along the extension direction of the avoidance channel 124, the extension dimension of the second bridging portion 32 is greater than or equal to the extension dimension of the one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 that overlaps with its orthographic projection.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting wires 40 are used to connect the touch electrodes on both the inner and outer sides of the antenna unit 12. As previously mentioned, multiple connecting wires 40 can be provided in the same avoidance slot 124. In this case, at least one of the connecting wires 40 can be at least partially provided in the second metal layer 30 to avoid the required avoidance slot 124 being too wide and causing adverse effects on the antenna unit 12. The portion of the connecting wire 40 located in the second metal layer 30 forms the second bridge portion 32, which is electrically connected to the portion of the connecting wire 40 located in the first metal layer 10 through the via in the insulating layer 20.

[0076] Specifically, in an embodiment in which the antenna unit 12 includes a first subunit 122 and a second subunit 123, the connecting line 40 electrically connected to the second touch electrode 112 located in the second opening 1212 includes a second bridging portion 32, and is staggered with the other electrode located in the first opening 1211 through the second bridging portion 32. That is, the orthographic projection of one of the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 on the second metal layer 30 at least partially overlaps with the second bridging portion 32. The extension dimension of the second bridging portion 32 should be greater than the width of the orthographic projection of the portion that can overlap, so as to ensure that it is staggered with the second touch electrode 112, thereby achieving the required electrical connection while avoiding faults such as short circuits between the two.

[0077] In some optional embodiments, the second driving electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 extend into the avoidance channel 124 and are at least partially exposed from the edge of the antenna unit 12 .

[0078] In order to achieve the required touch function, the second touch electrode 112 in the embodiment of the present application needs to be electrically connected to the first touch electrode 111 or other components arranged outside the antenna unit 12. On this basis, in addition to adopting the method of setting the connecting line 40 in the avoidance channel 124 as described above, the shape and position of the second touch electrode 112 can also be adjusted so that it extends to the edge of the antenna unit 12 and is at least partially exposed from there, so as to facilitate direct electrical connection from the exposed part.

[0079] The second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 extend from the avoidance channel 124 to the edge of the antenna unit 12. In this case, the two electrodes can extend parallel to each other and be arranged adjacent to each other to extend the coupling path between them. In this case, a second drive electrode 1121 and a second sensing electrode 1122 can be arranged in groups, with the groups spaced apart and connected to different edges. Alternatively, a plurality of second drive electrodes 1121 and a plurality of second sensing electrodes 1122 can be arranged adjacent to each other in an alternating arrangement. Any suitable arrangement can be used, and the extension direction, shape, and dimensions of the avoidance channel 124 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0080] In some optional embodiments, two or more second driving electrodes 1121 and two or more second sensing electrodes 1122 are disposed in the opening 121 of each antenna unit 12 , and the second driving electrodes 1121 and the second sensing electrodes 1122 extend to the edge of the antenna unit 12 respectively.

[0081] The antenna unit 12 in the embodiment of the present application has an opening 121 for accommodating the second touch electrode 11. The second touch electrode 11 may include a second driving electrode 1121 and a second sensing electrode 1122 that are insulated from each other. Multiple second driving electrodes 1121 and second sensing electrodes 1122 may be simultaneously provided in the opening 121 of each antenna unit 12 to increase the amount of signal change generated by feedback when receiving touch control.

[0082] On this basis, each second drive electrode 1121 and second sensing electrode 1122 can extend to an edge of the antenna unit 12 and be exposed externally therefrom to establish the required electrical connection with the first touch electrodes 111 in the same row / column. In this case, the number of second drive electrodes 1121 and second sensing electrodes 1122 in each opening 121 can be the same, and both can extend in parallel directions.

[0083] Optionally, the antenna unit 12 may have multiple edges. In this case, both the second drive electrode 1121 and the second sensing electrode 1122 may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the edges of the antenna unit 12. That is, the two electrodes are adjacent and insulated from each other, and extend in parallel directions to the edge of the antenna unit 12 to make the required electrical connection. In this way, while ensuring that each electrode is easy to connect, the coupling path between the two electrodes can be extended to increase the change in the touch signal and ensure the sensitivity of touch control.

[0084] In some optional embodiments, two adjacent edge lines of the touch module 100 intersect at a first intersection M, and the antenna unit 12 is disposed close to the first intersection M.

[0085] The touch module 100 in the embodiments of the present application is typically used in conjunction with a display device to implement touch control input. On this basis, the touch module 100 can have a shape compatible with existing display devices, such as a rectangle. In this case, the antenna unit 12 in the touch module 100 can be located near the corners of the module to prevent user touch control operations from interfering with the signal transmission of the antenna unit 12 during subsequent use of the touch module 100, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the signal transmission function provided by the antenna unit 12.

[0086] In order to achieve the required signal receiving and transmitting functions, the antenna unit 12 needs to be connected to components such as chips that can process signals. Therefore, setting the antenna unit 12 near the edge can facilitate the electrical connection of the antenna unit 12 with external components and avoid affecting the connection wiring layout of the touch electrode 11.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, the touch module 100 includes a plurality of antenna units 12 , and the plurality of antenna units 12 are arranged in sequence and at equal intervals along the same direction.

[0088] The touch module 100 in the embodiment of the present application can be provided with multiple antenna units 12 at the same time. These antenna units 12 can be arranged in a certain direction at equal intervals to form a relatively uniform array. In addition, the arrangement direction can extend parallel to the edge of the touch module 100 so that each antenna unit 12 is placed adjacent to the edge of the touch module 100.

[0089] The touch module 100 in the embodiment of the present application may have a shape without distinct intersecting edges, such as a circle or an ellipse. In this case, the antenna unit 12 can be positioned directly near the edge. In embodiments where the touch module 100 includes multiple antenna units 12, these antenna units 12 can be spaced apart along the extending direction of the edge of the touch module 100 and positioned adjacent to the edge to prevent signal interference.

[0090] Please refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 . FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided in one embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken at CC′ in FIG. 11 .

[0091] In a second aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a display panel 200 is proposed, comprising the touch module 100 and a screen body 50 in any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the screen body 50 and the touch module layer 100 are stacked.

[0092] An embodiment of the present application also provides a display panel 200, including a stacked touch module 100 and a screen body 50. The touch module 100 can receive touch control signals and is connected to the corresponding antenna chip to realize the antenna function. The screen body 50 can be used to realize the display and signal receiving and sending control functions, so as to form a display panel 200 with communication function and touch control function.

[0093] The touch module 100 and the screen body 50 in the display panel 200 can have the same or similar shapes and dimensions to ensure that the display panel 200 has a complete and reliable touch control function. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the antenna unit 12 in the touch module 100 can be positioned near the intersection of the two edges of the touch module 100. In the display panel 200, these antenna units 12 can be positioned corresponding to the upper right corner of the screen body 50. When the touch module 100 has multiple antenna units 12, these antenna units 12 can be arranged vertically adjacent to the vertical edges of the screen body 50, that is, the antenna unit 12 can be positioned in the upper right corner of the entire display panel 200.

[0094] On this basis, when the display panel 200 is held vertically or horizontally, the user can avoid blocking the antenna unit 12, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the signal connection and further improving the reliability of the display panel 200.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 13, which is an enlarged view of area N in Figure 11. In some optional embodiments, the touch electrodes 11 and the antenna unit 12 are both mesh structures. The screen body 50 includes a plurality of light-emitting units 51. Along the thickness direction X, the orthographic projection patterns of the touch electrodes 11 and the antenna unit 12 form a plurality of meshes 13, and the orthographic projections of the light-emitting units 51 are located in the meshes 13.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, the touch electrodes 11 and antenna unit 12 can both be made of a mesh metal structure. In this case, the orthographic projections of the touch electrodes 11 and antenna unit 12 in the thickness direction X form a mesh pattern. The mesh pattern has a plurality of mesh holes 13, which correspond to the plurality of light-emitting elements 51 in the screen 50. In other words, the mesh lines of the mesh orthographic projection pattern formed by the touch electrodes 11 and antenna unit 12 are located in the spacing between adjacent light-emitting elements 51 to avoid adversely affecting light emission from the light-emitting elements 51.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, the screen body 50 can adopt different arrangements for the light-emitting units 51 according to design and usage requirements. Correspondingly, the touch electrodes 11 and the antenna unit 12 can adopt mesh structures with different mesh shapes according to their arrangements to ensure that the light-emitting units 51 can be located in the meshes 13.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided by an embodiment of the present application. In a third aspect, according to an embodiment of the present application, a display device 300 is provided, comprising the display panel 200 in any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0099] The display device 300 in the embodiment of the present application can be any product or component with a display function, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a digital photo frame, or an electronic paper. The display panel 200 and the display device 300 provided in the embodiment of the present application have all the beneficial effects of the touch module 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application. For details, please refer to the detailed description of the touch module 100 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

Claims

1. A touch module, comprising: The first metal layer includes a touch electrode and an antenna unit. The antenna unit and the touch electrode are insulated from each other. The antenna unit has an opening that penetrates along the thickness direction of the touch module. At least part of the touch electrode is disposed in the opening.

2. The touch module according to claim 1, wherein: The touch control electrode includes a first touch control electrode and a second touch control electrode, wherein the second touch control electrode is disposed in the opening and electrically connected to the first touch control electrode; The touch module further includes an insulating layer and a second metal layer. The insulating layer is disposed between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The second metal layer includes a plurality of first bridge portions. At least two of the first touch electrodes are electrically connected via the first bridge portions.

3. The touch module according to claim 2, wherein: The first touch electrodes include first driving electrodes and first sensing electrodes, the second touch electrodes include second driving electrodes and second sensing electrodes, the second driving electrodes are electrically connected to the first driving electrodes, and the second sensing electrodes are electrically connected to the first sensing electrodes.

4. The touch module according to claim 3, wherein: Along the thickness direction, an orthographic projection pattern of each antenna unit has an orthographic projection of at least one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode.

5. The touch module according to claim 2, wherein: The touch module further includes a touch signal line, which is disposed on the second metal layer and electrically connected to the first bridge portion.

6. The touch module according to claim 3, wherein: The second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed in the opening of each antenna unit, and the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode extend in the same direction; Alternatively, one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode at least partially surrounds the other.

7. The touch module according to claim 6, wherein: The extension tracks of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode are both in at least one of a straight line, a folded line, and a ring shape.

8. The touch module according to claim 6, wherein: The second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode are both rectangular ring structures.

9. The touch module according to claim 6, wherein: The antenna unit includes a first subunit having a first opening and a second subunit having a second opening, the second driving electrode, the second sensing electrode, and the second subunit are all disposed in the first opening, one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode is disposed in the second opening, and the other is disposed between the first subunit and the second subunit.

10. The touch module according to claim 9, wherein: A first convex portion is provided on an edge of one side of the second subunit away from the first subunit and protrudes in a direction away from the first subunit, and a gap between one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode disposed in the second opening and the second subunit has the same width at all locations in the second subunit's extension direction; And / or, a second convex portion protruding toward the first subunit is provided on an edge of one side of the second subunit close to the first subunit, and a gap between the second subunit and one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode that is provided between the first subunit and the second subunit has the same width at all locations in the second subunit's extension direction.

11. The touch module according to claim 2, wherein: At least part of the antenna units are provided with avoidance channels, the avoidance channels are connected between the opening and the edge of the antenna unit, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the first touch electrode through the avoidance channels.

12. The touch module according to claim 11, wherein: The touch control module further includes a connecting line, which is disposed in the avoidance channel and connected between the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode, or between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

13. The touch module according to claim 12, wherein: The connecting line is at least partially disposed on the second metal layer to form a second bridging portion, an orthographic projection of the second bridging portion at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode along the thickness direction, and an extension dimension of the second bridging portion along an extension direction of the avoidance channel is greater than or equal to an extension dimension of one of the second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode that overlaps with the orthographic projection thereof.

14. The touch module according to claim 11, wherein: The second driving electrode and the second sensing electrode extend into the avoidance channel and are at least partially exposed from the edge of the antenna unit.

15. The touch module according to claim 14, wherein: More than two second driving electrodes and more than two second sensing electrodes are disposed in the opening of each antenna unit. The second driving electrodes and the second sensing electrodes extend to the edge of the antenna unit and are exposed from the edge of the antenna unit respectively.

16. The touch module according to claim 1, wherein: Two adjacent edge lines of the touch module intersect at a first intersection, and the antenna unit is disposed close to the first intersection.

17. The touch module according to claim 16, wherein: The touch control module includes a plurality of antenna units, and the plurality of antenna units are arranged in sequence and at equal intervals along the same direction.

18. A display panel, comprising: The touch module according to any one of claims 1 to 17; The screen body is stacked with the touch module.

19. The display panel according to claim 18, wherein: The touch electrodes and the antenna unit are both mesh structures, the screen body includes a plurality of light emitting units, and along the thickness direction, the orthographic projection patterns of the touch electrodes and the antenna unit form a plurality of meshes, and the orthographic projections of the light emitting units are located in the meshes.

20. A display device, wherein: The invention comprises the display panel according to any one of claims 18 to 19.

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