Touch sensor and display device

Abstract

Disclosed in embodiments of the present application are a touch sensor and a display device. The touch sensor comprises a plurality of touch units. In each touch unit, a second touch electrode comprises a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode and a second connection line, one end of the second connection line is connected to the third sub-electrode, the other end of the second connection line is connected to the fourth sub-electrode, and the second connection line is arranged on the outer side of a first touch electrode.

Description

Touch sensors and display devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of touch technology, specifically to a touch sensor and display device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the touch sensing structure on an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel includes a horizontally extending sensing electrode Gx and a vertically extending driving electrode Qx, which are arranged in a cross-shaped configuration. To avoid short-circuiting between the sensing electrode Gx and the driving electrode Qx, the driving electrode Qx is connected at their intersection using a bridge Kq, wherein the bridge Kq is disposed on a different layer from both the sensing electrode Gx and the driving electrode Qx.

[0003] In the process of researching and practicing related technologies, the inventors of this application discovered that, since the intersection of the sensing electrode Gx and the driving electrode Qx is the center of the four electrode units, when the organic light-emitting diode display panel is bent, the intersection is subjected to greater force, which may lead to the risk of the bridge breaking. Invention Overview

[0004] This application provides a touch sensor and display device that can reduce the risk of second connecting wire breakage when the sensor is in a bent state.

[0005] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a touch sensor, which includes:

[0006] Multiple touch units are arranged along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction. Each touch unit includes a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode that are separated from each other. The first touch electrode is one of a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, and the second touch electrode is the other of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.

[0007] In the touch unit, the first touch electrode includes a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode, and a first connecting line. The first sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the second sub-electrode are arranged sequentially along the first direction. One end of the first connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the first connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode. The second touch electrode includes a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode, and a second connecting line. The third sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the fourth sub-electrode are arranged at intervals along the second direction. One end of the second connecting line is connected to the third sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connecting line is connected to the fourth sub-electrode.

[0008] In the plan view of the touch sensor, the second connecting line is disposed on the outside of the first touch electrode.

[0009] On the other hand, the present application also provides a display device, which includes a display panel and a touch sensor as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the touch sensor is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel;

[0010] Both the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are mesh-shaped touch electrodes, and the display panel includes multiple sub-pixels, with the mesh openings of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode corresponding to the sub-pixels. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the touch sensing module of the organic light-emitting diode display panel of the related technology;

[0012] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 3 is a planar schematic diagram of the touch sensor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 3;

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the touch sensor provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 6 is a plan view of the display device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 8 is a partial schematic diagram of the display device provided in an embodiment of this application. Embodiments of the present invention

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific implementation methods described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application. In this application, the embodiments can be combined with each other but will not be described in detail one by one. Unless otherwise stated, the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device; the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are only used as markings and do not impose numerical requirements or establish a sequence.

[0020] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a touch sensor, which includes:

[0021] Multiple touch units are arranged along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction. Each touch unit includes a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode that are separated from each other. The first touch electrode is one of a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, and the second touch electrode is the other of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.

[0022] In the touch unit, the first touch electrode includes a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode, and a first connecting line. The first sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the second sub-electrode are arranged sequentially along the first direction. One end of the first connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the first connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode. The second touch electrode includes a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode, and a second connecting line. The third sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the fourth sub-electrode are arranged at intervals along the second direction. One end of the second connecting line is connected to the third sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connecting line is connected to the fourth sub-electrode.

[0023] In the plan view of the touch sensor, the second connecting line is disposed on the outside of the first touch electrode.

[0024] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in one of the touch units, the second connecting line is located at the end of the first sub-electrode away from the second sub-electrode, one end of the second connecting line is connected to the side of the third sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connecting line is connected to the side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode.

[0025] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in the second direction, the portions of the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the second connecting line both protrude beyond the first sub-electrode.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in one of the touch units, the second touch electrode further includes a third connecting line, the third connecting line being located at the end of the second sub-electrode away from the first sub-electrode, one end of the third connecting line being connected to the side of the third sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode, and the other end of the third connecting line being connected to the side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode.

[0027] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in the second direction, the portions of the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the third connecting line both protrude beyond the second sub-electrode.

[0028] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the width of the second connecting line is greater than the width of the first connecting line.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second connecting line, the third sub-electrode, the fourth sub-electrode, the first connecting line, the first sub-electrode, and the second sub-electrode are disposed in the same layer.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the shortest distance between the second connecting line and the first sub-electrode is equal to the shortest distance between the third sub-electrode and the first sub-electrode.

[0031] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in one of the touch units, the width of the first sub-electrode increases from the end near the second sub-electrode to the end away from the second sub-electrode, and the width of the second sub-electrode increases from the end near the first sub-electrode to the end away from the first sub-electrode, and the width direction of the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode is the second direction;

[0032] The width of the third sub-electrode increases from the end closest to the fourth sub-electrode toward the end furthest from the fourth sub-electrode, and the width of the fourth sub-electrode also increases from the end closest to the third sub-electrode toward the end furthest from the third sub-electrode. The width directions of the third and fourth sub-electrodes are the first direction.

[0033] The extension direction of the second connecting line is parallel to the second direction.

[0034] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the touch sensor further includes a fourth connecting line disposed on a different layer and insulated from the second touch electrode;

[0035] In the plan view of the touch sensor, in two adjacent touch units in the first direction, one end of the fourth connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode of one touch unit, and the other end of the fourth connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode of the other touch unit. The second connecting line and the fourth connecting line are arranged to cross each other.

[0036] In two adjacent touch units in the second direction, the third sub-electrode of one touch unit is connected to the fourth sub-electrode of the other touch unit.

[0037] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the width of the fourth connecting line is smaller than the width of the first connecting line.

[0038] On the other hand, the present application also provides a display device, which includes a display panel and a touch sensor as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the touch sensor is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel;

[0039] Both the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are mesh-shaped touch electrodes, and the display panel includes multiple sub-pixels, with the mesh openings of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode corresponding to the sub-pixels.

[0040] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the second connecting line is a grid structure formed by the intersection of multiple single lines, wherein the single lines are disposed between the sub-pixels;

[0041] In the width direction of the second connecting line, the second connecting line spans at least three of the sub-pixels, and the width direction of the second connecting line is the first direction.

[0042] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are disposed on the same layer, and the touch sensor further includes a fourth connecting line disposed on a different layer and insulated from the second touch electrode;

[0043] In a plan view of the touch sensor, in the first direction, the first touch electrodes of two adjacent touch units are connected by the fourth connecting line;

[0044] The fourth connecting line is a grid structure formed by the intersection of multiple single lines, and the single lines are arranged between the sub-pixels; in the width direction of the fourth connecting line, the fourth connecting line spans at least one sub-pixel, and the width direction of the fourth connecting line is the second direction.

[0045] The touch sensor of this application embodiment includes multiple touch units, which are arranged along a first direction and a second direction. Each touch unit includes a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode that are separately disposed from each other. In the touch unit, the first touch electrode includes a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode, and a first connecting line. The first sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the second sub-electrode are arranged sequentially along the first direction. One end of the first connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the first connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode. The second touch electrode includes a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode, and a second connecting line. The third sub-electrode, the first connecting line, and the fourth sub-electrode are arranged at intervals along the second direction. One end of the second connecting line is connected to the third sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connecting line is connected to the fourth sub-electrode.

[0046] In this embodiment, the touch sensor places the second connecting line outside the first touch electrode, making the second connecting line away from the center of the touch unit. Based on this, when the touch sensor is bent, the second connecting line experiences less bending stress because it is far from the center of the touch unit, thus reducing the risk of breakage. Secondly, the second connecting line is placed outside the first touch electrode, so that the second touch electrode completely surrounds the first touch electrode, increasing the capacitive coupling area between the second and first touch electrodes, thereby improving the touch performance of the touch unit.

[0047] This application provides a touch sensor and a display device, which will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the order of description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of the embodiments.

[0048] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the touch sensor 100 according to the embodiment can be applied to a display panel. For example, it can be attached to the display panel externally, or it can be integrated into or within the display panel. The touch sensor 100 includes a plurality of touch units Tu, and each touch unit Tu can include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch electrodes are configured to sense the user's touch by using capacitive sensing of the touch electrodes.

[0049] Display panels can be flexible or rigid, such as organic light-emitting display panels, inorganic electroluminescent display panels, quantum dot light-emitting display panels, micro LED display panels, nano LED display panels, field emission display panels, liquid crystal display panels, and electrophoretic display panels.

[0050] In Figures 3 to 5, the first direction DR1 can be a direction parallel to one side of the touch sensor 100 in a plan view, and for example, it can be the lateral direction of the touch sensor 100. The second direction DR2 can be a direction parallel to the other side of the touch sensor 100 in a plan view, and it can be the longitudinal direction of the touch sensor 100. That is, the first direction DR1 is perpendicular to the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 can be the thickness direction of the touch sensor 100. However, in some embodiments, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may not intersect perpendicularly.

[0051] The touch sensor 100 may have a rectangular or square shape in a plan view, but the implementation is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 100 may have a rectangular shape with vertical corners or rounded corners in a plan view. The touch sensor 100 may include two short sides arranged in a first direction DR1 and two long sides arranged in a second direction DR2 in a plan view. It should be understood that the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are interchangeable.

[0052] It is important to understand that, as shown in Figure 3, the touch sensor 100 is driven by a driver device Qd. The driver device Qd can be a touch chip.

[0053] The driver device Qd can be electrically and physically connected to the touch unit Tu. The driver device Qd can provide touch drive signals to multiple touch electrodes in the touch unit Tu and can sense changes in capacitance between the multiple touch electrodes. Based on the amount of capacitance change between the touch electrodes, the driver device Qd can determine whether a user touch has been input and can generate touch coordinate data.

[0054] The driver device Qd is mounted on the circuit board DL and is electrically connected to the control sensor 100 through the circuit board DL, but is not limited thereto. For example, the driver device Qd can be integrated on the display panel.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5. This application provides a touch sensor 100, which includes a plurality of touch units Tu.

[0056] Multiple touch units Tu are arranged along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, with the first direction DR1 intersecting the second direction DR2. Each touch unit Tu includes a first touch electrode Rx and a second touch electrode Tx that are separately disposed from each other. The first touch electrode Rx is one of a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, and the second touch electrode Tx is the other of a driving electrode and a sensing electrode.

[0057] This application will describe the case where the first touch electrode Rx is the sensing electrode and the second touch electrode Tx is the driving electrode. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the first touch electrode Rx can be the driving electrode and the second touch electrode Tx can be the sensing electrode.

[0058] Optionally, in the touch unit Tu, the first touch electrode Rx includes a first sub-electrode rp1, a second sub-electrode rp2, and a first connecting line rj1. The first sub-electrode rp1, the first connecting line rj1, and the second sub-electrode rp2 are arranged sequentially along the first direction DR1. One end of the first connecting line rj1 is connected to the first sub-electrode rp1, and the other end of the first connecting line rj1 is connected to the second sub-electrode rp2.

[0059] The second touch electrode Tx includes a third sub-electrode tp1, a fourth sub-electrode tp2, and a second connecting line tj1. The third sub-electrode tp1, the first connecting line tj1, and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 are arranged at intervals along the second direction DR2. One end of the second connecting line tj1 is connected to the third sub-electrode tp1, and the other end of the second connecting line tj1 is connected to the fourth sub-electrode tp2.

[0060] In the plan view of the touch sensor 100 (as shown in Figure 1), the second connecting line tj1 is located outside the first touch electrode Rx.

[0061] It should be understood that, in this embodiment of the touch sensor 100, the second connecting line tj1 is disposed outside the first touch electrode Rx, so that the second connecting line tj1 is far away from the center of the touch unit Tu. Based on this, when the touch sensor 100 is in a bent state, because the second connecting line tj1 is far from the center of the touch unit Tu, the bending stress on the second connecting line tj1 is smaller, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the second connecting line tj1. Secondly, the second connecting line tj1 is disposed outside the first touch electrode Rx, so that the second touch electrode Tx completely surrounds the first touch electrode Rx, increasing the capacitive coupling area between the second touch electrode Tx and the first touch electrode Rx, thereby improving the touch performance of the touch unit Tu.

[0062] The first touch electrode Rx is connected to the driving device Qd via the sensing signal line rx1, and the second touch electrode Tx is connected to the driving device Qd via the driving signal line tx1.

[0063] Please refer to FIG4, which shows a touch unit Tu according to one or more disclosed embodiments. In a touch unit Tu, the left sides of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 are connected by a connecting line (second connecting line tj1), and the right sides of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 are connected by another connecting line (third connecting line tj2).

[0064] It should be noted that Figure 4 only illustrates one embodiment of this application. This application may also have other embodiments. For example, in a touch unit Tu, the left and right sides of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 can be connected by a connecting line.

[0065] Optionally, in two adjacent touch units Tu, the connection method of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 of one touch unit Tu can be the same as or different from the connection method of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 of the other touch unit Tu. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the connection method of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 in the same column of touch units Tu is the same. Touch units Tu in odd-numbered columns use a single-sided connection line to connect the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2, while touch units Tu in even-numbered columns use a double-sided connection line. Of course, other arrangements can also be used in this application, such as all touch units Tu using a double-sided connection line, or all touch units Tu using a single-sided connection line, etc.

[0066] Referring to Figure 4, in a touch unit Tu, the second connecting line tj1 is located at the end of the first sub-electrode rp1 away from the second sub-electrode rp2, one end of the second connecting line tj1 is connected to the side of the third sub-electrode tp1 close to the first sub-electrode rp1, and the other end of the second connecting line tj1 is connected to the side of the fourth sub-electrode tp2 close to the first sub-electrode rp1.

[0067] Based on Figure 4, the second connecting line tj1 is connected to the left side of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2. The second connecting line tj1 is located to the left side of the first sub-electrode rp1, so that the second touch electrode Tx surrounds the first touch electrode Rx on three sides. Compared with the two-sided arrangement of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode in the touch unit of related technologies, the second touch electrode Tx surrounding the first touch electrode Rx on three sides has a larger capacitive coupling area, thereby improving the touch performance.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, on the second direction DR2, the portions of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 connected to the second connecting line tj1 both protrude beyond the first sub-electrode rp1.

[0069] Based on Figure 4, both the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 extend to the left and protrude beyond the first sub-electrode rp1 to increase the area of ​​the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2, thereby improving the stability of the drive signal transmission.

[0070] In some embodiments of this application, in a touch unit Tu, the second touch electrode Tx further includes a third connecting line tj2, which is located at the end of the second sub-electrode rp2 away from the first sub-electrode rp1. One end of the third connecting line tj2 is connected to the side of the third sub-electrode tp1 near the second sub-electrode rp2, and the other end of the third connecting line tj2 is connected to the side of the fourth sub-electrode tp2 near the second sub-electrode rp2.

[0071] Based on Figure 4, the third connecting line tj2 is connected to the right side of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2, and the second connecting line tj1 is located to the right side of the second sub-electrode rp2, so that the second touch electrode Tx completely surrounds the first touch electrode Rx, and the touch unit Tu has more coupling area, thereby improving the touch performance.

[0072] Optionally, in the second direction DR2, the portions of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 connected to the third connecting line tj2 both protrude beyond the second sub-electrode rp2.

[0073] The third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 both extend to the right and protrude beyond the second sub-electrode rp2, thereby increasing the area of ​​the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 and thus improving the stability of the drive signal transmission.

[0074] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, in a touch unit Tu, the width of the first sub-electrode rp1 increases from the end near the second sub-electrode rp2 to the end away from the second sub-electrode rp2. The width of the second sub-electrode rp2 increases from the end near the first sub-electrode rp1 to the end away from the first sub-electrode rp1. The width direction of the first sub-electrode rp1 and the second sub-electrode rp2 is a second direction DR2.

[0075] The width of the third sub-electrode tp1 increases from the end closest to the fourth sub-electrode tp2 towards the end furthest from the fourth sub-electrode tp2. The width direction of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 also increases from the end closest to the third sub-electrode tp1 towards the end furthest from the third sub-electrode tp1. The width directions of the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 are defined by a first direction DR1.

[0076] The extension directions of the second connecting line tj1 and the third connecting line tj2 are parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0077] Optionally, the planar patterns of the first sub-electrode rp1, the second sub-electrode rp2, the third sub-electrode tp1, and the fourth sub-electrode tp4 are each trapezoidal or triangular, but not limited to.

[0078] The touch sensor 100 also includes a fourth connecting line rj2, which is on a different layer and insulated from the second connecting line jt1. The fourth connecting line rj2 is also on a different layer and insulated from the third connecting line jt2.

[0079] In a plan view of the touch sensor 100, in two adjacent touch units Tu on the first direction DR1, one end of the fourth connecting line rj2 is connected to the first sub-electrode rp1 of one touch unit Tu, and the other end of the fourth connecting line rj2 is connected to the second sub-electrode rp2 of the other touch unit Tu. The second connecting line tj1 and the fourth connecting line rj2 are arranged to cross each other. The third connecting line tj2 and the fourth connecting line rj2 are also arranged to cross each other.

[0080] In two adjacent touch units Tu on the second direction DR2, the third sub-electrode tp1 of one touch unit Tu is connected to the fourth sub-electrode tp2 of the other touch unit Tu.

[0081] In the first direction (DR1), two adjacent first touch electrodes (Rx) are connected by a fourth connecting line (rj2) to form a first touch electrode row. In the second direction (DR2), two adjacent second touch electrodes (Tx) are directly connected to form a second touch electrode column. The first touch electrode rows and the second touch electrode columns are arranged alternately.

[0082] It should be noted that in the second touch electrode array, the third sub-electrode tp1 of one touch unit Tu is connected to the fourth sub-electrode tp2 of another touch unit Tu, which improves the integrity and compactness of the second touch electrode array. At the same time, it also increases the connection area between the two second touch electrodes Tx, thereby improving the stability of the connection and the effectiveness of signal transmission.

[0083] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the touch sensor 100 may further include a dummy electrode Dx. The dummy electrode Dx is separately disposed from the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx. At least one of the first sub-electrode rp1, the second sub-electrode rp2, the third sub-electrode tp1, and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 has an opening kk, and the dummy electrode Dx is disposed within the opening kk.

[0084] The dummy electrode Dx is used to reduce the effective touch area and capacitance to ground of the touch sensor 100, as well as to reduce the load on the touch sensor 100.

[0085] Optionally, the dummy electrode Dx is set in the center area of ​​the sub-electrode to ensure the uniformity of touch.

[0086] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the width k2 of the second connecting line tj1 is greater than the width k1 of the first connecting line rj1.

[0087] It is important to understand that the wider the connecting line, the lower its impedance. Since the second connecting line tj1 is relatively long, its width k2 is set to be larger to reduce the impedance of the second connecting line tj1, thereby reducing the impedance of the second touch electrode Tx, and improving the stability of the electrical connection between the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2.

[0088] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the width k3 of the third connecting line tj2 is greater than the width k1 of the first connecting line rj1.

[0089] Since the length of the third connecting line tj2 is relatively long, the width k3 of the third connecting line tj2 is set to be relatively large in order to reduce the impedance of the third connecting line tj2, thereby reducing the impedance of the second touch electrode Tx, and improving the stability of the electrical connection between the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2.

[0090] In addition, using a double-sided connecting line to connect the third sub-electrode tp1 and the fourth sub-electrode tp2 can further reduce the impedance of the second touch electrode Tx.

[0091] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the width k4 of the fourth connecting line rj2 is smaller than the width k1 of the first connecting line rj1.

[0092] Understandably, since the fourth connecting line rj2 is relatively short, setting its width k4 to be small will not significantly affect its impedance. Furthermore, the smaller width of the fourth connecting line rj2 reduces the overlap area between it and both the second and third connecting lines tj1 and tj2, thereby reducing interfering capacitive coupling and improving touch accuracy.

[0093] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the shortest distance h1 between the second connecting line tj1 and the first sub-electrode rp1 is equal to the shortest distance h2 between the third sub-electrode tp1 and the first sub-electrode rp1.

[0094] It is important to understand that the shortest distance is the vertical distance between the nearest contour lines of the two feature bodies.

[0095] The shortest distance between the second connecting line tj1 and the third sub-electrode tp1 is equal to the shortest distance between the third sub-electrode tp1 and the first sub-electrode rp1, which can improve the uniformity of the touch capacitance formed between the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx.

[0096] Optionally, the distance between the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx is a constant value. That is, the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are set at equal intervals, which can improve the uniformity of the touch capacitance formed between the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx.

[0097] Optionally, the outline of the second connecting line tj1 near the first sub-electrode rp1 is parallel to the outline of the first sub-electrode rp1 near the second connecting line tj1. The outline of the third connecting line tj2 near the second sub-electrode rp2 is parallel to the outline of the second sub-electrode rp2 near the third connecting line tj2. The outline of the third sub-electrode tp1 near the first touch electrode Rx is parallel to the outline of the first touch electrode Rx near the third sub-electrode tp1. The outline of the fourth sub-electrode tp2 near the first touch electrode Rx is parallel to the outline of the first touch electrode Rx near the fourth sub-electrode tp2.

[0098] Optionally, referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments of this application, the touch sensor 100 further includes a substrate IL1, an intermediate insulating layer IL2, and a protective layer Bc. A fourth connection line rp2 is disposed on the substrate IL1. The intermediate insulating layer IL2 covers the fourth connection line rp2 and the substrate IL1. The first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are disposed separately on the intermediate insulating layer IL2. A via gk is formed in the intermediate insulating layer IL2 to expose the fourth connection line rp2, and two adjacent first touch electrodes Rx are connected to the fourth connection line rp2 through the via gk.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fourth connection line rp2 may be positioned above the first touch electrode Rx.

[0100] Optionally, the second connecting line tj1, the third sub-electrode tp1, the fourth sub-electrode tp2, the first connecting line rj1, the first sub-electrode rp1, and the second sub-electrode rp2 are arranged in the same layer.

[0101] Optionally, the third connecting line tj2, the third sub-electrode tp1, the fourth sub-electrode tp2, the first connecting line rj1, the first sub-electrode rp1, and the second sub-electrode rp2 are arranged in the same layer.

[0102] In other words, the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are disposed on the same layer. The first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are formed by patterning the same first conductive layer. Since the height difference between the second connecting line tj1 and the third connecting line tj2 and the first sub-electrode rp1 and the second sub-electrode rp2 of the first touch electrode Rx is reduced, the capacitive coupling between the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx can be increased, thereby improving the touch performance.

[0103] Optionally, the materials of the fourth connecting line rp2 and the first conductive layer can be metals, metal alloys, or metal oxides, such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, or metal elements selected from chromium, copper, aluminum, gold, silver, zinc, molybdenum, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, manganese, nickel, iron, neodymium, and cobalt, alloys with any of the above metal elements as components, or alloys combining any of the above metal elements. Furthermore, the fourth connecting line rp2 and the first conductive layer can have a single-layer structure or a stacked structure of two or more layers.

[0104] On the other hand, referring to Figures 6 and 7, this application embodiment also provides a display device 1000, which includes a display panel 200 and a touch sensor 100 as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the touch sensor 100 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 200.

[0105] It should be noted that the structure of the touch sensor of the display device 1000 in this application embodiment is similar to or the same as the structure of the touch sensor 100 in the above embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the touch sensor 100 in the above embodiment.

[0106] The display device 1000 according to some embodiments of this application can be used by portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, mobile communication terminals, e-notebooks, e-readers, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs. For example, the display device 1000 can be used as a display unit for televisions, laptop computers, monitors, electronic billboards, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As another example, the display device 1000 can be applied to wearable devices such as smartwatches, smartwatch phones, glasses-type displays, and head-mounted displays.

[0107] The display device 1000, according to some embodiments, can be classified into various devices based on the manner in which images are displayed. For example, the display device 1000 can be classified and implemented as an organic light-emitting display device, an inorganic light-emitting display device, a quantum dot light-emitting display device, a micron-sized light-emitting diode display device, a nano-sized light-emitting diode display device, a plasma display device, a field emission display device, a liquid crystal display device, an electrophoretic display device, etc. In the following description, organic light-emitting display devices will be described as examples of display devices.

[0108] The touch sensor 100 can be mounted on the front surface of the display panel 200 or integrated with the display panel 200.

[0109] The display panel 200 can be divided into a display area DA for displaying images and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display panel 200 includes a plurality of subpixels. The subpixels are disposed in the display area DA. The subpixels may include red subpixels, green subpixels, and blue subpixels, or red subpixels, green subpixels, blue subpixels, and white subpixels.

[0110] The first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are respectively disposed in the display area DA. The sensing signal line rx1 and the driving signal line tx1 are respectively disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0111] Optionally, both the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx are mesh-shaped touch electrodes, and the mesh openings of the first touch electrode Rx and the second touch electrode Tx correspond to the sub-pixels.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG8, the second connecting line tj1 is a mesh structure formed by the intersection of multiple single-line duxes. The single-line duxes are arranged between sub-pixels sp.

[0113] In the width direction of the second connecting line tj1, the second connecting line tj1 spans at least three sub-pixels sp, and the width direction of the second connecting line tj1 is the first direction DR1.

[0114] Understandably, the more sub-pixels sp the second connection line tj1 spans, the wider the second connection line tj1 will be, and the lower its impedance will be. The second connection line tj1 must span at least three sub-pixels sp to meet the impedance requirements of the second touch electrode Tx.

[0115] Optionally, in some embodiments, the number of sub-pixels sp spanned by the third connecting line tj2 is equal to the number of sub-pixels sp spanned by the second connecting line tj1.

[0116] Optionally, the fourth connecting line rj2 is a grid structure formed by the intersection of multiple single-line duxes, wherein the single-line duxes are arranged between sub-pixels ps. In the width direction of the fourth connecting line rj2, the fourth connecting line rj2 spans at least one of the sub-pixels ps, and the width direction of the fourth connecting line rj2 is the second direction DR2.

[0117] It is understandable that the fewer sub-pixels sp the fourth connecting line rj2 spans, the smaller the width of the fourth connecting line rj2, and the smaller the overlapping area with the second connecting line tj1 and the third connecting line tj2 respectively, in order to reduce the amount of interfering capacitive coupling.

[0118] Optionally, in the width direction, the number of sub-pixels sp spanned by the fourth connecting line rj2 is less than the number of sub-pixels sp spanned by the second connecting line tj1.

[0119] Optionally, in some embodiments, the width of a single-line dux is between 2 micrometers and 8 micrometers, for example, it can be 2 micrometers, 3 micrometers, 4 micrometers, 5 micrometers, 6 micrometers, 7 micrometers or 8 micrometers.

[0120] It is important to understand that the wider the single-line duplex, the more it blocks the lateral light emitted from the display panel 200. Therefore, a smaller single-line duplex can reduce its impact on the lateral light emitted from the display panel 200.

[0121] It should be understood that, in the present application embodiment, the touch sensor 100 of the display device 1000 has the second connecting line tj1 disposed outside the first touch electrode Rx, so that the second connecting line tj1 is far away from the center of the touch unit Tu. Based on this, when the touch sensor 100 is in a bent state, because the second connecting line tj1 is far away from the center of the touch unit Tu, the bending stress on the second connecting line tj1 is small, thereby reducing the risk of the second connecting line tj1 breaking; secondly, the second connecting line tj1 is disposed outside the first touch electrode Rx, so that the second touch electrode Tx completely surrounds the first touch electrode Rx, increasing the capacitive coupling area between the second touch electrode Tx and the first touch electrode Rx, thereby improving the touch performance of the touch unit Tu.

[0122] The above provides a detailed description of a touch sensor and display device provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A touch sensor, comprising: a plurality of touch units, the plurality of touch units being arranged along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction, a touch unit comprising a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode arranged separately from each other, the first touch electrode being one of a drive electrode and a sense electrode, the second touch electrode being the other of the drive electrode and the sense electrode; in the touch unit, the first touch electrode comprises a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode and a first connecting line, the first sub-electrode, the first connecting line and the second sub-electrode being arranged along the first direction in sequence, one end of the first connecting line being connected to the first sub-electrode, the other end of the first connecting line being connected to the second sub-electrode; the second touch electrode comprises a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode and a second connecting line, the third sub-electrode, the first connecting line and the fourth sub-electrode being arranged along the second direction in sequence, one end of the second connecting line being connected to the third sub-electrode, the other end of the second connecting line being connected to the fourth sub-electrode; in a plan view of the touch sensor, the second connecting line is arranged outside the first touch electrode.

2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein, in a touch unit, one end of the second connecting line is located away from the second sub-electrode, one end of the second connecting line is connected to one side of the third sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode, the other end of the second connecting line is connected to one side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode.

3. The touch sensor of claim 2, wherein, in the second direction, the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the second connecting line both protrude from the first sub-electrode.

4. The touch sensor of claim 2, wherein, in a touch unit, the second touch electrode further comprises a third connecting line, one end of the third connecting line is located away from the first sub-electrode, one end of the third connecting line is connected to one side of the third sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode, the other end of the third connecting line is connected to one side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode.

5. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein, in the second direction, the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the third connecting line both protrude from the second sub-electrode.

6. The touch sensor of any of claims 1-5, wherein, a width of the second connecting line is greater than a width of the first connecting line.

7. The touch sensor of any of claims 1-5, wherein, the second connecting line, the third sub-electrode, the fourth sub-electrode, the first connecting line, the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode are arranged in the same layer.

8. The touch sensor of any of claims 3-5, wherein, a shortest distance between the second connecting line and the first sub-electrode is equal to a shortest distance between the third sub-electrode and the first sub-electrode.

9. The touch sensor of claim 8, wherein, in a touch unit, a width of the first sub-electrode increases from an end close to the second sub-electrode to an end away from the second sub-electrode, a width of the second sub-electrode increases from an end close to the first sub-electrode to an end away from the first sub-electrode, the width direction of the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode being the second direction. The third sub-electrode has an increasing width from an end close to the fourth sub-electrode to an end away from the fourth sub-electrode, and the fourth sub-electrode has an increasing width from an end close to the third sub-electrode to an end away from the third sub-electrode, and the width direction of the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode is the first direction; The extending direction of the second connecting line is parallel to the second direction.

10. The touch sensor of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are arranged in the same layer, and the touch sensor further comprises a fourth connecting line arranged in a layer different from and insulated from the second touch electrode; In a plan view of the touch sensor, in two adjacent touch units in the first direction, one end of the fourth connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode of one touch unit, the other end of the fourth connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode of the other touch unit, and the second connecting line is arranged to cross the fourth connecting line; In two adjacent touch units in the second direction, the third sub-electrode of one touch unit is connected to the fourth sub-electrode of the other touch unit.

11. The touch sensor of claim 10, wherein, The width of the fourth connecting line is smaller than the width of the first connecting line.

12. A display device comprising a display panel and a touch sensor, the touch sensor being arranged on the light-out side of the display panel; The touch sensor comprises: A plurality of touch units, a plurality of the touch units are arranged along a first direction and a second direction, the first direction intersects the second direction, one touch unit comprises a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode arranged separately from each other, the first touch electrode is one of a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, and the second touch electrode is the other of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode; In the touch unit, the first touch electrode comprises a first sub-electrode, a second sub-electrode and a first connecting line, the first sub-electrode, the first connecting line and the second sub-electrode are arranged in sequence along the first direction, one end of the first connecting line is connected to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the first connecting line is connected to the second sub-electrode; the second touch electrode comprises a third sub-electrode, a fourth sub-electrode and a second connecting line, the third sub-electrode, the first connecting line and the fourth sub-electrode are arranged in sequence along the second direction, one end of the second connecting line is connected to the third sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connecting line is connected to the fourth sub-electrode; In a plan view of the touch sensor, the second connecting line is arranged outside the first touch electrode; The first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are both grid-shaped touch electrodes, the display panel comprises a plurality of sub-pixels, and the mesh of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode corresponds to the sub-pixels.

13. The display device of claim 12, wherein, The second connecting line is a grid structure formed by a plurality of single lines crossing, and the single lines are arranged between the sub-pixels; The second connection line at least crosses three sub-pixels in a width direction of the second connection line, and the width direction of the second connection line is the first direction.

14. The display device of claim 13, wherein, The first touch electrode and the second touch electrode are arranged in the same layer, and the touch sensor further comprises a fourth connection line arranged in the same layer with the second touch electrode and insulated from the second touch electrode. In a plan view of the touch sensor, the first touch electrodes of two adjacent touch units are connected by the fourth connection line in the first direction. The fourth connection line is a mesh structure formed by a plurality of single lines intersecting with each other, and the single lines are arranged between the sub-pixels; the fourth connection line at least crosses one sub-pixel in a width direction of the fourth connection line, and the width direction of the fourth connection line is the second direction.

15. The display device of claim 12, wherein, In one of the touch units, the second connection line is located at an end of the first sub-electrode away from the second sub-electrode, one end of the second connection line is connected to one side of the third sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode, and the other end of the second connection line is connected to one side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the first sub-electrode.

16. The display device of claim 15, wherein, In the second direction, the parts of the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the second connection line protrude from the first sub-electrode.

17. The display device of claim 15, wherein, In one of the touch units, the second touch electrode further comprises a third connection line, the third connection line is located at an end of the second sub-electrode away from the first sub-electrode, one end of the third connection line is connected to one side of the third sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode, and the other end of the third connection line is connected to one side of the fourth sub-electrode close to the second sub-electrode.

18. The display device of claim 17, wherein, In the second direction, the parts of the third sub-electrode and the fourth sub-electrode connected to the third connection line protrude from the second sub-electrode.

19. The display device of any of claims 12-18, wherein, The width of the second connection line is greater than the width of the first connection line.

20. The display device of any of claims 12-18, wherein, The second connection line, the third sub-electrode, the fourth sub-electrode, the first connection line, the first sub-electrode, and the second sub-electrode are arranged in the same layer.

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