CN108021262B

CN108021262B - Touch panel and input device

Info

Publication number: CN108021262B
Application number: CN201610974397.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 福本雅朗
Original assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
Current assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
Priority date: 2016-10-28
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2021-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-28
Also published as: CN108021262A

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a touch panel and an input device. The touch panel includes a substrate and at least one protrusion. At least one protrusion is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction of the touch panel. When a user touches such a touch panel in a predetermined touch direction, the at least one protrusion can give the user a tactile illusion of wheel rotation, i.e., can provide the user with a wheel rotation sensation.

Description

Touch panel and input device

Background

A mouse is a commonly used input device. A mouse wheel may be provided on a conventional mouse. In the event that the user turns the mouse wheel forward or backward, the content of a page or the like on the computer display may be caused to scroll or toggle for easy viewing by the user. However, losses caused by long-term use of mechanical parts will affect the operating accuracy. Another conventional mouse employs a touch panel and a touch sensor instead of a mouse wheel. In such a mouse, the touch sensor can sense a touch action of a user on the touch panel. Content on a computer display may also be scrolled or toggled in the event that a user's finger slides forward or backward on the touch panel. However, replacing the mechanical scroll wheel with another component may affect the user experience to some extent. Similar problems exist with other types of input devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a touch panel that may be used with a mouse or other input device. The touch panel includes a substrate and at least one protrusion. Each of the protrusions is disposed on one surface of the substrate and is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction of the touch panel. With this arrangement, when a user touches such a touch panel in the touch direction, the at least one protrusion can give the user a tactile illusion of rotation of the wheel. In other words, the user is able to obtain an experience similar to operating a mechanical scroll wheel, thereby avoiding increasing the user's interaction and cognitive burden. In addition, the touch panel does not depend on the operation of mechanical parts, and avoids the failure caused by mechanical abrasion. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a good user experience while ensuring good operational accuracy and sensitivity.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally represent like parts throughout the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a touch panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the touch panel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an example implementation of a touch panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another example implementation of a touch panel according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example implementation of a touch panel in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example implementation of a touch panel in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an example implementation of an input device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another example implementation of an input device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example implementation of an input device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a mouse according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 12 shows a schematic flowchart of a method of manufacturing a touch panel.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several embodiments. It is understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "include" and its variants are to be read as open-ended terms meaning "including, but not limited to. The term "based on" is to be read as "based, at least in part, on". The terms "embodiment" and "one embodiment" are to be read as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be read as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first," "second," and the like may refer to different or the same object. Other explicit and implicit definitions are also possible below.

Some specific values or ranges of values may be referred to in the following description. It should be understood that these values and value ranges are exemplary only and may be useful in putting the concepts of the present disclosure into practice. However, the description of these examples is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. These values or ranges of values may be otherwise set depending on the particular application scenario and requirements.

As described above, since the mouse wheel is a mechanically moving part, it is liable to malfunction in long-term use. In addition, the conventional mouse wheel generally has a large size, and thus it is difficult to apply the mouse wheel to an ultra-thin mouse, such as a photosensor-based mouse. In a mouse in which a mouse wheel is replaced with a combination of a touch panel and a touch sensor, the touch surface of the touch panel is planar. In this way, the user will only feel the friction force from the touch surface when touching. For a user who is already proficient in using a mouse with a mouse wheel, not perceiving the rotation of the mouse wheel will affect the user experience.

The touch panel usable with a mouse proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure solves at least partially the above-mentioned problems. Referring now first to fig. 1 and 2, wherein fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the touch panel 100 shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, in general, a touch panel 100 described herein includes a substrate 1 and at least one protrusion 2. The substrate 1 has a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101. At least one protrusion 2 is disposed on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 and is disposed in a direction W perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction L of the touch panel 100.

With this configuration, when the user touches the touch panel 100 in the predetermined touch direction L, the at least one protrusion 2 can bring tactile illusion (tactile sensation) of the wheel rotation to the user, that is, can provide the wheel rotation feeling to the user. In the case where such a touch panel 100 is applied to an electronic device such as a mouse, the at least one protrusion 2 may bring a user experience similar to that of rotating a mouse wheel. In this way, the touch panel 100 provides good compatibility in terms of user experience and avoids increasing the cognitive burden on the user in using the input device.

The touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to various devices. For example, the touch panel 100 may be integrated into an input device such as a mouse, or a wearable device such as a smart watch, an HMD (head mounted display), and a bracelet. At this time, sliding a finger on the touch panel 100 in the predetermined touch direction L can control the operated content, such as scrolling or moving it, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, the touch panel 100 may include a first set of ribs 201 arranged on the at least one protrusion 2 along the predetermined touch direction L. The first set of ribs 201 may be arranged on all or part of the at least one projection 2. The spacing between the first set of ribs 201 may be the same or different. By arranging the first set of ribs 201 on the at least one protrusion 2, the contact area between the at least one protrusion 2 and the user's finger can be reduced, thereby reducing the friction between them. In this way, the wheel rotation feeling provided to the user can be further enhanced.

In some embodiments, the touch panel 100 further comprises a second set of ribs 103 arranged on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 along the predetermined touch direction L. The second set of ribs 103 may be aligned with the first set of ribs 201, although this is not a required arrangement. By arranging the second set of ribs 103 on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1, the contact area between the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 and the user's finger can be reduced, thereby reducing the frictional force therebetween. In this way, the sliding of the user's finger on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 can be made easier.

In some embodiments, the substrate 1 and the at least one protrusion 2 may be integrally molded using a metal material or other conductive material, or a polymer material or other non-conductive material. In other embodiments, the substrate 1 and the at least one protrusion 2 may be separately molded using the same or different materials, and then the at least one protrusion 2 may be bonded to the substrate 1, for example, by an adhesive. As an example, the substrate 1 and the at least one protrusion 2 may both be made of a polymer material or other non-conductive material. As another example, the substrate 1 and the at least one protrusion 2 may both be made of a metal material or other conductive material. Alternatively, the substrate 1 may be made of a polymer material or other non-conductive material, while the at least one protrusion 2 may be made of a metal material or other conductive material, or vice versa. Note that in other embodiments, the substrate 1 and the at least one protrusion 2 may be integrally formed or separately formed using other suitable materials.

In some embodiments, the polymer material used to make the touch panel 100 may be a low friction material. For example, such a polymeric material may be selected from the group comprising: polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or the like. By using such a low friction material, the friction between the user's finger and the at least one protrusion 2 may be reduced, thereby further enhancing the user's roller rotation feel. In other embodiments, the first surface 101 and/or the at least one protrusion 2 of the substrate 1 may also be coated with a low friction material such as teflon. In this way, the friction between the user's finger and the at least one protrusion 2 may also be reduced, thereby further enhancing the user's roller wheel rotation feel.

As shown in fig. 2, in some embodiments, at least one protrusion 2 may include a plurality of protrusions 2 having the same height h. The height h may be in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5 mm. For example, the height h may be 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, or the like. However, it should be understood that the height h may be larger or smaller, for example, may be 0.4mm or 3mm, etc. In such an embodiment, since the height h of the at least one protrusion 2 is on the order of millimeters, the at least one protrusion 2 will not significantly increase the overall size of the electronic device when such a touch panel 100 is installed in the electronic device. In other embodiments, only one protrusion 2 or a plurality of protrusions 2 having different heights may be arranged, which will be described below in connection with fig. 3 to 5.

Still referring to fig. 2, in some embodiments, the outer surface of at least one protrusion 2 may be arcuate. As an example, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion 2 may be a portion of a cylindrical surface. The diameter d of the cylindrical surface may be in the range 3.5mm to 5.5 mm. For example, the diameter d may be 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, or 5.5mm, etc. It should be understood, however, that the diameter d may be larger or smaller, such as may be 3mm or 6mm, etc.

In particular, in some embodiments, the height h of at least one protrusion 2 may be less than the radius d/2 of the cylindrical surface. It would be beneficial to do so: the cylindrical surface is a continuous curved surface, so that the continuous touch of a user is facilitated. In some embodiments, the cylindrical surface may be shaped similar to a real mouse wheel or cylindrical roller for simulating a similar tactile sensation. As another example, the outer surface of at least one protrusion 2 may be elliptical. The elliptical outer surface also provides the user with a good sense of rotation of a real roller or cylindrical roller.

As yet another example, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion 2 may also be a portion of a sphere. For example, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion 2 may be a portion of a truncated sphere. In other words, the cross-sectional portion of the spherical protruding portion 2 on the substrate 1 is circular, which can be regarded as a specific example in which at least one protruding portion 2 is provided in the direction W perpendicular to the predetermined touch direction L. The spherical protrusions 2 can also provide a good sense of rotation of the real wheel to the user.

In other embodiments, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion 2 may also be a continuous curved surface having other shapes, such as a portion of a paraboloid or hyperboloid, etc., which can also provide a roller wheel rotation feel to the user. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion 2 may even be polygonal, which can also provide a roller wheel rotation feel to the user.

As shown in fig. 2, in some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 2 may have the same form factor. Alternatively, a plurality of protrusions 2 having different form factors may be arranged on the substrate 1, an embodiment of which will be described below in connection with fig. 4 and 5.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the outer surfaces of a plurality of protrusions 2 having the same form factor are each part of a cylindrical surface. At this time, the plurality of protrusions 2 have the same diameter d and height h. The height h may be smaller than the radius d/2, for example. In some embodiments, the pitch P between the plurality of protrusions 2 may be greater than the diameter d and less than 2 d. For example, in the case where the diameter d is 4mm, the pitch P may be in a range of one of 4mm to 8 mm. In other embodiments, pitch P may be greater or smaller, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Some example implementations of a touch panel 100 according to the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with fig. 3-5. FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example implementation of a touch panel 100 according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another example implementation of a touch panel 100 according to the present disclosure; and fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example implementation of a touch panel 100 according to the present disclosure. Differences between the touch panel 100 shown in fig. 3 to 5 and the touch panel 100 shown in fig. 2 will be described hereinafter, and the same portions therebetween will not be described again.

As shown in fig. 3, a first surface 101 of the substrate 1 is provided with a protrusion 2. The outer surface of the protrusion 2 may be arc-shaped or polygonal. In the case where the outer surface of the projection 2 is a part of a cylindrical surface, the diameter d of the cylindrical surface₁For example, it may be in the range of 3.5mm to 5.5 mm. Of course, the diameter d₁May be larger or smaller and the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, of the protrusions 2Height h₁May be smaller than the radius d of the cylindrical surface₁/2。

As shown in FIG. 4, the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 is arranged with different heights h₁And h₂Two

protrusions

21 and 22. Height h of the projection 22₂Is smaller than the height h of the projection 21₁. When the user touches the touch panel 100 in the predetermined touch direction L, the protrusion 22 will be closer to the user's hand. In this way, the degree of bending of the user's fingers can be reduced, thereby further providing better comfort to the user.

In the case where the outer surfaces of the

protrusions

21 and 22 are part of the cylindrical surfaces, the diameter d of the protrusion 21₁Diameter d of the protrusion 22₂May be the same or different. E.g. diameter d₁And d₂And may be in the range of 3.5mm to 5.5 mm. However, the diameter d₁And d₂May be larger or smaller and the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, the height h of the protrusion 21₁For example, may be smaller than the radius d of the protrusion 21₁/2. Height h of the projection 22₂May be smaller than the radius d of the protrusion 22₂/2. The pitch P between the

protrusions

21 and 22 may be greater than the diameter d₁And is less than 2d₁。

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the at least one protrusion 2 comprises protrusions having different heights h arranged in sequence on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1₁、h₂And h₃The first projection 21, the second projection 22, and the third projection 23. In this example, the second protrusion 22 is located between the first protrusion 21 and the third protrusion 23. Height h of second protrusion 22₂Is greater than the height h of the first protrusion 21₁And height h of third protrusion 23₃. That is, in embodiments having three or more protrusions, the height of the protrusions may gradually decrease from the middle to both sides. In this way, a user may be facilitated to touch more smoothly, providing a better ergonomic experience.

Similar to the above-described embodiments, the appearance of the first, second, and

third protrusions

21, 22, and 23In the case of faces being part of a cylindrical surface, their diameter d₁、d₂And d₃May be the same or different. Diameter d₁、d₂And d₃For example, it may be in the range of 3.5mm to 5.5 mm. Of course, the diameter d₁、d₂And d₃May be larger or smaller and the scope of the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Optionally, in some embodiments, the height h of the first protrusion 21₁May be smaller than the radius d of the first protrusion 21₁2; height h of second protrusion 22₂May be smaller than the radius d of the second protrusion 22₂2; and the height h of the third protrusion 23₃May be smaller than the radius d of the third protrusion 23₃/2. The pitch P between the first and

second protrusions

21 and 22₁And a pitch P between the second 22 and third 23 protrusions₂May be larger than the diameter d₂And is less than 2d₂。

The number of the protrusions 2 is not limited to the examples described above. For example, more than three protrusions 2 may be arranged on the substrate 1. As an example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 6, seven protrusions 2 are arranged on the substrate 1. The shape, pitch or height of these protrusions 2 may be similar to those protrusions 2 described hereinabove. In the case where the plurality of protrusions 2 are arranged on the entire area of the first surface 101 of the substrate 1, the sense of rotation of the wheel can be felt regardless of the position of the user's finger. In some other embodiments, the shape, pitch, or height of the plurality of protrusions 2 may be different from those protrusions 2 described above.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 6, the input device 200 includes the touch panel 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and a touch sensor 500 disposed at the second surface 102 of the substrate 1. The touch sensor 500 may detect a touch action of the user's finger 400 while the user's finger 400 slides on the touch panel 100 in the predetermined touch direction L.

In some embodiments, input device 200 may further include a haptic actuator 600 configured to generate a haptic cue that simulates rotation of a scroll wheel in response to touch sensor 500 detecting a touch input on touch panel 100. In the event that the user's finger 400 touches the touch panel 100, the haptic actuator 600 may generate a haptic cue, such as a click, to simulate a wheel rotation.

The input device 200 may be a dedicated input device, such as a mouse 1100, which will be described below with reference to FIG. 11; the mobile device may also be a mobile device such as a mobile terminal or a smart phone, or a wearable device such as a smart watch, a head-mounted display, or a smart bracelet. That is, by integrating the touch panel 100 proposed herein into other devices, the devices can be multiplexed as an input device, thereby improving flexibility, convenience, and intelligence of user operations.

Some example implementations of an input device 200 according to the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with fig. 8-10. FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an example implementation of an input device 200 according to the present disclosure; FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example implementation of an input device 200 according to the present disclosure; and fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another example implementation of an input device 200 according to the present disclosure. Differences between the input device 200 shown in fig. 8 to 10 and the input device 200 shown in fig. 7 will be described hereinafter, and the same portions therebetween will not be described again.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the touch panel 100 is made of a conductive material or a non-conductive material. At least one protrusion 2 is arranged on the substrate 1. The touch sensor 500 comprises a plurality of sensor subsections 501 arranged on the second surface 102 of the substrate 1. Through the plurality of sensor subsections 501, the touch sensor 500 can accurately detect the position of the user's finger on the touch panel 100.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the touch panel 100 is made of a conductive material or a non-conductive material. At least one protrusion 2 is arranged on the substrate 1. The touch sensor 500 includes a plurality of sensor subsections 501 integrated with the touch panel 100. In other words, the plurality of sensor subsections 501 are embedded in the substrate 1 and the protrusion 2.

In some embodiments, the touch panel 100 may include a plurality of conductive material portions 108 and a plurality of non-conductive material portions 109 disposed spaced apart from each other. As shown in fig. 10, the conductive material portion 108 and the non-conductive material portion 109 are disposed apart from each other in the touch direction L so that a finger of a user can pass over the conductive material portion 108 when sliding. The touch sensor 500 may include a plurality of sensor subsections 501 disposed correspondingly under the plurality of conductive material sections 108. When the user's finger touches the touch panel 100, the movement of the user's finger can be accurately detected.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective schematic view of a mouse 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mouse 1100 includes the touch panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch panel 100 may replace a touch panel on a currently known ultra-thin optical mouse. When a user touches such a touch panel 100 in a predetermined touch direction L, the at least one protrusion 2 may provide a wheel rotation feeling to the user, thereby enabling a user experience similar to that of turning a mouse wheel to be brought to the user.

In this way, when the user shifts from a mouse with a mouse wheel to a mouse 1100 with the touch panel 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to more easily adapt to the operation thereof. Furthermore, by providing the user with a wheel rotation feel by means of ergonomic characteristics rather than mechanical moving parts, the mouse 1100 is not subject to failure due to prolonged use of mechanical moving parts.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 1200 of manufacturing the touch panel 100. It should be understood that method 1200 may also include additional steps not shown and/or may omit steps shown, as the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

As shown in fig. 12, at 1201, a substrate 1 is provided; and at 1202, providing at least one protrusion 2, the at least one protrusion 2 being arranged on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1 and being arranged in a direction W perpendicular to the predetermined touch direction L of the touch panel 100.

In some embodiments, the method 1200 may further comprise providing a first set of ribs 201, the first set of ribs 201 being arranged on the at least one protrusion 2 along the predetermined touch direction L. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the method 1200 may further include providing a second set of ribs 103 on the first surface 101 of the substrate 1, and so on. It should be understood that all the features described above in connection with fig. 1 to 10 with respect to the touch panel 100 and the input device 200 are applicable to the corresponding manufacturing method and will not be described again.

Some example implementations of the disclosure are listed below.

In some embodiments, a touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes: a substrate; and at least one protrusion disposed on the first surface of the substrate and disposed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction of the touch panel.

In some embodiments, the touch panel further comprises: a first set of ribs arranged on the at least one protrusion along a predetermined touch direction.

In some embodiments, the touch panel further comprises: and a second group of ribs arranged on the first surface of the substrate along the predetermined touch direction.

In some embodiments, the first set of ribs is aligned with the second set of ribs.

In some embodiments, the touch panel comprises a polymeric material or a metallic material.

In some embodiments, the polymeric material is selected from the group comprising: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.

In some embodiments, the first surface of the substrate and the at least one protrusion are coated with a low friction material.

In some embodiments, the low friction material comprises teflon.

In some embodiments, the height of the at least one protrusion is in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of at least one protrusion is curved or polygonal.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the at least one protrusion is part of a cylinder, and the diameter of the cylinder is in the range of 3.5mm to 5.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the height of the at least one protrusion is less than the radius of the cylindrical surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions having the same form factor.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions having different form factors.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion comprises two protrusions having different heights.

In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes at least a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion, the second protrusion being located between the first protrusion and the third protrusion, and the height of the second protrusion being greater than the height of the first protrusion and the height of the third protrusion.

In some embodiments, an input device is provided. The input device includes: any one of the touch panels described above; and a touch sensor disposed at a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface or embedded in the substrate and the at least one protrusion.

In some embodiments, an input device, comprising: a haptic actuator configured to generate a haptic cue simulating rotation of the scroll wheel in response to the touch sensor detecting a touch input on the touch panel 100.

In some embodiments, the substrate and the at least one protrusion are formed of a plurality of conductive material portions and a plurality of non-conductive material portions spaced from each other, and the touch sensor includes a plurality of sensor sub-portions correspondingly disposed under the plurality of conductive material portions.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a touch panel is provided. The method comprises the following steps: providing a substrate; and providing at least one protrusion disposed on the first surface of the substrate and disposed in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction of the touch panel.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or improvements made to the technology in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An input device (200) comprising:

touch panel (100) comprising:

a substrate (1);

at least one protrusion (2), the at least one protrusion (2) being arranged on a first surface (101) of the substrate (1) and being provided in a direction (W) perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction (L) of the touch panel (100); and

a first set of ribs (201) arranged on said at least one protrusion (2) along said predetermined touch direction (L);

a touch sensor (500) arranged at a second surface (102) of the substrate (1) opposite to the first surface (101) or embedded in the substrate (1) and the at least one protrusion (2); and

a haptic actuator (600) configured to generate a haptic cue simulating a wheel rotation in response to the touch sensor (500) detecting a touch input on the touch panel (100),

wherein the substrate (1) and the at least one protrusion (2) are formed by a plurality of conductive material portions (108) and a plurality of non-conductive material portions (109) spaced from each other, and wherein the touch sensor (500) comprises a plurality of sensor sub-portions (501) arranged correspondingly under the plurality of conductive material portions (108).

2. The input device (200) of claim 1, wherein the touch panel (100) further comprises:

a second set of ribs (103) arranged on the first surface (101) of the substrate (1) along the predetermined touch direction (L).

3. The input device (200) of claim 2, wherein the first set of ribs (201) is aligned with the second set of ribs (103).

4. The input device (200) of claim 1, wherein the touch panel (100) comprises a polymer material or a metal material.

5. The input device (200) of claim 4, wherein the polymer material is selected from the group comprising: polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyoxymethylene (POM) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

6. The input device (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first surface (101) of the substrate (1) and the at least one protrusion (2) is coated with a low friction material.

7. The input device (200) of claim 6, wherein the low-friction material comprises teflon.

8. The input device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the height (h, h) of the at least one protrusion (2, 21, 22, 23) is such that₁、h₂、h₃) In the range of 0.5mm to 2.5 mm.

9. The input device (200) according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the at least one protrusion (2) is arc-shaped or polygonal.

10. The input device (200) according to claim 9, wherein the outer surface of the at least one protrusion (2) is part of a cylindrical surface and the diameter (d, d) of the cylindrical surface₁、d₂、d₃) In the range of 3.5mm to 5.5 mm.

11. The input device (200) according to claim 10, wherein the height (h, h) of the at least one protrusion (2) is₁、h₂、h₃) Smaller than the radius of the cylindrical surface.

12. The input device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion (2) comprises a plurality of protrusions (2) having the same form factor.

13. The input device (200) of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion (2) comprises a plurality of protrusions (2) having different form factors.

14. The input device (200) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one protrusion (2) comprises protrusions having different heights (h)₁、h₂) Two protrusions (21, 22).

15. The input device (200) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one protrusion (2) comprises at least a first protrusion (21), a second protrusion (22) and a third protrusion (23), the second protrusion (22) being located between the first protrusion (21) and the third protrusion (23), and a height (h) of the second protrusion (22)₂) Is greater than the height (h) of the first protrusion (21)₁) And the height (h) of the third protrusion (23)₃)。

16. A method of manufacturing an input device (200), comprising:

manufacturing a touch panel (100) comprising:

providing a substrate (1);

providing at least one protrusion (2), the at least one protrusion (2) being arranged on a first surface (101) of the substrate (1) and being arranged in a direction (W) perpendicular to a predetermined touch direction (L) of the touch panel (100); and

-providing a first set of ribs (201), said first set of ribs (201) being arranged on said at least one protrusion (2) along said predetermined touching direction (L);

providing a touch sensor (500), the touch sensor (500) being arranged at a second surface (102) of the substrate (1) opposite to the first surface (101) or being embedded in the substrate (1) and the at least one protrusion (2); and

providing a haptic actuator (600), the haptic actuator (600) configured to generate a haptic cue simulating a wheel rotation in response to the touch sensor (500) detecting a touch input on the touch panel (100),