Flexible display input device

Abstract

A flexible display input device includes a flexible display layer and a key layer. The key layer is disposed below the flexible display layer and includes a first elastic film, a first electrode, a second elastic film and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on a side of the first elastic film facing the flexible display layer. The second elastic film is located between the flexible display layer and the first elastic film. The second electrode is disposed on a side of the film facing the first elastic film and opposite the first electrode. Thus, not only can the problem of false touch of the input device using a capacitive touch module be effectively solved, but the tactile feedback can also be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flexible display input device. Background Technology

[0002] With the diversified development of touch modules, they have been successfully applied in industrial and consumer electronics products. Touch products integrated with various medium-to-large-sized products will become increasingly common.

[0003] One of the mainstream capacitive touch technologies is film-type. For example, a common capacitive touch module fabricates the touch layer (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)) on two thin films, with an outer cover such as glass for protection; hence, it's also called a GFF (Glass-Film-Film) structure. Since capacitive touch technology detects touch locations by utilizing changes in capacitance during touch, a signal is generated as soon as a touch occurs. However, this characteristic makes it prone to accidental touches in virtual keyboard applications, and the haptic feedback is inferior to that of traditional keyboards.

[0004] Therefore, how to propose a flexible display input device that can solve the above problems is one of the issues that the industry is currently eager to invest research and development resources to address. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a flexible display input device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a flexible display input device includes a flexible display layer and a button layer. The button layer is disposed below the flexible display layer and includes a first elastic film, a first electrode, a second elastic film, and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed on the side of the first elastic film facing the flexible display layer. The second elastic film is located between the flexible display layer and the first elastic film. The second electrode is disposed on the side of the second elastic film facing the first elastic film and is opposite to the first electrode.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the button layer further includes a spacer structure. The spacer structure is disposed and contacts between the first elastic film and the second elastic film.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the button layer further includes a support structure. The support structure is disposed between and in contact with the first elastic film and the second elastic film. The lateral distance from the support structure to the first electrode and the second electrode is greater than the lateral distance from the spacer structure to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a trigger layer. The trigger layer is stacked with a button layer and includes a trigger member. The trigger member is configured to push the button layer, causing a first electrode to contact a second electrode.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the trigger layer is disposed between the flexible display layer and the button layer.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the trigger layer further includes a support member. The support member is disposed between the flexible display layer and the second elastic film. The trigger member is configured to push the second elastic film.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the button layer further includes a support structure. The support structure is disposed and contacts between the first elastic film and the second elastic film, and is aligned with the support member through the second elastic film.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the button layer is disposed between the flexible display layer and the trigger layer.

[0014] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the trigger layer further includes a support member. The support member is disposed and contacts the side of the first elastic film remote from the second elastic film. The trigger member is configured to push the first elastic film.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the button layer further includes a support structure. The support structure is disposed and contacts between the first elastic film and the second elastic film, and is aligned with the support member through the first elastic film.

[0016] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a support plate. A trigger is disposed and contacts the side of the support plate facing the button layer. A support member is disposed and contacts between the first elastic film and the support plate.

[0017] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the distance between the first elastic film and the second elastic film is greater than about 10 micrometers and less than about 100 micrometers.

[0018] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a polarizer. The polarizer is disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

[0019] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a touch layer. The touch layer is disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

[0020] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a glass layer. The glass layer is disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

[0021] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a protective cover. The protective cover is disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer and has a peripheral light-shielding layer.

[0022] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a first housing and a second housing. The second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing. A button layer is disposed on the first housing. The flexible display layer covers the button layer.

[0023] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display input device further includes a first housing and a second housing. The second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing. A button layer is disposed on the second housing. The flexible display layer covers the button layer.

[0024] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the flexible display layer extends from the first housing to the second housing.

[0025] In summary, in the flexible display input device disclosed herein, the flexible display layer can be used to display an input interface (e.g., a virtual keyboard), and the button layer below the flexible display layer can be used as a physical triggering mechanism for the input interface. Therefore, it not only effectively solves the problem of accidental touches when using capacitive touch modules as input devices, but also improves tactile feedback. By triggering the button layer through a trigger element located in the trigger layer below the flexible display layer, the accuracy of button triggering can be increased (because the area of ​​the trigger button layer is smaller), and the displacement of the flexible display layer when pressed can be reduced. By providing a support structure in the button layer and / or providing a support element in the trigger element, the area of ​​the button layer that is deformed by compression can be limited, thereby effectively preventing accidental triggering of other adjacent buttons.

[0026] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a flexible display input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a flexible display input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 A schematic diagram of some components of the flexible display input device;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of a flexible display input device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Symbol Explanation]

[0033] 100: Flexible display input device

[0034] 100a: First casing

[0035] 100b: Second casing

[0036] 110: Flexible display layer

[0037] 120: Button Layer

[0038] 121: First elastic film

[0039] 122: First electrode

[0040] 123: Second elastic film

[0041] 124: Second electrode

[0042] 125: Spacing structure

[0043] 126: Supporting structure

[0044] 130: Triggering Layer

[0045] 131: Trigger

[0046] 132: Support component

[0047] 133: Basal layer

[0048] 140: Polarizing film

[0049] 150: Touch layer

[0050] 160: Glass layer

[0051] 170: Protective cover plate

[0052] 171: Peripheral shading layer

[0053] 180: Support plate

[0054] 190a, 190b, 190c: Adhesive layer Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following describes several embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 . Figure 1 A perspective view of a flexible display input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a flexible display input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 A schematic diagram of some components of the flexible display input device 100. (See diagram below.) Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the flexible display input device 100 includes a first housing 100a and a second housing 100b. The second housing 100b is rotatably connected to the first housing 100a. For example, the second housing 100b and the first housing 100a are rotatably connected via a hinge device (not shown), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In practical applications, the second housing 100b and the first housing 100a can also be connected via a flexible material. Figure 1 The flexible display input device 100 shown is based on a notebook computer, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In practical applications, the flexible display input device 100 can also be an electronic device with a bendable screen, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or other similar electronic product.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the flexible display input device 100 includes a flexible display layer 110 and a button layer 120. The button layer 120 is disposed below the flexible display layer 110 and includes a first elastic film 121, a plurality of first electrodes 122, a second elastic film 123, and a plurality of second electrodes 124. The first electrodes 122 are disposed on the side of the first elastic film 121 facing the flexible display layer 110. The second elastic film 123 is located between the flexible display layer 110 and the first elastic film 121. The second electrodes 124 are disposed on the side of the second elastic film 123 facing the first elastic film 121 and are respectively opposite to the first electrodes 122 (i.e., vertically aligned). When the first electrodes 122 and the second electrodes 124 come into contact with each other, corresponding button signals can be generated.

[0058] Under the aforementioned structural configuration, the flexible display layer 110 can be used to display an input interface (e.g., a virtual keyboard), and the button layer 120 below the flexible display layer 110 can be used as a physical triggering mechanism for the input interface. Therefore, it can not only effectively solve the problem of accidental touch when using a conventional capacitive touch module as an input device, but also improve tactile feedback.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flexible display layer 110 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the button layer 120 further includes a plurality of spacer structures 125. The spacer structures 125 are disposed and contact the first elastic film 121 and the second elastic film 123. Thereby, the spacer structures 125 can maintain a predetermined separation distance between the first elastic film 121 and the second elastic film 123, so as to prevent the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 from contacting each other when the button layer 120 is not pushed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the spacer structure 125 is annular and surrounds the corresponding first electrode 122 and second electrode 124, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the spacer structure 125 may also include a plurality of spacer blocks arranged annularly around the corresponding first electrode 122 and second electrode 124.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the button layer 120 further includes a plurality of support structures 126. The support structures 126 are disposed between and in contact with the first elastic film 121 and the second elastic film 123. The lateral distance between the support structure 126 and adjacent first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124 is greater than the lateral distance between the spacer structure 125 and adjacent first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124. In other words, the spacer structure 125 is closer to adjacent first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124 in the lateral direction, while the support structure 126 is approximately located in the center between the two sets of first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124 in the lateral direction. This limits the area of ​​the button layer 120 that is compressed and deformed to between two adjacent support structures 126, thereby effectively preventing accidental triggering of other adjacent buttons.

[0063] In some embodiments, the distance between the first elastic film 121 and the second elastic film 123 is greater than about 10 micrometers and less than about 100 micrometers, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned distance also represents the actuation stroke required to trigger the button layer 120, thereby providing tactile feedback.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the button layer 120 further includes a trigger layer 130. The trigger layer 130 is disposed between the flexible display layer 110 and the button layer 120, and includes a plurality of trigger elements 131. The trigger elements 131 are configured to push the second elastic film 123 of the button layer 120 to deform it, causing the second electrode 124 on the second elastic film 123 to move downward and contact the first electrode 122 on the first elastic film 121. In other words, each trigger element 131 is vertically aligned with a corresponding set of first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124. By triggering the button layer 120 with the trigger elements 131, the accuracy of triggering the button can be increased (because the area of ​​the trigger button layer 120 is reduced from the pressing area of ​​the finger to the bottom area of ​​the trigger element 131), and the displacement of the flexible display layer 110 when pressed can be reduced.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the trigger layer 130 further includes a plurality of support members 132. The support members 132 are disposed between the flexible display layer 110 and the second elastic film 123. The support members 132 are located approximately at the center between the two sets of first electrodes 122 and second electrodes 124 in the lateral direction. This limits the area of ​​the button layer 120 that is compressed and deformed to between two adjacent support members 132, thereby effectively preventing accidental triggering of other adjacent buttons.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the support member 132 of the trigger layer 130 and the support structure 126 of the button layer 120 are substantially aligned through the second elastic film 123, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In practical applications, the support member 132 of the trigger layer 130 can be omitted and only the support structure 126 of the button layer 120 can be retained, or the support structure 126 of the button layer 120 can be omitted and only the support member 132 of the trigger layer 130 can be retained.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the trigger layer 130 further includes a base layer 133. The base layer 133 is disposed on the side of the flexible display layer 110 facing the button layer 120, and the trigger member 131 and the support member 132 are disposed on the side of the base layer 133 facing the button layer 120. In other words, both the trigger member 131 and the support member 132 are connected to the base layer 133. Therefore, the trigger layer 130, including the trigger member 131, the support member 132, and the base layer 133, can be manufactured in the same molding process and can be transferred as a whole between the flexible display layer 110 and the button layer 120 for lamination.

[0068] In some other embodiments, the trigger layer 130 may omit the base layer 133. That is, the trigger 131 and the support 132 are separate from each other. For example, the trigger 131 and the support 132 may be fabricated on the side of the flexible display layer 110 facing the button layer 120 or on the side of the button layer 120 facing the flexible display layer 110 by a printing process, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] In some implementation methods, references may be used. Figure 1 A button layer 120 is disposed on the first housing 100a. A flexible display layer 110 covers the button layer 120. The flexible display layer 110 extends from the first housing 100a to the second housing 100b. In other words, the button layer 120 does not extend to the second housing 100b. In some other embodiments, the flexible display layer 110 may only be disposed on the first housing 100a, and the flexible display input device 100 may further include a display panel disposed on the second housing 100b. In some other embodiments, the button layer 120 is disposed on the first housing 100b.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the flexible display input device 100 further includes a polarizer 140, a touch layer 150, a glass layer 160, and a protective cover plate 170. The polarizer 140, touch layer 150, glass layer 160, and protective cover plate 170 are stacked sequentially on the flexible display layer 110 from bottom to top. The protective cover plate 170 has a peripheral light-shielding layer 171 to shield the wiring around the flexible display layer 110. The polarizer 140 and touch layer 150 can be bonded together via an adhesive layer 190a. The touch layer 150 and glass layer 160 can be bonded together via an adhesive layer 190b. The glass layer 160 and protective cover plate 170 can be bonded together via an adhesive layer 190c. The polarizer 140 can enhance the optical performance of the image displayed on the flexible display layer 110. The touch layer 150 enables the flexible display input device 100 to have touch-sensing functionality. The glass layer 160 provides stress support while the flexible display input device 100 remains flexible. The protective cover 170 protects the underlying layers from scratches. In practical applications, at least one of the polarizer 140, touch layer 150, glass layer 160, and protective cover 170 can be flexibly omitted according to actual needs.

[0071] In some embodiments, the touch layer 150 includes a metal mesh, an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode layer, or a nano silver wire electrode layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] In some embodiments, the glass layer 160 has a thickness between about 10 micrometers and about 300 micrometers. Preferably, the glass layer 160 has a thickness of about 50 micrometers. This range provides a sufficiently thin thickness and adequate stress support. Therefore, the glass layer 160 is an ultrathin glass layer.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of a flexible display input device 100 according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the flexible display input device 100 also includes a flexible display layer 110, a button layer 120, and a trigger layer 130. Therefore, the detailed structure of these components can be referred to the relevant content above, and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that this embodiment, compared to... Figure 3 The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in that the button layer 120 in this embodiment is disposed between the flexible display layer 110 and the trigger layer 130. Furthermore, the flexible display input device 100 in this embodiment further includes a support plate 180. The support plate 180 is disposed on the side of the trigger layer 130 away from the button layer 120 and is configured to support and maintain the horizontality of the trigger layer 130. With the aforementioned structural configuration, when the user presses down on the flexible display layer 110, since the pressing area of ​​the finger is larger than the top area of ​​the touch key, although the range of the deformation portion of the second elastic film 123 pushed downward by the flexible display layer 110 is larger than the range of the deformation portion of the first elastic film 121 pushed upward by the trigger member 131, the downward displacement of the deformation portion of the second elastic film 123 is less than the upward displacement of the deformation portion of the first elastic film 121. Therefore, when the button layer 120 is triggered, it is mainly the first electrode 122 on the first elastic film 121 that moves upward and contacts the second electrode 124 on the second elastic film 123.

[0074] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is clear that in the flexible display input device of this disclosure, the flexible display layer can be used to display an input interface (e.g., a virtual keyboard), and the button layer below the flexible display layer can be used as a physical triggering mechanism for the input interface. Therefore, it can not only effectively solve the problem of accidental touches when using a capacitive touch module as an input device, but also improve tactile feedback. By triggering the button layer through a trigger element located in the trigger layer below the flexible display layer, the accuracy of button triggering can be increased (because the area of ​​the trigger button layer is smaller), and the displacement of the flexible display layer when pressed can be reduced. By providing a support structure in the button layer and / or providing a support element in the trigger element, the area of ​​the button layer that is squeezed and deformed can be limited, thereby effectively preventing accidental triggering of other adjacent buttons.

[0075] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display input device, characterized in that, Include: A flexible display layer; A button layer, located below the flexible display layer, includes: A first elastic film; A first electrode is disposed on the side of the first elastic film facing the flexible display layer; A second elastic film is located between the flexible display layer and the first elastic film; A second electrode is disposed on the side of the second elastic film facing the first elastic film and opposite to the first electrode; and A spacer structure is disposed between the first elastic film and the second elastic film; and A trigger layer is stacked on top of the button layer and includes a trigger element configured to push the button layer, causing the first electrode to contact the second electrode.

2. The flexible display input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The button layer further includes a support structure disposed between the first elastic film and the second elastic film, and the lateral distance of the support structure to the first electrode and the second electrode is greater than the lateral distance of the spacing structure to the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The flexible display input device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger layer is located between the flexible display layer and the button layer.

4. The flexible display input device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The trigger layer further includes a support member disposed between the flexible display layer and the second elastic film, and the trigger member is configured to push the second elastic film.

5. The flexible display input device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The button layer further includes a support structure disposed between and in contact with the first elastic film and the second elastic film, and aligned with the support member through the second elastic film.

6. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The button layer is located between the flexible display layer and the trigger layer.

7. The flexible display input device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The trigger layer further includes a support member disposed on and in contact with the side of the first elastic film away from the second elastic film, and the trigger member is configured to push the first elastic film.

8. The flexible display input device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The button layer further includes a support structure disposed between the first elastic film and the second elastic film, and aligned with the support member through the first elastic film.

9. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a support plate, wherein the trigger is disposed and contacts the side of the support plate facing the button layer, and the support is disposed and contacts between the first elastic film and the support plate.

10. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first elastic film and the second elastic film is greater than 10 micrometers and less than 100 micrometers.

11. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a polarizer disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

12. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a touch layer disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

13. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a glass layer disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer.

14. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a protective cover plate disposed on the side of the flexible display layer away from the button layer, and has a peripheral light-shielding layer.

15. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A first casing; and A second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing, wherein the button layer is disposed on the first housing and the flexible display layer covers the button layer.

16. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A first casing; and A second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing, wherein the button layer is disposed on the second housing and the flexible display layer covers the button layer.

17. The flexible display input device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The flexible display layer extends from the first housing to the second housing.

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