Apparatus, System and Method for Processing Three-Dimensional Bending Sections of Stretchable Flexible Circuit Boards

By combining the lower and upper molds with a heating device, the problem of insufficient formation of three-dimensional bending parts in flexible circuit boards is solved, achieving highly repeatable tensile strength and resilience of meandering circuits, supporting the mass production of flexible and stretchable electronic products.

CN117140922BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-31MFLEX YANCHENG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311270237.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-28
Publication Date
2025-10-31
Estimated Expiration
2043-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flexible circuit board processing equipment cannot simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending sections, resulting in poor repeatability and resilience of flexible and stretchable electronic products, which is not conducive to mass production.

Method used

The device uses a combination of a lower mold and an upper mold. Multiple parallel grooves are pre-made on the lower mold, and multiple three-dimensional bending parts are formed by a fixing mechanism and a pressure block assembly. Combined with a heating device, the winding line is formed.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables the formation of multiple repeating three-dimensional bending sections in flexible circuit boards, improving repeatability and resilience, and supporting the mass production of flexible and stretchable electronic products.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a device, system, and method for processing three-dimensional bending portions of a stretchable flexible circuit board. The device includes a lower mold and an upper mold. The lower mold has multiple parallel grooves pre-formed along a second direction, with the parallel direction of all grooves being a first direction, and the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The lower mold also has a fixing mechanism for fixing the stretchable flexible circuit board when it is placed on all the grooves along the second direction. The upper mold includes a pressing block assembly covering all the grooves, used to press down on the stretchable flexible circuit board when it is fixed on all the grooves along the second direction, thereby utilizing all the grooves to form a meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bending portions in the stretchable flexible circuit board. Based on multiple parallel grooves, this invention can simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending portions, achieving the forming of meandering circuits with high repeatability and resilience.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible circuit board manufacturing, and specifically to a three-dimensional bending part processing device, system and method for stretchable flexible circuit boards. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible circuit boards are widely used in flexible and stretchable electronic products (such as wearable electronic products) because they can be bent, rolled, and folded freely, can be arranged arbitrarily according to spatial layout requirements, and can move and stretch arbitrarily in three-dimensional space.

[0003] To improve the repeatability and resilience of flexible and stretchable electronic products, the current mainstream approach is to fabricate meandering lines with at least one stretching direction on a planar flexible circuit board. These meandering lines consist of multiple repeatable stretchable three-dimensional bends. The manufacturing process for this type of flexible circuit board involves fixing the planar flexible circuit board into a specific shape using a mold, and then maintaining that shape through a specific process to ultimately form the three-dimensional bends.

[0004] However, the current processing equipment for this type of flexible circuit board can only form a few three-dimensional bending sections, and cannot form multiple repeated three-dimensional bending sections at the same time. This results in the inability to form winding lines with high repeatability and resilience, which in turn leads to poor repeatability and resilience of the entire flexible stretchable electronic product, and is also not conducive to the mass production of flexible stretchable electronic products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a three-dimensional bending part processing apparatus, system and method for stretchable flexible circuit boards, to solve the problems that existing processing apparatuses produce fewer three-dimensional bending parts, cannot simultaneously form multiple repeated three-dimensional bending parts, resulting in the inability to form meandering circuits with high repeatability and resilience, and are not conducive to mass production.

[0006] This invention provides a three-dimensional bending part processing device for a stretchable flexible circuit board, used for forming a meandering line in the stretchable flexible circuit board, wherein the meandering line includes multiple three-dimensional bending parts, including a lower mold and an upper mold;

[0007] The lower mold has a plurality of grooves arranged parallel to each other along the second direction, and the parallel direction of all the grooves is the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] The lower mold is also provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on all the grooves along the second direction;

[0009] The upper mold includes a pressure block assembly covering all the grooves, used to press down on the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves along the second direction, so as to utilize all the grooves to form the meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bends in the stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0010] Optionally, the number of grooves is the same as the number of three-dimensional bends to be formed in the stretchable flexible circuit board, and all the grooves correspond one-to-one with all the three-dimensional bends to be formed; the shape of each groove is the same as the shape of the corresponding three-dimensional bend to be formed.

[0011] Optionally, the number of stretchable flexible circuit boards is n1, where n1≥1; each stretchable flexible circuit board is prefabricated with a positioning hole assembly, and the positions of the prefabricated positioning hole assembly on each stretchable flexible circuit board are the same.

[0012] The fixing mechanism includes n1 positioning pin assemblies, each of which corresponds one-to-one with a positioning hole assembly in each of the stretchable flexible circuit boards; each positioning pin assembly is used to match the positioning hole assembly pre-made on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board placed on each of the grooves, so as to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0013] Optionally, each of the positioning hole assemblies includes n2 positioning holes, where n2≥1, and each of the positioning holes is located in the same position on the stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0014] Each of the positioning pin assemblies includes n2 positioning pins, the number of which is the same as the number of positioning holes in the corresponding positioning hole assembly, and all the positioning pins in each positioning pin assembly correspond one-to-one with all the positioning holes in the corresponding positioning hole assembly; each positioning pin is used to engage with the corresponding positioning hole on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0015] Optionally, the upper mold further includes n2 horizontal bars arranged parallel to each other along the first direction, and each horizontal bar is provided with n1 through holes;

[0016] When the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards are fixed on all the grooves along the second direction, each crossbar is used to engage with the n1 positioning holes and the n1 positioning pins located at the same positions on the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards through the provided n1 through holes, so as to further fix the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards.

[0017] Optionally, each of the crossbars is further provided with at least one first fixing bolt at at least one end, for fixing the corresponding crossbar to the lower mold when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves along the second direction.

[0018] Optionally, the lower mold is provided with a first bolt hole that matches the corresponding first fixing bolt at the position opposite to each of the first fixing bolts.

[0019] Optionally, the pressing block assembly includes at least one pressing block arranged along the second direction;

[0020] Each of the pressure blocks is directly opposite the lower mold and covers the groove on the opposite lower mold; the distance between each pressure block and the lower mold is equal to the thickness of the stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0021] Optionally, when there are multiple pressure blocks, all the pressure blocks are arranged continuously or at intervals along the second direction.

[0022] Optionally, each of the pressure blocks is provided with at least one second fixing bolt at its edge along the second direction, for fixing the corresponding pressure block to the lower mold when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed to all the grooves along the second direction.

[0023] Optionally, the lower mold is provided with a second bolt hole at the position opposite to each of the second fixing bolts, which matches the corresponding second fixing bolt.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a three-dimensional bending section processing system for a stretchable flexible circuit board, comprising the aforementioned apparatus, and further comprising:

[0025] A heating device, which is directly opposite all the grooves in the device, is used to heat the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed in the second direction along all the grooves using the lower mold and when the stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down using the upper mold.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for processing a three-dimensional bending portion of a stretchable flexible circuit board, wherein the aforementioned system is used to process the three-dimensional bending portion of the stretchable flexible circuit board, and the method includes:

[0027] Along the second direction, the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on a plurality of pre-made, parallel grooves in the lower mold along the second direction, and the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed by the fixing mechanism on the lower mold.

[0028] The stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down using the pressure block assembly on the upper mold that covers all the grooves;

[0029] The stretchable flexible circuit board is heated using a heating device to form the meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bends in the stretchable flexible circuit board by utilizing all the grooves.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on all the grooves of the lower mold along the second direction, the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed by the fixing mechanism on the lower mold, and the stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down by the pressure block assembly covering all the grooves on the upper mold. Since these grooves have a certain shape and are parallel to each other along the first direction, it is convenient to use these grooves on the lower mold to make the stretchable flexible circuit board form multiple three-dimensional bending parts with the same shape as the grooves at the same time, thereby realizing the forming of the meandering circuit.

[0031] The apparatus, system, and method for processing three-dimensional bending sections of stretchable flexible circuit boards of the present invention, based on multiple parallel grooves, can simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending sections, thereby achieving the forming of meandering circuits with high repeatability and resilience, which is beneficial for the mass production of flexible and stretchable electronic products. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the meandering line in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 This shows a front view structural diagram of the three-dimensional bending part processing device for the first type of stretchable flexible circuit board in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 The diagram shows the front view of the first type of lower mold in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the first type of lower mold in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 This shows a cross-sectional view of the second type of lower mold in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This shows a front view structural diagram of the first type of lower mold with a stretchable flexible circuit board fixed on it in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7This shows a cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional bending section processing device for the first type of stretchable flexible circuit board in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 The front view of the three-dimensional bending part processing device for the first type of stretchable flexible circuit board in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 9 This shows a cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional bending section processing device for the first type of stretchable flexible circuit board in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 A flowchart of a three-dimensional bending process for a stretchable flexible circuit board according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown.

[0043] The labels in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0044] 1. Winding circuit; 11. Three-dimensional bending section; 2. Stretchable flexible circuit board; 21. Positioning hole assembly; 211. Positioning hole;

[0045] 100. Lower mold; 110. Groove; 120. Locating pin assembly; 130. Second bolt hole; 140. First bolt hole; 121. Locating pin;

[0046] 200. Upper mold; 210. Pressure block; 220. Crossbar; 230. Second fixing bolt; 221. Through hole; 222. First fixing bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] This embodiment provides a three-dimensional bending section processing device for stretchable flexible circuit boards, used for forming meandering lines in stretchable flexible circuit boards, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the meandering line 1 includes multiple three-dimensional bends 11, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device includes a lower mold 100 and an upper mold 200;

[0050] The lower mold 100 has a plurality of parallel grooves 110 pre-formed along the second direction, and the parallel direction of all the grooves 110 is the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0051] The lower mold 100 is also provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on all the grooves 110 along the second direction;

[0052] The upper mold 200 includes a pressing block assembly covering all the grooves 110, used to press down on the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves 110 along the second direction, so as to utilize all the grooves 110 to form the meandering line 1 with a plurality of three-dimensional bending portions 11 in the stretchable flexible circuit board.

[0053] In this embodiment, the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on all the grooves of the lower mold along the second direction. The stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed by the fixing mechanism on the lower mold, and the stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down by the pressure block assembly covering all the grooves on the upper mold. Since these grooves have a certain shape and are parallel to each other along the first direction, it is convenient to use these grooves on the lower mold to make the stretchable flexible circuit board form multiple three-dimensional bending parts with the same shape as the grooves at the same time, thereby realizing the forming of the meandering circuit.

[0054] The three-dimensional bending part processing device for stretchable flexible circuit boards in this embodiment, based on multiple parallel grooves, can simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending parts, realizing the forming of winding circuits with high repeatability and resilience, which is beneficial to the mass production of flexible stretchable electronic products.

[0055] Preferably, the number of the grooves 110 is the same as the number of the three-dimensional bending portions 11 to be formed in the stretchable flexible circuit board, and all the grooves 110 correspond one-to-one with all the three-dimensional bending portions 11 to be formed; the shape of each groove 110 is the same as the shape of the corresponding three-dimensional bending portion 11 to be formed.

[0056] The number of grooves is the same as the number of three-dimensional bends, and the two correspond to each other and have the same shape. This ensures that multiple repeating three-dimensional bends that meet the requirements are formed simultaneously based on all the grooves, thereby forming a compliant meandering line.

[0057] Since the shapes of all three-dimensional bends in the meandering line can be the same or different, and all three-dimensional bends can be continuous or discontinuous; correspondingly, the shapes of all the grooves on the lower mold can also be the same or different, and their layout along the second direction can be continuous or discontinuous. It is only necessary to ensure that the grooves correspond to the corresponding three-dimensional bends in position, have the same shape, and are arranged parallel to each other along the first direction.

[0058] The shape and number of three-dimensional bends in a meandering path are determined in advance based on the specific product design before the meandering path is formed. Then, the shape and number of grooves are determined based on the designed shape and number of three-dimensional bends. This is understandable to those skilled in the art.

[0059] When all three-dimensional bends in a meandering path are continuous, all corresponding grooves in the lower mold are also continuous, such as... Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lower mold; when all three-dimensional bends in the meandering path are discontinuous (or partially continuous), all corresponding grooves in the lower mold are also discontinuous (or partially continuous), as shown below. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the lower mold shown.

[0060] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this context, the first direction refers to the x-direction, the second direction refers to the y-direction, and all grooves are arranged along the y-direction, with the x-direction being their parallel direction.

[0061] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, the number of stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 is n1, n1≥1; each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 is prefabricated with a positioning hole assembly 21, and the positions of the prefabricated positioning hole assembly 21 on each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 are the same.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing mechanism includes n1 positioning pin assemblies 120, all of which correspond one-to-one with the positioning hole assemblies 21 in all of the stretchable flexible circuit boards 2; each positioning pin assembly 120 is used to match the positioning hole assembly 21 prefabricated on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board 2 placed on all of the grooves 110, so as to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board 2.

[0063] The number of stretchable flexible circuit boards is n1 (n1≥1). All n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards are placed on all the grooves along the second direction, and the meandering circuits can be formed on the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards at the same time, realizing the mass production of stretchable flexible circuit boards. Each stretchable flexible circuit board has a pre-set positioning hole assembly, which is convenient to match with the corresponding positioning pin assembly on the lower mold to fix it during the meandering circuit forming process. This avoids the stretchable flexible circuit board from shifting during the forming process, which would cause the formed meandering circuit to not meet the design requirements. This helps to improve the accuracy of circuit manufacturing and improve the product yield.

[0064] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, each of the positioning hole assemblies 21 includes n2 positioning holes 211, where n2 ≥ 1, and the positions of each positioning hole 211 on the stretchable flexible circuit board 2 are the same.

[0065] Each of the positioning pin assemblies 120 includes n2 positioning pins 121, the number of which is the same as the number of positioning holes 211 in the corresponding positioning hole assembly 21, and all the positioning pins 121 in each positioning pin assembly 120 correspond one-to-one with all the positioning holes 211 in the corresponding positioning hole assembly 21; each positioning pin 121 is used to engage with the corresponding positioning hole 211 on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board 2 to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board 2.

[0066] Each positioning hole assembly includes n² positioning holes, all positioned identically on the flexible circuit board. This facilitates the pre-determining of positioning holes on multiple stretchable flexible circuit boards according to the same standard, and also allows for the subsequent use of fixing mechanisms and upper molds to uniformly fix multiple stretchable flexible circuit boards, improving mass production efficiency and product yield. Each positioning pin assembly includes n² positioning pins, the same number as the positioning hole assemblies, and the same number of positioning pins in the positioning pin assemblies as the number of positioning holes in the positioning hole assemblies. All positioning holes correspond one-to-one with all positioning pins. Positioning pins corresponding to all positioning holes are fabricated on the lower mold, facilitating one-to-one engagement with the positioning holes to ensure a high level of fixation for each stretchable flexible circuit board. This, in turn, ensures the smooth circuit formation effect during the mass production of stretchable flexible circuit boards, improving product yield.

[0067] Specifically, in Figure 6 In this circuit, there are five stretchable flexible circuit boards 2. Each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 is placed on the groove 110 along the second direction (specifically the y-direction). The two ends of each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 (specifically the two ends along the y-direction, i.e.) Figure 6Two positioning holes 211 are symmetrically pre-fabricated on both sides of the left and right ends of the stretchable flexible circuit board 2 (that is, the number of positioning holes 211 in the positioning hole assembly 21 of each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 is 4, and the total number of positioning holes 211 on the 5 stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 is 20). Figure 6 Only the positioning hole 211 at the left end of each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 is shown (the positioning hole at the right end is not shown). Then, the lower mold 100 is provided with 5 positioning pin assemblies 120. The number of positioning pins 121 in each positioning pin assembly 120 is also 4 (2 at the left end and 2 at the right end), and the total number of positioning pins 121 is 20.

[0068] Furthermore, in Figure 6 In this case, since the positions of the positioning holes 211 on the five stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 are all the same, and on each stretchable flexible circuit board 2, the two positioning holes 211 on the left end are symmetrically arranged with respect to the stretchable flexible circuit board 2, and the two positioning holes 211 on the right end are also symmetrically arranged with respect to the stretchable flexible circuit board 2. Figure 6 (Not shown), which means that each stretchable flexible circuit board 2 has two arm-like positioning holes 211 on its left end and two arm-like positioning holes 211 on its right end; therefore, when all 5 stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 are placed on the groove 110 of the lower mold 100 along the second direction (specifically the y-direction), all the positioning holes 211 on the left end (a total of 10 positioning holes) will be evenly distributed along the x-direction on the lower mold 100, and the spacing between two adjacent positioning holes 211 is equal, that is, the 10 positioning holes 211 are evenly distributed along a straight line in the x-direction; therefore, in order to save on the layout of the lower mold, two adjacent positioning holes 211 (excluding the first and last positioning holes 211) can be stacked together, and the two stacked positioning holes 211 can share a positioning pin 121, which can achieve the effect of fixing the stretchable flexible circuit board 2, and effectively save on the setting of positioning pins 121, making the layout of the lower mold more compact. Figure 6 In the middle, the number of locating pins on the left end has been reduced from 10 to 6 (from the original 10). Figure 6 (Not shown in the middle), the locating pin on the right end is the same, and will not be described again here.

[0069] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the pressing block assembly includes at least one pressing block 210 arranged along the second direction;

[0070] Each of the pressing blocks 210 is directly opposite the lower mold 100 and covers the groove 110 on the opposite lower mold 100; the distance between each pressing block 210 and the lower mold 100 is equal to the thickness of the stretchable flexible circuit board 2.

[0071] Multiple pressure blocks, aligned with the lower mold and covering the grooves, ensure that the stretchable flexible circuit board is held under pressure while fixed in the grooves along the second direction. This prevents displacement or deformation of the stretchable flexible circuit board during the formation of meandering circuits. Furthermore, the multiple pressure blocks arranged along the second direction, employing a segmented pressing method, reduces stress on the flexible board, protecting it from breakage or damage during the formation of meandering circuits. The distance between the pressure blocks and the lower mold is equal to the thickness of the stretchable flexible circuit board, perfectly accommodating it and ensuring optimal pressing performance.

[0072] Preferably, when there are multiple pressing blocks 210, all pressing blocks 210 are arranged continuously or at intervals along the second direction.

[0073] Since the distribution of grooves can be continuous or discontinuous, by setting the pressure blocks continuously, it can be ensured that all grooves are covered by the pressure blocks, thereby ensuring that the flexible plates fixed on the grooves can get a good pressing effect; while by setting the pressure blocks at intervals, it can adapt to discontinuously distributed grooves, ensuring that all discontinuously distributed grooves are covered, without occupying too much space in the upper mold, thus reducing the material cost of the mold.

[0074] exist Figure 2 and Figure 7 In this assembly, all the grooves 110 are continuously distributed, and correspondingly, the pressing block assembly includes three consecutively arranged pressing blocks 210, which exactly cover all the grooves 110.

[0075] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the middle, all the grooves 110 are distributed in segments continuously (that is, all the grooves 110 are divided into two groove segments, and the two groove segments are spaced a certain distance apart, and all the grooves 110 in each groove segment are continuously distributed). Correspondingly, the pressing block assembly includes two pressing blocks 210 arranged at intervals, and the two pressing blocks 210 cover the two groove segments respectively.

[0076] It should be noted that all the grooves 110 on the mold 100 are continuously distributed. To avoid the influence of the locating pins on the forming of the winding lines of the flexible plate, the locating holes 211 on the flexible plate are usually pre-made at both ends of the flexible plate (i.e., Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Correspondingly, all the locating pins 121 on the lower mold 100 are also set at both ends of the lower mold 100 (the left and right ends of the mold).

[0077] Currently, all the grooves 110 on the mold 100 are discontinuous (or partially continuous). To fully realize the function of fixing the flexible plate, the positioning holes 211 on the flexible plate are usually segmented according to the layout of the three-dimensional bending part 11. Correspondingly, all the positioning pins 121 on the lower mold 100 are also segmented, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, positioning pin assemblies are set at both ends of the two groove segments to ensure that the flexible plates on the two groove segments are well fixed.

[0078] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, each of the pressure blocks 210 is provided with at least one second fixing bolt 230 at its edge along the second direction, which is used to fix the corresponding pressure block 210 to the lower mold 100 when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves 110 along the second direction.

[0079] By using at least one second fixing bolt on each pressure block, the pressure block can ensure the downward pressure effect on the flexible board while preventing displacement or deformation of the flexible board due to the downward pressure, thus further ensuring the forming effect of the meandering line. Specifically, the fact that at least one second fixing bolt is positioned along the edge of the pressure block in a second direction prevents the second fixing bolt from being inserted into the groove and affecting the forming of the meandering line on the flexible board.

[0080] The specific location and number of the second fixing bolts 230 on each pressure block 210 at the edge in the second direction can be determined according to the actual situation, and are not limited here. Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this configuration, each pressure block 210 has four second fixing bolts 230, which are symmetrically arranged along the edge of the pressure block 210 in the second direction.

[0081] Preferably, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the lower mold 100 is provided with a second bolt hole 130 that matches the corresponding second fixing bolt 230 at the position directly opposite to each of the second fixing bolts 230.

[0082] The second bolt hole, which matches the second fixing bolt, can better fix the corresponding pressure block and the lower mold.

[0083] Preferably, such as Figure 2 , Figures 7-9 As shown, the upper mold 200 also includes n2 horizontal bars 220 arranged parallel to each other along the first direction, and each horizontal bar 220 is provided with n1 through holes 221;

[0084] When n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards are fixed on all the grooves 110 along the second direction, each crossbar 220 is used to engage with n1 positioning holes 211 located at the same position on the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards and n1 positioning pins 121 that are sleeved together, in order to further fix the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards.

[0085] By further connecting the aforementioned crossbar with the corresponding positioning pins and matching positioning holes, the stretchable flexible circuit board can be further fixed.

[0086] It should be noted that the number of stretchable flexible circuit boards is n1, and each stretchable flexible circuit board has n2 positioning holes, for a total of n1 × n2 positioning holes. Since the layout of the positioning holes on each stretchable flexible circuit board is the same (both the number and position are the same), the positioning holes on all stretchable flexible circuit boards can be divided into n2 groups of positioning hole modules with the same position, and the number of positioning holes in each group of positioning hole modules is n1. When n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards are fixed to the lower mold along the y-direction, each group of positioning hole modules will be distributed in a straight line along the x-direction. Correspondingly, the number of positioning pins that fit together with the positioning holes in each group of positioning hole modules is also n1, and these n1 positioning pins will also be distributed in a straight line along the y-direction. Based on this, by setting n2 horizontal bars along the first direction (specifically the x-direction), each bar can correspond one-to-one with n2 sets of positioning hole modules in the same position. Each horizontal bar has n1 through holes, which can respectively connect the n1 positioning holes in the corresponding positioning hole module in the same position and the n1 positioning pins that are sleeved together. Based on the n1 through holes on the n2 horizontal bars, combined with the corresponding positioning pins (the total number is n1×n2), a total of n1×n2 positioning holes are fixed on the lower mold to further fix the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards.

[0087] Furthermore, for Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The design of the positioning holes and positioning pins shown indicates that when five stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 are fixed on the lower mold 100, the five stretchable flexible circuit boards 2 should have four sets of positioning hole modules in the same position. Figure 6 Only the two sets on the left are shown (the two sets on the right are not shown). Each set of positioning hole modules has 5 positioning holes, so the corresponding crossbars should originally have 4. Each crossbar has 5 through holes, and each crossbar connects the 5 positioning holes in the positioning hole modules at the same position and the 5 positioning pins that are nested together through the 5 through holes on it. However, based on the aforementioned... Figure 6The simplified design of positioning holes and positioning pins (specifically referring to the symmetrical arrangement of positioning holes at both ends of the stretchable flexible circuit board, with adjacent positioning holes on adjacent stretchable flexible circuit boards stacked together and sharing a single positioning pin, reducing the number of positioning pins from 2×5 to 6) In the original four sets of identical positioning hole modules on the five stretchable flexible circuit boards 2, the two sets of identical positioning hole modules on the left end will be located on the same straight line in the x-direction, so their corresponding crossbars can be simplified from 2 to 1, and the number of through holes on each crossbar can be changed from 5 to 6, to accommodate the overlapping positioning holes and 6 positioning pins in the two sets of identical positioning hole modules; similarly, the two sets of identical positioning hole modules on the right end will also be located on the same straight line in the x-direction, so their corresponding crossbars can also be simplified from 2 to 1, and the number of through holes on each crossbar can be changed from 5 to 6; thus, for Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The number of positioning holes and positioning pins shown is simplified to 2 for the corresponding crossbars on the upper mold, and the number of through holes on the crossbars is 6.

[0088] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the middle, based on two groove segments, each groove segment originally had two sets of positioning hole modules in the same position at both ends, and originally should also have two crossbars, with five through holes on each crossbar; based on the above Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 For the same reason, the two sets of identical positioning hole modules at the left end of each groove segment will be aligned in the x-direction, so the corresponding crossbars can be simplified from two to one, and the number of through holes on each crossbar can be changed from five to six to accommodate the overlapping positioning holes and six positioning pins in the two sets of identical positioning hole modules; similarly, the two sets of identical positioning hole modules at the right end of each groove segment will also be aligned in the x-direction, so the corresponding crossbars can also be simplified from two to one, and the number of through holes on each crossbar can be changed from five to six; thus, for Figure 8 and Figure 9 The number of locating holes and locating pins shown is simplified to 4 for the corresponding crossbars on the upper mold, and the number of through holes on the crossbars is 6.

[0089] Preferably, such as Figure 2 , Figures 7-9 As shown, each of the crossbars 220 is provided with at least one first fixing bolt 222 at at least one end, which is used to fix the corresponding crossbar 220 to the lower mold 100 when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves 110 along the second direction.

[0090] Similar to the second fixing bolt, the first fixing bolt can be used to further fix the crossbar to the lower mold, further preventing the pressure of the pressure block from causing displacement or deformation of the flexible plate, and ensuring the forming effect of the winding line.

[0091] The specific number of the first fixing bolts 222 on each crossbar 220 can be determined according to the actual situation, and is not limited here. Figure 2 and Figure 8 In this configuration, each crossbar 220 has two first fixing bolts 222, which are respectively set at both ends of the corresponding crossbar 220.

[0092] Preferably, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the lower mold 100 is provided with a first bolt hole 140 that matches the corresponding first fixing bolt 222 at the position directly opposite to each of the first fixing bolts 222.

[0093] Similar to the second bolt hole, the first bolt hole, which matches the first fixing bolt, can better fix the corresponding crossbar and the lower mold.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] This embodiment provides a three-dimensional bending section processing system for a stretchable flexible circuit board, including the apparatus of Embodiment 1, and further comprising:

[0096] A heating device, which is directly opposite all the grooves in the device, is used to heat the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed in the second direction along all the grooves using the lower mold and when the stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down using the upper mold.

[0097] This embodiment is based on the multiple parallel grooves of the processing device in Embodiment 1. The stretchable flexible circuit board fixed on the grooves is heated by a heating device, which can simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending parts, realize the forming of winding circuits with high repeatability and resilience, and facilitate the mass production of flexible stretchable electronic products.

[0098] The specific process for forming meandering circuits using the three-dimensional bending section processing system of the above-mentioned stretchable flexible circuit board in this embodiment is as follows:

[0099] (1) Following the conventional process, a circuit layer is formed on the flexible circuit board, and the required positioning holes are prefabricated according to the specific product design;

[0100] (2) Insert the flexible plate with pre-made positioning holes from one end of the lower mold to the other end (e.g., from the right end to the left end) so that the winding line to be formed on the flexible plate corresponds to all the grooves; connect the positioning holes with the positioning pins at the corresponding positions, and then connect the crossbar at the corresponding positions; then use the first fixing bolt and the first bolt hole to fix the crossbar to the lower fixture, and at the same time use the second fixing bolt and the second bolt hole to fix the corresponding pressure block on the upper fixture to the lower fixture, thus completing the mold closing;

[0101] (3) The three-dimensional bending part of the entire stretchable flexible circuit board is heated by a heating device and maintained for a certain period of time, and then taken out and placed at room temperature to cool.

[0102] (4) After cooling is complete, remove the mold and take out the stretchable flexible circuit board formed by the meandering lines.

[0103] The structure of the three-dimensional bending part processing device for the stretchable flexible circuit board in this embodiment is the same as that of the device described in Embodiment 1. Therefore, for details not covered in this embodiment, please refer to Embodiment 1 and... Figures 1-9 The specific description will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0104] Example 3

[0105] like Figure 10 As shown, a method for processing a three-dimensional bending portion of a stretchable flexible circuit board is described. The method employs the system described in Example 2 to process the three-dimensional bending portion of the stretchable flexible circuit board. The method includes:

[0106] S1: Along the second direction, the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on a plurality of pre-made parallel grooves in the lower mold along the second direction, and the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed by the fixing mechanism on the lower mold.

[0107] S2: Press down the stretchable flexible circuit board using the pressure block assembly on the upper mold that covers all the grooves;

[0108] S3: The stretchable flexible circuit board is heated using a heating device to form the meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bends in the stretchable flexible circuit board by utilizing all the grooves.

[0109] The processing method of this embodiment, based on multiple parallel grooves, utilizes the fixing mechanism, the pressing of the pressure block assembly, and the heating of the heating assembly to simultaneously form multiple repeating three-dimensional bending parts, thereby achieving the forming of a meandering line with high repeatability and resilience, which is beneficial for the mass production of flexible and stretchable electronic products.

[0110] The system structure used in the three-dimensional bending section processing method of the stretchable flexible circuit board in this embodiment is the same as that of the system structure described in Embodiment 2. Therefore, for details not covered in this embodiment, please refer to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and... Figures 1-9 The specific details will not be repeated here.

[0111] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional bending section processing device for a stretchable flexible circuit board, used for forming a meandering line in the stretchable flexible circuit board, wherein the meandering line includes multiple three-dimensional bending sections; characterized in that, Including the lower mold and the upper mold: The lower mold has a plurality of grooves arranged parallel to each other along the second direction, and the parallel direction of all the grooves is the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The lower mold is also provided with a fixing mechanism for fixing the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on all the grooves along the second direction; The upper mold includes a pressure block assembly covering all the grooves, used to press down on the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves along the second direction, so as to utilize all the grooves to form the meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bends in the stretchable flexible circuit board. The number of stretchable flexible circuit boards is n1, n1≥1; each stretchable flexible circuit board is prefabricated with a positioning hole assembly, and the positions of the prefabricated positioning hole assembly on each stretchable flexible circuit board are the same. The fixing mechanism includes n1 positioning pin assemblies, each of which corresponds one-to-one with a positioning hole assembly in each of the stretchable flexible circuit boards; each positioning pin assembly is used to match the positioning hole assembly pre-made on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board placed on each of the grooves, so as to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board. Each of the positioning hole assemblies includes n2 positioning holes, where n2≥1, and each of the positioning holes is in the same position on the stretchable flexible circuit board. Each of the positioning pin assemblies includes n2 positioning pins, the number of which is the same as the number of positioning holes in the corresponding positioning hole assembly, and all the positioning pins in each positioning pin assembly correspond one-to-one with all the positioning holes in the corresponding positioning hole assembly; each positioning pin is used to engage with the corresponding positioning hole on the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board to fix the corresponding stretchable flexible circuit board. The upper mold also includes n2 horizontal bars arranged parallel to each other along the first direction, and each horizontal bar is provided with n1 through holes; When n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards are fixed on all the grooves along the second direction, each crossbar is used to engage with n1 positioning holes located at the same position on the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards and n1 positioning pins that are sleeved together through the provided n1 through holes, so as to further fix the n1 stretchable flexible circuit boards. At least one end of each of the crossbars is also provided with at least one first fixing bolt, which is used to fix the corresponding crossbar to the lower mold when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed on all the grooves along the second direction; The pressing block assembly includes at least one pressing block arranged along the second direction; Each of the pressure blocks is directly opposite the lower mold and covers the groove on the opposite lower mold; the distance between each pressure block and the lower mold is equal to the thickness of the stretchable flexible circuit board.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of grooves is the same as the number of three-dimensional bends to be formed in the stretchable flexible circuit board, and all the grooves correspond one-to-one with all the three-dimensional bends to be formed; the shape of each groove is the same as the shape of the corresponding three-dimensional bend to be formed.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower mold is provided with a first bolt hole that matches the corresponding first fixing bolt at the position directly opposite each of the first fixing bolts.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are multiple pressure blocks, all the pressure blocks are arranged continuously or at intervals along the second direction.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the pressure blocks is provided with at least one second fixing bolt at its edge along the second direction, for fixing the corresponding pressure block to the lower mold when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed to all the grooves along the second direction.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower mold is provided with a second bolt hole that matches the corresponding second fixing bolt at the position directly opposite each of the second fixing bolts.

7. A three-dimensional bending section processing system for a stretchable flexible circuit board, characterized in that, The device, comprising any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprises: A heating device, which is directly opposite all the grooves in the device, is used to heat the stretchable flexible circuit board when the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed in the second direction along all the grooves using the lower mold and when the stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down using the upper mold.

8. A method for processing a three-dimensional bending section of a stretchable flexible circuit board, characterized in that, The method for processing a three-dimensional bending section of a stretchable flexible circuit board using the system described in claim 7 includes: Along the second direction, the stretchable flexible circuit board is placed on a plurality of pre-made parallel grooves in the lower mold along the second direction, and the stretchable flexible circuit board is fixed by the fixing mechanism on the lower mold. The stretchable flexible circuit board is pressed down using the pressure block assembly on the upper mold that covers all the grooves; The stretchable flexible circuit board is heated using a heating device to form the meandering circuit with multiple three-dimensional bends in the stretchable flexible circuit board by utilizing all the grooves.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Three-dimensional bending part processing device and system of stretchable flexible circuit board

    CN221271988U