Stretchable display module

Abstract

The invention provides a stretchable display module. The stretchable display module comprises a stretchable substrate, a plurality of pixel islands and a plurality of connecting structures. The pixel island is arranged on the stretchable substrate. The connecting structures are arranged on the stretchable substrate and are respectively connected between the at least two pixel islands. Each connecting structure comprises a first supporting layer, a wire and a second supporting layer. The first supporting layer is arranged on the stretchable substrate, the wire is arranged on the first supporting layer in a stacked mode in the first direction, and the two ends, in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, of the wire respectively comprise a first boundary and a second boundary. The second supporting layer is arranged on the wires and the first supporting layer in a covering mode, the two ends of the second supporting layer in the second direction comprise a first side edge and a second side edge respectively, and in the second direction, the distance between the first side edge and the first boundary is different from the distance between the second side edge and the second boundary.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display module, and in particular to a stretchable display module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, flexible electronic devices have replaced traditional rigid electronic devices through flexible substrates and special material technologies. In the field of display modules, flexible display modules can solve the problems of traditional display modules being fragile, bulky, and difficult to carry. Although flexible display modules have seen significant growth in applications, there are still many other applications that require greater deformation, such as displays that are attached to the surface of human skin in the medical field. Therefore, stretchable electronic technology is imperative, and since various signal connections must still be made through metal wires in stretchable devices, the metal wires in stretchable devices often have the problem of being damaged by force when the stretchable devices are stretched for use. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a stretchable display module, comprising a stretchable substrate, a plurality of pixel islands and a plurality of connection structures. The pixel islands are arranged on the stretchable substrate. The connection structures are arranged on the stretchable substrate and are respectively connected between at least two pixel islands. And each connection structure comprises a first support layer, a wire and a second support layer respectively. The first support layer is arranged on the stretchable substrate, the wire is stacked on the first support layer along a first direction, and the two ends of the wire in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction respectively comprise a first boundary and a second boundary; the second support layer is covered and arranged on the wire and the first support layer, and the two ends of the second support layer in the second direction respectively comprise a first side edge and a second side edge, in the second direction, the first side edge is closer to the first boundary than the second side edge, there is a first distance between the first side edge and the first boundary in the second direction, there is a second distance between the second side edge and the second boundary in the second direction, and the first distance is different from the second distance.

[0004] In some embodiments, the second supporting layer of the aforementioned connecting structure has a first turning portion at the first side edge, and the second side edge has a second turning portion, the angle between the first side edge and the two ends of the first turning portion is smaller than the angle between the second side edge and the two ends of the second turning portion, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first turning portion and the second turning portion are arc-shaped.

[0006] In some embodiments, the difference between the first distance and the second distance is greater than 3 μm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the second supporting layer is greater than or equal to the Young's modulus of the first supporting layer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the stretchable substrate is less than 0.1 GPa.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second supporting layer covers both ends of the first supporting layer in the second direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stretchable display module further includes a third supporting layer, the wire includes a first wire and a second wire, the first wire is arranged on the first supporting layer, the second wire is arranged on the second supporting layer, and the third supporting layer is covered on the second wire and the second supporting layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the two ends of the second conductive line in the second direction respectively include a third boundary and a fourth boundary; the third supporting layer is covered on the second conductive line and the second supporting layer, and the two ends of the third supporting layer in the second direction respectively include a third side edge and a fourth side edge, in the second direction, the third side edge is closer to the third boundary than the fourth side edge, and there is a third distance between the third side edge and the third boundary in the second direction, and there is a fourth distance between the fourth side edge and the fourth boundary in the second direction, and the third distance is different from the fourth distance.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first supporting layer, the second supporting layer and the third supporting layer are made of polyimide or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0013] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a stretchable display module of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the selected area 2 in the middle circle;

[0016] Figure 3 The stretchable display module of the present invention is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment drawn by the secant line 3-3;

[0017] Figure 4 The stretchable display module of the present invention is Figure 1 The 3-3 cutting line is used to draw a cross-sectional view of another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the stretchable display module of the present invention.

[0019] Wherein, the reference numerals are:

[0020] 10: stretchable substrate;

[0021] 20: Pixel Island;

[0022] 30: connection structure;

[0023] 31: first supporting layer;

[0024] 32: wire;

[0025] 32A: first conductor;

[0026] 32B: second conductor;

[0027] 321: First border;

[0028] 322: Second boundary;

[0029] 323: Third boundary;

[0030] 324: Fourth Boundary;

[0031] 33: second supporting layer;

[0032] 331: first side edge;

[0033] 3311: First turning point;

[0034] 332: second side edge;

[0035] 3321: The second turning point;

[0036] 34: the third supporting layer;

[0037] 341: third side edge;

[0038] 342: fourth side edge;

[0039] 40: control circuit;

[0040] L1: first distance;

[0041] L2: second distance;

[0042] L3: third distance;

[0043] L4: fourth distance;

[0044] D1: first direction;

[0045] D2: second direction;

[0046] θ1: first angle;

[0047] θ2: the second angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The following provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided invention. The embodiments of the components and configurations described below are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, the present invention repeats reference symbols and / or numbers in each example, which in itself does not limit the relationship between the various embodiments and / or components discussed.

[0049] The terms “first,” “second,” etc. used in this document do not particularly refer to an order or sequence, but are only used to distinguish elements or operations described with the same technical terminology.

[0050] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a stretchable display module of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the selected area 2 in the middle circle; Figure 3 The stretchable display module of the present invention is Figure 1 The present invention provides a stretchable display module, comprising a stretchable substrate 10, a plurality of pixel islands 20 and a plurality of connection structures 30. Each connection structure 30 is connected between at least two pixel islands 20. The tensile strain of the wire 32 in the connection structure 30 is compensated by adjusting the structural parameters of the connection structure 30, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the wire 32 and extending the product life.

[0051] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , each pixel island 20 is arranged on a stretchable substrate 10.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 3 Each connection structure 30 is disposed on the stretchable substrate 10 and respectively connects at least two pixel islands 20, and each connection structure 30 includes a first support layer 31, a wire 32, and a second support layer 33. The first support layer 31 is disposed on the stretchable substrate 10. The wire 32 is stacked on the first support layer 31 along a first direction D1, and the two ends of the wire 32 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 include a first boundary 321 and a second boundary 322. The second supporting layer 33 is covered on the conductive line 32 and the first supporting layer 31. The second supporting layer 33 includes a first side edge 331 and a second side edge 332 at two ends in the second direction D2. In the second direction D2, the first side edge 331 is closer to the first boundary 321 than the second side edge 332. There is a first distance L1 between the first side edge 331 and the first boundary 321 in the second direction D2. There is a second distance L2 between the second side edge 332 and the second boundary 322 in the second direction D2. The first distance L1 is different from the second distance L2.

[0053] Thus, by adjusting the parameters of the unequal lengths of the two ends of the second supporting layer 33, the tensile strain of the wire 32 between the first supporting layer 31 and the second supporting layer 33 can be compensated, the possibility of tensile damage to the wire 32 is reduced, and the service life of the stretchable display module is extended.

[0054] The stretchable substrate 10 is used to support the various elements of the stretchable display module. In some embodiments, the stretchable substrate 10 is made of a material having bending or stretching capabilities. In some embodiments, the stretchable substrate 10 can be, but is not limited to, made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). It is worth noting that the general stretchable display module is limited by its manufacturing method, so the substrate used in the general stretchable display module is usually made of a material with a Young's Modulus of 5 to 8 GPa. In some embodiments of the present invention, the stretchable substrate 10 is made of a material with a Young's Modulus of less than 0.1 GPa, so as to improve the stretchability of the stretchable substrate 10.

[0055] See also Figures 1 to 3 , the pixel islands 20 are arranged on the stretchable substrate 10 at intervals to ensure that no tensile strain or compressive strain is generated when the stretchable substrate 10 is stretched or compressed. Each pixel island 20 includes at least one pixel. In some embodiments, the pixel island 20 may, but is not limited to, further include a thin film transistor and a signal line connected to the thin film transistor. In these embodiments, the aforementioned signal line may, but is not limited to, a scanning signal line, a data signal line, a power signal line, or a ground signal line. In some embodiments, the pixels of each pixel island 20 may, but are not limited to, a light emitting diode (such as an organic light emitting diode) or a quantum dot light emitting element. In these embodiments, the pixels on the pixel island 20 may, but are not limited to, one or a combination of red pixels, green pixels, or blue pixels.

[0056] See also Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the pixel island 20 is a square with four sides, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the pixel island 20 may also be a long rectangle, a rhombus, a trapezoid, a circle, an ellipse or various geometric shapes. In some embodiments where the pixel island 20 includes four sides, each side of the pixel island 20 is respectively connected to a connecting structure 30. In these embodiments, the connecting structure 30 connected to the same pixel island 20 is centrally symmetrical relative to the center of the pixel island 20, so as to ensure that the forces and deformations borne by each pixel island 20 when stretched are equal, and the elastic restoring force can be stored at the same time after each pixel island 20 is stretched, so that after the external force is eliminated, the overall stretchable display module can more easily return to the initial state, providing the performance of repeatable stretching and deformation.

[0057] Each connection structure 30 is connected between the pixel islands 20 to connect various signals between the pixel islands 20. In some embodiments, each connection structure 30 can be, but is not limited to, a power connection structure (VDD, VSS), a data connection structure, a reference voltage connection structure (reference voltage), a gate switch connection structure, a pulse width modulation signal connection structure (Pulse Width Modulation, PWM), an AC signal connection structure, or a DC signal connection structure.

[0058] See also Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 4 The stretchable display module of the present invention is Figure 1 The 3-3 section line is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment. Each connection structure 30 is a multi-layer structure to cover a single-layer wire 32 or a multi-layer wire 32. In some embodiments, the connection structure 30 is a non-linear bending structure.

[0059] See also Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments where the connection structure 30 is a bent type, the second support layer 33 of each connection structure 30 has a first turning portion 3311 at the first side edge 331, and the second side edge 332 has a second turning portion 3321. The first side edge 331 has a first angle θ1 between the two ends of the first turning portion 3311, and the second side edge 332 has a second angle θ2 between the two ends of the second turning portion 3321, and the first angle θ1 is smaller than the second angle θ2. In these embodiments, the first distance L1 between the first side edge 331 and the first boundary 321 in the second direction D2 is greater than the second distance L2 between the second side edge 332 and the second boundary 322 in the second direction D2. In this way, when the stretchable display module is subjected to a stretching force, the first side edge 331 of the connection structure 30 is compressed, and the second side edge 332 is stretched. The compressive strain of the first side edge 331 can compensate for the tensile strain of the wire 32, reduce the tensile strain of the wire 32, reduce the possibility of the wire 32 being damaged by the tensile strain, and extend the service life of the entire stretchable display module. In some embodiments, the first turning portion 3311 and the second turning portion 3321 of the connection structure 30 can be, but are not limited to, arc-shaped.

[0060] See also Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, in the second direction D2, the difference between the first distance L1 between the first side edge 331 of the connecting structure 30 and the first boundary 321 and the second distance L2 between the second side edge 332 and the second boundary 322 is greater than 3 μm, thereby ensuring the stress compensation effect of the second supporting layer 33 on the conductive line 32.

[0061] See also Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the second supporting layer 33 of the connection structure 30 covers both ends of the first supporting layer 31 in the second direction D2. That is to say, after the second supporting layer 33 is covered and disposed on the first supporting layer 31 and the stretchable substrate 10, the first supporting layer 31 and the second supporting layer 33 can completely cover the wire 32, so that the wire 32 is fully covered. In addition to enabling the stretchable display module to withstand the force due to the stretchability of the first supporting layer 31 and the second supporting layer 33, since the wire 32 is usually made of a conductive metal material, the possibility of oxidation of the wire 32 due to contact with external moisture can be avoided by completely covering the wire 32, thereby improving the protection effect of the wire 32.

[0062] See also Figure 4In some embodiments, the connection structure 30 can be a double-layer wire structure. In these embodiments, the number of wires 32 is multiple. For the sake of clarity, the two wires 32 are referred to as the first wire 32A and the second wire 32B respectively. In some embodiments where the number of wires 32 is multiple, the connection structure 30 further includes a third supporting layer 34, the first wire 32A is disposed on the first supporting layer 31, the second wire 32B is disposed on the second supporting layer 33, and the third supporting layer 34 is covered and disposed on the second wire 32B and the second supporting layer 33. In this way, the connection structure 30 can be configured with wires 32 with different functions. In some embodiments, the number of the first wire 32A or the second wire 32B is not limited to a single one, such as Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the number of the first conductive line 32A is one, and the number of the second conductive line 32B is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments where the number of conductive lines 32 is two, two ends of the second conductive line 32B in the second direction D2 respectively include a third boundary 323 and a fourth boundary 324; the third supporting layer 34 is covered and disposed on the second conductive line 32B and the second supporting layer 33, and two ends of the third supporting layer 34 in the second direction D2 respectively include a third side edge 341 and a fourth side edge 342, and in the second direction D2, the third side edge 341 is closer to the third boundary 323 than the fourth side edge 342.

[0064] See also Figure 4 In these embodiments, the length of the second conductive line 32B in the second direction D2 is smaller than the length of the third supporting layer 34 in the second direction D2, so that the third supporting layer 34 can completely cover both ends of the second conductive line 32B in the second direction D2, and a third distance L3 is provided between the third side edge 341 and the third boundary 323 in the second direction D2, and a fourth distance L4 is provided between the fourth side edge 342 and the fourth boundary 324 in the second direction D2, and the third distance L3 is different from the fourth distance L4. Thus, the third supporting layer 34 has different degrees of compression / stretching effects at the third side edge 341 and the fourth side edge 342.

[0065] See also Figure 4In some embodiments, in the second direction D2, the third distance L3 between the third side edge 341 of the connection structure 30 and the third boundary 323 is greater than the fourth distance L4 between the fourth side edge 342 and the fourth boundary 324. In this way, the strain response of the third support layer 34 at the third side edge 341 corresponds to the strain response of the first side edge 331 of the second support layer 33. That is, the compressive strain of the first side edge 331 of the second support layer 33 will be able to compensate for the tensile strain of the first wire 32A, and the compressive strain of the third support layer 34 at the third side edge 341 will be able to compensate for the tensile strain of the second wire 32B, thereby reducing the tensile strain of the first wire 32A and the second wire 32B, reducing the possibility of the first wire 32A and the second wire 32B being damaged by the tensile strain, and extending the service life of the entire stretchable display module.

[0066] See also Figure 4 In some embodiments where the connection structure 30 includes a third supporting layer 34 , the length of the third supporting layer 34 in the second direction D2 is equal to the length of the second supporting layer 33 in the second direction D2 , thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty and improving product yield.

[0067] It is worth noting that in some embodiments where the number of the first conductive wires 32A is plural, the two ends of the first conductive wires 32A in the second direction D2 refer to the boundaries of the first conductive wires 32A at the two ends in the second direction D2, such as Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the number of the first conductive wires 32A is two and they are spaced apart in the second direction D2. Here, the first boundary 321 of the first conductive wires 32A is the boundary of one end of the first conductive wire 32A away from the other first conductive wire 32A in the second direction D2, and the second boundary 322 is the boundary of the other end of the other first conductive wire 32A in the second direction D2.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first supporting layer 31 , the second supporting layer 33 and the third supporting layer 34 of the connection structure 30 may be made of, but not limited to, polyimide (PI) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0069] In some embodiments, the materials of the first supporting layer 31 , the second supporting layer 33 , and the third supporting layer 34 of the connection structure 30 may be the same or different.

[0070] In some embodiments where the materials of the first support layer 31, the second support layer 33, and the third support layer 34 are different from each other, the Young's modulus of the second support layer 33 is greater than that of the first support layer 31; and the Young's modulus of the third support layer 34 is greater than that of the second support layer 33. In these embodiments, the Young's modulus of the first support layer 31, the second support layer 33, and the third support layer 34 are all greater than that of the stretchable substrate 10.

[0071] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the stretchable display module of the present invention. In some embodiments, the stretchable display module further includes a control circuit 40, and the control circuit 40 is electrically connected to at least one pixel island 20, so that the stretchable display module can be applied to various electronic devices.

[0072] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be based on the scope of the attached patent application.

Claims

1. A stretchable display module, characterized in that: Include: a stretchable substrate; A plurality of pixel islands are disposed on the stretchable substrate; and A plurality of connection structures are disposed on the stretchable substrate and are respectively connected between at least two of the pixel islands, and each of the connection structures comprises: a first support layer disposed on the stretchable substrate; A conductive line is stacked on the first supporting layer along a first direction, and two ends of the conductive line in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction respectively include a first boundary and a second boundary; and A second supporting layer is covered on the conductive line and the first supporting layer, and the two ends of the second supporting layer in the second direction respectively include a first side edge and a second side edge, in the second direction, the first side edge is closer to the first boundary than the second side edge, there is a first distance between the first side edge and the first boundary in the second direction, there is a second distance between the second side edge and the second boundary in the second direction, and the first distance is different from the second distance.

2. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: The second supporting layer of each connecting structure has a first turning portion at the first side edge, and the second side edge has a second turning portion. The angle between the first side edge and the two ends of the first turning portion is smaller than the angle between the second side edge and the two ends of the second turning portion, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

3. The stretchable display module according to claim 2, wherein: The first turning portion and the second turning portion are arc-shaped.

4. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: A difference between the first distance and the second distance is greater than 3 μm.

5. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: The Young's modulus of the second supporting layer is greater than or equal to the Young's modulus of the first supporting layer.

6. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: The Young's modulus of the stretchable substrate is less than 0.1 GPa.

7. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: The second supporting layer covers two ends of the first supporting layer in the second direction.

8. The stretchable display module according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a third supporting layer. The wire includes a first wire and a second wire. The first wire is arranged on the first supporting layer, the second wire is arranged on the second supporting layer, and the third supporting layer is covered on the second wire and the second supporting layer.

9. The stretchable display module according to claim 8, wherein: The second conductive line includes a third boundary and a fourth boundary at two ends in the second direction, respectively; the third supporting layer is covered on the second conductive line and the second supporting layer, and the third supporting layer includes a third side edge and a fourth side edge at two ends in the second direction, respectively; in the second direction, the third side edge is closer to the third boundary than the fourth side edge, and there is a third distance between the third side edge and the third boundary in the second direction, and there is a fourth distance between the fourth side edge and the fourth boundary in the second direction, and the third distance is different from the fourth distance.

10. The stretchable display module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first supporting layer, the second supporting layer and the third supporting layer are made of polyimide or polymethyl methacrylate.

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