Flexible electronic device

Abstract

A flexible electronic device is wound along an axis, so that the flexible electronic device is switched between a winding state and an unfolding state, the flexible electronic device comprises an electronic structure and a supporting structure, the electronic structure is provided with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the supporting structure is provided with a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The third surface is combined with the second surface of the electronic structure, and the supporting structure defines a first direction along a direction parallel to the axis, and defines a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface; the supporting structure comprises a plurality of protrusions which are in the second direction and parallel to the first direction, a channel is formed between every two adjacent protrusions, and each channel defines an open end and a closed end in the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, particularly a flexible electronic device that can be wound or unfolded. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to advantages such as being thin and light in structure, rollable, occupying less space, being convenient to carry, and having good impact resistance, flexible display technology has gradually become an important research and development trend in display technology. However, since the flexible display device has a weak ability to resist external forces, when the bending amplitude of the flexible display device is excessive or the repeated bending is excessive, the part of the flexible display device that bears the maximum stress is prone to permanent deformation and may be separated or misaligned from other structures, thereby damaging the overall mechanical structure or electrical performance of the flexible display device.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a flexible display device that can simultaneously maintain bendability and structural stability is an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display device that can simultaneously maintain bendability and structural stability.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a flexible electronic device that can be wound or bent along an axis. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other. The third surface of the support structure is bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface. The fourth surface of the support structure has a plurality of protrusions arranged at intervals. The plurality of protrusions are arranged along the second direction and parallel to the first direction, and a channel is formed between two adjacent protrusions. One or more channels define an open end and a closed end along the third direction. When the flexible electronic device is wound or bent along the axis to the minimum curvature, the shortest distance from the axis to the closed end is defined as R1. When the flexible electronic device is wound or bent to the minimum curvature and the two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the two protrusions respectively define endpoints, and the straight-line distance between the two endpoints is the shortest distance between the two adjacent protrusions in the closest state. The shortest distance from the axis to one of the endpoints is defined as R2, and the shortest distance between the two endpoints of the two adjacent protrusions when the flexible electronic device is not wound or bent is defined as W1. When the flexible electronic device is wound or bent, the included angle of the wound or bent part of the support structure corresponding to the axis is defined as θ, and the number of the protrusions arranged on the wound or bent part of the support structure is defined as N, satisfying the following condition: W1*N≧2*π*(R1-R2)*θ / 360°.

[0006] The present invention further provides a flexible electronic device that can be wound or bent along an axis, comprising: an electronic structure and a support structure; the electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and the support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other; the support structure is bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure with the third surface; the support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface; the fourth surface of the support structure has a plurality of protrusions arranged at intervals, the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the second direction and parallel to the first direction, and a channel is formed between two adjacent protrusions, and one or more of the channels define an open end and a closed end along the third direction; wherein, when the flexible electronic device is wound or bent along the axis, the third surface of the support structure in the wound or bent state defines a radius of curvature R3, and the closed end of these channels in the bent support structure defines a radius of curvature R4, and the following condition is satisfied: R4≧R3 / 3.

[0007] In one embodiment, when the flexible electronic device is wound or bent to the minimum radian and the two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the straight-line distance (also the shortest distance) between the two end points of the two adjacent protrusions is defined as W2, and W2≧0.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support structure further includes a substrate layer, and the substrate layer is disposed between the plurality of protrusions and the electronic structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the substrate layer is a metal foil.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is disposed between the electronic structure and the support structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the flexible electronic device is in a wound or bent state, the closed end of the channel is an arc surface, this arc surface protrudes toward the open end of the channel, and the arc surface defines an arc surface height, and the thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the arc surface height.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electronic structure is a display panel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display panel includes a sustaining layer and a plurality of display units. One side of the sustaining layer is connected to the support structure, and the plurality of display units are spliced and laid on the other side of the sustaining layer opposite to the support structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, one or more display units include a substrate, at least one signal layer, a plurality of optoelectronic elements, and one or more driving structures. The signal layer is disposed on the substrate, the optoelectronic elements are disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the signal layer, and the driving structure is electrically connected to the signal layer and these optoelectronic elements, wherein the signal layer can be a signal coating layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the material of the substrate layer of the support structure is the same as the material of these protrusions.

[0016] In one embodiment, the material of the substrate layer of the support structure is different from the material of these protrusions.

[0017] In one embodiment, a row of protrusions includes one or more sub-units.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electronic structure defines a thickness d, and at least one of these channels defines a depth h1, satisfying the following: 3*d≥h1.

[0019] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device further includes an additional layer, and the additional layer is bonded to a side of these protrusions away from the fourth surface of the support structure and closes the open ends of these channels.

[0020] In one embodiment, an elastic material or a flexible material is provided in the channels.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device is wound around an axis into a wound state with the fourth surface of the support structure facing the axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device is wound around an axis into a wound state with the first surface of the electronic structure facing the axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method of the support structure includes: disposing a sheet on the second surface (bottom surface) of the electronic structure, and forming a plurality of channels and / or protrusions on the surface of the sheet facing away from the second surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support structure is a multi-layer structure.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device can be transformed between a wound state and an unfolded state.

[0026] In summary, the flexible electronic device of the present invention can be wound along the axis, enabling the flexible electronic device to transform between a wound state and an unfolded state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface (outer surface) and a second surface (bottom surface) opposite to the first surface. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The third surface is bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction along a direction parallel to the axis, and defines a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface. Among them, the fourth surface of the support structure includes a plurality of protrusions parallel to the first direction, and a channel is formed between each adjacent two protrusions. Each channel defines an open end and a closed end along the third direction. Through the design of the protrusions and channels, the flexible electronic device of the present invention can provide better structural stability, while maintaining bendability, reducing the risk of structural separation or dislocation, and reducing the probability of damage to the flexible electronic device due to winding or bending. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the flexible electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the flexible electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0028] Figures 1B to 1F is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the flexible electronic device according to multiple embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1G is Figure 1F a partial enlarged view of;

[0030] Figure 1H is a schematic diagram of different states of the protrusions of the flexible electronic device of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are schematic diagrams of different winding states of the flexible electronic device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are schematic diagrams of another two embodiments of the flexible electronic device of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are schematic diagrams of the structural changes of the flexible electronic device of the present invention in the wound state;

[0034] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are schematic diagrams of the structural changes of the flexible electronic device of the present invention in the wound state;

[0035] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are schematic diagrams of the structural changes of the flexible electronic device of the present invention in the wound state;

[0036] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structural change when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is in a wound state;

[0037] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structural change when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is in a wound state;

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structural change when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is in a wound state; and

[0039] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the flexible electronic device of the present invention in a usage state. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] The flexible electronic devices according to various embodiments provided by the present invention will be described below with reference to the relevant drawings, where the same elements will be described with the same reference numerals; the ratios between elements in the drawings are used to understand the structure, rather than to limit.

[0041] It should be noted first that although each embodiment of the present invention represents a combination of elements disclosed in a certain possible situation, the present invention can still be interpreted as including all possible combinations of the elements disclosed therein; for example, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and the second embodiment includes elements B and D, even if not explicitly disclosed, the present invention should at least cover multiple embodiments formed by permutations and combinations of A, B, C, and D, or further embodiments formed by permutations and combinations with other elements. Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are for illustrative purposes only, and do not indicate or imply relative order or importance, nor do they implicitly indicate the quantity of the indicated technical features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise described, the meaning of "multiple" or "plural" includes two or more than two. The term "comprising" or "including" and any of its synonyms cover non-exclusive inclusions in the absence of contrary description. The terms "above", "below", "left", "right", "parallel", and "perpendicular" represent the relative positional relationship based on the orientation of the drawings, and their purpose is only to facilitate understanding of the invention content, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element is used, constructed, and operated in a specific orientation. The terms "connected", "coupled" and any of their synonyms include direct and indirect connection relationships in the absence of contrary description.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the flexible electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the flexible electronic device 10 is in an unfolded state, Figure 1B is asFigure 1A Schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible electronic device 10 shown.

[0043] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, the flexible electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes an electronic structure 20 and a support structure 30. The electronic structure 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 opposite to the first surface 21. The support structure 30 has a third surface 31 and a fourth surface 32 opposite to the third surface 31. The third surface 31 of the support structure 30 is bonded to the second surface 22 of the electronic structure 20. The fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 33 arranged in parallel, and a channel 34 is formed between every two adjacent protrusions 33. One or more channels 34 define an open end 341 and a closed end 342.

[0044] As described above, the flexible electronic device 10 has flexibility, that is, both the electronic structure 20 and the support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10 have flexibility. For example, it can be wound or bent along the axis 40, and the flexible electronic device 10 can also be transformed between a wound state and an unfolded state. It should be noted that the axis 40 can be a virtual axis line or a physical central axis, which is not limited in the present invention. Here, the axis 40 can be parallel to the short side of the flexible electronic device 10, or parallel to its long side, or parallel to its diagonal, or at an arbitrary angle to its short side; in other words, the flexible electronic device 10 can be curled in any direction to be in a retracted state. It can be understood that the flexible electronic device 10 can define one or more axes for retraction; in this embodiment, the case where the axis 40 of the flexible electronic device 10 is parallel to its short side is described (as Figure 1A shown extending from the left side to the right side of the drawing, or as Figure 1B shown in the direction entering the drawing).

[0045] In some embodiments, the electronic structure 20 can be an active matrix (AM) electronic device or a passive matrix (PM) electronic device, or can be a detection device, a display device, or an antenna device. In one embodiment, as Figure 1D shown, the electronic structure 20' is, for example, a display panel, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Please refer to Figure 1D the embodiment of. The display panel 20' can, for example, include a sustaining layer 23' and a plurality of display units 24'. One side (such as the second surface 22) of the sustaining layer 23' is connected to the support structure 30, and a plurality of display units 24' are spliced and laid on the other side of the sustaining layer 23' opposite to the support structure 30.

[0046] For example, the display unit may include a substrate, at least one signal layer, a plurality of optoelectronic elements, and one or more driving structures. Among them, the signal layer is disposed on the substrate, and they may jointly form a flexible substrate. These optoelectronic elements are disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the signal layer, and these driving structures are electrically connected to the signal layer and these optoelectronic elements. Among them, the signal layer may be a signal layer pattern. These optoelectronic elements may be chips or packages, such as millimeter-scale, micrometer-scale, or nanometer-scale chips or packages. For example, the optoelectronic elements and / or the driving structures may include, for example but not limited to, at least one detection chip, a light-emitting diode chip (LED chip), a millimeter-scale chip (Mini chip), a micrometer-scale chip (Micro chip); or at least one package, which includes chips of millimeter-scale, micrometer-scale, nanometer-scale or below with or without size limitation, where the millimeter-scale package may include micrometer-scale chips; or a Chiplet with logic operation function, and the size of the Chiplet is also not limited; in addition, each optoelectronic element and / or each driving structure may include diode elements (such as LED, OLED, micro LED, mini LED, etc.), sensing elements, antenna elements, or microwave elements. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic elements and / or the driving structures may include chips with horizontal electrodes, flip-chip electrodes, or vertical electrodes. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic elements and / or the driving structures may include active circuits or passive circuits. The aforementioned packages are not limited to packages with active elements or passive packages without active elements. Active elements include, for example but not limited to, thin-film transistors (TFTs), non-silicon integrated circuits (Non-Silicon ICs), or silicon integrated circuits (Silicon ICs). The driving structure may include one or more active elements corresponding to the optoelectronic elements to correspondingly drive the optoelectronic elements to actuate.

[0047] In addition, the support structure 30 defines a first direction X parallel to the axis 40, a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the third surface 31, and a third direction Z perpendicular to the third surface. Among them, the support structure 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 33 and a plurality of channels 34. The protrusions 33 are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y and parallel to the direction of the first direction X, and the channels 34 are formed between two protrusions 33; and one or more channels 34 define an open end 341 and a closed end 342 along the third direction Z, and one or more protrusions 33 define a top 331 along the third direction. In some embodiments, the width of the protrusion 33 along the second direction Y may be between 0.1 and 5 mm, and the width of the channel 34 along the second direction Y may be between 0.1 and 5 mm; in addition, when the flexible electronic device 10 is wound or bent to the minimum radius, the width of the protrusion 33 along the second direction Y is defined as W Y and the arc length at the corresponding support structure 30 is defined as L Arc , WY The ratio to L Arc is less than or equal to 1.5, and can be, for example, 0.9, 1, 1.1, or 1.2, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] In one embodiment, as Figure 1B shown, the closed ends 342 of one or more channels 34 do not penetrate through the support structure 30; in another embodiment, as Figure 1C , the closed ends of one or more channels 34 penetrate through the support structure 30, but are closed by the second surface 22 (the surface combined with the support structure 30) of the electronic structure 20.

[0049] In one embodiment, the electronic structure 20 defines a thickness, and at least one of these channels defines a depth h1, satisfying the following: 3*d ≥ h1.

[0050] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method of the support structure 30 may include, for example: disposing a sheet on the second surface (bottom surface) 22 of the electronic structure 20, and forming a plurality of protrusions 33 or channels 34 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22. For example, the way of forming a plurality of protrusions 33 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22 may be, for example, to first form a plurality of protrusions 33, and then dispose these protrusions 33 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22 simultaneously, separately, or in batches at intervals, and at the same time, a plurality of channels 34 located between these protrusions 33 may be formed, thereby constituting the support structure 30 as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown; in another embodiment, the way of forming a plurality of channels 34 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22 may be, for example, to process the sheet by means of heat fusion, laser cutting, etching, etc. to form a plurality of channels 34, and at the same time, a plurality of protrusions 33 located between these channels 34 may be formed, thereby constituting the support structure 30 as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown.

[0051] In some embodiments, the material of the support structure 30 may include but is not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), resin, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the material of the support structure 30 may include but is not limited to metal materials, or other ductile and repeatedly bendable materials. In some embodiments, the support structure 30 may be a multi-layer structure, which may be formed by combining a plurality of support layers, and the material of each support layer may include but is not limited to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), resin, or other suitable materials, or metal materials, or other ductile and repeatedly bendable materials (such as non-woven fabrics, steel wires, or other suitable materials).

[0052] In addition, please refer to Figure 1E, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible electronic device 10" according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support structure 30" of the flexible electronic device 10" further includes a substrate layer 35, and the substrate layer 35 is disposed between the plurality of protrusions 33 and the electronic structure 20. As Figure 1E shown, the plurality of protrusions 33 are spaced apart on the substrate layer 35, and the gaps between these protrusions 33 form a plurality of channels 34. In this embodiment, the material of the substrate layer 35 may be, for example but not limited to, a metal layer, or other thin and ductile materials that can be repeatedly bent (such as metal foil). The substrate layer 35 and these protrusions 33 may be of the same material or composed of different materials. Additionally, in one embodiment, the manner of spacing the plurality of protrusions 33 on the substrate layer 35 may be, for example, to first form the plurality of protrusions 33, and then dispose these protrusions 33 on the substrate layer 35 simultaneously, separately, or in batches at intervals, thereby forming the support structure 30" as Figure 1E shown. In another embodiment, the manner of spacing the plurality of protrusions 33 on the substrate layer 35 may be, for example, to first form a material layer on the substrate layer 35, such as the material constituting these protrusions 33, and then process the material layer, such as by thermal melting, laser cutting, etching, etc., to form a plurality of channels 34, and at the same time, a plurality of protrusions 33 located between these channels 34 may be formed, thereby forming the support structure 30" as Figure 1E shown. It should be noted that the above description is only for example and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1F and Figure 1G , when the flexible electronic device 10" is in a wound state, the closed end 342 of the channel 34 may be an arc surface, the arc surface protrudes toward the open end 341, and as Figure 1G shown, the arc surface defines an arc height h2. In addition, in this embodiment, as Figure 1F shown, the flexible electronic device 10" may further include an adhesive layer 50 disposed between the electronic structure 20 and the support structure 30'. For example, the adhesive layer 50 may be disposed between the bottom surface 22 of the electronic structure 20 and the substrate layer 35 of the support structure 30, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer 50 is greater than the arc height h2. In this embodiment, the material of the adhesive layer 50 may be, for example but not limited to, optical adhesive (OCA), cycloolefin polymer (COP) resin, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or other materials that can be used as an adhesive layer; in addition, the foregoing materials are not limited to organic materials.

[0054] For the support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention, a row of protrusions 33 may be continuous strip-shaped elements or may be composed of multiple sub-units, but is not limited thereto; as Figure 1HAs shown, when a column of protrusions 33 is composed of multiple sub-units 332, the multiple sub-units 332 are arranged in a row to form a protrusion 33, but this is not limited thereto.

[0055] Next, please refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the flexible electronic device 10” can be wound around the axis 40 so that the flexible electronic device 10” presents a wound state; as Figure 2A shown, when the flexible electronic device 10” is wound around the axis 40 with the axis 40 as the central axis to form the wound state, the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30' faces the axis 40. At this time, the first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 (for example, the display surface) faces the outside of the entire wound structure. This state can be called outward winding; in one embodiment, the number of protrusions 33 at the innermost circle of the flexible electronic device 10” wound in multiple turns is defined as M, and M≧50. In addition, in one embodiment, the minimum winding radius of the flexible electronic device 10” of the present invention is between 2.5 cm and 15 cm, and can also be less than 2.5 cm, or between 2.5 cm and 10 cm, or between 2.5 cm and 5 cm. For example, it can be 1 cm, 2.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0056] In another embodiment, as Figure 2B shown, when the flexible electronic device 10” is wound around the axis 40 with the axis 40 as the central axis to form the wound state, the first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 faces the axis 40. At this time, the first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 (for example, the display surface) faces the inside of the entire wound structure. This state can be called inward winding.

[0057] In addition, in some embodiments, the thickness of the flexible electronic device of the present invention along the third direction Z is between 1 and 5 mm, and can also be between 1 and 2 mm; wherein, the thickness of the support structure can be between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 3A again, the support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10” can further include an additional layer 36, and the additional layer 36 is combined with the side of these protrusions 33 away from the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30 and closes the open ends 341 of these channels 34. Please refer to Figure 3B again, an elastic material or a flexible material 37 is filled in the multiple channels 34 of the support structure 30; these two designs can prevent foreign objects from falling into the channels 34 to prevent the electronic structure 20 of the flexible electronic device 10” from being damaged by foreign objects during winding or bending.

[0059] As described above, through the design of the protrusions 33 and the channels 34, the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention enables the support structure 30 to provide better structural stability, while maintaining bendability and reducing the risk of structural separation or misalignment.

[0060] The following will illustrate in detail the structural changes of the flexible electronic device 10 in the wound state by way of examples.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 4A , which is a partially enlarged schematic view of the flexible electronic device 10 as shown in Figure 2A . In this view, the first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 of the flexible electronic device 10 faces outward, and the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30 faces the axis 40 in the wound state.

[0062] When the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to the minimum arc and two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' are in the closest state, there are closest endpoints P, P' between these two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' respectively. The straight-line distance between these two closest endpoints P, P' is the shortest distance between these two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' in the wound or bent state, defined as W2. In this embodiment, this shortest distance W2 is 0, so the above-mentioned closest endpoints P, P' can also be regarded as the contact points of these two protrusions 33, 33'. Define the shortest distance between the two closest endpoints P, P' (in this embodiment, the two contact points) of two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' in the non-wound or non-bent state of the flexible electronic device as W1 (as shown in Figure 4B ), and define the shortest distance from the axis 40 to the surface of the substrate layer 35 (or the closed end 342 of the channel 34) as R1, and the shortest distance from the axis 40 to the closest endpoint (in this embodiment, the contact point P) of the protrusion 33 as R2. And define the angle corresponding to the wound or bent part of the support structure 30 with respect to the axis 40 as θ, and define the number of protrusions in the wound or bent area as N (i.e., the number of channels is N or N - 1). In this embodiment, the two closest endpoints (in this embodiment, the contact points P, P') of the two protrusions 33, 33' are located at positions close to the open end 341 of the channel 34.

[0063] At this time, the arc length of the curved part of the surface of the substrate layer 35 is Equation (I)

[0064] 2π * R1 * θ / 360° Equation (I)

[0065] The arc length of the virtual arc formed by connecting the multiple closest endpoints of multiple groups of protrusions is Equation (II)

[0066] 2π * R2 * θ / 360° Equation (II);

[0067] In addition, the distance from the closest end point (contact point P) to the closed end 342 of the groove 34 is approximately the difference between the shortest distance R1 from the axis 40 to the closed end 342 of the groove 34 and the shortest distance R2 from the axis 40 to the closest end point (contact point P) of the protrusion 33, that is, R1 - R2;

[0068] Then, the difference in arc length between the curved part of the surface of the base material layer 35 and the virtual arc connected to the closest end points (contact points P) of the multiple groups of protrusions 33 is approximately equal to the sum of the shortest distances W1 of the relative closest end points (contact points) of each group of protrusions 33 in this area when the flexible electronic device 10 is in the non-wound or non-bent state (that is, N*W1 or (N - 1)*W1), so the following formula (IV) or formula (V) is obtained;

[0069] W1 = {[(2π*(R1) - (2π*(R2)]*θ / 360°} / (N - 1) Formula (IV)

[0070] W1 = {[(2π*(R1) - (2π*(R2)]*θ / 360°} / N Formula (V)

[0071] Therefore, formula (VI) can be deduced as follows:

[0072] W1≧[(2π*(R1 - R2)]*θ / 360° / N Formula (VI)

[0073] Please refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , in this embodiment, the support structure 30a of the flexible electronic device 10a has protrusions 33a with a wider middle section. Therefore, when the flexible electronic device 10a is wound or bent to the minimum radian and two adjacent protrusions 33a, 33a' are in the closest state, the positions of the closest end points Pa, Pa' of these two adjacent protrusions 33a, 33a' will fall in this wider middle section; please refer to Figure 5B , in this embodiment, when the flexible electronic device 10a is in the non-wound or non-bent state, the shortest distance between these two closest end points Pa, Pa' is W1a; in addition, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40a to the surface of the base material layer 35a (or the closed end 342 of the groove 34) is R1a, the shortest distance from the axis 40a to the closest end point Pa of the protrusion 33a is R2a, and the angle corresponding to this wound or bent part with respect to the axis 40a is θa, and the number of protrusions in this wound or bent area is N (that is, the number of grooves is N or N - 1), which also conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0074] In addition, Figure 6A and Figure 6BFor another embodiment of the present invention, in this embodiment, the protrusion 33b of the support structure 30b of the flexible electronic device 10b has the widest width at the substrate layer 35b far from the support structure 30b. Therefore, when winding or bending to the minimum radian and when two adjacent protrusions 33b, 33b' are in the closest state, the positions of the closest endpoints Pb, Pb' of these two adjacent protrusions 33b, 33b' will fall at the position where the protrusions 33b, 33b' are farthest from the substrate layer 35b; please refer to Figure 5B , in this embodiment, when the flexible electronic device 10b is not wound or bent, the shortest distance between these two closest endpoints Pb, Pb' is W1b; in addition, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40b to the surface of the substrate layer 35b (or the closed end 342 of the channel 34b) is R1b, the shortest distance from the axis 40b to the closest endpoint Pb of the protrusion 33b is R2b, the included angle of the winding or bending part of the flexible electronic device 10b corresponding to the axis 40b is θb, and the number of protrusions 33b in the winding or bending area is N (i.e., the number of channels is N or N - 1), which also conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0075] In addition, Figure 7A and Figure 7B For another embodiment of the present invention, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion 33c of the support structure 30c of the flexible electronic device 10c is in a trapezoid-like shape, and when the flexible electronic device 10c is wound or bent to the minimum radian, the two sides of two adjacent protrusions can be almost completely in contact. Therefore, in this embodiment, two adjacent protrusions 33c, 33c' have multiple sets of corresponding closest endpoints Pc, Pc', and one set Pc1, Pc1' is located at the position where the protrusions 33c, 33c' are farthest from the substrate layer 35c of the support structure 30c; thus, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40c to the surface of the substrate layer 35c (or the closed end 342 of the channel 34c) is R1c, the shortest distance from the axis 40c to the closest endpoint Pc1 or Pc1' of the protrusion 33c is R2c, and the shortest distance between this set of closest endpoints Pc1 or Pc1' when the flexible electronic device 10c is not wound or bent is W1c, which also conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0076] In Figure 8A and Figure 8BIn an embodiment, the protrusions 33d of the support structure 30d of the flexible electronic device 10d. When the flexible electronic device 10d is wound or bent to the minimum radian, there are at least two closest points on both sides of two adjacent protrusions 33d, 33d'. In this embodiment, these closest points will also contact and can be regarded as contact points. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are also multiple sets of corresponding closest end points Pd, Pd' between two adjacent protrusions 33d, 33d'. One set Pd1, Pd1' is located at the substrate layer 35d of the protrusions 33d, 33d' that is farther away from the support structure 30d. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40d to the surface of the substrate layer 35d (or the closed end of the channel) is R1d, and the shortest distance from the axis 40d to the closest end point Pd1 or Pd1' of the protrusions 33d, 33d' is R2d. And the shortest distance between this set of closest end points Pd1 or Pd1' when the flexible electronic device 10d is not wound or bent is W1d, which also conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0077] In addition, in some embodiments, when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to the minimum radian and two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the closest end points of these two adjacent protrusions are also the closest positions of the two adjacent protrusions when the flexible electronic device is not wound or bent. This position is also the narrowest part of the channel width between the two adjacent protrusions, but not limited thereto.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 9 , when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to the minimum radian and two adjacent protrusions 33 are the closest, the radian formed by the third surface 31 of the support structure 30 defines the radius of curvature R3, and the radian formed by the closed ends 342 of these channels 34 in this area defines the radius of curvature R4, satisfying the following condition: R4≧R3 / 3.

[0079] In addition, as Figure 10A or Figure 10B shown, the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention can be disposed on a non-planar surface, such as on the surface of a cylinder 60, an arc-shaped housing 60', or on the outer or inner surface of the wall of an irregular curved surface.

[0080] In summary, the flexible electronic device of the present invention can be wound along the axis, enabling the flexible electronic device to transform between a wound state and an unfolded state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The third surface is bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction along a direction parallel to the axis, and defines a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface. Among them, the support structure includes a plurality of protrusions along the second direction and parallel to the first direction, and a channel is formed between two adjacent protrusions. Each channel defines an open end and a closed end along the third direction. Through the design of the protrusions and channels, the flexible electronic device of the present invention can provide better structural stability, and at the same time maintain bendability, reducing the risk of structural separation or dislocation.

[0081] The foregoing is only illustrative and not restrictive. Any equivalent modifications or changes made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall be included in the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible electronic device capable of being rolled or bent along an axis, the flexible electronic device comprising: An electronic structure having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; as well as a support structure having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, the third surface being bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure, the support structure defining a first direction parallel to the direction of the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface; The fourth surface of the support structure has a plurality of protrusions arranged at intervals, the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the second direction and parallel to the first direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions, one or more of the grooves define an open end and a closed end along the third direction, and when the flexible electronic device is rolled or bent to a minimum curvature, the shortest distance from the axis to the closed end is defined as R1; Wherein, when the flexible electronic device is rolled or bent to the minimum arc and the two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the two protrusions respectively define the closest endpoints, and the straight-line distance between the two closest endpoints is the shortest distance between the two adjacent protrusions in the closest state, and the shortest distance from the axis to one of the closest endpoints is defined as R2, and the shortest distance between the two closest endpoints of the two adjacent protrusions when the flexible electronic device is not rolled or bent is defined as W1; When the electronic device is wound or bent to the minimum arc, the angle between the wound or bent portion of the support structure and the axis is defined as θ degrees, and the number of protrusions provided on the wound or bent portion of the support structure is N, satisfying the following conditions: W1*N≧2*π*(R1-R2)*θ / 360°. 2 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein when the flexible electronic device is rolled or bent to a minimum arc and the two adjacent protrusions are in a closest state, a straight-line distance between the two end points of the two protrusions is defined as W2 , W2≧0.

3. A flexible electronic device capable of being rolled or bent along an axis, the flexible electronic device comprising: An electronic structure having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; as well as A support structure having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, wherein the support structure is combined with the second surface of the electronic structure through the third surface; the support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface; the fourth surface of the support structure has a plurality of protrusions arranged at intervals, the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the second direction and parallel to the first direction, and grooves are formed between two adjacent protrusions, and one or more of the grooves define an open end and a closed end along the third direction; When the flexible electronic device is rolled or bent along the axis, the third surface of the supporting structure in a rolled or bent shape defines a curvature radius R3, and the closed end of the groove defines a curvature radius R4, and the following conditions are met: R4≧R3 / 3. 4 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure further comprises a substrate layer, and the substrate layer is disposed between the plurality of protrusions and the electronic structure.

5. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein when the flexible electronic device is in the rolled or bent state, the closed end of the groove is a curved surface, the curved surface protrudes toward the open end, and the curved surface defines a curved surface height. 6 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 5 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the electronic structure and the support structure, wherein a thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than a height of the curved surface. 7 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the electronic structure and the support structure. 8 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic structure is a display panel. 9 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 8 , wherein the display panel comprises a plurality of display units, the display units are electrically connected to each other and are arranged along a direction parallel to the third surface of the support structure. 10 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein a material of the base material layer is different from a material of the protrusions. The flexible electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein a material of the base material layer is the same as a material of the protrusions. 12 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is composed of one or more sub-units. 13 . The flexible electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic structure defines a thickness d, and at least one of the grooves defines a depth h1 , satisfying the following: 3*d≧h1 . 14 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 , further comprising an additional layer, wherein the additional layer is bonded to a side of the protrusion away from the fourth surface of the support structure and closes the open end of the groove. 15 . The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or 3 , wherein an elastic material or a flexible material is disposed in the groove.

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