Display device and vehicle display device

Abstract

The invention discloses a display device which comprises a flexible display, a curvature deformation layer and a key deformation layer. The flexible display includes a display surface and a back surface opposite to each other. The curvature deformation layer is arranged below the back surface. The curvature deformation layer has variable curvature so as to correspondingly change the curvature shape of the flexible display. And the key deformation layer is clamped between the back surface and the curvature deformation layer. The key deformation layer comprises a plurality of key deformation parts. Each key deformation part has a first shape in the first state, each key deformation part has a second shape in the second state, and the second shape is different from the first shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display technology, and more particularly to a display device and an automotive display device. Background Technology

[0002] Current raised touch-sensitive button devices utilize a display and an external lifting mechanism to achieve the raised touch button effect. However, the lifting mechanism results in a large overall size for the raised touch-sensitive button device, reducing the flexibility of integrating it into the vehicle's interior.

[0003] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism of the raised touch button device operates in a linear up-and-down motion. If the curvature of the display is too large and the spacing between the buttons is small, the operation of the lifting mechanism located below the display will interfere with each other. Therefore, the curvature of the display is limited by the lifting mechanism below, resulting in poor adjustability and affecting the usability of the raised touch button device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device and an automotive display device, wherein the flexible display has a double-layer deformable structure consisting of a button deformable layer and a curvature deformable layer, thereby enabling a thinner and lighter design to achieve button deformability and improve the adjustability of the curvature of the display device.

[0005] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives of this disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising a flexible display, a curvature deformation layer, and a button deformation layer. The flexible display includes a display surface and a back surface facing each other. The curvature deformation layer is disposed below the back surface. The curvature deformation layer has a variable curvature to adapt to changes in the curvature shape of the flexible display. The button deformation layer is sandwiched between the back surface and the curvature deformation layer. The button deformation layer includes a plurality of button deformation portions. Each button deformation portion has a first shape in a first state, and each button deformation portion has a second shape in a second state, wherein the second shape differs from the first shape.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the curvature deformation layer includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrodeformable thin film. The second electrode is located on one side of the first electrode. The electrodeformable thin film is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each key deformation portion includes three shapes: protruding towards the flexible display, recessed away from the flexible display, or neither protruding nor recessed relative to the flexible display. The first shape is one of the three shapes, and the second shape is another of the three shapes.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned button deformation layer further includes a deformation body. The deformation body includes a surface and a back surface corresponding to and adjacent to each other. The deformation body includes a plurality of units, in which button deformation portions are correspondingly disposed. Each button deformation portion includes an actuating element and has a chamber, an inlet, and an outlet located in the corresponding unit. The inlet and outlet are respectively fluidly connected to the chamber. The actuating element is disposed on the top surface of the chamber. The actuating element is configured to move the top of the corresponding unit toward or away from the back surface, thereby causing fluid to flow into the chamber from the inlet or out of the chamber from the outlet. The display device further includes a fluid supply source. The fluid supply source is fluidly connected to the chamber of the button deformation portion.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, each button deformation portion further includes a first serpentine flow channel fluid connection inlet and a second serpentine flow channel fluid connection outlet. The first serpentine flow channel and the second serpentine flow channel are located on opposite sides of the chamber, respectively, along with the actuating element.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first serpentine flow channel and the second serpentine flow channel meander on a plane, which is parallel to or perpendicular to the aforementioned surface.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first serpentine flow channel includes a first flow channel portion and a first connecting portion. The two opposing ends of the first connecting portion are respectively joined to the inlet and the first flow channel portion, and the radial dimension of the first connecting portion is larger than the radial dimension of the first flow channel portion. The second serpentine flow channel includes a second flow channel portion and a second connecting portion. The two opposing ends of the second connecting portion are respectively joined to the outlet and the second flow channel portion, and the radial dimension of the second connecting portion is larger than the radial dimension of the second flow channel portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuating element includes a piezoelectric element and electrodes located on the piezoelectric element.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrodes of the actuating element of the aforementioned button deformation portion are electrically independent of each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aforementioned button deformation portion is divided into several groups, and the electrodes of the actuation element of the button deformation portion in each group are connected in parallel.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the chambers of the aforementioned button deformation portion are respectively fluidly connected to a fluid supply source through several flow channels.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber of the aforementioned button deformation portion is fluidly connected to a fluid supply source via a common flow channel.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the top edge of the cavity of each key deformation part is convex arc-shaped.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, when the unit has neither protruded nor recessed from its surface, the top surface of the cavity is separated from the surface of the deformable body by a first distance. When the unit protrudes toward the flexible display, the top surface of the cavity is separated from the top surface of the cavity when the unit has neither protruded nor recessed from its surface by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, when the aforementioned button deformation portion neither protrudes nor recesses relative to the flexible display, the surface of the deformation body is a flat surface. When the button deformation portion protrudes toward the flexible display, these units protrude from the surface of the deformation body toward the back side, pushing up the upper display surface. When the button deformation portion is recessed away from the flexible display, these units move away from the back side and are recessed into the surface of the deformation body.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the curvature shape of the flexible display is a concave arc shape comprising several curvature segments. The button deformation portions are located corresponding to these curvature segments; the smaller the radius of curvature of the curvature segment corresponding to the button deformation portion, the greater the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion when it protrudes toward the flexible display.

[0021] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the curvature shape of the flexible display is a convex arc shape comprising several curvature segments. The button deformation portions are located corresponding to these curvature segments; the larger the radius of curvature of the curvature segment corresponding to the button deformation portion, the greater the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion when it protrudes toward the flexible display.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the curvature shape of the flexible display includes a concave arc segment and a convex arc segment with the same radius of curvature. The button deformation portion is located below the concave and convex arc segments respectively. When the button deformation portion protrudes towards the flexible display, the protrusion height of the button deformation portion located in the concave arc segment is greater than the protrusion height of the button deformation portion located in the convex arc segment.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the curvature deformation layer comprises several segments having several curvatures.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aforementioned flexible display includes a display area and a button area, and the button deformation layer includes heat dissipation channels located below the display area.

[0025] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives of this disclosure, a display device is further proposed, comprising a flexible display, a curvature deformation layer, and a button deformation layer. The flexible display is disposed in the driver's cabin of a vehicle body and includes a display surface and a back surface facing each other. The curvature deformation layer is disposed below the back surface. The curvature deformation layer has a variable curvature to change the curvature shape of the flexible display. The button deformation layer is sandwiched between the back surface and the curvature deformation layer. The button deformation layer includes a plurality of button deformation portions. Each button deformation portion has a first shape in a first state, and each button deformation portion has a second shape in a second state, wherein the second shape differs from the first shape.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned curvature deformation layer is configured to vary the curvature so that the curvature shape of the flexible display changes to be more oriented towards the cockpit's driver's seat.

[0027] According to the above embodiments, the dual-layer deformable structure composed of the button deformable layer and the curvature deformable layer enables the deformation of the buttons and the adjustment of the curvature of the display. Replacing the existing lifting mechanism with a film layer not only solves the problem of interference in the operation of the lifting mechanism, but also makes the overall deformable structure thinner and lighter, making it easier to integrate into the vehicle cabin interior. In addition, the button deformable layer and the curvature deformable layer are located on the back of the flexible display, so they will not affect the display quality of the flexible display, and can be directly used as the supporting backing material for the flexible display.

[0028] Secondly, the key deformation section may include two serpentine flow channels fluidly connected to the chamber. This allows for adjustments to the chamber layout to achieve deformable keys of different shapes and / or sizes according to key usage requirements, and also enables the key deformation section to adapt to the stretchability of the curvature deformation layer. Furthermore, the curvature deformation layer may include two electrodes and an electrodeformable film sandwiched between them. By controlling the bias voltage applied to the electrodeformable film through the two electrodes, the curvature of the curvature deformation layer can be adjusted, thereby allowing the flexible display to exhibit different curvature shapes. Attached Figure Description

[0029] A better understanding of the features disclosed herein can be obtained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to industry standard practice, the features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the features can be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the deformation of the curvature deformation layer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the button deformation portion of the button deformation layer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection between the fluid supply source and the chamber, the first serpentine flow channel, and the second serpentine flow channel of the display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection between the chamber, the first serpentine flow channel, and the second serpentine flow channel of the button deformation part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection of the chamber, the first serpentine flow channel, and the second serpentine flow channel of the button deformation part according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection between the fluid supply source and the heat dissipation channel of the button deformation layer according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the parallel connection of electrodes of the actuating elements in a group of key deformation portions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the common flow channel shared by the chambers.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that the electrodes of the actuating element of the button deformation part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are electrically independent of each other, and the flow channels of each chamber are independent.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the raised state of the key deformation portion located on the concave arc segment of the flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the raised state of the key deformation portion on the convex arc segment of the flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the raised state of a touch button located in different curvature sections of a concave-arc flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the corresponding touch button on the flexible display when the button deformation part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in the first state.

[0044] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the corresponding touch button on the flexible display when the button deformation part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in the second state.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the external shape of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the cockpit is in two-person mode.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the external shape of a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the cockpit is in single-person mode.

[0047] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0048] 10: Display device

[0049] 100: Flexible Display

[0050] 110: Display Surface

[0051] 120: Back

[0052] 130: Display area

[0053] 140: Keypad area

[0054] 142: Touch button

[0055] 144: Touch button

[0056] 146a: Touch button

[0057] 146b: Touch button

[0058] 146c: Touch button

[0059] 146d: Touch button

[0060] 147: Touch button

[0061] 150: Concave arc segment

[0062] 160: Convex arc segment

[0063] 170a: Curvature section

[0064] 170b: Curvature section

[0065] 170c: Curvature section

[0066] 170d: Curvature section

[0067] 200: Curvature Deformation Layer

[0068] 210: First electrode

[0069] 220: Second electrode

[0070] 230: Electrodeformable thin film

[0071] 232: Positive ion

[0072] 234: Negative Ions

[0073] 300: Button Deformation Layer

[0074] 310: Button Deformation Section

[0075] 311: Chamber

[0076] 311a: Apex

[0077] 311b: Top surface

[0078] 312: Entrance

[0079] 313: Export

[0080] 314: Actuating element

[0081] 314a: Piezoelectric element

[0082] 314b: Electrode

[0083] 315: First check valve

[0084] 316: Second check valve

[0085] 317: First serpentine flow channel

[0086] 317a: First flow channel section

[0087] 317b: First connecting part

[0088] 318: Second serpentine flow channel

[0089] 318a: Second flow channel section

[0090] 318b: Second connecting part

[0091] 320: Transforming Body

[0092] 322: Surface

[0093] 324: Unit

[0094] 324a: Top

[0095] 330: Heat dissipation channel

[0096] 400: Adhesive layer

[0097] 500: Fluid supply source

[0098] 510: Common Flow Channel

[0099] 520: Flow channel

[0100] 600: Vehicle body

[0101] 610: Cockpit

[0102] 612: Driver's Seat

[0103] 614: Passenger Seat

[0104] 700: Driving

[0105] 710: Passengers

[0106] D1: First Distance

[0107] D2: Second distance

[0108] F: Fluid

[0109] NE: Negative electrode

[0110] PE: Positive electrode

[0111] PS: Power supply

[0112] RS1: Radial dimension

[0113] RS2: Radial dimension

[0114] RS3: Radial dimension

[0115] RS4: Radial dimension

[0116] T: Thickness

[0117] X: axis

[0118] Y: axis

[0119] Z: Axis Detailed Implementation

[0120] The embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific situations. The embodiments discussed and disclosed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. All embodiments of this disclosure disclose a variety of different features, but these features can be implemented individually or in combination as needed.

[0121] In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc. used in this article do not specifically refer to order or sequence, but are only used to distinguish elements or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0122] The spatial relationship between the two elements described in this disclosure applies not only to the orientations shown in the diagrams, but also to orientations not shown in the diagrams, such as inverted orientations. Furthermore, the terms "connection," "electrical connection," or similar expressions used in this disclosure to refer to two components are not limited to direct or electrical connections, but may also include indirect or electrical connections as needed.

[0123] The terms “approximately” and “substantially” as used herein generally refer to within 20%, 10%, or 5% of a given value or range. These values ​​are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The terms “approximately” and “substantially” may refer to percentages of values ​​as interpreted by one skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagrams illustrate a schematic structural diagram and a partial cross-sectional view of a display device 10 according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The display device 10 can be an automotive display device and can be installed in the driver's cabin of a vehicle. The display device 10 can also be used in other applications, such as home theaters, offices, conference rooms, or passenger seat armrests in vehicles, which are not limited to this disclosure. The display device 10 mainly includes a flexible display 100 and a two-layer deformable structure composed of a curvature deformable layer 200 and a button deformable layer 300.

[0125] The flexible display 100 is a touch-enabled, flexible, and stretchable display. The flexible display 100 includes a display surface 110 and a back surface 120 located on opposite sides of the flexible display 100. In some embodiments, the flexible display 100 includes a display area 130 and a button area 140. The display area 130 displays the main screen of each application on a corresponding area of ​​the display surface 110. The button area 140 can display one or more touch buttons corresponding to different applications on corresponding areas of the display surface 110, allowing users to select corresponding functions by touching the touch buttons.

[0126] The flexible display 100 can be designed with different resolutions for different areas depending on the strain it withstands, with lower resolution for higher strain. For example, display area 130 can be a general stretching area, while button area 140 can be an area with higher stretching than display area 130. In such an example, display area 130 can have a higher resolution than button area 140. In other embodiments, the flexible display 100 can display one or more touch buttons corresponding to different applications in different areas of display surface 110. In this case, the flexible display 100 does not distinguish between display and button areas.

[0127] A curvature deformation layer 200 is disposed beneath the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100. The curvature deformation layer 200 has a variable curvature to correspond to changes in the curvature shape of the flexible display 100, allowing the flexible display 100 to present different curvature shapes. For example, the curvature deformation layer 200 may comprise several segments, each with several curvatures. The curvature deformation layer 200 can undergo dynamic or static curvature changes, causing the flexible display 100 to dynamically change its curvature shape or statically present a corresponding curvature shape. Furthermore, the curvature deformation layer 200 can undergo full-surface curvature changes, thereby altering the overall curvature shape of the flexible display 100. For example, the curvature deformation layer 200 can undergo full-surface curvature changes, giving the flexible display 100 a concave arc shape, a convex arc shape, or a flat shape with the same curvature. Alternatively, the curvature deformation layer 200 can vary the curvature in sections according to the usage scenario, thereby changing the curvature shape of the flexible display 100 locally. For example, the curvature deformation layer 200 can perform different curvature changes for the upper and lower halves, making the upper half of the flexible display 100 concave and the lower half convex.

[0128] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 and Figure 3 ,in Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a deformation layer 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the deformation layer 200 includes a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and an electrodeformable film 230. The second electrode 220 is located on one side of the first electrode 210 and faces the first electrode 210. The electrodeformable film 230 is sandwiched between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, and the opposite sides of the electrodeformable film 230 are respectively bonded to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0129] like Figure 3 As shown, the electrodeformable film 230 contains numerous positive ions 232 and negative ions 234, which can deform upon the application of electricity. Specifically, when a bias voltage is applied to the electrodeformable film 230 by a power source PS through the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, the positive ions 232 and negative ions 234 within the electrodeformable film 230 move, causing the electrodeformable film 230 to deform, thereby causing the curvature deformation layer 200 to deform. For example, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 are connected to the negative electrode NE and the positive electrode PE of the power source PS, respectively. Therefore, the positive ions 232 within the electrodeformable film 230 move towards the first electrode 210, while the negative ions 234 move towards the second electrode 220. Thus, by adjusting the bias voltage applied to the electrodeformable film 230, the curvature of the curvature deformation layer 200 can be controlled, thereby correspondingly changing the curvature shape of the flexible display 100. The electrodeformable film 230 can be, for example, an ionic polymer-metal composite material.

[0130] By increasing the bias voltage applied to the electrodeformable film 230, the curvature deformation layer 200 can generate a greater bending force. Alternatively, by increasing the thickness of the electrodeformable film 230 or increasing the ion concentration within the electrodeformable film 230, the curvature deformation layer 200 can also generate a greater bending force, but this disclosure is not limited to these limitations.

[0131] like Figure 2 As shown, the button deformation layer 300 is sandwiched between the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100 and the curvature deformation layer 200. Deformation of the button deformation layer 300 can cause deformation of the flexible display 100. The button deformation layer 300 is closer to the flexible display 100 than the curvature deformation layer 200, thereby allowing the corresponding area of ​​the flexible display 100 to exhibit a more significant deformation effect. In some embodiments, the button deformation layer 300 is bonded to the curvature deformation layer 200 via an adhesive layer 400. The adhesive layer 400 is a flexible material capable of withstanding deformation. A smaller Young's modulus of the adhesive layer 400 is preferable, for example, less than 10 kPa.

[0132] The button deformation layer 300 includes a plurality of button deformation portions 310. These button deformation portions 310 are positioned to correspond to a plurality of touch buttons of the flexible display 100. Furthermore, these button deformation portions 310 may also correspond to the touch buttons of the flexible display 100 in shape and size. For example, the shape and size of the button deformation portions 310 may be the same as the touch buttons. Each button deformation portion 310 may have two or more shapes corresponding to different states, thereby allowing the corresponding touch buttons of the flexible display 100 to have two or more shapes. For example, each button deformation portion 310 may have a first shape in a first state and a second shape different from the first shape in a second state.

[0133] In some embodiments, each button deformation portion 310 includes three shapes: protruding towards the flexible display 100, recessed away from the flexible display 100, or neither protruding nor recessed relative to the flexible display 100. The aforementioned first shape and second shape are two of these three shapes. For example, in the first state, the button deformation portion 310 may be recessed away from the flexible display 100; while in the second state, the button deformation portion 310 may be protruding towards the flexible display 100.

[0134] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 and Figure 4 ,in Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating the button deformation portion 310 of a button deformation layer 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the button deformation layer 300 further includes a deformation body 320. The deformation body 320 may be made of a flexible material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The deformation body 320 includes a surface 322 that corresponds to and is adjacent to the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100.

[0135] The deformable body 320 includes a plurality of units 324. Button deformable portions 310 are correspondingly disposed in these units 324 of the deformable body 320, and the number of button deformable portions 310 corresponds to the number of these units 324 of the deformable body 320. In some embodiments, each button deformable portion 310 has a chamber 311, an inlet 312, and an outlet 313 located in the corresponding unit 324. In some exemplary embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the edges of each chamber 311 are rounded, making the top edge 311a of the chamber 311 convex. This improves the problem of stress concentration at the top edge 311a. The length and width of the chamber 311 can be designed according to the size of the touch button to be raised. That is, the area of ​​the chamber 311 determines the size of the raised touch button.

[0136] Inlet 312 and outlet 313 are respectively fluidly connected to chamber 311. For example, inlet 312 and outlet 313 may be located on opposite sides of chamber 311 in the horizontal direction. Thus, a fluid F, such as gas or liquid, can enter chamber 311 through inlet 312 and exit chamber 311 through outlet 313. Fluid F may be, for example, a solution, sol, or gas. Different fluids F can be selected depending on the required function. For example, if heat dissipation is required, a fluid F with heat dissipation function can be selected.

[0137] Each button deformation portion 310 includes an actuating element 314. The actuating element 314 is disposed on the top surface 311b of the chamber 311. The actuating element 314 can be actuated to move the top 324a of the corresponding unit 324 in each chamber 311 toward or away from the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100. The thickness T of the top 324a should be as small as possible to facilitate the actuation of the actuating element 314. When the top 324a moves toward the back surface 120, the volume of the chamber 311 can be increased, which can cause the fluid F to flow into the chamber 311 from the inlet 312. When the top 324a moves away from the back surface 120, the volume of the chamber 311 will be reduced, which can force the fluid F to flow out of the chamber 311 from the outlet 313.

[0138] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the actuating element 314 includes a piezoelectric element 314a and an electrode 314b. The electrode 314b is located on the piezoelectric element 314a. Applying an electric current to the electrode 314b causes the piezoelectric element 314a to bulge upwards, thereby moving the top 324a of the corresponding unit 324 in the chamber 311 toward the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100. Figure 2 As shown, when the unit 324 corresponding to the deformable body 320 neither protrudes nor recesses the surface 322, the top surface 311b of the chamber 311 is separated from the surface 322 by a first distance D1. And as... Figure 4 As shown, when the corresponding unit 324 protrudes toward the back surface 120 of the flexible display 100, the reference... Figure 4 The upper side of the dotted arc line indicates that the top surface 311b of the protruding chamber 311 is a second distance D2 from the original flat top surface 311b of the chamber 311. In some embodiments, considering the cushioning properties of the soft material of the deformable body 320, when the button deformable part 310 protrudes, the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 in order to ensure that the button is clearly visible.

[0139] In some embodiments, when the button deformation portion 310 neither protrudes nor recedes relative to the flexible display 100, the surface 322 of the deformation body 320 is a flat surface, and the top surface 311b of the cavity 311 can also be flat. When the button deformation portion 310 protrudes toward the flexible display 100, the corresponding unit 324 of the deformation body 320 protrudes from the surface 322 toward the back surface 120 and pushes up the upper display surface 110, and the top surface 311b of the cavity 311 can protrude. (See reference...) Figure 4 The upper side of the dotted arc line. When the button deformation part 310 is recessed away from the flexible display 100, the corresponding unit 324 of the deformation body 320 moves away from the back surface 120 and is recessed into the surface 322. At this time, the top surface 311b of the cavity 311 can be recessed. See reference. Figure 4 The lower side of the dotted arc line.

[0140] Please refer to this again. Figure 4 In some embodiments, each button deformation portion 310 further includes a first one-way valve 315 and a second one-way valve 316. The first one-way valve 315 is located at the inlet 312. The first one-way valve 315 controls the fluid F to flow only into the chamber 311 from the inlet 312 and prevents it from flowing out of the chamber 311. The second one-way valve 316 is located at the outlet 313. The second one-way valve 316 controls the fluid F to flow only out of the chamber 311 from the outlet 313 and prevents it from flowing into the chamber 311 from the outlet 313. The smoothness of the flow of fluid F can be improved by using the first one-way valve 315 and the second one-way valve 316.

[0141] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection between the fluid supply source 500 of the display device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the chambers 311, the first serpentine flow channel 317, and the second serpentine flow channel 318 of the button deformation portion 310. The display device 10 further includes the fluid supply source 500. The fluid supply source 500 is fluidly connected to the chambers 311 of all the button deformation portions 310 to supply fluid F to these chambers 311 and receive fluid F flowing out of the chambers 311. In some embodiments, each button deformation portion 310 further includes a first serpentine flow channel 317 and a second serpentine flow channel 318. The first serpentine flow channel 317 is fluidly connected to an inlet 312, and the second serpentine flow channel 318 is fluidly connected to an outlet 313. Thereby, the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 are respectively fluidly connected to the chambers 311. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 are located on opposite sides of the chamber 311 in the Z-axis direction, for example, the lower side and the upper side of the chamber 311.

[0142] The design of the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 can improve the stretchability of the button deformation part 310. Moreover, the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 will not be blocked due to compression.

[0143] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first serpentine flow channel 317 includes a first flow channel portion 317a and a first connecting portion 317b. The first connecting portion 317b is located between the inlet 312 and the first flow channel portion 317a, and its two opposite ends are respectively connected to the inlet 312 and the first flow channel portion 317a. The radial dimension RS2 of the first connecting portion 317b is greater than the radial dimension RS1 of the first flow channel portion 317a. Furthermore, the second serpentine flow channel 318 includes a second flow channel portion 318a and a second connecting portion 318b. The two opposite ends of the second connecting portion 318b are respectively connected to the outlet 313 and the second flow channel portion 318a. The radial dimension RS4 of the second connecting portion 318b is greater than the radial dimension RS3 of the second flow channel portion 318a. By increasing the radial dimension RS2 of the first connecting part 317b and the radial dimension RS4 of the second connecting part 318b, the first connecting part 317b and the second connecting part 318b can have the function of storing fluid F, thereby increasing the speed at which fluid F flows into the chamber 311, and thus accelerating the deformation speed of the button deformation part 310.

[0144] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams illustrating the fluid connections of the chamber 311, the first serpentine flow channel 317, and the second serpentine flow channel 318 of the button deformation portion 310 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6In this configuration, both the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 meander along the plane defined by axes X and Y, which is parallel to the surface 322 of the deformable body 320. In some embodiments, the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 may be point-symmetrical. When the button deformable part 310 is actuated and deformed, the chamber 311 can rotate on the plane defined by axes X and Y.

[0145] exist Figure 7 In this design, both the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 meander along a plane parallel to the Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the surface 322 of the deformable body 320. In some embodiments, the first serpentine flow channel 317 and the second serpentine flow channel 318 are mirror-symmetrical about the cavity 311. When the button deformable part 310 is actuated and deformed, the cavity 311 can move upward or downward along the Z-axis.

[0146] The button deformation part 310 may adopt other stretchable flow channel structure designs, such as sawtooth structure, horseshoe structure, other serrated structure, fractal structure, non-buckling structure, etc., which are not limited to this disclosure.

[0147] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 1 and Figure 8 ,in Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid connection between the fluid supply source 500 and the heat dissipation channel 330 of the button deformation layer 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the button deformation layer 300 includes the heat dissipation channel 330. The heat dissipation channel 330 is located below the display area 130 of the flexible display 100. The fluid supply source 500 is also fluidly connected to the heat dissipation channel 330 and can supply fluid F to the heat dissipation channel 330 to remove some of the heat from the display area 130, thereby reducing the temperature of the display area 130.

[0148] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 4 and Figure 9 ,in Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that the electrodes 314b of the actuating elements 314 in a group of button deformable portions 310 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are connected in parallel, and the chambers 311 share a common flow channel 510. In some embodiments, the button deformable portions 310 are divided into several groups, and the electrodes 314b of the actuating elements 314 in each group are connected in parallel. This allows the button deformable portions 310 in the same group to deform simultaneously.

[0149] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 5 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the chambers 311 of the button deformable portions 310 in each group are fluidly connected to the fluid supply source 500 via a common flow channel 510 and via their respective first serpentine flow channels 317. The chambers 311 of the button deformable portions 310 in each group may also be fluidly connected to the fluid supply source 500 via individual flow channels.

[0150] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 4 and Figure 10 ,in Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating that the electrodes 314b of the actuation element 314 of the button deformation portion 310 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are electrically independent of each other, and the flow channels 520 of each chamber 311 are independent. In some embodiments, the electrodes 314b of the actuation element 314 of all button deformation portions 310 are electrically independent of each other, thereby allowing the deformation of each button deformation portion 310 to be controlled individually. In such embodiments, the chambers 311 of these button deformation portions 310 can be fluidly connected to a fluid supply source 500 through several flow channels 520. The two flow channels 520 connected to each chamber 311 can be a first serpentine flow channel 317 and a second serpentine flow channel 318, respectively. The chambers 311 of these button deformation portions 310 can also be fluidly connected to a fluid supply source 500 through several flow channels 520. Figure 9 The common flow channel 510 is fluidly connected to the fluid supply source 500.

[0151] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 1 , Figure 11 ,and Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the raised states of touch buttons 142 and 144 on the concave arc segment 150 and convex arc segment 160 of a flexible display 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the curvature of the flexible display 100 includes a concave arc segment 150 and a convex arc segment 160 with the same radius of curvature. A button deformation portion 310 is located below the concave arc segment 150 and the convex arc segment 160. When the button deformation portion 310 protrudes toward the flexible display 100, the protrusion height of the button deformation portion 310 located on the concave arc segment 150 is greater than the protrusion height of the button deformation portion 310 located on the convex arc segment 160. Therefore, the button deformation portion 310 on the concave arc segment 150 allows the protrusion height of the corresponding touch button 142 on the concave arc segment 150 to be higher than the protrusion height of the corresponding touch button 144 on the convex arc segment 160.

[0152] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 and Figure 13 ,in Figure 13This is a schematic diagram illustrating the raised states of touch buttons 146a, 146b, 146c, and 146d located on different curvature sections 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d of a concave flexible display 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the curvature shape of the flexible display 100 is a concave arc shape including several curvature sections 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d, and the button deformation portion 310 is correspondingly located on these curvature sections 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d. Curvature sections 170a and 170d may have the same curvature. Curvature sections 170b and 170c may have the same curvature. The radius of curvature of curvature sections 170b and 170c is smaller than the radius of curvature of curvature sections 170a and 170d. The smaller the radius of curvature of the curvature segments 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d corresponding to the button deformation portion 310, i.e., the more concave it is, the greater the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion 310 when it protrudes toward the flexible display 100. Specifically, the smaller and more concave the radius of curvature of curvature segments 170b and 170c, the greater the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion 310 toward the flexible display 100, resulting in a greater degree of protrusion of the corresponding touch buttons 146b and 146c. Conversely, the larger and less concave the radius of curvature of curvature segments 170a and 170d, the smaller the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion 310 toward the flexible display 100, resulting in a smaller degree of protrusion of the corresponding touch buttons 146a and 146d compared to touch buttons 146b and 146c.

[0153] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 Unlike concave-arc displays, the flexible display 100 has a convex arc shape containing several curvature segments (not shown), and the button deformation portion 310 is located on these curvature segments. The larger the radius of curvature of the curvature segment corresponding to the button deformation portion 310, that is, the less convex it is, the greater the degree of protrusion of the button deformation portion 310 when it protrudes toward the flexible display 100, so that... Figure 12 The corresponding touch button 144 also protrudes more.

[0154] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 , Figure 14 ,and Figure 15 ,in Figure 14 and Figure 15These are schematic diagrams illustrating the external appearance of the corresponding touch buttons 147 on the flexible display 100 in a first state and a second state, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The button deformation portion 310 corresponds to a plurality of touch buttons 147. When the display device 10 is applied to the cockpit, these touch buttons 147 can be used to control several functions in the cockpit, such as the lights and air conditioning. In some embodiments, when the button deformation portion 310 is in the recessed first state, the touch button 147 is in the state where the corresponding function is enabled, and when the button deformation portion 310 is in the protruding second state, the touch button 147 is in the state where the corresponding function is disabled. This allows the driver to more intuitively understand the enabled / disabled state of the corresponding function of the touch button 147.

[0155] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 2 , Figure 16 ,and Figure 17 ,in Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are schematic diagrams illustrating the external appearance of a display device 10 according to one embodiment of this disclosure in both a two-person mode and a single-person mode within the driver's cabin 610. The display device 10 is an automotive display device installed in the driver's cabin 610 of the vehicle body 600. Figure 16 As shown, when the driver's seat 612 and the co-driver's seat 614 of the cockpit 610 are occupied by the driver 700 and the passenger 710 respectively, the distance between the display device 10 and the driver's seat 612 and the co-driver's seat 614 is approximately the same, so that the driver 700 and the passenger 710 can view the display device 10 at the same time.

[0156] like Figure 2 and Figure 17 As shown, when there is no passenger 710 in the co-pilot seat 614, the curvature deformation layer 200 of the display device 10 can change its curvature to change the curvature shape of the flexible display 100 so that it faces the driver's seat 612 of the cockpit 610 more directly. This increases the viewing range of the driver 700 on the display device 10.

[0157] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this disclosure achieves button deformation and adjustable display curvature through a two-layer deformation structure composed of a button deformation layer and a curvature deformation layer. Replacing the existing lifting mechanism with a film layer not only solves the interference problem of the lifting mechanism but also makes the overall deformation structure thinner and easier to integrate into the vehicle interior. Furthermore, since the button deformation layer and curvature deformation layer are located on the back of the flexible display, they do not affect the display quality of the flexible display and can be directly used as the supporting backing material for the flexible display.

[0158] Furthermore, the key deformation section may include two serpentine flow channels fluidly connected to the chamber. This allows for adjustments to the chamber layout to achieve deformable keys of different shapes and / or sizes according to key usage requirements, and also enables the key deformation section to adapt to the stretchability of the curvature deformation layer. Moreover, the curvature deformation layer may include two electrodes and an electrodeformable film sandwiched between them. By controlling the bias voltage applied to the electrodeformable film through the two electrodes, the curvature of the curvature deformation layer can be adjusted, thereby allowing the flexible display to exhibit different curvature shapes.

[0159] Although this disclosure has been shown above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Anyone skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, Include: A flexible display comprising a display surface and a back surface facing each other; A curvature deformation layer is disposed below the back surface, wherein the curvature deformation layer has a variable curvature to correspond to changes in the curvature shape of the flexible display; as well as A button deformation layer is sandwiched between the back surface and the curvature deformation layer, wherein the button deformation layer includes a plurality of button deformation portions, each of the button deformation portions having a first shape in a first state, and each of the button deformation portions having a second shape in a second state, wherein the second shape is different from the first shape.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature deformation layer includes: First electrode; A second electrode, located to one side of the first electrode; and An electrodeformable thin film is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the deformable parts of the buttons includes three shapes: protruding towards the flexible display, recessed away from the flexible display, or neither protruding nor recessed relative to the flexible display. The first shape is one of the three shapes, and the second shape is another of the three shapes.

4. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, in: The button deformation layer further includes a deformation body, wherein the deformation body includes a surface corresponding to and adjacent to the back surface, and the deformation body includes multiple units, and the button deformation portions are correspondingly disposed in the units. Each of these button deformation portions includes an actuating element and has a chamber, an inlet, and an outlet located in a corresponding unit, wherein the inlet and the outlet are respectively fluidly connected to the chamber, and the actuating element is disposed on a top surface of the chamber, the actuating element being configured to move a top of the corresponding unit toward or away from the back surface, thereby causing fluid to flow into the chamber from the inlet or out of the chamber from the outlet; and The display device further includes a fluid supply source, wherein the fluid supply source is fluidly connected to the chambers of the key deformation portions.

5. The display device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of these button deformation parts further includes: A first serpentine flow channel, with fluid connection to the inlet; and A second serpentine flow channel connects the fluid to the outlet. The first serpentine flow channel and the second serpentine flow channel are located on opposite sides of the chamber, respectively, along with the actuating element.

6. The display device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the first serpentine flow channel and the second serpentine flow channel meanders on a plane that is parallel to or perpendicular to the surface.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, in: The first serpentine flow channel includes: First-class flow section; and A first connecting portion, wherein two opposing ends of the first connecting portion are respectively joined to the inlet and the first flow channel portion, and a radial dimension of the first connecting portion is larger than a radial dimension of the first flow channel portion; and The second serpentine flow channel includes: A second flow channel section; and A second connecting portion, wherein the two opposite ends of the second connecting portion are respectively joined to the outlet and the second flow channel portion, and a radial dimension of the second connecting portion is greater than a radial dimension of the second flow channel portion.

8. The display device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The actuating element includes a piezoelectric element and an electrode located on the piezoelectric element.

9. The display device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The electrodes of the actuating elements in the deformed parts of the buttons are electrically independent of each other.

10. The display device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The deformed parts of the buttons are divided into multiple groups, and the electrodes of the actuating elements of the deformed parts of the buttons in each of the groups are connected in parallel.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The chambers of these button deformation parts are respectively fluidly connected to the fluid supply source through multiple flow channels.

12. The display device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The chambers of these button deformation parts are fluidly connected to the fluid supply source through a common flow channel.

13. The display device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The top edge of one of the chambers of each of these key deformation parts is convex arc-shaped.

14. The display device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, in: When the corresponding one of these units neither protrudes nor recesses the surface, the top surface of the chamber is separated from the surface by a first distance; The top surface of the cavity when one of the corresponding units protrudes toward the flexible display is at a second distance from the top surface of the cavity when the corresponding unit is neither protruding nor recessed, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

15. The display device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, in: When the deformable parts of these buttons neither protrude nor recede relative to the flexible display, the surface is a flat surface; When these key deformable portions protrude toward the flexible display, these units protrude from the surface toward the back, pushing up the display surface above; and When the deformable parts of these buttons are recessed away from the flexible display, these units move away from the back side and are recessed into the surface.

16. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible display has a concave arc shape with multiple curvature segments. The deformable buttons are located on these curvature segments. The smaller the curvature radii of the multiple curvature segments corresponding to the deformable buttons, the greater the degree of protrusion of the deformable buttons when they protrude toward the flexible display.

17. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible display has a curved shape that includes multiple curved sections. The deformable buttons are located on these curved sections. The larger the multiple radii of curvature of the curved sections corresponding to the deformable buttons, the greater the degree of protrusion of the deformable buttons when they protrude toward the flexible display.

18. The display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible display has a curved shape comprising a concave arc segment and a convex arc segment with the same radius of curvature. The deformable button portions are located below the concave arc segment and the convex arc segment respectively. When the deformable button portions protrude toward the flexible display, the protrusion height of the deformable button portions located in the concave arc segment is greater than the protrusion height of the deformable button portions located in the convex arc segment.

19. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature deformation layer comprises multiple segments, each with a different curvature.

20. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible display includes a display area and a button area, and the button deformation layer includes a heat dissipation channel located below the display area.

21. A vehicle display device, characterized in that, Include: A flexible display is located in a cockpit of a vehicle body and includes a display surface and a back surface facing each other. A curvature deformation layer is disposed below the back surface, wherein the curvature deformation layer has a variable curvature to change the curvature shape of the flexible display; as well as A button deformation layer is sandwiched between the back surface and the curvature deformation layer, wherein the button deformation layer includes a plurality of button deformation portions, each of the button deformation portions having a first shape in a first state, and each of the button deformation portions having a second shape in a second state, wherein the second shape is different from the first shape.

22. The vehicle display device as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, The curvature deformation layer is configured to vary the variable curvature so that the curvature shape of the flexible display changes to be more oriented towards the driver's seat in the cockpit.

Images