Stretchable display device, method of manufacturing stretchable display device

Abstract

A stretchable display device (1) includes: a stretchable base (11), a plurality of support bases (12) each having a pixel (2), first stretchable wirings (21) connecting the pixels to each other, first stretchable dummy wirings (31) connecting the support bases to each other, and stretch measurement units (42, 43) that estimate stretch ratios of the first stretchable wirings by measuring stretch ratios of the first stretchable dummy wirings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a stretchable display device that is stretchable in an in-plane direction, and a method for manufacturing the stretchable display device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a stretchable display device that can stretch in the in-plane direction of the substrate by providing stretchable connecting wires between multiple substrates that each contain sub-pixels.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0027671. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention In the retractable display device described in Patent Document 1, when an external force exceeding a specified value is applied in the elongation direction of the substrate, the connecting wiring may break, or the shape of the connecting wiring may not be restored. The separate preparation of a device for measuring the external force applied to the substrate in the retractable display device described in Patent Document 1 leads to increased complexity and cost of the retractable display device.

[0005] Solution to the problem One aspect of this disclosure relates to a scalable display device comprising: a scalable substrate that is scalable in a first direction in an in-plane direction; a plurality of support substrates formed on the scalable substrate and each having a pixel; a first scalable wiring that connects the respective pixels of at least two of the support substrates to each other and is scalable in the first direction; a first scalable dummy wiring that connects the support substrates having the pixels connected by the first scalable wiring to each other and is scalable in the first direction; and a scalability measuring unit that estimates the scalability ratio of the first scalable wiring in the first direction by measuring the scalability ratio of the first scalable dummy wiring in the first direction.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a scalable display device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a step of preparing a scalable substrate, the scalable substrate being scalable in a first direction in an in-plane direction; a step of forming a plurality of support substrates, each having pixels, on the scalable substrate; a step of forming a first scalable wiring, the first scalable wiring connecting the pixels of at least two of the support substrates to each other and being scalable in the first direction; a step of forming a first scalable dummy wiring, the first scalable dummy wiring connecting the support substrates having pixels connected by the first scalable wiring to each other and being scalable in the first direction; and a step of forming a scalability measuring unit, the scalability measuring unit estimating the scalability ratio of the first scalable wiring in the first direction by measuring the scalability ratio of the first scalable dummy wiring in the first direction.

[0007] Invention Effects While reducing the complexity or cost increase of scalable display devices, it also reduces the deformation of connecting wiring. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an enlarged top view of a part of the display device involved in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the display device involved in the implementation.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic side sectional view of the display device according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a side cross-section of the first telescopic wiring and the first telescopic dummy wiring involved in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is an enlarged top view of a part of the display device used to show the deformation of the telescopic wiring and telescopic dummy wiring caused by the elongation of the telescopic base of the display device according to the accompanying embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the relationship between the strain of the first telescopic dummy wire measured by the strain gauge according to the embodiment and the measured value of the stress applied to the first telescopic dummy wire.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] [Implementation Method 1] <Overview of Display Devices> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the display device 1 according to this embodiment. The display device 1 is a retractable display device that can be stretched in at least one direction in the in-plane direction. The display device 1 includes: a display section DA containing a plurality of pixels 2, and a border region NA located around the display section DA in a top view and including a drive circuit DR for driving the plurality of pixels 2. Each of the plurality of pixels 2 includes a light-emitting element EL and a pixel circuit PC for driving the light-emitting element EL. The display device 1 displays in the display section DA by controlling the light emitted by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements EL formed in the display section DA via the drive circuit DR and the pixel circuit PC.

[0016] The light-emitting element (EL) is, for example, an electric field injection type light-emitting element, which may contain organic light-emitting materials, organic phosphorescent materials, or quantum dot materials as light-emitting materials. The pixel circuit PC contains transistors such as TFTs, which individually drive each light-emitting element (EL) based on signals from the driving circuit DR.

[0017] Regarding the structure of the display device 1, and especially the structure of the display device 1 in the display unit DA, refer to... Figure 1 To provide a more detailed explanation. Figure 1 This is an enlarged top view of the display device 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, and in particular, a top view showing a portion of the plurality of pixels 2 of the display device 1 and a portion of the border area NA.

[0018] <Expansion-contraction substrate and supporting substrate> like Figure 1 As shown, the display device 1, in its top view, includes a telescopic base 11 at least at a position overlapping the display section. In one of the in-plane directions of the telescopic base 11, for example... Figure 1 The image shown will face Figure 1 Let the left and right directions of the paper be the first direction D1, and let the facing direction be... Figure 1 The vertical direction of the paper, in other words, the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1, is designated as the second direction D2. In this case, the stretchable substrate 11 according to this embodiment can stretch or contract within a predetermined range in the first direction D1, and in particular, the stretchable substrate 11 can stretch or contract within predetermined ranges in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The stretchable substrate 11 may also contain an elastic material, such as resin, that can recover its shape. The stretchable substrate 11 may also overlap with the border area NA in the top view. Figure 1 The display device 1 is shown in a state in which no external force causing the telescopic base 11 to extend is applied to the telescopic base 11 in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0019] The display device 1 also includes a plurality of support bases 12, which are formed in the region of the telescopic base 11 that overlaps with the display portion DA in the top view. For example, the display device 1 includes a plurality of support bases 12 arranged along both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. Furthermore, each support base 12 has a pixel 2. Therefore, in the display device 1, the pixels 2 are arranged along both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The support base 12 may contain a material that is elastic and capable of restoring its shape, such as resin, or a material that is more rigid than the telescopic base 11.

[0020] The distance between the plurality of support bases 12 formed on the telescopic base 11 varies as the telescopic base 11 expands and contracts. For example, the distance between two adjacent support bases 12 along the first direction D1 will increase as the telescopic base 11 elongates in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the support bases 12 themselves may remain unchanged regardless of how the telescopic base 11 expands and contracts, or the support bases 12 themselves may deform as the telescopic base 11 expands and contracts.

[0021] Regarding the telescopic base 11 and the supporting base 12 on the telescopic base 11, refer to Figure 3 To provide a more detailed explanation. Figure 3 This is a schematic side sectional view of display device 1, especially Figure 1 The sectional view shown is along line AA. In other words, Figure 3 It is a side profile of the display device 1 in a top view, for example, parallel to the first direction D1 and passing through the two support bases 12, and the pixels 2 of each of the two support bases 12.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, a pixel 2, comprising a light-emitting element EL and a pixel circuit PC, is formed on each of the plurality of support bases 12 on the telescopic base 11. Figure 3 As shown, the display device 1 may include a sealing film 6. In this case, the support substrate 12 containing the pixels 2 can be covered by the light-transmitting sealing film 6, thereby sealing it onto the telescopic substrate 11. The sealing film 6 can be formed commonly on the telescopic substrate 11 in the top view. The sealing film 6 can elongate along with the telescopic substrate 11 in the in-plane direction.

[0023] <Extendable cabling> Return to reference Figure 1The display device 1 includes a first telescopic wiring 21 that connects the respective pixels 2 of at least two support bases 12 to each other. For example, the first telescopic wiring 21 connects the respective pixels 2 of two support bases 12 arranged along a first direction D1 in a top view. Furthermore, the first telescopic wiring 21 is configured, through a structure described later, to be able to extend and retract within a predetermined range along the first direction D1.

[0024] Therefore, even if the distance between the two support bases 12 increases due to the elongation of the telescopic base 11 in the first direction D1, the first telescopic wiring 21 can maintain the connection between the two pixels 2 by elongating. Furthermore, after the first telescopic wiring 21 elongates due to the elongation of the telescopic base 11, the first telescopic wiring 21 can also shorten to restore its original shape when the telescopic base 11 shortens.

[0025] The first retractable wiring 21 can connect two pixels 2 to each other and transmit signals between the two pixels 2. For example, the first retractable wiring 21 can supply current to the light-emitting element EL of at least one of the connected pixels 2 to make the light-emitting element EL emit light. In addition, the first retractable wiring 21 can supply signals to the pixel circuit PC of at least one of the connected pixels 2 to drive the pixel circuit PC. Furthermore, the first retractable wiring 21 can also relay the transmission of signals supplied to other pixels 2 besides the two connected pixels 2.

[0026] <Extendable Dummy Wiring> The display device 1 includes first telescopic dummy wiring 31, which connects support bases 12 to each other, on which pixels 2 are formed and connected by first telescopic wiring 21. The first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is located on both sides of a second direction D2, for example, relative to a single first telescopic wiring 21. In other words, the display device 1 includes multiple first telescopic dummy wirings 31 relative to a single first telescopic wiring 21. The first telescopic dummy wirings 31 are configured to extend and retract within a predetermined range along a first direction D1. In particular, both the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 extend in the same direction as the first direction D1.

[0027] Therefore, even if the distance between the two support bases 12 increases due to the elongation of the telescopic base 11 in the first direction D1, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 can maintain the connection between the two support bases 12 through its elongation. However, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 may not be wiring that contributes to the light emission of the light-emitting element EL and the driving of the pixel circuit PC.

[0028] <Specific examples of retractable cabling> Reference Figure 4This section provides an example illustrating the specific configuration of the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a side cross-section of the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Figure 4 The schematic diagrams shown are all Figure 1 The BB line is shown as a cross-sectional view. In other words, Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a first telescopic wire 21 and two first telescopic dummy wires 31 that run through the display device 1 parallel to the first direction D1. The two first telescopic dummy wires 31 are respectively formed on both sides of the first telescopic wire 21 in the second direction D2.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown in schematic diagram 401, the first telescopic wiring 21 can be a generally cylindrical wiring containing conductive material. In this case, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 can have a conductive portion 71 with the same shape and containing the same material as the first telescopic wiring 21. In this case, the conductive portion 71 can extend and retract together with the first telescopic wiring 21 in the first direction D1.

[0030] Furthermore, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 may include a strain gauge 72, which covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the conductive portion 71, for example, covering the upper half of the outer surface of the conductive portion 71 as shown in schematic figure 401. The strain gauge 72 expands and contracts together with the conductive portion 71 in the first direction D1. In particular, the resistance of the strain gauge 72 changes due to its expansion and contraction in the first direction D1. Therefore, the strain gauge 72 can be used to calculate the expansion and contraction ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 by the method described later. By having the strain gauge 72 cover only the upper half of the outer surface of the conductive portion 71, as shown in schematic figure 401, the formation of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 can be simplified.

[0031] Furthermore, the shapes of the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 are not limited to the example shown in schematic diagram 401. For example, as shown in schematic diagram 402, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 may have a strain gauge 72 positioned on the entire surface of the outer surface of the generally cylindrical conductive portion 71. Thus, as the conductive portion 71 expands and contracts, the resistance change of the strain gauge 72 becomes more sensitive, and therefore the strain gauge 72 can more accurately calculate the expansion and contraction ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Additionally, this embodiment describes an example where the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 has a conductive portion 71 and a strain gauge 72, but it is not limited to this. For example, as long as the resistance change of the strain gauge 72 accompanying expansion and contraction can be measured, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 may have a component with low conductivity or insulation, and a strain gauge 72 located on that component.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in schematic diagram 403, the first telescopic wiring 21 can have a flat plate shape, and in this case, the conductive portion 71 of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 can also have a flat plate shape. In this case, the strain gauge 72 can be formed on the upper surface of the conductive portion 71. The first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 shown in schematic diagram 403 can be more easily formed by forming a film of conductive material and patterning it.

[0033] The first telescopic wire 21 and the first telescopic dummy wire 31 can be made of the same material, or they can be made of different materials. In this case, for example, the Young's modulus of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 can be greater than that of the first telescopic wire 21. This allows the breaking tension of the first telescopic wire 21 to be greater than that of the first telescopic dummy wire 31, thereby reducing the likelihood of the first telescopic wire 21 breaking before the first telescopic dummy wire 31 breaks.

[0034] <Extension Measurement Section and Warning Section> Return to reference Figure 1 The display device 1 may have a current measuring unit 41 on the support base 12. The current measuring unit 41 applies current to the first telescopic dummy wire 31 and measures the current flowing through the first telescopic dummy wire 31. The current measuring unit 41 may be connected to each of the two ends of the first telescopic dummy wire 31.

[0035] The display device 1 may include an IC 42 and a telemetry measuring unit 43 in the bezel area NA. For example, the display device 1 may include a flexible printed circuit board FC in the bezel area NA, which relays signals sent to each drive circuit DR, such as a power supply unit (not shown). In this case, the IC 42 may be formed on the flexible printed circuit board FC. Furthermore, the telemetry measuring unit 43 may be formed on the bezel area NA, particularly on the telemetry substrate 11 in the bezel area NA. The display device 1 may include only one of the IC 42 and the telemetry measuring unit 43; in other words, it may not include both the IC 42 and the telemetry measuring unit 43.

[0036] Both IC42 and the telemetry measuring unit 43 measure the telemetry ratio of the first telemetry dummy wiring 31 in the first direction D1 using the method described later, thereby estimating the telemetry ratio of the first telemetry dummy wiring 21 in the first direction D1. In other words, at least a portion of the telemetry measuring unit for measuring the telemetry ratio of the first telemetry dummy wiring 31 in the first direction D1 can be formed in IC42.

[0037] Furthermore, the "twist ratio" in this disclosure may refer to the proportion of the elongation of the wiring based on the wiring length under conditions where no external force is applied to the wiring along its extension direction. Alternatively, the "twist ratio" in this disclosure may refer to the proportion of the wiring length relative to the wiring length in a predetermined direction in the in-plane direction of the telescopic base 11.

[0038] By including at least a portion of the telescopic measuring unit in IC42, the function of the telescopic measuring unit can be concentrated in IC42, thereby simplifying the configuration of the telescopic measuring unit. On the other hand, by providing the telescopic measuring unit 43 in the bezel area NA of the display device 1, the telescopic measuring unit 43 can be formed close to the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. As a result, the telescopic measuring unit 43 can further shorten or simplify the lead-out wiring 5, simplifying the configuration of the display device 1.

[0039] IC42 and telescopic measuring unit 43 can each be accessed via Figure 1 The lead-out wiring 5 shown is connected to each current measuring unit 41. Thus, IC 42 and the telescopic measuring unit 43 can each measure the current value flowing through each first telescopic dummy wiring 31, or the resistance of the strain gauge 72 of each first telescopic dummy wiring 31, based on signals from each current measuring unit 41. In other words, the lead-out wiring 5 can connect each first telescopic dummy wiring 31 to IC 42 and the telescopic measuring unit 43 via each current measuring unit 41, and can be led out to the frame area NA.

[0040] The lead-out wiring 5, which is connected to each of the first telescopic dummy wirings 31, is led out to the IC 42 and the telescopic measurement unit 43 located in the bezel area NA, thereby eliminating the need to form the IC 42 and the telescopic measurement unit 43 in the display unit DA. Therefore, the lead-out wiring 5 can ensure a wider area for forming the pixel 2 in the display unit DA.

[0041] Furthermore, the display device 1 may also include a warning unit 44 in, for example, the bezel area NA. The warning unit 44 issues a warning to the user when the elongation ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire 31, as measured by the method described later, reaches a predetermined level or higher. The warning unit 44 may include, for example, an LED or other light that issues the warning by turning on a lamp, or a speaker that issues the warning by speaking.

[0042] <Wiring Expansion> Regarding the extension and retraction of the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 in the first direction D1, refer to Figure 5 Please provide an explanation. Figure 5This is an enlarged top view of a portion of the display section DA of the display device 1, showing in particular two support bases 12 arranged along the first direction D1, pixels 2 on the support bases 12, and a first telescopic wiring 21 and a first telescopic dummy wiring 31 formed between the support bases 12.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown in the top view 501, both the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 extend along the first direction D1. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown in the top view 501, for example, without the application of an external force that causes the two support bases 12 to extend in the direction of the first direction D1, the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 meander in the second direction D2.

[0044] In the above state, for example, an external force is applied that causes the two support bases 12 to extend along the first direction D1. At this time, the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 each... Figure 5 As shown in top view 502, the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 are elongated along the first direction D1 by deforming in a way that reduces the width of the aforementioned meandering. Therefore, the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 can elongate along the first direction D1 while preventing changes in conductivity such as wire breakage or reduction in thickness.

[0045] Furthermore, the first telescopic wire 21 and the first telescopic dummy wire 31 possess a defined elasticity and shape memory. Therefore, when the aforementioned external force decreases, the first telescopic wire 21 and the first telescopic dummy wire 31 will shorten along the first direction D1. When the aforementioned external force is removed, the first telescopic wire 21 and the first telescopic dummy wire 31 can shorten along the first direction D1 to, for example, the shape shown in the top view 501.

[0046] In other words, at least the first telescopic dummy wiring can have a shape memory material. This shape memory material allows the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 to elongate along the first direction D1 when tension is applied to it in the elongation direction. Furthermore, the shape memory material can restore the shape of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 to a shape close to that of the state where the tension applied to it is 0 when the tension decreases.

[0047] Assuming that, starting from the state shown in top view 502, the external force between the two supporting bases 12 in the direction of elongation along the first direction D1 is further increased, then as follows... Figure 5 As shown in top view 503, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is deformed due to elongation, resulting in a roughly straight shape in the top view. Here, in this embodiment, the wiring length of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is shorter than the wiring length of the first telescopic wiring 21. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown in top view 503, even when the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is extended to a substantially straight shape, the first telescopic wiring 21 continues to maintain a meandering shape in the top view. In other words, even when the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is extended to its longest length along the first direction D1, the first telescopic wiring 21 still has room to extend further along the first direction D1.

[0048] For example, suppose that from the state shown in top view 503, the external force causing the two support bases 12 to extend along the first direction D1 further increases. At this time, the first telescopic dummy wire 31 will further extend due to deformation, such as a decrease in the thickness of the conductive part 71 and the strain gauge 72 itself. This deformation is one that is difficult for the first telescopic dummy wire 31 to recover even if it contains a shape memory material. When the external force further increases, causing the thickness of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 to fall below a certain predetermined value, the first telescopic dummy wire 31 may break.

[0049] On the other hand, as described above, even if the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 extends to its longest state along the first direction D1 from the state shown in top view 503, the first telescopic wiring 21 still has room to extend further along the first direction D1. Therefore, even if the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is in a broken state, the first telescopic wiring 21 can be prevented from breaking immediately.

[0050] <Relationship between strain and stress> During the expansion and contraction of the first expandable dummy wire 31 connected to it, the current measuring unit 41 also applies current to the first expandable dummy wire 31 and measures the resistance of the first expandable dummy wire 31 or the current value of the current flowing through it. As described above, a strain gauge 72 is formed on the first expandable dummy wire 31. Therefore, by measuring the resistance of the strain gauge 72 by the current measuring unit 41, at least one of the expansion measuring unit and the expansion measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can measure the expansion ratio of the first expandable dummy wire 31 in the first direction D1.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the relationship between the strain S of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 measured by strain gauge 72 and the measured value of the stress T applied to the first telescopic dummy wire 31. Figure 6 In the curve graph, the horizontal axis represents the strain S of the first telescopic dummy wire 31, and the vertical axis represents the stress T applied to the first telescopic dummy wire 31.

[0052] When the first telescopic dummy wire 31 elongates along the first direction D1, the strain S of the first telescopic dummy wire 31, measured by strain gauge 72, increases. Therefore, the stress T applied to the first telescopic dummy wire 31, deduced from the resistance measurement value of strain gauge 72, increases proportionally to the strain S of the first telescopic dummy wire 31. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, until the first dummy wiring 31 generates the specified stress, the strain S is proportional to the stress T.

[0053] When the first telescopic dummy wire 31 experiences stress exceeding a specified value, the strain S and stress T of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 will no longer satisfy a proportional relationship. This is believed to be due to the increased external force applied to the first telescopic dummy wire 31, causing it to further elongate due to deformations such as the decrease in the thickness of the conductive part 71 and the strain gauge 72 itself. Therefore, when the first telescopic dummy wire 31 experiences stress exceeding a specified value, the strain S and stress T of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 will no longer satisfy a proportional relationship. Figure 6 When the stress at the yield point YP is shown, the strain S and stress T of the first dummy wire 31 will no longer satisfy the proportional relationship.

[0054] Furthermore, when the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 generates a stress exceeding the breakage stress BT, the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 will break. Therefore, when the stress T applied to the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 reaches the strain at the breakage stress BT, i.e., the breakage strain BS, the measured value of stress T hardly changes.

[0055] In summary, by measuring the relationship between strain S and stress T of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31, the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 can measure the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. In particular, the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 can measure that the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is subjected to a stress T exceeding the yield point YP by measuring that the strain S and stress T are no longer proportional. Furthermore, in particular, the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 can measure that the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 has broken by measuring that the measured value of stress T does not change significantly regardless of the strain S.

[0056] <Estimation of scaling ratio> A first telescopic wiring 21 is formed between two pixels 2 formed on the two support substrates 12 connected by the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Furthermore, the telescopic movement of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 corresponds to the telescopic movement between the two support substrates 12 connected to the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 in the first direction D1, and further corresponds to the telescopic movement between the two pixels 2 formed on the two support substrates 12 in the first direction D1. Therefore, by measuring the telescopic movement ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31, at least one of the telescopic measurement unit and the telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC 42 can estimate the telescopic movement ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21 in the first direction.

[0057] In particular, both the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 extend along the first direction D1. Alternatively, the display device 1 may include multiple first telescopic dummy wirings 31 for each first telescopic wiring 21. With the above configuration, the estimation accuracy of the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21 in the first direction by the telescopic measurement unit and the telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC 42 is improved.

[0058] For example, the stretch measurement unit and stretch measurement unit 43 of IC42 can measure the tension acting on the first stretch dummy wire 31 based on the measured value of the stress T. At this time, the warning unit 44 can warn the user if the tension of the first stretch dummy wire 31 measured by the stretch measurement unit and stretch measurement unit 43 of IC42 reaches or exceeds a specified value. For example, the warning unit 44 can be an elongation warning unit that issues a warning to the user when it detects that the tension of the first stretch dummy wire 31 is lower than the specified tension at the yield point YP. Thus, the warning unit 44 can issue a warning to the user before the tension that cannot be restored to the first stretch dummy wire 31 is applied to it.

[0059] By measuring the tension acting on the first telescopic dummy wire 31 using the telemetry measuring unit 42 and the telemetry measuring unit 43, the telemetry measuring unit 42 and the telemetry measuring unit 43 can determine whether the tension is such that the first telescopic dummy wire 31 cannot recover. In this way, by measuring the tension acting on the first telescopic dummy wire 31, the display device 1 can more accurately estimate the state of the first telescopic dummy wire 31.

[0060] Alternatively, the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 can also determine whether the current value measured by the current measurement unit 41 is lower than a predetermined value. This predetermined value can be the current value measured by the current measurement unit 41 when the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is disconnected. In this case, the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 can detect the disconnection of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. The warning unit 44 can be a disconnection warning unit, which issues a warning to the user when the telescopic measurement unit and telescopic measurement unit 43 of IC42 detect the disconnection of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Thus, the warning unit 44 can inform the user of the disconnection of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31.

[0061] At the moment the first telescopic dummy wire 31 breaks, although the first telescopic wire 21 is not broken, a tension close to that which would cause it to break is applied to it. Therefore, by knowing that the first telescopic dummy wire 31 has broken, the user can know that the telescopic base 11 has extended to a degree close to causing the first telescopic wire 21 to break. Thus, the display device 1 can effectively prevent the user from extending the telescopic base 11 to the point where the first telescopic wire 21 breaks. Even when the length of the first telescopic dummy wire 31 is shorter than the length of the first telescopic wire 21, the display device 1 can inform the user that the telescopic base 11 has extended to a degree close to causing the first telescopic wire 21 to break, while reducing the likelihood of the first telescopic wire 21 breaking.

[0062] Furthermore, since the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 does not contribute to the light emission of the light-emitting element EL and the driving of the pixel circuit PC, as long as the first telescopic wiring 21 is not disconnected, the display device 1 can still display normally in the display section DA even if the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 is disconnected.

[0063] In this way, the display device 1 can deduce the stretch ratio of the first stretchable wiring 21 from the stretch ratio of the first stretchable dummy wiring 31 using the stretch measurement unit and stretch measurement unit 43 of IC 42. Therefore, the display device 1 does not need to design strain gauges or the like on the first stretchable wiring 21 for direct measurement of the stretch ratio of the first stretchable wiring 21. In addition, the display device 1 can deduce the stretch ratio of the first stretchable wiring 21 without the need for equipment or the like for measuring the stretch of the stretchable substrate 11.

[0064] As described above, the first telescopic wiring 21 is wiring related to the driving of the plurality of pixels 2. Therefore, by estimating whether the first telescopic wiring 21 has elongated beyond a predetermined length, the display device 1 can reduce the deformation of the first telescopic wiring 21 used to connect the pixels 2, thereby reducing the impact on the display in the display unit DA. Furthermore, the display device 1 estimates the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21 by measuring the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the display device 1 can reduce the impact on the light emission of the light-emitting elements EL of each pixel 2 caused by directly measuring the telescopic ratio of the wiring related to the driving of the plurality of pixels 2, i.e., the first telescopic wiring 21, thereby reducing the impact on the display in the display unit DA.

[0065] Therefore, the display device 1, which simplifies the first telescopic wiring 21 while estimating its telescopic ratio, reduces the deformation of the wiring between the connecting pixels 2 containing the first telescopic wiring 21, while reducing complexity or cost increases. In particular, the display device 1 can estimate the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21 using the strain gauge 72 of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the display device 1 does not require a device for measuring the length of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 in the first direction D1, and can achieve the estimation of the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring with a simpler configuration.

[0066] <Second telescopic cabling> Return to reference Figure 1 The display device 1 includes a second telescopic wiring 22 that connects combinations of pixels 2 that are different from those connected by the first telescopic wiring 21. For example, the second telescopic wiring 22 connects the respective pixels 2 of two support substrates 12 arranged along a second direction D2 in a top view to each other. Furthermore, the second telescopic wiring 22 is configured to extend and retract within a predetermined range along the second direction D2. For example, the second telescopic wiring 22 is wiring that contributes to the light emission of each pixel 2, including the two connected pixels 2.

[0067] Furthermore, the display device 1 includes a second telescopic dummy wiring 32, which connects to a different combination of support bases 12 than the combination to which the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 connects. Specifically, the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 connects the two support bases 12 formed by the two pixels 2 connected by the second telescopic wiring 22 to each other, and extends along the second direction D2. Additionally, the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 is configured to extend and retract within a predetermined range along the second direction D2. In a top view, the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 can be formed on both sides of the second telescopic wiring 22 in the first direction D1. For example, the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 is wiring that does not contribute to the light emission of each pixel 2.

[0068] The second telescopic wiring 22 and the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 can each have the same shape and contain the same material as the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the second telescopic wiring 22 and the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 can each be formed in the same process as the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Thus, the second telescopic wiring 22 and the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the display device 1 or shorten the manufacturing cycle time of the display device 1.

[0069] The current measuring unit 41 can also be formed at both ends of the second telescopic dummy wiring 32. In this case, the current measuring unit 41 can measure the current value flowing through the second telescopic dummy wiring 32. The telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can be connected to the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 via the lead-out wiring 5 and the current measuring unit 41. Therefore, the telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can measure the telescopic ratio of the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 using the same method as measuring the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can estimate the telescopic ratio of the second telescopic wiring 22 using the same method as estimating the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21.

[0070] The display device 1 can estimate the scaling ratio of the second telescopic wiring 22 in the second direction D2 while simplifying the second telescopic wiring 22. Therefore, the display device 1 reduces the deformation of the wiring between the connected pixels 2, which includes the second telescopic wiring 22, while reducing complexity or cost increases.

[0071] For example, the stretchable substrate 11 can be in its in-plane direction, Figure 1 The paper can extend or retract in the diagonal direction, or in other words, in the third direction where it intersects with both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. At this time, the display device 1 can estimate the extension or retraction ratio of the telescopic base 11 in the aforementioned third direction by estimating both the extension or retraction ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21 and the extension or retraction ratio of the second telescopic wiring 22.

[0072] <Third telescopic cabling> Furthermore, the display device 1 also includes a third telescopic wiring 23, which connects combinations of pixels 2 that are different from the combinations of pixels 2 connected to the first telescopic wiring 21 and the second telescopic wiring 22, respectively. For example, the third telescopic wiring 23 connects the respective pixels 2 of two support substrates 12 arranged along a first direction D1 in a top view to each other. Additionally, the third telescopic wiring 23 is configured to extend and retract within a predetermined range along the first direction D1. For example, the third telescopic wiring 23 is wiring that contributes to the light emission of each pixel 2, including the two connected pixels 2.

[0073] Furthermore, the display device 1 includes a third telescopic dummy wiring 33, which connects to a different combination of support bases 12 than the combinations to which the first telescopic dummy wiring 31 and the second telescopic dummy wiring 32 are connected. Specifically, the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 connects the two support bases 12 formed by the two pixels 2 connected by the third telescopic wiring 23 to each other, and extends along the first direction D1. Additionally, the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 is configured to extend and retract within a predetermined range along the first direction D1. In a top view, the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 can be formed on both sides of the third telescopic wiring 23 in the second direction D2. For example, the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 is a wiring that does not contribute to the light emission of each pixel 2.

[0074] The third telescopic wiring 23 and the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 can each have the same shape and contain the same material as the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the third telescopic wiring 23 and the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 can each be formed in the same process as the first telescopic wiring 21 and the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Thus, the third telescopic wiring 23 and the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the display device 1 or shorten the manufacturing cycle time of the display device 1.

[0075] The current measuring unit 41 can also be formed at both ends of the third telescopic dummy wiring 33. In this case, the current measuring unit 41 can measure the current value flowing through the third telescopic dummy wiring 33. The telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can be connected to the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 via the lead-out wiring 5 and the current measuring unit 41. Therefore, the telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can measure the telescopic ratio of the third telescopic dummy wiring 33 using the same method as measuring the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wiring 31. Therefore, the telescopic measuring unit and the telescopic measuring unit 43 of IC 42 can estimate the telescopic ratio of the third telescopic wiring 23 using the same method as estimating the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21.

[0076] The display device 1 can estimate not only the scaling ratio of the first telescopic wiring 21, but also the scaling ratio of the third telescopic wiring 23. Therefore, the display device 1 reduces the deformation of the wiring between the connecting pixels 2, which includes the first telescopic wiring 21 and the third telescopic wiring 23, while reducing complexity or cost increases.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 The manufacturing method of the display device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of display device 1.

[0078] In the manufacturing method of the display device 1 according to this embodiment, firstly, a stretchable substrate 11 is prepared (step S1). The preparation process of the stretchable substrate 11 may also include forming a film of a material such as resin that is stretchable and elastic in the in-plane direction. The stretchable substrate 11 can be formed on a rigid substrate such as a glass substrate.

[0079] Next, a support substrate 12 is formed on the stretch substrate 11 (step S2). The support substrate 12 can be formed by patterning each region formed by the pixel 2 after forming a film on the stretch substrate 11 in the same way as the stretch substrate 11.

[0080] Next, the circuits and wiring of the display device 1 are formed (step S3). The circuits of the display device 1 include, for example, a drive circuit DR, a pixel circuit PC, and a flexible printed circuit board FC. The wiring of the display device 1 includes retractable wiring, retractable dummy wiring, and lead-out wiring 5. The specific method for forming the circuits and wiring of the display device 1 can employ various methods, including known methods. In step S3, a current measuring unit 41, an IC 42, a retractable measuring unit 43, and a warning unit 44 may also be formed.

[0081] Next, a light-emitting element EL is formed (step S4). The light-emitting element EL can be formed, for example, by sequentially forming and patterning conductive materials for electrodes, charge transport materials for charge transport layers, and light-emitting materials in an appropriate order.

[0082] Next, a sealing film 6 is formed (step S5). The sealing film 6 can be formed by depositing a sealing material comprising at least one of inorganic and organic materials above the stretchable substrate 11, which overlaps at least with the display section DA in the top view. Through the above steps, the display device 1 is manufactured. Furthermore, if the stretchable substrate 11 is formed on a rigid substrate in step S1, the stretchable substrate 11 can be peeled off from the rigid substrate after step S5.

[0083] The display device 1 manufactured by the above method reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing while minimizing the deformation of the wiring between the connected pixels 2. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the above display device 1 can produce a display device 1 that reduces the deformation of the wiring between the connected pixels 2 while simplifying each process, reducing cycle time, or reducing manufacturing cost.

[0084] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the various technical means disclosed in the embodiments.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Display device (retractable display device) 2 pixels 5. Outgoing wiring 11. Stretchable substrate 12 Supporting substrate 21 First telescopic cabling 22 Second telescopic cabling 23 Third telescopic cabling 31 First telescopic dummy wiring 32 Second telescopic dummy wiring 33 Third telescopic virtual wiring 41 Current Measurement Section 42 IC (Extension Measurement Unit) 43. Expansion / Extension Measuring Section 44 Warning Section (Extension Warning Section, Wire Breakage Warning Section) 72 Strain gauge D1 First Direction D2 Second direction.

Claims

1. A retractable display device, characterized in that, include: A stretchable substrate that is stretchable in a first direction within the in-plane direction; Multiple support substrates are formed on the telescopic substrate and each has pixels; A first telescopic wiring connects the respective pixels of at least two of the support substrates to each other and is telescopic in the first direction; The first telescopic dummy wiring connects the support substrates of the pixels connected by the first telescopic wiring to each other and is telescopic in the first direction; as well as The telescopic measurement unit estimates the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire in the first direction by measuring the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire in the first direction.

2. The retractable display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first telescopic dummy wiring has a strain gauge that expands and contracts in the first direction. The expansion and contraction measurement unit estimates the expansion and contraction ratio of the first expansion and contraction wire in the first direction by measuring the resistance of the strain gauge.

3. The retractable display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the first telescopic wiring and the first telescopic dummy wiring extend in the same direction as the first direction.

4. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The telescopic base can also expand and contract in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction within the plane. The retractable display device further includes: A second telescopic wiring connects a combination of pixels that is different from the combination of pixels connected to the first telescopic wiring, and is telescopic in the second direction; and The second telescopic dummy wiring connects the support substrates of the pixels formed by the second telescopic wiring to each other and is telescopic in the second direction.

5. The retractable display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second telescopic cable has the same shape as the first telescopic cable and contains the same material. The second telescopic dummy wire has the same shape as the first telescopic dummy wire and contains the same material.

6. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A third telescopic wiring connects a combination of pixels that is different from the combination of pixels connected by the first telescopic wiring, and is telescopic in the first direction; as well as The third telescopic dummy wiring connects the support substrates of the pixels connected by the third telescopic wiring to each other and is telescopic in the first direction.

7. The retractable display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third telescopic wire has the same shape as the first telescopic wire and contains the same material. The third telescopic dummy wire has the same shape as the first telescopic dummy wire and contains the same material.

8. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, For a single first telescopic cabling, there are multiple first telescopic dummy cablings.

9. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The length of the first telescopic dummy wiring is shorter than the length of the first telescopic wiring.

10. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The Young's modulus of the first telescopic dummy wiring is greater than that of the first telescopic wiring.

11. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The telescopic measuring unit measures the tension acting on the first telescopic dummy wire.

12. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The elongation warning unit issues a warning to the user when the elongation ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire, as measured by the telescopic measurement unit, reaches or exceeds a specified limit.

13. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first telescopic dummy wire includes a shape memory material that, when the first telescopic dummy wire is subjected to tension in the direction that causes it to elongate, and the tension decreases, the shape memory material restores the shape of the first telescopic dummy wire to approximate the shape when the tension acting on the first telescopic dummy wire is 0.

14. The retractable display device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The stretch measurement unit detects that a specified tension is applied to the first stretch dummy wire, and the specified tension is lower than the tension that prevents the first stretch dummy wire from recovering due to the shape memory material.

15. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, It also includes a current measuring unit, which applies a current to the first telescopic dummy wire and measures the current flowing through the first telescopic dummy wire. When the current measured by the current measuring unit is below a specified value, the telescopic measuring unit detects a break in the first telescopic dummy wiring.

16. The retractable display device according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a disconnection warning unit, which issues a warning to the user when the telescopic measurement unit detects a disconnection in the first telescopic dummy wiring.

17. The retractable display device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The telescopic base, in a top view, includes: a display area, in which a plurality of the supporting bases, the first telescopic wiring, and the first telescopic dummy wiring are located; and a border area located around the display area. The retractable display device further includes lead-out wiring connected to the first retractable dummy wiring and the retractable measuring unit, and at least a portion of it is led out to the frame area.

18. The retractable display device according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes a flexible printed circuit board, which contains an IC connected to the lead-out wiring within the frame area. At least a portion of the telescopic measuring section is located on the flexible printed circuit board.

19. The retractable display device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, At least a portion of the telescopic measuring unit is located on the border area.

20. A method for manufacturing a retractable display device, characterized in that, include: The preparation process of the telescopic substrate, wherein the telescopic substrate is telescopic in a first direction in the in-plane direction; The process of forming multiple support substrates, each having pixels, on the stretchable substrate; The first stretchable wiring formation process connects the respective pixels of at least two of the support substrates to each other and is stretchable in the first direction; The first stretchable dummy wiring formation process involves connecting the support substrates of the pixels connected by the first stretchable dummy wiring to each other, and the first stretchable dummy wiring is stretchable in the first direction. as well as In the process of forming the telescopic measuring unit, the telescopic measuring unit estimates the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire in the first direction by measuring the telescopic ratio of the first telescopic dummy wire in the first direction.

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