Flexible nixie tube

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of flexible nixie tube, including FPC main body and flexible piece, the FPC main body has front and back face;Oil layer is equipped in the front face, multiple LED structures are equipped in the oil layer, each the LED structure is exposed on each and has part;The flexible piece is set above the oil layer;Partition part is equipped on the flexible piece, multiple LED structures are divided into multiple display areas by partition part, when using, the partition part is configured as the light of adjacent display area is isolated.This utility model can be adapted to curved surface product by the cooperation of FPC main body and flexible piece, specifically, FPC main body and flexible piece (i.e. silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and product adaptation is carried out through flexible piece, simultaneously, the existence of partition part can isolate multiple display areas, to avoid the light of adjacent display area is light string.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flexible digital tubes, and in particular to a flexible digital tube. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible digital tubes are digital display devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) as their core. They display numbers, symbols, and other information through different combinations of light-emitting segments or liquid crystal units. Their core function is to convert electrical signals into visual digital outputs, and they are widely used in home appliances, industrial instruments, public facilities, and other fields.

[0003] A representative example is the patent document with application number CN108597389A, which discloses a flexible digital tube. It changes the PIN pin process to a plug-in and ribbon cable process, which improves production efficiency; the original soldering method is changed to the 0603 surface mount method, which improves the welding reliability of the product and the consistency of the surface mount optical, color and electrical parameters is better; the original traditional packaging method is changed to the sealing and pressing method, which improves the baking method.

[0004] The aforementioned patent documents disclose common flexible digital tubes, but these flexible digital tubes still have limitations in practical use, as follows:

[0005] First, it uses rigid PCB boards to make flexible digital tubes, which can only be applied to flat scenes. This is because rigid materials and fixed curvature designs cannot be adapted to curved products (such as cylindrical home appliances and wearable devices), resulting in a narrow market coverage.

[0006] Secondly, the plug-in connection method is prone to loosening in curved environments and has limited zone control capabilities.

[0007] Therefore, how to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology mentioned above has become the subject of this utility model. Utility Model Content

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible digital tube to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A flexible digital tube includes an FPC body and a flexible component, wherein the FPC body has a front side and a back side.

[0011] An oil layer is provided on the front side, and multiple LED structures are provided within the oil layer, each of which has an exposed portion;

[0012] The flexible element is disposed above the oil layer;

[0013] The flexible component has partitions, and multiple LED structures are divided into multiple display areas through the partitions. In use, the partitions are configured to isolate the light from adjacent display areas.

[0014] This invention enables flexible digital tubes to be adapted to curved products through the cooperation of the FPC body and the flexible component. Specifically, the FPC body and the flexible component (i.e., silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and the product is adapted through the flexible component. At the same time, the presence of partitions can isolate multiple display areas to avoid light crosstalk between adjacent display areas.

[0015] By using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC body) and flexible components (such as silicone) covering it, the entire flexible digital tube structure possesses excellent flexibility. This allows the flexible digital tube to be bent or attached to various curved products (such as car dashboards, curved home appliance panels, wearable devices, etc.), breaking through the limitation of traditional rigid flexible digital tubes that can only be used on flat surfaces.

[0016] Furthermore, the LED structure includes a wiring layer, a wafer, and an encapsulating block arranged sequentially from bottom to top;

[0017] The wiring layer and the wafer are disposed within the oil layer, with the upper surface of the wafer exposed above the upper surface of the oil layer.

[0018] This layered structure constitutes a complete LED light-emitting unit. The wiring layer provides electrical connections, the wafer is the light-emitting core, and the encapsulating block protects the wafer. Simultaneously, the wiring layer and wafer are placed within an oil layer, which serves as insulation, protection, and fixation. The upper surface of the wafer is exposed above the oil layer, ensuring that light can be emitted unobstructed from above, forming an effective display. The encapsulating block is typically built on this exposed upper surface, completing the LED encapsulation.

[0019] Furthermore, the partition includes baffles arranged sequentially along the length of the flexible member; the baffles are physical isolation structures, and they are arranged along the display length to form a physical barrier.

[0020] The exposed portion is located at the bottom of the baffle. The light-emitting portion (exposed portion) of the LED is positioned at the bottom of the baffle, so that the baffle can most effectively form isolation above the light-emitting area, ensuring that the light emitted mainly upwards and laterally is blocked by the adjacent baffle, minimizing the possibility of leakage to adjacent display areas.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned baffles has at least one corresponding exposed portion at its bottom, ensuring that each independent display unit (e.g., a "segment") has a corresponding baffle for optical isolation, preventing light crosstalk within that unit. If a baffle corresponds to multiple LEDs (e.g., multiple wafers together form a segment), it can also effectively isolate this entire unit from other units.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom of the flexible component is provided with a slot, and the FPC body is disposed within the slot. The slot provides a fixed and precise installation position for the FPC body, simplifying the assembly process (simply insert the FPC into the slot) and ensuring a stable connection between the FPC body and the flexible component (especially the baffles on it), preventing misalignment between the two.

[0023] Furthermore, a limiting part is provided in the slot to limit the position of the FPC body. The limiting part prevents the FPC body from moving back and forth or left and right in the slot, ensuring that the position is fixed after assembly. This is crucial for ensuring that the baffle is accurately positioned above the corresponding light-emitting unit and is the structural basis for achieving zero light crosstalk.

[0024] Furthermore, the limiting portion includes an overhanging block disposed on the front side and extending beyond the oil layer; the overhanging block is a physical protrusion structure fixed on the front side of the FPC (usually a substrate), the height of which extends beyond the upper surface of the oil layer.

[0025] The inner wall of the card slot has a matching groove at the position corresponding to the protruding block. The matching groove is a recess on the inner wall of the card slot that matches the shape of the protruding block. When the FPC is inserted into the card slot, the protruding block engages in the matching groove. The effect is to provide precise mechanical limiting and anti-displacement in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (usually the width direction), ensuring that the FPC is stably and accurately positioned within the card slot.

[0026] Furthermore, the extendable block is positioned along the length of the flexible component. The elongated extendable block provides a continuous limiting effect along the entire length of the FPC, making the limiting more uniform and stable, and preventing the FPC from twisting or partially warping within the slot.

[0027] Furthermore, the limiting part includes a protective block disposed at the edge of the slot opening; the protective block is a protruding structure located at the edge of the slot opening, forming a shape similar to a "fence" or "buckle".

[0028] The protective block is a rectangular structure with an opening, and its length is the same as that of the flexible component. The opening is for inserting the FPC body, and the rectangular shape facilitates processing. Being the same length as the flexible component provides protection and constraint along the entire edge of the slot opening, eliminating weak points.

[0029] Furthermore, the area of ​​the opening is smaller than the area of ​​the slot opening. This means that the "doorway" formed by the protective block is smaller than the inside of the slot, resembling a narrowing entrance. The effect is that when the FPC body is fully inserted into the slot, the protective block can effectively hold the edge of the FPC body (usually the edge of the FPC substrate), forming a mechanical lock. This prevents the FPC body from accidentally coming out of the slot due to bending, vibration, or external force during use, greatly enhancing the structural reliability of the component. At the same time, the smaller opening also provides some protection against dust and foreign objects.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] This invention enables flexible digital tubes to be adapted to curved products through the cooperation of the FPC body and the flexible component. Specifically, the FPC body and the flexible component (i.e., silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and the product is adapted through the flexible component. At the same time, the presence of partitions can isolate multiple display areas to avoid light crosstalk between adjacent display areas.

[0032] By using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC body) and flexible components (such as silicone) covering it, the entire flexible digital tube structure possesses excellent flexibility. This allows the flexible digital tube to be bent or attached to various curved products (such as car dashboards, curved home appliance panels, wearable devices, etc.), breaking through the limitation of traditional rigid flexible digital tubes that can only be used on flat surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the FPC provided by this utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A in the image;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the flexible component structure provided by this utility model; (using the example of sprayed numbers)

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the flexible component structure provided by this utility model;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the card slot structure provided by this utility model;

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the over-block structure provided by this utility model;

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the protective block structure provided by this utility model.

[0040] The markings in the diagram are explained as follows:

[0041] 1. FPC body; 2. Flexible component; 3. Oil layer; 4. Partition section; 5. LED structure; 6. Wiring layer; 7. Chip; 8. Sealing block; 9. Baffle; 10. Slot; 11. Excess block; 12. Matching slot; 13. Protective block. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] As mentioned in the background technology, firstly, the flexible digital tube is made of PCB rigid board, which can only be applied to flat scene. This is because rigid materials and fixed curvature design cannot be adapted to curved products (such as cylindrical home appliances and wearable devices), resulting in a narrow market coverage. Secondly, the plug-in method is prone to loosening in curved scene and has limited zoning control capability.

[0044] To solve this technical problem, this utility model provides a flexible digital tube.

[0045] For details, please refer to Figure 1-7 A flexible digital tube includes an FPC body 1 and a flexible component 2, wherein the FPC body 1 has a front and a back;

[0046] An oil layer 3 is provided on the front side, and a plurality of LED structures 5 are provided in the oil layer 3, each of the LED structures 5 having an exposed portion;

[0047] The flexible component 2 is disposed above the oil layer 3;

[0048] The flexible component 2 is provided with a partition 4, and multiple LED structures 5 are divided into multiple display areas by the partition 4. In use, the partition 4 is configured to isolate the light from adjacent display areas.

[0049] This utility model enables the flexible digital tube to be adapted to curved products through the cooperation of the FPC body 1 and the flexible component 2. Specifically, the FPC body 1 and the flexible component 2 (i.e., silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and the product is adapted through the flexible component 2. At the same time, the presence of the partition 4 can isolate multiple display areas to avoid light crosstalk between adjacent display areas.

[0050] By using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC body) and a flexible component 2 (such as silicone) covering it, the entire flexible digital tube structure possesses excellent flexibility. This allows the flexible digital tube to be bent or attached to various curved products (such as car dashboards, curved home appliance panels, wearable devices, etc.), breaking through the limitation that traditional rigid flexible digital tubes can only be used on flat surfaces.

[0051] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0053] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0054] First Embodiment

[0055] A flexible digital tube includes an FPC body 1 and a flexible component 2, wherein the FPC body 1 has a front side and a back side;

[0056] An oil layer 3 is provided on the front side, and a plurality of LED structures 5 are provided in the oil layer 3, each of the LED structures 5 having an exposed portion;

[0057] The flexible component 2 is disposed above the oil layer 3;

[0058] The flexible component 2 is provided with a partition 4, and multiple LED structures 5 are divided into multiple display areas by the partition 4. In use, the partition 4 is configured to isolate the light from adjacent display areas.

[0059] This utility model enables the flexible digital tube to be adapted to curved products through the cooperation of the FPC body 1 and the flexible component 2. Specifically, the FPC body 1 and the flexible component 2 (i.e., silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and the product is adapted through the flexible component 2. At the same time, the presence of the partition 4 can isolate multiple display areas to avoid light crosstalk between adjacent display areas.

[0060] By using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC body) and a flexible component 2 (such as silicone) covering it, the entire flexible digital tube structure possesses excellent flexibility. This allows the flexible digital tube to be bent or attached to various curved products (such as car dashboards, curved home appliance panels, wearable devices, etc.), breaking through the limitation that traditional rigid flexible digital tubes can only be used on flat surfaces.

[0061] Furthermore, the LED structure 5 includes a wiring layer 6, a wafer 7, and an encapsulating block 8 arranged sequentially from bottom to top;

[0062] The wiring layer 6 and the wafer 7 are disposed within the oil layer 3, with the upper surface of the wafer 7 exposed above the upper surface of the oil layer 3.

[0063] This layered structure constitutes a complete LED light-emitting unit. Wiring layer 6 provides electrical connections, the wafer 7 is the light-emitting core, and encapsulating block 8 protects the wafer 7. Simultaneously, wiring layer 6 and wafer 7 are placed within oil layer 3, which serves as insulation, protection, and fixation. The upper surface of wafer 7 is exposed above oil layer 3, ensuring that light can be emitted unobstructed from above oil layer 3, forming an effective display. Encapsulating block 8 is typically built on this exposed upper surface to complete the LED encapsulation.

[0064] Furthermore, the partition 4 includes baffles 9 arranged sequentially along the length of the flexible member 2; the baffles 9 are physical isolation structures, and they are arranged along the display length direction to form a physical barrier.

[0065] The exposed portion is located at the bottom of the baffle 9. The light-emitting portion (exposed portion) of the LED is positioned at the bottom of the baffle 9, so that the baffle 9 can most effectively form isolation above the light-emitting area, ensuring that the light is blocked by the adjacent baffle 9 when it is mainly emitted upward and sideways, and minimizing the possibility of leakage to adjacent display areas.

[0066] Furthermore, each of the baffles 9 has at least one exposed portion at its bottom, ensuring that each independent display unit (e.g., a "segment") has a corresponding baffle 9 for optical isolation, preventing light crosstalk within that unit. If a baffle 9 corresponds to multiple LEDs (e.g., multiple wafers 7 together form a segment), it can also effectively isolate this entire unit from other units.

[0067] Furthermore, the bottom of the flexible component 2 is provided with a slot 10, and the FPC body 1 is disposed in the slot 10. The slot 10 provides a fixed and precise installation position for the FPC body, simplifies the assembly process (simply insert the FPC into the slot 10), and ensures a stable connection between the FPC body and the flexible component 2 (especially the baffle 9 on it), preventing misalignment between the two.

[0068] Second Embodiment

[0069] Furthermore, the slot 10 is provided with a limiting part for limiting the position of the FPC body 1. The limiting part prevents the FPC body from moving back and forth or left and right within the slot 10, ensuring that the position is fixed after assembly. This is crucial for ensuring that the baffle 9 is accurately positioned above the corresponding light-emitting unit and is the structural basis for achieving no light crosstalk.

[0070] Furthermore, the limiting portion includes an overhanging block 11 disposed on the front side and extending beyond the oil layer 3; the overhanging block 11 is a physical protrusion structure fixed on the front side of the FPC (usually a substrate), and its height extends beyond the upper surface of the oil layer 3.

[0071] The inner wall of the slot 10 is provided with a matching groove 12 at a position corresponding to the protruding block 11. The matching groove 12 is a recess on the inner wall of the slot 10 that matches the shape of the protruding block 11. When the FPC is inserted into the slot 10, the protruding block 11 engages with the matching groove 12. The effect is to provide precise mechanical limiting and anti-displacement in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (usually the width direction), ensuring that the FPC is stably and accurately positioned within the slot 10.

[0072] Furthermore, the extendable block 11 is arranged along the length direction of the flexible member 2. The elongated extendable block 11 provides a continuous limiting effect along the entire length direction of the FPC, making the limiting more uniform and stable, and preventing the FPC from twisting or partially warping within the slot 10.

[0073] Third Embodiment

[0074] Furthermore, the limiting part includes a protective block 13 disposed at the edge of the slot 10 opening; the protective block 13 is a protruding structure located at the edge of the slot 10 opening, forming a shape similar to a "fence" or "buckle".

[0075] The protective block 13 is a rectangular structure with an opening, and its length is the same as that of the flexible component 2. The opening is for inserting the FPC body, and the rectangular shape facilitates processing. Being the same length as the flexible component 2 provides protection and constraint along the entire edge of the opening of the slot 10, eliminating weak points.

[0076] Furthermore, the area of ​​the opening is smaller than the area of ​​the slot 10. This means that the "doorway" formed by the protective block 13 is smaller than the interior of the slot 10, resembling a narrowing entrance. The effect is that when the FPC body is fully inserted into the slot 10, the protective block 13 can effectively hold the edge of the FPC body (usually the edge of the FPC substrate), forming a mechanical lock. This prevents the FPC body from accidentally coming out of the slot 10 due to bending, vibration, or external force during use, greatly enhancing the structural reliability of the component. Simultaneously, the smaller opening also provides some protection against dust and foreign objects.

[0077] The flexible digital tube provided by this utility model is used as follows: This utility model can adapt the flexible digital tube to curved products through the cooperation of FPC body 1 and flexible part 2. Specifically, FPC body 1 and flexible part 2 (i.e. silicone) are assembled into a semi-finished product, and the product is adapted through flexible part 2. At the same time, the presence of partition part 4 can isolate multiple display areas to avoid light crosstalk between adjacent display areas.

[0078] By using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC body) and a flexible component 2 (such as silicone) covering it, the entire flexible digital tube structure possesses excellent flexibility. This allows the flexible digital tube to be bent or attached to various curved products (such as car dashboards, curved home appliance panels, wearable devices, etc.), breaking through the limitation that traditional rigid flexible digital tubes can only be used on flat surfaces.

[0079] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0080] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this utility model, but do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. This utility model can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible nixie tube, characterized by, It includes an FPC body (1) and a flexible component (2), wherein the FPC body (1) has a front and a back; An oil layer (3) is provided on the front side, and a plurality of LED structures (5) are provided in the oil layer (3), each of the LED structures (5) having an exposed portion; The flexible element (2) is disposed above the oil layer (3); The flexible component (2) is provided with a partition (4), and multiple LED structures (5) are divided into multiple display areas through the partition (4). In use, the partition (4) is configured to isolate the light of adjacent display areas.

2. The flexible nixie tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The LED structure (5) includes a wiring layer (6), a wafer (7), and an encapsulation block (8) arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The wiring layer (6) and the wafer (7) are disposed within the oil layer (3), with the upper surface of the wafer (7) exposed above the upper surface of the oil layer (3).

3. The flexible nixie tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The partition (4) includes baffles (9) arranged sequentially along the length of the flexible member (2); The exposed portion is located at the bottom of the baffle (9).

4. The flexible digital tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of each of the baffles (9) corresponds to at least one of the exposed portions.

5. The flexible digital tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the flexible component (2) is provided with a slot (10), and the FPC body (1) is disposed in the slot (10).

6. The flexible digital tube according to claim 5, characterized in that, The card slot (10) is provided with a limiting part for limiting the FPC body (1).

7. The flexible digital tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting part includes an overhanging block (11) disposed on the front side and extending beyond the oil layer (3). The inner sidewall of the card slot (10) is provided with a matching groove (12) at the position corresponding to the overhang block (11).

8. The flexible digital tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, The overhang block (11) is arranged along the length direction of the flexible member (2).

9. The flexible digital tube according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting part includes a protective block (13) disposed at the edge of the slot (10); The protective block (13) is a rectangular structure with an opening, and the length of the protective block (13) is the same as the length of the flexible member (2).

10. The flexible digital tube according to claim 9, characterized in that, The area of ​​the opening is smaller than the area of ​​the slot (10).

Images