Flexible electronic device

Abstract

To provide a flexible display device that can be bent and can simultaneously maintain structural safety.SOLUTION: A flexible electronic device according to the present invention is capable of rolling about an axis so that it can transform between a rolled state and an extended state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The third surface is connected with the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction parallel to the direction of the axis and defines a second direction perpendicular to the first surface. The second surface of the support structure includes a plurality of ribs parallel to the first direction, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent ribs. Each groove defines an open end and a closed end along the third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, flexible display technology has gradually become an important development trend in display technology because of its advantages such as light and thin structure, rollable, space-saving, easy to carry, and excellent shock resistance. However, a flexible display device has a weak ability to resist external forces. When the bending width of the flexible display device is strong or repeatedly bent too much, the part of the flexible device body that receives the most stress is prone to permanent deformation, resulting in a situation of separation or dislocation from other structures, and the mechanical structure or electrical display of the entire flexible display device is damaged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] It is indeed an important issue to provide a flexible display device that can be bent and maintain the structural stability at the same time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display device that can be bent and maintain the structural stability at the same time.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a flexible electronic device that can be wound or curved along an axis. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and the support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other. The third surface of the support structure is coupled to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface. The support structure has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart on the fourth surface. The plurality of protrusions are installed parallel to the first direction along the second direction, and a groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions. One or more grooves define an open end and a closed end along the third direction. When the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to the minimum curvature along the axis, the shortest distance from the axis to the closed end is defined as R1. When the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to the minimum curvature and two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the two protrusions define their respective end points. The linear distance between the two end points is the shortest distance when two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state. Further, the shortest distance from the axis to one of the end points is defined as R2. Also, the shortest distance between two end points of two adjacent protrusions when the flexible electronic device is not wound or curved is W1. When the flexible electronic device is wound or curved, the angle corresponding to the wound or curved portion of the support structure with respect to the axis is defined as θ, and the number of these protrusions installed on the wound or curved portion of the support structure is N, satisfying the condition of W1*N≧2*π*(R1-R2)*θ / 360°.

[0006] The present invention provides a flexible electronic device that can be wound or curved along an axis. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and the support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other. The third surface of the support structure is coupled to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface. The support structure has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart on the fourth surface, the plurality of protrusions are installed parallel to the first direction along the second direction, a groove is formed between two adjacent protrusions, and one or more grooves define an open end and a closed end along the third direction. When the flexible electronic device is wound or curved along the axis, the third surface of the support structure in the wound or curved shape defines a radius of curvature R3, and the closed ends of these grooves located in the curved support structure define a radius of curvature R4, and further satisfy the condition of R4≥R3 / 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] In one embodiment, a row of protrusions includes one or more subunits.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electronic structure defines a thickness d, at least one of these grooves defines a depth h1, and the condition 3*d≧h1 is satisfied.

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

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

[0021] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device takes the axis as the central axis, winds around the axis to be in a wound state, and makes the fourth surface of the support structure face the axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible electronic device has an axis as its central axis, is wound around the axis to be in a wound state, and the first surface of the electronic structure faces the axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing the support structure is to place a single sheet on the second surface (bottom surface) of the electronic structure, and further, a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions are formed on the surface of the single sheet facing away from the second surface.

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

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

[0026] To sum up, the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound along the axis, so that the flexible electronic device can be converted between a wound state and an unfolded state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface (outer surface) and a second surface (bottom surface) opposite to the first surface. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The third surface is coupled to the second surface of the electronic structure. The support structure defines a first direction along a direction parallel to the axis. Also, a second direction parallel to the third surface and perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface are defined. The fourth surface of the support structure includes a plurality of protrusions parallel to the first direction. A groove is formed between each pair of adjacent two protrusions. Each groove defines an open end and a closed end along the third direction. The flexible electronic device of the present invention can provide better structural stability through the design of the protrusions and grooves, has foldability, and reduces the risk of separation or dislocation of the structure, thereby reducing the damage rate of the flexible electronic device due to winding or bending.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 1E

Figure 1F

Figure 1G

Figure 1H

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Using each drawing, each embodiment related to the flexible electronic device of the present invention will be described below. Note that the same elements will be described with the same reference numerals. The ratio between the elements in the drawings is for understanding the structure and is not restrictive.

[0029] First, it should be noted that each embodiment of the present invention represents a combination of elements disclosed in certain possible situations, but the present invention can be interpreted as including all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. For example, if the first embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and the second embodiment includes B and D, then even if not explicitly disclosed, the present invention includes at least multiple embodiments that are permutation combinations of A, B, C, and D, or even embodiments that are permutation combinations with other elements. The notations such as "first", "second", etc. are for the purpose of explanation, not to indicate or imply order or importance, nor to implicitly indicate the number of technical features indicated. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise described, "a number" or "a plurality" means two or more. The terms "include" or "comprise" and other synonyms include non-exclusive inclusions unless there is an explanation to the contrary. The terms "above", "below", "left", "right", "parallel", and "perpendicular" represent the relative relationship of orientation or position in the drawing, and the purpose is to facilitate understanding of the invention content, and do not indicate or imply the construction and operation of the device or element in a specific orientation or in a specific orientation. The terms "connected", "coupled" and other synonyms include direct and indirect connection relationships unless there is an explanation to the contrary.

[0030] Please refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a flexible electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the flexible electronic device 10 is in a deployed state. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a cross-section of the flexible electronic device 10 as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the flexible electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes an electronic structure 20 and a support structure 30. The electronic structure 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 facing the first surface 21, and the support structure 30 has a third surface 31 and a fourth surface 32 facing the third surface 31. The third surface 31 of the support structure 30 is coupled to the second surface 22 of the electronic structure 20, and a plurality of protrusions 33 are provided parallel to the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30, and a groove 34 is formed between two adjacent protrusions 33, and one or more grooves 34 define an open end 341 and a closed end 342.

[0032] As described above, the flexible electronic device 10 has flexibility, that is, all of the electronic structure 20 and the support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10 have flexibility and can be wound or curved, for example, along the axis 40, and the flexible electronic device 10 can be converted between a wound state and an unfolded state. It should be noted that the axis 40 may be a virtual axis line or a physical central axis, and the present invention does not limit it. Here, the axis 40 is parallel to the short side of the flexible electronic device 10, or the long side parallel to the flexible electronic device 10, or the diagonal line parallel to the flexible electronic device 10, or forms an arbitrary angle with its short side. In other words, the flexible electronic device 10 can be wound along any direction to present a wound-up state. It can be understood that the flexible electronic device 10 defines one or more winding axes. This embodiment will be described by taking the case where the axis 40 of the flexible electronic device 10 is parallel to its short side as an example (as shown in FIG. 1A, extending from the left side to the right side of the figure, or as shown in FIG. 1B, the direction entering the drawing).

[0033] In some embodiments, the electronic structure 20 is an active matrix (AM) electronic device, a passive matrix (PM) electronic device, a sensing device, a display device, or an antenna device. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the electronic structure 20' is, for example, a display panel, but the present invention is not limited. Please refer to the embodiment of FIG. 1D. The electronic structure 20' includes a maintenance layer 23' and a plurality of display units 24'. One side (for example, the second surface 22) of the maintenance layer 23' is connected to the support structure 30, and the plurality of display units 24' are combined and provided on the opposite side of the maintenance layer 23' facing the support structure 30.

[0034] For example, the display unit includes a substrate, at least one signal layer, a plurality of optoelectronic elements, and one or more driving structures. The signal layer is disposed on the substrate, and the signal layer and the substrate can be jointly configured into a flexible substrate. These optoelectronic elements are disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the signal layer. These driving structures are electrically connected to the signal layer and these optoelectronic elements, and the signal layer is a signal coverage layer. These optoelectronic elements are chips or package members, such as millimeter-scale, micrometer-scale, or nanometer-scale chips or package members. For example, the optoelectronic element or / and the driving structure can be exemplified by at least one sensing chip, a light-emitting diode chip (LED chip), a millimeter-scale chip (Mini chip), a micrometer-scale chip (Micro chip), but are not limited thereto. Alternatively, at least one package member includes millimeter-scale, micrometer-scale, nanometer-scale, or smaller chips whose size is not limited. The millimeter-scale package member includes micrometer-scale chips or includes chiplets with logical operation functions whose size is not limited. Further, each optoelectronic element or / and each driving structure includes a diode element (such as LED, OLED, micro LED, mini LED, etc.), a sensing element, an antenna element, or a microwave element. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic element or / and the driving structure includes a chip with a horizontal electrode, a flip-chip electrode, or a vertical electrode. In some embodiments, the optoelectronic element or / and the driving structure includes an active circuit or a passive circuit. The above package members are not limited to package members with active elements or passive package members without active elements. The active element can be exemplified by a thin-film transistor (TFT), a non-silicon integrated circuit (Non-Silicon IC), or a silicon integrated circuit (Silicon IC), but is not limited thereto. The driving structure includes one or more active elements corresponding to the optoelectronic elements and operates to drive the optoelectronic elements.

[0035] Moreover, the support structure 30 defines the direction parallel to the axis 40 as the first direction X, the second direction Y parallel to the third surface 31 perpendicular to the first direction X, and the third direction Z perpendicular to the third surface. The support structure 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 33 and a plurality of grooves 34. The protrusions 33 are arranged at intervals in a direction parallel to the first direction X along the second direction Y. The groove 34 is formed between two protrusions 33. One or more grooves 34 define an open end 341 and a closed end 342 along the third direction Z, and one or more protrusions 33 define a top 331 along the third direction. In some embodiments, the width of the protrusion 33 along the second direction Y is 0.1 to 5 mm, and the width of the groove 34 along the second direction Y is between 0.1 and 5 mm. Further, when the flexible electronic device 10 is wound or curved to the minimum radius, the width of the protrusion 33 along the second direction Y is W Y is defined, and the arc length of the corresponding support structure 30 is L Arc is, W Y and L Arc The ratio of is 1.5 or less, for example, 0.9, 1, 1.1, or 1.2, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the closed end 342 of one or more grooves 34 does not penetrate the support structure 30. Another embodiment is as shown in FIG. 1C, where the closed end of one or more grooves 34 penetrates the support structure 30 but is closed by the second surface 22 (the surface coupled to the support structure 30) of the electronic structure 20.

[0037] In one embodiment, the electronic structure 20 defines a thickness, at least one of these grooves defines a depth h1, and satisfies the condition of 3*d≧h1.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing the support structure 30 includes placing a sheet on the second surface (bottom surface) 22 of the electronic structure 20, and further forming a plurality of protrusions 33 or grooves 34 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22. For example, the method of forming a plurality of protrusions 33 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22 is, for example, after forming a plurality of protrusions 33 first, installing the sheet on the surface facing away from the bottom surface 22 simultaneously, separately, or with intervals between lots of these protrusions 33, and since a plurality of grooves 34 located between these protrusions 33 can be formed, the support structure 30 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is configured. In another embodiment, the method of forming a plurality of grooves 34 on the surface of the sheet facing away from the bottom surface 22 is, for example, by processing the sheet by methods such as thermal melting, laser cutting, or etching, a plurality of grooves 34 are formed, and since a plurality of protrusions 33 located between these grooves 34 are formed, the support structure 30 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is configured.

[0039] In some embodiments, the material of the support structure 30 includes, but is not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), resin, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the material of the support structure 30 includes, but is not limited to, a metal material or other materials having ductility and being repeatedly bent. In some embodiments, the support structure 30 is a multi-layer structure and is combined by a plurality of support layers. The material of each support layer includes, but is not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), resin, or other suitable materials, or a metal material, other materials having ductility and being repeatedly bent (such as non-woven fabric, wire, or other suitable materials).

[0040] Furthermore, please refer to FIG. 1E. It is a diagram showing a cross-section of a flexible electronic device 10'' according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the support structure 30'' of the flexible electronic device 10'' further includes a base material layer 35, and the base material layer 35 is installed between a plurality of protrusions 33 and the electronic structure 20. As shown in FIG. 1E, a plurality of protrusions 33 are installed at intervals on the base material layer 35, and the gaps between these protrusions 33 are formed into a plurality of grooves 34. In this embodiment, the material of the base material layer 35 can be, for example, a metal layer, or other thin and ductile materials that can be repeatedly bent (such as metal foil), but are not limited thereto. The base material layer 35 and these protrusions 33 are composed of the same material or different materials. Also, in one embodiment, the method of installing a plurality of protrusions 33 at intervals on the base material layer 35 is, for example, after forming a plurality of protrusions 33 first, these protrusions 33 are installed on the base material layer 35 simultaneously, separately, or at intervals in batches, so that the support structure 30'' shown in FIG. 1E is formed. In another embodiment, the method of installing a plurality of protrusions 33 at intervals on the base material layer 35 is, for example, first forming a material layer on the base material layer 35, and then processing the material layer by methods such as heat melting, laser cutting, and etching to form a plurality of grooves 34 and a plurality of protrusions 33 located between these grooves 34, thereby forming the support structure 30'' shown in FIG. 1E. It should be noted that the above description is illustrative and does not limit the present invention.

[0041] Please refer to FIGS. 1F and 1G. When the flexible electronic device 10'' is in a wound state, the closed end 342 of the groove 34 is an arc surface, the arc surface protrudes toward the open end 341, and as shown in FIG. 1G, the arc surface defines an arc surface height h2. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1F, the flexible electronic device 10'' further includes an adhesive layer 50, the adhesive layer 50 is provided between the electronic structure 20 and the support structure 30', for example, the adhesive layer 50 is provided between the bottom surface 22 of the electronic structure 20 and the base material layer 35 of the support structure 30. The thickness of the adhesive layer 50 is greater than the arc surface height h2. In this embodiment, examples of the material of the adhesive layer 50 include, but are not limited to, optical paste (OCA), cycloolefin copolymer (COP) resin, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or other materials that can be used as an adhesive layer. Further, the above materials are not limited to organic materials.

[0042] The support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention, the row of protrusions 33 is a continuous strip-shaped element, or is composed of a plurality of sub-units, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 1H, when the row of protrusions 33 is composed of a plurality of sub-units 332, the plurality of sub-units 332 are arranged in a row to form the protrusion 33, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] Next, please refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Since the flexible electronic device 10'' is wound along the axis 40, the flexible electronic device 10'' is in a wound state. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the flexible electronic device 10'' is wound around the axis 40 with the axis 40 as the central axis, the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30' faces the axis 40. At this time, since the first surface 21 (e.g., the display surface) of the electronic structure 20 faces the outside of the winding structure, this state is called an outer winding. In one embodiment, for the flexible electronic device 10'' wound multiple times, the number of protrusions 33 on the innermost side is defined as M, and M≧50. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the minimum winding radius of the flexible electronic device 10'' of the present invention is 2.5 cm to 15 cm, and it may also be less than 2.5 cm; or it may be 2.5 cm to 10 cm, or 2.5 cm to 5 cm. For example, 1 cm, 2.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, etc. can be taken as examples, but it is not limited thereto.

[0044] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the flexible electronic device 10'' is wound around the axis 40 with the axis 40 as the central axis, the first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 faces the axis 40. At this time, since the first surface 21 (e.g., the display surface) of the electronic structure 20 faces the inside of the winding structure, this state is called an inner winding.

[0045] Also, in some embodiments, the thickness of the flexible electronic device of the present invention along the third direction Z is 1 to 5 mm, and it may also be 1 to 2 mm. The thickness of the support structure is 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0046] Furthermore, please refer to FIG. 3A. The support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10'' further includes an additional layer 36, and a plurality of protrusions 33 are coupled with the additional layer on the side of the fourth surface 32 away from the support structure 30, closing the open ends 341 of these grooves 34. Subsequently, please refer to FIG. 3B. An elastic material or a soft material 37 is filled in the plurality of grooves 34 of the support structure 30. With these two types of designs, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the grooves 34, so that when the electronic structure 20 of the flexible electronic device 10'' is wound or bent, it can be avoided from being damaged by foreign objects.

[0047] As described above, through the design of the protrusions 33 and the grooves 34, the support structure 30 of the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention can provide better structural stability, maintain foldability, and reduce the risk of the structure separating or dislocation.

[0048] The following is an example to describe in detail the structural changes of the flexible electronic device 10 when it is in a wound state.

[0049] Please refer to FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a partial enlargement of the flexible electronic device 10 in FIG. 2A. The first surface 21 of the electronic structure 20 of the flexible electronic device 10 faces outward, and the fourth surface 32 of the support structure 30 is in a wound state facing the axis 40.

[0050] When the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to a minimum curvature, and two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' are in the closest state, there are respective closest endpoints P, P' between these two adjacent protrusions 33, 33'. The straight-line distance between these two closest endpoints P, P' is the shortest distance between the two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' in the wound or bent state, and is defined as W2. In this embodiment, since the shortest distance W2 is 0, the above-mentioned closest endpoints P, P' can be regarded as the contact points of these two protrusions 33, 33'. Two closest endpoints P, P' (which are two contact points in this embodiment) on two adjacent protrusions 33, 33' define the shortest distance W1 (shown in FIG. 4B) when the flexible electronic device is not wound or bent. Also, the shortest distance from the axis 40 to the surface of the base material layer 35 (or the closed end 342 of the groove 34) is defined as R1, and the shortest distance from the axis 40 to the closest endpoint (contact point P in this embodiment) of the protrusion 33 is defined as R2. The angle corresponding to the axis 40 of the wound or bent portion of the support structure 30 is defined as θ, and the number of protrusions in the wound or bent area is defined as N (the number of grooves is N or N - 1). In this embodiment, two closest endpoints (contact points P, P' in this embodiment) on two protrusions 33, 33' are located near the open end 341 of the groove 34.

[0051] At this time, the arc length of the curved portion on the surface of the base material layer 35 is given by Equation (I).

[0052] 2π*R1*θ / 360° ··· Equation (I)

[0053] The arc length of the virtual arc line formed by connecting a plurality of closest endpoints in a plurality of sets of protrusions is given by Equation (II).

[0054] 2π*R2*θ / 360° ··· Equation (II)

[0055] Also, the distance from the closest endpoint (contact point P) to the closed end 342 of the groove 34 is approximately the shortest distance R1 from the axis 40 to the closed end 342 of the groove 34, and the difference from the shortest distance R2 from the axis 40 to the closest endpoint (contact point P) of the protrusion 33 is R1 - R2.

[0056] That is, the difference between the arc length of the curved portion on the surface of the base material layer 35 and the arc length of the virtual arc line connecting the closest endpoints (contact points P) of the plurality of sets of protrusions 33 is approximately the sum of the shortest distances W1 where each protrusion 33 faces the closest endpoint (contact point) when the flexible electronic device 10 is not wound or curved (i.e., N*W1 or (N - 1)*W1). Therefore, the following Equation (IV) or Equation (V) can be obtained.

[0057] W1 = {[(2π*(R1) - (2π*(R2)]*θ / 360°} / (N - 1) ··· Equation (IV)

[0058] W1 = {[(2π*(R1) - (2π*(R2)]*θ / 360°} / N ··· Equation (V)

[0059] Thus, the following Equation (VI) can be refined.

[0060] W1 ≧ [(2π*(R1 - R2)]*θ / 360° / N ··· Equation (VI)

[0061] Please refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, since the protrusion 33a in the support structure 30a of the flexible electronic device 10a has a relatively wide middle section, when the flexible electronic device 10a is wound or bent to a minimum curvature, and when two adjacent protrusions 33a, 33a' are in the closest state, the positions of the closest endpoints Pa, Pa' of the two adjacent protrusions 33a, 33a' are located in this relatively wide middle section. Please refer to FIG. 5B. In this embodiment, when the flexible electronic device 10a is not wound or bent, the shortest distance between these two closest endpoints Pa, Pa' is W1a. Also, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40a to the surface of the base material layer 35a (or the closed end 342 of the groove 34) is R1a, and the shortest distance from the axis 40a to the closest endpoint Pa of the protrusion 33a is R2a. Also, even when the winding or bending part corresponds to an angle θa with respect to the axis 40a and the number of protrusions in the winding or bending area is N (that is, the number of grooves is N or N - 1), it conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0062] Also, FIGS. 6A and 6B are another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the protrusion 33b of the support structure 30b of the flexible electronic device 10b has the widest width on the side where the base material layer 35b is separated from the support structure 30b. When it is wound or bent to a minimum curvature, and when two adjacent protrusions 33b, 33b' are in the closest state, the positions of the closest endpoints Pb, Pb' of the two adjacent protrusions 33b, 33b' are located on the side where the protrusions 33b, 33b' are farthest from the base material layer 35b. Please refer to FIG. 5B. In this embodiment, when the flexible electronic device 10b is not wound or bent, the shortest distance between these two closest endpoints Pb, Pb' is W1b. Also, in this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40b to the surface of the base material layer 35b (or the closed end 342 of the groove 34b) is R1b, and the shortest distance from the axis 40b to the closest endpoint Pb of the protrusion 33b is R2b. Even when the winding or bending part of the flexible electronic device 10b corresponds to an angle θb with respect to the axis 40b and the number of protrusions 33b in the winding or bending area is N (that is, the number of grooves is N or N - 1), it conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0063] Also, FIGS. 7A and 7B show another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion 33c of the support structure 30c of the flexible electronic device 10c is a shape similar to a trapezoid. When the flexible electronic device 10c is wound or bent to the minimum curvature, the two side edges of two adjacent protrusions are substantially in contact. Therefore, in this embodiment, two adjacent protrusions 33c, 33c' have a plurality of sets of corresponding closest end points Pc, Pc', and one set Pc1, Pc1' of them is located on the side where the protrusions 33c, 33c' are farthest from the base layer 35c of the support structure 30c. In this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40c to the surface of the base layer 35c (or the closed end 342 of the groove 34c) is R1c, and the shortest distance from the axis 40c to the closest end point Pc1 or Pc1' of the protrusion 33c is R2c. Since the shortest distance of the set of the closest end points Pc1 or Pc1' is W1c when the flexible electronic device 10c is not wound or bent, it conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0064] In the embodiments of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the protrusions 33d of the support structure 30d of the flexible electronic device 10d have at least two closest parts on the two side edges of two adjacent protrusions 33d, 33d' when the flexible electronic device 10d is wound or bent to the minimum curvature. In this embodiment, since the closest parts are in contact with each other, they can be regarded as contact points. In this embodiment, there are also a plurality of sets of corresponding closest end points Pd, Pd' between two adjacent protrusions 33d, 33d', and one set Pd1, Pd1' of them is located on the side where the protrusions 33d, 33d' are away from the base layer 35d of the support structure 30d. In this embodiment, the shortest distance from the axis 40d to the surface of the base layer 35d (or the closed end of the groove) is R1d, and the shortest distance from the axis 40d to the closest end point Pd1 or Pd1' of the protrusions 33d, 33d' is R2d. Also, since the shortest distance of the set of the closest end points Pd1 or Pd1' is W1d when the flexible electronic device 10d is not wound or bent, it conforms to the above formula (VI).

[0065] Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to a minimum curvature, and when two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the closest endpoints on the two adjacent protrusions are the positions where the two adjacent protrusions are closest when the flexible electronic device is not wound or bent. This position is also the narrowest part of the width of the groove between two adjacent protrusions, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] Furthermore, refer to FIG. 9. When the flexible electronic device of the present invention is wound or bent to a minimum curvature, and two adjacent protrusions 33 are closest to each other, the curvature formed on the third surface 31 of the support structure 30 defines a radius of curvature R3, and the curvature formed on the closed ends 342 of these grooves 34 in the area defines a radius of curvature R4, satisfying the condition of R4≧R3 / 3.

[0067] Also, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the flexible electronic device 10 of the present invention is installed on a non-planar surface, for example, on the surface of a cylinder 60 or an arc cover 60', or on the outer surface or inner surface such as the wall of an irregular curved surface.

[0068] To sum up, since the flexible electronic device of the present invention can be wound along the axis, the flexible electronic device is converted between the wound state and the unfolded state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the third surface is combined with the second surface of the electronic structure, the support structure defines a first direction along a direction parallel to the axis, and also defines a second direction perpendicular to the first surface. The second surface of the support structure includes a plurality of protrusions parallel to the first direction, a groove is formed between each set of two adjacent protrusions, and each groove defines an open end and a closed end along a third direction. The flexible electronic device of the present invention can provide better structural stability through the design of protrusions and grooves, has foldability, and reduces the risk of structural separation or dislocation.

[0069] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. All modifications or changes made to them should belong to the scope of the claims of the present invention as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 10, 10’, 10’’, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Flexible electronic device 20, 20’ Electronic structure 21 First surface 22 Second surface (bottom surface) 23’ Sustaining layer 24’ Display unit 30, 30’, 30’’, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Support structure 31 Third surface 32 Fourth surface 33, 33’, 33a, 33a’, 33b, 33b’, 33c, 33c’, 33d, 33d’ Protrusion 331 Top 332 Sub-unit 34, 34b, 34c Groove 341 Open end 342 Closed end 35, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d Substrate layer 37 Elastic material (soft material) 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d Axis 50 Adhesive layer 60 Cylinder 60’ Arc cover body h2 Arc surface height R1, R2, R1a, R2a, R1b, R2b, R1c, R2c, W1, W1a, W1b, W1c, W1d Distance R3, R4 Radius of curvature W2 Shortest distance P, P’, Pa, Pa’, Pb, Pb’, Pc, Pc’, Pc1, Pc1’, Pd, Pd’, Pd1, Pd1’ End point θ, θa, θb Angle X First direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. A flexible electronic device that can be wound or curved along an axis, the flexible electronic device comprising: an electronic structure having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a support structure having a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other, wherein the third surface of the support structure is coupled to the second surface of the electronic structure, and the support structure defines a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface; a plurality of protrusions spaced apart on the fourth surface of the support structure, the plurality of protrusions being installed parallel to the first direction along the second direction, a groove being formed between two adjacent protrusions, one or more of the grooves defining an open end and a closed end along the third direction, and when the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to a minimum curvature, the shortest distance from the axis to the closed end is defined as R1; when the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to a minimum curvature and two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the two protrusions define respective closest endpoints, and the linear distance between the two endpoints is the shortest distance when the two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state. Further, the shortest distance from the axis to one of the endpoints is defined as R2, and the shortest distance between the two endpoints of two adjacent protrusions when the flexible electronic device is not wound or curved is W1; when the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to a minimum curvature, the angle corresponding to the axis of the wound or curved portion of the support structure is defined as θ, and the number of these protrusions installed on the wound or curved portion of the support structure is N, and the flexible electronic device is characterized in that the condition W1*N≧2*π*(R1 - R2)*θ / 360° is satisfied.

2. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the flexible electronic device is wound or curved to a minimum curvature and two adjacent protrusions are in the closest state, the linear distance between the two endpoints of the two protrusions is defined as W2, and W2≧0.

3. A flexible electronic device that can be wound or curved along an axis, the flexible electronic device comprising: an electronic structure having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; A support structure having third and fourth surfaces facing each other, wherein the third surface of the support structure is bonded to the second surface of the electronic structure, the support structure defining a first direction parallel to the axis, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the third surface, and a third direction perpendicular to the third surface, the support structure having a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from the fourth surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being installed parallel to the first direction along the second direction, a groove being formed between two adjacent ones of the protrusions, one or more of the grooves defining an open end and a closed end along the third direction, when the flexible electronic device is wound or curved along the axis, the third surface of the support structure in the wound or curved state defines a radius of curvature R3, the closed ends of these grooves define a radius of curvature R4, and further satisfying the condition that R4≧R3 / 3. A flexible electronic device characterized by this.

4. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the support structure further includes a base material layer, and the base material layer is installed between the plurality of protrusions and the electronic structure.

5. When the flexible electronic device is in a wound or curved state, the closed end of the groove is an arc surface, the arc surface protrudes toward the open end, and the arc surface defines an arc surface height. A flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterized by this.

6. The flexible electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the flexible electronic device further includes an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is provided between the electronic structure and the support structure, and the thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the height of the arc surface.

7. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the flexible electronic device further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is provided between the electronic structure and the support structure.

8. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the electronic structure includes a display panel.

9. The flexible electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the display panel includes a plurality of display units, the plurality of display units are electrically connected to each other, and are installed parallel to the direction of the third surface of the support structure.

10. The flexible electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the material of the base layer is different from the material of these protrusions.

11. The flexible electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the material of the base layer is the same as the material of these protrusions.

12. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterized in that the protrusion is composed of one or more sub-units.

13. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterized in that the electronic structure defines a thickness d, at least one of these grooves defines a depth h1, and the condition 3 * d ≥ h1 is satisfied.

14. The flexible electronic device further includes an additional layer, and a plurality of the protrusions have the additional layer bonded to the fourth surface side away from the support structure, and further characterized in that the open ends of these grooves are closed. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3.

15. The flexible electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterized in that an elastic material or a flexible material is provided in the groove.

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