JP2003280546A - Self-deformable flexible display and information processing terminal using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a mechanism for deforming a flexible display by providing an external force and providing a mechanism for controlling the deformation in order to provide a means for deformation such as storing, expanding, or changing a direction of the flexible display. This is an important issue. SOLUTION: A flexible display 2 which is a flexible display device having a display unit 4 and a peripheral circuit 5 arranged on a flexible substrate is provided with a flexible actuator 3, and by using a deformation of the flexible actuator 3, a flexible display is provided. A self-deformable flexible display 1 characterized by having a deforming means of the display 2 and an information processing terminal using the same are realized.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flexible display which is provided with a flexible actuator and is provided with a deforming means by using the deformation of the flexible actuator, and information using the flexible display. It relates to a processing terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of information technology, a display device is a device for which an image quality and a usage pattern are very important as an interface between a human and an information machine.

Among them, the flexible and foldable flexible display is thin and lightweight, and has attracted much attention as a display excellent in portability and storability.
In the future, flexible displays will be used in personal digital assistants (PD
A), it is applied to mobile terminals such as mobile phones and information processing terminals, and is expected to enable large screen displays to be carried around freely.

The flexible display is also called electronic paper or paper display, and as its name implies, electronic paper, electronic book,
It enables a wide range of applications from electronic newspapers to POPs, posters, and displays for presentations. Since information display media will be replaced by digital instead of printing on paper, it is expected to make a great contribution to environmental and resource problems.

Regarding flexible displays, organic EL displays, film liquid crystal displays, electronic ink displays, etc. have been researched and developed.

Regarding a flexible actuator, a flexible and supple flexible material made of a polymer material such as a polymer gel, a polymer electrolyte gel, a nonionic polymer gel, and a conductive polymer, or a material such as a shape memory alloy is used. Actuators have been researched and developed and are also called "artificial muscles". Various driving methods have been researched and developed such as electric field application, heat application, magnetic field application, light / laser irradiation, pH operation, and redox reaction. Among them, many flexible actuators using polymer gels have been researched and developed, and are called "intelligent gels" as gels that play an active role in various application scenes. Further, a polymer driven by electric stimulation by applying an electric field is called EAP (Electro Active Polymer). Various operating principles, materials, and driving methods have been researched and developed with the aim of realizing a practicable and flexible actuator that has a performance comparable to or better than the muscle of a living body.

For flexible actuator applications,
A wide range of fields are being considered. Examples include flexible robots, home automation, and micromachines. Organic materials such as polymer gels are more promising as medical materials because they are more compatible with living organisms than materials such as metals and ceramics. An example is an active catheter. In fact, we have succeeded in an animal experiment in which a tubular molecular micromachine active catheter was produced and operated in the blood vessel of a dog (Nippon Kogyo Shimbun, November 1, 2000 1).
9). There is also a power source for artificial organs. Here, too, an artificial myocardium was actually produced using a flexible actuator of shape memory alloy, and it was confirmed in an animal experiment by a goat that the artificial myocardium can assist the movement of the heart muscle (Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun 2001). January 18, 8th page). In addition, artificial organ valves, biosubstitute materials, drug delivery systems (DDS), etc. are being considered.

The conventional techniques relating to the flexible display, the flexible actuator, and the application of the flexible actuator have been mentioned above. The self-deformable flexible display using the flexible actuator according to the present invention and the information processing terminal using the same. Is not disclosed.

[0009]

In practical use of the flexible display, it is an important issue to provide a means for deforming the flexible display such as storing, expanding, or changing the direction. If the flexible display is to be rolled, folded, or unfolded by hand, the flexible display is arbitrarily bent, twisted, bent, or force, and there is a problem in maintaining durability and performance. In addition, when expanding and displaying, it may be necessary to extend the shape of the flexible display having a habit or to fix it to an arbitrary shape. In addition, a winding method using a motor, a spring, a hand, and a pulling-out method can be considered, but when mounted on a mobile terminal or the like, it is not preferable in terms of downsizing of the flexible display body, noise, design, and usage pattern. Flexible display
Since it is a display whose portability and usage pattern are important, it is desirable that the flexible display itself can be smoothly and quietly self-deformed by one switch, and can be stored or unfolded. Currently, the functions and performances of mobile terminals such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones, and information processing terminals are rapidly expanding, but there is a problem with the enlargement of the size of the terminals, and the compact display It is expected that the terminal will be miniaturized by various storage.

From these problems and requirements, it is an important subject to realize a mechanism for applying an external force to a flexible display and controlling its deformation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a self-deforming mechanism of the flexible display itself and an information processing terminal using the same.

[0012]

A flexible display according to the present invention is a flexible display device having a display portion and peripheral circuits arranged on a flexible substrate, the flexible display including a flexible actuator, and the flexible actuator. The above-mentioned problem can be solved by using the deformation of (1) to provide a deformation means of the flexible display and make it a self-deformation type.

The flexible actuator is a flexible actuator that can be variously deformed by an electrode structure, and multi-divided electrodes are arranged, and a voltage is applied in order from a portion to deform the flexible display or simultaneously. Therefore, the deformation means for controlling the deformation may be provided.

[0014]

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-deforming flexible display 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The self-deforming flexible display 1 comprises a flexible display 2 and a flexible actuator 3. The flexible display 2 is composed of a display unit 4 and a peripheral circuit 5,
A flexible actuator 3 that deforms the flexible display 2 is attached to the lower portion of the flexible display 2. At the end of the flexible display 2, a peripheral circuit 5 for controlling the display device and a peripheral circuit 5 for controlling the flexible actuator 3 are arranged.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view and a side view of the flexible actuator 3 of the self-deforming flexible display 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The flexible actuator is capable of arbitrary deformation depending on the electrode configuration, and has a deforming means for arranging the multi-divided electrodes and controlling the deformation in order from the electrode of the portion to be deformed or by applying a voltage at the same time. ing.

The multi-divided electrode 6 used to drive the flexible actuator 3 has a structure in which strip-shaped electrodes are arranged in parallel and is attached to one side of the flexible actuator 3. On the other surface of the flexible actuator 3, an undivided electrode 6d is formed as a counter electrode.
Is pasted.

By applying a voltage between the pair of strip-shaped electrodes having the above electrode structure, only that portion can be curved. By applying voltage to the electrodes 6b and 6c in order from the electrode 6a on the side where the flexible actuator 3 starts rolling, the flexible actuator 3
Is curved from one side and then rolled. If a voltage is applied in the opposite direction, the flexible actuator 3
Can be extended. By the operation of the flexible actuator 3, the flexible display 2 is rolled, and
It becomes possible to spread.

The flexible actuator can be made of a polymer material or a material such as a shape memory alloy.

Further, the flexible actuator can be integrated with or built in the material of the flexible display, and the material and the manufacturing process can be reduced. There are advantages such as a reduction in manufacturing cost and a reduction in manufacturing time.

The flexible actuator can be sealed for moisture retention, and can be applied when a moisture-retaining material such as a water-containing polymer material is used.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the self-deforming flexible display 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is rolled by a flexible actuator.

The deforming means using the flexible actuator in the self-deforming flexible display of the present embodiment develops a shape deformation such as curling, and is used as a storing means for the flexible display, so that the self-deforming flexible display can be stored at a high cost. Realize the sex. With this function, the display can be made compact when not in use, making it convenient to carry. Further, the present deforming means enables various kinds of deformation and compactification of the flexible display, and can be used properly according to the usage form.

Further, the present deformation means is a means for changing the direction of the display portion of the flexible display, so that the orientation of the screen of the flexible display can be adjusted, and the reflection of unnecessary reflected light on the display portion of the flexible display can be prevented. It has an effect.

Further, the present deforming means realizes a display device capable of accommodating an arbitrary display shape by changing the shape of the display portion of the flexible display.

In addition, the present deforming means is a means for stabilizing or fixing the shape of the flexible display in an expanded state in addition to the means for expanding the flexible display, so that the flexible display with a peculiarity is formed. It realizes the function of stretching a shape or fixing it to an arbitrary shape.

The deforming means using the flexible actuator of this embodiment can be applied to various flexible devices such as an information input device, a voice generating device, and a tactile sensor used for virtual reality.

Further, the self-transforming flexible display of this embodiment can have a sound generating means with a flexible sound generating device built therein or externally attached.

As described above, the flexible display 2 which is a flexible display device having the display portion 4 and the peripheral circuit 5 arranged on the flexible substrate is provided with the flexible actuator 3, and the flexible actuator 3 is modified. Thus, by realizing the self-deforming flexible display 1 characterized by having the deformation means of the flexible display 2, the deformation means for accommodating, expanding, or changing the orientation of the flexible display is provided. However, it is possible to provide a self-deforming flexible display that places importance on portability and usage as an interface between humans and information machines.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a self-deforming flexible display 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Display unit 4 of flexible display 2
Is divided into two portions, the display portions 4a and 4b, from the center, and has a structure capable of being folded in two from the center. A flexible actuator 3 in the form of a strip that gives the driving force of the folding mechanism is attached to the lower part of the bending portion at the center of the flexible display, and the flexible display 2 is bent by the bending of the flexible actuator 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the self-deforming flexible display 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is folded by the flexible actuator 3.

If a plurality of folding mechanisms of the self-deforming flexible display of this embodiment are used in combination, the flexible display can be made compact in various shapes.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a tri-fold type self-deformable flexible display 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. The display part of the flexible display is divided into three parts, and there are two bending parts. Flexible actuators in the form of strips are attached to the two bent portions. The folding order of each part can be determined by controlling the driving order of each flexible actuator.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a polygonal round self-deforming flexible display 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible display can be rounded into a polygonal shape by dividing the flexible display into a plurality of display portions and providing a plurality of bent portions. The feature is that the display part of the display on the side where the rolling is started is made the thinnest, and the width of the display part of the display is widened toward the other end. The flexible actuator at each bent portion is driven in order from the side where rolling is started, and the entire flexible display is rolled.

As described above, the deforming means using the flexible actuator in the self-deformable flexible display 1 of the present invention exhibits the shape deformation due to bending,
By using the flexible display as a storage means, a high storage property of the self-deforming flexible display 1 is realized. With this function, the display can be made compact when not in use, making it convenient to carry. Further, the present deforming means enables various kinds of deformation and compactification of the flexible display, and can be used properly according to the usage form.

(Third Embodiment) The self-transforming flexible display according to the present invention can be applied in various applications, and among them, there are electronic papers as information processing terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile phones. .

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a single-opening type electronic paper using the self-deforming flexible display 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a sectional view of the self-deforming flexible display 1 in a stored state. Further, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a double-opening type electronic paper using the self-deforming flexible display 1 and a sectional view of the self-deforming flexible display 1 in a stored state as an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic paper of this embodiment is
The self-deformable flexible display 1 and a stick-type case portion 7 for housing the self-deformable flexible display 1 are included.
Various devices such as various switches, various peripheral circuits, batteries, and antennas for data transmission / reception are built in. A single-open type (FIG. 8) in which the self-deforming flexible display 1 is put out from one side of the case portion 7 or
There is a double-opening type (FIG. 9) in which the self-deformable flexible display 1 is output from both sides. As described in the first embodiment, the self-deforming flexible display 1 is housed in the case portion 7 by being rolled, and after the self-deforming flexible display 1 is housed in the case portion 7, the opening of the case portion 7 is opened. A lid 8 for closing is provided.

This electronic paper enables carrying of a large screen display in a state where the self-deforming flexible display 1 is expanded and a compact large screen display by a stick type case portion 7 accommodating the self-deforming flexible display 1. Is an information processing terminal.

The electronic paper may have a display direction switching means. For electronic paper of single-open type (Fig. 8), for flexible display,
When a flexible touch panel such as a flexible keyboard is adopted, right-handed or left-handed people
In order to operate with your finger or pen-type device without hindrance,
The case portion 7 serving as a grip portion must be held by both the left and right hands. In order to make the electronic paper compatible with such a ambidextrous hand, it is required to have a display direction switching means for vertically inverting the flexible display. Further, when this electronic paper is used as a conference display, it is also required to have means for switching the display direction to all directions such as face-to-face, left and right, and diagonal directions.
The above requirements can be satisfied by the display direction switching means of the present electronic paper.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a foldable electronic paper using the self-deforming flexible display 1 as an embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of the self-deforming flexible display 1 in a stored state. It is an information processing terminal using the folding self-deformable flexible display 1 described in the second embodiment and a notebook type case 9.

This electronic paper has a high storability when the self-deforming flexible display 1 is folded, and
The information processing terminal has an advantage of realizing a large screen in an expanded state.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an information processing terminal using the self-deforming flexible display 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. In the information processing terminal 10a, the self-deformable flexible display 1 is protruded from the inside of the main body, and as described in the first embodiment, it is housed inside the main body by being rolled. After the self-deformable flexible display 1 is stored, a lid that automatically opens and closes is provided to close the opening of the terminal body.

In this information processing terminal, the unused display section can be compactly stored when the display is not in use, so that the terminal body can be made smaller and the portability and usage pattern are improved. This is an information processing terminal that has

The information processing terminal 10b accommodates the self-deforming flexible display 1 by folding.

The present information processing terminal realizes a large screen combined with the display 11 built in the main body when the self-deforming flexible display 1 is expanded.

The opening / closing direction and mounting position of the self-deforming flexible display can be set in all directions with respect to the information processing terminal body, and can be determined according to the design, usage pattern, usage purpose, etc. of the information processing terminal. .

Further, the shape of the flexible display can be controlled by a flexible actuator which is provided separately from the flexible display, or an external device.
The shape can be stabilized or fixed after an operation such as storing, unfolding, or changing the direction, and the direction and position of the flexible display can be arbitrarily set.

As described above, the flexible display, which is a flexible display device having the display portion and the peripheral circuit arranged on the flexible substrate, is provided with the flexible actuator, and by using the flexible deformation of the actuator, the flexible display is obtained. Self-deformable flexible display 1 characterized in that
With the information processing terminal equipped with, it becomes possible to realize an information processing terminal that attaches importance to large screen, portability, and usage pattern.

[0048]

As described above, according to the present invention, a flexible display, which is a flexible display device having a display unit and peripheral circuits arranged on a flexible substrate, is provided with a flexible actuator, and a flexible deformation of the actuator is used. By implementing a self-deformable flexible display and an information processing terminal using the same, the flexible display is stored, or
By providing a means for deformation such as unfolding or changing the orientation, it becomes possible to realize a self-deforming flexible display that places importance on portability and usage as an interface between humans and information machines.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-deforming flexible display according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flexible actuator of the self-deforming flexible display according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the self-deforming flexible display in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is rolled by a flexible actuator.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a self-deforming flexible display according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the self-deforming flexible display according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is folded by a flexible actuator.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tri-fold self-deforming flexible display according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a polygonal round self-deformable flexible display according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a single-opening type electronic paper using a self-deforming flexible display according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a double-sided electronic paper using a self-deforming flexible display according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a foldable electronic paper using a self-deforming flexible display according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an information processing terminal using a self-transforming flexible display according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Self-transforming flexible display 2 Flexible display 3 Flexible actuator 4 Display 5 peripheral circuits 6 electrodes 10 Information processing terminal

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kazuo Yokoyama             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masaki Yamamoto             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5C058 AA18 BA35                 5G435 AA18 BB00 EE14 EE34 EE49                       LL07

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A flexible display, which is a flexible display device having a display portion and peripheral circuits arranged on a flexible substrate, is provided with a flexible actuator, and the flexible display is formed by deforming the actuator. A self-deforming flexible display, characterized by comprising a deforming means for deforming. 2. The actuator is an actuator capable of being deformed based on an electrode shape, and the deforming means includes a plurality of electrodes and means for applying a voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1. 3. The self-deformable flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the deforming means is a storage means for the flexible display, which exhibits a shape deformation of rolling or folding. 4. The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the deforming means changes the direction of the display portion of the flexible display. 5. The deforming means deforms the shape of the display portion of the flexible display.
The self-deformable flexible display described. 6. The deformation means expands a rolled or folded flexible display, and stabilizes or fixes the shape of the expanded flexible display. Self-transforming flexible display. 7. The actuator is a polymer material or
The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1, wherein a shape memory alloy is used. 8. The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is integrated with or incorporated in the material of the flexible display. 9. The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is sealed for keeping moisture. 10. The self-deforming flexible display according to claim 1, further comprising a sound generator having flexibility. 11. A flexible display, which is a flexible display device having a display portion and peripheral circuits arranged on a flexible substrate, is provided with an actuator having flexibility, and the flexible display is provided by deforming the actuator. An information processing terminal equipped with a self-deforming flexible display, characterized by comprising a deforming means for deforming. 12. The flexible display has a display direction switching means.
Information processing terminal described.