EP1618544B1 - Flexible display - Google Patents

Flexible display Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1618544B1
EP1618544B1 EP04742517A EP04742517A EP1618544B1 EP 1618544 B1 EP1618544 B1 EP 1618544B1 EP 04742517 A EP04742517 A EP 04742517A EP 04742517 A EP04742517 A EP 04742517A EP 1618544 B1 EP1618544 B1 EP 1618544B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
display
light sources
flexible
flexible support
light
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04742517A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1618544A2 (en
Inventor
Emmanuel Deflin
Emeric Mourot
Michel Remy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
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Publication date
Application filed by France Telecom SA filed Critical France Telecom SA
Publication of EP1618544A2 publication Critical patent/EP1618544A2/en
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Publication of EP1618544B1 publication Critical patent/EP1618544B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts
    • G09F13/22—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts electroluminescent
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
    • G09F21/02—Mobile visual advertising by a carrier person or animal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of flexible displays and more particularly to flexible displays that can be integrated into textile supports, for example clothing. This is called folding displays.
  • Applications include the advertising, security, entertainment and events sectors. They include the dissemination of visual information on the clothing of a person, and allow this information to be perceived by people in an immediate vicinity of the display,
  • the document EP 0377 352 discloses a flexible illuminating strip comprising diodes, which are each arranged in a reflective parabolic electroluminescent cavity, and means for controlling and feeding these diodes.
  • the illuminating strip further comprises a collimation element disposed in front of each cavity in order to orient in a preferred direction the light rays emitted by the diodes and reflected by the cavities.
  • the document US5,575,554 describes a flexible device comprising lamps covered with a screen adapted to protect the lamps from moisture and shocks, and to allow the coloration of the illumination.
  • the document WO 02/10809 discloses a light flexible support consisting of a weaving of conductive weft son and LED fiber string son, and having at each intersection between frame and warp an activatable LED.
  • the document US 4,724,629 describes a luminous display panel, for example to display the score of a sports event, in which lamps are placed in reflective chambers for diffusing their light.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display that is less affected by the limitations above.
  • the diffusing element makes it possible to increase the visibility of each discrete light source by multiplying its emission surface.
  • One of the advantages of this display is to allow the realization of a display of large dimensions, having a very good readability, using a limited number of light sources per unit area. Indeed, it allows to space the light sources, which provides a very flexible screen, the join between the light spots being performed by the diffusing element.
  • the display according to the invention it also shows an easy realization and a limited power of operation, because proportional to the number of light sources.
  • the light sources are fixed on the flexible support in a matrix arrangement.
  • the display may further include a cover element of the face of the diffusing element, which allows the light to pass.
  • This covering element makes it possible to provide a specific aesthetic covering and thus facilitates integration into a textile support.
  • the light sources are individually controllable to emit light.
  • the flexible support may be a substrate or a polymer film. It is for example made of the material known under the trademark "Kapton". It may also consist of a sheet of optical fibers, as presented in the patent application FR 0102623 .
  • the flexible support is made of fabric and includes woven yarns including electrically conductive yarns for transmitting control and feeding signals. And the discrete electroluminescent sources can then be soldered to the conductive wires.
  • the invention proposes a textile structure comprising a display according to the invention.
  • this textile structure for example a garment or a backpack, has a pocket provided with a lower part, and an upper part allowing the light to pass, between which at least the flexible support and the plurality of discrete light sources of the display.
  • the pocket may comprise means for extracting the display. This feature makes it possible to remove the display, especially for the purpose of allow the washing of the textile structure without risk for the display, or to be able to transpose the display from one textile structure to another.
  • the upper part of the pocket may incorporate the diffusing element of the display. It may further comprise on the surface a cover element of the face of the diffusing element.
  • the figure 1 represents different components of a flexible display 1 in one embodiment of the invention. These different components are shown not superimposed so as to highlight the contribution of each of these components taken individually.
  • This flexible display 1 comprises a flexible support 2. A matrix of 7x5 discrete light sources 3 spaced apart from each other is fixed on the flexible support 2. This support includes a connector for the supply and control of light sources 3 from control and power means which will be described later.
  • the flexible display 1 further comprises a diffusing element 4 covering the light sources 3. This diffusing element 4 increases the visibility of each light source by multiplying its emission surface beyond the emission surface of the light sources. It performs an artificial continuous join of two adjacent light sources on one of its faces 4a opposite the light sources. In the figures, the light sources represented hatched are lit, those in white are off.
  • the flexible display 1 further comprises a cover element 5 to provide a specific covering to the display 1, through textile materials, colors and patterns of weaving or knitting varied. This covering element 5 also brings new physical properties to the display 1, for example sealing or impact resistance.
  • diffusing element 4 could itself incorporate the characteristics presented here by the cover element 5.
  • the flexible support 2 is for example fabric. It can be of the type described above.
  • the light sources 3 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in Surface-Mounted Surface Mount Technology (CMS) that are directly addressable and soldered to the support 2.
  • the diffusing element 4 is flexible and can be a foam , a fabric or a mesh structure.
  • the diffusing element 4 and the covering element 5 are for example assembled by laminating.
  • the figure 2 represents a flexible fabric support 2 made from woven yarns.
  • these son include electrically conductive son 21 woven mixed with other textile son.
  • the support 2 is woven for example in a cloth-like weave, with a sufficiently loose mesh (openwork) to be visible in segments by the conductive son 21.
  • the son employed have a titration (or fineness) high enough to confer the fabric a good surface condition, sufficient to be able to support the welding using conventional PCB soldering tools (roughness less than 0.15 mm).
  • Textile yarns are for example electrically insulating and resistant to physical stresses, in particular temperatures imposed by welding. They are for example cotton, polyester or polyamide.
  • the son 21 can be made of copper, tinned copper, silver-plated copper, or gilded copper, and are sheathed by a polymer resin (eg polyester) which electrically isolates them from each other.
  • These conductive yarns are woven according to a specific weave weave so as to be able, by grouping, constitute conductive tracks each carrying a signal from control and power supply boxes 22 and 23 to the LEDs 3 arranged on the tracks.
  • the conductive tracks each comprise one or more substantially parallel conductor wires, in order to distribute the energy transported.
  • the weaving pattern used represented in figure 2 defines a three-track arrangement 24 in a first T-frame direction and three tracks 25 in a C-chain direction.
  • Directly addressable CMS-type LEDs are placed at the intersection of tracks 24 extending along the frame and tracks extending along the chain.
  • These LEDs 3 comprise a first control electrode 26 soldered on a track 24 and a second control electrode 27 soldered to a track 25. This welding is done in a very short time and at a temperature sufficient to be able to quickly get rid of the electrical wires of their insulating protection, which melts under the heat and solder these wires, without however deteriorating the rest of the fabric.
  • no electrical contact is made, since the son 21 constituting the tracks, although being in contact by the weave, are electrically isolated from each other by the polymer cladding.
  • the wires 21 may be welded in the same manner to rigid printed circuits contained in control boxes 22 and 23. These wires may also be connected to "self-stripping" connectors located in these housings.
  • a textile finishing may have been applied, by embedding the LEDs 3 in a flexible resin, such as for example a spray or a polymer coating (for example silicone). Once reticulated, this protection will maintain a good flexibility and maintain the LEDs 3 on the fabric, while ensuring the tightness of the whole
  • the two housings 22 and 23 are, for example, multiplex control electronic boxes. They control the lighting of the LEDs 3 and send them an electric current directly according to the desired display intensities for each of them, via the wires 21.
  • the housing 22 controls for example the chain tracks 25. It is connected to all of one end of the chain tracks and therefore extends in the weft direction along one of the sides of the support 2.
  • the housing 23 controls for example the weft tracks 24. It is connected to all of one of the ends of the weft tracks and therefore extends in the warp direction along one of the sides of the support 2.
  • the control of the LEDs 3 is for example according to a temporal scanning principle.
  • the control box 23 successively connects the frame tracks 24 to a power supply terminal. This temporal scanning is not perceptible by the human eye.
  • an LED 3 is effectively powered and radiates if it is connected to the other supply terminal via a chain track 25 by the housing 22.
  • This selection Led by LED 22 by the housing is obtained for example by means of switches arranged at the entrance of each chain track 25.
  • the figure 3a represents the display presented by a flexible support 2 according to the invention on which the LEDs 3 are fixed.
  • the LEDs 3 have been selected so as to display the pattern "A3".
  • the figure 3b represents the display presented by the face 4a of the diffusing element 4 covering the flexible support lined with the figure 3a .
  • the figure 3c represents the display presented by the cover element 5 covering the display represented in figure 3b .
  • FIG. 4 to 6 represent several possible embodiments of the display according to the invention, depending on the type of diffusing element 4 chosen.
  • the figures correspond to a cross section of the display 1 at the last line at the bottom of the display 1 represented in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 3c .
  • the diffusing element 4 represented on the figure 4 allows to position the cover element 5 at the desired distance (by varying its thickness) of the LEDs 3.
  • the surface of the light spot or pixel visible from the display 1 according to the invention in question will therefore be a function of the angle of the emission cone ⁇ of the LED, the thickness d of the diffusing element 4, as well as the spacing e between the LEDs.
  • This diffusing element 4 may consist of a foam-type material.
  • the LEDs 3 are embedded in a flexible resin 9, which allows the display 1 to withstand the mechanical stresses related to bending.
  • the light emitted by the LEDs 3 is diffused and diffracted inside a diffusing element consisting of transparent encapsulating cells 6. Then it is projected onto the cover element 5.
  • These cells 6 may advantageously not be interdependent between they, and the cover element 5 not to be secured to the cells 6, which ensures maximum flexibility to the display.
  • the light emitted by the LEDs 3 is diffused directly into a diffusing element 4 further ensuring the cover element functions made of a material having specific characteristics of light conduction, either by the nature of the material used (ex: polyester, polyamide ..), either by or in combination with its implementation (fabric, mesh structure, nonwoven, foam ).
  • One of the main advantages of a display according to the invention is to adapt the constituent elements according to the desired effect or imposed constraints.
  • the diffusing element 4 it is possible to generate on the surface of the display 1 more or less large pixels, and thus to use more or fewer light sources, with equal image definition. It is thus possible to adapt the flexibility of the display, which depends in particular on the number of light sources, according to the imposed flexibility constraints.
  • the flexible support comprising the light sources, the diffusing element and possibly the covering element can be assembled by gluing.
  • the flexible support and the diffusing element can be glued, the covering element being simply placed on the diffusing element, in order to allow the sliding of one on the other.
  • This sliding effect has the advantage of reducing the flexural strength of the entire display.
  • the diffusing element and the covering element can be assembled by gluing or stitching, and can then be placed on the support lined with light sources, again with the possibility of sliding.
  • This assembly must ensure a perfect maintenance of the various components of the display: support furnished with light sources, diffusing element and possibly cover element to ensure a uniform size and visibility of the pixels on the screen surface .
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a textile structure comprising a display according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the display can be assembled, permanently or not, to the rest of the textile structure in different ways: using classic wouldnrdashery systems such as zippers, Velcro strips, snaps or sewing.
  • the display or some of the elements constituting it can also be inserted. in a suitable pocket through an opening.
  • This pocket can have a simple function of maintenance with transparency, or further include, as detailed below, the diffusing element and / or the covering element. This pocket can in particular allow the display to be removed from the textile structure.
  • the diffusing element and / or the covering element can be made in the textile structure itself. They may, for example, be part of a holding pocket, as mentioned above and as shown in FIG. figure 7 .
  • a sleeve 7 has a pocket 8.
  • An upper piece 10 of the pocket 8 of substantially rectangular shape, consists of a diffusing element and a covering element, for example sewn together, the covering element being arranged so as to cover the face of the diffusing element opposite the LEDs.
  • the periphery of this upper piece is sewn, except for one side, on the rest of the textile structure, thus delimiting, on the rest of the textile structure, a lower part of the pocket, and a housing between the lower part and the upper part 10 of dimension adapted to accommodate a flexible support 2 lined with LEDs 3 similar to that shown in FIG. figure 3a .
  • This support can be inserted as shown on the figure 7 .
  • the bag is provided with a closure system 11, for example a zipper.
  • the cover element on the upper part 10 can be adapted to not have visible demarcation relative to the rest of the surface of the sleeve 7 when the display is off.
  • a display according to the invention has many advantages, particularly in terms of flexibility due to the relative freedom that is available on the number of light sources to use, the display quality of pixellisation rendered continuous thanks to the diffusing element , size, weight and simplicity of implementation. It thus allows the realization of communicating textile structure, guaranteeing both a display of quality, and comfort of wearing.

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible display, comprising a flexible support, discrete light sources, arranged in a dispersed manner on the flexible support, means for controlling power supply for the light sources, means, incorporated in the flexible support, for transmission between the means for control of the power supply and the discrete light sources, and control and power signals for the discrete light sources. The above further comprises a diffuser element, covering the light sources, such that the light originating from two adjacent discrete light sources produces an essentially continuous light display on a face of the diffuser element opposite the light sources.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des afficheurs souples et plus particulièrement les afficheurs souples intégrables dans des supports textiles, par exemple vestimentaires. On parle alors d'afficheurs pliables. Les applications concernent entre autres les secteurs de la publicité, de la sécurité, des loisirs ou encore des manifestations à caractère événementiel. Elles portent notamment sur la diffusion d'informations visuelles sur les vêtements d'une personne, et permettent que ces informations soient perçues par les personnes situées dans un voisinage immédiat de l'afficheur,The present invention relates to the field of flexible displays and more particularly to flexible displays that can be integrated into textile supports, for example clothing. This is called folding displays. Applications include the advertising, security, entertainment and events sectors. They include the dissemination of visual information on the clothing of a person, and allow this information to be perceived by people in an immediate vicinity of the display,

Les technologies actuelles d'afficheurs souples présentent de gros inconvénients, qui empêchent ou nuisent fortement à leur intégration dans les supports textiles. Ces inconvénients sont par exemple une rigidité trop importante de l'afficheur, des caractéristiques d'encombrement, de consommation électrique ou de poids incompatibles avec le type d'application souhaitée, ou encore l'impossibilité de personnaliser l'esthétique de l'écran en fonction du support textile cible.The current technologies of flexible displays have major disadvantages, which prevent or strongly impede their integration in textile substrates. These disadvantages are, for example, excessive rigidity of the display, congestion characteristics, power consumption or weight that are incompatible with the desired type of application, or the impossibility of customizing the aesthetics of the screen by function of the target textile support.

Le document EP 0377 352 décrit une bande éclairante souple comportant des diodes, qui sont disposées chacune dans une cavité parabolique réfléchissante électroluminescente, et des moyens de commande et d'alimentation de ces diodes. La bande éclairante comporte en outre un élément de collimation disposée devant chaque cavité afin d'orienter dans une direction privilégiée les rayons lumineux émis par les diodes et réfléchis par les cavités.The document EP 0377 352 discloses a flexible illuminating strip comprising diodes, which are each arranged in a reflective parabolic electroluminescent cavity, and means for controlling and feeding these diodes. The illuminating strip further comprises a collimation element disposed in front of each cavity in order to orient in a preferred direction the light rays emitted by the diodes and reflected by the cavities.

Le document US 5,575,554 décrit un dispositif souple comportant des lampes recouvertes d'un écran adapté pour protéger les lampes de l'humidité et des chocs, et pour permettre la coloration de l'illumination.The document US5,575,554 describes a flexible device comprising lamps covered with a screen adapted to protect the lamps from moisture and shocks, and to allow the coloration of the illumination.

Le document WO 02/10809 décrit un support souple lumineux constitué d'un tissage de fils de trame conducteurs et de fils de chaîne en fibre LED, disposant ainsi à chaque intersection entre trame et chaîne d'une LED activable.The document WO 02/10809 discloses a light flexible support consisting of a weaving of conductive weft son and LED fiber string son, and having at each intersection between frame and warp an activatable LED.

Le document US 4,724,629 décrit un panneau d'affichage lumineux, par exemple pour afficher le score d'un événement sportif, dans lequel des lampes sont placées dans des chambres réfléchissantes servant à diffuser leur lumière.The document US 4,724,629 describes a luminous display panel, for example to display the score of a sports event, in which lamps are placed in reflective chambers for diffusing their light.

Un but de la présente invention est de proposer un afficheur souple qui soit moins affecté par les limitations ci-dessus.An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible display that is less affected by the limitations above.

Ainsi suivant un premier aspect, l'invention propose un afficheur souple, selon la revendication 1, comportant :

  • un support souple,
  • une pluralité de sources lumineuses discrètes, fixées de façon espacée sur support souple et,
  • des moyens de commande et d'alimentation de sources lumineuses,
  • des moyens, inclus dans le support souple, de transmission entre les moyens de commande et d'alimentation et les sources lumineuses discrètes, de signaux de commande et d'alimentation de sources lumineuses discrètes,
  • un élément diffusant souple recouvrant les sources lumineuses de façon à diffuser la lumière provenant de deux sources lumineuses discrètes adjacentes pour produire un affichage lumineux sensiblement continu sur une face de l'élément diffusant opposée aux sources lumineuses.
Thus according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a flexible display, according to claim 1, comprising:
  • a flexible support,
  • a plurality of discrete light sources, spaced apart on a flexible support and,
  • means for controlling and supplying light sources,
  • means, included in the flexible support, for transmission between the control and power supply means and the discrete light sources, of control signals and supply of discrete light sources,
  • a flexible scattering element covering the light sources so as to diffuse light from two adjacent discrete light sources to produce a substantially continuous light display on a face of the scattering element opposite to the light sources.

L'élément diffusant permet d'accroître la visibilité de chaque source lumineuse discrète en démultipliant sa surface d'émission. L'un des avantages de cet afficheur est donc de permettre la réalisation d'un affichage de dimensions importantes, possédant une très bonne lisibilité, en utilisant un nombre limité de sources lumineuses par unité de surface. En effet, il permet d'espacer les sources lumineuses, ce qui fournit un écran très souple, la jointure entre les points lumineux étant réalisée par l'élément diffusant. Parmi les avantages de l'afficheur selon l'invention, il figure également une réalisation aisée et une puissance de fonctionnement limitée, car proportionnelle au nombre de sources lumineuses.The diffusing element makes it possible to increase the visibility of each discrete light source by multiplying its emission surface. One of the advantages of this display is to allow the realization of a display of large dimensions, having a very good readability, using a limited number of light sources per unit area. Indeed, it allows to space the light sources, which provides a very flexible screen, the join between the light spots being performed by the diffusing element. Among the advantages of the display according to the invention, it also shows an easy realization and a limited power of operation, because proportional to the number of light sources.

Dans une réalisation avantageuse, les sources lumineuses sont fixées sur le support souple dans une disposition matricielle.In an advantageous embodiment, the light sources are fixed on the flexible support in a matrix arrangement.

L'afficheur peut comporter en outre un élément de couverture de la face de l'élément diffusant, qui laisse passer la lumière. Cet élément de couverture permet d'apporter un habillage esthétique spécifique et facilite ainsi l'intégration dans un support textile.The display may further include a cover element of the face of the diffusing element, which allows the light to pass. This covering element makes it possible to provide a specific aesthetic covering and thus facilitates integration into a textile support.

Avantageusement, les sources lumineuses sont commandables individuellement pour émettre de la lumière.Advantageously, the light sources are individually controllable to emit light.

Le support souple peut être un substrat ou film polymère. Il est par exemple réalisé en le matériau connu sous la marque "Kapton". Il peut également être constitué d'une nappe de fibres optiques, comme présenté dans la demande de brevet FR 0102623 . Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, le support souple est en tissu et comporte des fils tissés incluant des fils électriquement conducteurs servant à transmettre les signaux de commande et d'alimentation. Et les sources électroluminescentes discrètes peuvent être alors soudées sur les fils conducteurs.The flexible support may be a substrate or a polymer film. It is for example made of the material known under the trademark "Kapton". It may also consist of a sheet of optical fibers, as presented in the patent application FR 0102623 . In a preferred embodiment, the flexible support is made of fabric and includes woven yarns including electrically conductive yarns for transmitting control and feeding signals. And the discrete electroluminescent sources can then be soldered to the conductive wires.

Suivant un second aspect, l'invention propose une structure textile comportant un afficheur selon l'invention.According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a textile structure comprising a display according to the invention.

Avantageusement, cette structure textile, par exemple un vêtement ou un sac à dos, présente une poche pourvue d'une pièce inférieure, et d'une pièce supérieure laissant passer la lumière, entre lesquelles sont maintenus au moins le support souple et la pluralité de sources lumineuses discrètes de l'afficheur.Advantageously, this textile structure, for example a garment or a backpack, has a pocket provided with a lower part, and an upper part allowing the light to pass, between which at least the flexible support and the plurality of discrete light sources of the display.

La poche peut comporter des moyens pour extraire l'afficheur. Cette caractéristique permet de pouvoir retirer l'afficheur, notamment dans le but de permettre le lavage de la structure textile sans risque pour l'afficheur, ou encore de pouvoir transposer l'afficheur d'une structure textile à une autre.The pocket may comprise means for extracting the display. This feature makes it possible to remove the display, especially for the purpose of allow the washing of the textile structure without risk for the display, or to be able to transpose the display from one textile structure to another.

La pièce supérieure de la poche peut incorporer l'élément diffusant de l'afficheur. Elle peut en outre comporter en surface un élément de couverture de la face de l'élément diffusant.The upper part of the pocket may incorporate the diffusing element of the display. It may further comprise on the surface a cover element of the face of the diffusing element.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront encore à la lecture de la description qui va suivre. Celle-ci est purement illustrative et doit être lue en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente différents composants d'un afficheur souple dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente un mode de réalisation d'un support souple selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3a représente un affichage présenté par un support souple selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3b représente un affichage présenté par le support souple de la figure 3a recouvert de l'élément diffusant ;
  • la figure 3c représente un affichage présenté par l'afficheur représenté à la figure 3b recouvert d'un élément de couverture ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue transversale d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un afficheur selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue transversale d'un second mode de réalisation d'un afficheur selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 représente une vue transversale d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un afficheur selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 7 représente un mode de réalisation d'une structure textile selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 represents different components of a flexible display in one embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 represents an embodiment of a flexible support according to the invention;
  • the figure 3a represents a display presented by a flexible support according to the invention;
  • the figure 3b represents a display presented by the flexible support of the figure 3a covered with the diffusing element;
  • the figure 3c represents a display presented by the display represented at figure 3b covered with a cover element;
  • the figure 4 represents a transverse view of a first embodiment of a display according to the invention;
  • the figure 5 represents a transverse view of a second embodiment of a display according to the invention;
  • the figure 6 represents a transverse view of a third embodiment of a display according to the invention;
  • the figure 7 represents an embodiment of a textile structure according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente différents composants d'un afficheur souple 1 dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention. Ces différents composants sont représentés non superposés afin de pourvoir mettre en évidence la contribution de chacun de ces composants pris unitairement. Cet afficheur souple 1 comporte un support souple 2. Une matrice de 7x5 sources lumineuses discrètes 3 espacées l'une de l'autre est fixée sur le support souple 2. Ce support inclut une connectique destinée à l'alimentation et à la commande des sources lumineuses 3 depuis des moyens de commande et d'alimentation qui seront décrits ultérieurement. L'afficheur souple 1 comprend en outre un élément diffusant 4 recouvrant les sources lumineuses 3. Cet élément diffusant 4 accroît la visibilité de chaque source lumineuse en démultipliant sa surface d'émission au-delà de la surface d'émission des sources lumineuses. Il réalise une jointure continue artificielle de deux sources lumineuses adjacentes allumées sur une de ses faces 4a opposée aux sources lumineuses. Sur les figures, les sources lumineuses représentées en hachuré sont allumées, celles en blanc sont éteintes. L'afficheur souple 1 comprend en outre un élément de couverture 5 pour apporter un habillage spécifique à l'afficheur 1, par l'intermédiaire de matières textiles, de couleurs et de motifs de tissage ou de tricotage variés. Cet élément de couverture 5 apporte en outre de nouvelles propriétés physiques à l'afficheur 1, par exemple d'étanchéité ou de résistances aux chocs.The figure 1 represents different components of a flexible display 1 in one embodiment of the invention. These different components are shown not superimposed so as to highlight the contribution of each of these components taken individually. This flexible display 1 comprises a flexible support 2. A matrix of 7x5 discrete light sources 3 spaced apart from each other is fixed on the flexible support 2. This support includes a connector for the supply and control of light sources 3 from control and power means which will be described later. The flexible display 1 further comprises a diffusing element 4 covering the light sources 3. This diffusing element 4 increases the visibility of each light source by multiplying its emission surface beyond the emission surface of the light sources. It performs an artificial continuous join of two adjacent light sources on one of its faces 4a opposite the light sources. In the figures, the light sources represented hatched are lit, those in white are off. The flexible display 1 further comprises a cover element 5 to provide a specific covering to the display 1, through textile materials, colors and patterns of weaving or knitting varied. This covering element 5 also brings new physical properties to the display 1, for example sealing or impact resistance.

A noter que l'élément diffusant 4 pourrait lui-même intégrer les caractéristiques présentées ici par l'élément de couverture 5.Note that the diffusing element 4 could itself incorporate the characteristics presented here by the cover element 5.

Dans le mode de réalisation particulier considéré, le support souple 2 est par exemple en tissu. Il peut être du type décrit ci-dessus. Les sources lumineuses 3 sont des diodes électroluminescentes (LED, "Light-Emitting Diode") en technologie CMS ("Composant Monté en Surface") directement adressables et soudées sur le support 2. L'élément diffusant 4 est souple et peut être une mousse, un tissu ou une structure en maille. L'élément diffusant 4 et l'élément de couverture 5 sont par exemple assemblés par contre-collage.In the particular embodiment considered, the flexible support 2 is for example fabric. It can be of the type described above. The light sources 3 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in Surface-Mounted Surface Mount Technology (CMS) that are directly addressable and soldered to the support 2. The diffusing element 4 is flexible and can be a foam , a fabric or a mesh structure. The diffusing element 4 and the covering element 5 are for example assembled by laminating.

La figure 2 représente un support souple en tissu 2 réalisé à partir de fils tissés. Parmi ces fils figurent des fils électriquement conducteurs 21 tissés en mélange avec d'autres fils textiles. Le support 2 est tissé par exemple selon une armure de type toile, avec un maillage suffisamment lâche (ajouré) pour pouvoir laisser apparents par segments les fils conducteurs 21. Les fils employés ont un titrage (ou une finesse) suffisamment élevé pour conférer au tissu un bon état de surface, suffisant pour pouvoir servir de support à la soudure en utilisant des outils de soudure sur circuits imprimés classiques (rugosité inférieure à 0,15 mm).The figure 2 represents a flexible fabric support 2 made from woven yarns. Among these son include electrically conductive son 21 woven mixed with other textile son. The support 2 is woven for example in a cloth-like weave, with a sufficiently loose mesh (openwork) to be visible in segments by the conductive son 21. The son employed have a titration (or fineness) high enough to confer the fabric a good surface condition, sufficient to be able to support the welding using conventional PCB soldering tools (roughness less than 0.15 mm).

Les fils textiles sont par exemple isolants sur le plan électrique et résistant aux contraintes physiques, notamment de températures imposées par la soudure. Ils sont par exemple en Coton, Polyester ou Polyamide.Textile yarns are for example electrically insulating and resistant to physical stresses, in particular temperatures imposed by welding. They are for example cotton, polyester or polyamide.

Les fils conducteurs 21 peuvent être en cuivre, en cuivre étamé, en cuivre argenté, ou en cuivre doré, et sont gainés par une résine polymère (ex: Polyester) qui les isole électriquement entre eux. Ces fils conducteurs sont tissés suivant une armure de tissage précise afin de pouvoir, par regroupement, constituer des pistes conductrices transportant chacune un signal depuis des boîtiers de commande et d'alimentation 22 et 23 jusqu'aux LEDs 3 disposées sur les pistes.The son 21 can be made of copper, tinned copper, silver-plated copper, or gilded copper, and are sheathed by a polymer resin (eg polyester) which electrically isolates them from each other. These conductive yarns are woven according to a specific weave weave so as to be able, by grouping, constitute conductive tracks each carrying a signal from control and power supply boxes 22 and 23 to the LEDs 3 arranged on the tracks.

Les pistes conductrices comprennent chacune un ou plusieurs fils conducteurs sensiblement parallèles, afin de répartir l'énergie transportée.The conductive tracks each comprise one or more substantially parallel conductor wires, in order to distribute the energy transported.

Le modèle de tissage utilisé représenté en figure 2 définit une disposition de trois pistes 24 selon une première direction de trame T et trois pistes 25 selon une direction de chaîne C.The weaving pattern used represented in figure 2 defines a three-track arrangement 24 in a first T-frame direction and three tracks 25 in a C-chain direction.

Les LEDs de type CMS directement adressables sont placées à l'intersection des pistes 24 s'étendant le long de la trame et des pistes 25 s'étendant le long de la chaîne. Ces LEDs 3 comportent une première électrode de commande 26 soudée sur une piste 24 et une seconde électrode de commande 27 soudée sur une piste 25. Cette soudure est faite dans un laps de temps très court et à une température suffisante pour pouvoir très rapidement débarrasser les fils électriques de leur protection isolante, qui fond sous la chaleur et souder ces fils, sans toutefois détériorer le reste du tissu. Par ailleurs, aux intersections entre les pistes 24 et 25 selon la trame et selon la chaîne, aucun contact électrique ne se fait, puisque les fils 21 constituant les pistes, bien qu'étant en contact par le tissage, sont isolés électriquement entre eux par le gainage polymère.Directly addressable CMS-type LEDs are placed at the intersection of tracks 24 extending along the frame and tracks extending along the chain. These LEDs 3 comprise a first control electrode 26 soldered on a track 24 and a second control electrode 27 soldered to a track 25. This welding is done in a very short time and at a temperature sufficient to be able to quickly get rid of the electrical wires of their insulating protection, which melts under the heat and solder these wires, without however deteriorating the rest of the fabric. Moreover, at the intersections between the tracks 24 and 25 according to the frame and according to the chain, no electrical contact is made, since the son 21 constituting the tracks, although being in contact by the weave, are electrically isolated from each other by the polymer cladding.

Les fils 21 peuvent être soudés de la même manière à des circuits imprimés rigides contenus dans des boîtiers de commande 22 et 23. Ces fils peuvent également être reliés à des connecteurs "auto dénudants" situés dans ces boîtiers.The wires 21 may be welded in the same manner to rigid printed circuits contained in control boxes 22 and 23. These wires may also be connected to "self-stripping" connectors located in these housings.

Enfin, en vue de protéger mécaniquement l'afficheur, un ennoblissement textile peut avoir été appliqué, en noyant les LEDs 3 dans une résine souple, comme par exemple une pulvérisation ou une enduction polymère (par exemple de silicone). Une fois réticulée, cette protection conservera une bonne souplesse et maintiendra les LEDs 3 sur le tissu, tout en garantissant l'étanchéité de l'ensembleFinally, in order to mechanically protect the display, a textile finishing may have been applied, by embedding the LEDs 3 in a flexible resin, such as for example a spray or a polymer coating (for example silicone). Once reticulated, this protection will maintain a good flexibility and maintain the LEDs 3 on the fabric, while ensuring the tightness of the whole

Les deux boîtiers 22 et 23 sont par exemple des boîtiers électroniques de commande par multiplexage. Ils commandent l'éclairage des LEDs 3 et leur envoient directement un courant électrique en fonction des intensités d'affichage voulues pour chacune d'elle, par l'intermédiaire des fils conducteurs 21.The two housings 22 and 23 are, for example, multiplex control electronic boxes. They control the lighting of the LEDs 3 and send them an electric current directly according to the desired display intensities for each of them, via the wires 21.

Le boîtier 22 pilote par exemple les pistes de chaîne 25. Il est connecté à l'ensemble d'une des extrémités des pistes de chaîne et s'étend donc dans la direction de trame le long d'un des côtés du support 2.The housing 22 controls for example the chain tracks 25. It is connected to all of one end of the chain tracks and therefore extends in the weft direction along one of the sides of the support 2.

Le boîtier 23 pilote par exemple les pistes de trame 24. Il est connecté à l'ensemble d'une des extrémités des pistes de trame et s'étend donc dans la direction de chaîne le long d'un des côtés du support 2.The housing 23 controls for example the weft tracks 24. It is connected to all of one of the ends of the weft tracks and therefore extends in the warp direction along one of the sides of the support 2.

Le pilotage des LEDs 3 se fait par exemple selon un principe de balayage temporel. Par exemple, le boîtier de commande 23 relie successivement les pistes de trame 24 à une borne d'alimentation. Ce balayage temporel n'est pas perceptible par l'oeil humain. Pour une piste de trame 24 adressée par le boîtier 23, une LED 3 est effectivement alimentée et rayonne si elle est reliée à l'autre borne d'alimentation par l'intermédiaire d'une piste de chaîne 25 par le boîtier 22. Cette sélection LED par LED par le boîtier 22 est obtenue par exemple à l'aide de commutateurs disposés à l'entrée de chaque piste de chaîne 25.The control of the LEDs 3 is for example according to a temporal scanning principle. For example, the control box 23 successively connects the frame tracks 24 to a power supply terminal. This temporal scanning is not perceptible by the human eye. For a frame track 24 addressed by the housing 23, an LED 3 is effectively powered and radiates if it is connected to the other supply terminal via a chain track 25 by the housing 22. This selection Led by LED 22 by the housing is obtained for example by means of switches arranged at the entrance of each chain track 25.

D'autres modes de réalisation du support garni de sources lumineuses et des moyens de commande et d'alimentation et de transmission des signaux correspondants peuvent également être envisagés.Other embodiments of the support filled with light sources and means for controlling and supplying and transmitting the corresponding signals can also be envisaged.

La figure 3a représente l'affichage présenté par un support souple 2 selon l'invention sur lequel sont fixées les LED 3. Les LEDs 3 ont été sélectionnées de façon à afficher le motif « A3 ».The figure 3a represents the display presented by a flexible support 2 according to the invention on which the LEDs 3 are fixed. The LEDs 3 have been selected so as to display the pattern "A3".

La figure 3b représente l'affichage présenté par la face 4a de l'élément diffusant 4 recouvrant le support souple garni de la figure 3a.The figure 3b represents the display presented by the face 4a of the diffusing element 4 covering the flexible support lined with the figure 3a .

La figure 3c représente l'affichage présenté par l'élément de couverture 5 recouvrant l'afficheur représenté en figure 3b.The figure 3c represents the display presented by the cover element 5 covering the display represented in figure 3b .

Les figures 4 à 6 représentent plusieurs modes de réalisation possibles de l'afficheur selon l'invention, en fonction du type d'élément diffusant 4 choisi. les figures correspondent à une coupe transversale de l'afficheur 1 au niveau de la dernière ligne en bas de l'afficheur 1 représenté en figure 1 et figure 3c.The Figures 4 to 6 represent several possible embodiments of the display according to the invention, depending on the type of diffusing element 4 chosen. the figures correspond to a cross section of the display 1 at the last line at the bottom of the display 1 represented in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 3c .

L'élément diffusant 4 représenté sur la figure 4 permet de positionner l'élément de couverture 5 à distance souhaitée (en jouant sur son épaisseur) des LEDs 3. La surface de la tâche lumineuse ou pixel visible depuis l'afficheur 1 selon l'invention considéré sera donc fonction de l'angle du cône d'émission α de la LED, de l'épaisseur d de l'élément diffusant 4, ainsi que de l'écartement e entre les LEDs. Cet élément diffusant 4 peut être constitué d'un matériau de type mousse.The diffusing element 4 represented on the figure 4 allows to position the cover element 5 at the desired distance (by varying its thickness) of the LEDs 3. The surface of the light spot or pixel visible from the display 1 according to the invention in question will therefore be a function of the angle of the emission cone α of the LED, the thickness d of the diffusing element 4, as well as the spacing e between the LEDs. This diffusing element 4 may consist of a foam-type material.

Les LEDs 3 sont noyées dans une résine souple 9, qui permet à l'afficheur 1 de résister aux contraintes mécaniques liées à la flexion.The LEDs 3 are embedded in a flexible resin 9, which allows the display 1 to withstand the mechanical stresses related to bending.

Dans le mode de réalisation de l'afficheur 1 représenté en figure 5, la lumière émise par les LEDs 3 est diffusée et diffractée à l'intérieur d'un élément diffusant constitué de cellules encapsulantes transparentes 6. Puis elle est projetée sur l'élément de couverture 5. Ces cellules 6 peuvent avantageusement ne pas être solidaires entre elles, et l'élément de couverture 5 ne pas être solidaire des cellules 6, ce qui garantit un maximum de flexibilité à l'afficheur.In the embodiment of the display 1 represented in figure 5 , the light emitted by the LEDs 3 is diffused and diffracted inside a diffusing element consisting of transparent encapsulating cells 6. Then it is projected onto the cover element 5. These cells 6 may advantageously not be interdependent between they, and the cover element 5 not to be secured to the cells 6, which ensures maximum flexibility to the display.

Dans le mode de réalisation de l'afficheur 1 représenté en figure 6, la lumière émise par les LEDs 3 est diffusée directement dans un élément diffusant 4 assurant en outre les fonctions d'élément de couverture réalisé en un matériau présentant des caractéristiques spécifiques de conduction de la lumière, soit par la nature du matériau employé (ex: polyester, polyamide..), soit par ou en combinaison avec sa mise en oeuvre (tissu, structure maille, non-tissé, mousse...).In the embodiment of the display 1 represented in figure 6 , the light emitted by the LEDs 3 is diffused directly into a diffusing element 4 further ensuring the cover element functions made of a material having specific characteristics of light conduction, either by the nature of the material used (ex: polyester, polyamide ..), either by or in combination with its implementation (fabric, mesh structure, nonwoven, foam ...).

L'un des principaux avantages d'un afficheur selon l'invention est de pouvoir adapter les éléments le constituant en fonction de l'effet recherché ou des contraintes imposées.One of the main advantages of a display according to the invention is to adapt the constituent elements according to the desired effect or imposed constraints.

En effet, selon le choix notamment de l'élément diffusant 4, on peut générer à la surface de l'afficheur 1 des pixels plus ou moins grands, et donc utiliser plus ou moins de sources lumineuses, à définition d'image égale. On peut ainsi adapter la souplesse de l'afficheur, qui dépend notamment du nombre de sources lumineuses, en fonction des contraintes de souplesse imposées.Indeed, depending on the choice in particular of the diffusing element 4, it is possible to generate on the surface of the display 1 more or less large pixels, and thus to use more or fewer light sources, with equal image definition. It is thus possible to adapt the flexibility of the display, which depends in particular on the number of light sources, according to the imposed flexibility constraints.

Le support souple comportant les sources lumineuses, l'élément diffusant et éventuellement l'élément de couverture peuvent être assemblés par collage.The flexible support comprising the light sources, the diffusing element and possibly the covering element can be assembled by gluing.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le support souple et l'élément diffusant peuvent être collés, l'élément de couverture étant simplement posé sur l'élément diffusant, afin de permettre le glissement de l'un sur l'autre. Cet effet de glissement présente l'avantage de diminuer la résistance à la flexion de l'ensemble de l'afficheur.In another embodiment, the flexible support and the diffusing element can be glued, the covering element being simply placed on the diffusing element, in order to allow the sliding of one on the other. This sliding effect has the advantage of reducing the flexural strength of the entire display.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, l'élément diffusant et l'élément de couverture peuvent être assemblés par collage ou couture, puis peuvent être posés sur le support garni de sources lumineuses avec dans ce cas encore, une possibilité de glissement.In another embodiment, the diffusing element and the covering element can be assembled by gluing or stitching, and can then be placed on the support lined with light sources, again with the possibility of sliding.

Cet assemblage devra garantir un parfait maintien en contact des différentes composantes de l'afficheur: support garni de sources lumineuses, élément diffusant et éventuellement élément de couverture pour pouvoir assurer une taille ainsi qu'une visibilité homogène des pixels à la surface de l'écran.This assembly must ensure a perfect maintenance of the various components of the display: support furnished with light sources, diffusing element and possibly cover element to ensure a uniform size and visibility of the pixels on the screen surface .

Un autre aspect de l'invention se rapporte à une structure textile comportant un afficheur selon le premier aspect de l'invention. L'afficheur peut être assemblé, définitivement ou non, au reste de la structure textile de différentes manières : au moyen de systèmes de mercerie classiques comme des fermetures éclair, des bandes Velcro, des boutons pression ou encore par couture. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, l'afficheur ou certains des éléments le constituant (par exemple le support garni de sources lumineuses, ou ce dernier recouvert de l'élément diffusant et/ou de l'élément de couverture), peut également être inséré dans une poche adéquate par l'intermédiaire d'une ouverture. Cette poche peut avoir une simple fonction de maintien avec transparence, ou inclure en outre, comme détaillé plus loin, l'élément diffusant et/ou l'élément de couverture. Cette poche peut en particulier permettre de retirer l'afficheur de la structure textile.Another aspect of the invention relates to a textile structure comprising a display according to the first aspect of the invention. The display can be assembled, permanently or not, to the rest of the textile structure in different ways: using classic haberdashery systems such as zippers, Velcro strips, snaps or sewing. In another embodiment, the display or some of the elements constituting it (for example the support lined with light sources, or the latter covered with the diffusing element and / or the covering element), can also be inserted. in a suitable pocket through an opening. This pocket can have a simple function of maintenance with transparency, or further include, as detailed below, the diffusing element and / or the covering element. This pocket can in particular allow the display to be removed from the textile structure.

Comme indiqué ci-dessus, l'élément diffusant et/ou l'élément de couverture peuvent être confectionnés dans la structure textile elle-même. Ils peuvent, par exemple faire partie d'une poche de maintien, comme évoqué plus haut et comme représenté en figure 7. Une chemise 7 présente une poche 8. Une pièce supérieure 10 de la poche 8, de forme sensiblement rectangulaire est constituée d'un élément diffusant et d'un élément de couverture par exemple cousus ensemble, l'élément de couverture étant disposé de façon à recouvrir la face de l'élément diffusant opposée aux LEDs. La périphérie de cette pièce supérieure est cousue, à l'exception d'un des côtés, sur le reste de la structure textile, en délimitant ainsi, sur le reste de la structure textile, une pièce inférieure de la poche, et un logement entre la pièce inférieure et la pièce supérieure 10 de dimension adaptée pour y loger un support souple 2 garni de LEDs 3 similaire à celui représenté en figure 3a. Ce support peut être inséré comme représenté sur la figure 7. La poche est pourvue d'un système de fermeture 11, par exemple une fermeture-éclair.As indicated above, the diffusing element and / or the covering element can be made in the textile structure itself. They may, for example, be part of a holding pocket, as mentioned above and as shown in FIG. figure 7 . A sleeve 7 has a pocket 8. An upper piece 10 of the pocket 8, of substantially rectangular shape, consists of a diffusing element and a covering element, for example sewn together, the covering element being arranged so as to cover the face of the diffusing element opposite the LEDs. The periphery of this upper piece is sewn, except for one side, on the rest of the textile structure, thus delimiting, on the rest of the textile structure, a lower part of the pocket, and a housing between the lower part and the upper part 10 of dimension adapted to accommodate a flexible support 2 lined with LEDs 3 similar to that shown in FIG. figure 3a . This support can be inserted as shown on the figure 7 . The bag is provided with a closure system 11, for example a zipper.

L'élément de couverture sur la pièce supérieure 10 peut être adapté pour ne pas présenter de démarcation visible par rapport au reste de la surface de la chemise 7 lorsque l'afficheur est éteint.The cover element on the upper part 10 can be adapted to not have visible demarcation relative to the rest of the surface of the sleeve 7 when the display is off.

Les différentes possibilités d'assemblage entre les divers composants de l'écran présenté dans le cas de l'afficheur selon l'invention sont bien entendu applicables dans le cas de la structure textile selon l'invention.The various possibilities of assembly between the various components of the screen presented in the case of the display according to the invention are of course applicable in the case of the textile structure according to the invention.

Ainsi un afficheur selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages notamment en terme de souplesse grâce à la relative liberté dont on dispose sur le nombre de sources lumineuses à utiliser, de qualité d'affichage de part une pixellisation rendue continue grâce à l'élément diffusant, d'encombrement, de poids et de simplicité de réalisation. Il permet ainsi la réalisation de structure textile communicante, garantissant à la fois un affichage de qualité, et un confort de port.Thus a display according to the invention has many advantages, particularly in terms of flexibility due to the relative freedom that is available on the number of light sources to use, the display quality of pixellisation rendered continuous thanks to the diffusing element , size, weight and simplicity of implementation. It thus allows the realization of communicating textile structure, guaranteeing both a display of quality, and comfort of wearing.

Claims (19)

  1. Flexible display (1) comprising:
    - a flexible support (2);
    - a plurality of discrete light sources (3), fastened to the flexible support (2) so as to be spaced apart thereon;
    - means, included in the flexible support, for transmitting supply/control signals (24, 25) to the discrete light sources; and
    - at least one element covering the light sources (3);
    the flexible display being characterized in that said element covering the light sources is a flexible diffusing element (4) designed to diffuse the light coming from two adjacent discrete light sources in order to produce a substantially continuous luminous display on one face (4a) of the diffusing element, this face being on the opposite side from the light sources.
  2. Display according to Claim 1, comprising light-source supply/control means (22, 23).
  3. Display according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the light sources (3) are fastened to the flexible support (2) in a matrix arrangement.
  4. Display according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, which includes a covering element (5), which covers said face (4a) of the diffusing element while letting light pass through it.
  5. Display according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light sources (3) can be individually controlled in order to emit light.
  6. Display according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, in which:
    - the flexible support (2) is a support made of a fabric comprising woven yarns that include electrically conducting threads (21);
    - the supply/control signal transmission means (24, 25) comprise said electrically conducting threads; and
    - the discrete light-emitting sources (3) are soldered to the conducting threads (21).
  7. Display according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light sources (3) comprise light-emitting diodes soldered to the flexible support.
  8. Display according to Claim 7, in which the light-emitting diodes (3) are embedded in a flexible resin (9).
  9. Textile structure (7) that includes a display (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
  10. Textile structure (7) according to Claim 9, which has a pocket (8) provided with a lower piece and with an upper piece (10) that lets light pass through it, at least the flexible support (2) and the plurality of discrete light sources (3) of the display being held in place between said lower and upper pieces.
  11. Textile structure (7) according to Claim 10, in which the pocket (8) includes means (11) for extracting the display.
  12. Textile structure according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, in which the upper piece (10) incorporates the diffusing element of the display.
  13. Textile structure according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the upper piece (10) includes, on the surface, a covering element (5) that covers said face (4a) of the diffusing element.
  14. Method of manufacturing a flexible display (1) according to Claim 1, comprising the steps consisting in:
    - producing a flexible support (2) incorporating electrically conducting threads (21);
    - connecting the diodes (3) with the electrically conducting threads of the flexible support;
    - covering the diodes (3) with an element, characterized in that said element for covering the diodes is a flexible diffusing element designed to diffuse the light coming from the two adjacent discrete light sources in order to produce a substantially continuous luminous display on one face (4a) of the diffusing element, this face being on the opposite side on the light sources.
  15. Method according to Claim 14, in which the connection of the diodes to the electrically conducting threads of the flexible support is made by soldering.
  16. Method according to either of Claims 14 and 15, in which the flexible support (2) is manufactured by weaving electrically conducting threads with nonconducting threads.
  17. Method according to Claim 16, in which the weaving is carried out in such a way that the conducting threads are left visible in segments.
  18. Method according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, in which the diodes are placed at the intersection of tracks, each track comprising a conducting thread or several substantially parallel conducting threads.
  19. Method according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, which includes a step of embedding the diodes in a flexible resin.
EP04742517A 2003-04-29 2004-04-15 Flexible display Expired - Lifetime EP1618544B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR0305238A FR2854480A1 (en) 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 FLEXIBLE DISPLAY
PCT/FR2004/000936 WO2004100113A2 (en) 2003-04-29 2004-04-15 Flexible display

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EP1618544A2 EP1618544A2 (en) 2006-01-25
EP1618544B1 true EP1618544B1 (en) 2010-07-07

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EP (1) EP1618544B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4768602B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1781132A (en)
AT (1) ATE473500T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004028001D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2348261T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2854480A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004100113A2 (en)

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US20060207139A1 (en) 2006-09-21
WO2004100113A3 (en) 2005-01-13
ATE473500T1 (en) 2010-07-15
JP2006524834A (en) 2006-11-02
US20080010877A1 (en) 2008-01-17
ES2348261T3 (en) 2010-12-02
WO2004100113A2 (en) 2004-11-18
FR2854480A1 (en) 2004-11-05
JP4768602B2 (en) 2011-09-07
EP1618544A2 (en) 2006-01-25
DE602004028001D1 (en) 2010-08-19
CN1781132A (en) 2006-05-31

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