Light-emitting device

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting device that is highly portable and easy to view. To provide a light-emitting device that is resistant to damage. ru. [Solution] A device having alternating strip-shaped regions of high flexibility and strip-shaped regions of low flexibility. It is an optical device. The highly flexible region consists of a light-emitting panel and multiple spacers stacked on top of each other. The region with low flexibility has the light-emitting panel and support layered on top of each other. When the region with high flexibility is bent... Furthermore, the angle formed by the normals of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent spacers follows the light-emitting panel. By changing in this way, a neutral plane can be formed in or near the light-emitting panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a light-emitting device. One aspect of the present invention particularly relates to a light-emitting device that utilizes an organic electroluminescence (Electroluminescence, hereinafter also referred to as EL) phenomenon. It relates to a light-emitting device that utilizes the

[0002] Note that one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above technical field. Examples of the technical field of one aspect of the present invention include semiconductor devices, display devices, light-emitting devices, power storage devices, storage devices, electronic devices, lighting devices, input devices (e.g., touch sensors, etc.), input / output devices (e.g., touch panels, etc.), their driving methods, or their manufacturing methods. input devices (e.g., touch sensors, etc.), input / output devices (e.g., touch panels, etc.), their driving methods, or their manufacturing methods. can be cited as an example.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, light-emitting devices and display devices are expected to be applied to various uses, and diversification is demanded. is desired.

[0004] For example, in light-emitting devices and display devices for mobile device applications, etc., being thin, being lightweight, or being difficult to break, etc. are required.

[0005] A light-emitting element (also referred to as an EL element) that utilizes the EL phenomenon has characteristics such as being easily thinned and lightened, being able to respond quickly to an input signal, and being drivable using a DC low-voltage power supply. has characteristics such as being easily thinned and lightened, being able to respond quickly to an input signal, and being drivable using a DC low-voltage power supply, and its application to light-emitting devices and display devices is being studied. is being studied.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a flexible active matrix type light-emitting device provided with a transistor as a switching element and an organic EL element on a film substrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-174153 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] For portable devices, miniaturization of light-emitting devices and display devices is being pursued to improve portability. On the other hand, there is a demand for larger illuminated areas and display areas to improve overall readability.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a highly portable light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, electronic device, or One objective of this invention is to provide a lighting device. Alternatively, one aspect of this invention provides excellent visibility. One of the objectives is to provide a light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, or electronic device. Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention relates to a light-emitting device, display device, and input / output device that are highly portable and easy to view. One of the objectives is to provide a device or electronic equipment.

[0010] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention relates to a novel light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, electronic device, or One objective of this invention is to provide a lighting device. Alternatively, one aspect of this invention is to provide a device that is less prone to damage. The purpose is to provide light-emitting devices, display devices, input / output devices, electronic devices, or lighting devices. One aspect of the present invention is a highly reliable light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, One objective is to provide electronic equipment or lighting devices. Or, one aspect of the present invention. This involves providing low-power light-emitting devices, display devices, input / output devices, electronic devices, or lighting equipment. One of its purposes is to provide it to others.

[0011] Alternatively, one object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight light-emitting device or the like. Alternatively , one object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting device or the like having a small thickness. Alternatively, one object of the present invention is to provide a flexible light-emitting device or the like. Alternatively , one object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting device or a lighting device having a seamless wide light-emitting area, or a display device, an input / output device, or an electronic device having a seamless wide display area. One object is to do so.

[0012] Note that the description of these problems does not prevent the existence of other problems. Note that one aspect of the present invention is not required to solve all of these problems. Note that other problems can be extracted from the description of the specification, drawings, and claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is located between the second region and the third region, and among the first to third regions, the first region has the highest flexibility. The first region has a light-emitting panel and a plurality of spacers. The second region has a light-emitting panel and a first support. The third region has a light-emitting panel and a second support. Among the light-emitting panel, the first support, and the second support, the light-emitting panel has the highest flexibility. The first region has portions where each of the plurality of spacers overlaps with the light-emitting panel. The second region has a portion where the first support overlaps with the light-emitting panel. The third region has a portion where the second support overlaps with the light-emitting panel. When the first region is bent, the angle formed by the normal lines of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent spacers changes following the light-emitting panel. device. It is a device.

[0014] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It has high flexibility, the first region has an emitting panel and multiple spacers, and the second region is The third region has a light panel and a first support, and the third region has a light-emitting panel and a second support. Of the light-emitting panel, the first support, and the second support, the light-emitting panel is the most flexible. The first region has a portion where each of the multiple spacers and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, Region 2 has a portion where the first support and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and region 3 has a portion where The support and the light-emitting panel have overlapping portions, and each of the spacers emits light. It is a light-emitting device that has a part fixed to a panel.

[0015] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It is highly flexible, and the first region has a light-emitting panel, a protective layer, and multiple spacers, and the second The region has a light-emitting panel, a protective layer, and a first support, and the third region has a light-emitting panel, protective A protective layer and a second support are provided, and among the light-emitting panel, the first support and the second support, The light-emitting panel is the most flexible, and among the protective layer, the first support, and the second support, the protective The layer is the most flexible, and the first region is maintained between each of the multiple spacers and the light-emitting panel. Having overlapping portions separated by a protective layer, the second region is where the first support and the light-emitting panel are located. Having overlapping portions with respect to a protective layer, the third region is the second support and the light-emitting panel. Multiple spacers have overlapping portions with a protective layer in between, and each spacer is fixed to the protective layer. It is a light-emitting device that has a part that is illuminated.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of spacers may be two or more. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention The device is a light-emitting device having a first to third region, the first region being the second region and the third region Located between the regions, of the first to third regions, the first region is the most flexible, and the first The region comprises a light-emitting panel, a first spacer, and a second spacer, and the second region is light-emitting. The third region has a light-emitting panel and a second support, and Of the light panel, the first support, and the second support, the light-emitting panel is the most flexible, and the second Region 1 has a portion where the first spacer and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and the first region is The second spacer and the light-emitting panel have overlapping portions, and the second region is the first support The second support and the light-emitting panel have overlapping portions, and the third region has a portion where the second support and the light-emitting panel They have overlapping portions, and when the first region is bent, the first spacer and the second spacer In a light-emitting device, the angle between the normals of the two opposing surfaces changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel. be.

[0017] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It is highly flexible, and the first region has a light-emitting panel, a first spacer, and a second spacer. The second region has a light-emitting panel and a first support, and the third region has a light-emitting panel and It has two supports, and of the light-emitting panel, the first support, and the second support, the light-emitting panel is The most flexible area is the first region where the first spacer and the light-emitting panel overlap each other. The first region has a portion where the second spacer and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and the second The region has a portion where the first support and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and the third region is the second The support and the light-emitting panel have overlapping portions, and the first spacer is fixed to the light-emitting panel. The second spacer has a portion that is fixed to the light-emitting panel, It is a light-emitting device.

[0018] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It has high flexibility, and the first region consists of a light-emitting panel, a protective layer, a first spacer, and a second spacer. The second region has a light-emitting panel, a protective layer, and a first support, and the third region is It comprises a light-emitting panel, a protective layer, and a second support, and the light-emitting panel, the first support, and the second support Of the supports, the light-emitting panel is the most flexible, followed by the protective layer, the first support, and the second support. Of the components, the protective layer is the most flexible, and the first region is the first spacer and the light-emitting panel. However, they have overlapping portions with respect to each other through a protective layer, and the first region is the second spacer and the light-emitting panel The first support and the second region have overlapping portions with each other via a protective layer, and the second region has overlapping portions with the first support and the luminescent part The two layers have overlapping portions with each other via a protective layer, and the third region is luminescent with the second support. The panels have portions that overlap each other via a protective layer, and the first spacer is fixed to the protective layer. The second spacer has a portion that is fixed to the protective layer, and the second spacer has a portion that is fixed to the protective layer, It is a device.

[0019] In the above configuration, it is preferable that the protective layer has a portion that is fixed to the light-emitting panel. In particular, in the first region, the protective layer has a portion that is fixed to the light-emitting panel. preferable.

[0020] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It has high flexibility, the first region has a light-emitting panel and a connecting part, and the second region has a light-emitting panel. The third region has a light-emitting panel and a second support, and the light-emitting panel Of the first support and the second support, the light-emitting panel has the highest flexibility, and the first region The region has a portion where the connection part and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and the second region has a portion where the first support and The light-emitting panel and the second support have overlapping portions, and the third region is where the second support and the light-emitting panel are They have overlapping parts, and the connecting part has an elastic body and a plurality of spacers, the elastic body is first The multiple spacers have the function of connecting the first support and the second support, and each spacer has an opening. Furthermore, multiple spacers are connected to each other by an elastic body passing through an opening, in this light-emitting device. ru.

[0021] Alternatively, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions, wherein the first region is It is located between the second and third regions, and of the first to third regions, the first region is the most It has high flexibility, the first region has a light-emitting panel and a connecting part, and the second region has a light-emitting panel. The third region has a light-emitting panel and a second support, and the light-emitting panel Of the first support and the second support, the light-emitting panel has the highest flexibility, and the first region The region has a portion where the connection part and the light-emitting panel overlap each other, and the second region has a portion where the first support and The light-emitting panel and the second support have overlapping portions, and the third region is where the second support and the light-emitting panel are They have overlapping portions, and the connecting portion has the function of connecting the first support and the second support. The connecting part comprises an elastic body, a first spacer, and a second spacer, and the first spacer is The second spacer has an opening, and the first spacer is connected to the opening by an elastic body passing through the opening. The first and second spacers are connected to each other and form a light-emitting device.

[0022] In the above configuration, each of the multiple spacers has a portion that is fixed to the light-emitting panel. It is preferable to do so.

[0023] In each of the above configurations, the elastic body is preferably a spring or rubber.

[0024] In each of the above configurations, when the light-emitting device is deployed, the elastic body has a length greater than or equal to its natural length. It is preferable that this is the case. Note that natural length refers to the length of an elastic body (such as a spring or rubber) without any load applied. This refers to the length when the elastic body is not being stretched or compressed.

[0025] In each of the above configurations, a protective layer is provided, and the first region is such that the connection part and the light-emitting panel are connected by the protective layer. The second region has overlapping portions between the first support and the light-emitting panel, and the protective layer The third region has overlapping portions through which the second support and the light-emitting panel protect It is preferable that the layers have overlapping portions.

[0026] In each of the above configurations, in the first region, the multiple spacers are each fixed to the protective layer. It is preferable that it has a portion that is present.

[0027] In each of the above configurations, in the first region, the protective layer has a portion that is fixed to the light-emitting panel. It is preferable to do so.

[0028] In each of the above configurations, the first surface of the spacer is on the side facing the light-emitting panel, and the second surface is on the opposite side of the first surface. In terms of the width of the two surfaces, it is preferable that the first surface is wider.

[0029] The above example uses a light-emitting device having a light-emitting panel, but the above configurations can be applied to display devices. A display device or input / output device is also one aspect of the present invention. The display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a display panel. It has a panel. An input / output device according to one aspect of the present invention has a touch panel.

[0030] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a light-emitting device, display device, or input device to which any of the above configurations are applied. It has an output device and is an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or Connectors such as TCP (Tape Carrier Package) are attached. The IC is mounted in a module, or by the COG (Chip On Glass) method, etc. This is a module.

[0031] Furthermore, electronic devices and lighting devices using the above module are also embodiments of the present invention. For example, One aspect of the invention includes the above module, an antenna, a battery, a housing, a speaker, a microphone, and a control panel. It is an electronic device having an operating switch or an operating button. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] In one aspect of the present invention, a highly portable light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, electronic device, if Alternatively, a lighting device can be provided. Or, in one aspect of the present invention, a light-emitting device with excellent visibility, display Display devices, input / output devices, or electronic devices can be provided. Alternatively, in one aspect of the present invention, We can provide light-emitting devices, display devices, input / output devices, or electronic devices that offer excellent portability and ease of viewing. ru.

[0033] Alternatively, in one aspect of the present invention, a novel light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, electronic device, if Alternatively, a lighting device can be provided. Or, in one aspect of the present invention, a light source that is less prone to damage can be provided. We can provide devices, display devices, input / output devices, electronic devices, or lighting devices. Alternatively, in one aspect of the present invention, a highly reliable light-emitting device, display device, input / output device, electronic device, Alternatively, a lighting device can be provided. Or, in one aspect of the present invention, a low power consumption device can be provided. We can provide light-emitting devices, display devices, input / output devices, electronic devices, or lighting devices. ru.

[0034] Alternatively, in one aspect of the present invention, a lightweight light-emitting device, etc., can be provided. In one aspect of the present invention, a thin light-emitting device or the like can be provided. In this way, a flexible light-emitting device, etc., can be provided. Alternatively, in one aspect of the present invention This refers to a light-emitting device or lighting device having a seamless, wide light-emitting area, or a seamless wide A display device, input / output device, or electronic device having a large display area can be provided.

[0035] Furthermore, the description of these effects does not preclude the existence of other effects. The embodiment does not necessarily have to have all of these effects. It is possible to extract other effects from the descriptions in the section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a connection and spacer. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a connection point. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting device. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting panel. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting panel. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting panel. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of a light-emitting panel. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of a touch panel. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of a touch panel. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of a touch panel. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of a touch panel. [Figure 22] A photograph showing the light-emitting device of the embodiment. [Figure 23] A photograph showing the light-emitting device of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following description. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, its form and details may be modified in various ways. It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art to obtain this. Therefore, the present invention is as shown in the embodiments below. The interpretation is not limited to the content stated herein.

[0038] In the configuration of the invention described below, the same part or part having a similar function is used. The same symbol is used consistently across different drawings, and explanations of its repetition are omitted. When referring to a function, the same hatch pattern may be used, and a specific symbol may not be assigned.

[0039] Furthermore, the position, size, and extent of each component shown in the drawings are, for the sake of ease of understanding, actually The location, size, and range may not be described. Therefore, the disclosed invention is not always Furthermore, it is not limited to the location, size, scope, etc., disclosed in the drawings.

[0040] Furthermore, the words "membrane" and "layer" may differ depending on the context or situation. And they can be interchanged. For example, the term "conductive layer" can be replaced with "conductive film." It is possible to change the term to this. Or, for example, the term "insulating film" can be changed to It is possible to change the term to "insulating layer".

[0041] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

[0042] In this embodiment, a light-emitting device mainly using organic EL elements is illustrated, but one aspect of the present invention is This is not limited to this. An example of a light-emitting device using other light-emitting or display elements is provided in Embodiment 2. Alternatively, a display device is also one aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device and a display device. It is not limited to placement and can be applied to various devices such as input / output devices.

[0043] A light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped region with high flexibility and a strip-shaped region with low flexibility. It has alternating elements. The light-emitting device can be folded by bending it in a region of high flexibility. To be able to. One embodiment of the present invention is a light-emitting device that is highly portable when folded and when unfolded. Therefore, the seamless, wide light-emitting area provides excellent visibility.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, a highly flexible region is folded by bending inward or outward. It is possible to do so. In the light-emitting device of this embodiment, one light-emitting panel is folded one or more times. This is possible. In this case, the radius of curvature shall be, for example, between 0.01 mm and 150 mm. It is possible.

[0045] In this specification, the term "inward bending" refers to the case where the light-emitting surface of a light-emitting panel is bent inward. When a light-emitting panel is bent so that the light-emitting surface faces outwards, this is referred to as "outward bending." In light-emitting devices, the light-emitting surface refers to the surface from which light is extracted from the light-emitting element.

[0046] When not using the light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel is bent inward. This helps to prevent scratches and dirt from getting on the light-emitting surface.

[0047] When using a light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, by unfolding it, a seamless, wide light-emitting area is formed. The entire area can be used, or the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel can be bent outwards to create a light-emitting area. A portion of the area may be used. The luminescent area is folded and invisible to the user, and this area is not illuminated. By doing so, the power consumption of the light-emitting device can be reduced.

[0048] One aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having first to third regions. The first region is the second region Located between the first and third regions, the first region is the most flexible of the three regions. High. The second region has a light-emitting panel and the first support layered on top of each other. The third region is light-emitting. It has a panel and a second support stacked on top of each other. Of the support materials, the light-emitting panel is the most flexible.

[0049] The first region has a light-emitting panel and a plurality of spacers. In the first region, each space The "Sa" overlaps with the light-emitting panel.

[0050] The first region, which has high flexibility, has a light-emitting panel and a component (in this case, a spacer) stacked on top of each other. Therefore, compared to a design composed solely of light-emitting panels, the mechanical strength is increased, and it becomes more resistant to bending. .

[0051] On the other hand, by stacking the light-emitting panel and the material, compressive stress and tensile stress that arise in response to deformation such as bending occur. The neutral surface (a surface that does not stretch or contract), which is a surface where stress strain due to tensile stress or other factors does not occur, is a light-emitting surface. It can get farther from the flannel. The further the neutral plane is from the light-emitting panel, the more the light-emitting panel is affected by bending. Compressive or tensile stress is applied, making the light-emitting panel more susceptible to damage.

[0052] Therefore, in a light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention, when the first region is bent, two adjacent spaces The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of the light-emitting panel changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel. This configuration helps to suppress the neutral plane from separating from the light-emitting panel. This is possible by bringing the neutral plane closer to the light-emitting panel, or by forming the neutral plane within the light-emitting panel. The light-emitting panel becomes less likely to stretch or contract even when the light device is bent. Therefore, folding This can suppress damage to the optical panel.

[0053] In the following, a folded object has one highly flexible region between two less flexible regions. An example of a possible light-emitting device will be given for explanation. In this embodiment, a region with high flexibility and This shows an example where regions with low flexibility, or regions with low flexibility, are parallel to each other. The regions do not need to be arranged in parallel.

[0054] <Configuration example A> Figure 1(A) shows the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 1(B) shows the device in its unfolded or folded state. This shows a light-emitting device in an intermediate state, transitioning from one state to the other. (See Figure 1(C) for details.) This shows the light-emitting device in its current state.

[0055] The light-emitting device has a first region 151, a second region 152, and a third region 153. Region 151 is located between Region 2152 and Region 3153. Region 51 is the most flexible of the three.

[0056] The light-emitting device comprises a light-emitting panel 101, a support 103(1), a support 103(2), and multiple It has a spacer 108.

[0057] The light-emitting panel 101 has a light-emitting area 111 (which can also be called a light-emitting part, pixel part, or display part, etc.) and It has a non-emitting region 112. The non-emitting region 112 is provided so as to surround the emitting region 111. It is.

[0058] The light-emitting panel 101 is flexible. Light-emitting panels using organic EL elements have high flexibility and In addition to impact resistance, it is preferable because it allows for a thinner and lighter design.

[0059] Supporter 103(1) and supporter 103(2) are spaced apart from each other. The two supports are Each of them has lower flexibility compared to the light-emitting panel 101.

[0060] The first region 151 has a light-emitting panel 101 and a plurality of spacers 108. Each of the spacers 108 and the light-emitting panel 101 overlap each other. Each is fixed to the light-emitting panel 101. Adjacent spacers 108 are not fixed to each other. No. With this configuration, when the first region 151 is bent, the two adjacent regions The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of the PESA 108 changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel 101. This creates a neutral surface within or near the light-emitting panel 101. It is possible.

[0061] The spacer 108 may have a portion that does not overlap with the light-emitting panel 101. The light-emitting panel 101 may overlap the entire surface of the spacer 108.

[0062] In this embodiment, the spacer 108 is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. An example is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the spacer 108 is a light-emitting panel Spacer 108 may be located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. When positioned, it is preferable that the spacer 108 overlaps only with the non-luminescent region 112. If spacer 108 overlaps with the light-emitting region 111, a material that transmits visible light is used for spacer 108. It is preferable to use it.

[0063] The second region 152 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the support 103(1) stacked on top of each other. 103(1) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 1 and the support 103(1) may be fixed to each other.

[0064] The third region 153 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the support 103(2) stacked on top of each other. 103(2) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 1 and the support 103(2) may be fixed to each other.

[0065] If the light-emitting panel 101 has a support only on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting device can be made thin or It is preferable that it be made lightweight.

[0066] <Configuration example B> Figure 2(A) shows the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 2(B) shows the device in its unfolded or folded state. This shows a light-emitting device in an intermediate state, transitioning from one state to the other. (See Figure 2(C) for details.) This shows the light-emitting device in its current state. Note that in the following configuration examples (including modified versions), the configuration described above will be used. For configurations similar to the example, the explanation may be omitted.

[0067] The light-emitting device consists of a light-emitting panel 101, a support 103a(1), a support 103a(2), and a support It has 103b(1), a support 103b(2), and a connecting part 105.

[0068] Supporter 103a(1) and supporter 103a(2) are spaced apart from each other. Supporter 103b( 1) and support 103b(2) are spaced apart from each other. The four supports are each luminescent panels It has lower flexibility compared to Ru-101.

[0069] The second region 152 is a light-emitting panel 1 between support 103a(1) and support 103b(1). It has 01. The support 103a(1) is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. Support Body 103b(1) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 101 is fixed to at least one of support 103a(1) or support 103b(1). It's fine if you do that.

[0070] The third region 153 is a light-emitting panel 1 between the support 103a(2) and the support 103b(2). It has 01. The support 103a(2) is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. Support Body 103b(2) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 101 is fixed to at least one of the support 103a(2) or support 103b(2). It's fine if you do that.

[0071] If the light-emitting panel 101 has supports on both the light-emitting surface side and the side opposite to the light-emitting surface, then a pair The light-emitting panel 101 can be held between the support, thus increasing the mechanical strength of areas with low flexibility. This allows for a more secure connection, making the light-emitting device less susceptible to damage, which is preferable.

[0072] The first region 151 has a light-emitting panel 101 and a connecting portion 105. The connection part 105 overlaps with each other.

[0073] The side views of the connection part 105 in each state shown in Figures 2(A) to (C) are shown in Figures 3(A) to (C). These are shown below. Figures 4(A) and 5 show examples of top views of the connection part 105, respectively. Figure 4(B A perspective view of spacer 108 is shown below.

[0074] The connecting portion 105 has an elastic body 106 and a plurality of spacers 108.

[0075] Note that in Figures 3(A)-(C), 4(A), and 5, the elastic body 106 is shown with a thin solid line. The elastic body 106 is not actually exposed on the outside of the spacer 108, but is provided on the spacer 108. It is located within a small opening.

[0076] One end of the elastic body 106 is fixed to the support 103b(1), and the elastic body 106 The other end is fixed to the support 103b(2). In other words, the elastic body 106 supports Body 103b(1) and support 103b(2) are connected.

[0077] The spacer 108 has an opening. The spacer 108 is connected via the elastic body 106. Specifically, the elastic body 106 passes through the opening and connects the multiple spacers 108. There is no particular limit to the number of openings that the PESA 108 has.

[0078] There is no particular limit to the number of spacers 108.

[0079] The light-emitting device may have only one spacer 108. If there is only one 8, the angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of the spacer 108 and the support is, Any configuration that changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel is acceptable. By adopting such a configuration, the neutral surface This can prevent the light from separating from the light-emitting panel.

[0080] It is preferable that the spacers 108 in the light-emitting device are multiple.

[0081] Figure 4(A) shows an example where 10 spacers 108 are arranged in one direction. Figure 5 shows 1 There are two rows of 0 spacers 108 arranged in one direction, and the connecting part 105 has a total of 20 spaces An example with Sa108 is shown.

[0082] The more spacers 108 arranged in a row there are, the smoother the light-emitting device can be bent, which is preferable. It is also the narrower the width (length in the shorter direction) of the spacer 108, the smoother the light-emitting device will slide. It can be bent easily, which is desirable. By arranging many narrow spacers 108, the curve can be made. This makes it possible to create a truly powerful light-emitting device.

[0083] The configuration in Figure 5 shows that the spacers 108 are arranged in two rows, with a gap between the rows. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in Figure 4(A), the spacers 108 are arranged in a single row, so there is no gap between them. Therefore, when the light-emitting device is folded, the folded portion of the light-emitting panel is less likely to be exposed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the light-emitting panel and the destruction of elements contained in the light-emitting panel. ru.

[0084] Each of the multiple spacers 108 and the light-emitting panel 101 overlap each other. 108 are connected to each other by an elastic body 106 passing through an opening, but the spacer 108 The officer is not fixed. With this configuration, when the first region 151 is bent, The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent spacers 108 is the angle of the light-emitting panel 10 It changes in accordance with 1. As a result, within or near the light-emitting panel 101 A neutral plane can be formed.

[0085] The upper right portion of Figure 3(C) shows an enlarged view of two adjacent spacers 108. In this case, the angle θ between the normals of the opposing surfaces of the two spacers 108 is acute. As the light-emitting device is deployed from state 3(C), the angle θ decreases. In state 3(A), the angle θ becomes 0°, that is, the two adjacent spacers 108 are relative to each other. When opposing surfaces come into contact, the light-emitting device can no longer be bent. In other words, In this case, the first region 151 can also be described as the part that cannot be bent outwards.

[0086] In this case, the spacer 108 is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. The first region 151 is shown as an example in which inward bending is possible but outward bending is not, but the present invention One embodiment is not limited to this. The spacer 108 is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. In this case, the first region 151 becomes a region where outward bending is possible but inward bending is not.

[0087] The light-emitting device shown in Figure 3(C) can also be bent to a smaller radius of curvature than that shown in Figure 3(C). It is possible. However, if the light-emitting panel 101 is bent with an extremely small radius of curvature, the light-emitting panel 1 There is a risk that 01 may be damaged. Therefore, support 103a(1) and support 103a(2) By adjusting the thickness, or by arranging fasteners to secure the two supports, It is preferable that the body 103b(1) and the support 103b(2) maintain a certain distance from each other. This prevents the light-emitting panel 101 from being bent with an extremely small radius of curvature.

[0088] Depending on the shape and number of spacers 108, the range in which the light-emitting device can be bent in the first region 151 is It can be controlled.

[0089] For example, there are no limitations on the cross-sectional shape of the spacer 108 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; it can be a triangle, a square, a five-sided cross-section, etc. It may be a polygon such as a square or hexagon (including polygons with rounded corners), or a circle.

[0090] For example, as shown in configuration example B, the cross-sectional shape of the spacer 108 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is square. Shapes such as rectangles, parallelograms, etc., the two opposing sides of spacer 108 (each adjacent to Assume that the shape is such that the two faces opposite PESA 108 are parallel. In this case, the flexibility The higher regions are areas where only inward or outward bending is possible.

[0091] Alternatively, for example, as described later in Configuration Example D, the cross-sectional shape of the spacer 108 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Assume the shape is trapezoidal or otherwise, where the two opposing sides of the spacer 108 are not parallel. In this case, the highly flexible region is the part that can be bent both inward and outward.

[0092] It is preferable that each of the multiple spacers 108 is fixed to the light-emitting panel 101. This prevents the spacer 108 from moving in the longitudinal direction. .

[0093] For example, a spring or rubber can be used for the elastic body 106. (Image shows the light-emitting device in its deployed state.) In this case, it is preferable that the elastic body 106 has a length greater than or equal to its natural length. This makes it easier to maintain the deployed state of the light device. On the other hand, it makes it easier to maintain the bent state of the light-emitting device. To make it easier to hold, when the light-emitting device is in the deployed state, the elastic body 106 is not yet at its natural length. It just needs to be the full length.

[0094] <Example 1> Figures 6(A) and (B) show top views of the light-emitting device in its unfolded state.

[0095] The light-emitting device shown in Figure 6(A) emits light in the light-emitting area 111 and non- This is an example where both of the light-emitting regions 112 are visible.

[0096] The light-emitting device shown in Figure 6(B) allows the user viewing the light-emitting surface of the device to see the non-light-emitting area 112. This is an example where the other light source is not recognized, and only the luminescent region 111 is visible.

[0097] The light-emitting device shown in Figure 6(A) is a modified example of configuration example B, but may also be applied to configuration example A. Similarly, the light-emitting device shown in Figure 6(B) is a modified example of configuration A, but can be applied to configuration B. That's good too.

[0098] The light-emitting device shown in Figures 6(A) and (B) has a light-shielding layer 109. The light-shielding layer 109 is located at the connection part It overlaps with 105 or spacer 108. The light-shielding layer 109 is attached to the connection part 105 or spacer 108. By stacking them, the user viewing the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device can see the connection part 105 or spacer 1. It is possible to make the number 08 invisible.

[0099] Note that the light-shielding layer 109 may overlap with the non-emitting region 112 of the light-emitting panel. By placing 09 on top of the non-emitting region 112, ambient light is shone onto the non-emitting region 112. This can suppress the transients of the drive circuit included in the non-emitting region 112. It can suppress light degradation of studs, etc.

[0100] The light-shielding layer 109 uses a material that can block light and is flexible. For example, resin. Plastics, metals, alloys, rubber, paper, etc. can be used. Film or tape may be used. Furthermore, an adhesive layer may be provided between the light-shielding layer 109 and the connecting portion 105. It's okay to do so.

[0101] <Modification 2> Figure 7(A) shows a top view of the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 7(B) shows the folded state. A side view of the light-emitting device is shown.

[0102] The light-emitting device shown in Figures 7(A) and (B) has only one spacer 108. 8 has multiple notches. The multiple protrusions separated by the notches are in the above configuration example. It has the same function as multiple spacers. That is, when the first region 151 is bent, The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent protrusions follows the light-emitting panel 101. This causes a change in the neutral surface within or near the light-emitting panel 101. The deeper the cut, the more can be formed inside the light-emitting panel 101, or inside the light-emitting panel 1 A neutral surface can be easily formed near 01. Furthermore, if there are two or more spacers 108 with notches... It's okay to do so.

[0103] Furthermore, the light-emitting device shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B) has a fixing device 107. By doing so, when the light-emitting device is folded, the light-emitting panel 101 bends with an extremely small radius of curvature. This suppresses the movement and prevents damage to the light-emitting device. The fixing device 107 has a magnet A type of fastener or a mechanical fastener can be used. In addition, by using the fastener 107, The optical device can maintain its folded state.

[0104] <Variation 3> Figure 7(C) shows a side view of the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. The light-emitting device shown in Figure 7(C) is Figures 3(A) to 3(C) show modified examples of the light-emitting device.

[0105] The light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101 may have a protective layer 113a. The protective layer 113a is When transmitting visible light, it can be placed in overlap with the light-emitting region 111. Protective layer 113 When visible light is not transmitted, component a has an opening in the portion that overlaps with the light-emitting region 111. The protective layer 113a may also serve as the light-shielding layer 109 described above.

[0106] A protective layer 113b may be provided between the light-emitting panel 101 and the connection part 105. Protective layer 1 13b is fixed to the connection part 105. For example, multiple spacers 108 are each, It is sufficient that it is fixed to the protective layer 113b. This allows the spacer 108 to be fixed in the longitudinal direction. - This can prevent the movement of unit 108.

[0107] Furthermore, it is preferable that the protective layer 113b is fixed to the light-emitting panel 101. In the region where the optical panel 101, protective layer 113b, and connecting portion 105 overlap each other, protection It is preferable that layer 113b and the light-emitting panel 101 are fixed together. This allows for flexibility. The mechanical strength of the first region 151, which has high strength, can be further increased.

[0108] The thinner the protective layer 113b, the less likely the neutral surface is to separate from the light-emitting panel 101. This is preferable because it can suppress damage to 1. The protective layer 113b is on the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101 and Since it is located on the opposite side, the transmittance of visible light is not a concern. Also, the thicker the protective layer 113b, The mechanical strength of the light-emitting device is increased, and the light-emitting panel 101 can be effectively protected. Protective layer 113 The thickness of b is, for example, 0.01 times or more and 10 times or less the thickness of the light-emitting panel 101, preferably. It can be 0.05 times or more and 5 times or less, more preferably 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less. .

[0109] Furthermore, the protective layer 113b is positioned in overlap with both the light-emitting region 111 and the non-light-emitting region 112. This is possible. The larger the area where the protective layer 113b and the light-emitting panel 101 overlap each other, the more light is emitted. This can provide better protection for panel 101 and improve the reliability of the light-emitting device. If, support 103a(1), support 103a(2), support 103b(1), or support If at least one (preferably all) of 103b(2) and the protective layer 113b are in overlap Yes.

[0110] The protective layer is preferably more flexible than the support. Also, the protective layer should be thicker than the support. Thinner is preferable.

[0111] By providing at least one of protective layer 113a or protective layer 113b, a highly flexible area However, because it is a region that is both flexible and has high mechanical strength, the light-emitting device is less likely to be damaged. This makes it possible to do so not only in areas with low flexibility, but also in areas with high flexibility. Even if the device is not damaged by external forces, the light-emitting mechanism can be designed to be less susceptible to deformation and subsequent damage.

[0112] Having only one of the protective layer 113a or protective layer 113b makes the light-emitting device thinner. Alternatively, it is preferable to make it lighter.

[0113] When both protective layer 113a and protective layer 113b are present, the pair of protective layers protect the light-emitting panel. Because it can be clamped, the mechanical strength of the light-emitting device is increased, making the light-emitting device less prone to damage, which is preferable. It's nice.

[0114] <Example of materials used in light-emitting devices> The materials used for the spacer, protective layer, and support are not particularly limited; for example, each could be made of p It can be formed using plastic, metal, alloy, rubber, etc. Therefore, a lightweight and durable spacer, protective layer, or support can be obtained, which is preferable. For example, silicone rubber as a protective layer, and stainless steel or aluminum as spacers and supports. You can use aluminum.

[0115] Furthermore, it is preferable to use materials with high toughness for the spacer, protective layer, and support. This makes it possible to create a light-emitting device that is highly impact-resistant and less prone to damage. For example, organic By using resin, thin metal materials, or alloy materials, the light-emitting element is lightweight and less prone to breakage. The device can be realized. Furthermore, for the same reason, the substrate constituting the light-emitting panel also has high toughness. It is preferable to use materials.

[0116] Spacers, protective layers, and supports located on the light-emitting surface side are positioned so as not to overlap with the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting panel. In this case, light transmission is not required. The spacer, protective layer, and support located on the light-emitting surface side are at least... If it overlaps with a portion of the light-emitting area, a material that transmits light from the light-emitting panel can be used. Preferred. The light transmittance of the spacer, protective layer, and support located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface is not a concern. stomach.

[0117] When bonding any two of the following: spacers, protective layers, supports, or light-emitting panels, various adhesives are used. It can be used, for example, a resin that hardens at room temperature such as a two-component mixed resin, or a photocurable resin. Resins such as resins and thermosetting resins can be used. In addition, sheet-type adhesives can be used. It may also penetrate two or more of the spacer, protective layer, support, or light-emitting panel. The components of the light-emitting device may be fixed in place using screws, clamping pins, clips, etc.

[0118] A light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a single light-emitting panel (single light-emitting region) that is bent It can be used by dividing it into two or more parts. For example, by folding it, the hidden area can be made non-luminescent. Therefore, only the exposed area may emit light. This prevents the area not used by the user from consuming energy. This can reduce the amount of electricity used.

[0119] A light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention determines whether each highly flexible region is bent or not. It may have a sensor for this purpose. For example, a switch such as a magnetic switch, or MEM It can be configured using pressure sensors such as S pressure sensors.

[0120] Next, below, we will discuss three structures having two highly flexible regions and three less flexible regions. Let us explain using a foldable light-emitting device as an example. In this embodiment, two highly flexible regions An example is shown in which one part of the region is bent inward and the other part is bent outward, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not possible. In other words, when folding a light-emitting device that has multiple highly flexible regions, it is not always possible to bend inward. It is not necessary to alternate between bending inward and outward. All of the multiple highly flexible regions can be bent inward only or It is also acceptable to perform only outward bending. Alternatively, inward bending may be repeated multiple times, or outward bending may be repeated multiple times. You can return the favor.

[0121] <Configuration example C> Figure 8(A) shows the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 8(B) shows the device in its unfolded or folded state. This shows a light-emitting device in an intermediate state, transitioning from one state to the other. (See Figure 8(C) for details.) This shows the light-emitting device in its current state.

[0122] The light-emitting device comprises a first region 161, a second region 162, a third region 163, and a fourth region 16 It has four and a fifth region 165. The first region 161 has the second region 162 and the third region It is located between regions 163. The first region 161 is the most flexible of the first to third regions. High. The fourth region 164 is located between the third region 163 and the fifth region 165. Region 164 is the most flexible of the third to fifth regions.

[0123] The light-emitting device consists of a light-emitting panel 101, a support 103(1), a support 103(2), and a support 10 3(3) It has a connecting portion 105a and a connecting portion 105b.

[0124] The light-emitting panel 101 has a light-emitting region 111 and a non-light-emitting region 112. The non-light-emitting region 112 is It is provided so as to surround the light-emitting region 111.

[0125] Supporter 103(1) and supporter 103(2) are separated from each other. Supporter 103(2) and The support members 103(3) are spaced apart from each other. Each of the three support members is a light-emitting panel 101 It has lower flexibility compared to [another material].

[0126] The first region 161 has a light-emitting panel 101 and a connecting portion 105a. The connection part 105a and the other part overlap each other.

[0127] The fourth region 164 has a light-emitting panel 101 and a connecting portion 105b. The connection part 105b and the other part overlap each other.

[0128] The first region 161 is the part in which the light-emitting panel 101 can be bent outwards. Further details will be provided later in Configuration Example D.

[0129] The fourth region 164 is the part in which the light-emitting panel 101 can be bent inward. For details, please refer to the connection part 105 in Configuration Example B.

[0130] The second region 162 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the support 103(1) stacked on top of each other. 103(1) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 1 and the support 103(1) may be fixed to each other.

[0131] The third region 163 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the support 103(2) stacked on top of each other. 103(2) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 1 and the support 103(2) may be fixed to each other.

[0132] The fifth region 165 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the support 103(3) stacked on top of each other. 103(3) is located on the side of the light-emitting panel 101 opposite to the light-emitting surface. 1 and the support 103(3) may be fixed to each other.

[0133] If the light-emitting panel 101 has a support only on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface, the light-emitting device can be made thin or It is preferable that it be made lightweight.

[0134] <Configuration example D> Figure 9(A) shows the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 9(B) shows the device in its unfolded or folded state. This shows a light-emitting device in an intermediate state, transitioning from one state to the other. (See Figure 9(C) for details.) This shows the light-emitting device in its current state.

[0135] The light-emitting device consists of a light-emitting panel 101, a support 103a(1), a support 103a(2), and a support 103a(3), support 103b(1), support 103b(2), support 103b(3) It has a connecting portion 105a and a connecting portion 105b.

[0136] The support bodies 103a(1) and 103a(2) are spaced apart from each other. The support body 103a( 2) and the support body 103a(3) are spaced apart from each other. The support bodies 103b(1) and 10 3b(2) are spaced apart from each other. The support bodies 103b(2) and 103b(3) are spaced apart from each other. The six support bodies are each less flexible than the light-emitting panel 101.

[0137] The first region 161 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the connection portion 105a. The light-emitting panel 101 and the connection portion 105a overlap each other.

[0138] The fourth region 164 has the light-emitting panel 101 and the connection portion 105b. The light-emitting panel 101 and the connection portion 105b overlap each other.

[0139] The second region 162 has the light-emitting panel 101 between the support bodies 103a(1) and 103b(1). The support body 103a(1) is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. The support body 103b(1) is located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101. The light-emitting panel 101 may be fixed to at least one of the support body 103a(1) or the support body 103b(1).

[0140] The third region 163 has the light-emitting panel 101 between the support bodies 103a(2) and 103b(2). The support body 103a(2) is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. The support body 103b(2) is located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101. The light-emitting panel 101 may be fixed to at least one of the support body 103a(2) or the support body 103b(2).

[0141] The fifth region 165 has a light-emitting panel 101 between the support 103a(3) and the support 103b(3). The support 103a(3) is located on the light-emitting surface side of the light-emitting panel 101. The support 103b(3) is located on the side of the surface opposite to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101. The light-emitting panel 101 may be fixed to at least one of the support 103a(3) or the support 103b(3).

[0142] If there are supports on both the light-emitting surface side and the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting panel 101, the light-emitting panel 101 can be sandwiched by a pair of supports, so the mechanical strength of the region with low flexibility can be increased, and the light-emitting device is less likely to be damaged, which is preferable.

[0143] Side views of the connection part 105a in each state of FIGS. 9(A) to (C) are shown in FIGS. 10(A) to (C), respectively.

[0144] The connection part 105a has an elastic body 106 and a plurality of spacers 108. In Configuration Example D, an example is shown in which the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 108 is trapezoidal. Thereby, in the first region 161, the region with high flexibility becomes both inner bending and outer bending.

[0145] In FIGS. 10(A) to (C), the elastic body 106 is shown by a thin solid line, but actually, the elastic body 106 is not exposed outside the spacer 108 and is located in the opening provided in the spacer 108.

[0146] One end of the elastic body 106 is fixed to the support 103b(1), and the other end of the elastic body 106 is fixed to the support 103b(2). That is, the elastic body 106 is supported ​​​​​​​​​Body 103b(1) and support 103b(2) are connected.

[0147] Spacer 108 has an opening. Elastic body 106 passes through the opening and through multiple spacers 10 Connect the 8s.

[0148] Each of the multiple spacers 108 and the light-emitting panel 101 overlap each other. 108 are connected to each other by an elastic body 106 passing through an opening, but the spacer 108 The officer is not fixed. With this configuration, when the first region 161 is bent, The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent spacers 108 is the angle of the light-emitting panel 10 It changes in accordance with 1. As a result, within or near the light-emitting panel 101 A neutral plane can be formed.

[0149] The lower left portion of Figure 10(A) shows an enlarged view of two adjacent spacers 108. Figure 10 In (A), the angle θ between the normals of the opposing faces of the two spacers 108 is acute. As the light-emitting device is bent from the state shown in Figure 10(A), the angle θ decreases. When the angle θ becomes 0° in the state shown in Figure 10(C), the light-emitting device can no longer be bent. In other words, the shape and number of spacers 108 determine the light-emitting device in the first region 161. When folding, the light-emitting panel 101 is prevented from being bent with an extremely small radius of curvature. It is possible.

[0150] Furthermore, since the angle θ can be made larger than in the state shown in Figure 10(A), the light-emitting device is the first Internal bending is also possible in region 161.

[0151] The width or area of ​​the side of the spacer 108 facing the light-emitting panel 101 and the side opposite to it is It is preferable that the surface on the light-emitting panel 101 side is wider. Thereby, in the light-emitting device, the light-emitting panel 101 can be bent outward. The spacer 108 may have, for example, a trapezoidal shape on the side surface as shown in FIG. 10(A). Note that the end portion of the spacer 108 may have a curvature.

[0152] It is preferable that the plurality of spacers 108 are each fixed to the light-emitting panel 101. Thereby, movement of the spacer 108 in the longitudinal direction of the spacer 108 can be suppressed.

[0153] <Configuration Example E> FIG. 11(A) shows a light-emitting device in a deployed state. FIG. 11(B) shows a light-emitting device in a state of changing from one of the deployed state or the folded state to the other. FIG. 11(C) shows a folded light-emitting device. FIG. 12(A) shows a side view of the state of FIG. 11(C). FIG. 12(B) shows a top view of the state of FIG. 11(A).

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 11(A), 12(B), etc., the support 103a(1) may overlap with the connection portion 105a or the spacer 108. At this time, it is preferable that the support 103a(1) is formed of a material that blocks visible light. Thereby, the user who views the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device can be prevented from visually recognizing the connection portion 105a or the spacer 108. Note that, as shown in Modification 1, a light-shielding layer may be provided.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 11(A), 12(B), etc., in a state where the light-emitting device is deployed, if the support 103a(1) and the support 103a(2) are in contact with each other, inward bending occurs in the first region 161. This configuration is not possible. In this way, in a light-emitting device, the direction in which the highly flexible region bends is If you want to limit the performance, you can also control it by changing the configuration of the support structure.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(A), among the regions with low flexibility that overlap due to folding, The pair of regions located on the outside are preferably parallel to the plane supporting the light-emitting device, and the inner It is preferable that other areas located on the side are not parallel to the plane. This allows the light-emitting device This makes it possible to make it thinner.

[0157] <Modification 4> Figure 12(C) shows a side view of the light-emitting device in its folded state. The device is a modified version of the light-emitting device shown in Figure 12(A).

[0158] As shown in Figure 12(C), the thickness of the support 103a(2) and support 103a(3) The configuration ensures that support 103b(2) and support 103b(3) maintain a certain distance from each other. This is preferable because it suppresses the bending of the light-emitting panel 101 with an extremely small radius of curvature.

[0159] Examples A and B illustrate a light-emitting device that can be folded in half by inward bending, but one aspect of the present invention This is not limited to this. A light-emitting device that can be folded in half by outward bending, as shown in the following example configuration F. This is also one aspect of the present invention.

[0160] <Configuration example F> Figure 13(A) shows a top view of the light-emitting device in its unfolded state. Figure 13(B) shows the folded state. This shows a side view of the light-emitting device in its current state.

[0161] The light-emitting device has a first region 171, a second region 172, and a third region 173. Region 171 is located between Region 2172 and Region 3173. Region 71 is the most flexible of the three.

[0162] The light-emitting device consists of a light-emitting panel 101, a support 103a(1), a support 103a(2), and a support It has 103b(1), a support 103b(2), and a connecting part 105.

[0163] Supporter 103a(1) and supporter 103a(2) are spaced apart from each other. Supporter 103b( 1) and support 103b(2) are spaced apart from each other. The four supports are each luminescent panels It has lower flexibility compared to Ru-101.

[0164] The first region 171 has a light-emitting panel 101 and a connecting portion 105. The connection part 105 overlaps with each other.

[0165] The first region 171 is the part in which the light-emitting panel 101 can be bent outwards. For details, see Configuration Example D. The connection part 105a can be seen. In the first region 171, the light-emitting panel 101 is bent inward. That's good too.

[0166] The second region 172 is a light-emitting panel 1 between support 103a(1) and support 103b(1). It has 01. The third region 173 is between support 103a(2) and support 103b(2). It has a light-emitting panel 101.

[0167] <Modification 5> Figure 13(C) shows a side view of the light-emitting device in its folded state. The device is a modified version of the light-emitting device shown in Figure 13(B).

[0168] The light-emitting device shown in Figure 13(C) has only one spacer 108. Spacer 108 is It has multiple notches. The multiple protrusions separated by the notches are in the above configuration example. It has the same function as multiple spacers. That is, when the first region 171 is bent, adjacent The angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of the two protrusions changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel 101. This creates a neutral surface within or near the light-emitting panel 101. This is possible. The deeper the cut, the more light can be inside the light-emitting panel 101, or inside the light-emitting panel 101. It is easy to form a neutral surface in the vicinity. Furthermore, if there are two or more spacers 108 with notches, That's fine.

[0169] In this embodiment, the highly flexible region of the light-emitting device is constructed by overlapping the light-emitting panel and the component. By making it a component, the mechanical strength of the region can be increased. Also, even if a member is provided, The vertical surface can be formed in or near the light-emitting panel. Therefore, light emission Even when the device is bent, the light-emitting panel is less likely to stretch or contract, thus suppressing damage to the light-emitting panel.

[0170] This embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0171] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the light-emitting panel will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0172] In this embodiment, a light-emitting panel using organic EL elements is mainly illustrated, but this is one aspect of the present invention. This is not the only example.

[0173] When the light-emitting panel illustrated in this embodiment is bent, the minimum radius of curvature of the light-emitting panel is , 1 mm or more and 150 mm or less, 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less, 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less, 1 The dimensions can be between 10 mm and 2 mm or between 5 mm. The light-emitting panel will not break even if bent with a small radius of curvature (for example, between 2mm and 5mm). It is highly reliable and does not break down. By bending the light-emitting panel with a small radius of curvature, this power The light-emitting device of one embodiment can be made thinner. The light-emitting panel of this embodiment can be bent. The direction does not matter. Also, there may be one or more bending points.

[0174] <Specific Example 1> Figure 14(A) shows a plan view of the light-emitting panel, and the dashed line D1-D2 in Figure 14(A) is shown between An example of a cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 14(B). The light-emitting panel shown in Specific Example 1 is a color filter type This is a top-emission type light-emitting panel using the formula. In this embodiment, the light-emitting panel For example, a color can be represented using three subpixels of different colors: R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Alternatively, a configuration in which one color is represented by four subpixels of R, G, B, and W (white), R, G, B, Y ( Configurations such as using four sub-pixels of yellow to represent one color can be applied. There are no particular limitations on the color elements. It is not limited to RGBWY; you may also use colors other than RGBWY, for example, cyan or magenta. stomach.

[0175] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 14(A) comprises a light-emitting section 804, a drive circuit section 806, and an FPC 808. do.

[0176] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 14(B) consists of a first flexible substrate 701, a first adhesive layer 703, and a first Insulating layer 705, first functional layer (multiple transistors, conductive layer 857, insulating layer 815, insulating Edge layer 817, multiple light-emitting elements, and insulating layer 821), third adhesive layer 822, second functional layer (Coloring layer 845 and light-shielding layer 847), second insulating layer 715, second adhesive layer 713, and It has a second flexible substrate 711. A third adhesive layer 822, a second insulating layer 715, and a second adhesive The deposition layer 713 and the second flexible substrate 711 transmit visible light. The light-emitting part 804 and the drive rotation The light-emitting elements and transistors included in the path section 806 are connected to the first flexible substrate 701 and the second flexible substrate It is sealed by the substrate 711 and the third adhesive layer 822.

[0177] The light-emitting part 804 is connected to the first flexible group via the first adhesive layer 703 and the first insulating layer 705. The board 701 has a transistor 820 and a light-emitting element 830. The light-emitting element 830 is insulating The lower electrode 831 on layer 817, the EL layer 833 on the lower electrode 831, and the EL layer 833 It has an upper electrode 835 and a lower electrode 831 which is the source electrode of transistor 820 or It is electrically connected to the drain electrode. The end of the lower electrode 831 is covered with an insulating layer 821. The lower electrode 831 preferably reflects visible light. The upper electrode 835 transmits visible light. do.

[0178] Furthermore, the light-emitting section 804 has a colored layer 845 that overlaps with the light-emitting element 830 and an insulating layer 821 that overlaps with the light-emitting element 830. It has a light-shielding layer 847 and a third adhesive layer 822 between the light-emitting element 830 and the colored layer 845. It is filled.

[0179] The insulating layer 815 has the effect of suppressing the diffusion of impurities into the semiconductor that constitutes the transistor. Furthermore, the insulating layer 817 has a planarization function to reduce surface irregularities caused by the transistor. It is preferable to select an insulating layer that has the properties of the material.

[0180] The drive circuit section 806 has a first flexible connection via the first adhesive layer 703 and the first insulating layer 705. Multiple transistors are located on the substrate 701. In Figure 14(B), the drive circuit section 806 is located This shows one of the transistors.

[0181] The first insulating layer 705 and the first flexible substrate 701 are bonded together by the first adhesive layer 703. Furthermore, the second insulating layer 715 and the second flexible substrate 711 are connected to the second adhesive layer 713. Therefore, they are bonded together. The first insulating layer 705 and the second insulating layer 715 have a highly moisture-resistant film. Using this method, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of impurities such as water into the light-emitting element 830 and the transistor 820. This is preferable because it increases the reliability of the light-emitting panel.

[0182] The conductive layer 857 has an external input terminal that transmits external signals and potentials to the drive circuit section 806 and an electrical Connect them electrically. Here, we show an example where an FPC808 is provided as an external input terminal. To prevent an increase in the number of steps, the conductive layer 857 is the same as the electrodes and wiring used in the light-emitting part and the drive circuit part. It is preferable to manufacture it using one material and the same process. Here, the conductive layer 857 is transient This shows an example of a component made using the same materials and process as the electrodes that make up the Sta820.

[0183] In the light-emitting panel shown in Figure 14(B), the FPC808 is located on the second flexible substrate 711. The connector 825 consists of a second flexible substrate 711, a second adhesive layer 713, and a second insulating layer 71 5. Conduction through openings provided in the third adhesive layer 822, insulating layer 817, and insulating layer 815 It is connected to the electrode 857. Also, connector 825 is connected to FPC808. FPC808 and conductive layer 857 are electrically connected via 825. Conductive layer 857 and second If the flexible substrate 711 overlaps with the second flexible substrate 711, the second flexible substrate 711 is opened (or opening By using a substrate having the conductive layer 857, connector 825, and FPC 808, the electrical It can be connected to a target.

[0184] Figures 14(A) and (B) show modified versions of the light-emitting panel. Figure 15(A) shows a flat surface of the light-emitting panel. Figure 15(B) shows an example of a cross-sectional view between the dashed-dotted line D3 and D4 in Figure 15(A). This is shown in Figure 15(A). Also, an example of a cross-sectional view between the dashed lines D5 and D6 in Figure 15(A) is shown in Figure 16(A). ) is shown.

[0185] The light-emitting panel shown in Figures 15(A) and (B) consists of a first flexible substrate 701 and a second flexible substrate This is an example where the size of 711 is different. FPC808 is located on the second insulating layer 715. , and does not overlap with the second flexible substrate 711. The connector 825 is the second insulating layer 715, the third The conductive layer 857 is connected through openings provided in the adhesive layer 822, the insulating layer 817, and the insulating layer 815. It is connected to the second flexible substrate 711. Since there is no need to provide an opening in the second flexible The material of the substrate 711 is not restricted.

[0186] Furthermore, the insulating layer formed using an organic resin with low gas barrier properties and moisture resistance is at the edges of the light-emitting device. It is preferable not to expose it to the light source. With this configuration, impurities can be detected from the side of the light-emitting device. It can prevent objects from entering. For example, as shown in Figures 15(B) and 16(A), The optical device may be configured without providing an insulating layer 817 at its ends.

[0187] Furthermore, a modified example of the light-emitting section 804 is shown in Figure 16(B).

[0188] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 16(B) has insulating layer 817a and insulating layer 817b, and insulating layer 8 A conductive layer 856 is provided on 17a. The source electrode or drain electrode of transistor 820 and The lower electrode of the light-emitting element 830 is electrically connected to the conductive layer 856.

[0189] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 16(B) has a spacer 823 on the insulating layer 821. By providing 823, the distance between the first flexible substrate 701 and the second flexible substrate 711 can be adjusted. It is possible.

[0190] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 16(B) has an overcoat covering the colored layer 845 and the light-shielding layer 847. It has 849. The space between the light-emitting element 830 and the overcoat 849 is filled with an adhesive layer 822. It is.

[0191] Furthermore, a modified example of the light-emitting element 830 is shown in Figure 16(C).

[0192] As shown in Figure 16(C), the light-emitting element 830 has a lower electrode 831 and an EL layer 833. An optical adjustment layer 832 may be provided in between. The optical adjustment layer 832 may contain a light-transmitting guide It is preferable to use electrolytic materials. Color filter (colored layer) and microcavity structure When combined with an optical adjustment layer, the light-emitting panel of one aspect of the present invention exhibits high color purity. Bright light can be extracted. The thickness of the optical adjustment layer can be changed according to the color of each subpixel. good.

[0193] <Specific Example 2> The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 16(D) consists of a first flexible substrate 701, a first adhesive layer 703, and a first Insulating layer 705, first functional layer (conductive layer 814, conductive layer 857a, conductive layer 857b, light emission The element 830, the insulating layer 821), the second adhesive layer 713, and the second flexible substrate 711 To possess.

[0194] The conductive layers 857a and 857b are external connection electrodes of the light-emitting panel, and are electrically connected to the FPC, etc. It can be connected via a thermal connection.

[0195] The light-emitting element 830 has a lower electrode 831, an EL layer 833, and an upper electrode 835. The end of electrode 831 is covered with insulating layer 821. The light-emitting element 830 is bottom emission It is either a single-ended, top-emission, or dual-emission type. The electrodes, substrate, insulating layer, etc., are all transparent to visible light. The conductive layer 814 is connected to the lower electrode 831. To connect electrically.

[0196] The substrate that extracts light has a light extraction structure consisting of a hemispherical lens, a microlens array, The material may have a film with an uneven surface, a light-diffusing film, etc. For example, a resin substrate. The above lens or film is placed on top of the substrate or the lens or film with a refractive index similar to that of the substrate or the lens or film. By bonding using an adhesive, etc., a substrate having a light extraction structure can be formed. can.

[0197] The conductive layer 814 is not necessarily required, but it does not cause a voltage drop due to the resistance of the lower electrode 831. It is preferable to provide it because it can suppress the electrical effect. Also, for the same purpose, the upper electrode 835 and electrical effect A conductive layer for direct connection is provided on the insulating layer 821, the EL layer 833, or the upper electrode 835, etc. You may leave it.

[0198] The conductive layer 814 is made of copper, titanium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and neodymium. Materials selected from scandium, nickel, and aluminum, or compounds mainly composed of these materials. It can be formed using gold material, etc., as a single layer or in layers. The thickness of the conductive layer 814 is For example, it can be 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0. It is 5 μm or less.

[0199] <Specific Example 3> Figure 15(A) shows a plan view of the light-emitting panel, and the dashed line D3-D4 in Figure 15(A) An example of a cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 17(A). The light-emitting panel shown in Specific Example 3 is a color filter type This is a bottom-emission type light-emitting panel using the formula.

[0200] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 17(A) consists of a first flexible substrate 701, a first adhesive layer 703, and a first Insulating layer 705, first functional layer (multiple transistors, conductive layer 857, insulating layer 815, Color layer 845, insulating layer 817a, insulating layer 817b, conductive layer 856, multiple light-emitting elements, and It has an edge layer 821), a second adhesive layer 713, and a second flexible substrate 711. Substrate 701, first adhesive layer 703, first insulating layer 705, insulating layer 815, insulating layer 817 a and the insulating layer 817b transmit visible light.

[0201] The light-emitting part 804 is connected to the first flexible group via the first adhesive layer 703 and the first insulating layer 705. The plate 701 has a transistor 820, a transistor 824, and a light-emitting element 830. The light-emitting element 830 has a lower electrode 831 on the insulating layer 817b and an EL layer 8 on the lower electrode 831. It has 33 and an upper electrode 835 on the EL layer 833. The lower electrode 831 is a transient It is electrically connected to the source or drain electrode of 820. The end of the lower electrode 831 is It is covered with an insulating layer 821. The upper electrode 835 preferably reflects visible light. Electrode 831 transmits visible light. The position where the colored layer 845 overlapping with the light-emitting element 830 is provided is: It is not particularly limited, for example, between insulating layer 817a and insulating layer 817b, or between insulating layer 815 and insulating layer It can be installed between layers 817a, etc.

[0202] The drive circuit section 806 has a first flexible connection via the first adhesive layer 703 and the first insulating layer 705. Multiple transistors are located on the substrate 701. In Figure 17(A), the drive circuit section 806 is located on the substrate 701. This shows two of the transistors.

[0203] The first insulating layer 705 and the first flexible substrate 701 are bonded together by the first adhesive layer 703. It is being used. If a highly moisture-resistant film is used for the first insulating layer 705, the light-emitting element 830 and transient The intrusion of impurities such as water into the transistor 820 and transistor 824 can be suppressed, and the light-emitting panel This is preferable because it increases reliability.

[0204] The conductive layer 857 has an external input terminal that transmits external signals and potentials to the drive circuit section 806 and an electrical Connect them electrically. Here, we show an example where an FPC808 is provided as an external input terminal. Furthermore, this example shows that conductive layer 857 was fabricated using the same material and process as conductive layer 856. This indicates.

[0205] <Specific Example 4> Figure 15(A) shows a plan view of the light-emitting panel, and the dashed line D3-D4 in Figure 15(A) An example of a cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 17(B). The light-emitting panel shown in Specific Example 4 uses a color-shading method. It is a top-emission type light-emitting panel.

[0206] The light-emitting panel shown in Figure 17(B) consists of a first flexible substrate 701, a first adhesive layer 703, and a first Insulating layer 705, first functional layer (multiple transistors, conductive layer 857, insulating layer 815, insulating Edge layer 817, multiple light-emitting elements, insulating layer 821, and spacer 823), second adhesive layer 71 3, and a second flexible substrate 711. 11 transmits visible light.

[0207] In the light-emitting panel shown in Figure 17(B), the connector 825 is located on the insulating layer 815. 825 is connected to the conductive layer 857 through an opening provided in the insulating layer 815. Connector 825 is connected to FPC808. Layer 857 is electrically connected.

[0208] <Example of materials> Next, we will describe materials that can be used in light-emitting panels. Note that these have already been described in this specification. Explanations of the configuration may be omitted.

[0209] Materials such as glass, quartz, organic resin, metal, and alloy can be used for the substrate. The substrate that extracts light from the element uses a material that transmits the light.

[0210] In particular, it is preferable to use a flexible substrate. For example, an organic resin or a substrate of a certain thickness that is flexible. Glass, metals, and alloys can be used. For example, the thickness of the flexible substrate is 1 μm or less. Preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm to 100 μm, and 1 μm to 5 A thickness of 0 μm or less is more preferable, and a thickness of 1 μm or more and 25 μm or less is particularly preferable.

[0211] Because organic resins have a lower specific gravity than glass, using organic resin as a flexible substrate results in... This method allows for a lighter luminescent panel compared to using lath, which is preferable.

[0212] It is preferable to use a material with high toughness for the substrate. This results in excellent impact resistance and breakage. It is possible to create light-emitting panels that are difficult to produce. For example, organic resin substrates, thin metal substrates or... By using an alloy substrate, it is lighter and less prone to breakage compared to using a glass substrate. This enables the creation of high-performance light-emitting panels.

[0213] Metal and alloy materials have high thermal conductivity and can easily conduct heat throughout the substrate, so light-emitting panels This is preferable as it can suppress the localized temperature rise of the material. The thickness of the plate is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, and 20 μm to 50 μm. It is preferable to do so.

[0214] There are no particular limitations on the materials that make up the metal substrate or alloy substrate, but for example, aluminum Suitable materials include copper, nickel, or alloys of metals such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. It can be used for this purpose.

[0215] Furthermore, using a material with high thermal emissivity for the substrate can suppress the rise in the surface temperature of the light-emitting panel. This can be controlled, and damage to the light-emitting panel and a decrease in reliability can be suppressed. For example, the substrate can be made of a metal substrate and heat dissipation Laminated structure of layers with high emissivity (for example, metal oxides or ceramic materials can be used) That is also acceptable.

[0216] Examples of materials that are flexible and translucent include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). ), polyester resins such as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyacrylonitrile Resins, polyimide resins, polymethyl methacrylate resins, polycarbonate (PC) resins Polyethersulfone (PES) resin, polyamide resin (nylon, aramid, etc.), Croolefin resin, polystyrene resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, Examples include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resins. In particular, those with a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion. It is preferable to use materials such as polyamide-imide resin, polyimide resin, and polyamide-imide resin. Mid resin, PET, etc. can be suitably used. Also, a substrate in which resin is impregnated into a fibrous material ( (Also called prepregs) or substrates in which inorganic fillers are mixed with organic resin to lower the coefficient of thermal expansion are used. It can also be used.

[0217] As a flexible substrate, the layer using the above material protects the surface of the device from scratches and other damage. A layer (for example, a silicon nitride layer) or a layer of material that can distribute pressure (for example, aramic It may be constructed by laminating with a resin layer or the like.

[0218] Flexible substrates can also be used by stacking multiple layers. In particular, a configuration having a glass layer This improves the barrier properties against water and oxygen, resulting in a highly reliable light-emitting panel. Cut.

[0219] For example, a flexible substrate in which a glass layer, an adhesive layer, and an organic resin layer are laminated from the side closest to the light-emitting element. The glass layer can be used. The thickness of the glass layer is preferably 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The thickness should be between 25 μm and 100 μm. Glass layers of this thickness are resistant to water and oxygen. This allows for the simultaneous achievement of high barrier properties and flexibility. Furthermore, the thickness of the organic resin layer is 10 The particle size should be between μm and 200 μm, preferably between 20 μm and 50 μm. By placing the resin layer outside the glass layer, cracks and fractures in the glass layer are suppressed. Mechanical strength can be improved. Based on such a composite material of glass material and organic resin By applying it to a board, it is possible to create an extremely reliable and flexible light-emitting panel. Cut.

[0220] The adhesive layer can be a light-curing adhesive such as UV-curing type, a reaction-curing adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, or Various types of curing adhesives, such as gas-type adhesives, can be used. These adhesives include epoxy Silicone resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, phenolic resin, polyimide resin, imide resin , PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin, EVA ( Examples include ethylene vinyl acetate resin. In particular, epoxy resins have low moisture permeability. The material is preferable. A two-part resin may also be used. Alternatively, an adhesive sheet or the like may be used. That's good too.

[0221] Furthermore, the above resin may contain a desiccant. For example, an alkaline earth metal oxide (oxidation This method uses substances that adsorb moisture through chemical adsorption, such as calcium or barium oxide. It is possible to absorb moisture through physical adsorption, such as with zeolite or silica gel. A desiccant may be used. If a desiccant is included, impurities such as moisture may penetrate the functional element. This is preferable because it can suppress the ingress of light and improve the reliability of the light-emitting panel.

[0222] Furthermore, by mixing a filler or light scattering material with a high refractive index into the above resin, a light-emitting element can be created. The light extraction efficiency can be improved. For example, titanium dioxide, barium oxide, and ze Olite, zirconium, and the like can be used.

[0223] For the first insulating layer 705 and the second insulating layer 715, a highly moisture-resistant insulating film can be used. Preferably, the first insulating layer 705 or the second insulating layer 715 can block impurities from the light-emitting element. It is preferable that the material has a function to prevent diffusion.

[0224] Examples of highly moisture-resistant insulating films include silicon nitride films and silicon nitride oxide films, which contain nitrogen and silicon. Examples include films containing nitrogen and aluminum, such as aluminum nitride films. Also, acid Silicon oxide films, silicon oxide-nitride films, aluminum oxide films, etc., may also be used.

[0225] For example, the water vapor transmission rate of a highly moisture-resistant insulating film is 1 × 10⁻⁶ -5 [g / (m 2 ·day)] The following is preferably 1 × 10 -6 [g / (m 2 ·day) Below, more preferably 1 × 10 -7 [g / (m 2 (day) More preferably 1 x 10 -8 [g / (m 2 ·da y) and below.

[0226] In the light-emitting panel, at least one of the first insulating layer 705 or the second insulating layer 715 is The light emitted from the light-emitting element needs to be transmitted. Furthermore, the insulating layer on the side that transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting element has a wavelength of 400 nm or more than the insulating layer on the other side. It is preferable that the average transmittance below 800 nm is high.

[0227] The structure of the transistors in the light-emitting panel is not particularly limited. For example, staggered transistors It can be a zista, or an inverse staggered transistor. It can also be a top-gate type. Alternatively, either a bottom-gate type transistor structure may be used. The conductive material is not particularly limited and examples include silicon, germanium, and organic semiconductors. Alternatively, among indium, gallium, and zinc, such as In-Ga-Zn metal oxides. An oxide semiconductor containing at least one of these elements may also be used.

[0228] The crystallinity of semiconductor materials used in transistors is not particularly limited; amorphous semiconductors, Crystalline semiconductors (microcrystalline semiconductors, polycrystalline semiconductors, single-crystal semiconductors, or semiconductors with a crystalline region in part) Any semiconductor having the properties of [the semiconductor material] may be used. If a semiconductor having crystalline properties is used, transients may occur. This is preferable because it suppresses the deterioration of the stanic characteristics.

[0229] It is preferable to provide an undercoat to stabilize the characteristics of the transistor. The undercoat may be: Inorganic silicon oxide films, silicon nitride films, silicon oxide-nitride films, silicon nitride-oxide films, etc. It can be fabricated using an insulating film, either as a single layer or in a multilayer configuration. The underlayer is fabricated by sputtering. CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method (Plasma CVD method) , thermal CVD method, MOCVD (Metal Organic CVD) method, ALD ( Formed using methods such as Atomic Layer Deposition, coating, and printing. Yes, it is possible. Note that the undercoat does not need to be provided if it is not necessary. In each of the above configuration examples, the first The insulating layer 705 can also serve as the underlayer for the transistor.

[0230] As the light-emitting element, a self-emitting element can be used, and the brightness is controlled by current or voltage. This category includes elements that are controlled by [something]. For example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic E Inductive elements, inorganic electroluminescent elements, etc., can be used.

[0231] Light-emitting elements include top-emission type, bottom-emission type, and dual-emission type. Either method is acceptable. The electrode that extracts light uses a conductive film that transmits visible light. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a conductive film that reflects visible light on the electrode that does not extract light. .

[0232] Examples of conductive films that transmit visible light include indium oxide and indium tin oxide (ITO:I). Indium zinc oxide, zinc oxide (ZnO), gallium It can be formed using zinc oxide with added um, etc. Also, gold, silver, platinum, magnesium Nesium, nickel, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, copper, palladium Metal materials such as titanium, alloys containing these metal materials, or nitrogen from these metal materials The material (e.g., titanium nitride) can also be used by forming it thinly enough to be translucent. This can be done. In addition, the laminated film of the above materials can be used as a conductive layer. For example, silver and ma Using a magnesium alloy and ITO multilayer film can improve conductivity, which is desirable. It seems so. Alternatively, graphene or similar materials may be used.

[0233] Examples of conductive films that reflect visible light include aluminum, gold, platinum, silver, nickel, and tungsten. Metal materials such as tetracellulose, chromium, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, copper, or palladium, Alloys containing these metal materials can be used. In addition, Lantha It may also contain added elements such as cellulose, neodymium, or germanium. Aluminum alloys, aluminum and nickel alloys, aluminum and neodymium alloys, aluminum Aluminum-containing alloys such as alloys of luminous, nickel, and lanthanum (Al-Ni-La) Aluminum alloys), silver and copper alloys, silver, palladium and copper alloys (Ag-Pd-Cu, (Also written as APC), it can be formed using silver-containing alloys such as silver-magnesium alloys. It is possible. Alloys containing silver and copper are preferred because they have high heat resistance. Furthermore, an aluminum alloy film By laminating a metal film or metal oxide film in contact with it, oxidation of the aluminum alloy film is suppressed. This is possible. Examples of materials for the metal film and metal oxide film include titanium and titanium oxide. It is possible to laminate a conductive film that transmits visible light with a film made of a metal material. For example, multilayer films of silver and ITO, or multilayer films of a silver-magnesium alloy and ITO can be used. It is possible.

[0234] The electrodes can be formed using methods such as vapor deposition or sputtering. Formed using extrusion methods such as the cuteting method, printing methods such as screen printing, or plating methods. It is possible.

[0235] A voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element is applied between the lower electrode 831 and the upper electrode 835. Then, holes are injected into the EL layer 833 from the anode side, and electrons are injected from the cathode side. The electrons and holes recombine in the EL layer 833, causing the light-emitting material in the EL layer 833 to emit light. do.

[0236] The EL layer 833 has at least an emissive layer. The EL layer 833 has layers other than the emissive layer, Materials with high hole injection potential, materials with high hole transport potential, hole blocking materials, materials with high electron transport potential , substances with high electron injection properties, or bipolar substances (substances with high electron transport and hole transport properties) It may further have layers containing (quality, etc.).

[0237] The EL layer 833 can use either low molecular weight compounds or high molecular weight compounds, and is inorganic. It may contain compounds. Each layer constituting the EL layer 833 is deposited by a vapor deposition method (vacuum deposition). It can be formed by methods such as (including) transfer, printing, inkjet, and coating. ru.

[0238] The light-emitting element 830 may contain two or more types of light-emitting materials. This allows for, for example, white light to be emitted. It is possible to realize light-emitting elements that emit colored light. For example, if the light emitted by each of two or more light-emitting materials is complementary in color White light emission can be obtained by selecting a light-emitting material such that the following relationship is observed. For example, a light-emitting substance that exhibits light emission in the colors R (red), G (green), B (blue), Y (yellow), or O (orange), or Using a light-emitting material that exhibits emission containing two or more spectral components of R, G, and B. This is possible. For example, a light-emitting substance that emits blue light and a light-emitting substance that emits yellow light may be used. At this time, the emission spectrum of a light-emitting substance that emits yellow light has green and red spectral components. It is preferable to include it. Also, the emission spectrum of the light-emitting element 830 is in the visible region (e.g., 35 Two or more within the range of 0nm to 750nm, or 400nm to 800nm, etc. It is preferable to have a peak.

[0239] The EL layer 833 may have multiple light-emitting layers. The layers may be stacked in contact with each other, or they may be stacked with a separation layer in between. For example, a separation layer may be provided between the fluorescent emission layer and the phosphorescent emission layer.

[0240] The separation layer, for example, is formed from the excited state of the phosphorescent material generated in the phosphorescent layer to the fluorescence in the fluorescent layer. To prevent energy transfer to materials via the Dexter mechanism (especially triplet energy transfer) It can be provided in [location]. The separation layer only needs to be a few nanometers thick. Specifically, 0.1n m to 20nm or less, or 1nm to 10nm or less, or 1nm to 5nm or less The separation layer is made of a single material (preferably a bipolar material) or multiple materials (preferably This includes hole-transporting materials and electron-transporting materials.

[0241] The separation layer may be formed using the material contained in the light-emitting layer that is in contact with the separation layer. This makes it easier to fabricate light-emitting devices and reduces the driving voltage. For example, if the phosphorescent light-emitting layer is When the separation layer consists of a host material, an assist material, and a phosphorescent material (guest material), the host It may be formed from a striker material and an assisting material. In other words, the above configuration is a phosphorescent material. The phosphorescent layer has a region that does not contain phosphorescent material, and the phosphorescent layer has a region that contains phosphorescent material. It becomes possible to deposit the abscission layer and the phosphorescent layer with or without the phosphorescent material. By doing so, it becomes possible to deposit the separation layer and the phosphorescent layer in the same chamber. This allows for a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0242] Furthermore, the light-emitting element 830 may be a single element having one EL layer, or it may generate charge It may also be a tandem element having multiple EL layers stacked with layers in between.

[0243] The light-emitting element is preferably placed between a pair of highly moisture-resistant insulating films. This prevents impurities such as water from entering the light-emitting element, thus suppressing a decrease in the reliability of the light-emitting panel. It can be controlled. Specifically, as described above, the first insulating layer 705 and the second insulating layer 715 Therefore, if a highly moisture-resistant insulating film is used, the light-emitting element is positioned between a pair of highly moisture-resistant insulating films. This helps to suppress the deterioration of the reliability of the light-emitting panel.

[0244] Examples of insulating layer 815 include silicon oxide film, silicon oxide nitride film, aluminum oxide film. Inorganic insulating films such as aluminum films can be used. Also, insulating layer 817, insulating layer 817a, and For example, the insulating layer 817b can be polyimide, acrylic, polyamide, or polyimide. Organic materials such as mido and benzocyclobutene resins can be used. Dielectric constant materials (low-k materials), etc., can be used. Furthermore, multiple insulating films can be stacked. By doing so, each insulating layer may be formed.

[0245] The insulating layer 821 is formed using an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, acrylic resin, siloxane resin, epoxy Resins, or phenolic resins, etc., can be used. In particular, photosensitive resin materials can be used for the lower part. An opening is formed on the electrode 831, and the side wall of the opening is formed with a continuous curvature. It is preferable to form it as a slope.

[0246] The method for forming the insulating layer 821 is not particularly limited, but may include photolithography, sputtering, Vapor deposition, droplet ejection (inkjet, etc.), printing methods (screen printing, offset printing) You can use "etc." etc.

[0247] Spacer 823 can be formed using inorganic insulating materials, organic insulating materials, metal materials, etc. For example, inorganic insulating materials and organic insulating materials can be used in the insulating layer described above. Various materials can be used. Metallic materials include titanium and aluminum. The configuration involves electrically connecting the spacer 823 containing conductive material with the upper electrode 835. This suppresses the potential drop caused by the resistance of the upper electrode 835. Also, spacer 82 3 may have a forward taper shape or a reverse taper shape.

[0248] Used in light-emitting panels, functioning as electrodes or wiring for transistors, or as auxiliary electrodes for light-emitting elements. The conductive layer can be made of, for example, molybdenum, titanium, chromium, tantalum, tungsten, or aluminum. Metal materials such as nium, copper, neodymium, scandium, or alloy materials containing these elements are used. It can be formed as a single layer or in layers. The conductive layer is made of a conductive metal oxide. It may be formed using the following. Examples of conductive metal oxides include indium oxide (In2O3, etc.). , tin oxide (SnO2, etc.), ZnO, ITO, indium zinc oxide (In2O3-Zn (O, etc.) or materials containing silicon oxide can be used. .

[0249] A colored layer is a colored layer that transmits light in a specific wavelength range. For example, red, green, blue, or A color filter that transmits light in the yellow wavelength range can be used. Each colored layer is Etching is performed using various materials, including printing, inkjet, and photolithography methods. They are formed at the desired positions using methods such as molding. In addition, in the case of white sub-pixels, the light-emitting element overlaps with the sub-pixel. You may also place a transparent or other type of resin on top.

[0250] The light-shielding layer is placed between adjacent colored layers. The light-shielding layer blocks light from adjacent light-emitting elements. To block light and suppress color mixing between adjacent light-emitting elements, the edges of the colored layer are separated by a light-blocking layer. By providing it so that it overlaps with the other, light leakage can be suppressed. As for the light-shielding layer, Materials that block light emission from the optical element can be used, such as metallic materials, pigments, and dyes. A black matrix can be formed using a resin material. The light-shielding layer is located in the drive circuit section. By placing it in an area other than the light-emitting part, unintended light leakage due to guided light, etc., can be suppressed. preferable.

[0251] Furthermore, an overcoat may be provided to cover the colored layer and the light-shielding layer. This prevents impurities contained in the colored layer from diffusing into the light-emitting element. The bar coat is made of a material that transmits light from the light-emitting element, such as a silicon nitride film. Inorganic insulating films such as silicon oxide films, or organic insulating films such as acrylic films and polyimide films are used. This can be done, and a laminated structure of an organic insulating film and an inorganic insulating film may also be used.

[0252] Furthermore, when applying the adhesive layer material onto the colored layer and light-shielding layer, the overcoat material is It is preferable to use a material with high wettability for the adhesive layer material. For example, overcoat Examples include oxide conductive films such as ITO films, and metal films such as Ag films that are thin enough to be translucent. It is preferable to use [this].

[0253] By using a material with high wettability relative to the adhesive layer material for the overcoat, adhesion is achieved. The layer material can be applied uniformly. This makes it possible to bond a pair of substrates together. This can suppress the inclusion of foam and thus reduce display defects.

[0254] Various anisotropic conductive films (ACF) can be used as connectors. ductive film) and anisotropic conductive paste (ACP: Anisotropic You can use methods such as Conductive Paste.

[0255] As described above, one aspect of the present invention is applicable to light-emitting panels, display panels, touch panels, etc. It is possible.

[0256] Display elements include organic EL elements, inorganic EL elements, light-emitting elements such as LEDs, liquid crystal elements, and electrical elements. Electrophoretic elements, display elements using MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) These are some examples.

[0257] Furthermore, a light-emitting panel according to one aspect of the present invention may be used as a display device or as an illumination device. It may be used. For example, light sources such as backlights and frontlights, i.e., display panels. It can also be used as a lighting device for that purpose.

[0258] This embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0259] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, the touch panel will be described with reference to the drawings. Of the components it has, the components similar to the light-emitting panel described in Embodiment 2 are You can also refer to the previous description. In addition, in this embodiment, touch using a light-emitting element The panel is shown as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, other elements exemplified in Embodiment 2 (Table A touch panel using an indicator element (such as a display element) is also one aspect of the present invention.

[0260] <Configuration Example 1> Figure 18(A) is a top view of the touch panel. Figure 18(B) is the same as Figure 18(A) but with a dashed line A. -This is a cross-sectional view between B and the dashed line C and D. Figure 18(C) is the same as the dashed line E in Figure 18(A). This is a cross-sectional view between -F.

[0261] The touch panel 390 shown in Figure 18(A) includes a display unit 301 (which also serves as an input unit) and a scan line drive. Driving circuit 303g(1), image pixel driving circuit 303g(2), image signal line driving circuit 303s (1) and the imaging signal line driving circuit 303s(2) are included.

[0262] The display unit 301 has a plurality of pixels 302 and a plurality of imaging pixels 308.

[0263] Pixel 302 has multiple sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel has a light-emitting element and a pixel circuit.

[0264] The pixel circuit can supply power to drive the light-emitting element. The pixel circuit receives a selection signal. It is electrically connected to the wiring that can supply the signal. The pixel circuit also supplies the image signal. It can be wired and electrically connected.

[0265] The scan line drive circuit 303g(1) can supply a selection signal to the pixel 302.

[0266] The image signal line driving circuit 303s(1) can supply image signals to the pixels 302.

[0267] A touch sensor can be configured using the imaging pixels 308. Specifically, imaging pixels 3 08 can detect fingers or other objects touching the display unit 301.

[0268] The imaging pixel 308 has a photoelectric conversion element and an imaging pixel circuit.

[0269] The imaging pixel circuit can drive the photoelectric conversion element. The imaging pixel circuit provides control signals. It is electrically connected to the wiring that can supply power. In addition, the imaging pixel circuit is supplied with power potential. It can be wired and electrically connected.

[0270] One example of a control signal is selecting the imaging pixel circuit that reads out the recorded imaging signal. A signal that can do this, a signal that can initialize the imaging pixel circuit, and a signal that the imaging pixel circuit detects light Examples include signals that can determine the timing of notification.

[0271] The image pixel driving circuit 303g(2) can supply control signals to the image pixel 308. .

[0272] The imaging signal line driving circuit 303s(2) can read out the imaging signal.

[0273] As shown in Figures 18(B) and (C), the touch panel 390 is a first flexible substrate 701, First adhesive layer 703, first insulating layer 705, second flexible substrate 711, second adhesive layer 71 3, and a second insulating layer 715. Also, the first flexible substrate 701 and the second flexible The substrate 711 is bonded with a third adhesive layer 360.

[0274] The first flexible substrate 701 and the first insulating layer 705 are bonded together by the first adhesive layer 703. Furthermore, the second flexible substrate 711 and the second insulating layer 715 are bonded together by the second adhesive layer 713. It is being done. Regarding materials that can be used for substrates, adhesive layers, and insulating layers, the implementation is You can refer to state 2.

[0275] Pixel 302 has sub-pixels 302R, 302G, and 302B (Figure 18). (C)

[0276] For example, sub-pixel 302R has a light-emitting element 350R and a pixel circuit. The pixel circuit has a light-emitting element It includes a transistor 302t that can supply power to sub-pixel 350R. Also, sub-pixel 3 02R is a light-emitting element 350R and an optical element (for example, a colored layer 367R that transmits red light). It holds.

[0277] The light-emitting element 350R has the lower electrode 351R, the EL layer 353, and the upper electrode 352 in this order. They are stacked (Figure 18(C)).

[0278] The EL layer 353 consists of a first EL layer 353a, an intermediate layer 354, and a second EL layer 353b. They are stacked in the following order.

[0279] Furthermore, in order to efficiently extract light of a specific wavelength, a microcave is installed in the light-emitting element 350R. A T-structure can be arranged. Specifically, it can be arranged to efficiently extract specific light. An EL layer may be placed between the visible light-reflecting film and the semi-reflective / semi-transparent film.

[0280] The sub-pixel 302R has a third adhesive layer 360 that is in contact with the light-emitting element 350R and the colored layer 367R. The colored layer 367R is located in a position that overlaps with the light-emitting element 350R. As a result, the light-emitting element 3 A portion of the light emitted by 50R passes through the third adhesive layer 360 and the colored layer 367R, as shown in the figure. As shown by the arrow, it is ejected outside of sub-pixel 302R.

[0281] The touch panel 390 has a light-shielding layer 367BM. The light-shielding layer 367BM is a colored layer (for example) It is provided so as to surround the colored layer 367R.

[0282] The touch panel 390 has an anti-reflective layer 367p positioned to overlap the display unit 301. For example, a circular polarizing plate can be used as the protective layer 367p.

[0283] The touch panel 390 has an insulating layer 321. The insulating layer 321 is made up of transistors 302t, etc. It covers the pixel circuit and imaging pixel circuit. It can be used as a layer for this purpose. Also, it helps to diffuse impurities into transistors such as transistor 302t. An insulating layer that can suppress this can be applied to the insulating layer 321.

[0284] The touch panel 390 has a partition wall 328 that overlaps the end of the lower electrode 351R. A spacer 329 controls the distance between the first flexible substrate 701 and the second flexible substrate 711. It is located on wall 328.

[0285] The image signal line driving circuit 303s(1) includes a transistor 303t and a capacitor 303c. Furthermore, the drive circuit can be formed on the same substrate using the same process as the pixel circuit. (Figure 18) As shown in B), the transistor 303t has a second gate 304 on the insulating layer 321. It may be. The second gate 304 is electrically connected to the gate of transistor 303t. They may be present, or different potentials may be applied to them. Also, if necessary, a second The gate 304 may be provided on transistor 308t, transistor 302t, etc.

[0286] The imaging pixel 308 has a photoelectric conversion element 308p and an imaging pixel circuit. The imaging pixel circuit is Light irradiated onto the photoelectric conversion element 308p can be detected. The imaging pixel circuit is a transistor Includes ZISTA 308t. For example, a pin-type photodiode is used as the photoelectric conversion element 308p. It is possible to be there.

[0287] The touch panel 390 has wiring 311 that can supply signals, and terminals 319 are provided. It is located on line 311. It can supply signals such as image signals and synchronization signals. C309 is electrically connected to terminal 319. FPC309 is a printed circuit board ( A PWB (Power Wheel Bridge) may be installed.

[0288] Note that transistors such as transistor 302t, transistor 303t, transistor 308t, etc. Zista can be formed in the same process, or they can be formed in different processes. That's good too.

[0289] <Configuration Example 2> Figures 19(A) and (B) are perspective views of the touch panel 505. For clarity, representative images are shown. The typical components are shown. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view between the dashed line X1 and X2 shown in Figure 19(A). ru.

[0290] As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the touch panel 505 includes a display unit 501 and a scan line drive. It has a circuit 303g(1) and a touch sensor 595, etc. Furthermore, the touch panel 505 is It comprises a first flexible substrate 701, a second flexible substrate 711, and a flexible substrate 590.

[0291] The touch panel 505 has multiple pixels and multiple wirings 311. The multiple wirings 311 are Multiple wirings 311 can supply signals to the pixels. It is routed to the outer perimeter, and a portion of it forms terminal 319. Terminal 319 is FPC5 Connect electrically to 09(1).

[0292] The touch panel 505 has a touch sensor 595 and multiple wires 598. 598 is electrically connected to the touch sensor 595. Multiple wires 598 are connected to the flexible substrate 5 It is routed around the outer periphery of 90, and a portion of it forms a terminal. This terminal is FPC50 It is electrically connected to 9(2). Note that in Figure 19(B), the flexible substrate 59 is shown for clarity. Touch sensor 595 provided on the back side of 0 (the side facing the first flexible substrate 701) The electrodes and wiring are shown with solid lines.

[0293] For example, a capacitive touch sensor can be applied to the touch sensor 595. Examples of capacitance methods include surface capacitance and projected capacitance. Here, we will focus on projected capacitance. This example shows the case where a capacitive touch sensor is applied.

[0294] Projected capacitance methods include self-capacitance methods and mutual capacitance methods. Using this method is preferable because it enables simultaneous multi-point detection.

[0295] The touch sensor 595 can detect the proximity or contact of an object to be detected, such as a finger. Various sensors can be applied.

[0296] The projected capacitive touch sensor 595 has electrodes 591 and 592. 91 is electrically connected to one of the multiple wires 598, and electrode 592 is connected to one of the multiple wires 598 Connect electrically to one of the others.

[0297] As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the electrode 592 consists of multiple electrodes arranged repeatedly in one direction. It has a shape in which quadrilaterals are connected at their corners.

[0298] Electrode 591 is quadrilateral and is repeatedly arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which electrode 592 extends. The multiple electrodes 591 are not necessarily arranged in a direction perpendicular to one electrode 592. It is not necessary to position them so that they form an angle of less than 90 degrees.

[0299] Wiring 594 is provided crossing electrode 592. Wiring 594 connects to one of electrode 592 The two electrodes 591 that are sandwiched are electrically connected. At this time, the intersection of electrode 592 and wiring 594 A shape that minimizes the area of ​​the electrode is preferable. This reduces the area where the electrode is not provided. The area can be reduced, and the unevenness of light transmittance can be reduced. As a result, the touch sensor 595 It can reduce unevenness in the brightness of transmitted light.

[0300] Furthermore, the shapes of electrodes 591 and 592 are not limited to these and can take on various shapes.

[0301] As shown in Figure 20(A), the touch panel 505 is a first flexible substrate 701, a first contact Adhesion layer 703, first insulating layer 705, second flexible substrate 711, second adhesive layer 713, and It also has a second insulating layer 715. 1 is bonded together with a third adhesive layer 360.

[0302] The adhesive layer 597 is applied to the flexible substrate 590 such that the touch sensor 595 overlaps the display unit 501. This is bonded to the second flexible substrate 711. The adhesive layer 597 is translucent.

[0303] Electrodes 591 and 592 are formed using a light-transmitting conductive material. Examples of conductive materials include indium oxide, indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, Conductive oxides such as zinc oxide and zinc oxide with added gallium can be used. Alternatively, a film containing graphene can be used. The film containing graphene can be formed, for example, in a film-like structure. A film containing graphene oxide can be formed by reduction. Methods of reduction include: Methods such as applying heat can be cited.

[0304] Furthermore, conductive films such as electrodes 591, 592, and wiring 594 constitute the touch panel. Transparent materials such as indium oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide are used as materials for wiring and electrodes. Examples include conductive films (such as ITO). Also, wiring and electrodes that make up a touch panel are examples. The materials that can be used are preferably those with low resistance. Examples include silver, copper, and aluminum. Aluminum, carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal halides (such as silver halide) Any of these may be used. Furthermore, multiple extremely thin (for example, with a diameter of several nanometers) Metal nanowires composed of conductive materials may be used. Alternatively, conductive materials may be arranged in a mesh-like structure. Metal meshes may also be used. Examples include Ag nanowires, Cu nanowires, and Al Nanowires, Ag mesh, Cu mesh, Al mesh, etc. may also be used. For example, When using Ag nanowires for wiring and electrodes that make up a touch panel, transmission in visible light is possible. The ratio can be 89% or higher, and the sheet resistance value can be between 40Ω / □ and 100Ω / □. Furthermore, the above is an example of a material that can be used for the wiring and electrodes that make up the touch panel. Metal nanowires, metal meshes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc., are visible light Because the transmittance is high in this case, electrodes used in display elements (for example, pixel electrodes or common electrodes) It can also be used as (do).

[0305] After depositing a light-transmitting conductive material onto a flexible substrate 590 by sputtering, Unnecessary parts are removed using various patterning techniques such as photolithography, and electrodes are then processed. 591 and electrode 592 can be formed.

[0306] Electrodes 591 and 592 are covered with an insulating layer 593. Also, an opening reaching electrode 591 The opening is provided in the insulating layer 593, and the wiring 594 electrically connects the adjacent electrodes 591. Optical conductive materials can increase the aperture ratio of the touch panel, making them suitable for wiring 594. It can be used appropriately. Furthermore, materials with higher conductivity than electrodes 591 and 592 can be used. Because it can reduce air resistance, it can be suitably used in wiring 594.

[0307] Furthermore, an insulating layer is provided to cover the insulating layer 593 and the wiring 594 to protect the touch sensor 595. It is possible.

[0308] Furthermore, the connection layer 599 electrically connects the wiring 598 and the FPC 509(2).

[0309] The display unit 501 has multiple pixels arranged in a matrix. The pixels are the same as in Configuration Example 1. Since it is a matter of appearance, the explanation will be omitted.

[0310] As shown in Figure 20(B), the first flexible substrate 701 is used instead of the flexible substrate 590. The touch panel may be constructed using two substrates: the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate 711. The substrate 711 and the second insulating layer 715 are bonded together by the second adhesive layer 713, and the second A touch sensor 595 is provided in contact with the insulating layer 715. Covering the touch sensor 595 A colored layer 367R and a light-shielding layer 367BM are provided in contact with the insulating layer 589. Alternatively, instead of providing 589, the colored layer 367R and the light-shielding layer 367BM may be provided in contact with the wiring 594. .

[0311] <Configuration Example 3> Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the touch panel 505B. The touch panel described in this embodiment 505B displays the supplied image information on the side where the transistor is located and The fact that the touch sensor is provided on the first flexible substrate 701 side of the display unit is a key feature of the configuration example 2. This differs from the Chipanel 505. Here, we will describe the different configuration in detail, and use a similar configuration. Where applicable, refer to the explanation above.

[0312] The colored layer 367R is located in a position that overlaps with the light-emitting element 350R. Also, the light emission shown in Figure 21(A) Element 350R emits light towards the side where transistor 302t is located. A portion of the light emitted by the light-emitting element 350R passes through the colored layer 367R, in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. It is ejected to the outside of the touch panel 505B.

[0313] The touch panel 505B has a light-shielding layer 367BM in the direction from which light is emitted. BM is provided so as to surround the colored layer (for example, colored layer 367R).

[0314] The touch sensor 595 is located on the first flexible substrate 701 side, not the second flexible substrate 711 side. It is provided (Figure 21(A)).

[0315] The adhesive layer 597 is applied to the flexible substrate 590 so that the touch sensor 595 overlaps the display area. It is bonded to the flexible substrate 701. The adhesive layer 597 is translucent.

[0316] Furthermore, the configuration when a bottom-gate type transistor is applied to the display unit 501 is shown in Figure 21( As shown in A) and (B).

[0317] For example, a semiconductor layer containing oxide semiconductors, amorphous silicon, etc., is shown in Figure 21(A). This can be applied to transistors 302t and 303t.

[0318] For example, a semiconductor layer containing polycrystalline silicon, etc., is used in the transistor 302t shown in Figure 21(B). It can also be applied to transistor 303t.

[0319] Furthermore, the configuration when a top-gate type transistor is applied is shown in Figure 21(C).

[0320] For example, including a single-crystal silicon film transposed from a polycrystalline silicon or single-crystal silicon substrate. The semiconductor layer is suitable for transistors 302t and 303t shown in Figure 21(C). It can be used.

[0321] This embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. [Examples]

[0322] In this embodiment, a light-emitting device according to one aspect of the present invention was fabricated.

[0323] This embodiment corresponds to Configuration Example B (see Figure 2(A), etc.) and Configuration Example D (see Figure 9(A), etc.). A light-emitting device was created.

[0324] The light-emitting panel fabricated in this embodiment is made by peeling off a layer from a pair of fabricated substrates (glass substrates). A layer (tungsten film) is formed, and on each peeled layer, the peeled layer (one side is a transistor, light-emitting element) is placed. After forming the substrate (including the child, the other including the color filter, etc.), each fabricated substrate is peeled off. The material was fabricated by peeling it off the layer and attaching a flexible substrate to the peeled layer using an adhesive.

[0325] Transistors include CAAC-OS (C Axis Aligned Crystallographic). A transistor using ine oxide semiconductor was applied. Unlike amorphous materials, CAAC-OS has fewer defect levels, improving transistor reliability. This is possible. Furthermore, CAAC-OS has the characteristic of not having visible grain boundaries. It is possible to form a stable and uniform film over a large area, and also to bend a flexible light-emitting device. The CAAC-OS film is less prone to cracking due to the stress applied during this process.

[0326] CAAC-OS is a crystalline oxide semiconductor in which the c-axis of the crystal is approximately oriented perpendicularly to the film surface. This is the case. Another crystal structure of oxide semiconductors is a nanoscale aggregate of microcrystals, n It has been confirmed that a variety of structures exist that differ from single crystals, such as ano-crystals (nc). It is recognized that CAAC-OS has lower crystallinity than single crystals and higher crystallinity compared to nc. stomach.

[0327] In this example, a channel etch type transistor using an In-Ga-Zn oxide is used. The transistor was fabricated on a glass substrate using a process at a temperature of less than 500°C.

[0328] In methods of directly fabricating elements such as transistors on organic resins such as plastic substrates, The temperature during the manufacturing process must be lower than the heat resistance temperature of the organic resin. In this embodiment, Furthermore, the fabricated substrate is a glass substrate, and the release layer, which is an inorganic film, has high heat resistance, so glass It is possible to fabricate transistors at the same temperature as when fabricating transistors on a substrate. The performance and reliability of transistors can be easily ensured.

[0329] The light-emitting element used was a tandem (stacked) type organic EL element that emits white light. It has a top emission structure, and the light from the light-emitting element passes through a color filter to the light-emitting panel. It is removed from the outside of the container.

[0330] We manufactured a total of two types of light-emitting panels.

[0331] The light-emitting device corresponding to configuration example B is shown in Figures 22(A) to (C). Figure 22(A) shows the unfolded state. The light-emitting device is shown in its unfolded or folded state. Figure 22(B) shows the device from one side to the other. This shows the light-emitting device in an intermediate state of transformation. Figure 22(C) shows the light-emitting device in a folded state. show.

[0332] The light-emitting device shown in Figures 22(A) to (C) uses a magnetic fixing device as the fixing device 107. It has. In addition, the connecting part 105 has an elastic body and multiple spacers. It overlaps the connecting part 105. A light-shielding layer 109 is provided so that the connection part 105 is not visible to the user looking at the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device. It is not configured in a way that allows it to function properly.

[0333] The light-emitting panel of the light-emitting device shown in Figures 22(A) to (C) consists of a light-emitting section (light-emitting area, pixel section) (Also known as) The size is 5.9 inches diagonally, the number of pixels is 720 x 1280, and the pixel size is 10 The dimensions are 2 μm × 10² μm, resolution is 249 ppi, and aperture ratio is 45.2%. The IBA is built-in, and the source driver is external, using COF (Chip On Film). Deleted. The frame frequency was set to 60Hz. The light-emitting panel weighs approximately 3g and has a thickness of The particle size was less than 100 μm.

[0334] The light-emitting device corresponding to configuration example D is shown in Figures 23(A) to (C). Figure 23(A) shows the unfolded state. The light-emitting device is shown in its unfolded or folded state. Figure 23(B) shows the device from one side to the other. This shows the light-emitting device in an intermediate state of transformation. Figure 23(C) shows the light-emitting device in a folded state. show.

[0335] The light-emitting panel of the light-emitting device shown in Figures 23(A) to (C) has a diagonal size of 8. 7-inch screen, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 100 μm x 100 μm pixel size, resolution The image quality is 254 ppi, and the aperture ratio is 46.0%. The scan driver is built-in and sourced The driver was externally mounted using COF. The frame frequency was set to 60Hz. The light-emitting panel is It incorporates a capacitive touch sensor. The light-emitting panel weighs approximately 6g and is thick The size was less than 100 μm.

[0336] As described above, by applying one aspect of the present invention, the folded state offers excellent portability. In its unfolded state, the seamless, wide light-emitting area allows for the creation of a light-emitting device with excellent visibility. It worked! We were also able to create a light-emitting device in which damage to the light-emitting panel caused by folding is suppressed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0337] 101 Light-emitting panel 103 Support 103a Support 103b Support 105 Connection part 105a Connection part 105b Connection part 106 Elastic body 107 Fixtures 108 Spacers 109 Light blocking layer 111 Emitting Region 112 Non-emitting regions 113a Protective layer 113b Protective layer 151 First Domain 152 Second Domain 153 The Third Domain 161 First Domain 162 Second Domain 163 The Third Domain 164 The Fourth Domain 165 The fifth area 171 First Domain 172 Second Domain 173 The Third Domain 301 Display section 302 pixels 302B subpixels 302G sub-pixels 302R sub-pixel 302t transistor 303c capacity 303g(1) Scan line drive circuit 303g(2) Image Pixel Driving Circuit 303s(1) Image signal line driving circuit 303s(2) Imaging signal line drive circuit 303t transistor Gate 304 308 image pixels 308p Photoelectric element 308t transistor 309 FPC 311 Wiring 319 terminals 321 Insulating layer 328 Bulkhead 329 Spacer 350R light-emitting element 351R lower electrode 352 Upper electrode 353 EL layer 353a EL layer 353b EL layer 354 Middle Class 360 adhesive layer 367BM light shielding layer 367p anti-reflection layer 367R colored layer 390 Touch Panel 501 Display section 505 Touch Panel 505B Touch Panel 509 FPC 589 Insulating layer 590 Flexible substrate 591 Electrode 592 Electrode 593 Insulating layer 594 Wiring 595 Touch Sensor 597 Adhesive layer 598 Wiring 599 Connectivity Layer 701 Flexible substrate 703 Adhesive layer 705 Insulating layer 711 Flexible substrate 713 Adhesive layer 715 Insulating layer 804 Light-emitting part 806 Drive Circuit Section 808 FPC 814 Conductive layer 815 Insulating layer 817 Insulating layer 817a Insulating layer 817b Insulating layer 820 transistors 821 Insulating layer 822 Adhesive layer 823 Spacer 824 transistors 825 Connector 830 Light-emitting elements 831 Lower electrode 832 Optical adjustment layer 833 EL layer 835 Upper electrode 845 Colored layer 847 Light blocking layer 849 Overcoat 856 Conductive layer 857 Conductive layer 857a Conductive layer 857b Conductive layer

Claims

[Claim 1] A light-emitting device having a first to third region, The first region is located between the second region and the third region. Of the first to third regions, the first region has the highest flexibility. The first region comprises a light-emitting panel and a plurality of spacers, The second region comprises the light-emitting panel and the first support, The third region comprises the light-emitting panel and the second support, Of the light-emitting panel, the first support, and the second support, the light-emitting panel has the highest flexibility. The first region has a portion where each of the plurality of spacers and the light-emitting panel overlap each other. The second region has a portion where the first support and the light-emitting panel overlap each other. The third region has a portion where the second support and the light-emitting panel overlap each other. A light-emitting device wherein, when the first region is bent, the angle between the normals of the opposing surfaces of two adjacent spacers changes in accordance with the light-emitting panel.

Images