Textiles and textile-type devices

Abstract

The present invention adequately provides a textile which has a display function. A textile (100) according to the present invention has a configuration of a woven fabric consisting of warp yarns and weft yarns, and is characterized in that: each of the weft yarns is covered by a light emitting layer, electrode layers with which the light emitting layer is sandwiched, and protective layers with which the electrode layers are sandwiched, while having exposed regions where the protective layers are partially absent; and the warp yarns are conductive yarns that are arranged so as to be in contact with the exposed regions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to textiles and textile-type devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In many industries, such as interiors (e.g., wallpaper), fashion (e.g., clothing), and automobiles, there is a demand for incorporating electronic circuits into textiles and into articles that can be made from textiles. To meet such demands, a technology using textiles called smart textiles is known (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] In addition, organic electroluminescent elements (organic EL elements) are known as light-emitting elements that can be applied to thin, pliable, and flexible devices (flexible devices). For example, a technology is known in which organic EL elements are used in display devices and lighting devices (Patent Document 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-208275 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-088060 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional techniques have been unable to adequately provide textiles with a display function.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and has an object to appropriately provide a textile having a display function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The textile according to the present application has a construction in which warp threads and weft threads are woven, the weft threads are covered with a light-emitting layer, an electrode layer sandwiching the light-emitting layer, and a protective layer sandwiching the electrode layer, and have an exposed area where a portion of the protective layer is absent, and the warp threads are conductive warp threads arranged so as to be in contact with the exposed area. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide an appropriate textile having a display function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a cOLED and an iOLED. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a textile according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the transistor and the organic EL element according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a textile according to an embodiment as viewed from directly above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a textile according to an embodiment as viewed from directly above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a form for carrying out the textile and textile-type device according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") with reference to the drawings. Note that the textile and textile-type device according to the present application are not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the same parts in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] (Embodiment) [1. An example of information processing] Textiles with indicator functions that can control electric current are expected to be applied to products such as wearable devices. In particular, textiles made of soft materials have the advantage of being applicable to a wide range of products, since they can be applied to curved surfaces and mounted on products that can be deformed, such as clothing.

[0012] In recent years, flexible displays using organic electroluminescence (EL) elements have come into use. However, due to the complexity of the signal lines, the display may be integrated into a single sheet. For this reason, when applying them to textiles, it is common to either bond an organic EL element film to the textile or cover it with an organic EL element sleeve. In this case, however, it may be difficult to ensure the inherent breathability of the textile. In addition, if the thickness increases due to bonding, the flexibility may be lost.

[0013] In addition, in the fields of art and stage production, textiles incorporating elements such as LEDs have been devised. However, since LEDs are inorganic, when implementing large sizes, a large number of LEDs are required, which can increase costs. Also, since LEDs are made of a hard material, for example, when LEDs are divided into dots and implemented on clothing, they can become uncomfortable to the touch.

[0014] In addition, since organic EL elements are made on substrates made of soft materials, they are known to be susceptible to oxygen permeation (or water vapor permeation) and to deteriorate quickly.

[0015] The present application has been made in view of the above, and has an object to appropriately provide a textile having a display function.

[0016] In the following embodiment, the textile 100 is described as having a configuration in which warp threads and weft threads are woven, a thin organic EL element is woven into the weft thread, and a conductive warp thread (conductive thread) is woven so as to come into contact with a portion of the weft thread.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, it is assumed that a textile 100 is controlled by a control device 10. For example, a current flowing through the textile 100 is controlled by the control device 10.

[0018] Here, the organic EL element has a structure in which multiple layers including a light-emitting layer are sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. The organic EL element emits light by exciting an organic compound contained in the light-emitting layer using the energy generated when holes (positive holes) injected from the anode and electrons injected from the cathode combine.

[0019] In addition, the organic EL element is a current-driven element, and therefore, the organic EL element is controlled by the control device 10.

[0020] The terminal device 20 transmits control information to the control device 10 in accordance with, for example, an operation by a user who uses the terminal device 20 (step S101). The control device 10 performs processing in accordance with the control information transmitted from the terminal device 20 (step S102). For example, the control device 10 performs processing to supply power (apply a voltage) and cause a current to flow.

[0021] The configuration of the textile 100 will be described in detail below.

[0022] The textile 100 is a textile having a display structure of an organic EL element, in which a film-like foil of an organic EL element is patterned and woven into the textile.

[0023] One example of a display structure is the structure of a general organic EL element called cOLED (conventional organic light-emitting diodes). cOLEDs have a structure in which a film is formed on the surface to soften the material, which can easily cause oxygen permeation. In order to prevent oxygen permeation, -6 g / m 2It is known that sealing at a rate of about 1 / day or more is necessary. In addition, excited electrons may react and corrode alkaline metals.

[0024] Also, unlike cOLED, an organic EL element structure called iOLED (inverted light-emitting diodes) is known, which has a structure in which the anode and cathode are inverted. iOLED has a structure that can achieve both high durability and flexibility, and is characterized by not containing alkaline metals that cause deterioration. In addition, by using iOLED, the quantum efficiency of phosphorescence can be improved. Note that when the anode and cathode are inverted as in iOLED, the performance generally decreases, so it is necessary to appropriately arrange multiple layers between them according to the energy level.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of a cOLED and an iOLED. The left side of FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of a cOLED, in which aluminum (Al) is used for the anode and indium tin oxide (ITO) is used for the cathode. In a cOLED, a hole H1 injected from the anode and an electron E1 injected from the cathode combine in the light-emitting layer W1. The right side of FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of an iOLED, in which indium tin oxide is used for the anode and aluminum is used for the cathode. In an iOLED, an electron E11 injected from the anode and a hole H11 injected from the cathode combine in the light-emitting layer W11.

[0026] A textile having an iOLED structure is one example of the textile 100. The structure of the textile 100 will be further described below. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the organic EL element is an iOLED.

[0027] The textile 100 has a structure in which a film-like foil of an organic EL element is woven into the weft thread, and some of the warp threads are used as wiring material. The textile 100 is driven by some of the warp threads used as wiring material, and the warp threads used as wiring material are controlled by the control device 10. In this way, the drive is controlled by using some of the warp threads as control lines.

[0028] The textile 100 has a configuration in which some of the multiple warp threads are connected to a power source for controlling the current. The textile 100 controls the current with some of the warp threads connected to the power source, and the current control is controlled by the control device 10. In this way, the current is controlled with some of the warp threads as lines of the power source.

[0029] The textile 100 has a structure in which warp and weft threads are woven so that the organic EL elements are driven in a grid pattern like a display. In addition to using iOLED as the organic EL element, the warp and weft threads are woven so that the organic EL elements are driven in a grid pattern, thereby realizing a textile 100 that is flexible, breathable, and stable.

[0030] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of textile 100. Textile 100 has a configuration in which a selection transistor TR11 that selects a portion of warp threads that will be used as wiring material, a control transistor TR12 that controls current, and an organic EL element EL11 are combined and arranged on a flexible film GR11 made of PET (Poly Ethylene Telephthalate) or the like. Note that film GR11 is not limited to PET and may be any insulator. For example, film GR11 may be a non-transparent flexible film made of polyimide or the like.

[0031] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of transistors and an organic EL element according to the embodiment. The arrangement may be a stacked arrangement (left side of FIG. 4) in which two transistors for selection and control and the organic EL element are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction, or a horizontal arrangement (right side of FIG. 4) in which they are arranged side by side in the lateral direction. In the arrangement of the two transistors for selection and control and the organic EL element, there is no particular limitation as to which transistor is arranged in front of the organic EL element.

[0032] In Figure 4, layers W111 and W211 are protective layers (surface layers), layers W112 and W212 are electrode layers (anode layers), layers W113 and W213 are hole transport layers, layers W114 and W214 are light-emitting layers, layers W115 and W215 are electron transport layers, layers W116 and W216 are electron injection layers, layers W117 and W217 are electrode layers (cathode layers), layers W118 and W218 are TFT layers of control transistors, layers W119 and W219 are TFT layers of selection transistors, and layers W120 and W220 are films.

[0033] Here, in order for the organic EL elements to be driven in a grid pattern like a display, it is necessary to connect the foils of the organic EL elements together. It is also necessary to supply power to the two transistors and the anode of the organic EL element. In the textile 100, the power is supplied by conductive contacts of the warp threads. That is, in the textile 100, the foils of the organic EL elements are connected together by conductive contacts. The conductive contacts are made of, for example, metal, low melting solder, or anisotropic conductive film (ACF film).

[0034] Generally, in semiconductor design, it is not necessary to expose the electrode layer from the protective layer, but in the textile 100, the electrode layer is exposed from the protective layer, which is an insulator, so that power can be supplied from the warp yarns via the conductive contact. The electrode layer is exposed from the protective layer, and the warp yarns are arranged so as to contact the exposed area where there is no part of the protective layer. In addition, since the connection is made from the top surface, the conductive contact will be referred to as the "top contact" hereinafter as appropriate.

[0035] In addition, the exposed electrode layer is one of the electrode layers, and since the organic EL element is an iOLED, the electrode layer on the anode side is exposed.The exposed electrode layer includes a driving circuit for transmitting driving power to the light-emitting layer and a control circuit for controlling the driving circuit, and the driving circuit and the control circuit are exposed in the exposed region.The other electrode layer that is not exposed continues to be applied with a voltage opposite to that of the exposed electrode layer.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a top view of an example of the configuration of the textile 100 (in the case of the horizontal arrangement on the right side of Fig. 4). In Fig. 5, the layer W21 is a protective layer, the layer W22 is an electrode layer (anode layer), the layer W23 is a light-emitting layer, the layer W24 is an electrode layer (cathode layer), and the layer W25 is a gate electrode layer. Of these, the layers W22 and W23 are layers of an organic EL element, and the layer W25 is a layer of a transistor.

[0037] Moreover, the threads Y1 to Y5 are conductive threads. For example, in the case of 16 pixels, 32 conductive threads are arranged so as not to overlap with the pixels of the light-emitting portion. Although not shown, a large number of non-conductive threads are arranged in parallel with the threads Y1 to Y5. In this way, the warp threads are arranged with conductive threads and non-conductive threads side by side. Also, the non-conductive threads may be arranged so as to pass alternately above and below the weft threads.

[0038] In Fig. 5, for example, the thread Y1 is arranged so as to contact the layer W22 exposed from the layer W21, and power is supplied from the thread Y1 at the top contact. Also, for example, the thread 2 is arranged so as to contact the layer W25 exposed from the layer W21. In Fig. 4, it looks like the whole is covered with a protective layer of an insulator, but in fact, as shown in Fig. 5, when viewed from directly above, only a part of the area is covered and another part is exposed.

[0039] In this way, the warp wiring is performed at the top contact in the textile 100. Although a configuration using two transistors is common, patterning is usually performed on a plane, whereas the warp wiring is performed at the top contact in the textile 100, and therefore the textile has a configuration using two transistors in a one-dimensional manner.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a diagram seen from directly above of an example of the configuration of a textile 100. The left side of Fig. 6 is a diagram seen from directly above of an example of the configuration of a textile 100 arranged in a layered arrangement on the left side of Fig. 4, and the right side of Fig. 6 is a diagram seen from directly above of an example of the configuration of a textile 100 arranged in a horizontal plane arrangement on the right side of Fig. 4, similar to Fig. 5.

[0041] 6, layers W31 to W34 and layers W41 to W44 are electrode layers (anode layers), layers W35 to W38 and layers W45 to W48 are gate electrode layers, and layers W39 and W49 (shaded areas) are protective layers. In this way, the exposed areas are different between the stacked arrangement and the horizontal arrangement, but in either arrangement, the warp yarns are arranged so as to contact the exposed areas (anode layers and gate electrode layers).

[0042] In the above embodiment, the transistor must be soft in order to bend, so it is preferable to use an organic material, but since inorganic materials can be bent if they are thinned, the material of the transistor is not particularly limited. The transistor may be made of a hard material, such as silicon, and combined with a bendable electrode layer. In this way, if the organic EL element is soft, the transistor may be hard.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the top contact may be performed by any contact method. For example, the top contact may be performed by wrapping a conductive thread around a conductive substrate, by crimping with a mechanical member, by bonding with solder or conductive grease, by clamping with a magnet, by pressure bonding with an ACF film, etc. These contact methods are merely examples and are not particularly limited.

[0044] 2. Configuration of the Information Processing System An information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing system 1 includes a control device 10 and a terminal device 20. The control device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to each other via a predetermined communication network (network N) so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 7 may include a plurality of control devices 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 20.

[0045] The control device 10 is a device for controlling the textile 100, which is a smart textile. The control device 10 performs processing based on information transmitted from the terminal device 20 or the like via the network N. For example, the control device 10 performs processing for changing the design of the textile 100. Specifically, the control device 10 performs processing for selectively supplying power to the top contact.

[0046] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user. The terminal device 20 may be any device that can realize the processing in the embodiment. The terminal device 20 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, a microcontroller, or other device. The terminal device 20 transmits control information to the control device 10 according to settings input by the user, for example.

[0047] In addition, in FIG. 7, the control device 10 and the terminal device 20 are separate devices, but the control device 10 and the terminal device 20 may be integrated.

[0048] 3. Usage The actual usage will be described below.

[0049] For example, design information (e.g., image information) and time information (e.g., timing information for the design change) to be changed may be set on an application installed on the terminal device 20, and the information may be transmitted to the control device 10 via the network N, and the design of the textile 100 may be changed based on the set design information and time information. At this time, the information may be converted into any RGB output information, for example, and displayed on a display. In this way, an interactive design change system linked with an application may be provided.

[0050] Also, for example, a color-changing (temperature-sensitive) textile may be provided by combining the textile 100 with a heater. In this case, the heat source of the heater is controlled, for example, by the control device 10. In this way, by making the textile 100 into a color-changing textile, a design-changing system that changes in response to the heat of the heater may be provided.

[0051] 4. Effects As described above, the textile 100 according to the embodiment has a structure in which warp threads and weft threads are woven, the weft threads are covered with a light-emitting layer, an electrode layer sandwiching the light-emitting layer, and a protective layer sandwiching the electrode layer, and have an exposed area where part of the protective layer is absent, and the warp threads are conductive warp threads arranged to contact the exposed area.

[0052] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that has a display function, is flexible, breathable, and has excellent stability. In addition, since it is possible to provide a textile 100 that is flexible, breathable, and has excellent stability, it is possible to effectively mount the textile 100 on, for example, a smartphone housing, wallpaper, clothing, curtains, light shades, and the like. For example, when the textile 100 is mounted on a smartphone housing, the design of the smartphone housing changes. For example, a design that was not displayed on the smartphone housing may be displayed, a design that was displayed on the smartphone housing may no longer be displayed, or a design that was displayed on the smartphone housing may be displayed in a clearer color.

[0053] The weft yarn is also characterized in that it is covered with a protective layer of insulating material.

[0054] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 with excellent stability.

[0055] In addition, one of the electrode layers is exposed in the exposed region.

[0056] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that can supply power via the top contact.

[0057] In addition, one of the electrode layers includes a drive circuit for transmitting driving power to the light-emitting layer and a control circuit for controlling the drive circuit, and the drive circuit and the control circuit are exposed in the exposed area.

[0058] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that can supply power via the top contact.

[0059] In addition, one of the electrode layers is characterized in that the electrode layer on the anode side is exposed.

[0060] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that is flexible, breathable, and highly stable.

[0061] Also, a voltage opposite to that applied to the exposed electrode layer is continuously applied to the other unexposed electrode layer.

[0062] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that is flexible, breathable, and highly stable.

[0063] The warp yarns are characterized by being arranged in a line with conductive yarns and non-conductive yarns, and are woven so that the non-conductive yarns pass alternately above and below the weft yarns.

[0064] This makes it possible to provide a textile 100 that is flexible, breathable, and highly stable.

[0065] [5. Other] In addition, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0066] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0068] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Control device 20 Terminal Equipment 100 Textiles N Network

Claims

1. The fabric has a structure in which warp threads and weft threads are woven, the weft yarn is covered with a light-emitting layer, electrode layers sandwiching the light-emitting layer, and protective layers sandwiching the electrode layer, and has an exposed region where a part of the protective layer is absent; the warp yarn is a conductive warp yarn arranged to contact the exposed area; The intersection of the warp yarn and the weft yarn includes an exposed region and a non-exposed region of the weft yarn. A textile characterized by:

2. The non-exposed area is larger than the exposed area.

2. The textile of claim 1 .

3. The weft yarn is covered with the protective layer of insulation.

3. A textile according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the exposed region, one of the electrode layers is exposed.

4. The textile according to claim 1, wherein the textile is a polyester.

5. The one electrode layer includes a drive circuit for transmitting driving power to the light-emitting layer and a control circuit for controlling the drive circuit, and the drive circuit and the control circuit are exposed in the exposed region.

5. The textile of claim 4.

6. As the one electrode layer, the electrode layer on the anode side is exposed.

6. A textile according to claim 4 or 5.

7. A voltage opposite to that applied to the exposed electrode layer is continuously applied to the other electrode layer that is not exposed.

7. The textile according to claim 4, wherein the textile is made of a material selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, propylene glycol terephthalate, propylene glycol fluoride ...

8. The warp yarns are made of conductive yarns and non-conductive yarns arranged side by side, and the non-conductive yarns are woven so as to pass alternately above and below the weft yarns.

8. A textile according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The textile has a structure in which warp yarns and weft yarns are woven, the weft yarn is covered with a light-emitting layer, electrode layers sandwiching the light-emitting layer, and protective layers sandwiching the electrode layer, and has an exposed region where a part of the protective layer is absent; the warp yarn is a conductive warp yarn arranged to contact the exposed area; The intersection of the warp yarn and the weft yarn includes an exposed region and a non-exposed region of the weft yarn. A textile-type device comprising:

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