Light-emitting device with touch panel functionality and display device using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a light-emitting device with a simplified structure and touch panel functionality, and a display device using the same. [Solution] The light-emitting device 100 has a touch panel function and includes a light-emitting element that emits light when a voltage is applied to a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 14, and a touch panel that utilizes the change in the electrical state of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting device having a touch panel function and a display device using the same.

Background Art

[0002] A display device provided with a lighting device on a reflective liquid crystal display section is disclosed (Patent Document 1). By arranging an organic electroluminescence element as a front light with respect to the reflective liquid crystal display section, it is said that a bright and high-contrast display can be realized even in a dark environment. Structurally, the organic EL element is sealed with a transparent substrate and arranged corresponding to the pixel region of the reflective liquid crystal display section.

[0003] Also, an input device and a display device provided with a front light integrated touch panel are disclosed (Patent Document 2). A configuration in which a translucent substrate is shared by the touch panel and the lighting section is adopted to enable light transmission. By integrally configuring the input section and the lighting section, it is said that the device can be made thinner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Reflective display devices such as reflective liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electronic paper (EPD) have features such as low power consumption and excellent outdoor visibility. Also, electronic paper has a feature of being eye-friendly (eye care). [[ID= forty-four]]

[0006] However, supplemental lighting is necessary for viewing in dark environments. Front lights are a known type of supplemental lighting, but conventional light guide plate type front lights have the problem that the brightness of the light-emitting surface is uneven, and the brightness changes significantly when viewed from an oblique angle.

[0007] Furthermore, when placed on a reflective display device, there was a problem of reduced contrast due to light leakage caused by reflected light.

[0008] On the other hand, in many display devices, a touch panel is placed on the surface of the display as an input method. Projected capacitive touch panels capable of multi-touch are widely used. However, when attempting to place a front light and a touch panel on a reflective display device, the structure becomes complex and large, posing a challenge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized by comprising a light-emitting element that emits light when a voltage is applied to an electrode, and a touch panel that utilizes the change in the electrical state of the electrode.

[0010] Here, the light-emitting element is preferably an organic EL element having an organic layer that emits light when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the touch panel preferably detects the position of proximity or contact by detecting a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0011] Furthermore, the organic layer is sandwiched between the first electrode, which is made of a transparent conductive material, and the cathode, which is made of a metallic material and electrically connected to the second electrode, which is also made of a transparent conductive material. The light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected back to the first electrode by the cathode, and it is preferable that the region where the cathode is not formed transmits light.

[0012] Furthermore, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the same plane and extend side by side in directions that intersect each other, and it is preferable to detect the intersection position of the first electrode and the second electrode where a change in capacitance occurs as a position of proximity or contact.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first electrode and the second electrode have a pattern in which multiple rectangular electrodes are arranged in a series and electrically connected.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an anti-reflective layer so as to cover the position where the cathode is provided in the plane.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the first electrode is provided on the first electrode, or that an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the second electrode is provided on the second electrode.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable to perform the light emission of the light-emitting element and the detection by the touch panel in a time-division manner.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is a display device characterized by being combined with the above-described light-emitting device having a touch panel function.

[0018] In this case, it is preferable to combine the light-emitting device having the touch panel function with electronic paper.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable to combine the light-emitting device having the touch panel function with a reflective liquid crystal display.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an anisotropic scattering layer between the light-emitting device having the touch panel function and the light-emitting device.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable that the emission frequency of the light-emitting element be an integer multiple or an integer fraction of the same frequency as the display frequency of the display device arranged together with the light-emitting device. [Effect of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a light-emitting device having a touch panel function with a simplified structure and a display device using the same. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a figure which shows the plan view of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] It is a figure which shows the AA sectional view of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 3] It is a figure which shows the BB sectional view of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 4] It is a plan view which shows the electrode pattern in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 5] It is a figure which shows the enlarged plan view of area | region a of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 6] It is a figure explaining control of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 7] It is a figure which shows the timing chart of control with respect to the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 8] It is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 9] It is a figure which shows the plan view of another example of the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention. [Figure 10] It is a figure which shows the structure of the display device to which the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention is applied. [Figure 11] It is a figure which shows the structure of the display device to which the light-emitting device which has a touch panel function in embodiment of this invention is applied. [Figure 12]This figure shows the configuration of a display device to which a light-emitting device having a touch panel function according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the light-emitting device 100 having a touch panel function in an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first transparent substrate 10, a first electrode 12, a second electrode 14, an organic layer 16, a cathode 18, a sealing layer 20, a cathode anti-reflection layer 22, a resin layer 24, and a second transparent substrate 26.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the arrangement and pattern of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 in a plan view of the light-emitting device 100. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of region a in Figure 1.

[0026] The first transparent substrate 10 is a support substrate for supporting the light-emitting device 100. The first transparent substrate 10 is made of a transparent material that transmits the wavelengths of light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 and light emitted from display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electronic paper (EPDs), which will be described later. The first transparent substrate 10 can be made of, for example, a glass material such as alkali-free glass, a plastic material such as acrylic, etc. The thickness of the first transparent substrate 10 is preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less. By doing so, the thickness of the light-emitting device 100 can be made thinner and lighter.

[0027] The first electrode 12 functions as an X electrode constituting a capacitive touch panel and as an electrode constituting the anode when light is emitted from the organic layer 16. The first electrode 12 is made of a transparent conductive material that transmits the wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 and the wavelength of light emitted from display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electronic paper (EPDs), which will be described later. The first electrode 12 is preferably made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0028] The first electrode 12 is preferably an electrode pattern in which multiple rectangular transparent conductive layers are arranged in the X direction and connected to each other, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. However, the first electrode 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may also be an electrode pattern in which transparent conductive materials of other shapes, such as round or triangular, are arranged in the X direction and connected to each other.

[0029] The second electrode 14 functions as a Y electrode constituting a capacitive touch panel, and as an electrode for applying a voltage to the cathode 18 when light is emitted from the organic layer 16. The second electrode 14 is made of a transparent conductive material that transmits the wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 and the wavelength of light emitted from display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electronic paper (EPDs), which will be described later. The second electrode 14 is preferably made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0030] The thickness of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 50 nm to 500 nm. Note that the transparent electrode materials ITO and IZO forming the first electrode 12 and the second electrode have relatively high refractive indices, and light reflection occurs at the interface between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14, which may reduce luminous efficiency or degrade the display quality of the display device. To improve these issues, it is preferable that the thickness of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 be about 1 / 4 of the visible light. Specifically, the thickness of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is preferably 110 nm to 165 nm, more preferably 130 nm to 150 nm.

[0031] The second electrode 14 is formed on the surface of the first transparent substrate 10. That is, the second electrode 14 is formed in the same plane as the first electrode 12. The second electrode 14 is positioned with a gap between it and the first electrode 12 so as to be electrically insulated from the first electrode 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, it is preferable that the second electrode 14 be an electrode pattern in which multiple rectangular transparent conductive layers are arranged in the Y direction and electrically connected to each other. That is, the second electrode 14 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first electrode 12 extends. However, the first electrode 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be an electrode pattern in which transparent conductive materials of other shapes such as round or triangular are arranged in the X direction and connected to each other.

[0032] The organic layer 16 functions as a light-emitting layer in the light-emitting device 100. The organic layer 16 consists of an electron transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and a hole transport layer. The organic layer 16 functions as a light-emitting element of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display when sandwiched between a first electrode 12, which functions as an anode, and a cathode 18. The organic layer 16 emits light when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the cathode 18. The thickness of the organic layer 16 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 8 nm to 2200 nm, and more preferably 10 nm to 500 nm.

[0033] The organic layer 16 can be any of the following: a single-layer structure containing only a light-emitting layer; a two-layer structure in which a hole transport layer and a light-emitting layer are stacked in that order from the anode towards the viewing side; a three-layer structure in which a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transport layer are stacked in that order from the anode towards the viewing side; or a multilayer structure that includes other functional layers in addition to the three-layer structure. The other functional layers are not particularly limited, and for example, an electron blocking layer can be stacked between the hole transport layer and the light-emitting layer, or a hole blocking layer can be stacked between the light-emitting layer and the electron transport layer.

[0034] The hole transport layer is used to efficiently transport holes injected from the first electrode 12 toward the light-emitting layer. The material of the hole transport layer is transparent and not particularly limited; known materials can be used. Examples of hole transport layers include triazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, carbazole derivatives, indrocarbazole derivatives, polyarylalkane derivatives, pyrazoline derivatives, pyrazolone derivatives, phenylenediamine derivatives, allylamine derivatives, amino-substituted chalcone derivatives, oxazole derivatives, styrylanthracene derivatives, fluorenone derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, stilbene derivatives, silazane derivatives, aniline copolymers, and conductive polymer oligomers such as thiophene oligomers. These can be used individually or in combination in any ratio.

[0035] The thickness of the hole transport layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 5 nm to 200 nm.

[0036] The light-emitting layer contains a light-emitting material. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 12 and the cathode 18, holes and electrons injected from each electrode recombine in the light-emitting layer, causing the light-emitting material to enter an excited state. Synchrotron radiation is emitted from the excited light-emitting material, causing the organic electroluminescent element to emit light. The light-emitting layer may also be one that can be used as a hole transport layer. The light-emitting layer is transparent.

[0037] The material of the luminescent layer is not particularly limited and any known material can be used, for example, epidridine, 2,5-bis[5,7-di-t-pentyl-2-benzoxazol]thiophene, 2,2'-(1,4-phenylenedivinylene)bisbenzothiazole, 2,2'-(4,4'-biphenylene)bisbenzothiazole, 5-methyl-2-{2-[4-(5-methyl-2-benzoxazol)phenyl]vinyl}benzoxazole, 2,5-bis(5-methyl-2-benzoxazol)thiophene, anthracene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene, perylene, perinone, 1,4-diphenylbutadiene, tetraphenyl Examples include tadiene, coumarin, acridine, stilbene, 2-(4-biphenyl)-6-phenylbenzoxazole, aluminum trisoxine, magnesium bisoxine, bis(benzo-8-quinolinol)zinc, bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinol)aluminum oxide, indium trisoxine, aluminum tris(5-methyloxine), lithium oxine, gallium trisoxine, calcium bis(5-chlorooxine), polyzinc-bis(8-hydroxy-5-quinolinolyl)methane, dilithium epyndoridion, zinc bisoxine, 1,2-phthaloperinone, 1,2-naphthaloperinone, etc. These can be used individually or in combination in any ratio.

[0038] The thickness of the light-emitting layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 nm to 200 nm, more preferably 1 nm to 100 nm.

[0039] The electron transport layer is used to efficiently transport electrons injected from the cathode 18 to the light-emitting layer. The electron transport layer is transparent and can be used in conjunction with the hole blocking layer. Furthermore, the material of the electron transport layer is not particularly limited and known materials can be used. Examples of electron transport layers include nitro-substituted fluorene derivatives, diphenylquinone derivatives, thiopyrandioxide derivatives, carbodiimide, fluorenylidene methane derivatives, anthraquinodimethane, anthrone derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, azole derivatives, azine derivatives, etc. These can be used individually or in combination in any ratio.

[0040] The thickness of the electron transport layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 2 nm to 500 nm, and even more preferably 5 nm to 200 nm.

[0041] The cathode 18 is an electrode for applying a voltage to the organic layer 16. The cathode 18 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the cathode 18 is made of a metallic material such as a single layer of metal such as aluminum, magnesium, silver, or calcium, or a metal laminate formed by stacking these single layers. By making the cathode 18 of a metallic material, the light emitted from the organic layer 16, which is the light-emitting layer, can be effectively reflected to the first transparent substrate 10. Therefore, the direct entry of light from the light-emitting layer into the user's eyes is prevented as much as possible, and the visibility of the display device can be improved. In particular, it is effective to use aluminum or silver, which have high reflectivity, as the cathode 18.

[0042] The cathode 18 may be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). However, in this case, the effect of reflection of light emitted from the organic layer 16 cannot be obtained.

[0043] The cathode 18 is formed so as to sandwich at least a portion of the organic layer 16 together with the first electrode 12. The cathode 18 is electrically insulated from the first electrode 12 and electrically connected to the second electrode 14. The cathode 18 is formed to connect adjacent second electrodes 14, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The spacing (pitch) between the cathodes 18 is preferably such that the transmission area is large and the pitch is small, within the range that is feasible to manufacture. Specifically, the pitch in both the X and Y directions is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and even more preferably 50 μm or less. This makes it possible to achieve excellent visibility.

[0044] While a thicker cathode 18 is preferable to minimize voltage drop, making it too thick can lead to distortion of its shape and increased material costs. For these reasons, the thickness of the cathode 18 is preferably 10 nm to 1000 nm, and more preferably 30 nm to 500 nm.

[0045] The sealing layer 20 is a layer that seals the first electrode 12, the second electrode 14, the organic layer 16, and the cathode 18 formed on the first transparent substrate 10. The sealing layer 20 is made of a transparent insulating material. The sealing layer 20 is preferably an inorganic or organic film capable of blocking the intrusion of moisture. As the material of the inorganic film, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, metal oxides, etc., can be used. As the material of the organic film, a curable resin such as epoxy resin can be used. In addition, a laminated film in which multiple inorganic and organic films are alternately stacked can also be used.

[0046] The thickness of the thin film encapsulation layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 nm to 1000 nm.

[0047] The cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is a layer used to prevent ambient light from being reflected by the cathode 18. The cathode anti-reflection layer 22 eliminates the reflection of ambient light from the cathode 18 for the user, thereby improving the visibility of the display device. The cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is formed on the sealing layer 20 so as to cover the cathode 18. The shape of the cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent ambient light reflection from the cathode 18, but it can be the same shape as the cathode 18 or slightly larger than the cathode 18.

[0048] The material of the cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. For example, the cathode anti-reflection layer 22 can be a black resist, which is a photoresist material mixed with a black pigment or black dye, or chromium oxide.

[0049] The thickness of the cathode anti-reflective layer 22 depends on the absorbance per unit thickness of the material. When the absorbance per unit thickness of the material of the cathode anti-reflective layer 22 is α[ / m] and the thickness is d[m], the reflected light cut rate R[%] from the cathode 230 is R[%]=[1-10 α·(d / 2) It is expressed as ] × 100. The absorbance α can be adjusted by the concentration of the black pigment or black dye mixed into the resist. The thickness d can also be adjusted by the solid content concentration and resist coating conditions during resist coating. The absorbance α and thickness d per unit thickness of the cathode anti-reflective layer 220 are not particularly limited, but are preferably within the range of absorbance α and thickness d combinations that result in a reflected light cut rate R of 90% or more, and are 50 μm or less, which is a thickness that can be formed without distortion of shape. More preferably, they are within the range of absorbance α and thickness d combinations that result in a reflected light cut rate R of 99% or more, and are 50 μm or less, which is a thickness that can be formed without distortion of shape.

[0050] The resin layer 24 is a layer that covers the cathode anti-reflection layer 22 formed on the sealing layer 20. The resin layer 24 is not particularly limited, but can be made of a resin material such as acrylic.

[0051] The second transparent substrate 26 is a support substrate for supporting the light-emitting device 100. The second transparent substrate 26 is arranged to cover the resin layer 24. The second transparent substrate 26 is made of a transparent material that transmits the wavelengths of light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 and light emitted from display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electronic paper (EPDs), which will be described later. The second transparent substrate 26 can be made of, for example, a glass material such as alkali-free glass, a plastic material such as acrylic, etc. The thickness of the second transparent substrate 26 is preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less. In this way, the thickness of the light-emitting device 100 can be made thinner and lighter.

[0052] In the light-emitting device 100, the area where the cathode 18 is not formed is a light-transmitting area. The ratio of the light-emitting device 100 to the entire plane is preferably 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more. This makes it possible to achieve excellent visibility.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a configuration in which an X driver 102 and a Y driver 104 are provided to drive and control the light-emitting device 100. The X driver 102 includes a drive circuit that can independently apply voltage to each row of the first electrode 12, which is the X electrode in the light-emitting device 100. The Y driver 104 also includes a drive circuit that can independently apply voltage to each column of the second electrode 14, which is the Y electrode in the light-emitting device 100. Furthermore, the X driver 102 and the Y driver 104 include a capacitance detection circuit that detects changes in capacitance between each row of the first electrode 12 (X electrode) and each column of the second electrode 14 (Y electrode).

[0054] The organic layer 16 that is to be emitted light is made to emit light by applying a DC voltage to the first electrode 12, which is the X electrode of the row corresponding to the organic layer 16 that is to be emitted light, and the second electrode 14, which is the Y electrode of the corresponding column. In other words, the organic layer 16 can be made to emit light by selecting the row and column of the organic layer 16 to be emitted light and applying a voltage between the first electrode 12 of the row and the second electrode 14 of the column.

[0055] Light emitted from the organic layer 16 towards the cathode 18 is reflected by the cathode 18 and returns to the first transparent substrate 10. Therefore, the light-emitting device 100 functions as a light-emitting device that emits light only towards the first transparent substrate 10. In addition, the areas of the light-emitting device 100 where the cathode 18 is not provided transmit light, and thus function as an OLED front light.

[0056] Furthermore, the light-emitting device 100 also functions as a capacitive touch panel. When a user's finger or other object approaches or touches it, the capacitance between the first electrode 12 (X electrode) and the second electrode 14 (Y electrode) changes. Therefore, when a change in capacitance occurs between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14, the intersection position of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 is detected as the position of proximity or contact. In this way, by detecting the row of the first electrode 12 and the column of the second electrode 14 where the capacitance has changed, the position where a user's finger or other object approached or touched the light-emitting device 100 can be detected on its plane.

[0057] Figure 7 shows a time chart for driving and controlling the light-emitting device 100. The light-emitting device 100 can combine the functions of a front light and a touch panel by performing the timing of light emission from the organic layer 16 and the detection of capacitance in a time-division manner. That is, light emission and capacitance sensing are performed alternately within one frame. One frame can be, for example, 16.666 milliseconds.

[0058] Here, it is preferable that the frequency of light emission in the light-emitting device 100 be an integer multiple or an integer fraction of the same frequency as the display frequency of the display device arranged together with the light-emitting device 100. This makes it possible to suppress the appearance of flicker caused by interference with the light emission of the display device when the front light of the light-emitting device 100 is illuminated.

[0059] [Manufacturing process for light-emitting devices with touch panel functionality] Figure 8 shows the manufacturing process of the light-emitting device 100. Figure 8(a) shows the AA cross-section of Figure 1, and Figure 8(b) shows the BB cross-section of Figure 1. The manufacturing process of the light-emitting device 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 8.

[0060] In step S10, a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 14 are formed on the first transparent substrate 10. The first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 can be deposited on the surface of the first transparent substrate 10 by sputtering the transparent electrode material, or by using a method such as vacuum deposition. The first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 are formed by applying photoetching technology to etch the deposited transparent electrode layer into a desired pattern. Alternatively, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 can be formed with a desired pattern by using a metal mask during vacuum deposition.

[0061] In step S12, an organic layer 16 is formed on the first electrode 12. The organic layer 16 consists of an electron transport layer, an emissive layer, and a hole transport layer. The organic layer 16 is formed to cover a portion of the first electrode 12 using a mask with the pattern shown in the plan view of Figure 1. The organic layer 16 can be formed by methods such as vacuum deposition or inkjet printing. For example, equipment from Canon Tokki Corporation can be used for vacuum deposition, and equipment from Tokyo Electron Corporation can be used for inkjet printing.

[0062] In the method of forming the organic layer 16 using vacuum deposition, the organic layer 16 can be formed by stacking layers while vacuum deposition of the material of each layer contained in the organic layer 16 in a desired order. Furthermore, if a pattern is to be formed on the organic layer 16, the pattern can be formed by applying a mask during deposition.

[0063] In step S14, a metal layer is deposited to cover at least a portion of the organic layer 16 to form the cathode 18. The cathode 18 is formed to connect the adjacent second electrode 14, passing over the organic layer 16. The cathode 18 is formed using a mask with the pattern shown in the plan view of Figure 1.

[0064] In step S16, a sealing layer 20, a cathode anti-reflection layer 22, and a resin layer 24 are formed. The sealing layer 20 is formed by depositing an insulating layer such as silicon oxide (SiO2) so as to cover the first electrode 12, the second electrode 14, the organic layer 16, and the cathode 18. The cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is formed on the sealing layer 20. The cathode anti-reflection layer 22 is formed using a mask so as to cover the area where the cathode 18 is formed. The resin layer 24 is formed so as to cover the sealing layer 20 and the cathode anti-reflection layer 22. The resin layer 24 is formed by coating a resin material such as acrylic. Furthermore, the light-emitting device 100 is formed by covering the resin layer 24 with the second transparent substrate 26.

[0065] Furthermore, as the apparatus used to form the sealing layer 20 from step S12 to step S16, for example, in the vacuum deposition method, an apparatus manufactured by Canon Tokki Corporation can be used.

[0066] [Differentiation] Figure 9 shows a plan view of a modified example of the light-emitting device 100. When the first electrode 12, which is the X electrode, and the second electrode 14, which is the Y electrode, are made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, the resistance increases as the size of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14 increases, resulting in a voltage drop.

[0067] Therefore, in this modified example, electrodes 30 and 32 for voltage drop countermeasures are formed on the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14, respectively. Electrodes 30 and 32 are each made of a conductive material with a lower resistivity than the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 14. Electrodes 30 and 32 are preferably made of a metallic material such as aluminum (Al). Electrodes 30 and 32 can be formed together with the cathode 18. In this case, the thickness of electrodes 30 and 32 is preferably 10 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 30 nm to 500 nm.

[0068] The wiring patterns of electrodes 30 and 32 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to set the shape, size, film thickness, etc., based on the trade-off between the shielding region where light is blocked by electrodes 30 and 32 in the light-emitting device 100 and the effect of suppressing voltage drop. For example, a strip-shaped wiring pattern can be used as shown in Figure 9. The line width of the wiring pattern is preferably, for example, 10 μm.

[0069] In this modified example, both the electrode 30 on the first electrode 12 and the electrode 32 on the second electrode 14 are provided, but either electrode 30 or electrode 32 may be provided.

[0070] [Display device using a light-emitting device] Figure 10 shows the configuration of a display device combining a light-emitting device 100 with touch panel functionality and electronic paper (EPD) 200. The first transparent substrate 10 side of the light-emitting device 100 and the display surface of the electronic paper 200 are placed facing each other. It is preferable to place the light-emitting device 100 and the electronic paper 200 in close proximity. If an air layer exists between the light-emitting device 100 and the electronic paper 200, the light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 will enter the air layer, be reflected by the surface of the electronic paper 200, and return to the observer side, reducing the contrast of the display on the electronic paper 200. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a resin layer or the like with a refractive index similar to that of the first transparent substrate 10 between the light-emitting device 100 and the electronic paper 200.

[0071] Figure 11 shows the configuration of a display device combining a light-emitting device 100 with touch panel functionality and a reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) 300. The light-emitting device 100 is positioned with the first transparent substrate 10 side facing the display surface of the liquid crystal display 300. It is preferable to position the light-emitting device 100 and the liquid crystal display 300 in close proximity. If an air layer exists between the light-emitting device 100 and the liquid crystal display 300, the light emitted from the light-emitting device 100 will enter the air layer, be reflected by the surface of the liquid crystal display 300, and return to the observer side, reducing the contrast of the display on the liquid crystal display 300. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a resin layer or the like with a refractive index similar to that of the first transparent substrate 10 between the light-emitting device 100 and the liquid crystal display 300.

[0072] Figure 12 shows the configuration of a display device in which an anisotropic scattering layer 400 is placed between a light-emitting device 100 with touch panel functionality and a reflective liquid crystal display (LCD) 300. The anisotropic scattering layer 400 is a scatterer that has direction-dependent properties when scattering light. The anisotropic scattering layer 400 has the property of scattering light in a specific direction. The anisotropic scattering layer 400 has the property that its linear transmittance, which is (amount of transmitted light in the linear direction of incident light) / (amount of incident light) × 100, changes depending on the angle of incident light. The linear transmittance can be obtained by measuring the amount of linearly transmitted light when creating an optical profile. As the anisotropic scattering layer 400, for example, a light control film (LCF) manufactured by Tomoegawa Corporation can be used.

[0073] By applying the anisotropic scattering layer 400, the interference light patterns that cause moiré patterns can be scattered without causing image blurring due to light scattering or a decrease in contrast due to reflected light, thereby suppressing the occurrence of visual moiré patterns in display devices.

[0074] The upper limit of the linear transmittance of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 at an incident light angle of 0° is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40% or less, more preferably 25% or less, even more preferably 10% or less, and most preferably 5% or less. By setting the linear transmittance at an incident light angle of 0° in this way, the occurrence of moiré patterns can be more effectively suppressed without causing image blurring due to light scattering and a decrease in contrast due to reflected light, thereby improving visibility.

[0075] Furthermore, the linear transmittance of light incident on the anisotropic scattering layer 400 at the incident light angle that maximizes linear transmittance is referred to as the maximum linear transmittance. The maximum linear transmittance of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 60% or less. By setting the maximum linear transmittance in this way, the occurrence of moiré patterns can be more effectively suppressed without causing image blurring due to light scattering or a decrease in contrast due to reflected light, thereby improving visibility.

[0076] Furthermore, the linear transmittance of light incident on the anisotropic scattering layer 400 at the incident light angle that minimizes linear transmittance is referred to as the minimum linear transmittance. The minimum linear transmittance of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10% or less. By setting the minimum linear transmittance in this way, the occurrence of moiré patterns can be more effectively suppressed without causing image blurring due to light scattering or a decrease in contrast due to reflected light, thereby improving visibility.

[0077] Furthermore, the haze value (total haze) of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 is an indicator of the scattering properties of the anisotropic scattering layer 400. A larger haze value indicates higher scattering properties of the anisotropic scattering layer 400. The method for measuring the haze value is not particularly limited and can be measured using known methods. For example, it can be measured according to JIS K7136:2000 "Plastics - Method for determining haze of transparent materials".

[0078] The lower limit of the haze value of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. The haze value of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 can be adjusted by the refractive index of the material of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 (the difference in refractive index if multiple resins are used), the film thickness of the coating, and curing conditions such as UV irradiance and temperature during structure formation.

[0079] The thickness of the anisotropic scattering layer 400 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 15 μm to 100 μm, and even more preferably 20 μm to 50 μm. Setting the thickness in this way makes it easier to achieve both the suppression of moiré patterns due to light scattering and the reduction of image blurring (improvement of visibility) by reducing the thickness.

[0080] The anisotropic scattering layer 400 can be manufactured according to known methods, and the manufacturing method is not particularly limited. The anisotropic scattering layer 400 can be manufactured, for example, by referring to the methods and raw materials described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-162733, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-119241, and International Publication No. WO2014 / 084361.

[0081] [Structure of the present invention] [Configuration 1] A light-emitting element that emits light when a voltage is applied to an electrode, A touch panel that utilizes the change in the electrical state of the aforementioned electrodes, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized by being equipped with a touch panel. [Configuration 2] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in Configuration 1, The light-emitting element is an organic EL element having an organic layer that emits light when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode. The light-emitting device having a touch panel function is characterized in that the touch panel detects a position that is close to or in contact with the electrode by detecting a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. [Configuration 3] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in configuration 2, The organic layer is sandwiched between the first electrode, which is made of a transparent conductive material, and the cathode, which is made of a metallic material and is electrically connected to the second electrode, which is also made of a transparent conductive material. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that the light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the cathode towards the first electrode, and light is transmitted through areas where the cathode is not formed. [Structure 4] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in configuration 2 or 3, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the same plane and extend side by side in directions that intersect each other, and the intersection position of the first electrode and the second electrode where a change in capacitance occurs between the first electrode and the second electrode is detected as a position of proximity or contact. [Composition 5] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in configuration 4, The first electrode and the second electrode are characterized by having a pattern in which a plurality of rectangular electrodes are arranged in a series and electrically connected. This is a light-emitting device having a touch panel function. [Composition 6] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in configuration 3, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized by having an anti-reflective layer that covers the position where the cathode is provided in a plane. [Composition 7] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in any one of items 2 to 6, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the first electrode is provided on the first electrode, or an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the second electrode is provided on the second electrode. [Structure 8] A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in any one of items 1 to 7, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that the light emission of the light-emitting element and the detection by the touch panel are performed in a time-division manner. [Composition 9] A display device characterized by being combined with a light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Configuration 10] The display device described in configuration 9, A display device characterized by combining a light-emitting device having a touch panel function with electronic paper. [Composition 11] The display device described in configuration 9, A display device characterized by combining a light-emitting device having a touch panel function with a reflective liquid crystal display. [Composition 12] A display device according to any one of items 9 to 11 of the configuration, A display device characterized by comprising an anisotropic scattering layer between itself and the light-emitting device having a touch panel function. [Composition 13] A display device according to any one of items 9 to 12 of the configuration, The display device is characterized in that the frequency of light emission from the light-emitting element is an integer multiple or an integer fraction of the same frequency as the display frequency of a display device arranged together with the light-emitting device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 First transparent substrate, 12 First electrode, 14 Second electrode, 16 Organic layer, 18 Cathode, 20 Sealing layer, 22 Anti-reflection layer for cathode, 24 Resin layer, 26 Second transparent substrate, 30 Electrode, 32 Electrode, 100 Light-emitting device, 102 X driver, 104 Y driver, 200 Electronic paper, 300 Reflective liquid crystal display, 400 Anisotropic scattering layer.

Claims

1. A light-emitting element that emits light when a voltage is applied to an electrode, A touch panel that utilizes the change in the electrical state of the aforementioned electrodes, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized by comprising: The light-emitting element is an organic EL element that emits light when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The touch panel detects a position that is close or in contact with the electrode by detecting a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the same plane and extend side by side in directions that intersect each other. The light-emitting element comprises a space, The light-emitting device having a touch panel function is characterized in that the organic layer is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, and between the cathode, which is a layer electrically connected to the second electrode in order to intersect with the first electrode, and the first electrode.

2. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 1, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that it detects the intersection position of the first electrode and the second electrode where a change in capacitance occurs between the first electrode and the second electrode as a position of proximity or contact.

3. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 2, The first electrode and the second electrode are characterized by having a pattern in which a plurality of rectangular electrodes are arranged in a series and electrically connected. This is a light-emitting device having a touch panel function.

4. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 1, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized by having an anti-reflective layer that covers the position where the cathode is provided in a plane.

5. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 1, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the first electrode is provided on the first electrode, or an electrode made of a conductive material with lower resistivity than the second electrode is provided on the second electrode.

6. A light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 1, A light-emitting device having a touch panel function, characterized in that the light emission of the light-emitting element and the detection by the touch panel are performed in a time-division manner.

7. A display device characterized by being combined with a light-emitting device having a touch panel function as described in claim 1.

8. A display device according to claim 7, A display device characterized by combining a light-emitting device having a touch panel function with electronic paper.

9. A display device according to claim 7, A display device characterized by combining a light-emitting device having a touch panel function with a reflective liquid crystal display.

10. A display device according to claim 7, A display device characterized by comprising an anisotropic scattering layer between itself and the light-emitting device having a touch panel function.

11. A display device according to claim 7, The display device is characterized in that the frequency of light emission from the light-emitting element is an integer multiple or an integer fraction of the same frequency as the display frequency of a display device arranged together with the light-emitting device.

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