JP2011128192A - Electrooptical device and display method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrooptical device wherein a panel can be smoothly folded without applying excessive loads to freely foldable parts, even if three or more electrooptical panels are connected together in one direction; and to provide a display method of the electrooptical device. <P>SOLUTION: In the electrooptical device 100, the display panel 10 includes three or more arrays of electrooptical panels 1 in both X and Y directions, and the electrooptical panels 1 are connected together with the freely foldable parts 2. Regarding X-side freely foldable parts 2x which connect the electrooptical panels 1 adjacent to each other in the X direction among the freely foldable parts 2, the X-side freely foldable parts 2x disposed side by side on the same array in the Y direction have the same folding direction, and the mountain fold part and the valley fold part are alternately disposed in the X direction. Besides, regarding Y-side freely foldable parts 2y which connect the electrooptical panels 1 adjacent to each other in the Y direction, the mountain fold part and the valley fold part are alternately disposed in both the X and Y directions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device including a display panel that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, and a display method in the electro-optical device.

  Electrical devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and personal computers include electro-optical devices such as organic electroluminescence devices and liquid crystal devices as display units. Has a panel. Here, if the display panel is foldable, it is convenient for carrying and the like, and a large amount of information can be displayed. Accordingly, it has been proposed to use a display panel in which a plurality of electro-optical panels are connected in one direction via a bendable part (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).

JP-A-7-230250 JP 2004-109382 A JP 2004-118803 A JP 2009-122189 A

  However, in a foldable display panel, in a configuration in which three or more electro-optical panels are arranged in one direction, if the folding order is incorrect, it cannot be folded into a predetermined state, and an excessive load may be applied to the foldable portion. . For this reason, as proposed in Patent Documents 1 to 4, in a foldable display panel, conventionally, the number of electro-optic panels that can be arranged in one direction is limited to two, and it is difficult to further expand the display panel. There is a problem that it is.

  Note that FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which three electro-optical panels are connected in one direction. This configuration is a method in which separate electro-optical panels are attached and detached with connectors, and is folded. It is not structured.

  In view of the above problems, when a foldable display panel is configured by connecting a plurality of electro-optical panels, it can be folded smoothly even if three or more electro-optical panels are connected in one direction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electro-optical device in which an excessive load is not applied to a portion and a display method in the electro-optical device.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an electro-optical device including a display panel that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, and three or more display panels are arranged in at least one direction. An electro-optical panel; and a bendable portion that connects the electro-optical panels to each other, wherein the bendable portion is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in the one direction. To do.

  The present invention is also a display method in an electro-optical device provided with a display panel that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein three or more display panels are arranged in at least one direction. And a bendable part for connecting the electro-optic panels, and the bendable part is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in the one direction, and the display panel An image for one screen is displayed by all the electro-optical panels, and an image for one screen is displayed by each or a part of the electro-optical panel.

  In the present invention, the display panel includes three or more electro-optical panels arranged in one direction, and the electro-optical panels are connected by a bendable portion. Therefore, the display panel can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. Accordingly, the display panel can be downsized to a size convenient for carrying and the like, and a large amount of information can be displayed by expanding the display panel. In addition, it is possible to realize a display method in which one image is displayed on the whole of the three or more electro-optical panels while the image is displayed on each of some of the three or more electro-optical panels. Here, since the foldable portion is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in one direction, it can be smoothly folded into a predetermined state even if the folding order is wrong. Further, in the process of folding in one direction, the adjacent electric panels only overlap each other, and no other electro-optical panel is sandwiched between the folded electro-optical panels. Accordingly, since an excessive load is not applied to the bendable part, the electro-optical device is highly reliable and the structure of the bendable part can be simplified.

  In the present invention, in the display panel, when two directions intersecting each other are defined as an X direction and a Y direction, the electro-optical panel is arranged in three or more rows in both the X direction and the Y direction via the bendable part. Among the foldable portions, the X side foldable portions connecting the electro-optic panels adjacent in the X direction have the same fold direction of the X side foldable portions arranged in the same row in the Y direction, In the X direction, mountain folding and valley folding are alternately arranged, and the Y-side foldable portion that connects the electro-optical panels adjacent in the Y direction is configured for mountain folding and valley folding in both the X direction and the Y direction. It is preferable that the use is arranged alternately. With this configuration, even when three or more electro-optic panels are connected in both the X direction and the Y direction, the folding order is clear. Further, the X-side foldable portion can be folded into a predetermined state even if the folding order is wrong. Further, in the process of folding in the X direction, adjacent electric panels only overlap each other, and no other electro-optical panel is sandwiched between the folded electro-optical panels, so that the folding in the Y direction is easy. Further, the Y-side foldable portion can be folded into a predetermined state even if the folding order is wrong. Therefore, since the display panel can be bent smoothly, an excessive load is not applied to the bendable portion. Therefore, the electro-optical device is highly reliable and the configuration of the bendable portion can be simplified.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the bendable part is constituted by a sheet-like member that connects the adjacent electro-optical panels. In the present invention, since an excessive load is not applied to the bendable part, the structure of the bendable part can be simplified, for example, the bendable part is constituted by a sheet-like member.

  In the present invention, as the sheet member, a flexible wiring board that electrically connects the adjacent electro-optical panels can be used.

  In the present invention, as the sheet member, a surface side sheet-like member bonded to the surface side of the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel, and a display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel; Is preferably provided with at least one sheet-like member of the back-side sheet-like members bonded to the opposite back side. If comprised in this way, since the whole display panel can be connected with a common sheet-like member, there is an advantage that it is easy to handle during the manufacturing process, and such a sheet-like member is used as a foldable part. Can do.

  In the present invention, as the sheet member, a surface side sheet-like member bonded to the surface side of the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel, and a display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel; Is provided with at least one sheet-like member of the back-side sheet-like member bonded to the opposite back-side, and the adjacent electro-optical panels are electrically connected to the one sheet-like member. It is preferable that wiring is provided. If comprised in this way, even if it does not use a flexible wiring board, the adjacent electro-optical panels can be electrically connected.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that at least the surface-side sheet-like member is provided, and the surface-side sheet-like member is provided with a plurality of colored layers for coloring light emitted from the electro-optical panel. If comprised in this way, even when white light is radiate | emitted from an electro-optical panel, a color image can be displayed by the colored layer provided in the surface side sheet-like member.

  In the present invention, the surface-side sheet-like member preferably has an antireflection function. If comprised in this way, the visibility of an image can be improved. Such an antireflection function can be realized by an antireflection film provided on the surface side of the surface-side sheet-like member or the sheet material itself constituting the surface-side sheet-like member.

  In the present invention, when the display panel is unfolded, an end portion on the Y direction side extending in the X direction on the display panel and an end portion on the X direction side extending in the Y direction on the display panel It is preferable to provide a reinforcing member that reinforces at least one of the ends. With this configuration, even when a large number of electro-optical panels are connected to form a display panel, the display panel can be prevented from being bent when the display panel is expanded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an electro-optical device according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the display panel is folded in the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection state between electro-optical panels in the electro-optical device according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of a display panel used in an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 2 of the invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of a display panel used in an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 3 of the invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of a display panel used in an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 4 of the invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of a display panel used in an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 5 of the invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an electro-optical device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, directions that intersect each other in the in-plane direction of the display panel will be described as an X direction and a Y direction. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the horizontal direction is indicated as the X direction and the vertical direction is indicated as the Y direction. However, the Y direction may be the horizontal direction and the X direction may be the vertical direction.

[Embodiment 1]
(Overall configuration of electro-optical device)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an electro-optical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show a state in which a display panel is unfolded in the electro-optical device. It is explanatory drawing of the state which folded the display panel until it became the minimum size, and explanatory drawing of the state using only a part of display panel. In addition, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 mentioned later, about a foldable part, the object for mountain folds is shown with the dashed-dotted line, and the object for valley folds is shown with the dashed-two dotted line.

  The electro-optical device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A includes an apparatus main body 110 and a display panel 10 connected to the apparatus main body 110. The apparatus main body 110 includes a drive control unit, a power source, and the like for the display panel 10. Built-in. Further, the apparatus main body 110 may be configured as a storage case for the display panel 10. In addition, as a power source of the apparatus main body 110, a household power source can be used using an AC adapter.

  In the electro-optical device 100 of the present embodiment, the display panel 10 is unfolded as shown in FIG. 1A and displays an image on the front side 10a, and is folded as shown in FIG. 1B. 110 can be switched to a state of being overlaid on 110. Further, in the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment, the display panel 10 is opened once from the state shown in FIG. 1B, and as shown in FIG. It is also possible to visually recognize an image displayed in a partial area 10a.

  In configuring the electro-optical device 100 having such a configuration, the display panel 10 includes a plurality of rectangular electro-optical panels 1 in both the X direction and the Y direction via the bendable portions 2 in the X direction and the Y direction. Three or more rows are arranged. In this embodiment, the display panel 10 includes a total of 16 electro-optical panels 1 connected via the bendable part 2, and the electro-optical panels 1 are arranged in four rows in both the X direction and the Y direction. It has become.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the display panel 10 can be folded, as shown in FIG. 1A, the electro-optics adjacent in the X direction among the foldable portions 2. The X-side foldable portions 2x connecting the panels 1 have the same bending direction between the X-side foldable portions 2x arranged in the same row in the Y direction, and alternately for mountain folding and valley folding in the X direction. Is provided. More specifically, when the side where the apparatus main body 110 is located in the X direction is one side and the side opposite to the side where the apparatus main body 110 is located is the other side, a total of three rows of X side in the X direction Although the bendable part 2x exists, the bending direction is in order of mountain folding, valley folding, and mountain folding from one side of the X direction to the other side.

  Of the foldable portions 2, the Y-side foldable portions 2y that connect the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the Y direction are alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in both the X direction and the Y direction. ing. The Y-side foldable portion 2y extends linearly in the X direction.

  Further, the electro-optical panel 1 positioned at the corner portion of the display panel 10 is connected to the apparatus main body 110 in the X direction via the bendable part 2, and the bendable part 2z is for valley folding. . For this reason, when including a total of three rows of the X-side foldable portion 2x and the foldable portion 2z, the folding direction is for mountain folding, for valley folding, for valley folding, from one side to the other side in the X direction. The order is for mountain folding.

(Explanation of folding operation)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how the display panel 10 is folded in the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, in order to change from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1A to the folded state shown in FIG. 1B, first, as shown in FIG. When the display panel 10 is bent in the X direction, the display panel 10 is folded into a strip shape as shown in FIG. At that time, although there are a plurality of X-side foldable portions 2x, because the mountain folding and the valley folding are alternately arranged, even if the folding order is wrong, the folding is performed in a predetermined state shown in FIG. be able to. Further, in the process of folding in the X direction, the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the X direction only overlap each other, and no other electro-optical panel 1 is sandwiched between the folded electro-optical panels 1.

  Next, when the display panel 10 overlapped in a strip shape is bent in the Y direction by the Y-side foldable portion 2y, the display panel 10 reaches the size of one electro-optical panel 1 as shown in FIG. It will be in the folded state. At that time, although there are a plurality of Y-side foldable portions 2y, because the mountain folding and the valley folding are alternately arranged, even if the folding order is wrong, the folding is performed in a predetermined state shown in FIG. be able to.

  Thereafter, when the Y side foldable portion 2y is bent in the Y direction, the display panel 10 is folded to the size of one electro-optical panel 1 as shown in FIG. It will be in a state of overlapping.

(Detailed configuration of electro-optical device 100)
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing a connection state between the electro-optical panels 1 in the electro-optical device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the electro-optical panels 1 flexibly. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a planar configuration in a state of being connected by a wiring board, and an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the display panel 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electro-optical device 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of electro-optical panels 1 arranged with a gap therebetween, and the surface side 1 a on the display light emission side with respect to all the electro-optical panels 1. The translucent surface-side sheet-like member 4 bonded to the surface of the electro-optical panel 1 and the back-side sheet-like member 5 bonded to the back-side 1b opposite to the display light emitting side with respect to the entire electro-optical panel 1. And. Therefore, the electro-optical panel 1 is sandwiched between the front surface side sheet-like member 4 and the back surface side sheet-like member 5.

  Here, it is preferable to form a functional film such as an anti-scratch film or an anti-reflection film on the surface side of the surface-side sheet-like member 4. The antireflection film can be realized by providing a single-layer dielectric film or dielectric multilayer film, or a coating layer in which silica particles or the like are dispersed on the surface side of the surface-side sheet-like member 4. Moreover, if the surface side sheet-like member 4 is comprised with the sheet | seat in which the silica particle etc. were disperse | distributed, the surface side sheet-like member 4 itself will have an antireflection function. Thus, if the surface side sheet-like member 4 employs a configuration having an antireflection function, the visibility of the image can be enhanced. Further, if the gap between adjacent electro-optical panels 1 is less than twice the thickness of the electro-optical panel 1, the gap can be prevented from being noticeable.

  In this embodiment, the electro-optical panel 1 is a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, both surfaces of a transparent element substrate 11 made of glass or plastic are used. Among them, a plurality of organic electroluminescence elements 12 are formed in a matrix on the back surface side 1b side of the electro-optical panel 1. In such a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel (electro-optical panel 1), the light emitted from the organic electroluminescence element 12 is emitted from the light-transmitting element substrate 11 side as indicated by the arrow L in the display light. Is done. In the electro-optical panel 1 of the present embodiment, each of the plurality of organic electroluminescence elements 12 emits light of a predetermined color. In the electro-optical panel 1, a colored layer (color filter) of a predetermined color is formed on the element substrate 11, and white light emitted from the organic electroluminescence element 12 is colored and emitted by the colored layer. There is also.

  In the electro-optical panel 1 configured as described above, terminals are formed at the end of the back surface side 1b of the element substrate 11, and the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 in the X direction and the Y direction are on the back surface side of the element substrate 11. It is electrically connected by a flexible wiring board 6 (sheet-like member) connected to 1b. Further, the electro-optical panel 1 positioned at the corner portion of the display panel 10 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 110 by a flexible wiring board 7 (sheet-like member). For this reason, when a scanning signal or an image signal is output from the apparatus main body 110 to the electro-optical panel 1 positioned at the corner portion of the display panel 10 via the flexible wiring board 7, the signal transmission path is indicated by arrows S1 and S2. As described above, as a result of sequentially transmitting the scanning signal and the image signal between the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the X direction and the Y direction, the signals are transmitted to all the electro-optical panels 1. Therefore, as a result of the modulated light being emitted from the organic electroluminescence element 12 in each of the plurality of electro-optical panels 1, an image is displayed on each electro-optical panel 1. As a result, in the display panel 10, the images displayed on the electro-optical panels 1 are combined, so that an image is displayed on the display panel 10. Therefore, in the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment, an image for one screen is displayed by all of the electro-optical panel 1, and an image for one screen is displayed by each or a part of the electro-optical panel 1. You can also.

  Further, in the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment, the electro-optical panels 1 are connected to each other by the three sheet-like members including the flexible wiring board 6, the front-side sheet-like member 4, and the back-side sheet-like member 5. Thus, the foldable part 2 (X side foldable part 2x, Y side foldable part 2y) is configured. Further, the flexible wiring board 7 constitutes a foldable portion 2z that connects the electro-optical panel 1 and the apparatus main body 110 so as to be foldable. If the front side sheet-like member 4 and the rear side sheet-like member 5 are extended to the apparatus main body 110, three sheets of the flexible wiring board 7, the front side sheet-like member 4, and the rear side sheet-like member 5 are provided. By the sheet-like member, the bendable portion 2z that connects the electro-optical panel 1 and the apparatus main body 110 so as to be bendable can be configured.

  In order to manufacture the electro-optical panel 1 having such a configuration, for example, after manufacturing a plurality of electro-optical panels 1, the electro-optical panels 1 are connected to each other by the flexible wiring board 6, and then a film with an adhesive is used. Is bonded to both surfaces of the electro-optical panel 1 so that the electro-optical panel 1 is sandwiched between the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side-side sheet-like member 5.

  At this time, for the electro-optical panel 1, when a glass substrate is used as the element substrate 11, the organic electroluminescence element 12 or the like is formed on the element substrate 11, and then the element substrate 11 is polished or entirely etched. It is preferable to reduce the thickness of the substrate 11 (electro-optical panel 1). In the electro-optical panel 1, when the electro-optical panel 1 is cut from the large substrate so that the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side sheet-like member 5 are not broken at the corners of the element substrate 11, or in a subsequent process. In this case, it is preferable to perform a chamfering process in which a corner portion of the element substrate 11 is a C plane or an R plane by laser processing, water jet or the like.

  Further, when the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side sheet-like member 5 are bonded to the electro-optical panel 1, if the bonding step is performed in a vacuum, bubbles can be prevented from remaining on the bonding surface. If the electro-optical panel 1 is a small one having an inch or less, it is difficult for bubbles to remain. Therefore, the bonding step may be performed in the atmosphere.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the electro-optical device 100 according to this embodiment, the display panel 10 includes the electro-optical panels 1 arranged in three or more rows in both the X direction and the Y direction, and the electro-optical panels 1 can be bent. Connected at part 2. Therefore, the display panel 100 can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. Accordingly, the display panel 10 can be downsized to a size convenient for carrying and the like, and a large amount of information can be displayed by expanding the display panel 10. Further, it is possible to realize a display method in which one image is displayed on the whole of the three or more electro-optical panels 1 while an image is displayed on each electro-optical panel 1 or on some electro-optical panels.

  In addition, among the bendable portions 2, the X-side bendable portions 2x connecting the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the X direction have the same bend direction between the X-side bendable portions 2x arranged in the same row in the Y direction. In the X direction, mountain folding and valley folding are alternately arranged. The Y-foldable portions 2y that connect the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the Y direction are alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in both the X direction and the Y direction. For this reason, even if three or more electro-optical panels 1 are connected in both the X direction and the Y direction, the order of folding is clear. Further, it is easy to unfold the display panel 10 in a folded state, and an excessive load is not applied to the bendable portion 2.

  The X-side foldable portion 2 can be folded into a predetermined state even if the folding order is wrong. Further, in the process of folding in the X direction, the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 only overlap each other, and no other electro-optical panel 1 is sandwiched between the folded electro-optical panels 1, so that the folding in the Y direction is easy. It is. Furthermore, in the Y-side foldable portion 2y, because the mountain folding and the valley folding are alternately arranged in the Y direction, it can be folded into a predetermined state even if the folding order is wrong. Therefore, an excessive load is not applied to the bendable part 2, so that the bendable part 2 is not easily damaged even if the display panel 10 is repeatedly unfolded and folded. Therefore, even when the electro-optical panel 1 is arranged in three or more rows in both the X direction and the Y direction, the reliability of the electro-optical device 100 is high.

  Moreover, since the structure of the bendable part 2 can be simplified, the bendable part 2 has three sheet-like members (flexible wiring board 6, surface side sheet-like shape) for connecting the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 to each other. It can be comprised by the member 4 and the back surface side sheet-like member 5).

  Further, a foldable portion 2 (X-side foldable portion 2x, Y-side foldable portion is formed by three sheet-like members including the flexible wiring boards 6 and 7, the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side sheet-like member 5. 2y) and the bendable portion 2z are configured, and once folded, a crease is formed, so that the bendable portion 2 and the bendable portion 2z can be reliably used for mountain folding and valley folding, respectively. .

  In this embodiment, since the common front side sheet-like member 4 and the common back side sheet-like member 5 are bonded to both surfaces of all the electro-optical panels 1, the handling during the manufacturing process is easy.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of the display panel 10 used in the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment is also displayed on a plurality of electro-optical panels 1 and all of the electro-optical panels 1 arranged with a gap therebetween as in the first embodiment. The translucent surface-side sheet-like member 4 adhered to the light-exiting surface side 1a with an adhesive and the electro-optical panel 1 are adhered to the back side 1b opposite to the display light emitting side. The back-side sheet-like member 5 is provided.

  Here, the electro-optical panel 1 is a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel in the first embodiment, but is a top emission type organic electroluminescence panel in the present embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, a plurality of organic electroluminescence elements 12 are formed in a matrix on the surface side 1 a side of the electro-optical panel 1 out of both surfaces of the element substrate 11. In such a top emission type organic electroluminescence panel (electro-optical panel 1), as indicated by the arrow L, the light emitted from the organic electroluminescence element 12 is opposite to the side where the element substrate 11 is located. It is emitted from.

  In the electro-optical panel 1 configured as described above, a terminal is formed at the end of the surface side 1a of the element substrate 11, and the electro-optical panels 1 adjacent in the X direction and the Y direction are adjacent to the surface of the element substrate 11. It is electrically connected by a flexible wiring board 6 (sheet-like member) connected to the side 1a. For this reason, also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the electro-optical panels 1 are bent together by the three sheet-like members including the flexible wiring board 6, the front-side sheet-like member 4, and the back-side-side sheet-like member 5. The foldable part 2 (X side foldable part 2x, Y side foldable part 2y) to be connected is configured. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

[Embodiment 3]
FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory views schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of the display panel 10 used in the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIGS. 6A and 6B are electro-optical panels. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram when 1 is a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel, and an explanatory diagram when an electro-optical panel 1 is a top emission type organic electroluminescence panel.

  In the first and second embodiments, the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected by the flexible wiring board, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. Adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected to each other by wirings 41 and 51 formed on 4 or the back-side sheet-like member 5.

  More specifically, the electro-optical panel 1 shown in FIG. 6A is a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel, and a terminal 1 s is formed at an end of the back surface side 1 b of the element substrate 11. In addition, wiring 51 is formed on the surface of the back-side sheet-like member 5 on the side facing the element substrate 11, and the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected to each other by the wiring 51. For this reason, in this embodiment, since the flexible wiring board is not used, the electro-optical panels 1 are connected to each other by the two sheet-like members including the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side sheet-like member 5. Thus, the foldable part 2 (X side foldable part 2x, Y side foldable part 2y) is configured.

  An electro-optical panel 1 shown in FIG. 6B is a top emission type organic electroluminescence panel, and a terminal 1 s is formed at the end of the surface side 1 a of the element substrate 11. In addition, a wiring 41 is formed on the surface of the surface-side sheet-like member 4 on the side facing the element substrate 11, and the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected by the wiring 41. For this reason, in this embodiment, since the flexible wiring board is not used, the electro-optical panels 1 are connected to each other by the two sheet-like members including the front-side sheet-like member 4 and the back-side sheet-like member 5. Thus, the foldable part 2 (X side foldable part 2x, Y side foldable part 2y) is configured. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of the display panel 10 used in the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a bottom emission type organic electroluminescence panel is used as the electro-optical panel 1. Here, the organic electroluminescence element 12 emits white light, but each surface ((red (R), green (G), blue (B )) Colored layers 45 (R), (G), and (B) are formed, and therefore, in this embodiment, a color image is displayed even when the organic electroluminescence element 12 emits white light. The description of other structures is omitted because they are the same as in Embodiment 1. The configuration of this embodiment is also applied when a top emission type organic electroluminescence panel is used as the electro-optical panel 1. May be.

[Embodiment 5]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of the display panel 10 used in the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram when 1 is a reflective liquid crystal panel, and an explanatory diagram when an electro-optical panel 1 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the electro-optical panel 1 is an example of an organic electroluminescence panel, but in this embodiment, the electro-optical panel 1 is a liquid crystal panel as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. is there.

  More specifically, the electro-optical panel 1 shown in FIG. 8A is a reflective liquid crystal panel, and includes an element substrate 16 on which light-transmitting pixel electrodes and pixel transistors are formed, and an element substrate 16. On the other hand, a counter substrate 17 disposed on the side opposite to the emission side of the display light (indicated by arrow L) is provided, and a liquid crystal layer 18 is held between the element substrate 16 and the counter substrate 17. . Here, a counter electrode and a reflective layer are formed on the counter substrate 17. For this reason, external light incident from the element substrate 16 side is reflected on the counter substrate 17 side, and is optically modulated while being emitted from the element substrate 16 side again. Also in the electro-optical panel 1 configured as described above, the flexible wiring board 6 is connected to the terminals formed on the element substrate 16, and the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected by the flexible wiring board 6. Yes. If such a reflective liquid crystal panel is used as the electro-optical panel 1, a backlight device is not required, which is suitable for use in a portable device.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8A, the element substrate 16 is arranged on the display light emission side and the counter substrate 17 is arranged on the opposite side to the display light emission side, but it faces the display light emission side. The substrate 17 may be disposed, and the element substrate 16 may be disposed on the side opposite to the display light emission side. In such a configuration, a reflective layer is formed on the element substrate 16 side.

  An electro-optical panel 1 shown in FIG. 8B is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and includes an element substrate 16 on which light-transmitting pixel electrodes and pixel transistors are formed, and display light (arrows) with respect to the element substrate 16. And a counter substrate 17 disposed on the opposite side of the light emission side (shown by L), and a liquid crystal layer 18 is held between the element substrate 16 and the counter substrate 17. Here, a translucent counter electrode is formed on the counter substrate 17, and a backlight device (not shown) is arranged on the opposite side of the counter substrate 17 from the element substrate 16. For this reason, the illumination light incident from the counter substrate 17 side is optically modulated while it is emitted from the element substrate 16 side. Also in the electro-optical panel 1 configured as described above, the flexible wiring board 6 is connected to the terminals formed on the element substrate 16, and the adjacent electro-optical panels 1 are electrically connected by the flexible wiring board 6. Yes.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8B, the element substrate 16 is arranged on the display light emission side, and the counter substrate 17 is arranged on the side opposite to the display light emission side, but it faces the display light emission side. The substrate 17 may be disposed, and the element substrate 16 may be disposed on the side opposite to the display light emission side.

  Even when a liquid crystal panel is used as the electro-optical panel 1, the configuration described with reference to the third and fourth embodiments may be employed.

[Embodiment 6]
FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views showing the electro-optical device 100 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIGS. It is explanatory drawing which shows the reinforcement structure with respect to the figure and the expanded display panel.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electro-optical device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a reinforcing member 8 that reinforces the Y-direction end 10y extending in the X direction in the display panel 10 when the display panel 10 is unfolded. I have. In addition, the electro-optical device 100 includes a reinforcing member 8 that reinforces the X-direction end 10x extending in the Y direction in the display panel 10 when the display panel 10 is deployed. The reinforcing member 8 is made of, for example, a metal pin such as stainless steel, and penetrates a plurality of cylindrical portions 81 formed at the end portions 10x and 10y of the display panel 10. The cylindrical portion 81 is formed at the end of the front side sheet-like member 4 or the back side sheet-like member 5 described with reference to FIG.

  For this reason, according to this embodiment, even when a large number of electro-optical panels 1 are connected to form the display panel 10, it is possible to prevent the display panel 10 from being bent when the display panel 10 is unfolded. Further, if the reinforcing member 8 is removed from the cylindrical portion 81, the display panel 10 can be folded.

[Other embodiments]
In the embodiment described above, in the display panel 10, the electro-optical panel 1 is arranged in three or more rows in both the X direction and the Y direction, but three or more electro-optical panels 1 are arranged in the X direction (one direction). In the Y direction, the present invention may be applied when the electro-optical panels 1 are arranged in one or two rows. In this case, if the bendable portion 2 adopts a configuration in which mountain folds and valley folds are alternately arranged in the X direction, the display panel 10 can be smoothly folded even if a large number of electro-optic panels 1 are connected. It is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the bendable part 2.

1. Electro-optical panel, 2. Bendable part, 2x, X side bendable part, 2y, Y side bendable part, 4. Front side sheet-like member, 5. Back side sheet-like member, 6 .. Flexible wiring board, 8 .. Reinforcing member, 10 .. Display panel, 100 .. Electro-optical device, 110.

Claims (10)

An electro-optical device having a display panel that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state,
The display panel includes at least three electro-optical panels arranged in one direction, and a bendable part that connects the electro-optical panels.
The electro-optical device, wherein the bendable part is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in the one direction. In the display panel, when two directions intersecting each other are defined as an X direction and a Y direction,
The electro-optical panel is arranged in three or more rows in both the X direction and the Y direction through the bendable part,
Among the bendable portions, the X-side bendable portions connecting the electro-optic panels adjacent in the X direction have the same bend direction between the X-side bendable portions arranged in the same row in the Y direction, and X In the direction, mountain folds and valley folds are alternately arranged,
The Y-side foldable portion that connects the electro-optical panels adjacent in the Y direction is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in both the X direction and the Y direction. The electro-optical device according to 1.   The electro-optical device according to claim 2, wherein the bendable part is configured by a sheet-like member that connects the adjacent electro-optical panels.   The electro-optical device according to claim 3, further comprising a flexible wiring board that electrically connects adjacent electro-optical panels as the sheet-like member.   As the sheet-like member, a surface-side sheet-like member bonded to the surface side of the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel, and a side opposite to the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel The electro-optical device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the back-side sheet-like members bonded to the back-side of the sheet-like member is provided. As the sheet-like member, a surface-side sheet-like member bonded to the surface side of the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel, and a side opposite to the display light emitting side with respect to all of the electro-optical panel At least one sheet-like member of the back-side sheet-like member bonded to the back side of
The electro-optical device according to claim 3, wherein the one sheet-like member is provided with a wiring that electrically connects the adjacent electro-optical panels to each other. Comprising at least the surface-side sheet-like member,
The electro-optical device according to claim 5, wherein the surface-side sheet-like member is provided with a plurality of colored layers for coloring light emitted from the electro-optical panel.   The electro-optical device according to claim 5, wherein the surface-side sheet-like member has an antireflection function.   When the display panel is unfolded, at least one of an end portion on the Y direction side extending in the X direction on the display panel and an end portion on the X direction side extending in the Y direction on the display panel. The electro-optical device according to claim 2, further comprising a reinforcing member that reinforces the end portion. A display method in an electro-optical device including a display panel that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state,
The display panel includes at least three electro-optic panels arranged in one direction, and a foldable portion that connects the electro-optic panels,
The bendable part is alternately arranged for mountain folding and valley folding in the one direction,
The display panel displays an image for one screen by all of the electro-optical panel, and displays an image for one screen by each or a part of the electro-optical panel. Display method.

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