JP3815374B2 - EL display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of EL display devices using EL panels.
[0002]
[Prior art]
One of the flat panel displays is an EL (Electro Luminescence) display. As shown in FIG. 2, an EL element (EL panel) used in this EL display includes a glass substrate 1, a first electrode 2, a first insulating layer 3 that are sequentially stacked on the glass substrate 1 by vacuum deposition, sputtering, or the like. The light emitting layer 4, the second insulating layer 5, and the second electrode 6 are included.
[0003]
The first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6 are formed in a direction perpendicular to each other, and are made of ITO (Insium Tin Oxide), aluminum, or the like. In particular, a transparent EL panel can be formed by forming both electrodes 2 and 6 with transparent electrodes such as ITO. The light emitting layer 4 is formed of a semiconductor material such as ZnS or ZnSe, and emits yellow-orange when Mn is used as the light emission center, green when Tb is used, and red when Sm is used. . These are examples of inorganic luminescent materials, but organic luminescent materials may be used. The first insulating layer 3 and the second insulating layer 5 are made of a dielectric such as TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , Si ₃ N ₄ or the like. The thicknesses of the first electrode 2 to the second electrode 6 are very thin, approximately 2 μm, excluding the glass substrate 1.
[0004]
Furthermore, another cover glass 8 is bonded to the glass substrate 1 with an adhesive 7 for moisture resistance protection.
The EL panel is connected to the circuit board via a connector such as an FPC, TAB tape, or rubber connector. When a plurality of EL panels are used, corresponding electrodes may be connected between the EL panels via connectors such as FPC and TAB tape. The first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6 of the EL panel are connected to a driver IC on a circuit board, one of which is a scanning electrode and the other is a driving electrode, and the light emitting pixel is obtained by synchronizing the driving signal with the pulsed scanning signal Select to light up.
[0005]
In such a passive matrix type EL display, when a large screen display or a plurality of types of display is performed, the panel electrode becomes long and the wiring resistance of the electrode inevitably increases. Therefore, the applied signal is distorted with respect to a pixel far from the driver IC, and the luminance is lowered. As a result, luminance unevenness occurs between pixels located near the driver IC and pixels located far from the driver IC. That is, in a passive matrix type EL display, a display size that can ensure display quality is naturally limited.
[0006]
As for the display size problem, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-83934, a large screen can be realized by combining a plurality of EL panels. Therefore, a frame-shaped member that restricts the above is required. Further, in the absence of this frame, the display quality may be impaired between the EL panels due to light emission leakage from the end face (glass end face) of the EL panel.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The main object of the present invention is to prevent deterioration in display quality caused by light emission leakage from the end face of an EL panel in an EL display that uses a plurality of EL panels to display a large screen or a plurality of types.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The EL display device according to claim 1, wherein the EL display device has a structure in which a plurality of electroluminescence panels (EL panels) are juxtaposed, and an edge member made of a resin or the like is disposed between the juxtaposed EL panels. And a light emitting means for emitting light to the edge member by irradiating the edge member with light.
[0013]
In the EL display device according to claim 1, since the edge member made of resin or the like is closely disposed between the EL panels arranged side by side on the end face of the EL panel , the light emission leakage from the EL panel end face is prevented by the material and shape of the edge member. It can be optically controlled according to the above. The optical control means, for example, blocking, guiding, or scattering the light leaking from the end face of the EL panel. By such optical control, light leakage from the end face of the EL panel is prevented. It is possible to satisfactorily prevent the deterioration of the display quality that causes it.
In addition, since the edge member emits light by irradiating the edge member with light to emit light from the edge member, light emission from the end face of the EL panel is conspicuous by the light emission. It can be lost.
Moreover, an optical effect for enhancing the display effect of the EL panel can be achieved by causing the edge member to emit light or stopping the light emission according to the display content of the EL panel.
[0014]
Claim 2 is obtained by limiting the optical control, the EL display device according to claim 1, wherein the edge member on the properties or shape may prevent or reduce the emission leak from the end face of the EL panel It is characterized by having.
Examples of properties that can prevent or reduce leakage of light can include transparency and color, and examples of shapes include a smooth surface for introducing or reflecting light, and a rough surface that scatters light. be able to. Luminous leakage can be prevented or reduced by combining such properties or shapes singly or in combination.
[0015]
The edge member can have a role of partitioning the display area of the EL panel. In that case, it is preferable to extend a part of the surface of the EL panel.
However, the edge member alone may be insufficient to partition the display area of the EL panel, or the overall balance may not be achieved.
[0016]
In such a case, as described in claim 3 , in the EL display device according to claim 1 or 2 , the partition member that is made of resin or the like and partitions the display area of the EL panel in cooperation with the edge member. If the configuration is arranged on the surface of the EL panel, for example, a configuration in which the partition member is arranged at a position symmetrical to the edge member, the overall balance is good.
[0017]
Note that “consisting of a resin or the like” with respect to the edge member and the partition member is a concept including not only the resin but also a case where a pigment, a filler or the like is added to the resin. Further, the partition member may be made of the same material as the edge member or may be made different.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the EL display device according to the third aspect , the outer shape of the edge member is the same as the outer shape of the partition member.
[0018]
Since the partition member partitions the display area of the EL panel in cooperation with the edge member, the appearance (appearance shape) is preferably the same as the appearance shape of the edge member. The appearance shape means a shape that can be seen by the user of the EL display device, and in the case of the edge member, it can be said to be a shape of a portion exposed on the surface of the EL panel.
[0021]
Further, according to claim 5 , in the EL display device according to claim 3 or 4 , if the light emitting means for emitting light to the partition member by irradiating the partition member is provided, the edge member and the partition member Thus, an optical effect for enhancing the display effect of the EL panel can be achieved. The light emitting means may be common to the edge member and the partition member, or may be provided for each.
[0022]
The light emitting means (both edge member and partition member) is not particularly limited as long as it can be electrically controlled, but the LED according to claim 6 is excellent in size, price, controllability and the like.
The EL panel is either an opaque EL panel in which the first electrode 2 shown in FIG. 2 is opaque and the background part of the display is opaque, or a transparent EL panel in which the display background part is transparent. Good. That is, the EL display device according to claim 7 can be obtained.
[0023]
When a transparent EL panel is used, as in claim 8, the EL display device according to claim 7 , wherein the EL panel is a transparent EL panel, and members disposed behind the transparent EL panel include: If an opening for enabling transmissive display is provided, transmissive display is possible, and another display device is placed behind the EL display device (position where the opening faces) and superimposed. Can be displayed.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention and reference examples will be described.
[0025]
[ Reference Example 1]
A first reference example is shown in FIG. In this reference example , an EL display device having two EL panels 9a to 9b arranged side by side is used as a part of a vehicle-mounted display, for example, the meter assembly 22, and different information, that is, a plurality of information is displayed on the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b. It is possible. The configuration of the EL module in the meter assembly 22 is shown in FIG.
[0026]
The configuration of the EL module is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, it consists of EL panels 9a-9b, a cover glass 23, a circuit board 10, a connector 11, covers 12, 13, and a spacer 14.
Since the detailed structure of the EL panels 9a and 9b is as shown in FIG. 2 (however, the cover glass 8 is replaced with the cover glass 23), description thereof is omitted here.
[0027]
The circuit board 10 is a printed wiring board, on which a scanning driver IC 18 and a driving driver IC 19 and various devices (transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc. are not shown) are mounted, printed wiring is applied, and an EL panel Electrodes (not shown) for connecting 9a, 9b and the circuit board 10 are also provided.
[0028]
A rectangular window is provided in the spacer 14 sandwiched between the circuit board 10 and the EL panels 9a and 9b. The cover glass 23 is fitted into this window without looseness. Further, four square hole-shaped holders 15 are provided along the three sides of the window. These holders 15 are through holes for holding the connector 11.
[0029]
The connector 11 has the structure shown in FIG. 4 and is composed of silicon rubber 16 and electrodes 17. The electrode 17 is made of brass, the wire diameter is about 30 μm, and the mounting pitch to the silicon rubber 16 is 0.05 mm.
The covers 12 and 13 are rectangular plates, and each is provided with a window. The size of the window of the cover 12 is slightly smaller than the outer shape of the EL panels 9a to 9b arranged side by side, and the outer peripheral portions of the EL panels 9a to 9b can be suppressed by the peripheral portions of the windows.
[0030]
In the EL module, after the connector 11 is inserted into the holder 15 of the spacer 14, the cover 13, the circuit board 10, the spacer 14, the EL panels 9 a to 9 b and the cover 12 are sequentially stacked, and the cover 13, the circuit board 10, the spacer 14, and The cover 12 is assembled by tightening with a bolt that penetrates the cover 12 in common. At this time, the electrodes 11 corresponding to the EL panels 9a to 9b and the circuit board 10 are electrically connected to each other by compressing the connector 11 by tightening with bolts.
[0031]
The EL panels 9a to 9b and the circuit board 10 are electrically connected by a connector 11 (required compression ratio is 10 to 40%) installed between the electrodes of the EL panels 9a to 9b and the circuit board 10 and compressed. However, since the pitch of the electrodes 17 of the connector 11 is very narrow, if the width of each electrode of the EL panels 9a to 9b and the circuit board 10 is made larger than the pitch of the connector electrodes, the corresponding EL panels 9a to 9 9b and the electrodes of the circuit board 10 can be reliably connected.
[0032]
According to the connection method of the EL panels 9a to 9b and the circuit board 10 by the connector 11, the EL panels 9a to 9b can be easily attached and detached, and only the defective EL panel can be replaced, and the repair property is improved. Also excellent.
The juxtaposed structure of the EL panels 9a to 9b is as shown in FIG. In other words, the EL panels 9a to 9b are juxtaposed and integrated with each panel by bonding with a common cover glass 23, thereby providing a large display having a double size in appearance. There is a gap (about 1.5 mm in this reference example ) between the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b, but this gap is a transparent resin having a refractive index substantially equal to that of glass (the glass substrates of the EL panels 9a to 9b). (For example, Nagase ChemteX Corporation XN1233 etc.) 24 is filled.
[0033]
For this reason, even if part of the light emitted in the EL panels 9a to 9b is emitted from the end face, there is almost no refraction at the interface of the transparent resin 24. For example, light from the end face of the EL panel 9a passes through the transparent resin 24. It passes through and enters the EL panel 9b and does not leak outside. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent deterioration in display quality caused by light emission leakage from the end faces of the EL panels 9a to 9b. Thereby, it is possible to display a large screen or a plurality of types as a single large display in appearance by arranging a plurality of EL panels in parallel without impairing display quality.
[0034]
Furthermore, according to the configuration of this reference example , a plurality of information can be displayed by combining a plurality of EL panels. In addition, a combination of EL panels can be selected so as not to cause luminance unevenness.
[0035]
[ Reference Example 2]
A second reference example is shown in FIG. Similarly to the reference example 1, an EL display device configured by arranging two EL panels 9a to 9b side by side is used as a part of a vehicle-mounted display, for example, the meter assembly 22, and the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b have different information, that is, a plurality of pieces of information. The display is enabled.
[0036]
The configuration of the EL module in the meter assembly 22 is as shown in FIG. 7, and is composed of EL panels 9 a to 9 b, a cover glass 23, a circuit board 10, a connector 11, covers 12 and 13, and a spacer 14 as in Reference Example 1. . The EL panels 9a to 9b, the cover glass 23, the connector 11, the covers 12, 13 and the spacer 14 are the same as those in Reference Example 1. The EL panels 9a to 9b are transparent EL panels. The circuit board 10 is different from the circuit board 10 of Example 1 in that the openings 21 are provided corresponding to each window of the cover 12, 13 and the spacer 14, the other circuit board of Example 1 10 is the same. And it assembles similarly to the reference example 1.
[0037]
The meter assembly 22 of this reference example is provided with an opening 21 on the back side of the transparent EL panels 9a to 9b, and the opening 21 corresponds to the windows of the covers 12, 13 and the spacer 14, so that transmissive display is possible. It is. For this reason, the transparent EL panels 9a to 9b are arranged on the front side of the existing display (for example, speedometer, tachometer, etc.) in the vehicle-mounted meter, and the existing display and the display of the transparent EL panels 9a to 9b are superimposed. This makes it possible to display a variety of information. Specific display examples of the transparent EL panels 9a to 9b include digital display of speed and engine speed, fuel remaining amount display, and other warning displays.
[0038]
Since the structures of the EL panels 9a to 9b are the same as those in Reference Example 1 (FIG. 5), it is possible to realize a large display without impairing display quality as in Reference Example 1.
[0039]
[ Reference Example 3]
A third reference example is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, one display is constituted by two EL panels 9a to 9b. The EL panels 9a to 9b are the same as those in Reference Examples 1 and 2, but the cover glasses 23a and 23b are divided into an EL panel 9a and an EL panel 9b. The configuration as an EL module is the same as that of Reference Example 2 (see FIG. 7).
[0040]
In this reference example , a resin component 25 (corresponding to an edge member) having a T-shaped cross-sectional shape is fitted between the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b.
The resin component 25 is made of, for example, acrylic resin. The resin component 25 and the EL panels 9a to 9b are bonded with a transparent adhesive (for example , the transparent resin shown in Reference Examples 1 and 2), and the resin component 25 and the end surfaces of the EL panels 9a to 9b are in close contact with each other. Yes. The reason why the head of the resin component 25 protrudes from the surfaces of the EL panels 9a to 9b is to make it easy to distinguish between the display of the EL panel 9a and the display of the EL panel 9b. This is also because the joints with the panels 9a to 9b are not conspicuous.
[0041]
Since the resin component 25 is fitted between the end surfaces of the EL panels 9a to 9b, light emission leakage from the EL panel end surface can be optically controlled according to the material, shape, transparency, color, and the like of the resin component 25.
By selecting transparency and color that can prevent or reduce light emission leakage, for example, the resin component 25 is made opaque to block light leaking from the end surfaces of the EL panels 9a to 9b, or transparent to prevent light from the end surfaces. You can guide. Further, by providing a smooth surface for introducing or reflecting light, a rough surface for scattering light, or the like, light from the end face can be guided in a desired direction or can be scattered and emitted from the surface. Or you may combine transparency, a color, and surface shape. In any case, since it can be optically controlled according to the material, shape, transparency, color, etc. of the resin component 25, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent deterioration in display quality caused by light emission leakage from the end faces of the EL panels 9a to 9b. it can.
[0042]
In addition, what is necessary is just to select the shape, transparency, a color, etc. for the resin component 25 by the request | requirement on an external appearance, and the display effect. As an example of the shape, in addition to the shape shown in FIG. 8, the cross-sectional shape of the head can be made semicircular as shown in FIG. 9, or triangular as shown in FIG.
[0043]
In this reference example , such a resin component 25 is fitted between the end faces of the EL panels 9a to 9b. Therefore, for example, a display comprising a plurality of EL panels as shown in the embodiment of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-83934. In comparison with the above, it is possible to make the resin component 25 as a frame very thin, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort of the user in appearance.
[0044]
[ Reference Example 4]
A fourth reference example is shown in FIGS. As shown in these drawings, one EL display 9a to 9b constitutes one display. As shown in FIG. 11, one EL panel 9a is the same as the other EL panel 9b. The width is almost double. Therefore, the joint of both panels is located at about 1/3 from the end on the EL panel 9b side. Except for the size difference between the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b, the configuration of the EL module is the same as that of the reference example 2 (see FIG. 7). Further, the resin component 25 is fitted between the end surfaces of the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b as in the reference example 3.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 12, this reference example is characterized by a partition in the vicinity of the center line of the EL panel 9a, that is, at a position symmetrical to the resin component 25 on the display constituted by the EL panel 9a and the EL panel 9b. The resin component 26 corresponding to the member is arranged. The resin component 26 has the same material and the same color as the resin component 25, and the shape thereof is the same as the head of the resin component 25 (the portion protruding on the surface of the EL panels 9a to 9b).
[0046]
Resin parts 25, as described in Reference Example 3, the material of the emission leak from the end face of the EL panel 9A-9B, the shape is intended to optically controlled according to transparency and color, etc., also the effect reference As described in Example 3.
On the other hand, since the resin component 26 is adhered on the surface of the EL panel 9a as shown in FIG. 12B, it does not function to optically control light leakage.
[0047]
However, as shown in FIG. 12A, the display surface of the large display composed of the two EL panels 9 a to 9 b functions to cooperate with the resin component 25 to be divided into three sections.
Since the resin part 26 partitions the display area of the display composed of the EL panels 9a to 9b in cooperation with the resin part 25, even if the resin part 25 is insufficient to partition, the display area of the display Can be partitioned in good balance. Thereby, the appearance is improved and the user does not feel uncomfortable.
[0048]
As described in Reference Example 3, it is possible to make the resin part 25 as a frame very thin, and the resin part 26 can be similarly thinned. For example, as shown in the example of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-83934. Compared with a display composed of a plurality of EL panels, the resin parts 25 and 26 serving as a frame can be made very thin, and the user's discomfort can be reduced in appearance.
[0049]
Moreover, the effect similar to the reference example 3 is acquired by inserting the resin component 25 between the end surfaces of EL panel 9a-9b.
The shape of the head of the resin component 25 can be variously similar to the reference example 3 as illustrated in FIGS. And the shape of the resin component 26 can also be made into various shapes, such as a semicircle and a triangle, as illustrated in FIGS. The shape of the resin component 26 is good when the shape is the same as the shape of the head of the resin component 25, but depending on the application (for example, the information displayed on the EL panel 9a and the information displayed on the EL panel 9b may be different) It is also possible to make them different from each other (when the importance of one is high).
[0050]
[ Example ]
An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The configuration of this embodiment as an EL module is the same as that of Reference Example 4 (see FIG. 11), and the resin part 25 is fitted between the end faces of the EL panels 9a to 9b, and the positions are symmetrical (displayed in cooperation). The resin part 26 is arranged at a position where the area is divided into three) as in the reference example 4.
[0051]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the light emitters 27 (LEDs in this embodiment) are arranged near the ends of the resin components 25 and 26, respectively. 26 also functions as a light guide plate. With this configuration, the resin parts 25 and 26 can be illuminated with light emitted from the light emitter 27 and incident from the end. For example, the surfaces of the resin parts 25 and 26 (surfaces that can be seen by the user) can be polished to have a glassy rough surface, and light from the light emitter 27 can be emitted from the entire surface. It is also possible to make only a part of the light radiate from an appropriate part in a concentrated manner.
[0052]
By making the resin parts 25 and 26 shine, an optical effect for enhancing the display effect of the EL panels 9a and 9b can be achieved. For example, when this display is applied to the amusement field or the like, it is possible to apply such an effect that the display frame (resin parts 25 and 26) emits light to enhance the game performance.
[0053]
Structure as EL module in this embodiment because it is similar to that in Reference Example 4, the same effects as in Reference Example 4.
Moreover, the light emission leakage from the end surfaces of the EL panels 9a to 9b can be made inconspicuous by causing the resin component 25 to emit light.
[0054]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described according to the Example, this invention is not limited to these Examples, and it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement variously in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to Reference Example 1. FIG.
2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of an EL panel according to an example of the present invention and Reference Examples 1 to 4. FIG.
3 is a schematic diagram of an EL module according to Reference Example 1. FIG.
4 is a schematic diagram of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and reference examples 1 to 4. FIG.
5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an EL panel according to Reference Example 1. FIG.
6 is a schematic diagram of a display device according to Reference Example 2. FIG.
7 is a schematic diagram of an EL module according to Reference Example 2. FIG.
8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an EL panel according to Reference Example 3. FIG.
9 is a schematic diagram of resin parts of an EL panel according to Reference Example 3. FIG.
10 is a schematic view of resin parts of an EL panel according to Reference Example 3. FIG.
11 is a schematic diagram of an EL module according to Reference Example 4. FIG.
12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an EL panel according to Reference Example 4. FIG.
13 is a schematic diagram of resin parts of an EL panel according to Reference Example 4. FIG.
14 is a schematic diagram of resin parts of an EL panel according to Reference Example 4. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the structure of an EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Glass substrate 2 Electrode 3 Insulating layer 4 Light emitting layer 5 Insulating layer 6 Electrode 7 Adhesive 8 Cover glass 9a, 9b EL panel 10 Circuit board 11 Connector 12 Cover 13 Cover 14 Spacer 15 Holder 21 Opening 22 Meter assembly (EL display device)
23, 23a, 23b Cover glass 24 Transparent resin 25 Resin component (edge member)
26 Resin parts (partition members)
27 Light emitter (light emitting means)

Claims (8)

In an EL display device having a structure in which a plurality of electroluminescence panels (hereinafter referred to as “EL panels”) are juxtaposed,
An edge member made of resin or the like is closely arranged between the EL panels arranged side by side on an end surface of the EL panel,
An EL display device comprising light emitting means for emitting light to the edge member by emitting light to the edge member . The EL display device according to claim 1.
2. The EL display device according to claim 1, wherein the edge member has a property or shape capable of preventing or reducing light leakage from an end face of the EL panel . The EL display device according to claim 1 or 2,
An EL display device comprising: a partition member made of a resin or the like, and a partition member that partitions the display area of the EL panel in cooperation with the edge member . The EL display device according to claim 3.
An EL display device, wherein the outer shape of the edge member is the same as the outer shape of the partition member . The EL display device according to claim 3 or 4,
An EL display device comprising light emitting means for irradiating the partition member with light to cause the partition member to emit light . The EL display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The EL display device , wherein the light emitting means is an LED . The EL display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The EL panel is an opaque EL panel or a transparent EL panel . The EL display device according to claim 7 .
The EL panel is a transparent EL panel,
An EL display device, wherein an opening for enabling transmissive display is provided in a member disposed behind the transparent EL panel .

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