JP6909638B2 - Electro-optic panel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electro-optical panel including a display panel and a lighting panel.

Electro-optical panels such as OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display panels, OLED lighting panels, cholesteric liquid crystal display panels, PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) display panels, and electrophoresis display panels include electro-optical elements (for example, light emitting elements and light emitting elements). It has a plurality of layers in addition to the liquid crystal element (for example, Patent Document 1). In this specification, the "electro-optical element" includes a light emitting element (for example, an OLED element) that emits light by the action of electricity and an optical control element (for example, a liquid crystal element) that controls the transmission of light by the action of electricity. The "electro-optical panel" refers to a panel having such an electro-optical element.

Special Table 2016-504223

For a flexible electro-optical panel, it is important that it is easily deformed, that it is easily restored to its original flat state, and that it is possible to prevent display defects of the electro-optical element due to impact. However, an electro-optical panel capable of achieving both flexibility, resilience and impact resistance has not been proposed.

Therefore, the present invention provides an electro-optical panel capable of achieving both flexibility, resilience and impact resistance.

The electro-optical panel according to one aspect of the present invention is a flexible electro-optical panel, which overlaps with a flexible electro-optical element that presents an image by emitting light or controlling the transmission of light, and the electro-optical element. It is provided with a fluid chamber that spreads in a plane parallel to the electro-optical element and contains a fluid inside, and a pressure adjusting mechanism that adjusts the pressure of the fluid in the fluid chamber.

In this embodiment, the rigidity (in other words, elasticity) of the fluid chamber is changed by adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the fluid chamber. Therefore, the flexibility of the electro-optical panel, the stability after deformation, and the impact resistance can be adjusted.

The fluid chamber may be arranged on the side opposite to the light emitting side of the electro-optical element.

Alternatively, the fluid chamber may be arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optical element. In this case, the fluid chamber contributes to the protection of the front side (light emitting side) of the electro-optical element.

The electro-optical panel may have an elastomer structure arranged inside the fluid chamber in a state of being compressible in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber. The elastomeric structure improves the shock absorption capacity of the electro-optic panel.

The electro-optical panel according to another aspect of the present invention is a flexible electro-optical panel, which is a flexible electro-optical element that presents an image by emitting light or controlling the transmission of light, and the electro-optical element. It spreads in a plane parallel to the electro-optical element, is arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optic element, and is compressed in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber in which the fluid is contained and the fluid chamber. When possible, it includes an elastomer structure arranged inside the fluid chamber and a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the fluid chamber.

In this embodiment, the rigidity (in other words, elasticity) of the fluid chamber is changed by adjusting the pressure of the fluid in the fluid chamber. Therefore, the flexibility of the electro-optical panel, the stability after deformation, and the impact resistance can be adjusted. In addition, the elastomer structure improves the shock absorbing capacity of the electro-optical panel. In this way, the fluid chamber functions as a protective layer for the electro-optical element. Either the fluid or the elastomeric structure may overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optic element, and in either case, if the overlap is transparent, the light travels straight through, as compared to, for example, a fiberglass protective film. Since it has excellent properties, it is possible to present a high-definition image with less haze and turbidity.

Preferably, within the fluid chamber, the boundary between the elastomeric structure and the fluid does not overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optic element. In this case, the scattering of light at the boundary is prevented, and the deterioration of the image is prevented.

The fluid may have a plurality of overlaps that overlap the pixels or subpixels, and the elastomeric structure may have at least one non-overlap that does not overlap the pixels or subpixels. Alternatively, the elastomeric structure may have a plurality of overlapping portions that overlap the pixels or subpixels, and the fluid may have at least one non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the pixels or subpixels. In this way, either the fluid or the elastomeric structure may overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optic element.

Each of the overlapping portions made of the elastomer structure may have a cylindrical shape having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber. Alternatively, each of the overlapping portions made of the elastomer structure may have a dome shape having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber. When each overlapping portion composed of the elastomer structure has a dome shape, each overlapping portion functions as a convex lens, and when the thickness of the fluid chamber changes, the focal length of the convex lens changes, so that the viewing angle of the image is changed. Can change. In addition, an electro-optical electro-optical panel capable of stereoscopic display without restricting the position of the observer can be realized.

The fluid and the elastomer structure may be transparent and the fluid may have a refractive index different from that of the elastomer structure. In this case, due to the difference in the refractive index between the overlapping portion and the non-overlapping portion, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion invades the other overlapping portion and disturbs the image is reduced.

Alternatively, the non-overlapping portion may be opaque. In this case, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion invades the other overlapping portion and disturbs the image is reduced.

Preferably, the pressure adjusting mechanism changes the thickness of the fluid chamber by adjusting the pressure in the fluid chamber. As the thickness of the fluid chamber changes, the viewing angle of the electro-optical panel also changes. That is, if the thickness of the overlapping portion is expanded, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion becomes long, but the cross-sectional area of the optical path does not change remarkably, so that the viewing angle becomes narrow. If the thickness of the overlapping portion is reduced, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion is shortened, so that the viewing angle is widened. In this way, the fluid chamber and the pressure adjusting mechanism can be used as the variable control mechanism of the viewing angle.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the flexible OLED electro-optics panel which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the flexible OLED electro-optics panel which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an OLED electro-optical panel of FIG. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel of FIG. 4 in the state where the fluid chamber is compressed. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel which concerns on a modification. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel which concerns on another modification. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the OLED electro-optical panel of FIG. 8 in the state where the fluid chamber is compressed. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the flexible OLED electro-optics panel which concerns on another modification.

Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description associated with the accompanying drawings. In different drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or functionally similar elements. Please understand that the drawings are schematic and the scale of the drawings is not accurate.

First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible OLED electro-optical panel 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a flexible substrate (flexible film) 10 and a barrier layer 12 formed on the flexible substrate (flexible film) 10. .. The flexible substrate 10 is made of a polymer material, for example, polyimide. The barrier layer 12 is formed of a polymer material or an inorganic material.

A TFT (thin film transistor) layer 14 and an OLED layer 16 are formed on the barrier layer 12. Although not shown in detail, the TFT layer 14 has a large number of TFTs, an interlayer insulating film covering the TFTs, and a plurality of anodes for a plurality of OLED elements.

In this embodiment, the OLED layer 16 has a large number of OLED elements 16R, 16G, 16B. The OLED element 16R emits red light, the OLED element 16G emits green light, and the OLED element 16B emits blue light. Although not shown in detail, each of the OLED elements 16R, 16G, and 16B has a layer such as an organic light emitting layer, a hole injection layer, and an electron transport layer. A common cathode layer 18 for a large number of OLED elements 16R, 16G, 16B is formed on the OLED layer 16. One OLED element corresponds to one subpixel, and one set of OLED elements 16R, 16G, 16B corresponds to one pixel.

A capsule encapsulant 20 formed of, for example, an inorganic substance or a polymer material is bonded to the barrier layer 12, and the capsule encapsulant 20 covers the TFT layer 14, the OLED layer 16, and the common cathode layer 18. Protect. Further, a back layer 22 is bonded onto the capsule encapsulant 20, and a back film 24 is bonded onto the back layer 22. The back film 24 is made of, for example, a polymer material. Although not essential, a sealing body 26 may be provided around the side surface of the capsule sealing body 20.

The OLED electro-optical panel 1 is a bottom emission type that emits the light generated in the OLED layer 16 toward the flexible substrate 10 side (that is, the lower part of the figure). The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of light emission. A front film (reinforcing film) 28 is adhered to the flexible substrate 10 in order to improve the strength of the OLED display panel. The front film 28 is made of a polymeric material, such as a polyethylene composition or a polyethylene terephthalate composition. However, even if the adhesive is eliminated and the front film 28 is directly bonded to the flexible substrate 10 by the covalent bond between the material of the front film 28 and the material of the flexible substrate 10 or the cooperative action of the covalent bond and the intermolecular force. good.

In this embodiment, the flexible substrate 10, the barrier layer 12, the TFT layer 14, the OLED layer 16, the common cathode layer 18, and the capsule encapsulant 20 constitute an electro-optical element.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the back layer 22. The back layer 22 has a sealing structure having two sealing plates 22A arranged in parallel and a peripheral wall 22B arranged between the sealing plates 22A. In this way, the back layer 22 has a fluid chamber 22C in which the fluid 30 is contained, and the fluid chamber 22C overlaps the above-mentioned electro-optical element and spreads in a plane parallel to the electro-optical element. The sealing plate 22A is formed of, for example, glass or polyimide, and the peripheral wall 22B is formed of, for example, an elastomer (for example, urethane rubber or silicone rubber).

The fluid 30 may be a liquid such as oil or a gas such as the atmosphere. The fluid chamber 22C enhances the elasticity of the OLED electro-optical panel 1 and improves stability and impact resistance.

Although not essential, the elastomer structure 32 is arranged inside the fluid chamber 22C in a state of being compressible in the thickness direction of the back layer 22. The material of the elastomer structure 32 is not limited to any polymer substance having remarkable elasticity, but is preferably a thermosetting elastomer, more preferably a thermosetting resin-based elastomer, and is three-dimensional. A chemically crosslinked polymer, for example, urethane rubber or silicone rubber. The material of the elastomer structure 32 may be the same as or different from the material of the peripheral wall 22B. The fluid 30 fills a space other than the elastomer structure 32 of the fluid chamber 22C. The elastomer structure 32 can be formed by a printing method such as inkjet, screen printing, gravure printing, or photolithography.

In this embodiment, the elastomeric structure 32 may be a plurality of separated and separate blocks, but may be partially connected to each other. The shape of the elastomer structure 32 may be, for example, a cylinder, a prism, a hemisphere or a dome, but is not limited. By partially arranging the elastomer structure 32 inside the fluid chamber 22C, the elasticity of the OLED electro-optical panel 1 is enhanced, and the stability and impact resistance are improved.

In this embodiment, since the fluid chamber 22C is provided in the back layer 22, the fluid 30 and the elastomer structure 32 may be transparent or opaque.

The OLED electro-optical panel 1 has a pressure adjusting mechanism 34 for adjusting the pressure of the fluid 30 in the fluid chamber 22C. The pressure adjusting mechanism 34 has a container 36 and a communication pipe 38 that connects the container 36 and the fluid chamber 22C. The container 36 is an elastic body, for example, a sealed body made of an elastomer. The communication pipe 38 may be formed of a rigid body, but is preferably formed of an elastic body. Although not essential, a pump 40 may intervene in the communication pipe 38.

In the absence of the pump 40, if the user compresses the OLED electro-optical panel 1, the pressure inside the fluid chamber 22C increases, and if the compressive force is released, the pressure decreases and returns to the original pressure. Therefore, in this case, the pressure adjusting mechanism 34 can be regarded as a passive control type pressure adjusting mechanism.

If there is a pump 40, the pressure inside the fluid chamber 22C can be increased or decreased by the user operating the pump 40. Therefore, in this case, the pressure adjusting mechanism 34 can be regarded as an active control type pressure adjusting mechanism. The pump 40 may be an electric pump or a manual pump. The pump 40 may be a diaphragm pump, a tube pump, or any other suitable pump.

In this embodiment, the rigidity (in other words, elasticity) of the fluid chamber 22C changes by adjusting the pressure of the fluid 30 in the fluid chamber 22C. Therefore, the flexibility of the OLED electro-optical panel 1 and the resilience and impact resistance after deformation can be adjusted.

In this embodiment, the fluid chamber 22C is arranged on the side opposite to the light emitting side of the electro-optical element. However, the fluid chamber may be arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optical element. In this case, the fluid chamber contributes to the protection of the front side (light emitting side) of the electro-optical element. In the second embodiment described later, the fluid chamber is arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optical element.

2nd Embodiment As shown in FIG. 3, the flexible OLED electro-optical panel 41 according to the 2nd embodiment of the present invention does not have the back layer 22 of the 1st embodiment, and the capsule encapsulant 20 does not have the back layer 22. The back film 24 is joined. Further, instead of the front film 28 of the first embodiment, the front layer 42 is bonded to the flexible substrate 10.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front layer 42. The front layer 42 has a sealing structure having two sealing plates 42A arranged in parallel and a peripheral wall 42B arranged between the sealing plates 42A. In this way, the front layer 42 has a fluid chamber 42C in which the fluid 50 is contained, and the fluid chamber 42C overlaps the above-mentioned electro-optical element and spreads in a plane parallel to the electro-optical element. As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid chamber 42C is arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optical element. The sealing plate 42A is formed of, for example, glass or polyimide, and the peripheral wall 42B is formed of, for example, an elastomer (for example, urethane rubber or silicone rubber).

The fluid 50 may be a liquid such as oil or a gas such as the atmosphere. The fluid chamber 42C enhances the elasticity of the OLED electro-optical panel 41, improving stability and impact resistance.

Inside the fluid chamber 42C, the elastomer structure 52 is arranged so as to be compressible in the thickness direction of the front layer 42. The material of the elastomer structure 52 may be the same as or different from that of the peripheral wall 42B. The material of the elastomer structure 52 will be described later. The fluid 50 fills a space other than the elastomer structure 52 of the fluid chamber 42C. The elastomer structure 52 can be formed by a printing method such as inkjet, screen printing, gravure printing, or photolithography.

In this embodiment, the elastomeric structure 52 may be a plurality of separated and separate blocks, but may be partially connected to each other. The shape of the elastomer structure 52 may be, for example, a cylinder or a prism having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber 42C, but is not limited. By partially arranging the elastomer structure 52 inside the fluid chamber 42C, the elasticity of the OLED electro-optical panel 41 is enhanced, and the stability and impact resistance are improved.

The OLED electro-optical panel 41 has a pressure adjusting mechanism 54 for adjusting the pressure of the fluid 50 in the fluid chamber 42C. The pressure adjusting mechanism 54 has a container 56 and a communication pipe 58 that connects the container 56 and the fluid chamber 42C. The container 56 is a sealed body made of an elastic body, for example, an elastomer. The communication pipe 58 may be formed of a rigid body, but is preferably formed of an elastic body. Although not essential, a pump 59 may intervene in the communication pipe 58.

In the absence of the pump 59, if the user compresses the OLED electro-optical panel 41, the pressure inside the fluid chamber 42C increases, and if the compressive force is released, the pressure decreases and returns to the original pressure. Therefore, in this case, the pressure adjusting mechanism 54 can be regarded as a passive control type pressure adjusting mechanism.

If there is a pump 59, the pressure inside the fluid chamber 42C can be increased or decreased by the user operating the pump 59. Therefore, in this case, the pressure adjusting mechanism 54 can be regarded as an active control type pressure adjusting mechanism. The pump 59 may be an electric pump or a manual pump. The pump 59 may be a diaphragm pump, a tube pump, or any other suitable pump.

In this embodiment, the rigidity (in other words, elasticity) of the fluid chamber 42C changes by adjusting the pressure of the fluid 50 in the fluid chamber 42C. Therefore, the flexibility of the OLED electro-optical panel 41, the stability after deformation, and the impact resistance can be adjusted. Further, the elastomer structure 52 improves the shock absorbing capacity of the OLED electro-optical panel 41. In this way, the fluid chamber 42C functions as a protective layer for the electro-optical element.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing the front layer 42 of the OLED electro-optical panel 41 of the second embodiment. As described above, the shape of the elastomer structure 52 is not limited. However, inside the fluid chamber 42C, the boundary between the elastomer structure 52 and the fluid 50 does not overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optical element. Therefore, the scattering of light at the boundary is prevented, and the deterioration of the image is prevented. In FIG. 5, the elastomer structure 52 has a plurality of overlapping portions 60 that overlap the pixels, and the fluid 50 has one non-overlapping portion 62 that does not overlap the pixels. Although not shown, the region of the fluid 50 may be divided by a long elastomer structure 52 (overlapping portion 60) to provide a plurality of non-overlapping portions 62.

In FIG. 5, each overlapping portion 60 overlaps one pixel. However, each overlapping portion 60 may overlap a plurality of pixels, may overlap one subpixel, or may overlap a plurality of subpixels.

In this embodiment, since the fluid chamber 42C is provided in the front layer 42, it is preferable that the elastomer structure 52 corresponding to the overlapping portion 60 is transparent. The fluid 50 corresponding to the non-overlapping portion 62 may also be transparent. In this case, it is preferable that the fluid 50 has a refractive index different from that of the elastomer structure 52. According to this, due to the difference in the refractive index between the overlapping portion 60 and the non-overlapping portion 62, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 invades the other overlapping portion 60 and disturbs the image is reduced.

Alternatively, the fluid 50 constituting the non-overlapping portion 62 may be opaque. Also in this case, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 invades the other overlapping portion 60 and disturbs the image is reduced.

In any case, if the elastomer structure 52 corresponding to the overlapping portion 60 is transparent, the elastomer structure 52 is superior in straightness to light as compared with, for example, a protective film made of glass fiber, so that it is hazy or turbid. It is possible to present a high-definition image with a small amount of light.

The material of the elastomer structure 52 is not limited to any polymer substance having remarkable elasticity, but is preferably a thermosetting elastomer, more preferably a thermosetting resin-based elastomer, and is three-dimensional. It is a chemically crosslinked polymer. In this embodiment, since the elastomer structure 52 corresponds to the overlapping portion 60, it is preferable to form the elastomer structure 52 with urethane rubber or silicone rubber having high transparency. Urethane rubber or silicone rubber is also preferable in that it has high strength.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front layer 42 in a state where the fluid chamber 42C is compressed. By providing the peripheral wall 42B and the elastomer structure 52, even if the fluid 50 is incompressible, the pressure adjusting mechanism 54 adjusts the pressure inside the fluid chamber 42C to adjust the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C. Changes. As is clear from comparing FIGS. 4 and 6, the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C is large in FIG. 4, and the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C is small in FIG.

As the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C changes, the viewing angle of the OLED electro-optical panel 41 also changes. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, if the thickness of the overlapping portion 60 is expanded, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 becomes longer, but the cross-sectional area of the optical path does not change significantly, so that the viewing angle Becomes narrower. As shown in FIG. 6, if the thickness of the overlapping portion 60 is reduced, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 is shortened, so that the viewing angle is widened. As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid chamber 42C and the pressure adjusting mechanism 54 can be used as the variable viewing angle control mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front layer 42 according to the modified example of the second embodiment. In this modification, the fluid 50 corresponds to the overlapping portion 60 of the pixel or subpixel, and the elastomer structure 52 corresponds to the non-overlapping portion 62. In this way, either the fluid or the elastomeric structure may overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optic element. The boundary between the elastomer structure 52 and the fluid 50 does not overlap the pixels or subpixels of the electro-optic element. Therefore, the scattering of light at the boundary is prevented, and the deterioration of the image is prevented.

Since the fluid chamber 42C is provided in the front layer 42, it is preferable that the fluid 50 corresponding to the overlapping portion 60 is transparent in the modified example of FIG. 7. The elastomer structure 52 corresponding to the non-overlapping portion 62 may also be transparent. In this case, it is preferable that the fluid 50 has a refractive index different from that of the elastomer structure 52. According to this, due to the difference in the refractive index between the overlapping portion 60 and the non-overlapping portion 62, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 invades the other overlapping portion 60 and disturbs the image is reduced.

Alternatively, the elastomer structure 52 constituting the non-overlapping portion 62 may be opaque. Also in this case, the possibility that the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 invades the other overlapping portion 60 and disturbs the image is reduced.

In any case, if the fluid 50 corresponding to the overlapping portion 60 is transparent, the fluid 50 is superior in straightness of light as compared with, for example, a protective film made of glass fiber, so that high definition with less haze and turbidity. Can present various images. This modification can produce the same effect as the effect of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front layer 42 according to another modification of the second embodiment. In this modification, each of the overlapping portions 60 made of the elastomer structure 52 has a dome shape having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber 42C. This dome shape is a shape in which a part of a sphere is placed on a conical table, but it may be a hemispherical shape, or a shape obtained by cutting a spheroid in an arbitrary plane perpendicular to the central axis. May be good. This modification can produce the same effect as the effect of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front layer 42 in a state where the fluid chamber 42C is compressed. By providing the peripheral wall 42B and the elastomer structure 52, even if the fluid 50 is incompressible, the pressure adjusting mechanism 54 adjusts the pressure inside the fluid chamber 42C to adjust the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C. Changes. As is clear from comparing FIGS. 8 and 9, the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C is large in FIG. 8, and the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C is small in FIG.

As the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C changes, the viewing angle of the OLED electro-optical panel 41 also changes. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, if the thickness of the overlapping portion 60 is expanded, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 becomes longer, but the cross-sectional area of the optical path does not change significantly, so that the viewing angle Becomes narrower. As shown in FIG. 9, if the thickness of the overlapping portion 60 is reduced, the optical path length of the light transmitted through the overlapping portion 60 is shortened, so that the viewing angle is widened.

Further, in the state of FIG. 8, the upper portion of each overlapping portion 60 composed of the elastomer structure 52 is curved, and the overlapping portion 60 acts like a convex lens. On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 9, the upper portion of each overlapping portion 60 is deformed and flattened, and the overlapping portion 60 does not act like a convex lens. As described above, when each overlapping portion 60 composed of the elastomer structure 52 has a dome shape, each overlapping portion 60 functions as a convex lens, and when the thickness of the fluid chamber 42C changes, the focal length of the convex lens increases. As it changes, the viewing angle of the image can change. In addition, an electro-optical electro-optical panel capable of stereoscopic display without restricting the position of the observer can be realized.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a flexible OLED electro-optical panel 63 according to another modification of the second embodiment. The OLED electro-optical panel 63 has an OLED layer 65 that emits white light instead of the OLED layer 16 that emits color. Further, the color filter layer 66 is interposed between the OLED layer 65 and the TFT layer 14. The color filter layer 66 has a large number of color filter elements 66R, 66G, 66B. The color filter element 66R transmits red light, the color filter element 66G transmits green light, and the color filter element 66B transmits blue light. One color filter element corresponds to one subpixel, and one set of color filter elements 66R, 66G, 66B corresponds to one pixel.

The above fluid chamber 42C may also be provided in the front layer 42 of the OLED electro-optical panel 63.

The back layer 22 having the fluid chamber 22C of the first embodiment may be provided on the electro-optical panel of the second embodiment and its modifications.

As an embodiment, the OLED electro-optical panel has been described as an example, but a cholesteric liquid crystal electro-optical panel, a PDLC electro-optical panel, an electrophoretic electro-optic panel, or a transparent OLED electro-optical panel or other electro-optics such as an OLED lighting device. The present invention can also be applied to panels.

1,41,63 OLED electro-optical panel 10 Flexible substrate 12 Barrier layer 14 TFT layer 16 OLED layer 22 Back layer 24 Back film 28 Front film 22A, 42A Sealing plate 22B, 42B Peripheral wall 22C, 42C Fluid chamber 30, 50 Fluid 32, 52 Elastomer structure 34,54 Pressure adjustment mechanism 36,56 Container 38,58 Communication pipe 40, 59 Pump 42 Front layer 60 Overlapping part 62 Non-overlapping part 65 OLED layer 66 Color filter layer

Claims (8)

A flexible electro-optical element that presents an image by emitting light or controlling the transmission of light,
A fluid chamber that overlaps with the electro-optical element, spreads in a plane parallel to the electro-optical element, is arranged on the light emitting side of the electro-optical element, and contains a fluid inside.
An elastomer structure arranged inside the fluid chamber in a state of being compressible in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber.
E Bei a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure of said fluid in said fluid chamber,
A flexible electro-optical panel in which the boundary between the elastomer structure and the fluid does not overlap the pixels or sub-pixels of the electro-optic element inside the fluid chamber. The electro-optical panel according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid has a plurality of overlapping portions that overlap the pixels or subpixels, and the elastomeric structure has at least one non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the pixels or subpixels. .. The electro-optical panel according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric structure has a plurality of overlapping portions that overlap the pixels or subpixels, and the fluid has at least one non-overlapping portion that does not overlap the pixels or subpixels. .. The electro-optical panel according to claim 3 , wherein each of the overlapping portions made of the elastomer structure has a cylindrical shape having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber. The electro-optical panel according to claim 3 , wherein each of the overlapping portions made of the elastomer structure has a dome shape having a central axis in the thickness direction of the fluid chamber. The electro-optical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the fluid and the elastomer structure are transparent, and the fluid has a refractive index different from that of the elastomer structure. The electro-optical panel according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the non-overlapping portion is opaque. The electro-optical panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the pressure adjusting mechanism changes the thickness of the fluid chamber by adjusting the pressure in the fluid chamber.

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