Display device

Abstract

This invention relates to a display device. The invention provides a display device having the function of a touch panel and an illuminance sensor on its rear side, the illuminance sensor being capable of capturing sufficient light intensity to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side. One embodiment of the display device includes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels, each comprising a display element having a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and an organic layer; a partition wall comprising a conductive lower portion and an upper portion protruding from the side of the lower portion, surrounding each pixel; a touch panel electrode for detecting objects touching or approaching the display area; and an illuminance sensor disposed on the rear side of the substrate for measuring the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the substrate. Each pixel includes a transmittance area where no display element is disposed. The touch panel electrode includes a metal line located above and extending along the partition wall, forming a crankshaft shape near the transmittance area included by each pixel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In recent years, display devices using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements have been put into practical use. These display elements have a lower electrode, an organic layer covering the lower electrode, and an upper electrode covering the organic layer.

[0003] Display devices sometimes have a touch panel function that detects user operations on the display area. When electrodes used to achieve this function are placed in the display area, the structure of the display device needs to be carefully designed in order to suppress the degradation of display quality caused by the electrodes.

[0004] Furthermore, the display device has an illuminance sensor on the rear side, and sometimes has the function of adjusting the brightness of the display device according to the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor. To achieve this function, a light transmission area that allows the illuminance sensor to capture enough light to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the display device needs to be set in the display area, and further work needs to be done on the structure of the display device. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a display device that has the function of a touch panel and has an illuminance sensor on the rear side, and the illuminance sensor can capture enough light to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side.

[0006] One embodiment of a display device includes: a substrate having a display area for displaying an image; a plurality of pixels equally disposed in the display area, each including a display element, the display element including a lower electrode, an upper electrode opposite to the lower electrode, and an organic layer disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and emitting light according to the potential difference between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; an isolation wall including a conductive lower portion and an upper portion protruding from the side of the lower portion and surrounding each pixel; a touch panel electrode for detecting objects touching or approaching the display area; and an illuminance sensor disposed on the back side of the substrate for measuring the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the substrate. Each pixel includes a transmittance area where no display element is disposed. The touch panel electrode includes a metal line located above and extending along the isolation wall, forming a crankshaft shape near the transmittance area included by each pixel.

Implementation Method

[0008] The following describes several implementation forms with reference to the diagram on one side and on the other side.

[0009] The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art to maintain the spirit of the invention are naturally included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, the drawings, for the purpose of greater clarity, depict the width, thickness, shape, etc., of various parts in a patterned manner compared to the actual form; however, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the interpretation of this invention. Also, in this specification and the various drawings, sometimes the same reference numerals are used to mark constituent elements that have the same or similar functions as those described above in previously shown figures, and repeated detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0010] Furthermore, in the diagram, for ease of understanding, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are recorded. The direction along the X-axis is called the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis is called the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis is called the third direction Z. The third direction Z is the normal direction relative to the plane containing the first direction X and the second direction Y. Also, viewing various elements parallel to the plane containing the first direction X and the second direction Y is called a top view.

[0011] One embodiment of the display device is an organic electroluminescent display device with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as the display element, which can be installed in various electronic devices such as televisions, personal computers, in-vehicle machines, tablet terminals, smartphones, mobile phone terminals, and wearable terminals.

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a display device DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The display device DSP has a display area DA for displaying images and a peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA on an insulating substrate 10. The substrate 10 may be glass or a flexible resin film.

[0013] In this embodiment, the shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from above is rectangular. However, the shape of the substrate 10 when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangle, and may also be other shapes such as a square, a circle or an ellipse.

[0014] The display area DA has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. Pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels SP. As an example, pixel PX includes a red subpixel SP1 (first subpixel), a green subpixel SP2 (second subpixel), and a blue subpixel SP3 (third subpixel). Alternatively, pixel PX may include subpixels SP of other colors such as white, either together with or in place of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3.

[0015] The sub-pixel SP includes a pixel circuit 1 and a display element DE driven by the pixel circuit 1. The pixel circuit 1 includes a pixel switch 2, a driving transistor 3, and a capacitor 4. The pixel switch 2 and the driving transistor 3 are, for example, switching elements made of thin-film transistors.

[0016] The gate electrode of pixel switch 2 is connected to scan line GL. One of the source electrode and drain electrode of pixel switch 2 is connected to signal line SL, and the other is connected to the gate electrode of driving transistor 3 and capacitor 4. In driving transistor 3, one of the source electrode and drain electrode is connected to power line PL and capacitor 4, and the other is connected to display element DE.

[0017] Furthermore, the configuration of pixel circuit 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, pixel circuit 1 may have more thin-film transistors and capacitors.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. In the example of Figure 2, subpixels SP1 and SP2 are arranged in the second direction Y. Furthermore, subpixels SP1 and SP2 are arranged in the first direction X, respectively, along with subpixel SP3.

[0019] When subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 are arranged in this manner, in the display area DA, subpixels SP1 and SP2 are alternately arranged in rows in the second direction Y, and a plurality of subpixels SP3 are repeatedly arranged in rows in the second direction Y. These rows are alternately arranged in the first direction X. Furthermore, the layout of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 is not limited to the example in Figure 2.

[0020] A rib 5 and an isolation wall 6 are configured in the display area DA. The rib 5 has pixel openings AP1, AP2, and AP3 in sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, respectively. In the example of Figure 2, pixel opening AP2 is larger than pixel opening AP1, and pixel opening AP3 is larger than pixel opening AP2.

[0021] The isolation wall 6 is disposed at the boundary of the adjacent sub-pixel SP, and overlaps with the rib 5 when viewed from above. The isolation wall 6 has a plurality of first isolation walls 6x extending in the first direction X and a plurality of second isolation walls 6y extending in the second direction Y. The plurality of first isolation walls 6x are respectively disposed between adjacent pixel openings AP1 and AP2 in the second direction Y, and between two adjacent pixel openings AP3 in the second direction Y. The second isolation walls 6y are respectively disposed between adjacent pixel openings AP1 and AP3 in the first direction X, and between adjacent pixel openings AP2 and AP3 in the first direction X.

[0022] In the example of Figure 2, the first isolation wall 6x and the second isolation wall 6y are connected to each other. Thus, the isolation wall 6 as a whole is a grid-like structure surrounding the pixel openings AP1, AP2, and AP3. The isolation wall 6 can also be described as having openings in the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, similar to the rib 5.

[0023] Sub-pixel SP1 has a lower electrode LE1, an upper electrode UE1, and an organic layer OR1 that overlap with pixel opening AP1. Sub-pixel SP2 has a lower electrode LE2, an upper electrode UE2, and an organic layer OR2 that overlap with pixel opening AP2. Sub-pixel SP3 has a lower electrode LE3, an upper electrode UE3, and an organic layer OR3 that overlap with pixel opening AP3.

[0024] The portion of the lower electrode LE1, the upper electrode UE1, and the portion of the organic layer OR1 overlapping with the pixel opening AP1 constitutes the display element DE1 of the sub-pixel SP1. The portion of the lower electrode LE2, the upper electrode UE2, and the portion of the organic layer OR2 overlapping with the pixel opening AP2 constitutes the display element DE2 of the sub-pixel SP2. The portion of the lower electrode LE3, the upper electrode UE3, and the portion of the organic layer OR3 overlapping with the pixel opening AP3 constitutes the display element DE3 of the sub-pixel SP3. The display elements DE1, DE2, and DE3 may further include the cover layer described later. Ribs 5 and insulating walls 6 surround each of the display elements DE1, DE2, and DE3.

[0025] The lower electrode LE1 is connected to the pixel circuit 1 of the sub-pixel SP1 through the contact hole CH1 (see Figure 1). The lower electrode LE2 is connected to the pixel circuit 1 of the sub-pixel SP2 through the contact hole CH2. The lower electrode LE3 is connected to the pixel circuit 1 of the sub-pixel SP3 through the contact hole CH3.

[0026] In the example of Figure 2, contact holes CH1 and CH2 generally overlap with the first isolation wall 6x between adjacent pixel openings AP1 and AP2 in the second direction Y. Contact hole CH3 generally overlaps with the first isolation wall 6x between two adjacent pixel openings AP3 in the second direction Y. As another example, at least a portion of contact holes CH1, CH2, and CH3 may not overlap with the first isolation wall 6x.

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP along line III-III in FIG2. A circuit layer 11 is disposed on the substrate 10. The circuit layer 11 includes various circuits or wiring such as pixel circuit 1, scan line GL, signal line SL and power line PL shown in FIG1.

[0028] The circuit layer 11 is covered by an organic insulating layer 12. The organic insulating layer 12 functions as a planarization film to flatten the unevenness generated by the circuit layer 11. It is not shown in the cross-section of FIG3, but the aforementioned contact holes CH1, CH2, and CH3 are provided in the organic insulating layer 12.

[0029] Lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are disposed on the organic insulating layer 12. Ribs 5 are disposed on the organic insulating layer 12 and the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3. The ends of the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are covered by ribs 5.

[0030] The isolation wall 6 includes a conductive lower portion 61 disposed on the rib 5 and an upper portion 62 disposed on the lower portion 61. The upper portion 62 has a wider width than the lower portion 61. As a result, in FIG3, the two ends of the upper portion 62 protrude more than the sides of the lower portion 61. This shape of the isolation wall 6 is referred to as a suspended shape.

[0031] Organic layer OR1 covers lower electrode LE1 through pixel opening AP1. Upper electrode UE1 covers organic layer OR1 and faces lower electrode LE1. Organic layer OR2 covers lower electrode LE2 through pixel opening AP2. Upper electrode UE2 covers organic layer OR2 and faces lower electrode LE2. Organic layer OR3 covers lower electrode LE3 through pixel opening AP3. Upper electrode UE3 covers organic layer OR3 and faces lower electrode LE3.

[0032] In the example of Figure 3, a capping layer CP1 is disposed on the upper electrode UE1, a capping layer CP2 is disposed on the upper electrode UE2, and a capping layer CP3 is disposed on the upper electrode UE3. The capping layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 respectively adjust the optical properties of the light emitted by the organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3.

[0033] In the following description, the laminate containing organic layer OR1, upper electrode UE1 and capping layer CP1 is referred to as thin film FL1, the laminate containing organic layer OR2, upper electrode UE2 and capping layer CP2 is referred to as thin film FL2, and the laminate containing organic layer OR3, upper electrode UE3 and capping layer CP3 is referred to as thin film FL3.

[0034] A portion of the thin film FL1 is located above the upper part 62. This portion is separate from the portion of the thin film FL1 located below the insulating wall 6 (the portion constituting the display element DE1). Similarly, a portion of the thin film FL2 is located above the upper part 62, and this portion is separate from the portion of the thin film FL2 located below the insulating wall 6 (the portion constituting the display element DE2). Furthermore, a portion of the thin film FL3 is located above the upper part 62, and this portion is separate from the portion of the thin film FL3 located below the insulating wall 6 (the portion constituting the display element DE3).

[0035] Sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13 (first sealing layers) are respectively provided for sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Sealing layer SE11 continuously covers the isolation wall 6 surrounding film FL1 or sub-pixel SP1. Sealing layer SE12 continuously covers the isolation wall 6 surrounding film FL2 or sub-pixel SP2. Sealing layer SE13 continuously covers the isolation wall 6 surrounding film FL3 or sub-pixel SP3. Sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13 completely cover pixel PX. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13, it is simply referred to as sealing layer SE1.

[0036] In the example of Figure 3, the thin film FL1 and the sealing layer SE11 on the isolation wall 6 between sub-pixels SP1 and SP3 are separated from the thin film FL3 and the sealing layer SE13 on the isolation wall 6. Also, the thin film FL2 and the sealing layer SE12 on the isolation wall 6 between sub-pixels SP2 and SP3 are separated from the thin film FL3 and the sealing layer SE13 on the isolation wall 6.

[0037] Sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13 are covered by resin layer RS1 (first resin layer). Resin layer RS1 is covered by sealing layer SE2 (second sealing layer). Sealing layer SE2 is covered by resin layer RS2 (second resin layer). Resin layers RS1, RS2, and sealing layer SE2 are disposed at least continuously over the entire display area DA, and a portion thereof also extends to the surrounding area SA.

[0038] A cover component such as a polarizing plate, a touch panel, a protective film, or a cover glass may be disposed above the resin layer RS2. This cover component may be attached to the resin layer RS2 through an adhesive layer such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0039] In the example of Figure 3, a metal line ML constituting the touch panel electrode TP is disposed on the sealing layer SE2. The metal line ML is located above the isolation wall 6 and extends substantially along the isolation wall 6. The metal layer ML is covered by the resin layer RS2.

[0040] The organic insulating layer 12 is formed of an organic insulating material. Ribs 5 and sealing layers SE11, SE12, SE13, and SE2 are formed, for example, of inorganic insulating materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or silicon nitride oxide (SiON). Ribs 5 and sealing layers SE11, SE12, SE13, and SE2 can be laminates of different types of inorganic insulating materials. Resin layers RS1 and RS2 are formed, for example, of resin materials (organic insulating materials) such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin.

[0041] The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 have, for example, a reflective layer formed of silver (Ag) and a pair of conductive oxide layers respectively covering the upper and lower surfaces of the reflective layer. Each conductive oxide layer may be formed of a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), or IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0042] The upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 are formed, for example, of a metallic material such as an alloy of magnesium and silver (MgAg). For example, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are equivalent to anodes, and the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 are equivalent to cathodes.

[0043] Organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 may have a stacked structure comprising a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, a light-emitting layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. Organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 may have a so-called tandem structure comprising a plurality of light-emitting layers.

[0044] The capping layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 are, for example, formed from a multilayer of a plurality of transparent thin films. The multilayer may comprise thin films formed of inorganic materials and thin films formed of organic materials, as a plurality of thin films. Furthermore, these plurality of thin films have different refractive indices. The materials constituting the multilayer are different from the materials of the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3, and also different from the materials of the sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13. Alternatively, the capping layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 may be omitted.

[0045] The metal wire ML is formed of a metallic material. As an example, the metal wire ML has a multilayer structure of titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and titanium. However, the metal wire ML may have a multilayer structure of other metallic materials, or it may have a single-layer structure.

[0046] The lower portion 61 of the isolation wall 6 is, for example, formed of aluminum. The lower portion 61 may be formed of an aluminum alloy such as aluminum-neodymium (AlNd), or may have a laminated structure of an aluminum layer and an aluminum alloy layer. Furthermore, the lower portion 61 may have a thin film formed of a metal material different from aluminum or aluminum alloy beneath the aluminum layer or aluminum alloy layer. This thin film may be formed of, for example, molybdenum (Mo).

[0047] The upper part 62 of the isolation wall 6 has, for example, a laminated structure of a thin film formed of a metallic material such as titanium and a thin film formed of a conductive oxide such as ITO. The upper part 62 may have a single-layer structure of a metallic material such as titanium. Furthermore, the upper part 62 may have a single-layer structure of an inorganic insulating material different from the sealing layers SE11, SE12, and SE13.

[0048] A common voltage is supplied to the isolation wall 6. This common voltage is supplied to the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3, which are in contact with the side of the lower part 61. Pixel voltages are supplied to the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 through the pixel circuits 1 of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3.

[0049] When a potential difference is formed between the lower electrode LE1 and the upper electrode UE1, the light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR1 emits light in the red wavelength range. When a potential difference is formed between the lower electrode LE2 and the upper electrode UE2, the light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR2 emits light in the green wavelength range. When a potential difference is formed between the lower electrode LE3 and the upper electrode UE3, the light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR3 emits light in the blue wavelength range.

[0050] As another example, the light-emitting layers of organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 can emit light of the same color (e.g., white). In this case, the display device DSP may include a color filter that converts the light emitted by the light-emitting layers into light of the color corresponding to the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Furthermore, the display device DSP may include a layer containing quantum dots, which are excited by the light emitted by the light-emitting layers to generate light of the color corresponding to the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing the components used to realize the functions related to the touch panel. The substrate 10 has ends 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Ends 10a and 10b extend parallel to the second direction Y. Ends 10c and 10d extend parallel to the first direction X. A plurality of touch panel electrodes TP are disposed on the display area DA on the substrate 10. In the example of Figure 4, 16 touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16 (4 columns × 4 rows) are arranged in a matrix. Touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP8 are located in the left half of the display area DA, and touch panel electrodes TP9 to TP16 are located in the right half of the display area DA. However, the number or arrangement of touch panel electrodes TP is not limited to this example.

[0052] Leads LL1 to LL16 are respectively connected to the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16. Leads LL1 to LL8 are electrically connected to the terminal T via the connecting part TCN1. Leads LL9 to LL16 are electrically connected to the terminal T via the connecting part TCN2. For example, the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP8, leads LL1 to LL8, connecting part TCN1, touch panel electrodes TP9 to TP16, leads LL9 to LL16, and connecting part TCN2 have a shape that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line in the first direction X of the display device DSP.

[0053] At terminal T, for example, one end of a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is connected via a conductive adhesive. The other end of the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) is connected to the substrate of an electronic device carrying a display device DSP. Image signals or power required for image display are supplied to the display device DSP via the flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0054] The display device DSP further includes a display controller CT1 that performs control related to image display, and a detection controller CT2 that performs control related to touch detection. These controllers CT1 and CT2 are, for example, composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit) and mounted on a flexible circuit board (FPC). The controllers CT1 and CT2 can be mounted on different flexible circuit boards, which are respectively connected to the terminal portion T.

[0055] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16 constitute a capacitive touch panel. For example, the detection controller CT2 identifies the position of the object contacting or approaching the display area DA based on the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16 when a user's finger or other object touches or approaches the display area DA. This method is called capacitive type.

[0056] However, mutual capacitance can also be used as a method for object detection. In this case, in addition to the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16, a driving electrode is also provided in the display area DA. When an object touches or approaches the display area DA, the electric field between the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16 and the driving electrode is affected by the object, and the capacitance between the touch panel electrodes TP1 to TP16 and the driving electrode changes. The detection controller CT2 identifies the position where the object touches or approaches based on this change in capacitance.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP in the surrounding area SA.

[0058] The circuit layer 11 shown in FIG3 has inorganic insulating layers 31, 32, and 33 formed of inorganic insulating material, an organic insulating layer 34 formed of organic insulating material, and metal layers 41, 42, and 43. Inorganic insulating layer 31 covers the upper surface of substrate 10. Metal layer 41 is disposed on inorganic insulating layer 31. Inorganic insulating layer 32 covers metal layer 41. Metal layer 42 is disposed on inorganic insulating layer 32. Inorganic insulating layer 33 covers metal layer 42. Organic insulating layer 34 covers inorganic insulating layer 33. Metal layer 43 is disposed on organic insulating layer 34 and is covered by organic insulating layer 12.

[0059] Inorganic insulating layers 31, 32, and 33 are formed, for example, of inorganic materials such as silicon nitrides and silicon oxides. Metal layers 41, 42, and 43 have, for example, a single-layer or multilayer structure of metallic materials such as molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), molybdenum-tungsten alloy (MoW), aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu). Metal layer 41 forms, for example, the scan line GL shown in FIG1. ​​Furthermore, metal layer 42 forms, for example, the signal line SL shown in FIG1.

[0060] Both baffle portions DM1 and DM2 protrude upwards from the substrate 10. In the example of FIG5, baffle portions DM1 and DM2 are formed of organic insulating layers 12 and 34. That is, in this embodiment, baffle portions DM1 and DM2 are formed of the same material as organic insulating layers 34 and 12 on the same layer as organic insulating layers 34 and 12.

[0061] In the surrounding area SA, a conductive relay layer RL and a rib 5 are further disposed to connect the isolation wall 6 and the power supply line (not shown). The relay layer RL is formed, for example, from the same material as the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 described above and through the same process. The relay layer RL is disposed on the organic insulating layer 12 and covered by the rib 5.

[0062] The isolation wall 6 is disposed on the rib 5. The isolation wall 6 contacts the relay layer RL in the contact portion CN1 (first contact portion) that overlaps with the organic insulating layer 12 when viewed from above. The rib 5 has an opening in the contact portion CN1.

[0063] The isolation wall 6 is covered by a thin film FL. The thin film FL is covered by a sealing layer SE1. The sealing layer SE1 continuously covers the thin film FL, rib 5, organic insulating layers 12 and 34, and baffle portions DM1 and DM2. The end Es1 of the sealing layer SE1 is located above the baffle portion DM2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the thin film FL is broken near the end E1 of the isolation wall 6. The sealing layer SE1 continuously covers the broken thin film FL. That is, the end E2 of the thin film FL is covered by the sealing layer SE1. By breaking the thin film FL in this way, the path of moisture intrusion through the thin film FL can be interrupted.

[0065] Above the sealing layer SE1, a resin layer RS1 and a sealing layer SE2 as shown in FIG3 are disposed. The resin layer RS1 covers the sealing layer SE1. The baffle portion DM1 serves to block the resin layer RS1 before curing during the manufacturing of the display device DSP.

[0066] In the example of Figure 5, the end Er1 of the resin layer RS1 is located above the baffle portion DM1. However, the position of the end Er1 is not limited to this example.

[0067] The sealing layer SE2 covers the end Er1 of the resin layer RS1. The sealing layer SE2 contacts the sealing layer SE1 in the area further outward (right side in the figure) from the end Er1. In the example of Figure 5, the end Es2 of the sealing layer SE2, like the end Es1 of the sealing layer SE1, is located above the baffle portion DM2. The resin layer RS1 is surrounded by the sealing layers SE1 and SE2. This inhibits the intrusion of moisture into the resin layer RS1.

[0068] A lead wire LL is disposed on the sealing layer SE2. An output line OL electrically connected to the lead wire LL is disposed between the baffle portions DM1 and DM2. The output line OL has a first wiring W1 formed by a metal layer 42 and second wirings W21 and W22 formed by a metal layer 43. In the example of FIG5, the first wiring W1 and the second wiring W21 are in contact in the contact portion CN2 located between the baffle portions DM1 and DM2, and the first wiring W1 and the second wiring W22 are in contact in the contact portion CN3 located outside the baffle portion DM2. The second wiring W22 is covered by an organic insulating layer 12. In addition, although not shown in this cross-section, a portion of the second wiring W22 is exposed from the organic insulating layer 12 outside the baffle portion DM2, forming the aforementioned connection portion TCN.

[0069] The contact hole CHa penetrates the organic insulating layer 34 and the sealing layers SE1 and SE2. The output line OL and the lead line LL are connected through the contact hole CHa.

[0070] The resin layer RS2 covers the sealing layer SE2 and the lead LL. The baffle portion DM2 serves to block the resin layer RS2 before curing during the manufacture of the display device DSP. In this embodiment, the end Er2 of the resin layer RS2 is located between the end Er1 of the resin layer RS1 and the ends Es1 and Es2 of the sealing layers SE1 and SE2. Furthermore, the position of the end Er2 is not limited to the example in Figure 5.

[0071] However, sometimes an illuminance sensor is disposed on the rear side (substrate 10 side) of the display device DSP. The illuminance sensor is disposed to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the display device DSP (i.e., outdoor light), and measures the illuminance of light passing through the transmission area of ​​the light-shielding element in each pixel PX. In this way, by disposing of the illuminance sensor on the rear side of the display device DSP, functions such as setting the brightness of the display device DSP higher in brighter environments and setting the brightness of the display device DSP lower in darker environments can be installed, and the brightness of the display device DSP can be automatically adjusted according to the illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor.

[0072] To install this function, it is necessary to ensure that the transmission area is within the display area DA, which allows the illuminance sensor located on the rear side of the display device DSP to capture sufficient light to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the display device DSP. In particular, in display devices with touch panel functions, such as the aforementioned display device DSP, in addition to the elements constituting each pixel PX, the metal lines ML constituting the touch panel electrodes TP are also disposed in the display area DA. Therefore, in order to ensure the aforementioned transmission area, the structure of the display device needs to be carefully designed.

[0073] FIG6 is a schematic top view of the pixel PX and metal line ML of the comparative example. The pixel PX of the comparative example includes subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 with the same layout as in FIG2. However, in FIG6, regarding the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, only the lower electrode LE and the pixel opening AP (light-emitting part) are shown among the elements constituting the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3.

[0074] Each pixel PX has a transparent area between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 contained in each pixel PX. That is, no light-blocking elements are arranged between the lower electrode LE1 constituting the sub-pixel SP1, the lower electrode LE2 constituting the sub-pixel SP2, and the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3 contained in each pixel PX.

[0075] On the other hand, the metal lines ML constituting the touch panel electrodes TP extend along the isolation wall 6 and are in the form of a grid. Specifically, the metal lines ML are aligned to surround the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 respectively.

[0076] Furthermore, in the metal line ML, the metal line ML1 disposed between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 contained in a pixel PX is aligned in such a way that it overlaps with the end LE3a of the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3 when viewed from above.

[0077] Accordingly, a light-transmitting area TA1 without light-shielding elements may be provided between the metal line ML1 and the end LE1a of the lower electrode LE1 constituting the sub-pixel SP1. Similarly, a light-transmitting area TA2 without light-shielding elements may be provided between the metal line ML1 and the end LE2a of the lower electrode LE2 constituting the sub-pixel SP2.

[0078] By setting two transmission areas TA1 and TA2 for each pixel PX, the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can obtain sufficient light quantity to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the display device DSP through the transmission areas TA1 and TA2.

[0079] However, during the step of forming the metal line ML constituting the touch panel electrode TP, misalignment sometimes occurs, resulting in a shift in the position of the metal line ML. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the metal line ML1 is shifted to the left of its original intended position in FIG. 6, there is a possibility that the metal line ML1 may fill the aforementioned transmission areas TA1 and TA2. Accordingly, the illuminance sensor disposed on the rear side of the display device DSP cannot capture sufficient light quantity to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the display device DSP, resulting in the inability to measure the illuminance of that light.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, the layout of the metal line ML used to ensure the transmission area is described. Even if the transmission area is misaligned during the step of forming the metal line ML and the position of the metal line ML is shifted, the illuminance sensor disposed on the back side of the display device DSP can capture enough light to measure the illuminance of the light incident from the front side of the display device DSP.

[0081] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the pixel PX and metal line ML of this embodiment. The pixel PX of this embodiment includes subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 with the same layout as in Figure 2. However, in Figure 8, regarding the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, only the lower electrode LE and the pixel opening AP are shown as the elements constituting the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. Furthermore, the following description mainly focuses on the parts that differ from the comparative example shown in Figure 6, and omits the description of the parts that are the same as those shown in the comparative example in Figure 6.

[0082] In the metal line ML constituting the electrode TP of the touch panel, the metal line ML1 disposed between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 included in one pixel PX is formed into a crankshaft shape including two crankshaft portions CR1 and CR2. The crankshaft portion CR1 (first crankshaft portion) is formed between the sub-pixels SP1 and SP3, and the crankshaft portion CR2 (second crankshaft portion) is formed between the sub-pixels SP2 and SP3.

[0083] The crankshaft portion CR1 has: a first portion CR11, which overlaps with the end portion LE3a of the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3 and extends along the second direction Y; a second portion CR12, which overlaps with the end portion LE1a of the lower electrode LE1 constituting the sub-pixel SP1 and extends along the second direction Y; and a third portion CR13, which connects the end portion of the first portion CR11 and the end portion of the second portion CR12 and extends along the first direction X.

[0084] Similarly, the crankshaft portion CR2 has: a first portion CR21 (the fourth portion), which overlaps with the end portion LE3a of the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3 and extends along the second direction Y; a second portion CR22 (the fifth portion), which overlaps with the end portion LE2a of the lower electrode LE2 constituting the sub-pixel SP2 and extends along the second direction Y; and a third portion CR23 (the sixth portion), which connects the end portion of the first portion CR21 and the end portion of the second portion CR22 and extends along the first direction X.

[0085] Furthermore, the first portion CR11 of the crankshaft portion CR1 may be formed, for example, closer to the pixel opening AP3 side than the end LE3a of the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3, and may not overlap with the end LE3a. However, even if a misalignment occurs during the step of forming the metal line ML, it is desirable to form the first portion CR11 in a position that does not overlap with the pixel opening AP3. The second portion CR12 of the crankshaft portion CR1 may be formed, for example, closer to the pixel opening AP1 side than the end LE1a of the lower electrode LE1 constituting the sub-pixel SP1, and may not overlap with the end LE1a. However, even if a misalignment occurs during the step of forming the metal line ML, it is desirable to form the second portion CR12 in a position that does not overlap with the pixel opening AP1.

[0086] Similarly, the first portion CR21 of the crankshaft portion CR2 may be formed, for example, closer to the pixel opening AP3 side than the end LE3a of the lower electrode LE3 constituting the sub-pixel SP3, and may not overlap with the end LE3a. However, even if a misalignment occurs during the step of forming the metal line ML, it is desirable to form the first portion CR21 in a position that does not overlap with the pixel opening AP3. Furthermore, the second portion CR22 of the crankshaft portion CR2 may be formed, for example, closer to the pixel opening AP2 side than the end LE2a of the lower electrode LE2 constituting the sub-pixel SP2, and may not overlap with the end LE2a. However, even if a misalignment occurs during the step of forming the metal line ML, it is desirable to form the second portion CR22 in a position that does not overlap with the pixel opening AP2.

[0087] Thus, even if a misalignment occurs during the step of forming the metal line ML, the crankshaft portions CR1 and CR2 are formed in a position that does not overlap with the pixel opening AP (light-emitting portion), thereby preventing a decrease in the aperture ratio (narrowing of the light-emitting area).

[0088] As described above, by forming the metal line ML1 into a crankshaft shape including two crankshaft portions CR1 and CR2, a light-transmitting area TA11 without light-shielding elements can be provided between the first portion CR11 of the crankshaft portion CR1 and the end portion LE1a constituting the lower electrode LE1 of the sub-pixel SP1. Furthermore, a light-transmitting area TA12 without light-shielding elements can be provided between the first portion CR21 of the crankshaft portion CR2 and the end portion LE2a constituting the lower electrode LE2 of the sub-pixel SP2. Moreover, a light-transmitting area TA13 without light-shielding elements can be provided between the second portion CR12 of the crankshaft portion CR1, the second portion CR22 of the crankshaft portion CR2, and the end portion LE3a constituting the lower electrode LE3 of the sub-pixel SP3.

[0089] Furthermore, it is expected that the lengths of the first part CR11 of crankshaft CR1, the second part CR12 of crankshaft CR1, the first part CR21 of crankshaft CR2, and the second part CR22 of crankshaft CR2 are equal to each other.

[0090] Accordingly, since the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11 and TA12 can be made equal to the area of ​​the transmission region TA13, the details will be described later. However, even if the metal line ML1 is shifted to either the left or right due to misalignment, half of the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11, TA12, and TA13 can still function as a transmission region, ensuring that the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can capture a sufficient amount of light to measure the illuminance.

[0091] For example, as shown in FIG9, when the metal line ML1 is offset to the left in the figure due to misalignment, the transmission area TA11 is filled by the first part CR11 of the crankshaft portion CR1 included by the metal line ML1, the transmission area TA12 is filled by the first part CR21 of the crankshaft portion CR2 included by the metal line ML1, but the transmission area TA13 is not filled by the metal line ML1, thereby ensuring that the illuminance sensor arranged on the back side of the display device DSP can capture a sufficient amount of light to measure the illuminance.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in FIG10, when the metal line ML1 is offset to the right in the figure due to misalignment, the transmission area TA13 is filled by the second part CR12 of the crankshaft portion CR1 included by the metal line ML1 and the second part CR22 of the crankshaft portion CR2 included by the metal line ML1, but the transmission areas TA11 and TA12 are not filled by the metal line ML1, thereby ensuring that the illuminance sensor arranged on the back side of the display device DSP can capture a sufficient amount of light to measure the illuminance.

[0093] In addition, in Figure 8, it has been explained that the metal line ML that constitutes the touch panel electrode TP is only arranged between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 contained in one pixel PX and is formed into a crankshaft shape. However, in the metal line ML that constitutes the touch panel electrode TP, the metal line ML that is set into a crankshaft shape is determined based on the position of the transmission area contained in each pixel PX, and the metal line ML that is arranged near the transmission area contained in each pixel PX is formed into a crankshaft shape.

[0094] Therefore, as shown in FIG11, for example, when there is a transmission area contained in each pixel PX, not only between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 and SP3 contained in a pixel PX, but also between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 contained in a pixel PX and the sub-pixels SP3 contained in a pixel PX adjacent to the pixel PX along the first direction X, not only is the metal line ML1 formed in a crankshaft shape, but the metal line ML2 disposed between the sub-pixels SP1, SP2 contained in a pixel PX and the sub-pixels SP3 contained in a pixel PX adjacent to the pixel PX along the first direction X can also be formed in a crankshaft shape.

[0095] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the area of ​​the transmission region through which the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can capture sufficient light for measuring illuminance is half the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11, TA12, and TA13. However, the area of ​​the transmission region through which the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can capture sufficient light for measuring illuminance is determined according to the performance of the illuminance sensor. For example, when the area of ​​the transmission region through which the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can capture sufficient light for measuring illuminance is 1 / 3 of the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11, TA12, and TA13, the layout of the metal line ML can be the layout shown in FIG12.

[0096] In the example of Figure 12, the sum of the lengths of the first part CR11 of the crankshaft portion CR1 included by the metal wire ML1, the lengths of the first part CR21 of the crankshaft portion CR2 included by the metal wire ML1, the lengths of the second part CR12 of the crankshaft portion CR1 included by the metal wire ML1, and the lengths of the second part CR22 of the crankshaft portion CR2 included by the metal wire ML1 are equal to each other, and the areas of the through regions TA11, TA12, and TA13 are equal to each other.

[0097] In this case, even if the metal line ML1 is offset to the left in the figure due to misalignment, 1 / 3 of the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11, TA12, and TA13 can be used as a transmission region (specifically, the transmission region TA13 can be used as a transmission region). Even if the metal line ML1 is offset to the right in the figure due to misalignment, 2 / 3 of the sum of the areas of the transmission regions TA11, TA12, and TA13 can be used as a transmission region (specifically, the transmission regions TA11 and TA12 can be used as transmission regions). This ensures that the illuminance sensor configured on the back side of the display device DSP can capture a sufficient amount of light to measure the illuminance.

[0098] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that no light-blocking elements are provided in the transmission area included by each pixel PX. However, sometimes light-blocking elements are provided in the transmission area, such as a scan line GL extending along the first direction X. In this case, it is desirable to determine the length LY11 of the first portion CR11 of the crankshaft portion CR1, the length LY12 of the second portion CR12 of the crankshaft portion CR1, the length LY21 of the first portion CR21 of the crankshaft portion CR2, and the length LY22 of the second portion CR22 of the crankshaft portion CR2 (in other words, it is desirable to determine the area of ​​the transmission areas TA11, TA12, and TA13) while also taking into account the area of ​​light blocking by the scan line GL, etc.

[0099] According to one of the embodiments described above, a display device can be provided, which has the function of a touch panel and has an illuminance sensor on the rear side, and the illuminance sensor can capture a light amount sufficient to measure the illuminance of light incident from the front side.

[0100] Furthermore, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments or variations thereof are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0101] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-031290 (filed on March 1, 2024), and enjoys priority from that application. This application includes all contents of that application by reference. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0007] Figure 1 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of subpixels. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing the components used to implement functions related to the touch panel. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in the peripheral area. Figure 6 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in a comparative example. Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in a comparative example. Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in this embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in this embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in this embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in a variation example. Figure 12 is a schematic top view of the pixels and metal lines in a variation example.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a substrate having a display area for displaying an image; a plurality of pixels equally disposed in the display area, each comprising a display element, the display element comprising a lower electrode, an upper electrode opposite to the lower electrode, and an organic layer disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and emitting light according to a potential difference between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; a partition wall comprising a conductive lower portion and an upper portion protruding from the side of the lower portion and surrounding each pixel; a touch panel electrode for detecting an object touching or approaching the display area; and an illuminance sensor disposed on the back side of the substrate for measuring the illuminance of light incident from the front side of the substrate; and each pixel comprising a transmittance area where no display element is disposed; the touch panel electrode comprising a metal line located above and extending along the partition wall, forming a crankshaft shape near the transmittance area comprised of each pixel; and each pixel comprising a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel. The first and second pixels are arranged with the third pixel in a first direction; the first and second pixels are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and the transmission area is located between the first and second pixels and the third pixel; the metal line near the transmission area forms a crankshaft shape including a first crankshaft portion; the first crankshaft portion includes: a first portion extending along the end of the lower electrode constituting the third pixel in the second direction; a second portion extending along the end of the lower electrode constituting the first pixel in the second direction; and a third portion connecting the end of the first portion and the end of the second portion and extending along the first direction; the third portion of the first crankshaft portion intersects one of the ends of the transmission area in the second direction.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the metal line near the transmitted area forms a crankshaft shape including a second crankshaft portion; the second crankshaft portion includes: a fourth portion extending along the end of the lower electrode constituting the third sub-pixel in the second direction; a fifth portion extending along the end of the lower electrode constituting the second sub-pixel in the second direction; and a sixth portion connecting the end of the fourth portion and the end of the fifth portion and extending in the first direction; the first portion is separate from the fourth portion; and the second portion is connected to the fifth portion.

3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the first region between the first part and the end of the lower electrode of the first pixel along the second direction, the fourth part and the second region between the lower electrode of the second pixel along the second direction, and the third region between the second part and the fifth part and the end of the lower electrode of the third pixel along the second direction, when viewed from above, overlap with the transmitted region, and no light-blocking element is provided.

4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the lengths of the first part, the second part, the fourth part, and the fifth part are equal; and the sum of the areas of the first region and the second region is equal to the area of ​​the third region.

5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the length of the first part, the length of the fourth part, and the sum of the lengths of the second part and the fifth part are equal; and the area of ​​the first region, the area of ​​the second region, and the area of ​​the third region are equal.

6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the metal lines are arranged in a manner that do not overlap with the light-emitting portions of the pixels when viewed from above.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first sealing layers that cover each of the aforementioned pixels; a first resin layer that covers the plurality of first sealing layers; a second sealing layer that covers the aforementioned first resin layer; and a second resin layer that covers the aforementioned second sealing layer; and the aforementioned metal wire is disposed on the aforementioned second sealing layer and covered by the aforementioned second resin layer.

8. The display device according to claim 1 further comprises: a terminal portion disposed in a peripheral region surrounding the display area; and a lead disposed in the peripheral region for electrically connecting the terminal portion to the electrodes of the touch panel.

Images