Display device

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the display device of this embodiment comprises: a substrate; a first insulating layer, arranged on the substrate; a first electrode, arranged on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer, arranged on the first insulating layer, having an opening portion overlapping with the first electrode, a first groove not overlapping with the first electrode, and a first surface between the opening portion and the first groove; an organic layer, including a light-emitting layer; and a second electrode, covering the organic layer, the organic layer having: a first part, arranged in the opening portion, covering the first electrode; a second part, arranged on the first surface; and a third part, arranged in the first groove, separated from the second part.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-190929, filed on November 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, display devices using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements have been put into practical use. The display element has an organic layer between a pixel electrode and a common electrode. In addition to the light-emitting layer, the organic layer also includes functional layers such as a hole transport layer and an electron transport layer. Such an organic layer is formed, for example, by vacuum evaporation.

[0005] For example, when an organic layer is formed by stacking a plurality of functional layers, the end faces of the functional layers may not be uniform in the peripheral portion of the organic layer, which may cause performance degradation of the display element. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of this embodiment is to provide a display device capable of suppressing performance degradation of a display element.

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment includes:

[0008] A substrate; a first insulating layer, arranged on the substrate; a first electrode, arranged on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer, arranged on the first insulating layer, having an opening overlapping with the first electrode, a first groove not overlapping with the first electrode, and a first surface between the opening and the first groove; an organic layer, including a light-emitting layer; and a second electrode, covering the organic layer, the organic layer having: a first portion, arranged in the opening, covering the first electrode; a second portion, arranged on the first surface; and a third portion, arranged in the first groove, separated from the second portion.

[0009] A display device according to another embodiment includes:

[0010] A substrate; a first insulating layer arranged on the substrate; a first electrode arranged on the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer arranged on the first insulating layer, having an opening overlapping with the first electrode, a first groove not overlapping with the first electrode, a first surface between the opening and the first groove, a second groove located on the opposite side of the first groove across the opening, and a second surface between the opening and the second groove; an organic layer including a light-emitting layer; and a second electrode covering the organic layer, the organic layer having: a first portion arranged in the opening and covering the first electrode; a second portion arranged on the first surface; a third portion arranged in the first groove and separated from the second portion; a fourth portion arranged on the second surface; and a fifth portion arranged in the second groove and adjacent to the fourth portion.

[0011] According to this embodiment, a display device capable of suppressing performance degradation of a display element can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a DSP of a display device according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of sub-pixels included in a pixel PX.

[0014] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of sub-pixels included in a pixel PX.

[0015] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the display element 20 .

[0016] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the display element 20 .

[0017] Figure 6 It is a top view showing a first shape example of the groove.

[0018] Figure 7 1 is a plan view showing a second shape example of the groove.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a top view showing a third shape example of the groove.

[0020] Fig. 9 1 is a plan view showing a fourth shape example of the groove.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a top view showing a fifth shape example of the groove.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing the first structural example.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the second structural example.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a third structural example.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth structural example.

[0026] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth structural example.

[0027] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing the sixth structural example.

[0028] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example.

[0029] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification example.

[0030] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the display element 20 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 While explaining.

[0032] In addition, the disclosure is only an example, and appropriate changes that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art while maintaining the gist of the invention are certainly included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings sometimes schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared with the actual method, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, the same reference figure numerals are marked for the constituent elements that play the same or similar functions as the constituent elements described in the figures that have appeared, and sometimes repeated detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0033] In addition, in the drawings, as necessary, for easy understanding, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are described. The direction along the X-axis is called the X-direction or the first direction, the direction along the Y-axis is called the Y-direction or the second direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is called the Z-direction or the third direction. The plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis is called the XY plane, and the plane defined by the X-axis and the Z-axis is called the XZ plane. Observing the XY plane is called a top view.

[0034] The display device DSP of this embodiment is an organic electroluminescent display device including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) as a display element, and is mounted on a television, a personal computer, a portable terminal, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display device DSP according to the present embodiment. The display device DSP includes a display portion DA for displaying an image on an insulating substrate 10. The substrate 10 may be glass or a flexible resin film.

[0036] The display unit DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y. The pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. In one example, the pixel PX includes a red sub-pixel SP1, a green sub-pixel SP2, and a blue sub-pixel SP3. In addition, the pixel PX may include four or more sub-pixels obtained by adding sub-pixels of other colors such as white in addition to the sub-pixels of the above three colors.

[0037] A configuration example of one sub-pixel SP included in the pixel PX will be briefly described.

[0038] That is, the sub-pixel SP includes a pixel circuit 1 and a display element 20 driven and controlled 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 switching elements composed of, for example, thin film transistors.

[0039] Regarding the pixel switch 2, the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line GL, the source electrode is connected to the signal line SL, and the drain electrode is connected to one electrode constituting the capacitor 4 and the gate electrode of the driving transistor 3. Regarding the driving transistor 3, the source electrode is connected to the other electrode constituting the capacitor 4 and the power supply line PL, and the drain electrode is connected to the anode of the display element 20. The cathode of the display element 20 is connected to the power supply line FL. In addition, the configuration of the pixel circuit 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0040] The display element 20 is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) as a light emitting element. For example, the sub-pixel SP1 includes a display element that emits light corresponding to a red wavelength, the sub-pixel SP2 includes a display element that emits light corresponding to a green wavelength, and the sub-pixel SP3 includes a display element that emits light corresponding to a blue wavelength. The structure of the display element 20 will be described later.

[0041] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of sub-pixels included in a pixel PX. Figure 1 The description is made using four pixels PX represented by single-dot chain lines.

[0042] The sub-pixel SP1, the sub-pixel SP2, and the sub-pixel SP3 constituting one pixel PX are respectively formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y, and are arranged in the first direction X. If the two pixels PX arranged in the first direction X are focused on, the luminous colors of the adjacent sub-pixels are different from each other. In addition, if the two pixels PX arranged in the second direction Y are focused on, the luminous colors of the adjacent sub-pixels are the same. In addition, the areas of the sub-pixel SP1, the sub-pixel SP2, and the sub-pixel SP3 may be the same or different from each other.

[0043] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of sub-pixels included in a pixel PX.

[0044] The sub-pixel SP1 and the sub-pixel SP2 constituting one pixel PX are arranged along the second direction Y, the sub-pixel SP1 and the sub-pixel SP3 are arranged along the first direction X, and the sub-pixel SP2 and the sub-pixel SP3 are arranged along the first direction X. The sub-pixel SP1 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape extending in the first direction X, and the sub-pixel SP2 and the sub-pixel SP3 are formed into a substantially rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y. The area of ​​the sub-pixel SP2 is larger than that of the sub-pixel SP1, and the area of ​​the sub-pixel SP3 is larger than that of the sub-pixel SP2. In addition, the area of ​​the sub-pixel SP1 may be the same as that of the sub-pixel SP2.

[0045] Focusing on two pixels PX arranged in the first direction X, in a region where sub-pixels SP1 and sub-pixels SP3 are alternately arranged and in a region where sub-pixels SP2 and sub-pixels SP3 are alternately arranged, the luminescent colors of adjacent sub-pixels are different from each other.

[0046] Focusing on two pixels PX arranged in the second direction Y, adjacent sub-pixels emit different colors in a region where sub-pixels SP1 and sub-pixels SP2 are alternately arranged. In addition, adjacent sub-pixels emit the same color in a region where a plurality of sub-pixels SP3 are arranged.

[0047] in addition, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The outer shape of each sub-pixel shown corresponds to the outer shape of the first electrode of the display element or the light-emitting region of the display element, but is shown in a simplified manner and does not necessarily reflect the actual shape.

[0048] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the display element 20 .

[0049] The insulating layer (first insulating layer) 11 is disposed on the substrate 10 . Figure 1The pixel circuit 1 shown is arranged on a substrate 10 and covered by an insulating layer 11, but the insulating layer 11 is not shown here. The insulating layer 11 corresponds to the base layer of the display element 20, and is, for example, an organic insulating layer.

[0050] The insulating layer (second insulating layer) 12 is disposed on the insulating layer 11. The insulating layer 12 is, for example, an organic insulating layer. The insulating layer 12 is formed to divide the display element 20 or sub-pixels, and is sometimes referred to as a rib, a partition wall, or the like.

[0051] The display element 20 includes a first electrode E1, an organic layer OR, and a second electrode E2. The first electrode E1 is an electrode arranged for each sub-pixel or each display element, and is sometimes referred to as a pixel electrode, a lower electrode, an anode, etc. The second electrode E2 is an electrode arranged in common with respect to a plurality of sub-pixels or a plurality of display elements, and is sometimes referred to as a common electrode, an opposing electrode, an upper electrode, a cathode, etc.

[0052] The first electrode E1 is disposed on the insulating layer 11, and its peripheral portion is covered by the insulating layer 12. Figure 1 The first electrode E1 is electrically connected to the driving transistor 3 shown. The first electrode E1 is, for example, a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). In addition, the first electrode E1 may also be a metal electrode formed of a metal material such as silver or aluminum. In addition, the first electrode E1 may also be a laminate of a transparent electrode and a metal electrode. For example, the first electrode E1 may be configured as a laminate in which a transparent electrode, a metal electrode, and a transparent electrode are laminated in sequence, or may be configured as a laminate of more than three layers.

[0053] The organic layer OR is disposed on the first electrode E1. The organic layer OR includes a light-emitting layer EL. Figure 4 In the example shown, the organic layer OR further includes functional layers F1 and F2. The functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2 are stacked in sequence from the first electrode E1 side. The functional layers F1 and F2 are, for example, hole injection layers, hole transport layers, hole blocking layers, electron injection layers, electron transport layers, and electron blocking layers, but may also be other functional layers. In addition, the functional layers F1 and F2 shown in the figure are not limited to single layers, but may also be stacked layers having multiple functional layers stacked. In addition, at least one of the functional layers F1 and F2 may be omitted.

[0054] The second electrode E2 covers the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2 is, for example, a transparent electrode formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The second electrode E2 is electrically connected to a power supply line arranged in the display unit DA or a power supply line arranged outside the display unit DA. In addition, the second electrode E2 may be covered by a transparent protective film (including at least one of an inorganic insulating film and an organic insulating film).

[0055] When the potential of the first electrode E1 is relatively higher than that of the second electrode E2, the first electrode E1 is equivalent to an anode and the second electrode E2 is equivalent to a cathode. In addition, when the potential of the second electrode E2 is relatively higher than that of the first electrode E1, the second electrode E2 is equivalent to an anode and the first electrode E1 is equivalent to a cathode.

[0056] As an example, when the first electrode E1 is equivalent to an anode, the functional layer F1 between the light-emitting layer EL and the first electrode E1 includes at least one of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer, and the functional layer F2 between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2 includes at least one of an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer.

[0057] Here, the insulating layer 12 will be described in more detail.

[0058] The insulating layer 12 has an opening OP, a first trench T1 , a second trench T2 , a first surface 121 , and a second surface 122 .

[0059] The opening OP is formed in a region overlapping the first electrode E1 and is a through hole that penetrates the insulating layer 12 to the first electrode E1. As described above, the peripheral portion of the first electrode E1 is covered by the insulating layer 12, and the central portion of the first electrode E1 is exposed from the insulating layer 12 at the opening OP.

[0060] The first trench T1 and the second trench T2 are formed in a region that does not overlap with the first electrode E1. The second trench T2 is located on the opposite side of the first trench T1 across the opening OP in the first direction X. Figure 4 In the example shown, neither the first trench T1 nor the second trench T2 penetrates the insulating layer 12 , but the insulating layer 12 may penetrate to the insulating layer 11 .

[0061] The first surface 121 corresponds to the surface between the opening OP and the first trench T1 in the insulating layer 12. The first surface 121 includes an inclined surface S1 on the right side of the opening OP shown in the figure and an upper surface U1 connected to the inclined surface S1.

[0062] The second surface 122 corresponds to the surface between the opening OP and the second trench T2 in the insulating layer 12. The second surface 122 includes an inclined surface S2 on the left side of the opening OP shown in the figure and an upper surface U2 connected to the inclined surface S2. In addition, the upper surfaces U1 and U2 are, for example, flat surfaces, but may also be curved surfaces.

[0063] The insulating layer 12 has a first side surface SS1, a second side surface SS2, and a bottom surface B1 in the first trench T1. The first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction X. The first side surface SS1 is connected to the first surface 121 (or the upper surface U1). The first trench T1 is equivalent to a space surrounded by the first side surface SS1, the second side surface SS2, and the bottom surface B1. When comparing the inclination of the first side surface SS1 and the inclined surface S1, the first side surface SS1 is a surface steeper than the inclined surface S1.

[0064] The distance D1 between the upper first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 of the first trench T1 is larger than the distance D2 between the lower first side surface SS1 and the second side surface SS2 of the first trench T1. That is, the first trench T1 is formed so that the width thereof along the first direction X decreases toward the bottom surface B1.

[0065] The insulating layer 12 has a third side surface SS3, a fourth side surface SS4, and a bottom surface B2 in the second trench T2. The third side surface SS3 and the fourth side surface SS4 are spaced apart and opposed to each other in the first direction X. The third side surface SS3 is connected to the second surface 122 (or the upper surface U2). The second trench T2 is equivalent to a space surrounded by the third side surface SS3, the fourth side surface SS4, and the bottom surface B2. When comparing the inclination of the third side surface SS3 and the inclined surface S2, the third side surface SS3 is a surface steeper than the inclined surface S2.

[0066] Similar to the first trench T1 , the second trench T2 is also formed such that the width thereof along the first direction X becomes smaller as it approaches the bottom surface B2 .

[0067] Next, the organic layer OR will be described.

[0068] The organic layer OR includes a first portion OR1, a second portion OR2, a third portion OR3, a fourth portion OR4, and a fifth portion OR5. The first portion OR1, the second portion OR2, the third portion OR3, the fourth portion OR4, and the fifth portion OR5 include a light emitting layer EL of the same color.

[0069] The first portion OR1 is disposed in the opening OP and covers the first electrode E1. The second electrode E2 is stacked on the first portion OR1. The first portion OR1 is located between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, and thus can form a light-emitting region of the display element 20.

[0070] The second portion OR2 is disposed on the first surface 121. The second portion OR2 is connected to the first portion OR1. Figure 4In the example shown, the second portion OR2 is continuously formed over the inclined surface S1 and the upper surface U1, but there is a case where it is interrupted in the middle. Regarding the portion of the second portion OR2 located on the extension line of the first side surface SS1, the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2 are roughly aligned. The second electrode E2 is stacked on the second portion OR2 and covers the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2.

[0071] Such a second portion OR2 is located between the insulating layer 12 and the second electrode E2, and thus hardly emits light.

[0072] The third portion OR3 is disposed in the first trench T1 and is separated from the second portion OR2. Figure 4 In the example shown, the third portion OR3 is disposed on the second side surface SS2 in the first trench T1, but is hardly disposed on the first side surface SS1 connected to the first surface 121. In addition, the third portion OR3 may be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface B1, but may be hardly disposed on the bottom surface B1. In addition, the third portion OR3 is in contact with the second side surface SS2, but another thin film may be interposed between the second side surface SS2 and the third portion OR3. The second electrode E2 covers the third portion OR3.

[0073] The third portion OR3 is located between the insulating layer 12 and the second electrode E2, and is completely separated from the first portion OR1, so it does not emit light. In addition, since the third portion OR3 does not contribute to light emission, in addition to the second electrode E2 covering the entire third portion OR3 as described above, the second electrode E2 may cover a portion of the third portion OR3, or the second electrode E2 covering the third portion OR3 may be omitted. In addition, the second electrode E2 may be interrupted between the pixel and the adjacent pixel.

[0074] The second electrode E2 is disposed on the first side surface SS1 between the second portion OR2 and the third portion OR3 without passing through the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2 is in contact with the first side surface SS1, but another thin film may be interposed between the first side surface SS1 and the second electrode E2. In addition, the second electrode E2 is in contact with at least a portion of the bottom surface B1, but another thin film may be interposed between the bottom surface B1 and the second electrode E2. When the first trench T1 penetrates the insulating layer 11, the second electrode E2 is in contact with the insulating layer 11, but another thin film may be interposed between the insulating layer 11 and the second electrode E2.

[0075] The fourth portion OR4 is disposed on the second surface 122. The fourth portion OR4 is connected to the first portion OR1. Figure 4In the example shown, the fourth portion OR4 is continuously formed over the inclined surface S2 and the upper surface U2, but there is a case where it is interrupted in the middle. Regarding the portion of the fourth portion OR4 located on the extension line of the third side surface SS3, the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2 are roughly aligned. The second electrode E2 is stacked on the fourth portion OR4 and covers the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2.

[0076] The fourth portion OR4 is located between the insulating layer 12 and the second electrode E2, and thus most of it does not emit light.

[0077] The fifth portion OR5 is disposed in the second trench T2 and is separated from the fourth portion OR4. Figure 4 In the example shown, the fifth portion OR5 is disposed on the fourth side surface SS4 in the second trench T2, but is hardly disposed on the third side surface SS3 connected to the second surface 122. In addition, there is a case where the fifth portion OR5 is disposed on a portion of the bottom surface B2, but there is also a case where it is hardly disposed on the bottom surface B2. In addition, the fifth portion OR5 is in contact with the fourth side surface SS4, but another thin film may be sandwiched between the fourth side surface SS4 and the fifth portion OR5. The second electrode E2 covers the fifth portion OR5.

[0078] The fifth portion OR5 is located between the insulating layer 12 and the second electrode E2, and is completely separated from the first portion OR1, so it does not emit light. In addition, since the fifth portion OR5 does not contribute to light emission, in addition to the second electrode E2 covering the entire fifth portion OR5 as described above, the second electrode E2 may cover a portion of the fifth portion OR5, or the second electrode E2 covering the fifth portion OR5 may be omitted. In addition, the second electrode E2 may be interrupted between the pixel and the adjacent pixel.

[0079] The second electrode E2 is disposed on the third side surface SS3 between the fourth portion OR4 and the fifth portion OR5 without passing through the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2 is in contact with the third side surface SS3, but another thin film may be interposed between the third side surface SS3 and the second electrode E2. In addition, the second electrode E2 is in contact with at least a portion of the bottom surface B2, but another thin film may be interposed between the bottom surface B2 and the second electrode E2. When the second trench T2 penetrates the insulating layer 11, the second electrode E2 is in contact with the insulating layer 11, but another thin film may be interposed between the insulating layer 11 and the second electrode E2.

[0080] Each layer constituting such an organic layer OR is formed by, for example, vacuum deposition. In the figure, the organic material for forming the organic layer OR is shown by a single-dot chain line to spread radially from a deposition source.

[0081] After forming the insulating layer 12 having the opening OP, the first trench T1 and the second trench T2, when evaporating the organic material, the second side SS2 and the fourth side SS4 are located on the introduction path of the organic material, while the first side SS1 and the third side SS3 deviate from the introduction path of the organic material.

[0082] Therefore, if Figure 4 As shown, the organic layer OR is formed on the second side surface SS2 and the fourth side surface SS4 , whereas the organic layer OR is hardly formed on the first side surface SS1 and the third side surface SS3 .

[0083] As described above, the third portion OR3 corresponding to the peripheral portion of the organic layer OR is separated from the first portion OR1 that contributes to light emission and the second portion OR2 connected to the first portion OR1. In addition, the fifth portion OR5 corresponding to the peripheral portion of the organic layer OR is separated from the fourth portion OR4 connected to the first portion OR1. Therefore, undesirable current leakage (for example, an undesirable situation in which the current flows between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 via the functional layer F1 instead of the light-emitting layer EL) of the peripheral portion of the organic layer OR is suppressed, and the performance degradation of the display element 20 can be suppressed.

[0084] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the display element 20 . Figure 5 The example shown, with Figure 4 Compared to the example shown, the shape of the organic layer OR is different.

[0085] The organic layer OR includes a first portion OR1, a second portion OR2, a third portion OR3, a fourth portion OR4, a fifth portion OR5, and a sixth portion OR6. The first portion OR1, the second portion OR2, the third portion OR3, the fourth portion OR4, the fifth portion OR5, and the sixth portion OR6 include a light-emitting layer EL of the same color. The second electrode E2 covers the first portion OR1, the second portion OR2, the third portion OR3, the fourth portion OR4, the fifth portion OR5, and the sixth portion OR6, respectively.

[0086] The first portion OR1 is disposed in the opening OP and covers the first electrode E1 .

[0087] The second portion OR2 is disposed on the first surface 121 and connected to the first portion OR1 .

[0088] The third portion OR3 is disposed in the first trench T1 and is separated from the second portion OR2. Figure 5In the example shown, the third portion OR3 is disposed on the second side surface SS2 in the first trench T1, but is hardly disposed on the first side surface SS1 connected to the first surface 121. In addition, the third portion OR3 may be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface B1, but may be hardly disposed on the bottom surface B1. In addition, the third portion OR3 is in contact with the second side surface SS2, but another film may be interposed between the second side surface SS2 and the third portion OR3.

[0089] The second electrode E2 is disposed on the first side surface SS1 between the second portion OR2 and the third portion OR3 without passing through the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2 is in contact with the first side surface SS1, but other thin films may be interposed between the first side surface SS1 and the second electrode E2. In addition, the second electrode E2 is in contact with at least a portion of the bottom surface B1, but other thin films may be interposed between the bottom surface B1 and the second electrode E2. In the case where the first groove T1 penetrates the insulating layer 11, the second electrode E2 is in contact with the insulating layer 11, but other thin films may be interposed between the insulating layer 11 and the second electrode E2. In addition, since the third portion OR3 does not contribute to light emission, except for the following Figure 5 In addition to the second electrode E2 covering the entire third portion OR3, the second electrode E2 may cover a portion of the third portion OR3, or the second electrode E2 covering the third portion OR3 may be omitted. In addition, the second electrode E2 may be interrupted between the pixel and the adjacent pixel.

[0090] The fourth portion OR4 is disposed on the second surface 122 and connected to the first portion OR1 .

[0091] The fifth portion OR5 is disposed in the second trench T2 and connected to the fourth portion OR4. Figure 5 In the example shown, the fifth portion OR5 is disposed on the third side surface SS3 connected to the second surface 122 in the second trench T2, but is not disposed on the fourth side surface SS4. In addition, the fifth portion OR5 may be disposed on a portion of the bottom surface B2, but may be hardly disposed on the bottom surface B2. In addition, the fifth portion OR5 is in contact with the third side surface SS3, but another film may be interposed between the third side surface SS3 and the fifth portion OR5.

[0092] The sixth portion OR6 is disposed on the upper surface U3 of the insulating layer 12. The second trench T2 is formed between the upper surface U2 and the upper surface U3. The sixth portion OR6 is separated from the fifth portion OR5.

[0093] The second electrode E2 is disposed on the fourth side surface SS4 between the fifth portion OR5 and the sixth portion OR6 without passing through the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2 is in contact with the fourth side surface SS4, but other thin films may be interposed between the fourth side surface SS4 and the second electrode E2. In addition, the second electrode E2 is in contact with at least a portion of the bottom surface B2, but other thin films may be interposed between the bottom surface B2 and the second electrode E2. In the case where the second groove T2 penetrates the insulating layer 11, the second electrode E2 is in contact with the insulating layer 11, but other thin films may be interposed between the insulating layer 11 and the second electrode E2. In addition, since the sixth portion OR6 does not contribute to light emission, except for the following Figure 5 The second electrode E2 may cover the entire sixth portion OR6, or may cover a portion of the sixth portion OR6, or may omit the second electrode E2 covering the sixth portion OR6. In addition, the second electrode E2 may be interrupted between the pixel and the adjacent pixel.

[0094] The layers constituting the organic layer OR are Figure 4 The example shown is the same, for example, formed by vacuum evaporation. However, here, an oblique evaporation method is applied in which evaporation is performed in an oblique direction relative to the normal line of the substrate 10. The single-point dashed line in the figure shows that the organic material for forming the organic layer OR is introduced from the evaporation source in a directionally directed manner.

[0095] After forming the insulating layer 12 having the opening OP, the first trench T1 and the second trench T2, when evaporating the organic material, the second side surface SS2 and the third side surface SS3 are located on the introduction path of the organic material, while the first side surface SS1 and the fourth side surface SS4 deviate from the introduction path of the organic material.

[0096] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, the organic layer OR is formed on the second side surface SS2 and the third side surface SS3 , whereas the organic layer OR is hardly formed on the first side surface SS1 and the fourth side surface SS4 .

[0097] As described above, the third portion OR3 corresponding to the peripheral portion of the organic layer OR is separated from the first portion OR1 that contributes to light emission and the second portion OR2 connected to the first portion OR1. In addition, the sixth portion OR6 corresponding to the peripheral portion of the organic layer OR is separated from the fourth portion OR4 and the fifth portion OR5 connected to the first portion OR1. Therefore, undesirable current leakage in the peripheral portion is suppressed, and the performance degradation of the display element 20 can be suppressed.

[0098] Next, an example of the shape of the groove formed in the insulating layer 12 is described. In addition, in each example described below, the luminous color of the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12 is red (R), the luminous color of the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22 is green (G), the sub-pixels SP11 and SP21 are arranged in the first direction X, the sub-pixels SP12 and SP22 are arranged in the first direction X, the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12 are arranged in the second direction Y, and the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22 are arranged in the second direction. In each figure, the first electrode RE1 constituting the display element and the red organic layer ROR in the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12 are shown, and the first electrode GE1 constituting the display element and the green organic layer GOR in the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22 are shown.

[0099] Figure 6 It is a top view showing a first shape example of the groove.

[0100] The trenches TY11 to TY14 extend along the second direction Y, respectively.

[0101] The trenches TY11 and TY12 are continuously formed over the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12. The first electrodes RE1 of the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12 are located between the trenches TY11 and TY12.

[0102] The grooves TY13 and TY14 are continuously formed over the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22. The first electrodes GE1 of the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22 are located between the grooves TY13 and TY14.

[0103] The trenches TX11 to TX14 extend along the first direction X, respectively, and intersect the trenches TY11 to TY14 .

[0104] The trenches TX11 and TX12 are continuously formed over the sub-pixels SP11 and SP21. The first electrode RE1 of the sub-pixel SP11 and the first electrode GE1 of the sub-pixel SP21 are located between the trenches TX11 and TX12.

[0105] The trenches TX13 and TX14 are continuously formed over the sub-pixels SP12 and SP22. The first electrode RE1 of the sub-pixel SP12 and the first electrode GE1 of the sub-pixel SP22 are located between the trenches TX13 and TX14.

[0106] If we focus on the sub-pixel SP11, the first electrode RE1 is surrounded by the grooves TY11 and TY12, and the grooves TX11 and TX12. For example, the groove TY11 is equivalent to the first groove T1 described above; the groove TY12 is equivalent to the second groove described above; the groove TX11 is equivalent to the third groove connected to the grooves TY11 and TY12; and the groove TX12 is equivalent to the fourth groove connected to the grooves TY11 and TY12. When viewed from above, the grooves TY11 and TY12, and the grooves TX11 and TX12 do not overlap with the first electrode RE1.

[0107] The region where the organic layer ROR is formed extends to the outside of the grooves TY11 and TY12, and extends to the outside of the grooves TX11 and TX12. In at least one of the grooves TY11, TY12, TX11, and TX12, the organic layer ROR is separated into a portion that contributes to light emission and a peripheral portion. Thus, the performance degradation of the display element is suppressed.

[0108] In the other sub-pixels SP12, SP21, and SP22, similarly to the sub-pixel SP11, the organic layer extends to the outside of the four grooves surrounding the first electrode, and is separated into a portion that contributes to display and a peripheral portion in at least one groove. Therefore, in each sub-pixel, the performance degradation of the display element is suppressed.

[0109] Figure 7 1 is a plan view showing a second shape example of the groove.

[0110] The second shape example is different from the first shape example in that the grooves extending in the first direction X and the grooves extending in the second direction Y are not formed continuously, and the grooves of each sub-pixel are formed in a ring shape. The groove T11 of the sub-pixel SP11 surrounds the first electrode RE1, the groove T12 of the sub-pixel SP12 surrounds the first electrode RE1, the groove T21 of the sub-pixel SP21 surrounds the first electrode GE1, and the groove T22 of the sub-pixel SP22 surrounds the first electrode GE1. The grooves T11, T12, T21, and T22 are separated from each other.

[0111] If we focus on the sub-pixel SP11, the area where the organic layer ROR is formed extends to the outside of the groove T11. In at least a portion of the groove T11, the organic layer ROR is separated into a portion that contributes to display and a peripheral portion. The other sub-pixels SP12, SP21, and SP22 are also the same as the sub-pixel SP11. Therefore, in this second shape example, the same effect as the first shape example can be obtained.

[0112] Figure 8 It is a top view showing a third shape example of the groove.

[0113] The third shape example is different from the first shape example in that the grooves between the sub-pixels arranged in the second direction Y are omitted. For example, the grooves that cross the sub-pixel SP11 and the sub-pixel SP12 and the grooves that cross the sub-pixel SP21 and the sub-pixel SP22 are not formed. However, a groove TX extending in the first direction X is formed at the outermost periphery. The groove TX is continuously formed in a manner connecting the grooves TY11 to TY14, but it may be interrupted between the grooves TY12 and the groove TY13.

[0114] The organic layer ROR is disposed over the sub-pixels SP11 and SP12. In the region where the organic layer ROR is formed, both ends along the first direction X extend to the outside of the trenches TY11 and TY12, and one end along the second direction Y extends to the outside of the trench TX.

[0115] The organic layer GOR is arranged throughout the sub-pixels SP21 and SP22. In the region where the organic layer GOR is formed, both ends along the first direction X extend to the outside of the grooves TY13 and TY14, and one end along the second direction Y extends to the outside of the groove TX. In addition, the other end of the organic layer ROR along the second direction Y, which is not shown here, and the other end of the organic layer GOR along the second direction Y also extend to the outside of the grooves.

[0116] In this third shape example, the same effects as those of the first shape example can be obtained.

[0117] Fig. 9 1 is a plan view showing a fourth shape example of the groove.

[0118] The fourth shape example is different from the first shape example in that two grooves between adjacent sub-pixels are replaced by one groove. For example, groove TX12 is formed between sub-pixel SP11 and sub-pixel SP12, and between sub-pixel SP21 and sub-pixel SP22. Groove TY12 is formed between sub-pixel SP11 and sub-pixel SP21, and between sub-pixel SP12 and sub-pixel SP22.

[0119] When focusing on the sub-pixel SP11, the first electrode RE1 is surrounded by the trenches TY11 and TY12 and the trenches TX11 and TX12. The edge of the organic layer ROR is located in the trenches TY11 and TY12 and in the trenches TX11 and TX12.

[0120] In this fourth shape example, the same effects as those of the first shape example can be obtained.

[0121] Fig.10 It is a top view showing a fifth shape example of the groove.

[0122] The fifth shape example is different from the third shape example in that two grooves between adjacent sub-pixels are replaced by one groove. For example, groove TY12 is formed between sub-pixel SP11 and sub-pixel SP21, and between sub-pixel SP12 and sub-pixel SP22. In addition, in the fifth shape example, as in the third shape example, no groove is formed that crosses between sub-pixels arranged along the second direction Y.

[0123] In this fifth shape example, the same effects as those of the first shape example can be obtained.

[0124] The first to fifth shape examples described here are also applied to sub-pixels emitting blue (B). Performance degradation of each display element emitting red, green, and blue light is suppressed.

[0125] Next, an example of a cross-sectional structure of two sub-pixels with different luminescent colors is described. In addition, in the figures corresponding to the examples described below, only the main parts are shown, and the lower layer of the insulating layer 11 and the upper layer of the organic layer OR are omitted. Each example shows a cross-sectional structure of a red sub-pixel SP11 and a green sub-pixel SP21 arranged in the first direction X. The sub-pixel SP11 includes a first electrode RE1 and an organic layer ROR, and the sub-pixel SP21 includes a first electrode GE1 and an organic layer GOR.

[0126] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first structural example. In the first structural example, for example Figure 6 As shown in the first shape example, two trenches TY12 and TY13 are formed between the first electrode RE1 and the first electrode GE1.

[0127] The organic layer ROR is disposed on the first electrode RE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the trench TY12. Specifically, the third portion OR3 is disposed on the side surface SS12 in the trench TY12, but not on the side surface SS11. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS11 is exposed from the organic layer ROR, and the third portion OR3 in the organic layer ROR is separated from the second portion OR2.

[0128] The organic layer GOR is disposed on the first electrode GE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the trench TY13. Specifically, the fifth portion OR5 is disposed on the side surface SS21 in the trench TY13, but not on the side surface SS22. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS22 is exposed from the organic layer GOR, and the fifth portion OR5 in the organic layer GOR is separated from the fourth portion OR4.

[0129] The fifth portion OR5 of the organic layer GOR is separated from the third portion OR3 of the organic layer ROR, but may be connected to each other.

[0130] These organic layers ROR and GOR are as shown in Figure 4 As described above, it is formed when an organic material is radially deposited.

[0131] Fig.12 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second structural example. In the second structural example, the organic layer ROR is separated in the trench TY12 as in the first structural example.

[0132] The organic layer GOR is separated in the groove TY13. Specifically, the fifth portion OR5 is connected to the fourth portion OR4 and is disposed on the side SS22 in the groove TY13, but not on the side SS21. That is, at least a portion of the side SS21 is exposed from the organic layer GOR, and the sixth portion OR6 in the organic layer GOR is separated from the fifth portion OR5.

[0133] These organic layers ROR and GOR are as shown in Figure 5 As described above, it is formed by the oblique vapor deposition method.

[0134] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a third structural example. In the third structural example, for example Fig. 9 As shown in the fourth shape example, one trench TY12 is formed between the first electrode RE1 and the first electrode GE1.

[0135] The organic layer ROR is separated in the trench TY12. Specifically, the third portion OR3 is disposed on the bottom surface B12 in the trench TY12 but not on the side surface SS11. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS11 is exposed from the organic layer ROR, and the third portion OR3 in the organic layer ROR is separated from the second portion OR2.

[0136] The organic layer GOR is separated in the trench TY12. Specifically, the fifth portion OR5 is disposed on the bottom surface B12 but not on the side surface SS12. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS12 is exposed from the organic layer GOR, and the fifth portion OR5 in the organic layer GOR is separated from the fourth portion OR4.

[0137] In the first to third structural examples described above, the case where a groove is formed in the insulating layer 12 is described, but the groove may be replaced by a protrusion P. By arranging the protrusion P having the same shape as the above-mentioned groove on the insulating layer 12, the same effect as the case where the groove is formed can be obtained. As an example of the shape of the protrusion P when viewed from above, the following can be applied: Figures 6 to 10 Various examples of groove shapes are described.

[0138] Fig.141 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth structural example. The insulating layer 12 between the first electrode RE1 and the first electrode GE1 does not have a groove. The protrusions P1 and P2 are arranged on the insulating layer 12. The protrusions P1 and P2 each have a substantially triangular cross-section. These protrusions P1 and P2 can be connected to Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 The grooves TY12 and TY13 shown in the figure can be replaced with Figure 7 The trenches T11 and T21 are shown to be replaced.

[0139] The organic layer ROR is disposed on the first electrode RE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the protrusion P1. Specifically, the third portion OR3 is located between the protrusion P1 and the protrusion P2, disposed on the insulating layer 12, but not disposed on the side surface SS11 of the protrusion P1. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS11 is exposed from the organic layer ROR, and the third portion OR3 in the organic layer ROR is separated from the second portion OR2.

[0140] The organic layer GOR is disposed on the first electrode GE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the protrusion P2. Specifically, the fifth portion OR5 is located between the protrusion P1 and the protrusion P2, disposed on the insulating layer 12, but not disposed on the side surface SS12 of the protrusion P2. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS12 is exposed from the organic layer GOR, and the fifth portion OR5 in the organic layer GOR is separated from the fourth portion OR4.

[0141] Fig.15 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth structural example. The protrusion P is arranged on the insulating layer 12. The protrusion P has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. The protrusion P can be, for example, Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 The trench TY12 shown is displaced. The following description assumes the case where the organic layer GOR is formed after the organic layer ROR is formed.

[0142] The organic layer ROR is arranged on the first electrode RE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the protrusion P. Specifically, the second portion OR2 is arranged on the side surface SS12 of the protrusion P. The third portion OR3 is arranged on the insulating layer 12 between the protrusion P and the first electrode GE1, but is not arranged on the side surface SS11 of the protrusion P. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS11 is exposed from the organic layer ROR, and the third portion OR3 in the organic layer ROR is separated from the second portion OR2.

[0143] The organic layer GOR is arranged on the first electrode GE1 and also on the insulating layer 12, and is separated in the protrusion P. Specifically, the fourth portion OR4 covers the third portion OR3 of the organic layer ROR and is arranged on the side surface SS11 of the protrusion P. The fifth portion OR5 is arranged on the second portion OR2 of the organic layer ROR, but is not arranged on the side surface SS12 of the protrusion P. That is, at least a portion of the side surface SS12 is exposed from the organic layer GOR, and the fifth portion OR5 in the organic layer GOR is separated from the fourth portion OR4.

[0144] Fig.16 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth structural example. The sixth structural example is different from the fifth structural example in that the protrusion P has a substantially triangular cross-section.

[0145] The organic layer ROR is disposed on the first electrode RE1 and also on the insulating layer 12 , and is separated in the protrusion P. Specifically, the organic layer ROR is separated into a second portion OR2 between the protrusion P and the first electrode RE1 and a third portion OR3 between the protrusion P and the first electrode GE1 .

[0146] The organic layer GOR is disposed on the first electrode GE1 and also on the insulating layer 12 and is separated in the protrusion P. Specifically, the organic layer GOR is separated into a fourth portion OR4 located between the protrusion P and the first electrode GE1 and a fifth portion OR5 located between the protrusion P and the first electrode RE1.

[0147] In these first to sixth structural examples, the organic layers ROR and GOR are each separated into a portion contributing to display and a peripheral portion, and deterioration in performance of the display element is suppressed.

[0148] In addition, the first to sixth configuration examples are also applied to sub-pixels emitting blue (B). That is, the organic layer BOR emitting blue light is also separated into a portion contributing to display and a peripheral portion, and performance degradation of the display element is suppressed.

[0149] Next, a modified example is described.

[0150] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example.

[0151] The first variant example, Figure 4 Compared with the example shown in the figure, the difference is that a power supply line FL is arranged directly below the first trench T1 and the second trench T2. The power supply line FL is arranged on the insulating layer 11, and is formed of, for example, the same material as the first electrode E1. The first trench T1 and the second trench T2 each penetrate to the power supply line FL. That is, the power supply line FL is located at the bottom surface of the first trench T1 and the second trench T2, respectively.

[0152] The second electrode E2 is in contact with the power supply line FL in the first trench T1 and the second trench T2 , so that a predetermined potential can be supplied to the second electrode E2 through the power supply line FL.

[0153] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification example.

[0154] The second variant Figure 5 The difference from the example shown is that a power supply line FL is arranged directly below the first trench T1 and the second trench T2. The second electrode E2 is connected to the power supply line FL in the first trench T1 and the second trench T2. Thus, a predetermined potential can be supplied to the second electrode E2 through the power supply line FL.

[0155] In the first and second modified examples, the power supply line FL is arranged directly below both the first trench T1 and the second trench T2, but the power supply line FL may be arranged directly below one of the first trench T1 and the second trench T2. In addition, when the first trench T1 and the second trench T2 do not penetrate the insulating layer 11, the power supply line FL may be arranged on the bottom surface of the first trench T1 and the second trench T2 formed in the insulating layer 12.

[0156] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the display element 20 .

[0157] exist Fig.19 In the example shown, the organic layer OR (including the light-emitting layer EL, the functional layers F1 and F2) is commonly arranged throughout adjacent sub-pixels. For example, the organic layer OR including the light-emitting layer EL of the same color is arranged throughout the adjacent sub-pixels SP31 and SP32 in the first direction X. Similarly, the organic layer OR including the light-emitting layer EL of the same color is also arranged in the adjacent sub-pixels in the second direction Y. Further, the organic layer OR including the light-emitting layer EL of the same color is arranged in all the sub-pixels SP of the display portion DA. That is, Fig.19 The example shown is applicable to a display device DSP for monochrome display. For example, when the light emission color of each display element 20 is white, multi-color display can be achieved by configuring a color filter opposite to the display element 20. In addition, when the light emission color of each display element 20 is ultraviolet light, multi-color display can be achieved by configuring a light conversion layer opposite to the display element 20.

[0158] The first trench T1 is formed in the insulating layer 12 between the first electrode E31 of the sub-pixel SP31 and the first electrode E32 of the sub-pixel SP32. The organic layer OR is separated into the organic layer OR31 disposed in the sub-pixel SP31 and the organic layer OR32 disposed in the sub-pixel SP32 in the first trench T1.

[0159] The organic layer OR31 is hardly arranged on the first side surface SS1 of the first trench T1. The organic layer OR32 is arranged on the second side surface SS2 of the first trench T1, but hardly arranged on the first side surface SS1. The second electrode E2 covering the organic layers OR31 and OR32 is arranged on the first side surface SS1 without the organic layer OR.

[0160] In the application reference Figure 5 In the case of the oblique vapor deposition method described above, the organic layer OR is separated in the groove between adjacent sub-pixels in the same manner as described above. This suppresses crosstalk between adjacent sub-pixels.

[0161] According to the present embodiment described above, a display device capable of suppressing degradation in performance of a display element can be provided.

[0162] All display devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately changing the design based on the display devices described above as the embodiments of the present invention also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0163] Within the scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art can think of various variations, which are also understood to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the addition, deletion, or design change of the constituent elements appropriately performed by those skilled in the art for the above-mentioned embodiments, or the addition, omission, or condition change of the processes performed are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0164] In addition, regarding other effects brought about by the methods described in the above embodiments, it is of course understood that the contents that are obvious from the description of this specification or the contents that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are brought about by the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: Base material; A first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate; A first electrode, disposed on the first insulating layer; A second insulating layer, disposed on the first insulating layer, having an opening portion overlapping the first electrode, a first groove not overlapping the first electrode, and a first surface between the opening portion and the first groove; an organic layer, comprising a light-emitting layer; as well as a second electrode covering the organic layer, The organic layer has: A first portion, disposed in the opening and covering the first electrode; A second part, disposed on the first surface; as well as A third portion is disposed in the first groove and is separated from the second portion. The second insulating layer also has a first side surface and a second side surface of the first trench, The second electrode is arranged on the first side surface connected to the first surface without passing through the organic layer, The third portion is disposed on the second side surface, The second insulating layer further comprises: a second groove located on an opposite side of the first groove across the opening; and a second surface between the opening and the second groove, The organic layer has: a fourth portion disposed on the second surface; as well as A fifth portion is disposed in the second groove and separated from the fourth portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion include the light-emitting layer of the same color.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A distance between the first side surface and the second side surface in an upper portion of the first groove is larger than a distance between the first side surface and the second side surface in a lower portion of the first groove.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second insulating layer further has a third side surface and a fourth side surface of the second trench, The second electrode is arranged on the third side surface connected to the second surface without passing through the organic layer, The fifth portion is disposed on the fourth side surface.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second insulating layer further has a third groove and a fourth groove which do not overlap with the first electrode. The third groove and the fourth groove are respectively connected to the first groove and the second groove, The fourth trench is located on the opposite side of the third trench across the first electrode in a plan view.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a power supply line located at the bottom surface of the first groove, The second electrode is connected to the power supply line in the first groove.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The organic layer further includes at least one of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron injection layer, and an electron transport layer.

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