Display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device. A display device according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; a display area for displaying an image; a peripheral region surrounding the display region; a display element disposed above the substrate; a first sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the display element; a resin layer disposed on the first sealing layer; a second sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the resin layer; a conductive pad disposed in the peripheral region; and a polarizing plate disposed above the second sealing layer. At least one of an end portion of the first sealing layer and an end portion of the second sealing layer is located closer to the pad than an end portion of the polarizing plate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-142336 filed on September 1, 2023, and cites all the contents described in the Japanese patent application. Technical Field

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

[0004] In recent years, various display devices have been proposed. In one example, the display device includes a polarizing plate covering a display area and a moisture-proof member connected to an end of the polarizing plate. The moisture-proof member has a function of preventing moisture from entering an installation area where a flexible substrate or the like is installed.

[0005] However, since the polarizing plate shrinks due to temperature changes, a gap may be generated between the polarizing plate and the moisture-proof member, and there is a risk that moisture may intrude into the installation area through the gap. Summary of the invention

[0006] In general, according to an embodiment, a display device includes: a substrate; a display area for displaying an image; a peripheral area surrounding the display area; a display element disposed above the substrate; a first sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the display element; a resin layer disposed on the first sealing layer; a second sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the resin layer; a conductive pad disposed in the peripheral area; and a polarizing plate disposed above the second sealing layer. At least one of an end of the first sealing layer and an end of the second sealing layer is located closer to the pad than an end of the polarizing plate.

[0007] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a display device capable of suppressing the intrusion of moisture into a mounting region. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a display device.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in the display area.

[0010] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line AA.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of the terminal.

[0012] Figure 5It is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the display device.

[0013] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing still another configuration example of the display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Several embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] The disclosed content 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 of course included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, with respect to the drawings, in order to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part are sometimes schematically indicated compared to 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, for the constituent elements that have the same or similar functions as the constituent elements described in the drawings that have appeared, the same reference numerals are marked, and sometimes repeated detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0016] It should be noted that in the drawings, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are recorded as needed for easy understanding. 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. Observing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is called top view.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a display device DSP. Figure 1 The display device DSP exemplified in the example is a display device having an organic light emitting diode (OLED) as a display element. However, the display device DSP may also be a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal layer as a display element, an LED display device having a light emitting diode (LED), or the like.

[0018] The display device DSP includes a substrate 10, a plurality of conductive terminals TM, and a flexible substrate 5. The substrate 10 includes a circular main body 10a and an extension 10b extending from the main body 10a in the second direction Y. The extension 10b is formed in a trapezoidal shape whose width in the first direction X decreases as it moves away from the main body 10a. However, the shape of the substrate 10 in a plan view may also be a rectangular, square, or elliptical shape or other shapes. The substrate 10 is formed of an insulating material such as glass or plastic.

[0019] The display device DSP further includes a display area DA for displaying an image, and a peripheral area SA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA overlaps with the main body 10a when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, the shape of the display area DA when viewed from above is circular. However, the shape of the display area DA when viewed from above may also be other shapes such as a rectangle, a square, or an ellipse.

[0020] The peripheral area SA has a mounting area MA. The mounting area MA corresponds to the area overlapping with the extension portion 10b in a plan view. A plurality of terminals TM are provided in the mounting area MA (peripheral area SA). Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the plurality of terminals TM are arranged at equal intervals in the first direction X. The flexible substrate 5 is connected to the plurality of terminals TM via an adhesive AD2 described later. Not only the flexible substrate 5 but also an IC chip or the like may be mounted in the mounting area MA.

[0021] The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP. In one example, the pixel PX includes a red sub-pixel SP1, a green sub-pixel SP2, and a blue sub-pixel SP3. It should be noted that, in addition to the sub-pixels of the above three colors, the pixel PX may also include four or more sub-pixels of other colors such as white.

[0022] The sub-pixel SP includes a pixel circuit 1 and a display element 20 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 switching elements composed of, for example, thin film transistors.

[0023] In the pixel switch 2, the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line GL. One of the source electrode and the drain electrode of the pixel switch 2 is connected to the signal line SL, and the other is connected to the gate electrode of the driving transistor 3 and the capacitor 4. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the scanning line GL extends in the first direction X, and the signal line SL extends in the second direction Y. The signal line SL connects the pixel circuit 1 to the terminal TM. In the driving transistor 3, one of the source electrode and the drain electrode is connected to the power line PL and the capacitor 4, and the other is connected to the anode of the display element 20. It should be noted that the configuration of the pixel circuit 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0024] The display element 20 is Figure 1 In one example, the sub-pixel SP1 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a red wavelength, the sub-pixel SP2 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a green wavelength, and the sub-pixel SP3 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a blue wavelength.

[0025] The display device DSP further includes an inner dam portion ID surrounding the display area DA, and an outer dam portion OD surrounding the display area DA and the inner dam portion ID. The inner dam portion ID and the outer dam portion OD are respectively arranged in the peripheral area SA. The inner dam portion ID has an arc portion IDa, and a straight portion IDb extending in the first direction X. The outer dam portion OD has an arc portion ODa, and a straight portion ODb extending in the first direction X. The centers of the arc portion IDa, the arc portion ODa, the display area DA, and the main body 10a are consistent with each other. However, the centers of the arc portion IDa, the arc portion ODa, the display area DA, and the main body 10a may not be consistent with each other. The straight portion IDb and the straight portion ODb are located between the display area DA and the plurality of terminals TM. It should be noted that the number of dam portions provided by the display device DSP is not limited to the two inner dam portions ID and the outer dam portion OD, but may be one or more than three.

[0026] The display device DSP further includes a sealing layer SE1, a sealing layer SE2, a polarizing plate 16, and a moisture-proof member MO1. Figure 1 The region in which the dot pattern is given corresponds to the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2. The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 overlap with the inner dam portion ID and the outer dam portion OD, respectively, in a plan view.

[0027] The sealing layer SE1 has a circular main body S1a and an extension S1b extending from the main body S1a to the second direction Y. The sealing layer SE2 has a circular main body S2a and an extension S2b extending from the main body S2a to the second direction Y. The main body S1a, the main body S2a and the polarizing plate 16 completely overlap with the area surrounded by the outer dam OD when viewed from above. However, the main body S1a, the main body S2a and the polarizing plate 16 can be larger or smaller than the area surrounded by the outer dam OD when viewed from above. In addition, the sizes of the main body S1a, the main body S2a and the polarizing plate 16 can be different from each other.

[0028] The boundary between the main body portion S1a and the extension portion S1b and the boundary between the main body portion S2a and the extension portion S2b overlap with the straight line portion ODb of the outer dam portion OD in a plan view. Figure 1 In the example of , the extension portion S1b and the extension portion S2b are each formed into a rectangular shape having a long side overlapping the straight portion ODb in a plan view. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , the extension portion S1 b and the extension portion S2 b do not overlap with the flexible substrate 5 in a plan view.

[0029] exist Figure 1In the example of FIG. 1 , the moisture-proof member MO1 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side overlapping the straight portion ODb in a plan view. The moisture-proof member MO1 overlaps the extension portion S1b, the extension portion S2b, and the flexible substrate 5 in a plan view.

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP in the display area DA. The display device DSP further includes a circuit layer 13, an insulating layer 14, a rib 15, a resin layer RS1, a resin layer RS2, and an adhesive AD1. The display element 20 includes a pixel electrode PE, an organic layer OR, and a common electrode CE.

[0031] The circuit layer 13 is disposed on the substrate 10. The circuit layer 13 includes Figure 1 The circuit layer 13 also includes the insulating layer 11 and the insulating layer 12 (see FIG. Figure 3 The circuit layer 13 is covered by the insulating layer 14. The insulating layer 14 has the function of flattening the unevenness generated by the circuit layer 13. The insulating layer 14 is formed of an organic material. The display element 20 is arranged above the substrate 10.

[0032] A plurality of pixel electrodes PE are respectively disposed on the insulating layer 14. Figure 2 The pixel electrode PE is omitted in the figure, but the pixel electrode PE is connected to the insulating layer 14 through the contact hole penetrating the insulating layer 14. Figure 1 The pixel circuit 1 shown is electrically connected.

[0033] The end of the pixel electrode PE is covered by the rib 15. The rib 15 is formed in a lattice shape surrounding the plurality of sub-pixels SP in a plan view. The rib 15 is formed of, for example, an organic material.

[0034] The organic layer OR is disposed on the pixel electrode PE. The common electrode CE is disposed on the organic layer OR and the rib 15. The common electrode CE is formed over a plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0035] The pixel electrode PE can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or a laminate of a transparent conductive material and a metal material. The common electrode CE is formed of a metal material such as magnesium and silver. However, the common electrode CE can also be formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. In one example, the pixel electrode PE is equivalent to the anode of the display element 20, and the common electrode CE is equivalent to the cathode of the display element 20.

[0036] The organic layer OR emits light in response to the current flowing between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The organic layer OR has, for example, a stacked structure of 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. The organic layer OR may have a so-called tandem structure including a plurality of light emitting layers.

[0037] The sealing layer SE1 covers the display element 20. Specifically, the sealing layer SE1 covers the common electrode CE. The resin layer RS1 is arranged on the sealing layer SE1. The sealing layer SE2 covers the resin layer RS1. The resin layer RS2 is arranged on the sealing layer SE2. The above-mentioned polarizing plate 16 is arranged above the sealing layer SE2. Specifically, the polarizing plate 16 is bonded to the resin layer RS2 by the adhesive AD1.

[0038] The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 are formed of inorganic materials such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), etc. The resin layer RS1 and the resin layer RS2 are formed of resin materials (organic insulating materials) such as acrylic resin, etc. The adhesive AD1 is formed of, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0039] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP taken along line AA of FIG. The circuit layer 13 includes the above-mentioned insulating layer 11, insulating layer 12, and signal line SL. The insulating layer 11 covers the substrate 10. The signal line SL is arranged on the insulating layer 11. The insulating layer 12 covers the signal line SL. The insulating layer 11 and the insulating layer 12 are formed of inorganic materials such as silicon nitride and silicon oxide.

[0040] The display device DSP further includes the inner dam ID, the outer dam OD, the moisture-proof member MO1 , the conductive layer CL, the insulating layer 17 , and the moisture-proof member MO2 .

[0041] The inner dam portion ID and the outer dam portion OD are arranged on the insulating layer 12. The inner dam portion ID has a protrusion ID1 and a protrusion ID2. The protrusion ID2 covers the protrusion ID1. The outer dam portion OD has a protrusion OD1 and a protrusion OD2. The protrusion OD2 covers the protrusion OD1. The protrusion OD1 includes a part of the insulating layer 17. The inner dam portion ID has a function of blocking the resin layer RS1, and the outer dam portion OD has a function of blocking the resin layer RS2.

[0042] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 is located right above the outer dam portion OD. That is, the outer dam portion OD overlaps with the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 in a plan view. However, the outer dam portion OD may not overlap with the end 16E in a plan view.

[0043] The conductive layer CL is disposed on the insulating layer 12 in the mounting region MA. The conductive layer CL is electrically connected to the signal line SL through a contact hole CH penetrating the insulating layer 12.

[0044] The insulating layer 17 is disposed in the peripheral area SA. The insulating layer 17 covers the conductive layer CL. The protrusions ID1, OD1 and the insulating layer 17 are formed by, for example, Figure 2 The same organic material as the insulating layer 14 is formed by the same manufacturing process. The protrusions ID2 and OD2 are made of the same organic material as the insulating layer 14. Figure 2 The ribs 15 shown are formed of the same organic material by the same manufacturing process.

[0045] The insulating layer 17 has an opening OP overlapping with the terminal TM. The flexible substrate 5 is bonded to the conductive layer CL through the opening OP using an adhesive AD2. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the adhesive AD2 covers a part of the insulating layer 12 and the insulating layer 17. As the adhesive AD2, a conductive member such as an anisotropic conductive film can be used.

[0046] The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 cover the inner dam portion ID (straight portion IDb) and the outer dam portion OD (straight portion ODb), respectively. Figure 3 In the example of , the end of the resin layer RS1 is located near the inner dam portion ID. In addition, the end of the resin layer RS2 is located near the outer dam portion OD. The sealing layer SE1 is arranged on the insulating layer 17. In the region closer to the terminal TM than the end of the resin layer RS1, the upper surface S1U of the sealing layer SE1 contacts the sealing layer SE2.

[0047] The end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 are located closer to the terminal TM than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. Specifically, the end S1E and the end S2E are located between the end 16E and the opening OP, respectively. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the end S1E and the end S2E are not in contact with the adhesive AD2. The end S1E and the end S2E are arranged on the insulating layer 17. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the end S1E overlaps with the end S2E. However, the end S1E may not overlap with the end S2E.

[0048] The moisture-proof member MO1 is disposed above the insulating layer 17 and is in contact with the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. The moisture-proof member MO1 overlaps with the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the moisture-proof member MO1 covers the end S1E, the end S2E, and the end 5E of the flexible substrate 5. Figure 3In the example, the moisture-proof member MO1 is in contact with the upper surface S2U of the sealing layer SE2. In the mounting area MA, the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 are located between the insulating layer 17 and the moisture-proof member MO1. In other words, a portion of the sealing layer SE1 and a portion of the sealing layer SE2 are located between the insulating layer 17 and the moisture-proof member MO1, respectively. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the moisture-proof member MO2 is in contact with the substrate 10 , the insulating layer 11 , the insulating layer 12 , the adhesive AD2 , and the flexible substrate 5 .

[0049] The moisture-proof member MO1 and the moisture-proof member MO2 are formed of a resin material such as epoxy resin, acrylic resin, etc. The moisture-proof member MO1 has a function of, for example, preventing moisture from intruding into the mounting area MA between the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 and the end 5E of the flexible substrate 5. The moisture-proof member MO2 has a function of, for example, preventing moisture from intruding into the mounting area MA from the end of the substrate 10.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view showing the terminal TM in an enlarged manner. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The effects of the display device DSP according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 are located closer to the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. Figure 1 The following describes the possible problems that may occur when the polarizing plate 16 is on the display area DA side shown. If the polarizing plate 16 shrinks due to temperature changes, a gap may be generated between the end 16E and the moisture-proof component MO1. Since the outer dam portion OD located directly below the end 16E is not covered by the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2, if moisture penetrates the above-mentioned gap, it will reach the protrusion OD2 along the end A1E of the adhesive AD1. Since the protrusion OD2 and the insulating layer 17 are formed of organic materials, moisture can easily penetrate. Therefore, the moisture that reaches the protrusion OD2 penetrates along the insulating layer 17 to the terminal TM side. If moisture penetrates to Figure 4 In the region AR (region between adjacent terminals TM) shown, current flows between adjacent terminals TM through moisture, and as a result, there is a risk that the terminals TM may corrode or become easily peeled due to the potential difference between the terminals TM (conductive layer CL) and the moisture.

[0051] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 are located closer to the terminal TM than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. Figure 3In the embodiment, the moisture that enters from the gap between the end 16E and the moisture-proof member MO1 is transferred along the end A1E of the adhesive AD1 and reaches the sealing layer SE2 covering the outer dam portion OD. Since the sealing layers SE1 and SE2 are formed of inorganic materials, moisture is not easy to penetrate. Thus, the intrusion of moisture into the mounting area MA can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, by stacking the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 which are not easily permeable to water, the intrusion of water into the mounting area MA can be further suppressed. The sealing layer may be a stack of three or more layers, or may be a single layer of either the sealing layer SE1 or the sealing layer SE2, as will be described in detail later.

[0053] In addition, the display device DSP includes the moisture-proof member MO1 and the moisture-proof member MO2, thereby further suppressing the intrusion of moisture into the mounting area MA. Furthermore, the moisture-proof member MO1 covers the end 5E of the flexible substrate 5, thereby suppressing the intrusion of moisture into the space between the end 5E and the ends S1E and S2E.

[0054] Next, another configuration example of the display device DSP will be described. Elements identical or similar to those of the above-described display device DSP are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0055] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of a display device DSP. Figure 5 In the example, the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 is located closer to the terminal TM than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16, and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 is located closer to the inner dam portion ID than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. That is, the sealing layer SE1 is located directly below the end 16E, but the sealing layer SE2 is not located directly below the end 16E. The moisture-proof member MO1 is in contact with the upper surface S1U of the sealing layer SE1 in the mounting area MA.

[0056] In the display device DSP having such a structure, the sealing layer SE1 can also prevent moisture from entering the mounting area MA. Figure 5 In the display device DSP, the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can also be obtained.

[0057] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of a display device DSP. Figure 6 In the example, the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 is located closer to the terminal TM than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16, and the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 is located closer to the inner dam portion ID than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. That is, the sealing layer SE2 is located directly below the end 16E, but the sealing layer SE1 is not located directly below the end 16E.

[0058] In the display device DSP having such a structure, the sealing layer SE2 can also prevent moisture from entering the mounting area MA. Figure 6 In the display device DSP, the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can also be obtained.

[0059] In the above-described example, the sealing layer SE1 corresponds to the first sealing layer, the sealing layer SE2 corresponds to the second sealing layer, and the dam portion OD corresponds to the convex portion.

[0060] Based on the display device described above as the embodiment of the present invention, all display devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately changing the design also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0061] Within the scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art can think of various variations, which should also be understood to belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can add, delete or design changes to the above-mentioned embodiments, or add, omit or change the conditions of the process, as long as they have the gist of the present invention, they are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0062] In addition, other effects brought about by the schemes described in the above-mentioned embodiments that are clearly known from the description of this specification or that can be appropriately imagined by those skilled in the art should be understood as being brought about by the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: substrate; A display area for displaying an image; a peripheral area surrounding the display area; a display element disposed above the substrate; a first sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the display element; a resin layer disposed on the first sealing layer; a second sealing layer formed of an inorganic material and covering the resin layer; A conductive terminal disposed in the peripheral area; and a polarizing plate disposed above the second sealing layer, Here, at least one of an end portion of the first sealing layer and an end portion of the second sealing layer is located closer to the terminal than an end portion of the polarizing plate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The end portion of the first sealing layer and the end portion of the second sealing layer are respectively located closer to the terminal than the end portion of the polarizing plate.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The end portion of the first sealing layer overlaps with the end portion of the second sealing layer.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a convex portion surrounding the display area, in, The end of the polarizing plate is located directly above the convex portion, The first sealing layer and the second sealing layer overlap with the convex portion, respectively, in a plan view.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The convex portion has a portion located between the display area and the terminal, At least one of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer covers the portion of the convex portion.

6. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer formed of an organic material, having an opening overlapping with the terminal and arranged in the peripheral region, At least one of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer is disposed on the insulating layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the end portion of the first sealing layer and the end portion of the second sealing layer is located between the end portion of the polarizing plate and the opening.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A moisture-proof member is in contact with the end portion of the polarizing plate and is in contact with an upper surface of at least one of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The moisture-proof member overlaps with the end portion of at least one of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer.

10. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising a flexible substrate connected to the terminal. in, The moisture-proof member covers an end portion of the flexible substrate.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a convex portion located between the display area and the terminal and overlapping the end portion of the polarizing plate in a plan view; an insulating layer formed of an organic material, having an opening overlapping the terminal and arranged in the peripheral region; and a moisture-proof member contacting the end of the polarizing plate and located above the insulating layer, in, The protrusion includes a portion of the insulating layer, The first sealing layer and the second sealing layer respectively cover the convex portion, A portion of the first sealing layer and a portion of the second sealing layer are respectively located between the insulating layer and the moisture-proof member.

Images