Display device

Abstract

To provide a display device capable of suppressing the moisture entry into a mount region.SOLUTION: A display device includes a substrate, a display region that displays an image, a peripheral region that surrounds the display region, a display element that is disposed over the substrate, a first sealing layer that is formed of an inorganic material and covers the display element, a resin layer that is disposed on the first sealing layer, a second sealing layer that is formed of an inorganic material and covers the resin layer, a conductive pad that is disposed in the peripheral region, and a polarizing plate that is disposed over the second sealing layer. At least one of an end part of the first sealing layer and an end part of the second sealing layer exists on the pad side relative to an end part of the polarizing plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present embodiment relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various display devices have been proposed. In one example, a display device includes a polarizing plate that covers a display area and a moisture-proof member that contacts an end of the polarizing plate. The moisture-proof member has a function of preventing moisture from entering a mounting area where a flexible substrate or the like is mounted.

[0003] However, a change in temperature can cause the polarizing plate to shrink, which can result in a gap between the polarizing plate and the moisture-proof member, and moisture can enter the mounting area through this gap. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-34282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of suppressing the intrusion of moisture into a mounting area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, a display device includes a substrate, a display region for displaying an image, a peripheral region surrounding the display region, a display element disposed above the substrate, a first sealing layer made of an inorganic material and covering the display element, a resin layer disposed on the first sealing layer, a second sealing layer made 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 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a display device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device in the display region. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of the terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the display device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing still another configuration example of the display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and those who are skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the drawings may be schematic in width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previous figures are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In addition, in the drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are perpendicular to each other are shown as necessary to facilitate 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. Viewing various elements parallel to the third direction Z is called a planar view.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a display device DSP. The display device DSP shown in Fig. 1 is a display device having an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element. However, the display device DSP may 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.

[0011] The display device DSP includes a substrate 10, a plurality of conductive terminals TM, and a flexible substrate 5. The substrate 10 has a circular main body 10a and an extension 10b extending from the main body 10a in a second direction Y. The extension 10b is formed in a trapezoidal shape whose width in the first direction X decreases with increasing distance from the main body 10a. However, the shape of the substrate 10 in a plan view may be other shapes such as a rectangle, a square, or an ellipse. The substrate 10 is formed of an insulating material such as glass or plastic.

[0012] 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 in a planar view. In this embodiment, the shape of the display area DA in a planar view is circular. However, the shape of the display area DA in a planar view may be other shapes such as a rectangle, a square, or an ellipse.

[0013] The peripheral area SA has a mounting area MA. The mounting area MA corresponds to an area overlapping with the extending portion 10b in a plan view. A plurality of terminals TM are provided in the mounting area MA (peripheral area SA). 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, which will be described later. In addition to the flexible substrate 5, an IC chip or the like may also be mounted in the mounting area MA.

[0014] The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y. Each 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. The pixel PX may include four or more sub-pixels including sub-pixels of other colors such as white in addition to the above three colors.

[0015] The subpixel 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 drive transistor 3, and a capacitor 4. The pixel switch 2 and the drive transistor 3 are switching elements constituted by, for example, thin film transistors.

[0016] In the pixel switch 2, the gate electrode is connected to the scanning line GL. One of the source electrode and 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. In the example of FIG. 1, the scanning line GL extends in a first direction X, and the signal line SL extends in a second direction Y. The signal line SL connects the pixel circuit 1 and the terminal TM. In the driving transistor 3, one of the source electrode and 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.

[0017] The display element 20 is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) in the example of Fig. 1. In one example, the subpixel SP1 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a red wavelength, the subpixel SP2 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a green wavelength, and the subpixel SP3 includes a display element 20 that emits light corresponding to a blue wavelength.

[0018] The display device DSP further includes an inner dam ID surrounding the display area DA, and an outer dam OD surrounding the display area DA and the inner dam ID. The inner dam ID and the outer dam OD are each disposed in the peripheral area SA. The inner dam ID has an arc portion IDa and a straight portion IDb extending in the first direction X. The outer dam 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 portion 10a are aligned with each other. However, the centers of the arc portion IDa, the arc portion ODa, the display area DA, and the main body portion 10a may not be aligned with each other. The straight portion IDb and the straight portion ODb are located between the display area DA and the multiple terminals TM. The number of dams included in the display device DSP is not limited to two, the inner dam ID and the outer dam OD, and may be one or three or more.

[0019] The display device DSP further includes a sealing layer SE1, a sealing layer SE2, a polarizing plate 16, and a moisture-proof member MO1. The dotted areas in Fig. 1 correspond to the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2. The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 overlap with the inner dam ID and the outer dam OD, respectively, in a plan view.

[0020] The sealing layer SE1 has a circular main body S1a and an extension S1b extending from the main body S1a in the second direction Y. The sealing layer SE2 has a circular main body S2a and an extension S2b extending from the main body S2a in 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 in a planar view. However, the main body S1a, the main body S2a, and the polarizing plate 16 may be larger or smaller than the area surrounded by the outer dam OD in a planar view. Furthermore, the sizes of the main body S1a, the main body S2a, and the polarizing plate 16 may be different from each other.

[0021] 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 portion ODb of the outer dam OD in a plan view. In the example of Fig. 1, the extension portion S1b and the extension portion S2b are each formed in a rectangular shape having a long side that overlaps with the straight portion ODb in a plan view. In addition, in the example of Fig. 1, the extension portion S1b and the extension portion S2b do not overlap with the flexible substrate 5 in a plan view.

[0022] 1, the moistureproof member MO1 is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side overlapping the straight portion ODb in a plan view. The moistureproof member MO1 overlaps with the extending portion S1b, the extending portion S2b, and the flexible substrate 5 in a plan view.

[0023] 2 is a 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.

[0024] The circuit layer 13 is disposed on the substrate 10 described above. The circuit layer 13 includes various circuits such as the pixel circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1, and various wirings such as the scanning line GL, the signal line SL, and the power line PL. Although described in detail below, the circuit layer 13 also includes an insulating layer 11 and an insulating layer 12 (see FIG. 3). The circuit layer 13 is covered with an insulating layer 14. The insulating layer 14 has a function of flattening unevenness caused by the circuit layer 13. The insulating layer 14 is made of an organic material. The display element 20 is disposed above the substrate 10.

[0025] The pixel electrodes PE are each disposed on the insulating layer 14. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the pixel electrodes PE are electrically connected to the pixel circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1 through contact holes that penetrate the insulating layer 14.

[0026] The end portion of the pixel electrode PE is covered with a 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.

[0027] 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 across a plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0028] The pixel electrode PE may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), or may be a laminate of a transparent conductive material and a metal material. The common electrode CE is formed of a metal material such as magnesium or silver. However, the common electrode CE may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. In one example, the pixel electrode PE corresponds to the anode of the display element 20, and the common electrode CE corresponds to the cathode of the display element 20.

[0029] The organic layer OR emits light in response to a voltage 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.

[0030] The sealing layer SE1 covers the display element 20. Specifically, the sealing layer SE1 covers the common electrode CE. The resin layer RS1 is disposed on the sealing layer SE1. The sealing layer SE2 covers the resin layer RS1. The resin layer RS2 is disposed on the sealing layer SE2. The polarizing plate 16 described above is disposed above the sealing layer SE2. Specifically, the polarizing plate 16 is adhered to the resin layer RS2 by an adhesive AD1.

[0031] The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 are formed of an inorganic material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), etc. The resin layer RS1 and the resin layer RS2 are formed of a resin material (organic insulating material) such as acrylic resin, etc. The adhesive AD1 is formed of, for example, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or the like.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP taken along line AA in Fig. 1. The circuit layer 13 has 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 disposed 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 an inorganic material such as silicon nitride and silicon oxide.

[0033] The display device DSP further includes the above-mentioned inner dam ID, outer dam OD, and moisture-proof member MO1, a conductive layer CL, an insulating layer 17, and a moisture-proof member MO2.

[0034] The inner dam ID and the outer dam OD are disposed on the insulating layer 12. The inner dam ID has a protrusion ID1 and a protrusion ID2. The protrusion ID2 covers the protrusion ID1. The outer dam 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 ID has a function of blocking the resin layer RS1, and the outer dam OD has a function of blocking the resin layer RS2.

[0035] 3, the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 is located directly above the outer dam OD. That is, the outer dam OD overlaps with the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 in a planar view. However, the outer dam OD does not have to overlap with the end 16E in a planar view.

[0036] The conductive layer CL is disposed on the insulating layer 12 in the mounting area MA. The conductive layer CL is electrically connected to the signal line SL through a contact hole CH that penetrates the insulating layer 12.

[0037] The insulating layer 17 is disposed in the peripheral region SA. The insulating layer 17 covers the conductive layer CL. The protrusions ID1, OD1, and insulating layer 17 are formed of the same organic material and by the same manufacturing process as the insulating layer 14 shown in Fig. 2, for example. The protrusions ID2 and OD2 are formed of the same organic material and by the same manufacturing process as the rib 15 shown in Fig. 2, for example.

[0038] The insulating layer 17 has an opening OP overlapping with the terminal TM. The flexible substrate 5 is adhered to the conductive layer CL through the opening OP by an adhesive AD2. In the example of Fig. 3, the adhesive AD2 covers a part of the insulating layer 12 and the insulating layer 17. As the adhesive AD2, for example, a conductive member such as an anisotropic conductive film can be used.

[0039] The sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2 cover the inner dam ID (straight line portion IDb) and the outer dam OD (straight line portion ODb), respectively. In the example of FIG. 3, the end of the resin layer RS1 is located near the inner dam ID. Also, the end of the resin layer RS2 is located near the outer dam OD. The sealing layer SE1 is disposed 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 and the sealing layer SE2 are in contact with each other.

[0040] 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. In the example of FIG. 3, the end S1E and the end S2E are not in contact with the adhesive AD2. The end S1E and the end S2E are disposed on the insulating layer 17. In FIG. 3, the end S1E overlaps with the end S2E. However, the end S1E does not have to overlap with the end S2E.

[0041] 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 the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S1E of the sealing layer SE2. In FIG. 3, the moisture-proof member MO1 covers the end S1E, the end S2E, and the end 5E of the flexible substrate 5. In the example of FIG. 3, 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 part of the sealing layer SE1 and a part of the sealing layer SE2 are located between the insulating layer 17 and the moisture-proof member MO1, respectively. In FIG. 3, 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.

[0042] The moisture-proof members MO1 and MO2 are formed of a resin material such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin. The moisture-proof member MO1 has a function of preventing moisture from entering the mounting area MA between, for example, 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 preventing moisture from entering the mounting area MA from, for example, the end of the substrate 10.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged terminal TM. With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the effect of the display device DSP according to this embodiment will be described. First, a problem that may occur when the end S1E of the sealing layer SE1 and the end S2E of the sealing layer SE2 are located closer to the display area DA side shown in FIG. 1 than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16 will be described. When the polarizing plate 16 shrinks due to a temperature change, a gap may occur between the end 16E and the moisture-proof member MO1. Since the outer dam OD located directly below the end 16E is not covered by the sealing layer SE1 and the sealing layer SE2, when moisture penetrates the above gap, it reaches the protrusion OD2 through the end A1E of the adhesive AD1. Since the protrusion OD2 and the insulating layer 17 are formed of an organic material, moisture easily penetrates. Therefore, the moisture that reaches the protrusion OD2 penetrates the insulating layer 17 to the terminal TM side. When moisture penetrates the area AR (area between adjacent terminals TM) shown in FIG. 4, electricity flows between the adjacent terminals TM through the moisture. As a result, the terminal TM may corrode due to the potential difference between the terminal TM (conductive layer CL) and moisture, and may become prone to peeling.

[0044] 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. Therefore, in FIG. 3, moisture that has entered through the gap between the end 16E and the moisture-proof member MO1 travels along the end A1E of the adhesive AD1 and reaches the sealing layer SE2 that covers the outer dam OD. Since the sealing layers SE1 and SE2 are made of an inorganic material, moisture does not easily penetrate them. This makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of moisture into the mounting area MA.

[0045] In addition, by stacking the sealing layers SE1 and SE2, which are resistant to moisture penetration, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of moisture into the mounting area MA. However, 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, which will be described in detail later.

[0046] Moreover, since the display device DSP includes the moisture-proof members MO1 and MO2, it is possible to further prevent moisture from entering the mounting area MA. Furthermore, since the moisture-proof member MO1 covers the end 5E of the flexible substrate 5, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering between the end 5E and the end S1E and between the end 5E and the end S2E.

[0047] Next, another example of the configuration of the display device DSP will be described. Elements that are the same as or similar to those of the display device DSP described above are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the display device DSP. In the example of Fig. 5, 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 ID than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. In other words, 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 contacts the upper surface S1U of the sealing layer SE1 in the mounting area MA.

[0049] In the display device DSP having such a configuration, the sealing layer SE1 can prevent moisture from entering the mounting area MA. In addition, the display device DSP in FIG.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of the configuration of the display device DSP. In the example of Fig. 6, 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 ID than the end 16E of the polarizing plate 16. In other words, the sealing layer SE2 is located directly below the end 16E, but the sealing layer SE1 is not located directly below the end 16E.

[0051] In the display device DSP having such a configuration, the sealing layer SE2 can prevent moisture from entering the mounting area MA. In addition, the display device DSP in FIG.

[0052] In the above example, the sealing layer SE1 corresponds to the first sealing layer, the sealing layer SE2 corresponds to the second sealing layer, and the outer dam OD corresponds to the convex portion.

[0053] All display devices that can be implemented by those skilled in the art through appropriate design modifications based on the display devices described above as the embodiments of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0054] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and such modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or removes components or modifies the design of the above-mentioned embodiment, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0055] Furthermore, with regard to other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in the above-mentioned embodiments, those which are obvious from the description in this specification or which can be appropriately thought up by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] DSP...display device, 5...flexible substrate, 10...substrate, 11, 12, 14, 17...insulating layer, 16...polarizing plate, CL...conductive layer, ID...inner dam, OD...outer dam, MA...mounting area, MO1, MO2...moisture-proof member, RS1, RS2...resin layer, SE1, SE2...sealing layer, TM...terminal.

Claims

1. 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 terminal disposed in the peripheral region; a polarizing plate disposed above the second sealing layer; Equipped with At least one of an end of the first sealing layer and an end of the second sealing layer is located closer to the terminal than an end of the polarizing plate. Display device.

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

3. The end of the first sealing layer overlaps the end of the second sealing layer. The display device according to claim 2 .

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

5. the protrusion 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 protrusion. The display device according to claim 4.

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

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

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

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

10. A flexible substrate connected to the terminal is further provided. The moisture-proof member covers an end portion of the flexible substrate. The display device according to claim 8.

11. a protrusion located between the display region and the terminal and overlapping the end of the polarizing plate in a plan view; an insulating layer formed of an organic material, having an opening overlapping the terminal, and disposed in the peripheral region; a moisture-proof member in contact with the end of the polarizing plate and located above the insulating layer; Further equipped with the protrusion includes a part of the insulating layer, the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer each cover the protrusion, a portion of the first sealing layer and a portion of the second sealing layer are each located between the insulating layer and the moisture-proof member; The display device according to claim 1 .

Images