Display device

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in appearance of a display region caused by reflected light.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, a display device comprises a first display element, a first color filter of a first color, and a light-shielding layer. The first display element includes: a first lower electrode; a first upper electrode facing the first lower electrode; and a first organic layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode and emitting light in response to application of voltage. The first color filter overlaps the first display element, and the light-shielding layer overlaps the first color filter. A first opening includes a first portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion arranged in a first direction. A width of the intermediate portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction is smaller than widths of the first portion and the second portion in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, display devices using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements have been put to practical use. In some cases, color filters are arranged for each of the sub-pixels of different colors. When external light is incident on the display surface of such display devices, the appearance of the display area can be degraded due to the reflected light from the sub-pixels of each color. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-195677 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-207217 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-135325 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-32673 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-118191 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2018 / 179308 [Patent Document 7] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0077251 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that can prevent deterioration in the appearance of the display area caused by reflected light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Generally, according to an embodiment, a display device includes a first display element, a first color filter of a first color, and a light-shielding layer. The first display element includes a first lower electrode, a first upper electrode facing the first lower electrode, and a first organic layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode and emitting light in response to application of a voltage. The first color filter overlaps the first display element. The light-shielding layer overlaps the first color filter. The first opening has a first portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion aligned in a first direction. Furthermore, the width of the intermediate portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction is smaller than the widths of the first portion and the second portion in the second direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a layout of sub-pixels according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the shape of the opening in the light-shielding layer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of pixels each including an aperture having the shape shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings in a light-shielding layer according to the eleventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily make while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment for the sake of clarity, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] In the drawings, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes are shown as necessary to facilitate understanding. The direction along the X axis is referred to as the X direction, the direction along the Y axis is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction along the Z axis is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is the normal direction of a plane including the X and Y directions. Viewing various elements parallel to the Z direction is referred to as planar view.

[0009] The display device according to each embodiment is an organic electroluminescence display device having an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element, and can be installed in various electronic devices such as televisions, personal computers, in-vehicle equipment, tablet terminals, smartphones, mobile phone terminals, and wearable terminals.

[0010] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device DSP according to the first embodiment. The display device DSP includes an insulating substrate 10. The substrate 10 has a display area DA for displaying an image and a peripheral area SA around the display area DA. The substrate 10 may be made of glass or a flexible resin film.

[0011] In this embodiment, the shape of the substrate 10 in plan view is rectangular. However, the shape of the substrate 10 in plan view is not limited to rectangular, and may be other shapes such as square, circular, or elliptical.

[0012] The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the X and Y directions. Each pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels SP that display different colors. In this embodiment, the pixel PX includes a subpixel SP1 of a first color, a subpixel SP2 of a second color, and a subpixel SP3 of a third color. For example, the first color is blue, the second color is red, and the third color is green. However, the combination of the first, second, and third colors is not limited to this example. The pixel PX may also include four or more subpixels of different colors.

[0013] The subpixel SP includes a pixel circuit 1 and a display element DE driven by the pixel circuit 1. The pixel circuit 1 includes a pixel switch 2, a drive transistor 3, and a capacitor 4. The pixel switch 2 and the drive transistor 3 are switching elements formed of, for example, thin film transistors.

[0014] In the display area DA, there are arranged a plurality of scanning lines GL that supply scanning signals to the pixel circuits 1 of each subpixel SP, a plurality of signal lines SL that supply video signals to the pixel circuits 1 of each subpixel SP, and a plurality of power supply lines PL. In the example of Fig. 1, the scanning lines GL and the power supply lines PL extend in the X direction, and the signal lines SL extend in the Y direction.

[0015] The gate electrode of the pixel switch 2 is connected to the scanning line GL. The source electrode of the pixel switch 2 is connected to the signal line SL. The drain electrode of the pixel switch 2 is connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor 3 and the capacitor 4. The source electrode of the drive transistor 3 is connected to the power line PL and the capacitor 4. The drain electrode of the drive transistor 3 is connected to the display element DE.

[0016] The configuration of the pixel circuit 1 is not limited to the example shown in the drawing. For example, the pixel circuit 1 may include more thin film transistors and capacitors.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the layout of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. In the example of Fig. 2, subpixels SP2 and SP3 are aligned with subpixel SP1 in the X direction. Furthermore, subpixels SP2 and SP3 are aligned with subpixel SP1 in the Y direction.

[0018] A rib layer 5 is disposed in the display area DA. The rib layer 5 has rib openings AP1, AP2, and AP3 in the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, respectively. The rib openings AP1, AP2, and AP3 are, for example, rectangular. In the example of FIG. 2, the rib opening AP1 is larger than the rib openings AP2 and AP3. Furthermore, the rib openings AP2 and AP3 are the same size. However, the shapes and sizes of the rib openings AP1, AP2, and AP3 are not limited to this example. For example, the rib openings AP1, AP2, and AP3 may be circular or elliptical. Furthermore, the sizes of the rib openings AP2 and AP3 may be different.

[0019] Subpixel SP1 includes a lower electrode LE1 (first lower electrode), an upper electrode UE1 (first upper electrode), and an organic layer OR1 (first organic layer), each overlapping with the rib opening AP1. Subpixel SP2 includes a lower electrode LE2 (second lower electrode), an upper electrode UE2 (second upper electrode), and an organic layer OR2 (second organic layer), each overlapping with the rib opening AP2. Subpixel SP3 includes a lower electrode LE3 (third lower electrode), an upper electrode UE3 (third upper electrode), and an organic layer OR3 (third organic layer), each overlapping with the rib opening AP3.

[0020] The portions of the lower electrode LE1, upper electrode UE1, and organic layer OR1 that overlap with the rib opening AP1 constitute the display element DE1 (first display element) of the subpixel SP1. The portions of the lower electrode LE2, upper electrode UE2, and organic layer OR2 that overlap with the rib opening AP2 constitute the display element DE2 (second display element) of the subpixel SP2. The portions of the lower electrode LE3, upper electrode UE3, and organic layer OR3 that overlap with the rib opening AP3 constitute the display element DE3 (third display element) of the subpixel SP3. The display elements DE1, DE2, and DE3 may further include a cap layer, which will be described later. The rib layer 5 surrounds each of these display elements DE1, DE2, and DE3.

[0021] Partition walls 6 are arranged in the display area DA. The partition walls 6 are located above the rib layer 5 and entirely overlap the rib layer 5. In the example of FIG. 2, the partition walls 6 have the same planar shape as the rib layer 5. That is, the partition walls 6 have openings in the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. From another perspective, the rib layer 5 and the partition walls 6 have a lattice shape in a planar view and surround the display elements DE1, DE2, and DE3, respectively. The partition walls 6 serve as wiring that supplies a common voltage to the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3.

[0022] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device DSP taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. A circuit layer 11 is disposed on the above-described substrate 10. The circuit layer 11 includes various circuits and wirings such as the pixel circuits 1, scanning lines GL, signal lines SL, and power supply lines PL shown in FIG. 1. The circuit layer 11 is covered with an organic insulating layer 12. The organic insulating layer 12 functions as a planarizing film that flattens unevenness caused by the circuit layer 11.

[0023] The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are disposed on the organic insulating layer 12. The rib layer 5 is disposed on the organic insulating layer 12 and the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3. The ends of the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are covered by the rib layer 5. Although not shown in the cross section of FIG. 3, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 are each connected to the pixel circuit 1 of the circuit layer 11 (the drain electrode of the drive transistor 3 shown in FIG. 1) through a contact hole provided in the organic insulating layer 12.

[0024] The partition wall 6 includes a conductive lower portion 61 disposed on the rib layer 5 and an upper portion 62 disposed on the lower portion 61. The upper portion 62 has a width greater than that of the lower portion 61. As a result, both ends of the upper portion 62 protrude beyond the side surfaces of the lower portion 61. Such a shape of the partition wall 6 is called an overhanging shape.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 3 , the lower part 61 has a bottom layer 63 and an axial layer 64. The bottom layer 63 is located between the axial layer 64 and the rib layer 5. For example, both ends of the bottom layer 63 protrude from the side surfaces of the axial layer 64. However, both ends of the bottom layer 63 may be flush with the side surfaces of the axial layer 64.

[0026] The organic layer OR1 covers the lower electrode LE1 through the rib opening AP1. The upper electrode UE1 covers the organic layer OR1 and faces the lower electrode LE1. The organic layer OR2 covers the lower electrode LE2 through the rib opening AP2. The upper electrode UE2 covers the organic layer OR2 and faces the lower electrode LE2. The organic layer OR3 covers the lower electrode LE3 through the rib opening AP3. The upper electrode UE3 covers the organic layer OR3 and faces the lower electrode LE3. The upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 are in contact with the side surfaces of the lower portion 61 of the partition wall 6.

[0027] Display element DE1 includes a cap layer CP1 that covers the upper electrode UE1. Display element DE2 includes a cap layer CP2 that covers the upper electrode UE2. Display element DE3 includes a cap layer CP3 that covers the upper electrode UE3. The cap layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 serve as optical adjustment layers that improve the extraction efficiency of light emitted from the organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3, respectively.

[0028] For example, the organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 are formed over at least the entire display area DA by the same vapor deposition process. The upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 are also formed over at least the entire display area DA by the same vapor deposition process. The cap layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 are also formed over at least the entire display area DA by the same vapor deposition process. The organic layers, upper electrodes, and cap layers formed by vapor deposition in this manner are separated by overhanging partition walls 6. These organic layers, upper electrodes, and cap layers are also formed on the upper portions 62 of the partition walls 6.

[0029] In the following description, the multilayer body including the organic layer OR1, the upper electrode UE1, and the cap layer CP1 will be referred to as the laminate film FL1, the multilayer body including the organic layer OR2, the upper electrode UE2, and the cap layer CP2 will be referred to as the laminate film FL2, and the multilayer body including the organic layer OR3, the upper electrode UE3, and the cap layer CP3 will be referred to as the laminate film FL3.

[0030] 3, the stacked films FL1, FL2, and FL3 and the partition wall 6 are continuously covered with a sealing layer SE1 (first sealing layer). The sealing layer SE1 is covered with a resin layer RS1 (first resin layer). The resin layer RS1 is covered with a sealing layer SE2 (second sealing layer).

[0031] A light-shielding layer 7 (black matrix) and color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 (first to third color filters) are arranged above the sealing layer SE2. The light-shielding layer 7 has openings 71, 72, and 73 (first to third openings).

[0032] The color filter CF1, the opening 71, and the display element DE1 overlap in the Z direction. The color filter CF2, the opening 72, and the display element DE2 overlap in the Z direction. The color filter CF3, the opening 73, and the display element DE3 overlap in the Z direction.

[0033] 3, the light-shielding layer 7 is disposed on the sealing layer SE2. Furthermore, the ends of the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 are disposed on the light-shielding layer 7. In other words, the light-shielding layer 7 is located between the sealing layer SE2 and the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0034] The width of the light-shielding layer 7 is greater than, for example, the width of the underlying rib layer 5. In this case, the rib layer 5 and the partition walls 6 entirely overlap with the light-shielding layer 7. As another example, at least a portion of the rib layer 5 and the partition walls 6 may not overlap with the light-shielding layer 7.

[0035] The color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 are covered with a resin layer RS2. The resin layers RS1 and RS2 and the sealing layer SE2 are provided continuously over at least the entire display area DA, and part of them also extend into the peripheral area SA.

[0036] A cover member such as a protective film or a cover glass may be further disposed above the resin layer RS2, and such a cover member may be adhered to the resin layer RS2 via an adhesive layer such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0037] The organic insulating layer 12 is formed of an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The rib layer 5, the sealing layer SE1, and the sealing layer SE2 are formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), or silicon oxynitride (SiON). In one example, the rib layer 5 is formed of silicon oxynitride, and the sealing layers SE1 and SE2 are formed of silicon nitride. The resin layers RS1 and RS2 are formed of a resin material (organic insulating material) such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin.

[0038] The lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 each include a reflective layer made of, for example, silver, and a pair of conductive oxide layers covering the upper and lower surfaces of the reflective layer. Each conductive oxide layer can be made of a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide), or IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide).

[0039] The upper electrodes UE1, UE2, UE3 are formed of a metal material such as an alloy of magnesium and silver (MgAg). For example, the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, LE3 correspond to anodes, and the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, UE3 correspond to cathodes.

[0040] The organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 are composed of multiple thin films including an emissive layer. In one example, the organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 have a structure in which a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, an emissive layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer are stacked in this order in the Z direction. The organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 may have other structures, such as a so-called tandem structure including multiple emissive layers.

[0041] The cap layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 have a laminated structure in which, for example, multiple transparent layers are stacked. These transparent layers may include layers formed from inorganic materials and layers formed from organic materials. These transparent layers have different refractive indices. For example, the refractive indices of these transparent layers are different from the refractive indices of the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 and the sealing layer SE1. At least one of the cap layers CP1, CP2, and CP3 may be omitted.

[0042] The bottom layer 63 and the shaft layer 64 of the partition wall 6 are formed of a metal material. Examples of the metal material for the bottom layer 63 include molybdenum, titanium, titanium nitride (TiN), a molybdenum-tungsten alloy (MoW), and a molybdenum-niobium alloy (MoNb). Examples of the metal material for the shaft layer 64 include aluminum, an aluminum-neodymium alloy (AlNd), an aluminum-yttrium alloy (AlY), and an aluminum-silicon alloy (AlSi). The shaft layer 64 may be formed of an insulating material.

[0043] For example, the upper portion 62 of the partition wall 6 has a laminated structure of a lower layer formed of a metal material and an upper layer formed of a conductive oxide. Examples of the metal material that can be used to form the lower layer include titanium, titanium nitride, molybdenum, tungsten, a molybdenum-tungsten alloy, and a molybdenum-niobium alloy. Examples of the conductive oxide that can be used to form the upper layer include ITO and IZO. The upper portion 62 may also have a single-layer structure of a metal material. Furthermore, the upper portion 62 may include a layer formed of an insulating material.

[0044] A common voltage is supplied to the partition wall 6. This common voltage is supplied to each of the upper electrodes UE1, UE2, and UE3 in contact with the lower portion 61. A pixel voltage corresponding to the video signal on the signal line SL is supplied to each of the lower electrodes LE1, LE2, and LE3 through the pixel circuits 1 of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, respectively.

[0045] The organic layer OR1 emits light in response to the voltage between the lower electrode LE1 and the upper electrode UE1. The organic layer OR2 emits light in response to the voltage between the lower electrode LE2 and the upper electrode UE2. The organic layer OR3 emits light in response to the voltage between the lower electrode LE3 and the upper electrode UE3. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the organic layers OR1, OR2, and OR3 all emit white light.

[0046] Color filter CF1 converts the white light emitted by organic layer OR1 into blue light. Color filter CF2 converts the white light emitted by organic layer OR2 into red light. Color filter CF3 converts the white light emitted by organic layer OR3 into green light. Color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be formed of organic insulating materials containing blue, red, and green colorants, respectively.

[0047] The positions of the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 and the light-shielding layer 7 are not limited to the example in Fig. 3. For example, the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 and the light-shielding layer 7 may be disposed on the sealing layer SE1 and covered with the resin layer RS1. Alternatively, the light-shielding layer 7 may be disposed on the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3.

[0048] 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the shapes of the openings 71, 72, and 73. In this embodiment, the opening 71 has an elongated shape. The areas of the openings 72 and 73 are each smaller than the area of the opening 71.

[0049] Opening 71 entirely overlaps with rib opening AP1. Opening 72 entirely overlaps with rib opening AP2. Opening 73 entirely overlaps with rib opening AP3. In this configuration, the entire openings 71, 72, and 73 become the substantial light-emitting regions of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, respectively.

[0050] The aperture 71 has a first portion Pa, an intermediate portion Pm, and a second portion Pb arranged in the first direction D1. The first portion Pa has a width W1a in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. The second portion Pb has a width W1b in the second direction D2. The intermediate portion Pm has a width W1m in the second direction D2.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4, the first direction D1 is parallel to the Y direction, and the second direction D2 is parallel to the X direction. That is, the first direction D1 is parallel to the extending direction of the signal line SL shown in FIG. 1. Also, the second direction D2 is parallel to the extending direction of the scanning line GL shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 4, the width W1m is smaller than the widths W1a, W1b (W1m < W1a, W1b). That is, the aperture 71 has a constricted shape in the intermediate portion Pm. For example, the widths W1a, W1b are equal. However, the widths W1a, W1b may be different.

[0053] For example, the edges of the aperture 71 in the first portion Pa and the second portion Pb are arc-shaped with the same curvature. Also, the pair of edges of the aperture 71 in the intermediate portion Pm are both arc-shaped protruding toward the inside of the aperture 71. For example, the first portion Pa and the second portion Pb can be defined as portions having a certain curvature. Also, the intermediate portion Pm can be defined as a portion having a curvature different from that of the first portion Pa and the second portion Pb.

[0054] The aperture 72 has a width W2 in the second direction D2. The aperture 73 has a width W3 in the second direction D2. In the example of FIG. 4, the aperture 72 is circular with a diameter of width W2. Also, the aperture 73 is circular with a diameter of width W3. When the widths W2, W3 are equal, the apertures 72, 73 are circular with the same diameter.

[0055] In one example, the widths W2, W3 (the diameters of the apertures 72, 73) are equal to the widths W1a, W1b. However, at least one of the widths W2, W3 may be different from the widths W1a, W1b.

[0056] 4 shows an example in which the edges of the openings 71, 72, and 73 are non-linear as a whole, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one edge of the openings 71, 72, and 73 may include a linear portion.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of pixels PX each including openings 71, 72, and 73 having the shapes shown in Fig. 4. In the example of this figure, two types of pixels PX1 and PX2 (first and second pixels) having different positional relationships between the openings 71, 72, and 73 (sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3) are shown.

[0058] In pixel PX1, openings 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in the same manner as in Fig. 4. On the other hand, in pixel PX2, the position of opening 71 is reversed to the positions of openings 72 and 73. In other words, pixel PX2 has a structure in which pixel PX1 is inverted in the second direction D2.

[0059] In the display area DA, rows L1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are aligned in the second direction D2 and rows L2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are aligned in the second direction D2 are formed. These rows L1 and L2 are aligned alternately in the first direction D1.

[0060] In this configuration, the aperture 71 of pixel PX1, the aperture 72 of pixel PX2, and the aperture 73 of pixel PX2 are aligned in the first direction D1. Also, the aperture 72 of pixel PX1, the aperture 73 of pixel PX1, and the aperture 71 of pixel PX2 are aligned in the first direction D1.

[0061] In an organic electroluminescence display device in which the display elements of each subpixel emit light of a different color, a circular polarizer is sometimes provided over the display area to suppress reflection of external light in the display area. In this configuration, most of the light emitted by each display element is absorbed by the circular polarizer, so each display element needs to emit light at a high brightness, which can increase the power consumption when driving the display device.

[0062] In contrast, in the configuration in which color filters are provided as in this embodiment, the color filters can suppress incident light and reflected light from the display element, making it unnecessary to provide a circular polarizer, and making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the display device DSP.

[0063] However, even with color filters, it is not possible to completely suppress reflected light from the display element. Furthermore, external light is also reflected by the surface of the color filters. Therefore, reflection patterns may occur due to diffraction and interference of reflected light depending on the layout of the subpixels of each color.

[0064] The shape of the reflection pattern depends on the shape of the light-emitting region of each sub-pixel. For example, if each sub-pixel has a typical rectangular light-emitting region, a cross-shaped reflection pattern with four perpendicular sides may be produced.

[0065] In contrast, in this embodiment, the openings 72 and 73 that define the light-emitting regions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 are circular, thereby suppressing the spread of the reflection pattern in the subpixels SP2 and SP3. Furthermore, the large, elongated opening 71 has a shape that is constricted at the middle portion Pm. This also suppresses the spread of the reflection pattern in the subpixel SP1. As shown in FIG. 4, if the edges of the opening 71 are generally non-linear, it is possible to more effectively suppress the spread of the reflection pattern.

[0066] Another issue with display devices using color filters is that the diffraction images of each color form a rainbow-like reflection pattern due to wavelength dispersion of the reflected light at the sub-pixels of each color, which is known as color separation. The shapes of openings 71, 72, and 73 shown in Figure 4 can suppress this color separation compared to when the light-emitting region is rectangular.

[0067] The configuration shown in Figure 5 makes it possible to more effectively suppress color separation. That is, in the example of Figure 5, two types of pixels PX1 and PX2 are arranged, each with a different arrangement of subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3. This makes it easier for the diffraction images of the subpixels SP1, SP2, and SP3 to overlap, compared to, for example, when all pixels in the display area DA are pixels PX1 or pixels PX2. As a result, it is possible to suppress color separation.

[0068] The shapes and layouts of the openings 71, 72, and 73 are not limited to those disclosed in this embodiment. The following second to eleventh embodiments will illustrate other shapes and layouts that can be applied to the openings 71, 72, and 73. The configuration of the display device DSP not specifically mentioned in each embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0069] [Second embodiment] 6 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment (FIG. 5), the display area DA is formed with rows L1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are aligned in the second direction D2 and rows L2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are aligned in the second direction D2. These rows L1 and L2 are aligned alternately in the first direction D1.

[0070] In this embodiment, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX1 are reversed from those in the first embodiment. Similarly, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX2 are reversed from those in the first embodiment.

[0071] [Third embodiment] 7 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the third embodiment. Pixel PX1 in this embodiment has a configuration obtained by rotating pixel PX1 in the second embodiment (FIG. 6) by 90 degrees clockwise. Pixel PX2 in this embodiment has a configuration obtained by rotating pixel PX2 in the second embodiment by 90 degrees clockwise.

[0072] 7, the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the opening 71 extends longitudinally, is parallel to the X direction, and the second direction D2 is parallel to the Y direction. From another perspective, the first direction D1 is parallel to the extension direction of the scanning lines GL shown in FIG. 1, and the second direction D2 is parallel to the extension direction of the signal lines SL shown in FIG.

[0073] In the display area DA, a column C1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are arranged in the second direction D2 and a column C2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are arranged in the second direction D2 are formed. These columns C1 and C2 are alternately arranged in the first direction D1.

[0074] [Fourth embodiment] 8 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the fourth embodiment. As in the third embodiment (FIG. 7), the first direction D1 is parallel to the X direction, and the second direction D2 is parallel to the Y direction. In the display area DA, a column C1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are aligned in the second direction D2 and a column C2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are aligned in the second direction D2 are formed. These columns C1 and C2 are aligned alternately in the first direction D1.

[0075] In this embodiment, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX1 are reversed from those in the third embodiment. Similarly, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX2 are reversed from those in the third embodiment.

[0076] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, opening 71 has a circular shape similar to openings 72 and 73. In the example of Fig. 9, openings 71, 72, and 73 have the same size (diameter), but this is not limiting.

[0077] In the display area DA, a row L1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are arranged in the X direction and a row L2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are arranged in the X direction are formed. These rows L1 and L2 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0078] In each of the pixels PX1 and PX2, the openings 72 and 73 are aligned in the Y direction. The openings 71 and 72 are aligned in a direction intersecting the X and Y directions. The openings 71 and 73 are also aligned in a direction intersecting the X and Y directions.

[0079] [Sixth embodiment] 10 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the sixth embodiment. The arrangement of pixels PX1 and PX2 and the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 in pixels PX1 and PX2 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment (FIG. 9).

[0080] In this embodiment, the area of the opening 71 is larger than the areas of the openings 72 and 73. From another perspective, the diameter of the opening 71 is larger than the diameters of the openings 72 and 73. For example, the areas of the openings 72 and 73 are the same, but they may also be different.

[0081] [Seventh embodiment] 11 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the seventh embodiment. The shapes of the openings 71, 72, and 73 and the arrangement of the pixels PX1 and PX2 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment (FIG. 9).

[0082] However, in this embodiment, the positions of subpixels SP2 and SP3 in pixel PX1 are reversed from those in embodiment 5. Similarly, the positions of subpixels SP2 and SP3 in pixel PX2 are reversed from those in embodiment 5. As in embodiment 6, the area of opening 71 may be larger than the areas of openings 72 and 73.

[0083] [Eighth embodiment] 12 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the eighth embodiment. In the display area DA, a column C1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are arranged in the Y direction and a column C2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are arranged in the Y direction are formed. These columns C1 and C2 are arranged alternately in the X direction.

[0084] In each of pixels PX1 and PX2, openings 71 and 72 are aligned in the X direction. Furthermore, openings 71 and 73 are aligned in a direction intersecting the X and Y directions. Furthermore, openings 72 and 73 are also aligned in a direction intersecting the X and Y directions. Similar to the sixth embodiment, the area of opening 71 may be larger than the areas of openings 72 and 73.

[0085] [Ninth embodiment] 13 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the ninth embodiment. The shapes of the openings 71, 72, and 73 and the arrangement of the pixels PX1 and PX2 are the same as those in the eighth embodiment (FIG. 12).

[0086] However, in this embodiment, the positions of subpixels SP1 and SP3 in pixel PX1 are reversed from those in embodiment 8. Similarly, the positions of subpixels SP1 and SP3 in pixel PX2 are reversed from those in embodiment 8. As in the sixth embodiment, the area of opening 71 may be larger than the areas of openings 72 and 73.

[0087] [Tenth embodiment] 14 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the tenth embodiment. In the display area DA, a row L1 in which a plurality of pixels PX1 are aligned in the X direction and a row L2 in which a plurality of pixels PX2 are aligned in the X direction are formed. These rows L1 and L2 are aligned alternately in the Y direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, the pixels PX1 and PX2 each have two openings 71 (71a and 71b). These openings 71a and 71b each correspond to the light-emitting region of the subpixel SP1 and overlap with the display element DE1 shown in FIG. 2 and other figures.

[0089] In pixel PX1, openings 71a and 71b are aligned in the Y direction, openings 72 and 73 are aligned in the Y direction, openings 72 and 71a are aligned in the X direction, and openings 73 and 71b are aligned in the X direction. In pixel PX2, the positions of openings 71a and 71b and openings 72 and 73 are reversed to those in pixel PX1. That is, pixel PX2 has a structure obtained by inverting pixel PX1 in the X direction.

[0090] The configuration according to this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment (FIGS. 4 and 5) in which the middle portion Pm of the opening 71 is removed and the first portion Pa and the second portion Pb are separated into independent openings. The configuration according to the first embodiment is advantageous in that the middle portion Pm can increase the area of the light-emitting region of the subpixel SP1.

[0091] [Eleventh embodiment] 15 is a schematic plan view showing the layout of openings 71, 72, and 73 according to the 11th embodiment. The shapes of the openings 71, 72, and 73 and the arrangement of the pixels PX1 and PX2 are the same as those in the 10th embodiment (FIG. 14).

[0092] However, in this embodiment, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX1 are reversed to those in the tenth embodiment. Similarly, the positions of the subpixels SP2 and SP3 in the pixel PX2 are reversed to those in the tenth embodiment.

[0093] The configurations of the second to eleventh embodiments described above can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The shapes and layouts of the openings 71, 72, and 73 can be modified in various ways other than those exemplified in the second to eleventh embodiments.

[0094] For example, at least one of the openings 72 and 73 in each embodiment may have another shape, such as an ellipse. Similarly, the opening 71 in the fifth to eleventh embodiments may have another shape, such as an ellipse. Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, not only the opening 71 but also one or both of the openings 72 and 73 may be constricted like the opening 71.

[0095] The area of the openings 72 and 73 does not necessarily have to be smaller than the area of the opening 71. In other words, the area of at least one of the openings 72 and 73 may be equal to or larger than the area of the opening 71.

[0096] All display devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the display devices described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0097] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and these modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design of each of the above-described embodiments, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0098] Furthermore, with regard to other effects brought about by the aspects described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] DSP...display device, DA...display area, SA...peripheral area, PX...pixel, SP1, SP2, SP3...subpixel, DE1, DE2, DE3...display element, LE1, LE2, LE3...lower electrode, OR1, OR2, OR3...organic layer, UE1, UE2, UE3...upper electrode, SE1, SE2...sealing layer, RS1, RS2...resin layer, CF1, CF2, CF3...color filter, 5...rib layer, 6...partition wall, 61...lower part, 62...upper part, 63...bottom layer, 64...axis layer, 7...light-shielding layer, 71, 72, 73...openings.

Claims

1. a first display element including a first lower electrode, a first upper electrode facing the first lower electrode, and a first organic layer disposed between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode and emitting light in response to application of a voltage; a first color filter of a first color overlapping the first display element; a light-shielding layer having a first opening overlapping the first color filter; Equipped with the first opening has a first portion, a middle portion, and a second portion aligned in a first direction; a width of the intermediate portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction being smaller than widths of the first portion and the second portion in the second direction; Display device.

2. The edge of the first opening at the intermediate portion has an arc shape that protrudes toward the inside of the first opening. The display device according to claim 1 .

3. The edges of the first opening in the first portion and the second portion are arc-shaped with the same curvature. The display device according to claim 1 .

4. a rib layer having a rib opening overlapping the first display element; The first opening entirely overlaps the rib opening. The display device according to claim 1 .

5. The rib opening is rectangular. The display device according to claim 4 .

6. a partition wall disposed above the rib layer and surrounding the rib opening; The partition wall includes a lower portion and an upper portion having an end portion protruding from a side surface of the lower portion. The display device according to claim 4 .

7. The partition wall entirely overlaps the light-shielding layer. The display device according to claim 6.

8. a first sealing layer formed of an inorganic insulating material and continuously covering a stacked film including the first upper electrode and the first organic layer and the partition wall; a first resin layer covering the first sealing layer; a second sealing layer formed of an inorganic insulating material and covering the first resin layer; Furthermore, the light-shielding layer and the first color filter are disposed above the second sealing layer. The display device according to claim 6.

9. At least a portion of the light-shielding layer is located between the second sealing layer and the first color filter. The display device according to claim 8 .

10. Further comprising a second resin layer covering the first color filter. The display device according to claim 8 .

11. a second display element including a second lower electrode, a second upper electrode facing the second lower electrode, and a second organic layer disposed between the second lower electrode and the second upper electrode and emitting light in response to application of a voltage; a second color filter of a second color overlapping the second display element; Furthermore, the light-shielding layer further has a second opening overlapping the second color filter; The display device according to claim 1 .

12. a third display element including a third lower electrode, a third upper electrode facing the third lower electrode, and a third organic layer disposed between the third lower electrode and the third upper electrode and emitting light in response to application of a voltage; a third color filter of a third color overlapping the third display element; Furthermore, the light-shielding layer further has a third opening overlapping the third color filter; The display device according to claim 11.

13. an area of at least one of the second opening and the third opening is smaller than an area of the first opening; The display device according to claim 12.

14. At least one of the second opening and the third opening is circular. The display device according to claim 12.

15. The second opening and the third opening are circular and have the same diameter. The display device according to claim 14.

16. the diameter of the second opening and the third opening is equal to the width of the first portion in the second direction; The display device according to claim 15.

17. a first pixel and a second pixel each including the first display element, the second display element, the third display element, the first color filter, the second color filter, the third color filter, the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening, the first opening of the first pixel, the second opening of the second pixel, and the third opening of the second pixel are aligned in the first direction; the second opening of the first pixel, the third opening of the first pixel, and the first opening of the second pixel are aligned in the first direction; The display device according to claim 12.

18. a plurality of signal lines for supplying video signals to the first pixels and the second pixels; a plurality of scanning lines that intersect with the plurality of signal lines and supply scanning signals to the first pixels and the second pixels; Furthermore, the first direction is parallel to an extension direction of the plurality of signal lines, the second direction is parallel to an extension direction of the plurality of scanning lines; The display device according to claim 17.

19. a plurality of signal lines for supplying video signals to the first pixels and the second pixels; a plurality of scanning lines that intersect with the plurality of signal lines and supply scanning signals to the first pixels and the second pixels; Furthermore, the first direction is parallel to an extension direction of the plurality of scanning lines, the second direction is parallel to the direction in which the signal lines extend; The display device according to claim 17.

20. the first color is blue; one of the second color and the third color is red; the other of the second color and the third color is green.

20. A display device according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

Images