Display device

Frame wiring lines are provided in a frame region, a flattening film in which a frame-shaped slit is formed in the frame region is provided in the display region and the frame region, a plurality of first electrodes constituting light-emitting elements are provided on the flattening film, and conductive layer made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of each of the plurality of first electrodes are provided covering at least end faces of the frame wiring lines exposed from the slit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a display device.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, organic electroluminescence (EL) display devices, which use organic EL elements and are of the self-luminous type, have attracted attention as a display device that can replace the liquid crystal display device. For the organic EL display device, a seal structure is proposed to suppress degradation of the organic EL element due to penetration of, for example, moisture and oxygen. The seal structure includes a sealing film covering the organic EL element, and the sealing film includes a layered film of an inorganic film and an organic film.

For example, PTL 1 discloses a display device including a thin film sealing layer. The thin film sealing layer has a layered structure in which an inorganic film layer formed through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or the like, and an organic film layer formed through an ink-jet method or the like, are disposed in an alternating manner, and the thin film sealing layer covers an organic light-emitting element.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

In the case of forming the organic sealing film formed through the ink-jet method, as in the display device disclosed in PTL 1, a barrier wall configured to dam ink serving as an organic film needs to be provided in a frame region around a display region provided with an organic EL element. The organic EL display device includes, for example, a resin substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT) layer provided on the resin substrate, and an organic EL element provided on the TFT layer. Here, the TFT layer includes frame wiring lines provided in a frame region, and a flattening film that is provided on the frame wiring lines and includes a flat surface in a display region. The organic EL element includes a plurality of first electrodes, an edge cover, a plurality of organic EL layers, and second electrodes, which are provided over the flattening film in the order stated. In the case where the dam wall and the flattening film are made of the same material and provided in the same layer, the frame wiring lines are damaged from the etching solution used in forming the first electrodes and the developing solution used in forming the edge cover, and thus the edge of the cross-section of the frame wiring line is formed in an overhanging shape, for example. And hence, the sealing performance of the sealing film formed on the frame wiring lines may be reduced, deteriorating the organic EL element.

The disclosure is devised in light of this situation, and an object of the disclosure is to suppress a damage of frame wiring lines during a manufacturing process.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the object described above, a display device according to the disclosure includes a base substrate, a TFT layer provided on the base substrate, a light-emitting element provided on the TFT layer, the light-emitting element constituting a display region, a frame region provided in the periphery of the display region, a terminal portion provided at an edge of the frame region extending in one direction, a frame wiring line constituting the TFT layer, the frame wiring line being provided in the frame region, a flattening film constituting the TFT layer, the flattening film being provided in the display region and the frame region, and formed with a frame-shaped slit in the frame region, a plurality of first electrodes constituting the light-emitting element, the plurality of first electrodes being provided on the flattening film, and a second electrode constituting the light-emitting element, the second electrode being provided above each of the plurality of first electrodes by interposing a light-emitting layer. A conductive layer made of the same material with each of the plurality of first electrodes and formed in the same layer with each of the plurality of first electrodes is provided covering at least an end face of the frame wiring line exposed from the slit.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to the disclosure, since the conductive layer made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of each first electrode is provided to cover at least the end face of the frame wiring line exposed from the slit, damage on the frame wiring line during the manufacturing process can be suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

First Embodiment

FIGS.1to8illustrate a first embodiment of a display device according to the disclosure. Note that, in each of the following embodiments, an organic EL display device including an organic EL element will be exemplified as a display device including a light-emitting element. Here,FIG.1is a plan view illustrating an overall configuration of an organic EL display device50aaccording to the present embodiment.FIG.2is a plan view of a display region D of the organic EL display device50a.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the display region D of the organic EL display device50a.FIG.4is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating a TFT layer20constituting the organic EL display device50a.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view illustrating an organic EL layer23constituting the organic EL display device50a.FIG.6is a plan view of an enlarged main portion of a region A inFIG.1.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view of a frame region F of the organic EL display device50ataken along a line VII-VII inFIG.6.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of the frame region F of the organic EL display device50ataken along the line VIII-VIII inFIG.6.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the organic EL display device50aincludes, for example, the display region D that is provided to be a rectangular shape is configured to display an image, and the frame region F provided in the periphery of the display region D.

As illustrated in HG.2, a plurality of subpixels P are arranged in a matrix shape in the display region D. In the display region D, as illustrated inFIG.2, for example, a subpixel P including a red light-emitting region Lr configured to display red color, a subpixel P including a green light-emitting region Lg configured to display a green color, and a subpixel P including a blue light-emitting region Lb configured to display blue color are provided adjacent to one another. In the display region D, for example, three adjacent subpixels P including the red light-emitting region Lr, the green light-emitting region Lg, and the blue light-emitting region Lb constitute one pixel.

The terminal region T extending in one direction (the vertical direction inFIG.1) is provided in the right edge of the frame region F inFIG.1. In the frame region F, a frame-shaped slit S is formed in a flattening film19described below so as to surround the display region D, as illustrated inFIG.1. Furthermore, in the frame region F, as illustrated inFIG.1, a substantially C-shaped trench G is formed in the flattening film19between the slit S and the display region D. Here, as illustrated inFIG.1, the trench G is formed in a substantially C-like shape so as to open a side of the terminal portion T in plan view.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the organic EL display device50aincludes, in the display region D, a resin substrate layer10provided as a base substrate, a TFT layer20provided on the resin substrate layer10, an organic EL element25provided as a light-emitting element constituting the display region D on the TFT layer20, and a sealing film30that covers the organic EL element25.

The resin substrate layer10is formed of a polyimide resin or the like, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the TFT layer20includes a base coat film11provided on the resin substrate layer10, a plurality of first TFTs9a, a plurality of second TFTs9band a plurality of capacitors9c, which are provided on the base coat film11, and a flattening film19provided on each of the first TFTs9a, the second TFTs9b, and the capacitors9c. Here, in the TFT layer20, as illustrated inFIGS.2and4, a plurality of gate lines14are provided so as to extend parallel to each other in a horizontal direction in the figures. In the TFT layer20, as illustrated inFIGS.2and4, a plurality of source lines18fare provided so as to extend parallel to each other in a vertical direction in the figures. In the TFT layer20, as illustrated inFIGS.2and4, a plurality of power source lines18gare provided so as to extend parallel to each other in a vertical direction in the figures, Note that, as illustrated inFIG.2, each of the power source lines18gare provided adjacent to the respective source lines18f. In the TFT layer20, as illustrated inFIG.4, each subpixel P includes the first TFT9a, the second TFT9b, and the capacitor9c.

The base coat film11is made up of a single-layer film or a layered film of an inorganic insulating film of, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxide nitride, or the like.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first TFT9ais electrically connected to the corresponding gate line14and source line18fin each subpixel P. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.3, the first TFT9aincludes a semiconductor layer12a, a gate insulating film13, a gate electrode14a, a first interlayer insulating film15, a second interlayer insulating film17, a source electrode18a, and a drain electrode18b, which are provided on the base coat film11in this order stated. Here, as illustrated inFIG.3, the semiconductor layer12ais provided in an island shape on the base coat film11, and includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, as described below. As illustrated inFIG.3, the gate insulating film13is provided to cover the semiconductor layer12a. As illustrated inFIG.3, the gate electrode14ais provided on the gate insulating film13so as to overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor layer12a. As illustrated inFIG.3, the first interlayer insulating film15and the second interlayer insulating film17are provided in this order to cover the gate electrode14a. As illustrated inFIG.3, the source electrode18aand the drain electrode18bare provided so as to be separated from each other on the second interlayer insulating film17. As illustrated inFIG.3, the source electrode18aand the drain electrode18bare electrically connected to the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer12a, respectively, by interposing each contact hole formed in a layered film constituted of the gate insulating film13, the first interlayer insulating film15, and the second interlayer insulating film17. The gate insulating film13, the first interlayer insulating film15and the second interlayer insulating film17are made up of a single-layer film or a layered film of an inorganic insulating film of, for example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the second TFT9bis electrically connected to the corresponding first TFT9aand power source line18gin each subpixel P. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.3, the first TFT9bincludes a semiconductor layer12b, the gate insulating film13, a gate electrode14b, the first interlayer insulating film15, the second interlayer insulating film17, a source electrode18c, and a drain electrode18d, which are provided on the base coat film11in this order stated. Here, as illustrated inFIG.3, the semiconductor layer12bis provided in an island shape on the base coat film11, and like the semiconductor layer12a, includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region. As illustrated inFIG.3, the gate insulating film13is provided to cover the semiconductor layer12b. As illustrated inFIG.3, the gate electrode14bis provided on the gate insulating film13so as to overlap with the channel region of the semiconductor layer12b. As illustrated inFIG.3, the first interlayer insulating film15and the second interlayer insulating film17are provided in this order to cover the gate electrode14b. As illustrated inFIG.3, the source electrode18cand the drain electrode18dare provided so as to be separated from each other on the second interlayer insulating film17. As illustrated inFIG.3, the source electrode18cand the drain electrode18dare electrically connected to the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer12b, respectively, by interposing each contact hole formed in layered films of the gate insulating film13, the first interlayer insulating film15, and the second interlayer insulating film17.

In this embodiment, the first TFT9aand the second TFT9bare exemplified as being of a top-gate type and however, the first TFT9aand the second TFT9bmay be a bottom-gate type TFT.

The capacitor9cis electrically connected to the corresponding first TFT9aand power source line18gin each subpixel P as illustrated inFIG.4. The capacitor9cincludes, as illustrated inFIG.3, a lower conductive layer14cformed of the same material and in the same layer as those of the gate electrode14aand the like, the first interlayer insulating film15provided so as to cover the lower conductive layer14c, and an upper conductive layer16provided on the first interlayer insulating film15so as to overlap the lower conductive layer14c. As illustrated inFIG.3, the upper conductive layer16is electrically connected to the power source line18gby interposing the contact hole formed in the second interlayer insulating film17.

The flattening film19includes a flat surface in the display region D, and is formed of an organic resin material such as a polyimide resin. Note that the flattening film19made of polyimide resin is exemplified in the present embodiment, but the flattening film19may be formed from an organic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polysiloxane resin, or the like.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the organic EL element25includes, a plurality of first electrodes21, an edge cover22, a plurality of organic EL layers23, and a second electrode24, which are provided on the TFT layer20in the order stated.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the plurality of first electrodes21are provided as anode electrodes in a matrix shape on the TFT flattening film19so as to correspond to the plurality of subpixels P. As illustrated inFIG.3, the first electrode21is electrically connected to the drain electrode18dof each second TFT9bby interposing the contact hole formed in the flattening film19. The first electrode21functions to inject holes (positive holes) into the organic EL layer23. The first electrode21is preferably formed of a material having a large work function to improve the efficiency of hole injection into the organic EL layer23. Examples of the first electrode21include metallic materials such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), ruthenium (Ru), manganese (Mn), indium (In), ytterbium (Yb), lithium fluoride (LiF), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), molybdenum (Mo), iridium (Ir), and tin (Sn). The material forming the first electrode21may be an alloy such as astatine (At)/astatine oxide (AtO2). For materials constituting the first electrode21, there may be adopted electrically conductive oxides, as examples, such as tin oxide (SnO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO), and indium zinc oxide (IZO). The first electrode21may be formed by layering a plurality of layers formed of any of the materials described above. Note that, examples of compound materials having a large work function include indium tin oxide (ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO).

As illustrated inFIG.3, the edge cover22is provided in a lattice pattern so as to cover the circumferential edge portion of each first electrode21. For materials forming the edge cover22, there are raised organic films of, for example, polyimide resin, acrylic resin, and polysiloxane resin.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the plurality of organic EL layers23are respectively disposed on the first electrodes21and are provided as light-emitting layers in a matrix shape so as to correspond to the plurality of subpixels. As illustrated inFIG.5, each organic EL layer23includes a hole injection layer1, a hole transport layer2, a light-emitting layer body3, an electron transport layer4, and an electron injection layer5, which are provided on the first electrode21in the order stated.

The hole injection layer1is also referred to as an anode electrode buffer layer, and functions to reduce an energy level difference between the first electrode21and the organic EL layer23to thereby improve the efficiency of hole injection into the organic EL layer23from the first electrode21. Examples of materials that may be included in the hole injection layer1include triazole derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, polyarylalkane derivatives, pyrazoline derivatives, phenylenediamine derivatives, oxazole derivatives, styrylanthracene derivatives, fluorenone derivatives, hydrazone derivatives, and stilbene derivatives.

The electron injection layer5functions to reduce an energy level difference between the second electrode24and the organic EL layer23, thereby improving the efficiency of electron injection into the organic EL layer23from the second electrode24, and the electron injection layer5can lower the drive voltage of the organic EL element25by this function. Note that the electron injection layer5is also referred to as a cathode buffer layer. Here, examples of materials forming the electron injection layer5include inorganic alkaline compounds, such as lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), strontium fluoride (SrF2), and barium fluoride (BaF2); aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and strontium oxide (SrO).

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second electrode24is provided as a cathode electrode to cover each organic EL layer23and the edge cover22. The second electrode24functions to inject electrons into the organic EL layer23. The second electrode24is preferably formed of a material having a small work function to improve the efficiency of electron injection into the organic EL layer23. For materials constituting the second electrode24include, for example, silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), yttrium (Y), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), indium (In), magnesium (Mg), lithium (Li), ytterbium (Yb), and lithium fluoride (LiF). The second electrode24may be formed of alloys of magnesium (Mg)/copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg)/silver (Ag), sodium (Na)/potassium (K), astatine (At)/astatine oxide (AtO2), lithium (Li)/aluminum (Al), lithium (Li)/calcium (Ca)/aluminum (Al), and lithium fluoride (LiF)/calcium (Ca)/aluminum (Al), for example, The second electrode24may be formed of an electrically conductive oxide such as tin oxide (SnO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO), and indium zinc oxide (ILO). The second electrode24may be formed by layering a plurality of layers of any of the materials described above. Note that, examples of materials having a small work function include magnesium (Mg), lithium (Li), lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium (Mg)/copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg)/silver (Ag), sodium (Na)/potassium (K), lithium (Li)/aluminum (Al), lithium (Li)/calcium (Ca)/aluminum (Al), and lithium fluoride (Lin/calcium (Ca)/aluminum (Al).

As illustrated inFIG.3, the sealing film30is provided so as to cover the second electrode24, includes, a first inorganic film26, an organic film27, and a second inorganic film28, which are layered over the second electrode24in the order stated, and functions to protect the organic EL layer23of the organic EL element25from moisture and oxygen.

The first inorganic film26and the second inorganic film28are constituted of an inorganic insulating film such as a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide film, a silicon oxynitride film, or the like.

The organic film27is constituted of an organic resin material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, a polyurea resin, a parylene resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the organic EL display device50aincludes, in the frame region F, a resin substrate layer10, an inorganic insulating layered film M provided on the resin substrate layer10, and frame wiring lines provided on the inorganic insulating layered film M, that is, first frame wiring lines18hand second frame wiring lines18i, a flattening film19provided on the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, a first dam wall Wa, a second dam wall Wb, and a sealing film30provided to cover the flattening film19, the first dam wall Wa, and the second dam wall Wb. Note that, in the plan view ofFIG.6, the sealing film30disposed on the entire face of the drawing is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the inorganic insulating layered film NI includes the base coat film11, the gate insulating film13, the first interlayer insulating film15, and the second interlayer insulating film17, which are provided on the resin substrate layer10in the order stated.

As illustrated inFIG.1, one ends (right ends in the drawing) of a pair of the first frame wiring lines18hare provided so as to reach both edges of the terminal portion T. As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, each of the other ends (left ends inFIG.1) of the first frame wiring lines18hare provided so as to reach the interior of the slit S. Each of the first frame wiring lines18hreceives an input of a low power supply voltage, and as illustrated inFIG.7, is electrically connected to the conductive layer21aby interposing a first slit Sa and a second slit Sb. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.7, the conductive layer21ais electrically connected to the second electrode24by interposing the trench G. That is, each of the first frame wiring lines18hto which the low power supply voltage is input is electrically connected to the second electrode24. The first frame wiring lines18hand the source electrode18aand the like are made of the same material and provided in the same layer. Note that, in the present embodiment, as described below, the first frame wiring line18hthat is formed of by a layered film in which a titanium film, an aluminum film, and a titanium film are layered in the order stated is exemplified, but the first frame wiring line18hmay use a high melting-point metal film such as molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, or the like, instead of the titanium film. The conductive layer21aand the first electrode21are provided in the same layer and are made of the same material. For example, a TFT or the like (not illustrated) constituting a gate driver circuit is provided on each of both sides (upper side and lower side in the drawing) of the upper side portion and the lower side portion of the trench G inFIG.1.

As illustrated inFIG.1, one ends (right ends in the drawing) of a pair of the second frame wiring lines18iare provided so as to reach both edges of the terminal portion T. The second frame wiring lines18ieach receive a high power supply voltage, and as illustrated inFIG.6, and cross the slit S at the other ends (left ends inFIG.1) to become a high power supply voltage trunk wiring line (not illustrated) formed between the first slit Sa and the display region D. This high power supply voltage trunk wiring line is provided in the frame region F along the side of the display region D in a direction orthogonal to the source line18fand the power source line18g. The high power supply voltage trunk wiring line branches into a plurality of branches on the side of the display region and the branched portions are electrically connected to the plurality of power source lines18gdisposed in the display region D. Note that, as illustrated in the second embodiment described below, the second frame wiring line18jitself may constitute a high power supply voltage trunk wiring line. The second frame wiring lines18iand the source electrode18aand the like are provided in the same layer and made of the same material.

Note that a plurality of lead wiring lines C made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the gate electrode14a, the upper conductive layer16, or the source electrode18aare provided as other frame wiring lines between the pair of second frame wiring lines18iso as to extend parallel to each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the terminal portion extends (the lateral direction inFIG.1). Here, one edges (left edges inFIG.1) of the lead wiring lines C are electrically connected to display wiring lines (the gate line14, the source line18f, and the like) provided in the display region D. The other ends (right edges inFIG.1) of the lead wiring lines C are provided to reach the terminal portion T.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the first dam wall Wa is provided in a frame shape on the side of the display region D within the slit S, and is configured to suppress the spreading of the organic film27of the sealing film30. Here, as illustrated inFIG.7, the first dam wall Wa is constituted of a first resin layer19amade of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the flattening film19.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the second dam wall Wb is provided in a frame shape so as to surround the first dam wall Wa inside the slit, and is configured to suppress the spreading of the organic film27of the sealing film30. Here, as illustrated inFIG.7, the second dam wall Wb is constituted of a second resin layer19bmade of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the flattening film19, and a third resin layer22athat is provided on the second resin layer19bmade of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the edge cover22. As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the slit S includes the first slit Sa disposed between the flattening film19and the first dam wall Wa on the side of the display region D, the second slit Sb disposed between the first dam wall Wa and the second dam wall Wb, and a third slit Sc disposed between the flattening film19and the second dam wall Wb on the opposite side to the display region D (on the side of the terminal portion T).

As illustrated inFIG.6, the conductive layer21ais provided on the edges of the first frame wiring lines18hexposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc, so as to cover the exposed end faces of the first frame wiring lines18h. As illustrated inFIG.6andFIG.7, a conductive layer21bis provided on the edge of the second frame wiring lines18iexposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc, so as to cover the exposed end face of the second frame wiring line18i. The conductive layer21band the first electrode21are provided in the same layer and are made of the same material.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the organic film27of the sealing film30is provided in the frame region F to the side surface of the first dam wall Wa on the left side in the drawing by interposing the first inorganic film26. Here, on the upper face of the second dam wall Wb, the first inorganic film26and the second inorganic film28of the sealing film30are in contact with each other. Note that in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the organic film27that is dammed on the side face of the first dam wall Wa on the side of the display region D side is exemplified, but the organic film27may reach the upper face of the second dam wall Wb, for example. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG.7, the conductive layer21ais in contact with the first inorganic film26inside the first slit Sa and the second slit Sb.

In the organic EL display device50adescribed heretofore, in each subpixel P, a gate signal is inputted into the first TFT9avia the gate line14to thereby turn on the first TFT9a, a predetermined voltage corresponding to a source signal is written in the gate electrode14bof the second TFT9band the capacitor9cvia the source line18f, the magnitude of current from the power source line18gis specified based on a gate voltage of the second TFT9b, and the specified current is supplied to the organic EL layer23, whereby the light-emitting layer body3of the organic EL layer23emits light to display an image. In the organic EL display device50a, since even when the first TFT9ais turned off, the gate voltage of the second TFT9bis held by the capacitor9c, the light-emitting layer body3is kept emitting light until a gate signal of the next frame is inputted.

A method of manufacturing the organic EL display device50aaccording to the present embodiment will be described next. Note that the method of manufacturing the organic EL display device50aaccording to the present embodiment includes forming a TFT layer, forming an organic EL element and forming a sealing film.

Forming TFT Layer

For example, the base coat film11, the first TFT9a, the second TFT9b, the capacitor9c, and the flattening film19are formed on the surface of the resin substrate layer10formed on a glass substrate using any known method, to form the TFT layer20.

Here, when forming the source electrode18aand the drain electrode18bof the first TFT9aand the source electrode18cand the drain electrode18dof the second TFT9b, the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring line18iare simultaneously formed in the frame region F. Furthermore, when forming the flattening film19on the first TFT9a, the second TFT9b, the first frame wiring line18h, and the second frame wiring line18i, the first dam wall Wa (the first resin layer19a) and the lower layer of the second dam wall Wb (the second resin layer19b) are simultaneously formed in the frame region F.

Forming Organic EL Element

The first electrode21, the edge cover22, the organic EL layer23(the hole injection layer1, the hole transport layer2, the light-emitting layer body3, the electron transport layer4, and the electron injection layer5), the second electrode24are formed on the flattening film19of the TFT layer20formed in the forming TFT layer by any known method to form the organic EL element25.

Here, when forming the first electrode21, the conductive layers21aand21bare formed simultaneously in the frame region F. In the forming the first electrode21, since end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, which are exposed from the flattening film19, the first dam wall NW, and the second resin layer19bconstituting the second dam wall Wb, are covered with the conductive layer21aand the conductive layer21b(seeFIG.8), for example, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring line18i, which are each constituted of a layered film of the titanium film6, the aluminum film7, and the titanium film8, are less susceptible to damage from the etching solution used in forming the first electrode21. Note that when the conductive layer21aand the conductive layer21bare not formed, the aluminum film7is susceptible to damage from the etching solution, such that a side face Ea of the aluminum film7is easily retracted as represented by a two-dot chain line Eb inFIG.8, and the edges of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18iare easily formed in an overhanging shape. When forming the edge cover22, in the frame region F, the upper layer (third resin layer22a) of the second dam wall Wb is formed simultaneously. Also in the forming the edge cover22, as in the forming the first electrode21, since end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, which are exposed from the flattening film19, the first dam wall Wa, and the second resin layer19bconstituting the second dam wall Wb, are covered with the conductive layer21aand the conductive layer21b(seeFIG.8), for example, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, which are each constituted of a layered film of the titanium film6, the aluminum film7, and the titanium film8, are less susceptible to damage from the etching solution used in forming the first electrode21. Note that when the conductive layer21aand the conductive layer21bare not formed, the aluminum film7is susceptible to damage from the etching solution, such that a side face Ea of the aluminum film7is easily retracted as represented by a two-dot chain line Eb inFIG.8, and the edges of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18iare easily formed in an overhanging shape.

Forming Sealing Film

First, using a mask, an inorganic insulating film such as a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide film, or a silicon oxynitride film is film-formed on the surface of the substrate on which the organic EL element25is formed in the forming organic EL element so as to have a thickness of about 1000 nm by the plasma CVD method, to form the first inorganic film26.

Next, an organic resin material such as acrylic resin is film-formed on the surface of the substrate on which the first inorganic film26is formed, for example, by an ink-jet method, so as to have a thickness of about 10 μm, to form the organic film27.

Furthermore, using a mask, an inorganic insulating film such as a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide film, or a silicon oxynitride film is film-formed on the surface of the substrate on which the organic film27is formed so as to have a thickness of about 500 nm by the plasma CVD method, to form the second inorganic film28, thereby forming the sealing film30.

Finally, by applying a protective sheet (not illustrated) to the surface of the substrate on which the sealing film30is formed, and irradiating the surface with laser light from the side of the glass substrate of the resin substrate layer10, the glass substrate is peeled from the lower face of the resin substrate layer10, and a protective sheet (not illustrated) is applied to the lower face of the resin substrate layer10from which the glass substrate is peeled.

In this manner, the organic EL display device50aof the present embodiment can be manufactured.

As described above, in the organic EL display device50aof the present embodiment, the conductive layer21aand the conductive layer21bare provided to cover the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, which are exposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc. Thus, in forming the first electrode21, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18iare less susceptible to damage from the etching solution used in forming the first electrode21. Also in forming the edge cover22, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18iare less susceptible to damage from the developing solution that develops a photosensitive resin precursor that becomes the edge cover22. Accordingly, in forming the first electrode21and forming the edge cover22, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18iare less susceptible to damage, and damage received during the manufacturing processes of first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring line18ican be suppressed.

In the organic EL display device50aof the present embodiment, since the end faces of the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring lines18iformed of a layered films of the titanium film6, the aluminum film7, and the titanium film8are less susceptible to damage, the edges of the cross-sectional shape of the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring lines18iis less likely to be formed in an overhanging shape. Accordingly, the sealing performance of the sealing film30that covers the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring lines18ican be ensured, suppressing deterioration of the organic EL element25.

Second Embodiment

FIG.9illustrates a second embodiment of the display device according to the disclosure. Here,FIG.9is a plan view of the enlarged main portion of frame region F of the organic EL display device50bof the present embodiment, and corresponds toFIG.6. Note that, in the following embodiments, portions identical to those inFIGS.1to8are denoted by the same reference signs, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

In the first embodiment, an organic EL display device50ais exemplified in which the conductive layers21aand21bare provided to cover the end faces of the frame wiring lines exposed from the slits S, that is, the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18i, but in the present embodiment, an organic EL display device50bis exemplified in which conductive layers21cand21dare provided to cover the entire faces of the frame wiring lines exposed from the slit S, that is, the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18j.

The organic EL display device50b, like the organic EL display device50aof the first embodiment described above, includes a display region D and a frame region F provided in the periphery of the display region D.

Similar to the organic EL display device50aof the first embodiment described above, the organic EL display device50bincludes a resin substrate layer10, a TFT layer20provided on the resin substrate layer10, an organic EL element25provided on the TFT layer20, and a sealing film30provided to cover the organic EL element25in the display region D.

Similar to the organic EL display device50aof the first embodiment, the organic EL display device50bincludes, in the frame region F, the resin substrate layer10, an inorganic insulating layered film M provided on the resin substrate layer10, and the first frame wiring lines18hand second frame wiring lines18jprovided on the inorganic insulating layered film M, a flattening film19provided on the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18j, a first dam wall Wa, a second dam wall Wb, and a sealing film30provided to cover the flattening film19, the first dam wall Wa, and the second dam wall Wb.

Similar to the second frame wiring lines18iof the first embodiment, a pair of the second frame wiring lines18jare provided such that one edges reach both ends of the terminal portion T. Each of the second frame wiring lines18jreceives an input of a high power supply voltage, and the other end thereof is drawn wide along the first slit Sa and the second slit Sb as illustrated inFIG.9, protrudes toward the display region D, and is electrically connected to the plurality of power source lines18gdisposed in the display region D. In other words, unlike the second frame wiring line18iof the first embodiment, the second frame wiring line18jitself branches into a plurality of branches on the side of the display region D to constitute a high power supply voltage trunk wiring line. As in the first embodiment, the high power supply voltage trunk wiring line may be provided between the first slit Sa and the display region D. The second frame wiring lines18jand the source electrode18aand the like are provided in the same layer and made of the same material. Note that, in the plan view ofFIG.9, the seating film30disposed on the entire face of the drawing is omitted.FIG.9exemplifies a configuration in which lead wiring line Ca made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the source electrode18ais electrically connected to the source line18fdisposed in the display region D. Here, the lead wiring line Ca is drawn to a lead wiring line Cb made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the gate electrode17aor the upper conductive layer16before crossing the slit S. The lead wiring lines Cb is drawn to the source line18fafter crossing the slit S.

As illustrated inFIG.9, a conductive layer21cis provided on the first frame wiring lines18hexposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc, so as to cover the entire surface of the first frame wiring lines18h. As illustrated inFIG.9, a conductive layer21dis provided on the second frame wiring lines18jexposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc, so as to cover the entire surface of the second frame wiring lines18j. The conductive layers21cand21d, and the first electrode21are provided in the same layer and are made of the same material. According to this configuration, the conductive layers21cand21dcan protect the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jas welt as decrease the wiring resistance of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18j.

Similar to the organic EL display device50aof the first embodiment, the organic EL display device50bdescribed above is flexible and configured to display an image by causing a light-emitting layer body3of the organic EL layer23to emit tight as required via the first TFT9aand the second TFT9bin each subpixel P.

The organic EL display device50bof the second embodiment can be manufactured by modifying the planar shape of the second frame wiring lines18iand the conductive layers21aand21bin the method for manufacturing the organic EL display device50adescribed in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the organic EL display device50bof the present embodiment, the conductive layer21cand the conductive layer21dare provided to cover the entire faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jwhich are exposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc. Thus, in the forming the first electrode21, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jare less susceptible to damage from the etching solution used in forming the first electrode21. Also in forming the edge cover22, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jare less susceptible to damage from the developing solution that develops a photosensitive resin precursor that becomes the edge cover22. Accordingly, in forming the first electrode21and forming the edge cover22, the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jare less susceptible to damage, and damage received during the manufacturing processes of first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring line18jcan be suppressed.

In the organic EL display device50bof the present embodiment, since the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jformed of a layered films of the titanium film6, the aluminum film7, and the titanium film8are less susceptible to damage, the edges of the cross-sectional shape of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jis less likely to be formed in an overhanging shape. Accordingly, the sealing performance of the sealing film30that covers the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring line18jcan be ensured, suppressing deterioration of the organic EL element25.

Note that in the present embodiment, damage on not only the end faces of the first frame wiring lines18hand the second frame wiring lines18jbut also the surface can be suppressed, and for example, it also be applied to a wiring line formed by sequentially laminating a titanium film and a copper film from a lower layer. In the wiring line, a high melting-point metal film made of molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, or the like may be used instead of the titanium film.

Other Embodiments

In the first embodiment described above, configuration in which the lead wiring lines C made of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the gate electrode14a, the upper conductive layer16, or the source electrode18aare provided as other frame wiring lines between the pair of second frame wiring lines18iis exemplified. However, in the region where the slit S is formed, as illustrated inFIG.10, a third frame wiring line18kmade of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the source electrode18aand the like may be provided as the frame wiring line between the pair of second frame wiring lines18i.FIG.10is a plan view of the enlarged main portion of frame region F of an organic EL display device according to the present embodiment.FIG.11is a cross-sectional view of the frame region F of the organic EL display device taken along a line XI-XI inFIG.10.

Specifically, in the region where the slit S is formed, as illustrated inFIG.10, a plurality of the third frame wiring lines18kmade of the same material and formed in the same layer as those of the source electrode18aand the like are provided between the pair of second frame wiring lines18iso as to extend parallel to each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the terminal portion T extends (the lateral direction inFIG.1). In this case, as illustrated inFIG.10andFIG.11, the conductive layer21eis provided on the third frame wiring line18kexposed from the first slit Sa, the second slit Sb, and the third slit Sc, so as to cover the entire face of the third frame wiring line18k. The third frame wiring line18kreceives an input of a data signal voltage, for example, and is electrically connected to a plurality of source lines18fdisposed in the display region D. Here, the width of the third frame wiring line18kis narrower than the width of the first frame wiring line18hand the second frame wiring line18ithrough which more current flows. Furthermore, in order to correspond to the source line18f, the number of the third frame wiring lines18kis large, and the distance between the third frame wiring lines18kis smaller than the distance between the first frame wiring lines18hand the distance between the second frame wiring lines18i. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG.10, the conductive layer21eis provided to cover the entire face of the third frame wiring line18k, but when the distance between the wiring lines can be increased, as in the first embodiment, the conductive layer21emay be provided to cover the end face of the third frame wiring line18k. The conductive layer21eand the first electrode21are provided in the same layer and are made of the same material. In the plan view ofFIG.10, the sealing film30disposed on the entire face of the drawing is omitted.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the organic EL layer has the five-layered structure including the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the light-emitting layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer is exemplified. However, for example, the organic EL layer may have a three-layered structure including a hole injection layer also serves as the hole transport layer, the light-emitting layer, the electron transport layer also serves as the electron injection layer.

In each of the embodiments described above, the organic EL display device including the first electrode as an anode and the second electrode as a cathode is exemplified. The disclosure is also applicable to an organic EL display device, in which the layers of the structure of the organic EL layer are in the reverse order, with the first electrode being a cathode and the second electrode being an anode.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the organic EL display devices is exemplified in which the TFT electrode coupled to the first electrode serves as the drain electrode. However, the disclosure can be also applied to an organic EL display device in which the TFT electrode coupled to the first electrode is referred to as the source electrode.

Although the foregoing embodiments describe the organic EL display devices as examples of display devices, the disclosure can be also applied to display devices including a plurality of light-emitting elements driven by an electrical current. For example, the disclosure is applicable to display devices including quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), which are light-emitting elements using a quantum dot-containing layer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the disclosure is useful for a flexible display device.