Patent ID: 12200954

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a display device includes a base material, a first insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first insulating layer, an organic layer disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the organic layer, a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer and including an opening portion overlapping with the second electrode, and a third electrode covering the second electrode and the second insulating layer. The first electrode, the organic layer, and the second electrode are separated for each pixel.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes within the spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivable by a skilled person, are included in the scope of the invention as a matter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make the description clearer, the widths, thicknesses, shapes, etc., of the respective parts are schematically illustrated in the drawings, compared to the actual modes. However, the schematic illustration is merely an example, and adds no restrictions to the interpretation of the invention. Besides, in the specification and drawings, the same or similar elements as or to those described in connection with preceding drawings or those exhibiting similar functions are denoted by like reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof is omitted unless otherwise necessary.

Note that, in order to make the descriptions more easily understandable, some of the drawings illustrate an X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis orthogonal to each other. A direction along the X axis is referred to as an X direction or a first direction, a direction along the Y axis is referred to as a Y direction or a second direction and direction along the Z axis is referred to as a Z direction or a third direction. In this embodiment, viewing towards an X-Y plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis is referred to as planar view. Further, the third direction Z is referred to as “upward” and a direction opposite to the third direction is referred to as “downward”. With such expressions “a second member above a first member” and “a second member below a first member”, the second member may be in contact with the first member or may be remote from the first member.

A display device DSP according to the present embodiment is an organic electroluminescent display device including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element, and is mounted on a television, a personal computer, a mobile terminal, and a cell phone, etc.

First Embodiment

First, a first embodiment will be explained.FIG.1shows an example of a configuration of a display device DSP in the present embodiment. The display device DSP includes a display area DA for displaying an image on an insulating base material10. The base material10may be glass or a flexible resin film.

The display area DA includes a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix in a first direction X and a second direction Y. A pixel PX includes, for example, a plurality of sub-pixels SP. In one example, the pixel PX includes a sub-pixel SP1for displaying red, a sub-pixel SP2for displaying green, and a sub-pixel SP3for displaying blue. Note that the pixel PX may include four or more sub-pixels SP including sub-pixels for displaying other colors such as white in addition to the above three sub-pixels.

Here, a configuration example of one sub-pixel SP provided in the pixel PX will be briefly explained. The sub-pixel SP includes a pixel circuit1and a display element20. The pixel circuit1includes a pixel switch2, a drive transistor3, and a capacitor4. The pixel switch2and the drive transistor3are switch elements configured by, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT).

In the pixel switch2, a gate electrode is connected to a scanning line GL, a source electrode is connected to a signal line SL, and a drain electrode is connected to one of the electrodes configuring the capacitor4and a gate electrode of the drive transistor3. In the drive transistor3, a source electrode is connected to the other electrode configuring the capacitor4and a power line PL, and a drain electrode is connected to an anode electrode of the display element20. A cathode electrode of the display element20is connected to a power supply line FL. Note that the configuration of the pixel circuit1is not limited to the illustrated example.

The display element20is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), which is a light-emitting element. In the case where the sub-pixel SP1displays red as described above, the display element20included in the sub-pixel SP1is configured to emit light corresponding to a red wavelength. In the case where the sub-pixel SP2displays green, the display element20included in the sub-pixel SP2is configured to emit light corresponding to a green wavelength. In the case where the sub-pixel SP3displays blue, the display element20included in the sub-pixel SP3is configured to emit light corresponding to a blue wavelength. The configuration of the display element20will be described later.

FIG.2shows an example of a layout of a plurality of sub-pixels SP (SP1, SP2, and SP3) included in a pixel PX. Here, the explanation will focus on the four pixels PX shown inFIG.1with single-dotted lines.

The sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3, which configure one pixel PX, are formed approximately in a rectangular shape extending respectively in the second direction Y, and are arranged side by side in the first direction X. Focusing on two pixels PX arranged side by side in the first direction X, the colors displayed in the adjacent sub-pixels SP are different from each other. Furthermore, focusing on two pixels PX arranged side by side in the second direction Y, the colors displayed in the adjacent sub-pixels SP are the same. Note that the area of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3may be the same or different from each other.

FIG.3shows another example of the layout of a plurality of sub-pixels SP (SP1, SP2, and SP3) included in a pixel PX.

Among the sub-pixels configuring a single pixel PX, the sub-pixels SP1and SP2are arranged side by side in the second direction Y, the sub-pixels SP1and SP3are arranged side by side in the first direction X, and the sub-pixels SP2and SP3are arranged side by side in the first direction X. The sub-pixel SP1is formed approximately in a rectangular shape extending in the first direction X, and the sub-pixels SP2and SP3are formed approximately in a rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y. The area of sub-pixel SP2is larger than the area of sub-pixel SP1, and the area of sub-pixel SP3is larger than the area of sub-pixel SP2. The area of sub-pixel SP1may be the same as the area of sub-pixel SP2.

Focusing on the two pixels PX arranged side by side in the first direction X, in the area where the sub-pixels SP1and SP3are arranged alternately, and in the area where the sub-pixels SP2and SP3are arranged alternately, the colors displayed in the sub-pixels SP adjacent in the first direction X are different from each other. On the other hand, focusing on the two pixels PX arranged side by side in the second direction Y, in the area where the sub-pixels SP1and SP2are alternately arranged, the colors emitted by the sub-pixels SP adjacent in the second direction Y will be the same as each other. In the area where a plurality of sub-pixels SP3are arranged side by side, the colors displayed in the sub-pixels SP adjacent in the second direction Y are the same.

The outline of the sub-pixels SP (SP1, SP2, and SP3) shown inFIG.2andFIG.3corresponds to the outline of areas in which colors are displayed in the sub-pixels SP (i.e., a light-emitting area); however, the outline is in a simplified form, and does not necessarily reflect the actual shape.

Here, a display device DSP′ according to a comparative example of the present embodiment with be explained with reference toFIG.4. It is assumed that the display device DSP′ has the same configuration as the display device DSP shown inFIG.1, and configurations in common with the display device DSP are described with the same reference symbols as those inFIG.1.

FIG.4shows an example of a cross section of the display area DA included in the display device DSP′. Here, the sub-pixel SP1and the sub-pixel SP2adjacent to the sub-pixel SP1, which are provided in the pixel PX disposed in the display area DA, are mainly explained.

An insulating layer11is disposed on a base material10. The pixel circuit1shown inFIG.1is disposed on the base material10and covered by the insulating layer11; however, this is omitted inFIG.4. The insulating layer11corresponds to the base layer of the display element20and is, for example, an organic insulating layer.

The insulating layer12is disposed on top of the insulating layer11. The insulating layer12is, for example, an organic insulating layer. An insulating layer12is formed to partition the display elements20(i.e., sub-pixels SP) included in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and may be referred to as a rib or the like, for example.

The display element20includes a first electrode E1, an organic layer OR, and a second electrode E2. The first electrode E1is an electrode arranged for each display element20(i.e., sub-pixel SP) included in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP, and may be referred to as a pixel electrode, bottom electrode, or anode electrode, etc. The second electrode E2is an electrode commonly arranged for a plurality of display elements (i.e., a plurality of sub-pixels SP or pixels PX), and may be referred to as a common electrode, a counter electrode, an upper electrode, or a cathode electrode, etc.

The first electrode E1is disposed on the insulating layer11, and its periphery is covered by the insulating layer12. The first electrode E1is electrically connected to the drive transistor3. The first electrode E1is a transparent electrode formed by a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Note that the first electrode E1may also be a metal electrode formed by a metallic material such as silver or aluminum. Also, the first electrode E1may be a stacked layer body of a transparent electrode and a metal electrode. Furthermore, the first electrode E1may be configured as a stacked layer body in which a transparent electrode, a metal electrode, and a transparent electrode are stacked in that order, or may be configured as a stacked layer body including three or more layers.

Here, the insulating layer12has an opening portion OP that overlaps with the first electrode E1in each sub-pixel SP. In this case, the organic layer OR is disposed on the insulating layer12and is in contact with the first electrode E1through the opening portion OP.

The second electrode E2is disposed on the organic layer OR so as to cover the organic layer OR. The second electrode E2is a transparent electrode formed by a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO, for example. The second electrode E2is electrically connected to the power supply line FL disposed in the display area DA or outside the display area DA. Note that the second electrode E2may be covered by a transparent protective film (including at least one of an inorganic insulating film and an organic insulating film).

InFIG.4, cross sections of the sub-pixels SP1and SP2are shown. The sub-pixel SP1includes a display element20(hereinafter referred to as the display element20of the sub-pixel SP1) including the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR, and (a part of) the second electrode E2disposed at a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP1. Similarly, the sub-pixel SP2includes a display element20(hereinafter referred to as the display element20of the sub-pixel SP2) including the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR, and (a part of) the second electrode E2disposed at a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP2.

In the case where the sub-pixel SP1displays red as described above, the organic layer OR provided in the display element20of the sub-pixel SP1has a light-emitting layer that emits red. In the case where the sub-pixel SP2displays green, the organic layer OR provided in the display element20of the sub-pixel SP2has a light-emitting layer that emits green. The light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR emits light when a potential difference is formed between the first and second electrodes E1and E2(i.e., a drive current is supplied).

InFIG.4, only sub-pixels SP1and SP2are shown; however, the display element20of the sub-pixel SP3is also configured in the same manner as the display elements20of the sub-pixels SP1and SP2. That is, in the case where the sub-pixel SP3displays blue, the organic layer OR provided in the display element20of the sub-pixel SP3has a light-emitting layer that emits blue.

Here, with reference toFIG.5, a process by which the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2are formed in the display device DSP′ according to the comparative example of the present embodiment will be briefly described. Here, it is assumed that the first electrode E1and the insulating layer12including the opening portion OP are already formed on the insulating layer11.

In this case, the organic layer OR is formed on the first electrode E1. Furthermore, in the display element20of the sub-pixel SP1(i.e., a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP1), it is necessary to form an organic layer OR including a light-emitting layer that emits red (hereinafter referred to as an organic layer OR(R)). On the other hand, in the display element20of the sub-pixel SP2(i.e., a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP2), it is necessary to form an organic layer OR including a light-emitting layer that emits green (hereinafter referred to as an organic layer OR(G)).

For this reason, in the comparative example of the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, after forming the organic layer OR(R) at the position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP1, the organic layer OR(G) is formed at the position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP2, and the second electrode E2is formed to cover the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G). The organic layer OR(R) disposed at the position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP1and the organic layer OR(G) disposed at the position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP2can be formed by patterning using, for example, a fine mask.

However, in the case where the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G) and the second electrode E2are formed by the process shown inFIG.5above, if a misalignment occurs between sub-pixels SP1and SP2(i.e., each color), as shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, for example, the edge portion of the organic layer OR(R) may overlap with the edge portion of the organic layer OR(G). In such a configuration, for example, when displaying green in the sub-pixel SP2(i.e., emitting light from the light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR(G)), in some cases, a current (lateral leakage) may flow from the edge portion of the organic layer OR(G) to the organic layer OR(R), causing the light-emitting layer of the organic layer OR(R) to emit light (hereinafter referred to as parasitic emission). The parasitic emission based on such lateral leakage may cause color mixing, etc., and may be a cause of deteriorating display quality.

Therefore, the present embodiment has a configuration for suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned lateral leakage.

An example of the configuration for suppressing the occurrence of lateral leakage in the display device DSP according to the present embodiment is described below with reference toFIG.6.FIG.6shows an example of a cross section of the display area DA provided in the display device DSP. Here, the sub-pixel SP1and the sub-pixel SP2adjacent to the sub-pixel SP1, which are provided in the pixel PX located in the display area DA, are mainly explained. InFIG.6, parts that are the same as those inFIG.4are given the same reference symbols as those inFIG.4above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Parts that are different from those inFIG.4are mainly described.

In the present embodiment, the first electrode E1is placed on the insulating layer11in the same manner as in the comparative example of the present embodiment described above. However, the first electrode E1in the present embodiment differs from the first electrode E1in the comparative example in that the edge portion of the first electrode E1is not covered by the insulating layer12when the organic layer OR is formed. When the first electrode E1in the present embodiment is assumed to be formed at least thicker than the organic layer OR, and the organic layer OR is, for example, about 10 nm, the first electrode E1in the present embodiment is formed at about 100 nm.

In the present embodiment, the organic layer OR is disposed on the first electrode E1, and the second electrode E2is disposed on the organic layer OR.

Furthermore, the insulating layer12is disposed on the insulating layer11and has an opening portion OP that overlaps with the second electrode E2.

In the present embodiment, the third electrode E3is disposed in a manner covering the second electrode E2and the insulating layer12.

FIG.7is a schematic plan view of the sub-pixels SP1and SP2shown inFIG.6. In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, the insulating layer12has an opening portion OP for each of the sub-pixels SP1and SP2, and the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR, and the second electrode E2are disposed at positions overlapping with the opening portion OP. The portion at which the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR, and the second electrode E2overlap functions as a light-emitting part of each sub-pixel SP (SP1and SP2), and light of the color corresponding to the sub-pixel SP can be emitted from the light-emitting part. According to such a configuration, for example, by forming the insulating layer12with a transparent organic material, light can be emitted (extracted) from an area one size larger than the opening portion OP, and a high aperture ratio can be achieved. InFIG.7, the third electrode E3is omitted.

Here, with reference toFIG.8, a process by which the organic layer OR, the second electrode E2, and the third electrode E3are formed in the display device DSP of the present embodiment will be briefly explained. Here, it is assumed that the first electrode E1is already formed on the insulating layer11.

First, the organic layer OR (R) is formed (deposited) on the first electrode E1, which is disposed at a position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP1. In the present embodiment, as described above, the first electrode E1is formed to be sufficiently thicker than the organic layer OR(R). Therefore, in the case of attempting to form the organic layer OR(R) at the position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP1, the organic layer OR(R) is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1that is disposed at the position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP1, and the organic layer OR(R) is formed in an island shape on the first electrode E1. In this case, an organic layer OR(R)′ that is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1is disposed on the insulating layer11.

In the case where the organic layer OR(R) is formed in the manner described above, the organic layer OR(G) is formed (deposited) on the first electrode E1that is disposed at a position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP2. As described above, the first electrode E1is formed sufficiently thicker than the organic layer OR(G). Therefore, in the case of attempting to form the organic layer OR(G) at the position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP1, the organic layer OR(G) is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1that is disposed at the position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP2, and the organic layer OR(G) is formed in an island shape on the first electrode E1. In this case, an organic layer OR(G)′ that is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1is disposed on the insulating layer11.

In the case where the organic layer OR(G) is formed in the manner described above, the second electrode E2is formed (deposited) on the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G). Since the present embodiment has a configuration in which the above mentioned first electrode E1causes the organic layers OR(R)′ and OR(G)′ to be cut off, for example, by forming the second electrode E2over the entire display area DA, the second electrode E2, separated for each sub-pixel SP, can be disposed on the first electrode E1and the organic layer OR. A second electrode E2′, which is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1, is disposed on the organic layers OR(R)′ and OR(G)′ disposed on the insulating layer11.

That is, in the present embodiment, by forming the first electrode E1for each sub-pixel SP in a manner such that the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2are cut off, the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2can be formed separately for each sub-pixel SP.

In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate cutting off the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2, it is preferable to form the first electrode E1in a manner such that the width of the upper part is greater than that of the lower part.

Specifically, inFIG.6andFIG.8, the first electrode E1is formed in a manner such that the width gradually decreases from the upper part to the lower part. For example, the first electrode E1may be formed as a stacked layer body of a transparent electrode and a metal electrode (e.g., Ag, etc.). In the case of such a configuration, the first electrode E1can be formed as shown inFIG.6andFIG.8by forming the first electrode E1in a shape where the width of the upper part matches the width of the lower part, then removing the part configured by the metal electrode by side etching, etc. Note that the first electrode E1may be formed by other processes as well.

The first electrode E1may have a shape such as, for example, an inverted taper shape. Furthermore, the side surface of the first electrode E1may be a plane inclined with respect to a third direction Z, or may be a curved surface.

In the case where the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G) and the second electrode E2are formed in the manners described above, the insulating layer12that is disposed on the insulating layer11to cover the edge portions of the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G) and the second electrode E2, and has an opening portion OP that overlaps with the second electrode E2is formed.

The second electrode E2is an electrode for applying a common voltage to a plurality of sub-pixels SP (a plurality of pixels PX), and according to the process shown inFIG.8above, the second electrode E2is formed in an island shape for each sub-pixel SP. In order to apply a common voltage to each of the plurality of second electrodes E2formed in such an island shape, it is necessary to, for example, connect the second electrodes E2formed at a position (area) that overlaps with each of the adjacent sub-pixels SP (e.g., sub-pixels SP1and SP2). In the present embodiment, the third electrode E3for connecting the two electrodes is formed (deposited) in a manner covering the second electrode E2and the insulating layer12. Such a third electrode E3is to be formed over a plurality of pixels PX (sub-pixels SP) arranged in the display area DA. According to this third electrode E3, a common voltage can be applied to each of the sub-pixels SP through the second electrode E2, which is formed in an island shape at a position that overlaps with each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

InFIG.6toFIG.8, the sub-pixels SP1and SP2are mainly described; however, the sub-pixel SP3is also to be configured in the same manner as the sub-pixels SP1and SP2.

As described above, the display device DSP according to the present embodiment includes a base material10, an insulating layer11(first insulating layer) disposed on the base material10, a first electrode E1disposed on the insulating layer11, an organic layer OR disposed on the first electrode E1, a second electrode E2disposed on the organic layer, an insulating layer12disposed on the insulating layer11and having an opening portion OP that overlaps with the second electrode E2, and a third electrode E3covering the second electrode E2and the insulating layer12. The first electrode E1, the organic layer OR, and the second electrode E2are separated for each sub-pixel SP.

In the comparative example of the present embodiment described above, for example, lateral leakage may occur when the edge portion of the organic layer OR (R) of the sub-pixel SP1overlaps with the edge portion of the organic layer OR (G) of the sub-pixel SP2adjacent to the sub-pixel SP1. However, in the present embodiment, the organic layer OR (R) of the sub-pixel SP1and the organic layer OR (G) of the sub-pixel SP2are separated for each sub-pixel SP, thus preventing the occurrence of parasitic emission based on the lateral leakage and suppressing the deterioration of display quality.

In the present embodiment, the second electrodes E2formed at a position that overlaps with the sub-pixel SP are connected through the third electrode E3. That is, in the present embodiment, even if the second electrode E2is configured to be separated for each sub-pixel SP, the display device DSP (the second electrode E2provided in the display device DSP) can be driven normally by the third electrode E3.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for example, by forming the first electrode E1so that it has a thickness larger than the thickness of the organic layer OR, the organic layer OR (and the second electrode E2) can be cut off, and the organic layer OR can be separated appropriately for each sub-pixel SP. From the viewpoint of cutting off the organic layer OR appropriately, it is preferable that the first electrode E1described above is formed in such a way that, for example, the width of the upper part is larger than that of the lower part. Here, a configuration is explained in which the first electrode E1separates the organic layer OR (and the second electrode E2) for each sub-pixel SP. However, in the present embodiment, at least the organic layer OR needs to be separated for each sub-pixel SP to prevent the occurrence of lateral leakage, and the separation of the organic layer OR may be realized by means other than the first electrode E1.

Here,FIG.9shows an enlarged view of the edge portions (periphery) of the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2in the display device DSP according to the present embodiment. Note that, although detailed explanations have been omitted in the present embodiment, the organic layer OR includes, for example, a functional layer F1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a functional layer F2, which are stacked in order from the first electrode E1to the second electrode E2. In the case where the potential of the first electrode E1is relatively higher than that of the second electrode E2, the first electrode E1corresponds to the anode and the second electrode E2corresponds to the cathode. In this case, the functional layer F1between the light-emitting layer EL and the first electrode E1includes at least one of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer, and the functional layer F2between the light-emitting layer EL and the second electrode E2includes at least one of an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. Each of the functional layers F1and F2is not limited to a single-layer body, but may also be a stacked layer body in which a plurality of functional layers are stacked.

Here, although the case in which the first electrode E1corresponds to the anode and the second electrode E2corresponds to the cathode has been described, it is also possible to configure the first electrode E1to correspond to the cathode and the second electrode E2to correspond to the anode.

In addition, here, although the organic layer OR is described as including the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2, the organic layer OR may further include other functional layers, or may have a configuration in which at least one of the functional layers F1and F2is omitted.

InFIG.9, an example is shown in which the end surfaces of each of the organic layers OR (the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2) and the second electrode E2are substantially aligned.

On the other hand,FIG.10shows, as a comparative example of the present embodiment, an example in which the end surfaces (edge portions) of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2included in the organic layer OR are covered by the second electrode E2disposed on the organic layer OR (in contact with the second electrode E2). Assuming that the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2are configured in the manner shown inFIG.10, a current that does not contribute to the emission of the light-emitting layer EL (edge leakage) is generated from the edge portion of the organic layer OR (the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and functional layer F2). This edge leakage may cause the performance of the display device DSP to deteriorate.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.9above, it is preferable that the second electrode E2is formed in a manner such that the second electrode E2does not cover the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2provided in the organic layer OR (the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2do not come in contact with the second electrode E2). In other words, it is preferable that the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2in the present embodiment are formed so that the edge portion (end surface) of the second electrode E2matches the end surface of the organic layer OR in a plan view or is on the opening portion OP side (i.e., the center side of the sub-pixel SP) than the end surface of the organic layer OR is.

The second electrode E2can be formed, for example, by a directional vacuum deposition method. However, the second electrode that does not cover the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2provided in the organic layer OR described above can be formed by considering the directivity in the vacuum deposition method.

InFIG.9, an example in which the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2provided in the organic layer OR are substantially aligned. However, as long as the second electrode E2is formed so that it does not cover the end surfaces of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2as described above, the end surfaces of each of the functional layer F1, the light-emitting layer EL, and the functional layer F2do not have to be aligned.

In the present embodiment, the pixel PX includes sub-pixels SP1, SP2and SP3, and each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2and SP3includes a display element20that emits light corresponding to red, green and blue wavelengths. However, the display element20of each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2and SP3may also emit, for example, white light. In this case, for example, by providing a color filter colored red, green, and blue at a position facing each of the display elements20(a position in the direction of a counter-substrate) in the display device DSP, red, green, and blue light can be emitted from each pixel PX, thus enabling multi-color display.

Each of the sub-pixels SP1, SP2, and SP3described above may be provided with a display element20that emits ultraviolet light (i.e., the emitting color is ultraviolet light). In such a configuration, multi-color display can be realized by disposing a light conversion layer at a position facing the display element20.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the pixel PX has been explained as including a plurality of sub-pixels SP, the pixel PX may be configured not to include the sub-pixels SP (i.e., a single color is displayed by the pixel PX).

In the case of forming an organic layer OR (i.e., for example, an organic layer OR including a light-emitting layer emitting white color) common to a plurality of pixels PX (or sub-pixels SP) disposed in the display area DA, in the present embodiment, by a configuration including a first electrode E1capable of cutting off the organic layer OR, and by depositing the organic layer OR (organic material for forming the organic layer OR) on the entire DA, it is possible to form an organic layer OR separated for each pixel PX (sub-pixel SP). That is, the present embodiment can be applied to WOLEDs, etc., in which the organic layer OR is not separated, and in such a configuration, there is no need to use a fine mask, etc., when forming the organic layer OR (i.e., separating the organic layer OR for each pixel PX or sub-pixel SP).

Second Embodiment

Now, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, detailed descriptions of the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted. Here, parts that differ from the first embodiment are mainly described.

FIG.11shows an example of a cross-section of a display area provided in a display device of the present embodiment. Here, a sub-pixel SP1and a sub-pixel SP2adjacent to the sub-pixel SP1, which are provided in a pixel PX disposed in a display area DA, are mainly described. InFIG.11, parts that are the same as those inFIG.6are given the same reference symbols as those inFIG.6above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Parts that differ fromFIG.6are described.

In the first embodiment described above, as shown inFIG.6, the second electrode E2is disposed on the organic layer OR, and the third electrode E3is formed to cover the second electrode E2and the insulating layer12. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second electrode E2is omitted, and the third electrode E3is formed to cover the organic layer OR and the insulating layer12.

Since a display device DSP shown inFIG.11is similar to the display device DSP shown inFIG.6above except that the second electrode E2is omitted as described above, here, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

Here, with reference toFIG.12, a process by which the organic layer OR and the third electrode E3are formed in the display device DSP of the present embodiment will be briefly explained. Here, it is assumed that a first electrode E1is already formed on an insulating layer11.

First, an organic layer OR (R) is formed (deposited) on the first electrode E1, which is disposed at a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP1. In this case, by the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR(R) is disposed on the first electrode E1, and an organic layer OR(R)′, which is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1, is disposed on the insulating layer11.

In the case where the organic layer OR(R) is formed in the manner described above, an organic layer OR(G) is formed (deposited) on the first electrode E1disposed at a position overlapping with the sub-pixel SP2. In this case, by the first electrode E1, the organic layer OR(G) is disposed on the first electrode E1, and an organic layer OR(G)′, which is cut off at the edge portion of the first electrode E1, is disposed on the insulating layer11.

In the case where the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G) are formed in the manners described above, the insulating layer12that is disposed on the insulating layer11to cover the edge portions of the organic layers OR(R) and OR(G), and has an opening portion OP that overlaps with the organic layer OR is formed.

When the insulating layer12is formed in the manner described above, for example, the third electrode E3is formed (deposited) over a plurality of pixels PX (sub-pixels SP) disposed in the display area DA. According to such a third electrode, a common voltage can be applied to each of the plurality of pixels PX.

InFIG.11andFIG.12, the sub-pixels SP1and SP2are mainly described; however, a sub-pixel SP3is also to be configured in the same manner as the sub-pixels SP1and SP2.

As described above, the display device DSP according to the present embodiment includes a base material10, an insulating layer11(first insulating layer) disposed on the base material10, a first electrode E1disposed on the insulating layer11, an organic layer OR disposed on the first electrode E1, an insulating layer12(second insulating layer) disposed on the insulating layer11and having an opening portion OP that overlaps with the organic layer OR, and a third electrode E3(second electrode) covering the organic layer OR and the insulating layer12. The first electrode E1and the organic layer OR are separated for each sub-pixel SP.

In the present embodiment, the above-described configuration prevents the occurrence of parasitic emission based on lateral leakage and suppresses the deterioration of display quality, as in the first embodiment.

Here,FIG.13shows an enlarged view of the edge portion (periphery) of the organic layer OR in the display device DSP of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.13, the end surfaces (edge portions) of a functional layer F1, a light-emitting layer EL, and a functional layer F2included in the organic layer OR are covered by the insulating layer12, so that no edge leakage occurs from the organic layer OR.

That is, in the first embodiment described above, there is a possibility that edge leakage may occur from the organic layer OR when the organic layer OR and the second electrode E2are formed in the manner shown in, for example,FIG.10. However, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of edge leakage from the organic layer OR can be prevented more reliably, which is an advantage compared to the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment described above, for example, a configuration in which a second electrode E2is provided to protect the display element20(e.g., organic layer OR) in the process of forming the third electrode E3is adopted. However, in the case where there is no need to protect the display element20in the process of forming the third electrode E3(i.e., there is no damage to the element), the configuration of the present embodiment can be adopted, and the manufacturing process of the display device DSP can be simplified compared to the first embodiment described above.

Also, although detailed description is omitted, the display device DSP of the present embodiment may be configured to include a color filter or a light conversion layer, as in the first embodiment described above, or the pixel PX may be configured not to include a sub-pixel SP.

All display devices, which are implementable with arbitrary changes in design by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the display devices described above as the embodiments of the present invention, belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they encompass the spirit of the present invention.

Various modifications are easily conceivable within the category of the idea of the present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are also considered to belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, additions, deletions or changes in design of the constituent elements or additions, omissions or changes in condition of the processes may be arbitrarily made to the above embodiments by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they encompass the spirit of the present invention.

In addition, the other advantages of the aspects described in the above embodiments, which are obvious from the descriptions of the specification or which are arbitrarily conceivable by a person of ordinary skill in the art, are considered to be achievable by the present invention as a matter of course.