JP6387561B2 - Organic electroluminescent device and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an organic electroluminescence device that emits light using an organic electroluminescence (EL) phenomenon and an electronic apparatus using the organic electroluminescence device.

  An organic EL element has an organic layer such as an organic EL layer and a hole transport layer between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, and has attracted attention as a light-emitting element capable of emitting high luminance by low-voltage direct current drive. ing.

  In an active matrix light emitting device (organic electroluminescent device) using this organic EL element, a thin film transistor is provided for each pixel on a substrate, and these thin film transistors are covered with an interlayer insulating film. The organic EL element is formed on the interlayer insulating film so as to be electrically connected to the thin film transistor. In the organic EL element, the lower electrode is patterned for each pixel and connected to the thin film transistor, and the upper electrode is formed as a common layer for each pixel, for example. In addition, in order to perform light emitting display for each pixel, an insulating partition that separates the organic layer for each pixel is used. In this case, in order to ensure the aperture ratio of the organic EL element, it is desirable to adopt a so-called top emission type element structure.

  In the top emission type element structure, the lower electrode is formed of a reflective material, and the upper electrode is formed of a transparent material. The upper electrode is preferably made of a metal material having an appropriate work function and a thin film (for example, about 10 nm or less) in order to ensure transparency. However, the thinning of the upper electrode causes a so-called voltage drop, and the drive voltage applied to the organic EL element of each pixel becomes non-uniform in the display screen. As a result, the display performance deteriorates, for example, the light emission luminance decreases at the center of the display screen.

  Therefore, a method for forming an auxiliary electrode has been proposed for the purpose of suppressing the voltage drop of the upper electrode (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2001-195008 A JP 2003-92192 A

  However, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to ensure a good electrical connection between the upper electrode and the auxiliary electrode, and the effect of suppressing the voltage drop is not sufficient. It is desired to realize an element structure that effectively suppresses voltage drop and has less luminance unevenness on the light emitting surface.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an organic electroluminescence device and an electronic apparatus that can effectively suppress a voltage drop in a display screen and reduce luminance unevenness. There is.

An organic electroluminescent device of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally, a first electrode provided for each pixel, an organic layer formed on the first electrode and including an organic electroluminescent layer, and an organic layer And a second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels and having a convex portion in a region between the pixels, and one or a plurality of third electrodes partially contacting the convex portion of the second electrode. The convex portion includes one or a plurality of linear portions each extending along the first direction in the pixel arrangement plane, and each of the one or more third electrodes is in the pixel arrangement plane. , Including a linear portion extending along a second direction that intersects the first direction, and of the linear portion of the third electrode, the intersection with the linear portion of the convex portion is partially It is in contact with the second electrode .

  An electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure includes the organic electroluminescence device according to the present disclosure.

  In the organic electroluminescent device and the electronic apparatus of the present disclosure, the second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels has a convex portion in a region between the pixels, and a third electrode that is in partial contact with the convex portion. Have. Thereby, a large pressure is applied to the contact point between the second electrode and the third electrode, and physical contact is easily ensured. As a result, so-called contact resistance is suppressed, and good electrical connection is ensured between the second electrode and the third electrode.

  According to the organic electroluminescent device and the electronic apparatus of the present disclosure, the second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels has a convex portion in a region between the pixels, and the third electrode is in partial contact with the convex portion. Is provided. Thereby, the favorable electrical connection of the 2nd electrode and the 3rd electrode can be secured, and the voltage drop of the 2nd electrode can be controlled effectively. Further, for example, in the manufacturing process, when the second electrode and the third electrode are bonded to each other (when the substrates are bonded), the degree of freedom in alignment increases, and a precise alignment step can be omitted. Therefore, electrical contact can be ensured easily and reliably. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress a voltage drop in the display screen and reduce luminance unevenness.

  The above content is an example of the present disclosure. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above contents, and may be other different effects.

It is a functional block diagram showing the whole structure of the organic electroluminescent apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this indication. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of a pixel circuit illustrated in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing showing the structure of the organic electroluminescent apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an XY plan view illustrating a configuration example of a pixel definition film and partition walls illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a perspective view showing the structural example of the convex part of a 2nd electrode shown in FIG. 3, and a 3rd electrode. It is a figure showing the structural example in the XY plane of the convex part of the 2nd electrode shown in FIG. 3, and a 3rd electrode. FIG. 6 is an XY plan view illustrating a configuration example of a pixel definition film and partition walls of an organic electroluminescence device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a perspective view showing the structural example of the convex part of the 2nd electrode formed by the partition of FIG. 7, and a 3rd electrode. It is a figure showing the structural example in the XY plane of the convex part of the 2nd electrode formed by the partition of FIG. 7, and a 3rd electrode. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to Modification 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to Modification 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to Modification 3. FIG. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the example of application of the organic electroluminescent apparatus of the said embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following order with reference to the drawings.

1. First embodiment (an example of an organic electroluminescence device in which a stripe-shaped third electrode is partially brought into contact with a second electrode having a grid-like convex portion)
2. Second Embodiment (Example of an organic electroluminescence device in which a stripe-like third electrode is partially brought into contact with a second electrode having stripe-like convex portions)
3. Modification 1 (example when the top of the partition wall is rounded)
4). Modification 2 (example when the top of the partition wall has a dent)
5. Modification 3 (example in which an organic layer is also formed on the partition)
6). Application examples (examples of electronic devices)

<First Embodiment>
[Constitution]
FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration of an organic electroluminescent device (organic electroluminescent device 1) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The organic electroluminescent device 1 is used as an organic EL television device or the like. For example, in the display area 110A of the substrate 11, a plurality of organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B described later are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix. Has been placed. Around the display area 110A, a signal line driving circuit 120 and a scanning line driving circuit 130, which are drivers for displaying images, are provided. In the following description, on the substrate 11, the pixels are arranged along two directions, ie, an X direction (for example, the horizontal direction of the display screen) and a Y direction (for example, the vertical direction of the display screen) that are orthogonal to each other.

  A pixel circuit 140 is provided in the display area 110A together with the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. FIG. 2 shows an example of the pixel circuit 140. The pixel circuit 140 is, for example, an active circuit, and includes, for example, a drive transistor Tr1, a write transistor Tr2, a capacitor (holding capacitor) Cs, and an organic EL element 10R (or organic EL element 10G or organic EL element 10B). Have. The organic EL element 10R (10G, 10B) is connected in series to the drive transistor Tr1 between the first power supply line (Vcc) and the second power supply line (GND). The drive transistor Tr1 and the write transistor Tr2 are general thin film transistors (TFTs), and have, for example, an inverted stagger structure (so-called bottom gate type) or a stagger structure (top gate type).

  In the pixel circuit 140, a plurality of signal lines 120A are arranged in the column direction, and a plurality of scanning lines 130A are arranged in the row direction. An intersection between each signal line 120A and each scanning line 130A corresponds to any one pixel (sub-pixel) of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. Each signal line 120A is connected to the signal line drive circuit 120, and an image signal is supplied from the signal line drive circuit 120 to the source electrode of the write transistor Tr2 via the signal line 120A. Each scanning line 130A is connected to the scanning line driving circuit 130, and a scanning signal is sequentially supplied from the scanning line driving circuit 130 to the gate electrode of the writing transistor Tr2 via the scanning line 130A.

  The organic EL element 10R generates red light, the organic EL element 10G generates green light, and the organic EL element 10B generates blue light. Adjacent organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B (three subpixels) form one pixel. Here, a set of three pixels R, G, and B is illustrated, but in addition to these pixels, a set of four pixels further including, for example, white (W) or yellow (Y) pixels is used. The configuration may be one pixel.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the organic electroluminescent device 1. In FIG. 3, only the area corresponding to the three pixels corresponding to the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B is illustrated. In the organic electroluminescent device 1, light is extracted by, for example, a top emission method (top emission method). For example, the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B and the pixel circuit 140 (see FIG. 3) are formed on the substrate 11. , A TFT 12 corresponding to the drive transistor Tr1 is shown). The TFT 12 is covered with interlayer insulating films 13A, 13B, and 13C, and organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B are formed on the interlayer insulating film 13C. Each of these organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B has a first electrode 14 that is electrically connected to the TFT 12, and a pixel definition film 15 and an organic layer 16 are formed on the first electrode 14. ing. A partition wall 17 is further formed on the pixel definition film 15. A second electrode 18 is formed so as to cover the organic layer 16 and the partition wall 17. The first electrode 14, the pixel defining film 15, the partition 17, the organic film 16, and the second electrode 18 are sequentially formed on the substrate 11 (specifically, the interlayer insulating film 13C) in the manufacturing process.

  A sealing substrate 20 is bonded onto the second electrode 18 of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. A third electrode 19 as an auxiliary electrode is provided on one surface of the sealing substrate 20 (a surface facing the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B). Note that a color filter, a black matrix, a light shielding plate, and the like (not shown) may be provided between the sealing substrate 20 and the third electrode. In the manufacturing process, the substrate 11 and the sealing substrate 20 are bonded together with the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B interposed therebetween. At that time, the sealing substrate 20 is bonded to the substrate 11 so that the second electrode 18 provided on the substrate 11 and the third electrode 19 provided on the sealing substrate 20 face each other. In the example of FIG. 3, the close-contact sealing structure is a so-called hollow sealing structure, but is not particularly limited, and may be a so-called solid sealing structure using a filler such as a resin.

  The substrate 11 is made of, for example, quartz or glass. Alternatively, for example, a metal foil or a resin film or sheet may be used.

  The TFT 12 is a thin film transistor as described above, for example, and has a drain connected to the first electrode 14, for example. Although a bottom gate type element structure is illustrated here, a top gate type element structure may be used.

  The interlayer insulating films 13A, 13B, and 13C are made of, for example, an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, and polyimide. Here, the interlayer insulating film 13 </ b> A functions as a gate insulating film of the TFT 12. The interlayer insulating film 13C has a function of flattening the surface of the substrate 11 as a base layer of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B.

  The first electrode 14 is provided for each of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B (for each pixel). Examples of the constituent material of the first electrode 14 include metal elements such as chromium (Cr), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), and silver (Ag). The simple substance or alloy of these is mentioned. The first electrode 14 includes a metal film made of a single element or an alloy of these metal elements, an oxide of indium and tin (ITO), InZnO (indium zinc oxide), zinc oxide (ZnO), and aluminum (Al). You may have a laminated structure with transparent conductive films, such as these alloys. In addition, when the 1st electrode 14 is used as an anode, it is desirable for the 1st electrode 14 to be comprised with the material with high hole injection property. However, an appropriate hole injection layer should be provided separately even if the material has a problem of a hole injection barrier due to the presence of an oxide film on the surface or a low work function, such as an aluminum (Al) alloy. In this case, it can be used as the first electrode 14.

  The pixel defining film 15 defines (divides) each pixel opening (light emitting region) of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B, and electrically isolates the first electrodes 14 from each other. The pixel defining film 15 has an opening H1 facing the first electrode 14, for example. An organic layer 16 is formed in the opening H1 of the pixel definition film 15.

  The organic layer 16 includes an organic electroluminescent layer in which recombination of electrons and holes occurs by applying an electric field to generate colored light. Specifically, in the organic EL element 10R, the organic layer 16 includes a red light emitting layer that emits red light, and the organic layer 16 of the organic EL element 10G includes a green light emitting layer that emits green light. The organic layer 16 includes a blue light emitting layer that emits blue light. Or an organic electroluminescent layer is a white light emitting layer which generate | occur | produces white light, for example, and may be formed over all the pixels. In this case, a color filter is formed on the sealing substrate 20 and is separated into R, G, and B color light by the color filter. Although the formation method of this organic layer 16 is not specifically limited, For example, a vapor deposition method and a printing method are mentioned. Such an organic layer 16 may include, for example, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an electron transport layer in addition to the organic electroluminescent layer. Further, an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, or the like may be formed between the organic layer 16 and the second electrode 18. Further, for example, a structure in which two or more light-emitting layers are stacked, such as a blue light-emitting layer and a yellow light-emitting layer, may be used.

  The partition wall 17 is laminated on the pixel definition film 15 in the region between the pixels, and is made of the same or different insulating material as the pixel definition film 15. Here, the organic layer 16 is separated for each pixel by the partition wall 17 (specifically, the partition wall 17 and the pixel definition film 15). Examples of the material of the partition wall 17 include organic insulating materials such as polyimide and photoresist, and inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxide. The cross-sectional shape of the partition wall 17 is trapezoidal here.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of an XY plane configuration (a layout configuration in the pixel arrangement plane) of the pixel definition film 15 and the partition wall 17. In the pixel definition film 15, an opening H1 is formed in a region corresponding to each of the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B, and the XY plane shape of the opening H1 is, for example, rectangular. The partition wall 17 is formed in the peripheral region of the opening H <b> 1 on the pixel definition film 15. The XY plane shape of the partition wall 17 is a lattice shape in the present embodiment. In other words, the partition wall 17 has a shape in which a plurality of linear portions each extending in the X direction and a plurality of linear portions each extending in the Y direction intersect each other. Further, the width (width of each linear portion) d2 of the partition wall 17 is smaller than the width (distance between the openings H1) d1 of the pixel defining film 15. In the present embodiment, as described above, the laminated film of the partition wall 17 and the pixel definition film 15 is formed in the region between the pixels, but the partition wall 17 and the inter-pixel definition film 15 may be integrally formed. Good. For example, by using a method such as half exposure, a portion corresponding to the pixel definition film 15 (a portion defining the light emission area) and a portion corresponding to the partition wall 17 (a portion defining the region of the organic layer) are integrally formed. be able to. Alternatively, only one of the pixel definition film 15 and the partition wall 17 may be provided.

  The second electrode 18 is formed on the partition wall 17 over the entire surface of the substrate 11 (over all pixels). Although it does not specifically limit in the manufacturing process, the 2nd electrode 18 is formed into a film by the vacuum evaporation method or the sputtering method, for example. As a result, the second electrode 18 has a surface shape (convex portion 18 a) that follows the shape of the partition wall 17. In other words, the surface shape of the convex portion 18 a of the second electrode 18 is determined by the shape of the partition wall 17.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration example of the convex portion 18 a of the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19. As described above, the convex portion 18a of the second electrode 18 includes a plurality of linear portions 18a1 each extending in the X direction and a plurality of lines each extending in the Y direction on the XY plane (pixel array surface). -Like portion 18a2. The plurality of linear portions 18a1 and the plurality of linear portions 18a2 are arranged so as to cross each other. In other words, the convex portion 18a has a lattice shape including a plurality of linear portions 18a1 extending in the X direction and a plurality of linear portions 18a2 extending in the Y direction. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other within the pixel array plane.

  The convex portion 18a of the second electrode 18 has the lattice shape as described above, whereas the third electrode 19 is formed in a region between the pixels, and extends in the X direction in the region between the pixels, for example. A plurality of them are provided. The plurality of third electrodes 19 have a stripe shape as a whole, and each has a linear portion.

  FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an XY plane configuration example of the convex portion 18 a of the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19. Thus, the convex part 18a of the 2nd electrode 18 and the 3rd electrode 19 are provided so that it may contact partially. Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the region S between the openings H1 adjacent in the Y direction, each third electrode 19 is formed to extend along the X direction. Thereby, the linear portion 18a2 extending in the Y direction of the convex portion 18a intersects with the third electrode 19, and at the intersecting portion (connection portion C1), the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 Are in contact and electrically connected.

  The second electrode 18 is made of a conductive material having an appropriate work function and light transmittance, for example, a transparent conductive film such as ITO (indium tin oxide) or IZO (indium zinc oxide). Moreover, the thickness of the 2nd electrode 18 is not specifically limited, What is necessary is just to set to the thickness which can obtain sufficient electroconductivity and sufficient light transmittance. In addition to this, an alloy (MgAg alloy) of magnesium and silver is used as the constituent material of the second electrode 18. The second electrode 18 may have a structure in which a plurality of materials are stacked. The method for forming the second electrode 18 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a film forming method in which the energy of the film forming particles is small enough not to affect the base. Further, it is preferable that the second electrode 18 is continuously formed without being exposed to the atmosphere after the organic layer 16 is formed. This is because deterioration due to moisture in the atmosphere can be suppressed.

  Although the constituent material of the 3rd electrode 19 is not specifically limited, For example, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), etc. A metal material is mentioned. Although the thickness of the 3rd electrode 19 is not specifically limited, For example, they are 50 nm-100 micrometers. However, the third electrode 19 may be made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO or IZO. Although the width d3 of the third electrode 19 is not particularly limited, for example, it is desirable to have a width narrower than the region S.

  The sealing substrate 20 is made of a material such as glass that is transparent to the light generated in the organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. A color filter, a black matrix, a light shielding plate, and the like (not shown) are provided between the sealing substrate 20 and the third electrode, so that color light is extracted for each pixel, and reflected light of external light is absorbed. , Can improve the contrast.

[Action, effect]
In the organic electroluminescent device 1 according to the present embodiment, when a driving current is supplied to the organic layer 16 through the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 18, the colored light generated in the organic electroluminescent elements 10R, 10G, and 10B. However, it is taken out through the second electrode 18 and the sealing substrate 20, and an image is displayed.

  In the organic electroluminescence device 1, the second electrode 18 is made of a transparent conductive film as described above, and an image is displayed by the top emission method. The second electrode 18 is preferably made of a conductive film material having an appropriate work function, but is often thinned to ensure transparency. For this reason, a voltage drop occurs in the second electrode 18, and the drive voltage applied to each organic EL element 10R, 10G, 10B becomes non-uniform in the display screen. As a result, the display performance deteriorates, for example, the light emission luminance decreases at the center of the display screen.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the third electrode 19 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 18 is provided, so that the voltage drop as described above is suppressed. Here, the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the partition wall 17, and thus has a convex portion 18 a whose planar shape is a lattice shape. Since the third electrode 19 is provided so as to be in partial contact with the convex portion 18a, the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are in point contact (the contact area is reduced). That is, a large pressure is applied to the contact point between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19, and it is easy to ensure the physical contact with certainty. As a result, so-called contact resistance is suppressed. As a result, a good electrical connection is ensured between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19, and the voltage drop of the second electrode 18 can be effectively suppressed.

  Here, for example, in the manufacturing process, when the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are bonded together (when the substrates are bonded), the second electrode 18 and the third electric electrode 19 are electrically and reliably joined. It is important to let In particular, with a recent increase in the size of a glass substrate, the variation in the thickness of the glass may be several tens of μm. For this reason, it is difficult to ensure the reliability of electrical connection and to obtain good alignment accuracy. As in the present embodiment, the convex portion 18a of the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are partially brought into contact with each other at the intersection, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of alignment and omitting a precise alignment step. can do. Therefore, the electrical contact between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 can be ensured easily and reliably. As a result, it is possible to reduce the luminance unevenness by suppressing the voltage drop in the display screen.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 18a of the second electrode 18 includes linear portions 18a1 and 18a2 extending in the X direction and the Y direction (having a lattice shape), while the plurality of third electrodes 19 are Each of them extends in the X direction (has a stripe shape). Thereby, at the time of bonding, the linear portion 18a2 of the convex portion 18a and the third electrode 19 intersect and overlap each other, and the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are overlapped at the intersecting portion (connection portion C1). Touch. By overlapping the linear portions extending along different directions, the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 can be brought into contact with each other at the point-like connection portion C1 corresponding to the intersection. Thereby, compared with the case where it contacts in a wide area, a big pressure is applied to the contact point of the 2nd electrode 18 and the 3rd electrode 19, and it becomes possible to ensure a reliable physical contact. The contact resistance can be effectively reduced, and the degree of freedom in alignment between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 is increased.

  Hereinafter, other embodiments and modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to the said 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 7 illustrates an XY plane configuration of the pixel definition film 15 and the partition walls (partition wall 17A) in the organic electroluminescence device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration example of the convex portion (convex portion 18 b) of the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19. FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an XY plane configuration example of the convex portion 18 b and the third electrode 19. Although not shown in the drawings, the organic electroluminescence device of the present embodiment has a plurality of organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B arranged in a matrix in the display region 110 of the substrate 11, for example, as in the first embodiment. It is. The organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B include a first electrode 14 provided for each pixel, a pixel definition film 15 having an opening H1 facing the first electrode 14, a partition wall 17A, and an organic layer 16 And have. The second electrode 18 is formed over all the pixels so as to cover the partition wall 17 and the organic layer 16. A sealing substrate 20 is bonded to the substrate 11 with these organic EL elements 10R, 10G, and 10B in between. A plurality of third electrodes 19 are provided on one surface side of the sealing substrate 20, and the third electrodes 19 are in partial contact with the second electrode 18.

  However, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the XY planar shape of the partition wall 17A is a stripe shape (FIG. 7), and the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the partition wall 17A. . That is, the convex portion 18b of the second electrode 18 has a stripe shape including a plurality of linear portions 18b1 extending in the Y direction on the XY plane, for example. The constituent material of the partition wall 17A is the same as that of the partition wall 17 of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, a plurality of third electrodes 19 are formed extending in the X direction and have a stripe shape as a whole.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of linear portions 18b1 of the convex portions 18b of the second electrode 18 and the plurality of third electrodes 19 are overlapped with each other (perpendicularly) and overlapped with each other. Is a connection portion C2.

  Also in the present embodiment, the voltage drop of the second electrode 18 is suppressed by providing the third electrode 19 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 18 as in the first embodiment. The Here, the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the partition wall 17A, and thus has a convex portion 18b whose planar shape is a stripe shape. By providing the third electrode 19 so as to be in partial contact with the convex portion 18b, the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are in point contact (the contact area is reduced). Since a large pressure is applied to the contact point between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19, it becomes easy to ensure the physical contact with certainty. As a result, so-called contact resistance is suppressed. Thereby, a favorable electrical connection is ensured between the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19, and the voltage drop of the second electrode 18 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, if the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 do not intersect (when parallel), a precise position such that the positions of the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 overlap when the substrates are bonded together. It is desirable to match. On the other hand, when the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 cross each other as in the present embodiment, the degree of freedom in alignment becomes high and precise alignment is not necessary. Therefore, an effect equivalent to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 18b of the second electrode 18 includes a linear portion 18b1 extending in the Y direction (having a stripe shape), while the plurality of third electrodes 19 each extend in the X direction. Formed (having a stripe shape). Thereby, at the time of bonding, the linear part 18b1 of the convex part 18b and the third electrode 19 intersect and overlap each other, and the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 are overlapped at this intersecting part (connection part C2). Touch. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the second electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 can be brought into contact with each other at the dotted connection portion C2, and the contact resistance can be reduced and the second resistance can be reduced. Precise alignment between the electrode 18 and the third electrode 19 is also unnecessary. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the convex portion 18b has a stripe shape, the position in the Y direction is larger than that in the first embodiment (when the convex portion 18a of the second electrode 18 has a lattice shape). The degree of freedom of alignment is further increased. Therefore, alignment in the bonding process becomes easier, which is advantageous for improving productivity.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to a modification (Modification 1) of the first and second embodiments. In this modification, the top part (head top part) of the partition wall (partition wall 17B) has a rounded shape. Similar to the first embodiment, the surface shape of the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the partition wall 17B. That is, the convex part (convex part 18c) of the second electrode 18 has a rounded shape. Also in this modification, the third electrode 19 is provided in partial contact with the convex portion 18 c of the second electrode 18.

  The method of forming roundness on the top of the partition wall 17B is not particularly limited, but after forming the partition wall 17 (the cross-sectional shape is trapezoidal) according to the first embodiment, the top portion is further subjected to, for example, Ar plasma treatment. Can be rounded. On this, the second electrode 18 is formed to form a rounded convex portion 18 c on the second electrode 18.

  As in the present modification, the convex portion 18c of the second electrode 18 has a rounded shape, so that the convex portion 18c and the third electrode 19 are connected to each other at the intersection (connection portion C3). Contact can be made in a state close to contact. Therefore, it becomes easier to reduce the contact resistance, and good electrical connection can be ensured.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to a modification (Modification 2) of the first and second embodiments. In this modification, the top part (head top part) of the partition wall (partition wall 17C) has a recess (dent). Similar to the first embodiment, the surface shape of the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the partition wall 17B. That is, the convex part (convex part 18d) of the 2nd electrode 18 has a dent. Also in this modification, the third electrode 19 is provided in partial contact with the convex portion 18d of the second electrode 18.

  The method for forming the recesses in the partition walls 17C is not particularly limited. When patterning the partition walls 17 (cross-sectional shape is trapezoidal) according to the first embodiment, for example, exposure and development processes are performed. By adjusting the exposure conditions, the partition wall 17C having a dent can be formed. On this, the 2nd electrode 18 is formed into a film, and the 2nd electrode 18 is formed with the convex part 18d which has a dent.

  As in the present modification, the convex portion 18d of the second electrode 18 has a recess, so that the convex portion 18d and the third electrode 19 are in a state close to point contact at the intersection (connection portion C4). While making it contact, a point contact location can be increased. Therefore, it becomes easier to reduce the contact resistance, and good electrical connection can be ensured.

<Modification 3>
FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of an organic electroluminescent device according to a modification (Modification 3) of the first and second embodiments. In this modification, the organic layer (organic layer 16A) is formed so as to cover the first electrode 14 and the partition wall 17A. The second electrode 18 is formed so as to cover the organic layer 16A. In this modification, the surface shape of the second electrode 18 follows the surface shape of the organic layer 16A. That is, the convex portion (convex portion 18e) of the second electrode 18 is formed following the shape of the portion (taper portion) covering the partition wall 17A in the organic layer 16A. Also in this modification, the third electrode 19 is provided in partial contact with the convex portion 18e of the second electrode 18.

  The method for forming the organic layer 16A is not particularly limited. For example, in the printing technique, the organic layer 16A can be formed by using an ink having a contact angle with the partition wall 17A of, for example, 10 ° or less. . On this, the 2nd electrode 18 which has the convex part 18e which followed the surface shape of 16 A of organic layers is formed by forming the 2nd electrode 18 into a film.

  As in this modification, the underlying layer of the second electrode 18 is not limited to the partition wall 17 and may be the organic layer 16A. In other words, the convex portion 18e of the second electrode 18 may be formed following the shape of the laminated film of the partition wall 17 and the organic layer 16A. Also in this case, the convex portion 18e and the third electrode 19 can be brought into point contact at the intersection (connection portion C5). Therefore, an effect equivalent to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Application example>
Hereinafter, application examples of the organic electroluminescence device described in the above embodiment will be described. The organic electroluminescence device of the above embodiment is a video signal input from the outside or a video signal generated inside such as a television device, a digital camera, a notebook personal computer, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, or a video camera. The present invention can be applied to display devices of electronic devices in various fields that display as images or videos. As an example, FIG. 13 illustrates an external configuration of a television device. The television apparatus includes a video display screen unit 200 including a front panel 210 and a filter glass 220, for example. The video display screen unit 200 corresponds to the organic electroluminescence device described in the above embodiment and the like. The organic electroluminescent device of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for a large display device.

  The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment and the like, a configuration in which a plurality of third electrodes 19 are formed in a stripe shape as a whole has been illustrated. However, the plurality of third electrodes 19 extends between the pixels. What is necessary is just to have the linear part to do, and it may be connected in part. For example, the plurality of striped third electrodes 19 may be electrically connected at the end of the display area.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the third electrode 19 is arranged between all adjacent pixel rows (or pixel columns). However, the third electrode 19 is arranged between all the pixel rows (or pixels). It is not necessary to arrange them between the columns. For example, the third electrode 19 may be disposed every other row or a plurality of rows (selective rows may be thinned out from the above-described example).

  Further, the material and thickness of each layer described in the above embodiments and examples, or the film formation method and film formation conditions are not limited, and other materials and thicknesses may be used, or other film formation methods. Alternatively, film forming conditions may be used.

  Furthermore, although the case of an active matrix display device has been described in the above embodiment, the present disclosure can also be applied to a passive matrix display device. Furthermore, the configuration of the pixel driving circuit for active matrix driving is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and a capacitor or a transistor may be added as necessary. In that case, a necessary driving circuit may be added in addition to the signal line driving circuit 120 and the scanning line driving circuit 130 described above in accordance with the change of the pixel driving circuit.

  The effects described in the above-described embodiments and the like are examples, and other effects may be included or further effects may be included.

The present disclosure may be configured as follows.
(1)
A plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally;
A first electrode provided for each pixel;
An organic layer formed on the first electrode and including an organic electroluminescent layer;
A second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels on the organic layer and having a convex portion in a region between the pixels;
An organic electroluminescent device comprising: one or a plurality of third electrodes that partially contact the convex portions of the second electrode.
(2)
The convex portion includes one or a plurality of linear portions each extending along a first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
Each of the one or more third electrodes includes a linear portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
The organic electroluminescence device according to (1), wherein the second electrode and the third electrode are in contact with each other at an intersection between the linear portion of the convex portion and the linear portion of the third electrode.
(3)
The convex portion has a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the first direction,
The organic electroluminescence device according to (2), wherein the plurality of third electrodes have a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the second direction.
(4)
The convex portion has a lattice shape including the plurality of linear portions,
The organic electroluminescence device according to (2), wherein the plurality of third electrodes have a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the second direction.
(5)
The organic electroluminescence device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other.
(6)
A partition formed between the pixels and having an insulating property;
The said 2nd electrode is formed covering the said partition and the said organic layer, and the said convex part is formed according to the shape of the said partition, The said any one of (1)-(5) Organic electroluminescent device.
(7)
The top of the partition has a rounded shape. The organic electroluminescence device according to (6).
(8)
The top part of the said partition has a dent. The organic electroluminescent apparatus as described in said (6) or (7).
(9)
The organic layer is formed to cover the first electrode and the partition wall,
The organic electroluminescence device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the convex portion is formed following a shape of a laminated film of the partition wall and the organic layer.
(10)
The organic electroluminescent device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the one or more third electrodes are formed in a region between the pixels.
(11)
A plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally;
A first electrode provided for each pixel;
An organic layer formed on the first electrode and including an organic electroluminescent layer;
A second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels on the organic layer and having a convex portion in a region between the pixels;
An electronic apparatus comprising: an organic electroluminescence device having one or more third electrodes that are in partial contact with the convex portion of the second electrode.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10R, 10G, 10B ... Organic EL element, 11 ... Substrate, 12 ... TFT, 13A-13C ... Interlayer insulating film, 14 ... First electrode, 15 ... Interpixel insulating film, 16 ... Organic layer, 17, 17A-17C ... Partition 18, second electrode 18 a to 18 e, convex portion 18 a 1, 18 a 2, 18 b 1 linear portion, 19 third electrode 20 sealing substrate, C 1 to C 5 connection portion, H 1 opening.

Claims (11)

A plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally;
A first electrode provided for each pixel;
An organic layer formed on the first electrode and including an organic electroluminescent layer;
A second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels on the organic layer and having a convex portion in a region between the pixels;
One or a plurality of third electrodes that partially contact the convex portion of the second electrode ,
The convex portion includes one or a plurality of linear portions each extending along a first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
Each of the one or more third electrodes includes a linear portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
An organic electroluminescent device in which, of the linear portions of the third electrode, the intersection of the convex portion with the linear portion partially contacts the second electrode . The third electrode is in point contact with the second electrode
The organic electroluminescent device according to claim 1. The convex portion has a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the first direction,
The organic electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of third electrodes have a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the second direction. The convex portion has a lattice shape including the plurality of linear portions,
The organic electroluminescent device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of third electrodes have a stripe shape in which the linear portion extends along the second direction. The organic electroluminescence device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other . A partition formed between the pixels and having an insulating property;
The second electrode, while being formed over said partition wall and the organic layer, the first term one of the protrusions the claims 1 are formed along the shape of the partition wall 5 The organic electroluminescent device as described. The organic electroluminescent device according to claim 6, wherein a top portion of the partition wall has a rounded shape. The organic electroluminescence device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein a top portion of the partition wall has a recess. The organic layer is formed to cover the first electrode and the partition wall,
The organic electroluminescence device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the convex portion is formed following the shape of a laminated film of the partition and the organic layer. The organic electroluminescent device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more third electrodes are formed in a region between the pixels. A plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally;
A first electrode provided for each pixel;
An organic layer formed on the first electrode and including an organic electroluminescent layer;
A second electrode formed over the entire surface of the plurality of pixels on the organic layer and having a convex portion in a region between the pixels;
Possess and one or more third electrode partially in contact with the convex portion of the second electrode,
The convex portion includes one or a plurality of linear portions each extending along a first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
Each of the one or more third electrodes includes a linear portion extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction in the arrangement plane of the pixels,
An electronic apparatus comprising an organic electroluminescence device in which, of the linear portions of the third electrode, an intersection with the linear portion of the convex portion partially contacts the second electrode .

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