JP2009116433A - Electro-optical equipment with touch panel device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide thin electro-optical equipment with a touch panel device. <P>SOLUTION: Each of position detection electrodes for a position detecting function of a touch panel device is configured of metallic thin wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n. The outline shape of the former is the same as that of the aggregate of the latter. Thus, the position detecting function is exhibited without fail, and the metallic thin wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n function as linear polarizing elements so that the polarizing function can be also exhibited. Therefore, it is not required to install a polarizer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus such as a liquid crystal display device and an organic EL device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electro-optical device that can display an image by providing electro-optical elements arranged in a matrix is provided. Here, the electro-optic element corresponds to a liquid crystal element, for example. Such an electro-optical device includes first and second electrodes that can apply different voltages to the liquid crystal elements arranged in a matrix. A predetermined potential difference is applied to the liquid crystal layer constituting the liquid crystal element by the first and second electrodes, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer is changed by the voltage application. This change in the alignment state means a change in the light transmission ratio in the liquid crystal layer.

The liquid crystal layer is further sandwiched between two polarizing plates. Whether light is transmitted through the liquid crystal element depends on how the polarization direction of the two polarizing plates is set and how the liquid crystal layer is aligned at that time. When these relationships are in a predetermined state, light is transmitted, and when in another predetermined state, the light is shielded. When the polarization direction of the polarizing plate is constant after its installation, the transition between these two states is based solely on the change of the alignment state of the liquid crystal layer.
Thus, by appropriately transmitting or not transmitting light (blocking) for each liquid crystal element, the electro-optical device can display an image having a desired content.
As such an electro-optical device, for example, a device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-196023

Incidentally, in the electro-optical device as described above, a touch panel device can be provided. The touch panel device is a device that includes a screen on which an image having a predetermined content is displayed and can detect a position on the screen touched by a user with a finger or the like. In the electro-optical device with a touch panel device, the electro-optical device is responsible for displaying an image to be displayed on the screen.
Examples of the touch panel device include a capacitance type, a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) type, an electromagnetic induction type, and a light detection type.

  However, in such an electro-optical device with a touch panel device, for example, the former is simply pasted on the latter, and the overall thickness of the device becomes relatively large. is there. This is because it is necessary to prepare a substrate or the like unique to the touch panel device itself, and to prepare a substrate or the like unique to the electro-optical device. Especially for the latter, since the two polarizing plates described above are also provided, the thickness of the latter has to be constant from the beginning. Since the thickness of the touch panel device is added to this, the thickness of the entire device becomes so large that it cannot be ignored.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for dealing with such a problem by providing a “coordinate detection element on the opposite substrate” (Claim 1 of Patent Document 1). Reference 1 [Fig. 2] [Fig. 3]). In this technique, “the coordinate detection element and the drive circuit are directly formed on the counter substrate for image display, so it is not necessary to prepare a separate substrate for mounting them” (Patent Document 1). [0010]) In that sense, it seems that a corresponding reduction in thickness can be achieved. However, this Patent Document 1 only discloses a configuration in which the polarizing plate is mounted without any change (see [FIG. 1], [0013], etc. of Patent Document 1). There is a limit to the impact on thinning.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a thinner electro-optical device with a touch panel device and an electronic apparatus.

  An electro-optical device with a touch panel device according to the present invention is an electro-optical device with a touch panel device including a touch panel device capable of detecting a position specified on a screen in order to solve the above-described problem, and includes a light source, A polarizing element and a substrate with a position detection electrode having both a polarization function that exerts a polarization action on light emitted from a light source and a position detection function of detecting the designated position by including a position detection electrode; .

  According to the present invention, the polarizing element / position detecting electrode-equipped substrate has both a polarizing function and a position detecting function, so that the polarizing plate which has been conventionally required is not necessary, and the thickness can be reduced accordingly. it can. That is, it is possible to reduce the thickness.

In the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, the position detection electrode includes a plurality of fine metal wires arranged in a stripe pattern with a period shorter than the wavelength of the light, and the contour shape of the position detection electrode is It may correspond to the outline shape of the aggregate of a plurality of fine metal wires, and the polarization function may be exhibited when the light passes between the fine metal wires.
According to this aspect, the polarization function is realized by a plurality of fine metal wires arranged in a stripe shape, that is, a so-called linear polarization element. In this embodiment, the assembly of the plurality of thin metal wires simultaneously forms a position detection electrode as it is. That is, the position detecting electrode exhibits a position detecting function and also a polarizing function. Such a characteristic structure provides a very effective mode for coexisting the polarization function and the position detection function, and as a result, greatly contributes to more effective enjoyment of the above-described thinning effect.

In this aspect, a short circuit wire that short-circuits each of the plurality of thin metal wires may be further provided.
According to this aspect, since each of the plurality of fine metal wires is short-circuited, all of the plurality of fine metal wires can maintain the same potential. Therefore, the position detection function exhibited in the position detection electrode is obstructed even though it has a structure that is electrically insulated from each other, that is, “a plurality of fine metal wires arranged in stripes”. Not.

In the electro-optical device according to the present invention, the position detection electrode has first, second,..., And second N electrodes whose width gradually increases from one end to the other end (where N is a positive number). And the (p + 1) th electrode (where p = 1, 3, 5,..., (2N−1)) constitutes a detection electrode pair, In the detection electrode pair, one end of the pth electrode corresponds to the other end of the (p + 1) th electrode, and the other end of the pth electrode is one end of the (p + 1) th electrode. The p-th electrode and the (p + 1) -th electrode are arranged so as to correspond to the above, and the position-detecting electrode is configured such that the detection electrode pair has the other end to the other end You may comprise so that it may have a structure repeatedly arranged in the direction which cross | intersects the direction which goes to.
According to this aspect, the position of a finger or the like touched on the screen (hereinafter referred to as “contact point” in this paragraph number) can be detected very accurately. That is, the position or coordinate value of the contact point in the X direction from one end to the other end of the p-th electrode is the width of the p-th electrode at the contact point and the (p + 1) th electrode at the contact point. Since the widths are in a complementary relationship (if one is relatively large, the other is relatively small by that amount), the capacitance change in each of the pth and (p + 1) th electrodes. Etc., the position or coordinate value can be obtained.
On the other hand, the position or coordinate value of the contact point in the Y direction intersecting the X direction can be seen from which of the detection electrode pairs in which the contact point is repeatedly arranged, a change in current, etc. For example, the position or coordinate value can be obtained.
Moreover, according to this aspect, it is possible to detect the position by actually preparing one substrate as the polarizing element / position detecting electrode-attached substrate. That is, the effect of thinning is enjoyed more effectively.

In this aspect, the contour shape of the first, second,..., 2N electrodes may include a triangle.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suitably arrange the position detection electrodes on the polarizing element / position detection electrode-equipped substrate. For example, the case where the contour shape of the first, second,..., 2N electrodes is a right triangle, which is an example of a triangle, will be described in detail in an embodiment described later.

In the aspect in which the position detection electrodes include first, second,..., 2N electrodes, the screen can be divided into a plurality of pixel areas arranged in a matrix, and the pixel areas are sewn. A light shielding film formed in a lattice shape as described above, and at least a part of a gap region formed between each of the first, second,. You may comprise so that it may correspond with at least one part of an area | region.
According to this aspect, the gap region between the first, second,..., And second N electrodes, which may adversely affect image display, is covered with the light shielding film, so that a higher quality image is displayed. be able to.

In the aspect in which the position detection electrode includes first, second,..., And second N electrodes, the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, The liquid crystal display device further includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode formed on the first substrate, and a potential difference between the pixel electrode and the common electrode is applied to the liquid crystal so that the liquid crystal is parallel to the surface of the first substrate. An electric field containing a component may be applied, and the second substrate may correspond to the polarizing element / position detecting electrode-equipped substrate.
According to this aspect, since the liquid crystal is driven by the so-called “lateral electric field” method, the so-called “counter electrode” required in the “vertical electric field” method with respect to the “lateral electric field” method. Is not necessary. Therefore, the “second substrate” referred to in the present embodiment essentially does not require an element including a metal material. From the opposite side, this means that an element including another metal material can be formed on the second substrate instead of the “counter electrode”. The other metal material may be a “position detection electrode”. Thus, in this aspect, it is possible to say that “the second substrate corresponds to the polarizing element / position detecting electrode-attached substrate”. And in this mode in which it is formed, a kind of dual use is realized also in this respect, and the above-described effect of thinning is more effectively achieved.

In this aspect, the position detection electrode may be formed on a surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal.
According to this aspect, for example, the position detection electrode can be formed on the second substrate, and further, necessary elements such as a color filter and a light shielding film can be further constructed thereon. The surface of the second substrate on which the position detection electrodes are formed can be made to face the liquid crystal or the first substrate.
In this way, in this aspect, the entire apparatus can be reduced in thickness extremely effectively.
In addition, according to this aspect, since the position detection electrode, the light shielding film, the color filter, and the like may be formed in order on the second substrate, for example, on one surface of the second substrate. The manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where the position detection electrode is formed on the other surface, such as a light shielding film and a color filter, respectively.
Furthermore, in this case, since the second substrate itself can function as a protective film for the external environment of the position detection electrode, it is not necessary to separately provide the protective film. Therefore, also in this sense, the overall thickness of the device can be extremely effectively reduced.

In the electro-optical device according to the aspect of the invention, the counter electrode corresponding to the position detection electrode may be formed on the surface opposite to the position detection electrode formation surface of the polarizing element / position detection electrode-equipped substrate. The corresponding electrode includes a first elongated electrode extending along the first direction, and a plurality of the first elongated electrodes extend along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The position detecting electrode includes a second elongated electrode extending along the second direction, and a plurality of the second elongated electrodes extend along the first direction. It may be configured to have a structure that is repeatedly arranged.
According to this aspect, the position of a finger or the like touched on the screen (hereinafter referred to as “contact point” in this paragraph number) can be detected very accurately.

In this aspect, the first long electrode has a plurality of first wide portions for each first interval along the extending direction, and the second long electrode is along the extending direction. Each of the second intervals has a plurality of second wide portions, and the first interval is such that the first wide portions fill gaps between the plurality of second long electrodes viewed along the first direction. The second interval is positioned such that the second wide portion fills in the gaps between the plurality of first long electrodes as viewed along the second direction. As such, it may be configured to be determined.
According to this aspect, it is possible to suitably arrange the position detection electrodes on the polarizing element / position detection electrode-equipped substrate. Details thereof will be mentioned in an embodiment described later.

  In this aspect, the first wide portion and the second wide portion may be configured to include a rhombus.

In the aspect including the first long electrodes, the screen can be divided into a plurality of pixel regions arranged in a matrix, and the light shielding film formed in a lattice shape so as to sew between the pixel regions. The gap between the plurality of first elongated electrodes and the gap between the plurality of second elongated electrodes, and the first elongated electrode and the second elongated length as seen in a plan view. You may comprise so that at least one part of the clearance gap between electrodes may correspond with at least one part of the formation area of the said light shielding film.
According to this aspect, the gap region between the first long electrodes that may adversely affect the image display is covered with the light shielding film, so that a higher quality image can be displayed.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the electro-optical device according to various aspects described above.
Since the electronic apparatus of the present invention includes the various electro-optical devices described above, a reduction in thickness is realized.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In FIGS. 1 to 5 and other drawings referred to below, the scale of each layer and each member is different in order to make each layer and each member recognizable on the drawing. is there.

  The liquid crystal display device 100 according to the first embodiment includes an illumination device LB, a liquid crystal device LD, and a polarizing plate 30. Looking at the cross section of the liquid crystal display device 100, as shown in FIG. 2, the order of stacking of the overall configuration is as follows from the bottom in the figure: the illumination device LB, the polarizing plate 30, the first substrate 10, and the liquid crystal layer LQ. The light shielding film BM and the color filter CF, the second substrate 20, and the polarizing element / position detecting metal thin film 40 are formed.

The illumination device LB includes a light guide plate LB1 and a light source LB2, as shown in FIG.
Among these, the light source LB2 is, for example, a white LED (Light Emitting Diode). As shown in FIG. 1, the light source LB2 has a relatively long rod shape or rectangular parallelepiped shape. The light source LB2 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along a side end of a light guide plate LB1 described later. The light emitted from the light source LB2 enters the inside from the side end of the light guide plate LB1.
The light source LB2 is controlled to be turned on / off by the illumination drive circuit 52.

The light guide plate LB1 is a light transmissive optical member having a substantially flat plate shape. The light guide plate LB1 has a function of spreading the light incident from the light source LB2 over the entire light guide plate LB1 and emitting the light toward the liquid crystal device LD. The upper surface in FIG. 1 of the light guide plate LB1, that is, the surface facing the liquid crystal device LD is a surface from which light is emitted toward the liquid crystal device LD, and serves as a light emitting surface.
In order to assist this function, the light guide plate LB1 includes a diffusion plate and a reflection plate (both not shown). Among these, the diffusion plate has a function of appropriately diffusing the light incident on the light guide plate LB1. Specifically, for example, a flat plate or the like in which minute protrusions having a wedge-shaped cross section are arranged in parallel along a predetermined direction may be applicable. Further, the reflection plate is provided on the back surface of the light guide plate LB1 (the lower surface in the drawing that cannot be represented in FIG. 1). The reflector is made of a material having a relatively high light reflection performance such as aluminum. Thereby, the light which escapes from the inside of the light-guide plate LB1 is enclosed in the inside.

As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the liquid crystal device LD includes a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20 that face each other. A liquid crystal layer LQ is located in the gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 (see FIG. 2). The first substrate and the second substrate are made of a light-transmitting material such as glass, quartz, or plastic.
A unique laminated structure is constructed on each of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

On the first substrate 10 side, on the first substrate 10, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) as a switching element, a scanning line, a data line, a pixel electrode, and a light transmission appropriately provided between these elements Insulating interlayer insulating films and the like are sequentially constructed. In FIG. 1, only the pixel electrode 9 is shown.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pixel electrodes 9 are arranged in a matrix in plan view (not shown in FIG. 2). The pixel electrode 9 is made of a light-transmitting and conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).

On the first substrate 10 side, in addition to the above, an alignment film (not shown) or the like is formed on the pixel electrode 9. The alignment film is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LQ. The surface of the alignment film is subjected to an alignment process for regulating the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer LQ. Such an alignment film is made of a resin material such as polyimide, for example.
Note that the liquid crystal layer LQ can be configured to operate in a TN mode using a liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy.
The alignment film as described above is also formed on the second substrate 20 side as a film in direct contact with the liquid crystal layer LQ (the alignment film is not shown).

  On the other hand, on the second substrate 20 side, the color filter CF, the light shielding film BM, the counter electrode, and the like are provided on the second substrate 20 (which will be referred to as “down” in the viewpoint of FIGS. 1 and 2). Built. In FIG. 1, only the color filter CF is shown, and in FIG. 2, the light shielding film BM is shown in addition to this.

As shown in FIG. 1, the color filter CF is arranged in a matrix in plan view so as to correspond to the formation region of the pixel electrode 9. The color filter CF includes three types of filters, a red filter CF1, a green filter CF2, and a blue filter CF3, each of which is arranged in a predetermined order as shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, along the X direction (row direction), the red filter CF1, the green filter CF2, and the blue filter CF3 are arranged in this order, and a repeated arrangement is made with this set as a set. On the other hand, along the Y direction (column direction), an array in which a column of the red filter CF1, a column of the green filter CF2, and a column of the blue filter CF3 are arranged for each pixel column.
The color filter CF transmits only light in a predetermined wavelength region out of light emitted from the illumination device LB and transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LQ. In other words, the transmitted light is “colored”.

The light shielding film BM is formed in a lattice shape so as to sew between the above-described color filter CF formation regions (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2 or FIG. 5. Note that as will be described later. FIG. 5 shows only the light shielding film BM1 which is a part of the light shielding film BM.
The light shielding film BM prevents transmitted light from intermingling between adjacent pixels. The light shielding film BM also serves to cover opaque materials such as the scanning lines, the data lines, and the TFTs formed on the first substrate 10. In other words, these scanning lines and the like are arranged in a lattice region corresponding to the light shielding film BM having a lattice shape.

  The counter electrode is formed in a region corresponding to almost the entire surface of the second substrate 20 so as to cover the color filter CF and the light shielding film BM. The counter electrode is made of a light-transmitting and conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), for example, like the pixel electrode 9.

The counter electrode and the pixel electrode 9 described above are connected to the liquid crystal driving circuit 53.
The liquid crystal driving circuit 53 includes a scanning line driving circuit that supplies a selection signal to the above-described scanning line, and a data line driving circuit that supplies an image signal to the above-described data line. The scanning line driving circuit issues a selection signal in units of one pixel row and defines a horizontal scanning period. The data line driving circuit supplies an image signal to the pixel row selected by the scanning line driving circuit (that is, writes the image signal). The time from the start of the supply of the image signal to the first pixel row to the supply of the image signal to the final pixel row is the vertical scanning period.
The TFT transitions between an ON state and an OFF state according to the presence / absence of the selection signal, and transmits the image signal from the data line to the pixel electrode 9 in the ON state.
As a result, for each pixel, the potential difference between the pixel electrode 9 and the counter electrode is appropriately set, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LQ sandwiched therebetween is appropriately adjusted. Thereby, the ratio (transmittance) of the amount of light transmitted to the observation side in the emitted light from the illumination device LB is controlled for each pixel electrode 9. The magnitude of the potential difference between the counter electrode and the pixel electrode 9 depends on the state of the image signal supplied to the pixel electrode 9.
The liquid crystal driving circuit 53 controls the state of the liquid crystal device LD in this way.

The polarizing plate 30 polarizes the light emitted from the illumination device LB.
In particular, the liquid crystal display device 100 of the present embodiment has a polarizing element / position detection metal thin film (hereinafter, also referred to as a “combined metal thin film”) having a certain correspondence with the polarizing plate 30 and the transmission axis. 40 is provided on the surface of the second substrate 20 that does not face the first substrate 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as “the back surface of the second substrate 20”).
This dual-use metal thin film 40 has two functions: a polarization function that exerts a polarization action on light to be transmitted and a position detection function. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the combined metal thin film 40 will be described in more detail.

  The combined metal thin film 40 includes two types of detection electrodes 43 and 44 as shown in FIG. Both of these detection electrodes 43 and 44 have a substantially right triangle shape in plan view. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 43 is arranged so as to be aligned along the vertical direction (Y direction) in FIG. Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 44 is arranged along the vertical direction (Y direction) in FIG. 3 while maintaining the relationship in which the hypotenuse faces the hypotenuse of each detection electrode 43. In this arrangement, there is a predetermined gap between each of the detection electrodes 43, between each of the detection electrodes 44, and between these detection electrodes 43 and 44 (in other words, in a region other than the region where the detection electrodes 43 and 44 are formed). Is provided. In FIG. 3, a part of the gap region formed in such a manner is extracted by a broken-line enclosure, and is indicated by reference sign BR <b> 1 (hereinafter referred to as “gap region BR <b> 1”).

Thus, the detection electrode 43 and the detection electrode 44 have a one-to-one correspondence in terms of arrangement. The dual-use metal thin film 40 has a structure in which the detection electrode pair 401 having such a corresponding relationship is taken as a set, and the set is repeatedly arranged along the vertical direction in the drawing.
At this time, in the first embodiment, since the contour shape of the detection electrodes 43 and 44 is a right triangle shape as described above, the detection electrodes 43 and 44 are formed on the second substrate 20. It is possible to cover almost the entire back surface of this without waste. This means that almost the entire surface of the second substrate 20 is within the detectable range.

  Each of the plurality of detection electrodes 43 is connected to a wiring 43L connected to each of the plurality of detection electrodes 43, and each of the plurality of detection electrodes 44 is connected to a wiring 44L connected to each of them. These wirings 43L and 44L are connected to a capacitance detection circuit 54 as shown in FIG. The electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 54 includes a power source, and applies a constant voltage to the detection electrodes 43 and 44 via the wirings 43L and 44L. The capacitance detection circuit 54 includes a position detection unit, and detects where the contact point is when the user touches the back surface of the second substrate 20 with a finger or the like.

  Such detection electrodes 43 and 44 are made of a light-transmitting and conductive material such as ITO.

Based on this structure, the combined metal thin film 40 exhibits a position detecting function.
For example, when the user's finger or the like touches the position of the broken circle FR in FIG. 3, a capacitor is formed between the finger and the combined metal thin film 40. The position detection unit of the capacitance detection circuit 54 detects the amount of change in capacitance at each of the electrodes 43 and 44 by measuring the time constant of the discharge that occurs in such a case.
In principle, a predetermined voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 43 and 44, for example. Next, the electric charge accumulated in each electrode is discharged through a predetermined resistance, and the capacitance is obtained from the time constant at that time.
The electrostatic capacity of each electrode depends on where each of the detection electrodes 43 and 44 is touched by a finger or the like. For example, when the contact position of a finger or the like is the broken-line circle FR in FIG. 3, the total amount of change in capacitance at each detection electrode 43 is the amount of change in capacitance at each detection electrode 44. Larger than the sum of
Thereby, it is detected where a finger or the like touches in the X direction of FIG.
On the other hand, with respect to the Y direction in FIG. 3, by confirming from which detection electrode pair 401 a change in capacitance is detected among the plurality of detection electrode pairs 401 arranged in the Y direction, In the Y direction, the touched position is detected.
With the above mechanism, it is possible to acquire where the finger or the like touches the combined metal thin film 40 as a set of X coordinate values and Y coordinate values as specific values.
Thus, the combined metal thin film 40 functions as an electrode for position detection.
For more detailed explanation regarding the above mechanism, for example, the description of the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-111480 are helpful.

  Note that the capacitance detection circuit 54 has a certain link with the liquid crystal drive circuit 53, and takes into account the relationship between the position coordinates obtained by the former and the contents of the image displayed by the latter, It is possible to give a certain meaning. For example, the range of the image display position of a button that indicates some operation on the liquid crystal display device 100 or an external device connected to the liquid crystal display device 100 (hereinafter referred to as “external device”) on the image. If so, the capacitance detection circuit 54 issues a command to the external device or the like to perform the certain operation.

On the other hand, the dual-use metal thin film 40 also has the following configuration.
That is, when the detection electrodes 43 and 44 are observed more finely, the structure is as shown in FIG. 4, the detection electrode 43 is composed of a plurality of thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n (n is a positive integer) as shown in the figure. These thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n are arranged in stripes with a predetermined gap between them.
In addition, these fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n are the longest metal fine wires 43-1 located in the top of the figure, and hereinafter, a certain fine metal wire 43-i (where i = 2, 3,..., N) each have a shape that is slightly shorter than the metal thin wire 43-(i-1) located immediately above the drawing. And the arrangement position is arrange | positioned so that the right end in the figure of each metal fine wire 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n may ride on a straight line.
When the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n arranged in this way are observed as a whole, it forms the aforementioned “substantially right triangle shape”. For example, if the tips (left ends in the figure) of the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n are enveloped, it forms the above-mentioned “right side” of the substantially right triangle shape. It is. That is, the contour shape of the aggregate of these fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n matches the contour shape of the detection electrode 43.

Strictly speaking, it is preferable that the following numerical conditions are satisfied with respect to the arrangement relationship between the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,.
First, the pitch P between the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n may be set to, for example, about 40 to 140 [nm], more preferably 90 to 110 [nm]. . In determining the pitch P, it is necessary to observe the qualitative standard that the pitch P is smaller than the wavelength of light to be transmitted.
Second, the width W of each of the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n is set to, for example, about 20 to 70 [nm] or about 1/10 of the light to be transmitted. Good.
In order to manufacture such comparatively fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n, for example, photolithography can be suitably used.

Each of the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n is preferably made of a light-absorbing metal material having a black color such as Cr. This is because unnecessary irregular reflection and the like are prevented.
In some cases, an insulating film (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the second substrate 20 so as to fill the gaps between the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,. It is preferable to keep it. This is because it is possible to suitably enjoy the linear polarization action described later.

  The structure composed of the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n as described above is common to all of the detection electrodes 43 and 44 shown in FIG.

Based on this structure, the combined metal thin film 40 exhibits a polarization function in addition to the position detection function. That is, according to the above-described structure, the refractive index of each of the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n and the distance between each of these fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n. Since the refractive index of the insulating layer or the like is different, polarization selection is performed according to the direction of light incident on the dual-use metal thin film 40. Specifically, linearly polarized light having a polarization axis in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of each of the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n is transmitted (see reference sign “L” in the figure and arrow). The linearly polarized light having the polarization axis in the direction parallel to the extending direction of the thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2, ..., 43-n is reflected.
In this way, the combined metal thin film 40 exerts a polarizing action on the light to be transmitted, and generates linearly polarized light.
Incidentally, the transmission axis of the dual-use metal thin film 40 and the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 15 described above are generally orthogonal to each other, although they depend on the liquid crystal molecules formed by the liquid crystal layer LQ. Like that.

  Each of these thin metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n is connected to a short-circuit wire 431 that bridges the left end in each drawing, as shown in FIG. It is connected to a short-circuit line 432 that bridges the right end in FIG. These short-circuit wires 431 and 432 electrically short-circuit each of the metal thin wires 43-1, 43-2,. Thereby, even if the detection electrode 43 is composed of an assembly of the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n separated as described above, these fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2. ,..., 43-n always maintain the same potential. Therefore, the function of the position detection electrode described above is not hindered.

As described above, the dual-use metal thin film 40 exhibits a position detection function and a polarization function. In the dual-use metal thin film 40 according to the first embodiment, the above-described gap region BR1 and the above-described light shielding film BM are formed. There are the following features in relation to areas.
As described above, the gap region BR1 is a region other than the region where the detection electrodes 43 and 44 are formed. 3 shows a part of the gap region BR1, and FIG. 4 particularly shows a part corresponding to the hypotenuse part of the detection electrode 43 having a substantially right triangle shape.
Such a gap region BR1 is hidden by the light shielding film BM formed in a grid-like region other than the color filter CF forming region. In other words, the entire gap region BR1 coincides with a part of the formation region of the light shielding film BM.

For example, in FIG. 5, only the light shielding film BM1 which is a part of the light shielding film BM is particularly illustrated, but among the light shielding films BM1, the light shielding film BM1 extending stepwise from the upper left to the lower right in the figure is The gap region BR1 extending obliquely from the upper left to the lower right in the drawing shown in FIG. 4 is covered. Note that the latter gap region BR1 includes the respective metal fine wires 44-1 and 44- constituting the tip portions of the respective metal fine wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n and the detection electrodes 44 facing each of them. 2,..., 44-n (not shown) is a region formed by a gap between the tip portions, and when viewed finely, it is also stepped.
Similarly, the light shielding film BM1 extending in a straight line from side to side in FIG. 5 covers the linear gap region BR1 between the detection electrodes 43 and 44 shown in FIG.

The liquid crystal display device 100 having the above-described configuration has the following effects.
(1) As described above, the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the first embodiment includes the dual-purpose metal thin film 40 having both a polarization function that exerts a polarization action on light to be transmitted and a position detection function as a touch panel device. It is provided on the back surface of the substrate 20. As described above, since only one second substrate 20, which substantially defines the thickness, has both the conventional polarizing plate and the position detecting electrode-equipped substrate for the touch panel device, the first embodiment is performed. In the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the embodiment, the thickness of one polarizing plate can be reduced. That is, it is possible to reduce the thickness accordingly.

  In this regard, in the first embodiment, in particular, the polarization effect is achieved by the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n, and the fine metal wires 43-1, 43-2,. A very characteristic structure has been proposed in which the overall arrangement shape of n is determined so as to trace or match the contour shape of an electrode for suitably performing position detection. It goes without saying that such a structure greatly contributes to more effective enjoyment of the above effects.

(2) In the first embodiment, since the light shielding film BM is formed so as to correspond to the gap region BR1 that is a region other than the formation region of the detection electrodes 43 and 44, the light shielding film BM attempts to transmit the gap region BR1. Light is prevented from entering the eyes of the viewer. Therefore, a higher quality image can be displayed.

Second Embodiment
In the following, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment has a characteristic change with respect to the configuration of the liquid crystal device LD as compared with the first embodiment, and the other configuration is exactly the same as the first embodiment. is there. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.

  Unlike the liquid crystal display device 100 of the first embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 101 of the second embodiment differs in the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LQ and adopts a so-called IPS (In Phase Switching) method. . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal display device 101 includes a pixel electrode 91 on the first substrate 10. Unlike the pixel electrode 9 of the first embodiment, the pixel electrode 91 has a U-shape when viewed in plan. However, the pixel electrode 91 is also connected to the data line through the TFT, and the gate of the TFT is connected to the scanning line, etc. (however, the connection mode and the like are not shown). .

On the other hand, the liquid crystal display device 101 includes a common electrode 95 on the first substrate 10 as shown in FIG. The common electrode 95 as a whole has a comb shape having many comb teeth. The common electrode 95 is arranged so that the comb teeth are fitted into the opening of the pixel electrode 91 having a U-shape. That is, the common electrode 95 and the pixel electrode 91 are arranged as if they are “meshed” with each other.
In FIG. 6, only the pixel electrode 91 for one pixel in the lower right part and the upper left part in the drawing and the common electrode 95 corresponding thereto are shown, but the common electrode 95 extends along the X direction in the figure. It is extended. Further, the common electrodes 95 on the first substrate 10 are preferably manufactured as the same conductive film, so that all the same potential is maintained.

  Such a common electrode 95 has a function similar to that of the “counter electrode” in the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 9 on the first substrate 10 and the counter electrode on the second substrate 20, so that the direction perpendicular to the surfaces of both the substrates 10 and 20 is applied. In the second embodiment, a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 91 and the common electrode 95 formed on the first substrate 10 in the second embodiment. That is, an electric field including a component parallel to the surface of one substrate 10 is applied. In short, a so-called “lateral electric field” is applied.

  Since the liquid crystal display device 101 having the above-described configuration uses the lateral electric field as described above to adjust the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LQ, the second embodiment as in the first embodiment. The combined metal thin film 40 may not be formed on the back surface of the substrate 20. That is, in this case, the dual-use metal thin film 40 containing a metal material can be disposed so as to face the first substrate 10.

Based on the above, the liquid crystal display device 101 of the second embodiment has a structure as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the cross section of the liquid crystal display device 101 is viewed, the surface of the second substrate 20 facing the first substrate 10 (hereinafter referred to as “the surface of the second substrate 20”) may be referred to. First, the detection electrodes 43 and 44 (that is, a plurality of fine metal wires constituting these) forming the dual-purpose metal thin film 40 are directly formed. Next, on the surface, a light shielding film BM and a color filter CF are further formed on the combined metal thin film 40.
According to this, the manufacturing process can be simplified. This is because, in the first embodiment, for example, first, the dual-purpose metal thin film 40 is formed on the back surface of the second substrate, and then a protective film is formed thereon, and secondly, It is necessary to go through the procedure of turning the front and back of the second substrate over and forming the light shielding film BM and the color filter CF on the surface of the second substrate. In the second embodiment, This is because the dual-purpose metal thin film 40, the light-shielding film BM, and the color filter CF may be sequentially formed on the surface of the substrate.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process by adopting the IPS liquid crystal display device 101 that does not require a counter electrode, and also in the first embodiment. An inferior thickness can be realized.

  In the second embodiment, the IPS system is described as an example. However, instead of this, even when an FFS (Field Fringe Switching) system is adopted, it is naturally possible to take the same form as described above. It is.

<Third and Fourth Embodiments>
In the following, the third and fourth embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The third and fourth embodiments have characteristic changes with respect to the configuration of the polarizing element / position detection metal thin film as compared to the first embodiment, and the other configurations are described above. This is exactly the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid crystal display device 102 of the third embodiment is provided with the dual-purpose metal thin film 40 </ b> A on the liquid crystal layer LQ side of the second substrate 20, as opposed to the cross-sectional configuration. On the side, a corresponding electrode 40B is provided for functioning as a unit with the dual-use metal thin film 40A so as to exhibit a position detecting function.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display device 103 of the fourth embodiment has an arrangement position of the combined metal thin film 40A and the corresponding electrode 40B, as compared with the third embodiment, in view of the overall configuration of the cross section. However, this is reversed with the second substrate 20 as a reference.

The dual-purpose metal thin film 40A and the corresponding electrode 40B described above are configured as shown in FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the combined metal thin film 40A includes a rhombus electrode 46 having a rhombus shape in plan view, and a connection wiring 469 penetrating a plurality of the rhombus electrodes 46 in the vertical direction (Y direction) in the figure. I have. The plurality of rhombus electrodes 46 and the connection wiring 469 are electrically connected to each other. Preferably, it is manufactured as the same conductive film. Further, such a connection wiring 469 and a plurality of rhombus electrodes 46 penetrating therethrough are taken as a set, and the set is repeatedly arranged in the horizontal direction (X direction) in the drawing.
On the other hand, in the same manner, the corresponding electrode 40B includes a plurality of rhombus electrodes 47 and a connection wiring 479 penetrating them. However, in this case, the extending direction of the connection wiring 479 is different from that of the connection wiring 469 in the horizontal direction (X direction) in the drawing. Along with this, the direction in which a set of the connection wiring 479 and the plurality of rhombus electrodes 47 penetrating the connection wiring 479 is repeatedly arranged is the vertical direction (Y direction) in the drawing.
As is apparent from FIG. 10, the rhombus electrode 46 is disposed so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of connection wirings 479, while the rhombus electrode 47 is disposed so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of connection wirings 469. Is done. Further, in FIG. 10, the positional relationship between the diamond electrode 46 and the diamond electrode 47 is complementary. That is, the plurality of rhombus electrodes 47 are arranged so as to fill in the rhombus-shaped gaps that occur when the rhombus electrodes 46 are arranged in a matrix.

The connection wirings 469 and 479 are connected to the capacitance detection circuit 54.
In addition, a set of a plurality of rhombus electrodes 46 and a connection wiring 469 passing therethrough is hereinafter referred to as a “Y-direction electrode”, and a set of a plurality of rhombus electrodes 47 and a connection wiring 479 passing therethrough. One set may be referred to as an “X-direction electrode”. By the way, the set of the former constitutes one specific example of the “second long electrode” according to the present invention, and the set of the latter constitutes a specific example of the “first long electrode”. To do.
Furthermore, the rhombus electrode 46 constitutes a specific example of the “second wide portion” according to the present invention, and the rhombus electrode 47 constitutes a specific example of the “first wide portion” according to the present invention.

Among the rhomboid electrodes 46 and 47, the rhomboid electrode 46 has a fine structure as shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the rhomboid electrode 46 is composed of fine metal wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (2m + 1) (m is a positive integer) as shown in the figure.
Among these, the fine metal wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (m + 1) have the shortest metal fine wire 46-1 located at the top in the figure. i = 2, 3,..., m + 1) each have a shape that is slightly longer than the fine metal wire 43- (i-1) located immediately above the figure. On the other hand, the fine metal wires 46- (2m + 1), 46- (2m), 46- (2m-1),..., 46- (m + 1) are the thinnest metal wires 46- (2m + 1) located at the bottom of the figure. A short metal wire 43-j (where j = 2m, 2m-1, 2m-2,..., M + 1) is slightly longer than the metal wire 43- (j + 1) located immediately below in the drawing. Each has a shape of Each of the thin metal wires 46-1 and 46- (2m + 1), the thin metal wires 46-2 and 46- (2m),... The fine metal wires have the same length.
And the arrangement position is arrange | positioned so that the center position seen in the left-right direction in the figure of metal fine wire 46-1, 46-2, ..., 46- (2m + 1) may ride on a straight line.
When the thin metal wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (2m + 1) arranged in this way are observed as a whole, it forms the above-mentioned “diamond shape”.

The fine metal wire 46- (m + 1) constitutes the connection wiring 469 itself or a part thereof.
In addition, the preferable numerical conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment with respect to the arrangement relationship of the thin metal wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (m + 1). These metal thin wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (m + 1) are preferably made of Cr or the like, or insulated between these metal thin wires 46-1, 46-2,. The same applies to the point that a film is preferably formed.

  Also according to the third and fourth embodiments including the dual-purpose metal thin film 40A including the Y-direction electrode and the corresponding electrode 40B including the X-direction electrode as described above, the operational effects achieved by the first embodiment, The effect which is not different essentially is produced.

That is, also in these 3rd and 4th embodiment, a position detection function and a polarization function are exhibited similarly.
First, since the rhombic electrode 46 constituting the Y-direction electrode is provided with the thin metal wires 46-1, 46-2,..., 46- (m + 1) as in the first embodiment, the description has been given in the same embodiment. The polarization function is exhibited by the same mechanism.
Next, although the aspect is different from that of the first embodiment, the position detection function is also exhibited in the third and fourth embodiments.
That is, in the third and fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the X-direction electrode and the Y-direction electrode are arranged so as to form a lattice in plan view. When a user's finger or the like touches, a capacitor is formed between the finger or the like and the X-direction electrode touched by the finger, and a capacitor is formed between the finger or the like and the Y-direction electrode touched by the finger or the like. By forming this capacitor, the capacitance of the X direction electrode and the Y direction electrode increases. The position detection unit of the capacitance detection circuit 54 detects the X-direction electrode and the Y-direction electrode that have the maximum capacitance or the amount of change in capacitance that occurs in such a case.
More specifically, for example, when the user's finger or the like touches the position of the dotted circle FR in FIG. 10, a capacitor is formed between this finger and the fourth Y-direction electrode counted from the left in the figure. The In this case, assuming that the dual-use metal thin film 40A is composed of only four Y-direction electrodes shown in the figure, the first to fourth capacitance ratios from the left in the figure are 0.0, 0.0, Assuming 0.3 and 0.7, the center of gravity is (1 × 0.0) + (2 × 0.0) + (3 × 0.3) + (4 × 0.7) = 3. 7 is required. In this way, it becomes clear which position in the Y direction the finger or the like touched. The same applies to the X direction electrode.
With the above mechanism, it is possible to acquire where the finger or the like touches the dual-purpose metal thin film 40A or the corresponding electrode 40B as a set of X coordinate values and Y coordinate values as specific values.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, these 5th Embodiment has a characteristic change about the point provided with an organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) apparatus instead of liquid crystal device LD compared with the said 1st Embodiment, Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the organic EL device 104 according to the fifth embodiment includes a first substrate 10L. On the first substrate 10L, TFTs, scanning lines, data lines, OLEDs (Organic) as switching elements are provided. A light emitting diode (light emitting diode) element and a light-transmitting interlayer insulating film or the like appropriately provided between these elements are sequentially constructed (all not shown in FIG. 12). Among these, the OLED element has other configurations such as a pixel electrode, a light emitting layer made of an organic EL material, and a laminated structure of common electrodes. An image signal supplied through the data line is written into the pixel electrode. When the image signal is written, the light emitting layer emits light by itself.

  Such an organic EL device 104 further includes a dual-purpose metal thin film 40 similar to that described in the first embodiment. Further, a phase difference plate 70 is provided adjacent to the combined metal thin film 40. Eventually, in the organic EL device 104 according to the fifth embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the stacking order of the overall configuration is as follows. From the bottom in FIG. 12, the first substrate 10L, the color filter CF, the light shielding film BM, and the second The substrate 20, the phase difference plate 70, and the combined metal thin film 40 are formed. Among these, the color filter CF and the light shielding film BM are formed on the second substrate 20.

In the fifth embodiment, since the liquid crystal device LD is not provided and an OLED element which is a self-luminous element is provided, the illumination device LB required in the first to fourth embodiments is not necessary. It is. In addition, since it is not necessary to consider the phenomenon of light transmission according to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules, it is not indispensable to exert a polarizing action on the transmitted light.
However, if the organic EL device 104 is provided with the dual-purpose metal thin film 40 having a polarization function and the retardation plate 70 as shown in FIG. 12, the circularly polarized light can be exerted on the light emitted from the OLED element. Thereby, reflection (external light reflection) of light incident from the outside of the organic EL device 104 can be suppressed.
In addition, since the organic EL device 104 includes the dual-use metal thin film 40, the position detection function is naturally exhibited.
Thus, the present invention can be applied even to the organic EL device 104. Of course, also in this case, the overall thickness of the apparatus can be reduced.

While the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the electro-optical device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, although not shown or described in any of them, a protective film for protecting the electrode for position detection can be formed. More specifically, in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the upper part of the dual-use metal thin film 40 in the figure, and in the third embodiment (FIG. 8), the upper part of the corresponding electrode 40B in the figure, the fourth embodiment (FIG. 9). ) Can be formed on the upper side of the dual-use metal thin film 40A in the drawing, and in the fifth embodiment (FIG. 12), a protective film can be formed on the upper side of the dual-use metal thin film 40 in the drawing.
In the second embodiment, since the second substrate 20 is located on the outer side as viewed from the combined metal thin film 40, the second substrate 20 can simultaneously function as a protective film. That is, in this case, no special protective film may be provided. Therefore, it can be said that 2nd Embodiment is a more effective form in order to show | play the effect of further thickness reduction.

<Application example>
Next, an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the present invention will be described. FIGS. 13 to 16 show forms of electronic devices that employ the liquid crystal display device 100 according to any of the forms described above.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a mobile personal computer that employs the display device 100. The personal computer 2000 includes a liquid crystal display device 100 that displays various images, and a main body 2010 on which a power switch 2001 and a keyboard 2002 are installed.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile phone to which the liquid crystal display device 100 is applied. The cellular phone 3000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 3001, scroll buttons 3002, and a liquid crystal display device 100 that displays various images. By operating the scroll button 3002, the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device 100 is scrolled.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a personal digital assistant (PDA) to which the liquid crystal display device 100 is applied. The portable information terminal 4000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 4001, a power switch 4002, and the display device 100 that displays various images. When the power switch 4002 is operated, various information such as an address book and a schedule book are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 100.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a car navigation device to which the liquid crystal display device 100 is applied. The car navigation device 5000 includes a plurality of operation buttons 5001 and a liquid crystal display device 100 that displays various images. When the operation button 5001 is operated, various information (hereinafter referred to as “operation related information”) such as a road map including route information, traffic jam information, or recommended sightseeing spots is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 100.
In the car navigation device 5000, the liquid crystal display device 100 can be used to display a moving image based on a DVD, a video tape, a television reception signal, or the like.

  The electronic apparatus to which the liquid crystal display device 100 according to the present invention is applied includes, in addition to the apparatuses illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, a digital still camera, a television, a video camera, a pager, an electronic notebook, electronic paper, a calculator, Examples include a word processor, a workstation, a videophone, a POS terminal, a printer, a scanner, a copying machine, a video player, and a device equipped with a touch panel.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is a top view which shows the shape, arrangement | positioning aspect, etc. of a detection electrode which bears a position detection function in a combined metal thin film. It is a top view which shows the shape, arrangement | positioning aspect, etc. of the metal fine wire which bears a polarization function in a combined metal thin film. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of the light shielding film (part). It is a perspective exploded view of the liquid crystal display device concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the liquid crystal display device of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the combined metal thin film which concerns on 3rd and 4th embodiment of this invention, it is a top view which shows the shape, arrangement | positioning aspect, etc. of a detection electrode which bears a position detection function. In the combined metal thin film which concerns on 3rd and 4th embodiment of this invention, it is a top view which shows the shape, arrangement | positioning aspect, etc. of the metal fine wire which bears a polarization function. It is sectional drawing of the organic electroluminescent apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the form (personal computer) of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the form (cellular phone) of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the form (mobile information terminal) of the electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the form (car navigation apparatus) of the electronic device which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Liquid crystal display device, LD ... Liquid crystal device, 9.91 ... Pixel electrode, 95 ... Common electrode, 1010L ... First substrate, 20 ... Second substrate, 30 ... Polarizing plate, 40 40A: Polarizing element / position detecting metal thin film, 40B: Corresponding electrode, CF: Color filter, BM / BM1: Light shielding film, LB: Illumination device, 43/44 ... Detection electrode, 43L / 44L ...... Wiring, 43-1, 43-2,..., 43-n ...... Metal fine wire, 431 · 432 …… Short line, BR1 …… Gap region, 46 · 47 …… Rhombic electrode, 46-1, 46− 2,..., 46- (2m + 1) .. Fine metal wire, 469.479 .. Connection wiring,

Claims (12)

An electro-optical device with a touch panel device including a touch panel device capable of detecting a specified position on a screen,
A light source;
Polarizing element / position detecting electrode-equipped substrate having both a polarizing function for polarizing the light emitted from the light source and transmitting light and a position detecting function for detecting the specified position by providing a position detecting electrode When,
An electro-optical device with a touch panel device. The electrode for position detection is
A plurality of fine metal wires arranged in a stripe pattern with a period shorter than the wavelength of the light;
The contour shape of the position detection electrode matches the contour shape of the aggregate of the plurality of fine metal wires,
The polarization function is exhibited when the light passes between the plurality of thin metal wires.
The electro-optical device according to claim 1. A short-circuit wire that short-circuits each of the plurality of fine metal wires is further provided;
The electro-optical device according to claim 2. The position detection electrode is composed of first, second,..., Second N electrodes (where N is a positive integer) whose width gradually increases from one end to the other end.
Of these, the pth electrode and the (p + 1) th electrode (where p = 1, 3, 5,..., (2N−1)) constitute a detection electrode pair,
The detection electrode pair includes:
One end of the p-th electrode corresponds to the other end of the (p + 1) th electrode, and the other end of the p-th electrode corresponds to one end of the (p + 1) -th electrode. These p-th electrode and (p + 1) -th electrode are arranged,
The electrode for position detection is
The detection electrode pair has a structure that is repeatedly arranged in a direction crossing a direction from one end to the other end of the p-th electrode.
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The contour shape of the first, second,..., 2N electrodes includes a triangle.
The electro-optical device according to claim 4. The screen can be divided into a plurality of pixel regions arranged in a matrix,
A light-shielding film formed in a lattice shape so as to sew between the pixel regions;
At least a part of a gap region formed between each of the first, second,..., 2N electrodes coincides with at least a part of a formation region of the light shielding film.
The electro-optical device according to claim 4 or 5. A first substrate and a second substrate;
Liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate;
A pixel electrode and a common electrode formed on the first substrate;
Further comprising
An electric field including a component parallel to the surface of the first substrate is applied to the liquid crystal by applying a potential difference between the pixel electrode and the common electrode,
The second substrate corresponds to the polarizing element / position detecting electrode-attached substrate,
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 4 to 6. The position detecting electrode is formed on a surface of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal;
The electro-optical device according to claim 7. Formed on the surface opposite to the formation surface of the position detection electrode in the polarizing element and position detection electrode-equipped substrate, further comprising a corresponding electrode corresponding to the position detection electrode;
The corresponding electrode is
Including a first elongate electrode extending along the first direction; and
A plurality of the first long electrodes have a structure in which the plurality of first long electrodes are repeatedly arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The electrode for position detection is
A second elongate electrode extending along the second direction; and
A plurality of the second elongated electrodes have a structure in which the plurality of second elongated electrodes are repeatedly arranged along the first direction;
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first long electrode has a plurality of first wide portions for each first interval along the extending direction,
The second long electrode has a plurality of second wide portions at every second interval along the extending direction,
The first interval is
The first wide portion is determined so as to be positioned at a position filling the gaps between the plurality of second long electrodes when viewed along the first direction,
The second interval is
The second wide portion is determined so as to be positioned at a position that fills gaps between the plurality of first long electrodes as viewed along the second direction.
The electro-optical device according to claim 9. The screen can be divided into a plurality of pixel regions arranged in a matrix,
A light-shielding film formed in a lattice shape so as to sew between the pixel regions;
The gap region between the plurality of first long electrodes and the plurality of second long electrodes, and the gap region between the first long electrode and the second long electrode seen in a plan view, At least part of which coincides with at least part of the formation region of the light shielding film,
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 9 to 10. The electro-optical device according to claim 1.
An electronic device characterized by that.

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