JP2003043954A - Image display device and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obscure the joint of a panel of a multi-panel type image display device. SOLUTION: The image display device 1 is provided with a plurality of display panels 3 which are adjacently connected with each other through a connecting part have a plurality of pixel parts, respectively, at least one color filter 4 provided outside the display panels 3, and light shielding members 5 which are provided outside the display panels 3 and define a plurality of light transmission regions disposed in a prescribed pattern so as to correspond to each of the pixel parts.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display device, and more particularly to a multi-panel type display device having a large screen by connecting a plurality of display panels on its side surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for display devices used in audiovisual (AV) equipment and office automation (OA) equipment, weight reduction, thinness, low power consumption, high definition, and display screen are achieved. Is required to be larger (hereinafter referred to as larger screen). Among them, the large screens include a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) system, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), an electroluminescence (EL) display, and a light emitting diode (LED) display. It is a common problem for various display devices.

In particular, liquid crystal display devices and EL display devices that perform active matrix driving are currently taking advantage of advantages such as full color display and excellent display quality, and common manufacturing technology for active matrix substrates. It is being used in a wide range of fields, and there are great expectations for larger screens.

However, when the screen of a flat panel type display device typified by an active matrix type liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is enlarged, defects caused by disconnection of signal lines and defects of picture elements in the manufacturing process. The rate rises sharply. In addition to this, a large screen complicates the manufacturing process, resulting in a problem of increasing the price of the display device.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a display device (multi-panel type display device) has been proposed in which a plurality of display panels are connected to each other on the same plane to increase the screen size. Hereinafter, referring to FIG.
A conventional multi-panel liquid crystal display device will be described.

FIG. 11 partially shows the vicinity of a panel connecting portion of a conventional liquid crystal display device 900. Liquid crystal display device 9
00 is a plurality of liquid crystal panels 90 and a plurality of liquid crystal panels 9
And a connecting portion (joint) 92 for connecting 0s to each other. Each liquid crystal panel 90 has a structure in which a liquid crystal layer 98 is sandwiched between an active matrix substrate 94 and a counter substrate 96. The liquid crystal layer 98 is formed on the substrate 9 by the sealing material 99 provided on the peripheral portion of each liquid crystal panel 90.
It is sealed between 4 and 96.

An active element (not shown) such as a TFT (thin film transistor) and a pixel electrode 94a connected to the active element are provided on the surface of the active matrix substrate 94 on the liquid crystal layer side. Further, a counter electrode (not shown) and a pixel electrode 94a are provided on the surface of the counter substrate 96 on the liquid crystal layer side.
A color filter 96a formed so as to face each other, a light shielding portion 96b formed between the color filters 96a, and the like are provided. The light blocking portion 96b is also called a black matrix (BM).

[0008]

However, when a plurality of display panels 90 are joined together as described above, the end portions 90s of each panel are not completely flat, and a substrate obtained by dividing a large substrate is not used. If used, the actual spacing between the panels may be wider than the predetermined spacing due to the unevenness generated during this division. This size changes depending on the shape accuracy of the panel end face,
Due to the low shape accuracy of the substrate, for example, several tens of μm
If there is a degree of deviation, and the magnitude of this deviation cannot be ignored with respect to the arrangement pitch of the color filters (for example, several hundreds of μm), the arrangement pitch of the color filters changes relatively large at the joint portion, There is a problem that deterioration of display quality is observed.

Further, in order to seal the liquid crystal layer 98 between the substrates 94 and 96, it is necessary to provide a sealing material 99 at the end of each panel 90, which allows the space between the pixel electrodes 94a between the panels. Often became wide. In this case, the pitch P2 at the panel joint portion of the color filter 96a provided so as to face the pixel electrode is wider than the pitch P1 at other portions.

As described above, the conventional multi-panel type liquid crystal display device 900 has a problem that this portion is conspicuous on the screen because the pitch of the color filters 94a in the connection portion 92 changes.

Further, when a light-shielding portion is formed inside the panel, the light transmitted through the connecting portion 92 may reach the observer, and when the connecting portion 92 is visually recognized by the observer, a seam is formed. There was also a problem that was noticeable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a multi-panel type display device in which a connecting portion between display panels is inconspicuous and a manufacturing method thereof.

[0013]

An image display device according to the present invention is a plurality of display panels connected to each other through a connecting portion, each display panel having a plurality of pixel portions. And at least one color filter provided on the outside of the plurality of display panels, and provided on the outside of the plurality of display panels and arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to correspond to each of the plurality of pixel units. And a light blocking member defining a plurality of light transmitting regions.

In a preferred embodiment, the light shielding member shields the connecting portion from light.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of light transmitting regions are arranged in a uniform pattern over the entire light shielding member.

In a preferred embodiment, the array pitch of the plurality of light transmitting regions is substantially the same over the entire light shielding member.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one color filter includes a plurality of color filters of a first color, and an array pitch of light transmission regions corresponding to each of the plurality of color filters of the first color is , Is substantially the same throughout the light blocking member.

In a preferred embodiment, an arrangement pitch of a plurality of pixel portions provided in each of the plurality of display panels is different from an arrangement pitch of a plurality of light transmission regions provided in the light shielding member.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the display panel further comprises a back side reinforcing substrate provided on a side of the plurality of display panels opposite to a side where the color filters are provided, and the plurality of display panels are provided on the back side. It is fixed to the reinforcing substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the display panel further includes a front side reinforcing substrate provided on a side of the plurality of display panels on which the color filter is provided, and the plurality of display panels and the color filter are provided on the front side reinforcing substrate. It is fixed to the board.

In a preferred embodiment, the color filter layer is located between the display panels and the front reinforcing substrate.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of display panels has a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates.

The image display device of the present invention comprises a plurality of display panels connected to each other through a connecting portion,
A plurality of display panels each having a plurality of pixel portions, and a light-shielding layer provided outside the plurality of display panels, wherein a plurality of light transmission regions corresponding to the respective plurality of pixel portions are provided. Each of the plurality of light transmission regions is arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to at least partially overlap the corresponding pixel portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the light shielding layer shields the connecting portion from light.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of light transmitting regions are arranged in a uniform pattern over the entire light shielding layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement pitch of the plurality of light transmitting regions is substantially the same over the entire light shielding layer.

The method of manufacturing an image display device according to the present invention is
The method for manufacturing an image display device described above, wherein the step of connecting the plurality of display panels to each other adjacent to each other and the step of connecting the plurality of display panels to each other adjacent to each other are caused by the connection. The method includes a step of measuring a positional deviation from a reference point, and a step of determining a pattern of the plurality of light transmission regions defined by the light shielding member based on the measured positional deviation.

In a preferred embodiment, the pattern of the plurality of light transmitting regions is a uniform pattern over the entire light shielding member.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of determining the pattern of the plurality of light transmission regions is such that the total area of overlap between each of the pixel portions and each of the plurality of light transmission regions is maximized. The step of selecting a pattern is included.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a liquid crystal display device will be described as an example of a display device according to the present invention with reference to FIG. The liquid crystal display device 1 according to the present invention is a multi-panel type display device, and includes a plurality of display panels (liquid crystal panels) that are adjacently connected to each other via a connecting portion 2.
Equipped with 3. In the liquid crystal display device 3, unlike the conventional display device 900 shown in FIG. 11, a color filter and a light shielding part (B) are provided on the liquid crystal layer side of the counter substrate in each panel.
M) is not provided, but the color filters 4 and the light shielding portions 5 are formed in a predetermined pattern on the outside of the liquid crystal panel 3 so as to cover the plurality of liquid crystal panels 3.

Conventionally, in a liquid crystal display device composed of one liquid crystal panel, a technique of arranging a color filter outside a substrate is known. Such a technique is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-22031. However, in this case, since the distance between the liquid crystal layer and the color filter is increased by the thickness of the substrate, parallax occurs and the effective viewing angle is narrowed, which is a serious problem.

However, the inventor of the present invention has found that a multi-panel type display device is typically used for displaying a large screen, has a large pixel size, reduces the problem of parallax, and has a required viewing angle. Since it is often narrow, it was considered that the color filter 4 and the light shielding portion 5 were provided outside the panel 3.

By thus forming the color filter 4 and the light shielding portion 5 on the outer side of the display panel 3, after the display panel 3 is connected, the color filters 4 and the whole of the plurality of panels 3 are formed in a predetermined pattern. Shading part 5
Can be provided. The pattern of the light shielding portion 4 and the color filter 5 can be appropriately selected according to the positional shift that occurs when the display panel 3 is connected. Thereby, the conspicuousness of the joint can be effectively reduced.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sizes of the color filters 4 are all the same, and the pitch P2 of the color filters 4 in the connecting portion 2 is the same as the pitch P1 of the color filters in other portions. As a result, the joint portion can be prevented from being conspicuous, and good display can be performed on the entire screen. Further, if the light-shielding portion is provided in a uniform pattern as described above and the connection portion between the panels is arranged so as to be covered by the light-shielding portion, the connection portion can be made less noticeable.

In the present specification, the display panel is
A panel having a display medium and capable of controlling light used for display is meant. The display panel may have various optical members such as a polarizing plate and the like as necessary.

A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the embodiments and the drawings, similar members are designated by similar reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1) A multi-panel liquid crystal display device will be described as a first embodiment of a display device according to the present invention with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 100 of this embodiment, and FIGS. 3A and 3B show the liquid crystal display device 1.
It is a figure which expands and shows the part which the connection part 20 of 00 includes.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 (a) and 3 (b), the liquid crystal display device 100 includes a plurality of liquid crystal panels (for example, a plurality of liquid crystal panels connected adjacent to each other by a connecting portion 20).
40 cm in length × 67 cm in width × 0.2 cm in thickness) 10. Below, for the sake of simplicity, 2
A case where the liquid crystal panels 10 are connected to each other at their side surfaces will be exemplified. For example, in the active matrix type liquid crystal display device, the connection section 20 is formed substantially parallel to the rows or columns (parallel to the scanning lines or the signal lines). Further, each of the liquid crystal panels 10 connected at the connection portion 20 is fixed on a reinforcing substrate 22 provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel.

Each liquid crystal panel 10 has a liquid crystal layer 16 between a pair of substrates 13 and 14. The pair of substrates 13 and 14 are adhered to each other with a sealing material 17. Here, the substrate 13 is an active matrix substrate and the substrate 14 is a counter substrate.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the active matrix substrate 13 is composed of a substrate 13 'and a liquid crystal layer 1 of the substrate 13'.
It has a pixel electrode 15, an active element, a scanning line and a signal line (all not shown) provided on the surface on the 6 side. As the active element, MIM (Metal)
Insulator Metal), TFT (thin film transistor), or the like can be used. Board 13 '
Is typically a glass substrate, although a plastic substrate may be used. When the liquid crystal panel 10 is a reflective liquid crystal panel, the substrate arranged on the side opposite to the viewer with respect to the liquid crystal layer 16 does not need to have translucency, and therefore a semiconductor substrate can be used as the substrate 13 '.

The counter substrate 14 includes a transparent substrate 14 'and a counter electrode (not shown) on the surface of the transparent substrate 14' on the liquid crystal layer 16 side.
have. A voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 by the pixel electrode 15 of the active matrix substrate 13 and a counter electrode (not shown) located at a position facing the pixel electrode 15. As the transparent substrate 14 ', for example, a glass substrate or a plastic substrate is used.

Each of the pixel electrodes 15 can independently control the optical state of the liquid crystal molecules 16 'located on the pixel electrode 15 for each pixel electrode. In this specification, the minimum unit structure of an optical element (including a light modulation element and a light emitting element) whose state can be controlled independently is defined as a pixel unit P.
Call x. Here, in each liquid crystal panel 10, a portion including a predetermined pixel electrode 15 and liquid crystal molecules 16 ′ whose optical state is controlled by the pixel electrode 15 (typically a region defined by the pixel electrode 15 in the liquid crystal panel 10). (Portion corresponding to) is called a pixel portion Px. Here, the arrangement pitch of the pixel portions Px is the same as the arrangement pitch of the pixel electrodes 15.

A color filter 18 and a light shielding portion (black matrix (BM)) 19 are formed in a predetermined pattern on the upper surface of the counter substrate 14 so as to cover the plurality of liquid crystal panels 10 and the connection portion 20. Figure 3 (b)
As shown in, the light shielding portion 19 is provided with a plurality of light transmission regions (opening regions) 19 a arranged corresponding to the pixel electrodes 15 of the active matrix substrate 13. The color filter 18 is formed in the light transmitting region 19a. The size of each color filter 18 is set to, for example, about 680 μm in length × 160 μm in width, and the width of the light shielding portion is set to, for example, about 100 μm.

The color filters 18 are R (red) and G
It may be a color filter of three primary colors of (green) and B (blue),
If such a color filter is used, full color display can be performed. In this case, in a region to which a voltage is applied by the pixel electrode 15 and a counter electrode (not shown) at a position facing the pixel electrode 15, a region in which the color filter 18 is formed (a region in which the light shielding portion 19 is not formed).
Corresponds to a picture element, and the three picture elements R, G, and B form a pixel that is the minimum unit of display.

In the above description, a plurality of color filters 18 are provided in each of the light transmitting areas 19a of the light shielding portion 19.
However, the color filter may have a film-like form in which a plurality of R, G, and B color filter regions are formed, for example. Further, the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 may partially overlap with each other.

The light shielding portion 19 is formed so as to shield the connection portion 20 connecting the two liquid crystal panels 10 from each other. The connection part 20 is formed of, for example, an epoxy-based or acrylic-based adhesive (thermosetting or photocuring), and may cause unwanted diffuse reflection in this part, but as described above, Providing the light shielding portion 19 on the connection portion 20 prevents light passing through this portion from reaching the eyes of the observer. The refractive index of the material forming the connecting portion 20 is the same as that of the transparent substrate 1 forming the counter substrate 14.
It is preferable that the refractive index is substantially the same as that of 4 ', but it may be different.

Further, the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 1
9 is formed in a uniform pattern over the entire surface (also referred to as the panel surface of the liquid crystal display device 100) covering each liquid crystal panel 10 and the connection portion 20. More specifically, all of the color filters 18 have the same size, and the pitch P2 of the color filters 18 (or the light transmitting regions 19a) located on both sides of the connecting portion 20 is the same as that of the other portions. It is the same as the pitch P1 of 18 (or the light transmitting area 19a). Also, the connection part 2
The width W1 of the light shielding portion 19 extending so as to cover 0 is the same as the width W2 of the other light shielding portion 19 extending in the direction parallel to the light shielding portion 19. In the present embodiment, the color filter 1
The pitches P1 and P2 of 8 are the pitch P3 of the pixel portion Px.
It is set to the same.

The liquid crystal display device 1 constructed in this way
In No. 00, in the connection section 20 of each liquid crystal panel 10, a uniform pixel array is realized over the entire panel without changing the array pitch of the color filters 18 (picture elements), so that the joints between the panels become inconspicuous. .

When the color filter 18 and the light-shielding portion 19 are provided in a uniform pattern over the entire panel surface of the liquid crystal display device 100, the center of the color filter 18 and the corresponding pixel portion are typically provided. The center of Px will be displaced from each other in the horizontal direction. However,
In order to perform an appropriate display, the color filter 18 and the pixel portion Px need to be arranged so as to at least partially overlap each other.

A method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display device 100 will be described below. First, a plurality of liquid crystal panels 10 manufactured by a known method are prepared, and these are mounted on the reinforcing substrate 22 and bonded together via the connecting portions 20. Each liquid crystal panel 10
Is also fixed to the reinforcing substrate 22.

Next, the light shielding portion 19 and the color filter 18 are formed in a predetermined pattern so as to cover the connected liquid crystal panel. The light-shielding portion 19 is obtained by, for example, a printing method, for example, by forming a pigment dispersed in a solvent with a thickness of about 2 μm in a predetermined pattern on the entire panel surface. Further, the color filter 18 is formed by, for example, a printing method, for example, a pigment dispersed in a solvent and having a thickness of 2 μm.
It is obtained by forming a predetermined pattern on the entire panel surface to some extent. Light-shielding portion 19 and color filter 18
May be formed by an inkjet method.

Further, the light shielding portion 19 and the color filter 1
8 is provided in a predetermined pattern on a dry film in advance by a printing method or the like, and this film is used for each liquid crystal panel 10
Also, it is preferable that the connection portion 20 is attached so as to cover the connection portion 20. If the method of attaching the dry film to the liquid crystal panel is used, as shown in FIGS.
As shown in, even if the panel connecting portion 20 has a convex portion formed by an adhesive or a step is formed on the panel surface, these can be made particularly inconspicuous.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the color filters and the light-shielding portions provided corresponding to the pixels (or picture elements) are provided outside the respective panels so as to cover them. It is possible to make concavities and convexities in the subsequent connection portion less noticeable. In particular, since the connecting portion is shielded by the light shielding portion, undesired light is prevented from being transmitted or reflected at the connecting portion, and the joint is less noticeable.

When the light-shielding portion 19 and the color filter 18 are provided outside the liquid crystal panel 10, the patterns of the light-shielding portion 19 and the color filter 18 are determined so that the area where the light transmission region 19a and the pixel portion Px overlap each other is maximized. It is desirable to be done. This is because the larger the area, the higher the light utilization efficiency and the brighter the display can be obtained. Below, FIG.
A method of determining the patterns of the light shielding unit 19 and the color filter 18 will be described with reference to (a) and (b).

FIG. 5A shows the positional relationship between the four display panels after connecting the four display panels, and FIG.
Shows a pattern of the light shielding portion 19 selected for the panel arranged as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the display panel A,
When B, C, and D are connected to each other, B, C, and D are fixed in a state of being displaced from a predetermined position due to unevenness of the panel end surface. For example, when the upper left corner of the panel A is set as the reference point CP, the panel C is displaced from the predetermined position in the horizontal direction by the distance d1 and is vertically displaced from the predetermined position by the distance d2. In the figure, the amount of positional deviation with respect to the size of the panel is shown large for the sake of clarity, but the actual amount of deviation is small (for example, several tens of μ).
m). In addition, in some cases, the end faces of the panel may not be parallel to each other.

Such a deviation of the panels A, B, C and D is caused by a predetermined fixed point MP (eg,
It can be detected by measuring the positions of alignment marks and wirings formed on the active matrix substrate.

By thus detecting the positions of A, B, C and D of each panel, the arrangement of each pixel portion in the entire display panel can be obtained. Next, the width of the light shielding portion 19 and the size of the light transmitting region 19a are determined based on the arrangement of the pixel portion. At this time, under the condition that the pattern of the light-shielding portion 19 is uniform over the entire display panel and the total area of the portions where the pixel portions and the light-transmitting regions overlap is maximum, the light-shielding portion 19 is formed. Select the pattern. Preferably, the pattern is selected so that the connection part of the panel is shielded from light. The selection of such a pattern can be realized, for example, by performing a simulation using a computer. In the liquid crystal display device 100 manufactured in this way, the joints between the liquid crystal panels are not conspicuous and the light utilization efficiency is relatively high.

The liquid crystal panel 10 used in the liquid crystal display device 100 is not limited to the above structure, and various known liquid crystal panels can be used. The active matrix substrate 13 and the counter substrate 14 may be arranged in reverse,
An IPS (In-Plane-Switchin) in which an electrode for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 is formed on one substrate
It may be a g) mode liquid crystal panel. Further, it is not limited to the active drive type liquid crystal panel, and a passive drive type liquid crystal panel can be used. As the liquid crystal panel 10, either a transmissive liquid crystal panel or a reflective liquid crystal panel can be used. Depending on the display mode of the liquid crystal panel 10, a polarizing plate or a retardation plate may be provided, or an alignment film may be provided on the surfaces of the substrates 13 and 14 on the liquid crystal layer 16 side.

Embodiment 2 FIGS. 6 and 7 show liquid crystal display devices 200 and 220 of Embodiment 2, respectively. The liquid crystal display devices 200 and 220 are different from the liquid crystal display device 100 of the first embodiment in that the transparent reinforcing substrate 24 is provided on the front surface side (observer side) of the liquid crystal panel.

In the liquid crystal display device 200 shown in FIG. 6, the transparent reinforcing substrate 24 is provided on the viewer side of the liquid crystal panels 10 connected to each other. In addition, color filter 1
8 and the light shielding portion 19 are formed on the surface of the liquid crystal panel 10, and are located between the liquid crystal panel 10 and the transparent reinforcing substrate 24.

The liquid crystal display device 200 is manufactured, for example, as follows. First, on the surface of the transparent reinforcing substrate 24, the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are formed in a predetermined pattern. Next, using the surface of the transparent reinforcing substrate 24 on the side where the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are formed as a base, a plurality of liquid crystal panels are arranged adjacent to each other, and these are used as the transparent reinforcing member 24. Fix it against. With this configuration, since it is possible to fix each liquid crystal panel 10 with the surface of the liquid crystal panel 10 on the observer side in one plane, a step or the like on the front surface of the panel is unlikely to occur at the connection portion. Further, the transparent reinforcing member 24 has the surface on which the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are formed as the inner side.
Since the liquid crystal panel 10 and the liquid crystal panel 10 are fixed, the liquid crystal panel 1
The distance between the pixel unit of 0 and the color filter 18 does not increase by the thickness of the transparent reinforcing member 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in these parallaxes.

Also in such a liquid crystal display device 200, since the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are provided on the outer side of the liquid crystal panel 10, they are formed in a predetermined pattern such that the joints of the connecting portions are inconspicuous. It is possible.

In the liquid crystal display device 200, the reinforcing substrate 22 as shown in the display device 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) is provided on the non-observer side (back side) of the liquid crystal panel 10. Good.

In the liquid crystal display device 220 shown in FIG. 7, the reinforcing substrate 2 is provided on both sides of the liquid crystal panel 10 connected to each other.
2 and 24 are provided, and these reinforcing substrates 22 are provided.
Each liquid crystal panel 10 is sandwiched by and 24.
The color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are provided further outside the reinforcing substrate 24 on the observer side.

Also in the liquid crystal display device 220 having such a structure, since the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are provided on the outer side of the liquid crystal panel 10, these are arranged in a predetermined pattern so that the joints of the connecting portions are not conspicuous. It is possible to form.

As described above, the liquid crystal display device 200
In FIG. 6, the color filter 1 is formed on the counter substrate 14.
8 and the light shielding portion 19 are arranged, the reinforcing member 24
Is provided on the outside. Further, also in the liquid crystal display device 100 (see FIG. 2) shown in the first embodiment, the reinforcing member 22 is provided on the back surface side of the liquid crystal panel in a state where the color filter 18 and the light shielding portion 19 are arranged on the counter substrate 14. Has been. In the liquid crystal display devices 100 and 200, the mechanical strength can be secured by the reinforcing members 22 and 24.

In this case, the transparent substrate 14 'of the counter substrate 14
It makes it possible to use very thin substrates as. Such a thin transparent substrate 14 '(for example, a thickness of 0.2 m
If a thin glass substrate of about m is used, the distance between the color filter 18 and the pixel portion of the liquid crystal panel 10 can be shortened, so that the problem of parallax can be suppressed.

However, such a thin counter substrate 14 is
Liquid crystal display panel 1 because handling becomes difficult
It is difficult to handle in the 0 manufacturing process. Therefore, first, after manufacturing the liquid crystal panel 10 using the active matrix substrate 13 and the counter substrate 14 having a thick substrate (for example, a glass substrate having a thickness of 0.7 mm), only the transparent substrate 14 ′ of the counter substrate 14 is prepared. By thinly processing by etching or polishing, the liquid crystal panel 10 having a thin counter substrate 14 can be easily manufactured. For example, when the transparent substrate 14 'is a glass substrate, the thinning of the transparent substrate 14'
The etching is performed by etching the outer surface of the transparent substrate 14 ′ with a hydrofluoric acid-based etchant containing sulfuric acid or the like.

The material of the transparent substrate 14 'is not limited to glass and may be plastic. As the transparent substrate 14 ′, for example, a plastic film having a thickness of about 10 to 200 μm can be used.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a liquid crystal display device 300 according to the third embodiment. Liquid crystal display device 30 of the present embodiment
0 is different from the liquid crystal display device 100 of the first embodiment,
In the case where one pixel is composed of three picture elements (dots) of R, G, and B, the distance between picture elements and the distance between pixels are different. In the present embodiment, each pixel portion (pixel electrodes and liquid crystal molecules controlled thereby) in the liquid crystal panel corresponds to one picture element, and thus may be referred to as a picture element portion.

As shown in the figure, the three picture element portions corresponding to one pixel form a set, and the interval between them is relatively small.
On the other hand, the interval (pixel interval) between the picture element portions corresponding to different pixels is relatively wide. Also, the connection part 2
The pixel spacing D2 at 0 is the pixel spacing D1 at other portions because the sealing material 17 is provided.
Is wider than.

Further, in order to correspond to the structure of the liquid crystal panel 10 as described above, the color filter 1 in one pixel is
The width of the light shielding portion 19B located between the 8R and the color filter 18G and between the color filter 18G and the color filter 18B is set to be narrow, and between the pixels (between the color filter 18R and the color filter 18B ′). The width of the light shielding portion 19A located is set to be wide.

However, even when a plurality of sets of color filters (or sets of light transmitting regions) formed by the R, G, and B color filters 18R, 18G, and 18B are formed, the color filter If the array pattern of the set is made uniform over the entire panel surface of the liquid crystal display device, the joints of the panels become inconspicuous.

To this end, the size of the color filter in each pixel and the width of the light-shielding portion 19B between the color filters are made uniform throughout, and the light-shielding portion 19A arranged between the pixels is provided on the connection portion 20. The width W3 of the light blocking portion 19A and the width W4 of the light blocking portion 19A in other portions.
And should be the same. When the array pattern of the color filters (or the pattern of the light shielding portion) is determined in this way, the array pitch of the color filters of the same color is set to be the same over the entire panel surface.

As described above, if the color filters (light transmitting regions) and the light shielding portions are formed in a uniform pattern over the entire panel surface of the liquid crystal display device 300, the joints of the panels become inconspicuous.

The uniform pattern referred to here means that a set of light transmission regions, which is composed of a plurality (for example, three) of light transmission regions having a predetermined arrangement as described above, has the same pitch. It also includes patterns that are arranged in large numbers. That is, a unit element composed of a single or a plurality of light transmitting areas is called a uniform pattern. However, the patterns of the color filter and the light shielding portion do not necessarily have to be uniform patterns, and various patterns can be selected as long as a pattern change is hardly observed in the connection portion.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 9 shows a liquid crystal display device 400 of Embodiment 4. Liquid crystal display device 40 of the present embodiment
0 is different from the liquid crystal display device 100 of the first embodiment,
The arrangement pitch P3 of the pixel portions in the liquid crystal panel 10 and the color filter 18 (or the light transmission area 19 of the light shielding portion 19)
This means that the arrangement pitches P1 and P2 in a) are different. Also in this embodiment, the pitch P2 of the color filters 4 in the connection portion 2 is set to be the same as the pitch P1 of the color filters in the other portions.

In the liquid crystal display device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arrangement pitch of the pixel portions and the arrangement pitch of the color filters 18 are the same, and therefore the centers of the color filters 18 correspond to each other. The positional deviation in the horizontal direction from the center of the pixel portion (or pixel electrode) Px was substantially the same in any pixel portion Px.

However, in the present embodiment, since the arrangement pitches P1 and P2 of the color filters 18 are made larger than the arrangement pitch P3 of the pixel portions Px, the center of each color filter 18 and the corresponding pixel portion ( Or pixel electrode)
The positional deviation in the horizontal direction from the center of Px is as follows between the pixel portion near the panel connecting portion 20 and the pixel portion outside the panel.
It will be different. However, in any of the pixel portions Px, the pixel portion Px and the color filter 18 need to be at least partially overlapped.

Thus, the arrangement pitch of the pixel portions Px,
Even if the arrangement pitch of the color filters 18 is different, if the continuity of the arrangement pattern of the color filters 18 is not disturbed in the connection portion 20 and is uniform overall, the conspicuousness of the connection portion can be prevented. it can. Therefore, the arrangement pitches P1 and P2 of the color filters 18 can be selected more freely.

As described above, in Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention, FIG.
The display device 600A in which two display panels 60A are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 0 (a) has been described as an example. However, the display device 600A is not limited to this, and four display panels as shown in FIG. Display device 6 in which display panels 60B are connected to each other
It is needless to say that 00B or a display device 600C in which three or more display panels 60C are continuously connected in one direction as shown in FIG. 10C can be configured.

Further, the display panel is not limited to the exemplified liquid crystal panel, but an EL panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an L
Even a display panel such as an ED display panel that performs reflective display or self-luminous display can be used in the display device of the present invention.

[0084]

According to the present invention, since the color filter and the light-shielding portion are arranged outside the display panels connected to each other, the joints of the panels can be formed by appropriately selecting the pattern of the color filter and the light-shielding portion. Can be made inconspicuous.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a display panel according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an enlarged view showing a part of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 2, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view and (b) is a plan view.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an effect when a light-shielding portion is provided at a connection portion of a display panel in the display device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining a step of determining a pattern of a light shielding part in the method for manufacturing a display device of the present invention, FIG. 5A shows a plurality of connected display panels,
(B) shows the pattern of the light shielding part.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of display panels of a display device according to the present invention, and (a) to (c) show different arrangement examples.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional multi-panel liquid crystal display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,100 Liquid crystal display device 2, 20 connection 3, 10 Liquid crystal panel (display panel) 4,18 color filter 5,19 Shading part 13 Active matrix substrate 14 Counter substrate 15 pixel electrodes 16 Liquid crystal layer 17 Seal material

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H089 HA33 TA12 TA13                 5C094 AA14 AA16 CA24 DA02 DA04                       ED03 ED15 HA08                 5G435 AA01 BB12 CC09 FF13 GG12

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of display panels connected to each other via a connecting portion, each display panel having a plurality of pixel portions, and provided outside the plurality of display panels. At least 1
An image display including one color filter and a light-shielding member that is provided outside the plurality of display panels and defines a plurality of light-transmitting regions arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to correspond to each of the plurality of pixel units. apparatus. 2. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding member shields the connection portion from light. 3. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light transmitting regions are arranged in a uniform pattern over the entire light shielding member. 4. The array pitch of the plurality of light transmitting regions is
The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light shielding member is substantially the same in its entirety. 5. The at least one color filter includes a plurality of color filters of a first color, and an arrangement pitch of light transmission regions corresponding to each of the plurality of color filters of the first color is the light blocking area. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the entire members are substantially the same. 6. The arrangement pitch of a plurality of pixel portions provided in each of the plurality of display panels is different from the arrangement pitch of a plurality of light transmission regions provided in the light shielding member. An image display device according to claim 2. 7. The back side reinforcing substrate provided on the side of the plurality of display panels opposite to the side on which the color filter is provided, wherein the plurality of display panels are provided on the back side reinforcing substrate. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device is fixed. 8. The front side reinforcing substrate provided on the side of the plurality of display panels on which the color filter is provided, wherein the plurality of display panels and the color filter are fixed to the front side reinforcing substrate. The image display device according to claim 1, which is provided. 9. The color filter layer is located between the plurality of display panels and the front reinforcing substrate.
The image display device according to. 10. Each of the plurality of display panels comprises:
The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates. 11. A plurality of display panels connected to each other via a connecting portion, each display panel having a plurality of pixel portions, and provided outside the plurality of display panels. And a light-shielding layer in which a plurality of light-transmitting regions corresponding to the plurality of pixel units are provided, each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions being at least partially included in the corresponding pixel unit. An image display device arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to be superimposed on. 12. The image display device according to claim 11, wherein the light shielding layer shields the connection portion from light. 13. The image display device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of light transmission regions are arranged in a uniform pattern over the entire light shielding layer. 14. The image display device according to claim 11, wherein an array pitch of the plurality of light transmission regions is substantially the same over the entire light shielding layer. 15. The method of manufacturing an image display device according to claim 1, wherein the step of connecting the plurality of display panels adjacent to each other, and the plurality of display panels connected to each other adjacent to each other. On the other hand, the step of measuring the positional deviation from the reference point, which is caused by the connection, and the pattern of the plurality of light transmission regions defined by the light shielding member is determined based on the measured positional deviation. And a method of manufacturing an image display device including the following steps. 16. The pattern of the plurality of light transmissive regions comprises:
The method of manufacturing an image display device according to claim 15, wherein the light shielding member has a uniform pattern over its entirety. 17. The step of determining the pattern of the plurality of light transmitting regions is selected so that the total area of overlap between each of the pixel portions and each of the plurality of light transmitting regions is maximized. 16. The method according to claim 15 including the step of
Or the method of manufacturing the image display device according to item 16.