JP2004294557A - Display unit, image display device, and display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display unit that can hold an image without external energy, can form a high saturation image, and of which a structure is simple and that can be miniaturized, and to provide an image display device and its display method. <P>SOLUTION: Display unit has transparent substrates 40 and 50 laminated on it, provided with a recessed void display part 70 and a colored fluid storing part 80 on both faces of a support substrate 10 penetrating a colored fluid movement part 12, arranges a first heater 20 and a second heater 30 on the support substrate 10 on the bottom part of the display part 70 and the ceiling part of the colored fluid storing part 80, and stores a colored fluid 60 in the colored fluid storing part 80 and the colored fluid movement part 12. When the first heater 20 is regulated to a first temperature and a second heater 30 is regulated to a second temperature with a drive circuit 90, respectively, a thermal capillary tube pressure difference acts on the colored fluid 60 mounted and contacted in a straddled manner on both the heaters 20 and 30, and an image display state of the display unit 1 is controlled, by moving the colored fluid 60 due to thermal capillary tube pressure difference. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００４５】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、外部からエネルギー供給がなくても画像を保持でき、高耐久性かつ高彩度の画像を形成でき、構造が簡単で、小型化が可能な表示装置、画像表示装置およびそのような表示方法が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の表示装置の斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の表示装置の平面図である。
【図３】本発明の表示装置の縦断面図である。
【図４】本発明の表示装置の変形例の縦断面図である。
【図５】本発明の表示装置の作動状態を示した断面図である。
【図６】本発明の画像表示装置の平面図である。
【図７】本発明の第二の実施形態に係る表示装置の斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０ 支持基板
１２ 着色流体移動部
１３ 遮光マスク
１４ 空気循環路
１６ 横配線
１８ 縦配線
２０ 第一のヒータ
３０ 第二のヒータ
４０ 透明基板
５０ 透明基板
６０ 着色流体
７０ 表示部
８０ 着色流体収容部
９０ 駆動回路（駆動手段）
１００ 画像形成装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display device and a display method, and more particularly to a display device, an image display device, and a display method used for a thin image display device such as a flat panel display.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, liquid crystal display devices (LCDs) have been widely used as image display devices for information terminal devices such as personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) and car navigation systems. The liquid crystal display device represented by TFT has the advantage of high response speed and the ability to display clear color images. However, the production cost is high because of low yield and high product cost. There are drawbacks such as requiring electric power for holding and a narrow viewing angle.
[0003]
Therefore, various types of image display devices have been proposed as alternatives to liquid crystal display devices. For example, a display device that switches on / off of an image using a liquid film boiling phenomenon has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In addition, there is a proposal for a display device that switches an image on / off by putting ink in and out of an image display unit by thermally expanding or contracting ink in a segment or mechanically driving a diaphragm ( For example, see Patent Document 3). Furthermore, approximately half of the light-shielding fluid is sealed in a light-transmitting casing partially covered with a light-shielding mask, and the light-shielding fluid is driven by the surface tension gradient of the light-shielding fluid generated by irradiating infrared rays from outside. There is also a proposal of a display device that switches between transmission and light shielding (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-127603
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-127604
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-42794 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2002-169105 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the image display device using the fluid film boiling phenomenon as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the film boiling time is as short as 10 μsec, a voltage of about 10 kHz is required to continue displaying an image. There are problems such as having to keep applying, problems such as low durability of the apparatus, and low saturation of the display image. Further, in the method in which the ink is thermally expanded or contracted as described in Patent Document 3, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the liquid is as low as about 2% even at 300 to 350 ° C. Therefore, a reservoir tank that is considerably larger than the volume of the image display unit is required, and there is a problem that the apparatus is increased in size. In addition, the method of mechanically driving the diaphragm has a problem that the structure of the device becomes complicated and hinders downsizing of the device. Furthermore, in the method described in Patent Document 4, since light of a specific wavelength is blocked by the light shielding mask, there is a problem that once the information is written by moving the light shielding fluid, the written information cannot be refreshed. is there.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can maintain writing information without supplying external energy, can form a highly durable and highly saturated image, has a simple structure, and can be downsized. An object is to provide a display device, an image display device, and such a display method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, in the display device according to the present invention, a support substrate, a gap-shaped display unit provided on the surface of the support substrate, a first heater disposed in the display unit, A colored fluid storage unit for storing a colored fluid to be supplied to the display unit; a colored fluid moving unit disposed between the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit; and the colored fluid storage unit. Adjusting the temperature of at least one of the second heater, the first heater, and the second heater, the colored fluid at the temperature of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit and the temperature of the colored fluid moving unit And a colored fluid driving means for moving the colored fluid between the colored fluid moving unit and the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit by the difference in the thermal capillary pressure.
[0008]
As an example of the image display device, the display unit is formed between one surface of the support substrate and a transparent substrate laminated on one surface of the support substrate, and the first heater Is disposed at the bottom of the display unit, and the colored fluid storage unit is formed between the other surface of the support substrate and a transparent substrate stacked on the other surface of the support substrate. The second heater is disposed on the other surface of the support substrate, and the colored fluid moving part passes through the support substrate, and between the display part and the colored fluid storage part. What was formed as a through-hole connected is mentioned.
[0009]
In the display device, it is preferable that the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit satisfy the following relationship, respectively.
2σ ₀ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> 2σ ₁ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a (1)
Where σ ₀ Represents the surface tension at the first temperature, d _a Represents the depth of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit (excluding the thickness of the first heater and the second heater; the same applies hereinafter), and W _a Represents the width of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit, and σ ₁ Represents the surface tension at the second temperature, d _b Represents the depth of the colored fluid moving part, and W _b Represents the width of the colored fluid moving part.
[0010]
Similarly, it is preferable that the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit satisfy the following relationship, respectively.
2σ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) -2σ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> ΑρL (2)
(Where σ represents surface tension, d _a Represents the depth of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit, and W _a Represents the width of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit, d _b Represents the depth of the colored fluid moving part, and W _b Represents the width (diameter) of the colored fluid moving unit, α represents the acceleration of the colored fluid when moving from the display unit to the colored fluid containing unit, ρ represents the density of the colored fluid, and L represents the colored fluid of the display unit. Represents the length in the direction of movement. ). Similarly, it is preferable that the support substrate further includes an air circulation path that allows the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit to communicate with each other.
[0011]
Similarly, it is preferable that at least one inner wall of the display unit, the colored fluid storage unit, and the colored fluid moving unit is subjected to ink repellent treatment. Similarly, it is preferable that the projected area of the colored fluid moving unit is 50% or less of the projected area of the display unit. Similarly, it is preferable that the display unit includes a light shielding mask in a portion corresponding to the coloring fluid moving unit. Similarly, it is preferable that the first heater and the second heater extend to at least a part of an inner wall surface of the colored fluid moving part or the air circulation path.
[0012]
An image display device of the present invention is provided with a segment matrix in which a plurality of segments each having one of the above display devices are arranged in a matrix, and a segment matrix arranged along each row of the segment matrix and connected to the heater. Horizontal wiring, vertical wiring arranged along each column of the segment matrix and connected to the heater, each horizontal wiring and each vertical wiring connected to each other, and by driving each display device, And a drive circuit for forming an image on the segment matrix.
[0013]
Another display device according to the present invention includes a support substrate, a void-shaped display portion formed on one surface of the support substrate, and a void-shaped colored fluid formed on the other surface of the support substrate. A first colored fluid moving unit that penetrates the support substrate in a thickness direction from an opening provided at one end of the display unit and communicates the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit, A second coloring fluid moving unit that penetrates the support substrate in a thickness direction from an opening provided at the other end of the display unit, and that communicates the display unit and the coloring fluid storage unit; and the first coloring The first heater disposed on the inner wall surface of the fluid moving unit, the second heater disposed on the inner wall surface of the second colored fluid moving unit, and the colored fluid housing unit The coloring fluid and the first heater are heated to a first temperature, and the second heater is heated to a second temperature. And an ink driving unit that adjusts and moves the colored fluid between the colored fluid storage unit and the display unit according to a thermal capillary pressure difference of the colored fluid between the first temperature and the second temperature. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
The display method of the present invention accommodates the display unit in the display unit by adjusting the temperature of the display unit to the first temperature and adjusting the temperature of the colored fluid moving unit to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. A thermal capillary pressure difference is generated between the colored fluid and the colored fluid accommodated in the colored fluid moving unit, and the colored fluid is moved between the display unit and the colored fluid moving unit by the thermal capillary pressure difference. Thus, an image is displayed on the display unit.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a display device according to an example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device 1 of the present invention, in which a portion corresponding to one pixel is cut out. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the display device 1, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a cut surface of the display device 1 taken along a plane AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the display device 1.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the display device 1 according to this embodiment, plate-like transparent substrates 40 and 50 such as glass are laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of the support substrate 10. The material which comprises the support substrate 10 is not specifically limited. It is preferable to use a support substrate formed of a material with high heat dissipation. For example, silicon, a metal plate with an insulating film formed on the surface, or a resin can be used. When a silicon support substrate is used, anodic bonding is used to join the support substrate 10 and the transparent substrates 40 and 50 when a glass transparent substrate is used as the transparent substrate described below. There is an advantage that can be.
[0017]
The material which comprises the transparent substrates 40 and 50 should just have transparency, and is not specifically limited. Examples thereof include glass and acrylic. By using the transparent substrate 50 on the lower surface side of the support substrate 10 as well, a positive image (an image in which lines are displayed with a colored fluid) is displayed on the front surface side, while a negative image (a background of lines is displayed with a colored fluid) on the back surface side. Image). The transparent substrate 50 on the lower surface side of the support substrate 10 does not need to be transparent. It may be made of an opaque material such as resin or ceramic.
[0018]
Between the transparent substrates 40 and 50 and the support substrate 10, for example, a display unit 70 and a colored fluid storage unit 80 are formed as rectangular parallelepiped gaps. The first heater 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the support substrate 10 corresponding to the bottom of the display unit 70, and the second heater 30 is disposed on the lower surface of the support substrate 10 corresponding to the ceiling portion of the colored fluid storage unit 80. Yes. The colored fluid is supplied to both ends of the portion of the support substrate 10 sandwiched between the display unit 70 and the colored fluid storage unit 80 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3). The colored fluid moving unit 12 for moving between the air flow 80 and the air circulation path 14 for circulating air between the display unit 70 and the colored fluid containing unit 80 are disposed.
[0019]
In the illustrated example, the colored fluid moving unit 12 and the air circulation path 14 have the same shape and the same size, and are functionally compatible. Thus, when forming the air circulation path 14, it is preferable to provide in the position symmetrical with the said colored fluid moving part. By providing the air circulation path 14 in this manner, an increase in the internal pressure of the display unit 70 when the colored fluid is moved can be suppressed, and the colored fluid can be moved smoothly.
[0020]
The projected area of the colored fluid moving unit 12, that is, the area of the opening of the colored fluid moving unit 12 is preferably 50% or less of the projected area of the display unit 70. By setting the projected area of the colored fluid moving unit 12 to the above ratio, the colored fluid in the colored fluid moving unit 12 can be made inconspicuous with respect to the display unit 70, and a clearer image can be formed.
[0021]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the light shielding mask 13 may be formed at the position of the inner wall corresponding to the colored fluid moving unit 12 in the display unit 70. As described above, by disposing the light shielding mask 13 in the display unit directly above the colored fluid moving unit 12, the display unit 70 can be made inconspicuous, and a clearer image can be formed. . At least a part of the inner walls of the display unit 70, the colored fluid moving unit 12 and the colored fluid storage unit 80 may be subjected to ink repellent treatment. The ink repellent treatment is a treatment that imparts ink repelling properties. When water-based ink is used as the coloring fluid, water repellent treatment corresponds to “ink repellent treatment”, and when oil-based ink is used, hydrophilic treatment is performed. The property treatment corresponds to “ink-repellent treatment”. By applying an ink repellent treatment to the inner wall, adhesion of the colored fluid to the inner wall surface can be suppressed, and the colored fluid can be moved smoothly.
[0022]
Although it does not specifically limit as a material which comprises the 1st heater 20 and the 2nd heater 30, The well-known material used by normal thermal inkjet, for example, Ta-Si-O etc. which were described in patent 3194465 etc. And an alloy containing 64 to 85 atomic% Ta, 5 to 26 atomic% Si, and 6 to 15 atomic% O.
[0023]
If the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 are thermally insulated from each other, as illustrated in FIG. It may be extended and may cover a part or all of each inner wall surface. By extending the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 to at least a part of the colored fluid moving part 12 and the air circulation path 14 in this way, the colored fluid moving part 12 and the air circulation path 14 are inside. The colored fluid can easily move and images can be formed quickly.
[0024]
The colored fluid 60 is accommodated in the colored fluid accommodating portion 80 and the colored fluid moving portion 12. The coloring fluid 60 used in the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, a known ink used for a normal thermal ink jet printer can be used. It is preferable that the 1st temperature which the 1st heater 20 maintains is 5-30 degreeC, for example. Moreover, it is preferable that the 2nd temperature which the 2nd heater 30 maintains is 35-100 degreeC. Moreover, it is preferable that the temperature difference of 1st temperature and 2nd temperature is 30-70 degreeC. This is because if the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is too small, a capillary pressure difference enough to move the colored fluid 60 does not occur. If the temperature is too high, a large amount of energy is required for heating, which is costly. This is because the structure of the apparatus becomes disadvantageous.
[0025]
Hereinafter, the operation principle of the display device of the present invention will be described. In the display device 1 of the present invention, in order to drive the colored fluid 60 accommodated in the colored fluid accommodating unit 80 to enter the empty display unit 70, the relationship represented by the following expression must be satisfied. is necessary.
2σ ₀ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> 2σ ₁ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a (1)
Where σ ₀ Represents the surface tension at the first temperature, d _a Represents the depth of the display unit 70 or the colored fluid storage unit 80 (excluding the thickness of the first heater and the second heater; the same applies hereinafter) W _a Represents the width (dimension in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) of the display unit 70 or the colored fluid storage unit 80, and σ ₁ Represents the surface tension at the second temperature, d _b Represents the depth of the colored fluid moving part 12, W _b Represents the width (diameter) of the colored fluid moving part 12.
[0026]
The right side in the formula (1) is a thermal capillary pressure acting on the colored fluid 60 existing in the display unit 70 of the display device 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (hereinafter, this thermal capillary pressure is expressed as “P1”). The left side of the same shows the thermal capillary pressure acting on the colored fluid 60 existing in the colored fluid moving part 12 of the display device 1 (hereinafter, this thermal capillary pressure may be expressed as “P2”). It is. Eventually, equation (1) means that the colored fluid 60 can be driven from the display unit 70 to the colored fluid moving unit 12 when the thermal capillary pressure difference (P1-P2) is positive.
[0027]
Here, the values in parentheses on both sides of the equation (1) are values inherent to the display device, and the magnitude relationship between P1 and P2 is determined by these values and ₀ And σ ₁ It depends on the relationship. Surface tension σ ₀ , Σ ₁ Varies depending on the temperature of the colored fluid 60. Generally, the higher the temperature, the lower the surface tension of the fluid. Therefore, the magnitude relationship between P1 and P2 can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the temperatures of the first heater 20 and the second heater 30, and thereby the moving direction of the colored fluid 60 can be controlled. That is, by appropriately adjusting the temperature of the first heater 20 and the temperature of the second heater 30, the moving direction and moving speed of the colored fluid 60 are controlled to control the display unit 70, the colored fluid moving unit 12, and thus the colored fluid. The image display is controlled to be turned on and off with the storage unit 80.
[0028]
Hereinafter, conditions for holding an image once formed in the display device 1 of the present invention will be described. Such conditions are shown by the following formula.
2σ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) -2σ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> ΑρL (2)
Where σ represents surface tension and d _a Represents the depth of the display unit 70 (colored fluid storage unit 80), and W _a Represents the width of the display unit 70 (colored fluid storage unit 80), d _b Represents the depth of the colored fluid moving part 12, W _b Represents the width (diameter) of the colored fluid moving unit 12, α represents the acceleration of the colored fluid 60 moving from the display unit 70 to the colored fluid moving unit 12, ρ represents the density of the colored fluid 60, and L represents the display unit. 70 represents the length of the colored fluid moving direction.
[0029]
2σ in equation (2) (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) Is a thermal capillary pressure that moves the colored fluid 60 from the colored fluid moving unit 12 to the display unit 70, and is a leftward force that acts on the colored fluid 60 in the display unit 70 of FIG. 2σ in equation (2) (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b ) Is a thermal capillary pressure that moves the colored fluid 60 from the display unit 70 side to the colored fluid moving unit 12 side, and is a rightward force that acts on the colored fluid 60 in the display unit 70 of FIG. The right side in Expression (2) is a force (disturbance) that moves the colored fluid 60 from the display unit 70 side to the colored fluid movement 12 side, and is a rightward force that acts on the colored fluid 60 in the display unit 70 of FIG. is there. Eventually, equation (2) indicates that it is necessary that the “left force” is larger than the “right force”.
[0030]
To satisfy the condition of equation (2), d _a , W _a , D _b , W _b And a method of appropriately selecting constants such as L at the time of design. If the above constants are determined so that Expression (2) is satisfied, an image can be held at room temperature, and an image can be held without supplying energy such as electric power from the outside. Further, the image is held by appropriately changing the value of σ between the first term and the second term on the left side of the formula (2), that is, by appropriately adjusting the temperatures of the first heater 20 and the second heater 30. It can also be done.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the display device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the operating state of the display device 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the colored fluid 60 has not entered the display unit 70, and corresponds to a state in which no image is displayed on the transparent substrate 40. In the state of FIG. 5A, at least one of the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 is energized via a wiring (not shown), the first heater 20 is set to the first temperature, and the second heater 30 is set to the first heater 20. Adjust the temperature to the second temperature.
[0032]
At this time, a temperature satisfying the relationship of the above formula (1) (accordingly, σ ₀ , Σ ₁ ), The colored fluid 60 located at the top of the colored fluid moving unit 12 has the first temperature (or is maintained at room temperature), and the surface tension is σ. ₀ It becomes. The colored fluid 60 on the colored fluid moving unit 12 has 2σ. ₀ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b ) Acts as a force for sucking the colored fluid 60 in the direction of the display unit 70.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the temperature of the second heater 30 is adjusted to the second temperature, the surface tension σ is applied to the colored fluid containing portion 80 and the colored fluid 60 accommodated in the colored fluid moving portion 12. ₁ Acts, 2σ ₁ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) Acts as a force for sucking the colored fluid 60 into the colored fluid accommodating portion 80. Eventually, the two capillary pressures P1 and P2 act on the coloring fluid 60 in the coloring fluid moving unit 12 and the coloring fluid storage unit 80, and the coloring fluid 60 is attracted in the opposite direction. At this time, since P2> P1 from the above formula (1), the thermal capillary pressure difference (P2-P1) acts as a force for sucking the colored fluid 60 in the direction of the display unit 70. As a result, the colored fluid 60 moves in the direction of the display unit 70 to fill the display unit 70 as shown in FIGS. Thus, an image (pixel) is formed on the upper surface of the transparent substrate 40 by the movement of the colored fluid 60.
[0034]
Next, an operation for erasing an image once formed on the transparent substrate 40 will be described. The operation of erasing the image is performed by moving the colored fluid 60 that has moved into the display unit 70 by the above-described operation to the colored fluid moving unit 12 and thus the colored fluid storage unit 80. For this purpose, predetermined power is supplied to the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 in the state shown in FIG. The conditions at this time are P1> P2 in the same manner as before, that is,
2σ ₀ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> 2σ ₁ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a (3)
Satisfying the relation ₀ , Σ ₁ The temperature of at least one of the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 is adjusted to a temperature at which the temperature is given. By adjusting the temperature of the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 to such a temperature, the colored capillary fluid in which the thermocapillary pressure difference represented by P1-P2 fills the display unit 70 in FIG. 60 acts as a force for sucking 60 into the colored fluid moving part 12 and thus into the colored fluid accommodating part 80. As a result, the colored fluid 60 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5E, and the display unit 70 is emptied as shown in FIG. A coloring fluid 60 is contained.
[0035]
As described above, in the display device of the present invention, since an image is displayed with the colored fluid moved to the display unit, a polarizing plate unlike a liquid crystal display device is not required. Therefore, an image with high visibility having a high reflectance and a high viewing angle can be displayed. In addition, since the colored fluid is taken in and out of the display unit using the thermal capillary pressure difference, no electric power is required to hold the image. Further, since the colored fluid is driven by the thermal capillary pressure difference, the retention strength of the colored fluid in the display unit is high, and the durability of the image formed on the display unit is high. Further, since the thermal expansion phenomenon of the colored fluid is not used, the amount of the colored fluid retained in each display device can be reduced, and the display device can be downsized.
[0036]
Next, an image display device formed using the display device 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image display apparatus 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, in the image display device 100, a plurality of image display elements are regularly arranged in a matrix on the substrate 102. Each image display element is provided with a plurality of, for example, three display devices arranged side by side. A small circle B in FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view in which one of the image display elements arranged on the image display device 100 is enlarged. As shown in the small circle B of FIG. 6, each image display element is composed of three display devices 1001a, 1001b, and 1001c. The display device 1001a is C (cyan) and the display device 1001b is M (magenta). ), The display device 1001c is adapted to display colors corresponding to Y (yellow), respectively, and is configured to display a full color image as a whole.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 6, the display devices 1001a, 1001b, and 1001c are respectively mounted on the support substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c on the first heaters 20a, 20b, and 20c, similarly to the display device 1 of the first embodiment. The colored fluid moving parts 12a, 12b, 12c and the air circulation paths 14a, 14b, 14c are formed on the support substrates 10a, 10b, 10c, respectively. In FIG. 6, the transparent substrate is omitted. Each display device 1001a, 1001b, 1001c is connected to a wiring (not shown), and is connected to the horizontal wirings 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d,... And the vertical wirings 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d,. The other end side is connected to the drive circuit 90. Based on the image signal, the display device 1001a allows the cyan colored fluid to enter and exit, the display device 1001b allows the magenta colored fluid to enter and exit, and the display device 1001c allows the yellow colored fluid to enter and exit.
[0038]
In this way, an image display device that forms a full-color image by arranging a plurality of display devices of the present invention to form an image display device, and further arranging the image display devices in a matrix and driving them by a drive circuit 90. Can be obtained. Such an image display device does not require power or the like to hold an image once formed, and can be stored as it is like paper. Further, since it is not necessary to supply power or the like other than when writing or erasing an image, it can be made detachable from the drive circuit, and a large number of image display devices can be stored in an inexpensive and small space.
[0039]
Regarding the relationship between the bottom of the display unit 70, that is, the upper surface of the first heater 20 and the colored fluid 60, in the case of mono-color display, the bottom of the display unit 70 is white and black ink is used as the colored fluid 60; A method in which the bottom of 70 is black and white ink is used as the colored fluid 60 is considered.
[0040]
On the other hand, in the case of monocolor display as described above, in the display devices 1001a, 1001b, and 1001c of FIG. 6, the bottom of the display unit 70 is made black, while the coloring fluid 60 used in the display devices 1001a to 1001c is RGB or A method of distributing each of the three colors of CMY and a method of distributing each of the three colors of RGB or CMY to the bottom of each display unit of the display devices 1001a to 1001c and using black ink as the coloring fluid 60 are considered. .
[0041]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the display device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this display device, instead of disposing the first heater 20 and the second heater 30 on both surfaces of the support substrate 10, two displays are provided at both ends of the display portion of the support substrate 10. The display according to the first embodiment except that the colored fluid moving parts 140 and 142 are provided and the first heater 210 and the second heater 212 are provided on the inner walls of the colored fluid moving parts 140 and 142. It has the same configuration as the device.
[0042]
As described above, in the display device according to the present embodiment, the first heater 210 and the second heater 212 that adjust the temperature of the colored fluid in the display device are provided on the inner walls of the colored fluid moving units 140 and 142. It is not necessary to cover the surface with paint or the like, and the temperature of the colored fluid can be adjusted efficiently.
[0043]
【Example】
Next, examples of the present invention will be described. In this example, two display devices No. 1 having the structure described in the first embodiment are used. 1 and no. 2 was used to perform image display experiments. Display device no. 1 and no. The dimensions of each part 2 were the values shown in Table 1 below. These display devices No. 1, no. 2 satisfies the relationship between the ink movement conditional expression (1) and the ink holding conditional expression (2).
[0044]
These display devices No. 1, no. When the image display was tried using 2, it was confirmed that it operated successfully. From this result, it was proved that the display device operates properly when the conditions of the above formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied.
[Table 1]

[0045]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a display device, an image display device, and the like that can hold an image without supplying energy from the outside, can form a highly durable and highly saturated image, have a simple structure, and can be downsized. A display method is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a display device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the display device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the image display device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Support substrate
12 Colored fluid moving part
13 Shading mask
14 Air circulation path
16 Horizontal wiring
18 Vertical wiring
20 First heater
30 Second heater
40 Transparent substrate
50 Transparent substrate
60 Coloring fluid
70 Display section
80 Colored fluid container
90 Drive circuit (drive means)
100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (12)

A support substrate;
A void-shaped display portion provided on the surface of the support substrate;
A first heater disposed in the display unit;
A colored fluid containing portion for containing a colored fluid to be supplied to the display unit;
A colored fluid moving unit disposed between the display unit and the colored fluid containing unit;
A second heater disposed in the colored fluid container;
By adjusting the temperature of at least one of the first heater and the second heater, the thermocapillary pressure difference of the colored fluid between the temperature of the display unit or the colored fluid storage unit and the temperature of the colored fluid moving unit, A display device, comprising: a colored fluid driving unit configured to move the colored fluid between the colored fluid moving unit and the display unit. The display unit is formed between one surface of the support substrate and a transparent substrate laminated on one surface of the support substrate;
The first heater is disposed at the bottom of the display unit;
The colored fluid containing portion is a gap formed between the other surface of the support substrate and a transparent substrate laminated on the other surface of the support substrate;
The second heater is disposed on the other surface of the support substrate;
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the colored fluid moving unit is a through hole that penetrates the support substrate and communicates between the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit satisfy the following relationship, respectively.
2σ ₀ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> 2σ ₁ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) (1)
(Wherein, sigma ₀ represents the surface tension of the first temperature, d _a represents the depth of the display unit or the colorant fluid accommodating portion, W _a represents a width of the display unit or the colorant fluid accommodating portion, sigma ₁ represents the surface tension at the second temperature, d _b represents the depth of the colored fluid transfer unit, W _b represents a colorant fluid movement in the width (diameter).) The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit satisfy the following relationship, respectively.
2σ (1 / d _a + 1 / W _a ) −2σ (1 / d _b + 1 / W _b )> αρL (2)
(Wherein σ represents the surface tension, d _a represents the depth of the display unit or the colorant fluid accommodating portion, W _a represents a width of the display unit or the colorant fluid accommodating portion, d _b is the depth of the colored fluid movement unit represents is, W _b represents a colorant fluid movement in the width (diameter), alpha represents the acceleration of the colorant fluid as it moves to the colored fluid movement unit from the display unit, [rho represents the density of the colored fluid, L Represents the length of the display unit in the direction of movement of the colored fluid.) The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support substrate further includes an air circulation path that allows the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit to communicate with each other. The ink repellent process is performed on at least one inner wall of the display unit, the colored fluid storage unit, and the colored fluid moving unit. Display device. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a projected area of the colored fluid moving unit is 50% or less of a projected area of the display unit. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a light shielding mask in a portion corresponding to the coloring fluid moving unit. The said 1st heater and said 2nd heater are extended to at least one part of the inner wall surface of the said coloring fluid moving part or the said air circulation path, The any one of Claim 5 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. The display device according to item. A segment matrix in which a plurality of segments formed by arranging a plurality of display devices according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are arranged in a matrix;
A horizontal wiring disposed along each row of the segment matrix and connected to the heater;
A vertical wiring disposed along each column of the segment matrix and connected to the heater;
An image display device comprising: a drive circuit connected to each of the horizontal wires and each of the vertical wires to form an image on the segment matrix by driving the display devices. A support substrate;
A void-shaped display portion formed on one surface of the support substrate;
A void-shaped colored fluid containing portion formed on the other surface of the support substrate;
A first colored fluid moving unit that penetrates the support substrate in a thickness direction from an opening provided at one end of the display unit, and communicates the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit;
A second colored fluid moving unit that penetrates the support substrate in the thickness direction from an opening provided at the other end of the display unit, and communicates the display unit and the colored fluid storage unit;
A first heater disposed on an inner wall surface of the first colored fluid moving part;
A second heater disposed on the inner wall surface of the second colored fluid moving part;
A colored fluid accommodated in the colored fluid accommodating portion;
The temperature of the first heater is adjusted to a first temperature and the second heater is adjusted to a second temperature, respectively, and the thermocapillary pressure difference of the colored fluid at the first temperature and the second temperature is A display device comprising: ink driving means for moving the coloring fluid between the coloring fluid storage portion and the display portion. By adjusting the temperature of the display unit to the first temperature and adjusting the temperature of the colored fluid moving unit to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, the colored fluid housed in the display unit and the colored fluid A thermal capillary pressure difference is generated between the colored fluid contained in the moving unit, and the colored fluid is moved between the display unit and the colored fluid moving unit due to the thermal capillary pressure difference, thereby causing the display unit to A display method characterized by displaying an image.

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