JP2007334084A - Liquid crystal device and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal device securing display quality at a dark place even when a light guide plate is not used and reducing thickness at a low cost and to provide an electronic device using the liquid crystal device. <P>SOLUTION: Since light emitted from a light source 30 is reflected by a light transmissive member 6 and made incident in a second base material 9a, it is not needed that emission light is made incident in a side end surface of a light guide plate to form a surface light emitting body like a front light. Since the light guide plate is not needed, the electronic device using the liquid crystal device can be reduce the thickness equivalent to the light guide plate, increase of the number of components can be prevented and costs can be reduced. The degree of freedom of design of the liquid crystal device 1 can be increased since the light guide plate is not needed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal device used for a personal computer, a mobile phone, and the like, and an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device.

  Conventionally, liquid crystal devices have been used as display devices for electronic devices such as personal computers and mobile phones. However, the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal device itself does not emit light. A reflective liquid crystal device in which a light emitter is provided on the front side of a display surface has been developed.

  However, in a reflection type liquid crystal device equipped with a front light, the light source is disposed on the end surface of the light guide plate, so that a space is required at the end of the light guide plate to shield the light source from the observer, and a frame around the display portion. Was necessary, and there was a waste of space, and the design was very limited.

Therefore, it has been proposed to arrange a light guide member between the light guide plate and the light source (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
International Publication WO 98/13709 (from the top to the first to fifth lines on page 37, FIG. 55).

  However, even if there is a distance between the light guide plate and the light source according to the proposal of Patent Document 1, light from the light source can be effectively guided to the light guide plate. Therefore, there is a problem that the electronic device using the liquid crystal device cannot be thinned.

  In addition, since the light guide plate is required, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in designing the liquid crystal device cannot be increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a liquid crystal device capable of ensuring display quality in a dark place without using a light guide plate and further reducing the thickness and cost, and the liquid crystal thereof. An object is to provide an electronic device using the apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid crystal device according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a pair of substrates for holding a liquid crystal, a reflective film provided on one of the pair of substrates, and the pair of substrates. The other substrate has an opening on the opposite side of the one substrate, and a housing that accommodates at least the pair of substrates, a translucent member attached to the opening, and the housing And a light source disposed between the vicinity of the opening and the other substrate and capable of reflecting the emitted light by the light-transmitting member and entering the other substrate.

  Here, the “substrate” is, for example, a glass substrate. The “translucent member” refers to, for example, a cover glass or a transparent resin, which can transmit light and at least partially reflect incident light on the surface thereof.

  In the present invention, since the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the translucent member and is incident on the other substrate, which is a liquid crystal panel, the emitted light is incident on the side end surface of the light guide plate like a front light. There is no need to form a planar light emitter by incidence. Accordingly, since the light guide plate is not required, the thickness of the light guide plate can be reduced in an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device.

  Further, since the light guide plate is not required, the degree of freedom in designing the liquid crystal device can be increased, and further cost reduction can be achieved.

  Further, in a dark place, even if the image cannot be viewed on the entire effective display area in the translucent member, it may be sufficient to display the minimum necessary image information such as the time in a part of the area. In such a case, conventionally, a light guide plate or the like is prepared like a front light in a complete reflection type liquid crystal device, which causes an increase in the number of parts and an increase in manufacturing cost. Furthermore, power will be consumed more than necessary.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal device according to the application, reduce unnecessary costs, and reduce consumption.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the light source has an emission surface that emits the light, and the emission surface is provided on the translucent member so that the emitted light travels to the translucent member. It is directed and arranged in the case. Thereby, the light emitted from the emission surface directed toward the translucent member proceeds to the translucent member without using a special member, and is reflected by the translucent member to be the other liquid crystal panel. It can be incident on the substrate and the cost can be reduced.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the light source includes an emission surface that emits the light, and further includes a first scattering member so as to cover the emission surface, and the emitted light includes the first light source. The light is scattered by one scattering member, is reflected by the light transmissive member, and is incident on the other substrate. Thereby, since the emitted light is scattered by the first scattering member, it is not necessary to direct the emitting surface of the light source in the direction of the translucent member, and for example, it is not necessary to adjust the fixed angle of the light source to the rear surface of the housing. Is easier and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the first scattering member can cause the light emitted from the light source to travel not only in the direction of the translucent member but also in the direction of the other substrate of the liquid crystal panel.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the light source further includes a first reflecting member fixed to a side surface opposite to the housing side of the light source, and the first reflecting member is scattered by the first scattering member. A part of the emitted light is reflected so as to travel to the translucent member. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the scattered light from being wasted even if it travels in a direction other than the translucent member or the second substrate, and the light emitted from the light source can be used more efficiently for the screen display.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of substrates sandwiching liquid crystal, a reflective film provided on one of the pair of substrates, and the other substrate of the pair of substrates, The light having an opening on the side opposite to one of the substrates, housing at least the pair of substrates, a translucent member attached to the opening, and an emission surface for emitting light, and emitting the light The light emission surface is directed to the other substrate such that the light exits toward the other substrate, and includes a light source disposed between the vicinity of the opening of the housing and the other substrate. And Thereby, the light emitted from the emission surface directed to the other substrate can travel to the other substrate without using a special member, and the emitted light from the light source can be directly incident on the other substrate of the liquid crystal panel, A more efficient reflective display is possible with little loss of light.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the pair of substrate-side surfaces of the casing is further provided with a second reflecting member that reflects the light emitted from the light source. . Thereby, the light that has traveled to the inner surface, which is the surface on the pair of substrates side of the housing, can be reflected and incident on the translucent member or directly on the other substrate, and the light emitted from the light source can be more efficiently Can be used for screen display.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it further includes a second scattering member laminated on the second reflecting member. As a result, the light reflected by the second reflecting member is further scattered, the entire back surface of the housing becomes a light emitting surface, and light can be incident on a wider area of the other substrate, thereby improving the display quality of the liquid crystal device. .

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing includes an upper lid and a lower lid, and the upper lid has the opening and accommodates at least the light source. This facilitates assembly of a pair of substrates and light sources accommodated in the housing, and can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid crystal device.

  An electronic apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described liquid crystal device.

  The present invention is equipped with a liquid crystal device capable of ensuring display quality in a dark place without using a light guide plate and further reducing the thickness and cost, so that an electronic device with high display quality can be manufactured at low cost. Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) active matrix liquid crystal device and an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device will be described as examples of the reflective liquid crystal device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not a thing. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, the actual structure and the scale and number of each structure are different.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 (the X driver IC (Integrated Circuit) and the light source are not cut). 3 is a schematic plan view of the liquid crystal device.

(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal device 1 includes a liquid crystal panel 2, a flexible substrate 3 as a flexible substrate electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, an illumination device 4 that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 2, It has a case 5 as a housing for housing these liquid crystal panels, lighting devices, and the like, and a translucent member 6 attached to the case 5. Here, in addition to the translucent member 6 and the like, other incidental mechanisms are attached to the liquid crystal device 1 as necessary (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal panel 2 is a TN (twisted nematic) type sealed in a gap between the first substrate 8 and the second substrate 9 and the two substrates bonded together via a sealant 7. The liquid crystal 10 is included.

  The first and second substrates 8 and 9 are made of a light-transmitting plate member such as glass, and the first substrate 8 is a first base material as one of a pair of substrates. The second substrate 9 has a second base material 9a as the other substrate. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a polarizing plate 11 for polarizing incident light is attached to the outside of the second substrate 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal).

  Further, the first base 8a has a base layer 12 and a gate electrode 13 formed in the Y-axis direction on the inner side (liquid crystal side) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, and the X-axis is formed on the base layer 12. A source electrode 14 and a reflective film 15 as signal lines are formed in the direction. Furthermore, the gate electrode 13 and the source electrode 14 are made of nickel or the like, for example, and are electrically connected to a TFT (not shown). The TFT is made of ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like and is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 16 laminated on the reflective film 15.

  Thereby, when a voltage is applied to the gate electrode 13, the gate electrode 13 and the source electrode 14 cause a current to flow from the source electrode 14 to the pixel electrode 16 or vice versa. Here, the source electrode 14 applies a data signal to the pixel electrode 16, and the pixel electrode 16 applies a voltage to the liquid crystal 10 sandwiched between the common electrode described later.

  An alignment film 17 is formed on the liquid crystal side of the gate electrode 13 and the source electrode 14.

  Further, the first base material 8a has, for example, a projecting portion 18 projecting from the outer peripheral edge of the second base material 9a as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the projecting portion 18 includes the gate electrode 13 and the source. A gate electrode wiring 19, a source electrode wiring 20, and the like extending from the region where the electrode 14 is surrounded by the sealing material 7 to the overhanging portion 18 are formed. Further, a driver IC 21 for driving a liquid crystal that is electrically connected to each electrode wiring is mounted on the overhanging portion 18.

  Further, the overhanging portion 18 is, for example, an electrode terminal (not shown) electrically connected to the gate electrode wiring 19 and the source electrode wiring 20 in a region corresponding to the mounting surface of the driver IC 21 as shown in FIGS. In addition, an input terminal (not shown) for inputting a current from the flexible substrate 3 or the like to the driver IC 21 is provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the overhanging portion 18 includes an external terminal 22 that receives current from the flexible substrate 3 and the like, and an input wiring 23 that supplies current from the outside to the input terminal.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the driver IC 21 has a plurality of bumps 24 arranged on the mounting surface to be mounted on the projecting portion 18 and electrically connected to the electrode terminals and the input terminals. This electrical connection is made, for example, via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film)) that is also an adhesive between the electrode terminal and the input terminal and the bump 24.

  On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second substrate 9 a has a common electrode 25 formed on the inner surface (liquid crystal side) surface, and an alignment film 26 is formed on the liquid crystal side of the common electrode 25. .

  For example, on the liquid crystal side of the second substrate 9a, although not shown, a colored layer, a light shielding layer, and the like are formed as necessary.

  Next, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible substrate 3 is mounted with a wiring pattern 28 made of copper (Cu) or the like formed on a base substrate 27 as a substrate.

  Here, the base substrate 27 is a film-like member having flexibility. Further, the wiring pattern 28 is electrically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) formed at the end of the base substrate 27 on the projecting portion side, and the connection terminal is, for example, outside the liquid crystal panel 2. The terminal 22 is electrically connected through an anisotropic conductive film 29. Further, a part of the wiring pattern 28 is formed on the branched base substrate 27 a and is electrically connected to the light source 30.

  Next, the illumination device 4 supplies light to the liquid crystal panel 2 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, and is emitted from the light source 30, the first scattering member 31 that scatters the light from the light source 30, and the scattering member. The first reflecting member 32 that partially reflects the scattered light.

  Here, as the light source 30, for example, one light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as “LED” (Light Emitting Diode)) 30a is used. As shown in FIGS. 2 on the side of the base material 9a.

  Specifically, it is disposed on the back surface of the upper case at a position slightly retracted from the periphery of the opening to the inside of the upper case, for example, to the overhanging portion 18 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the light source is disposed at the center in the substantially X-axis direction when the liquid crystal device 1 is viewed from above. Of course, the number of the light sources 30 is not necessarily one, and a plurality of light sources 30 may be arranged. Furthermore, the light source 30 is not limited to the LED 30a which is a point light source, and may be a cold cathode tube. However, in the case of the LED 30a, it is possible to reduce power consumption and component costs by arranging one LED 30a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the LED 30a has an emission surface 30b for emitting the light, and the emission surface 30b is substantially parallel to the surface of the second base material 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side) ( The light emitted from the emission surface 30b is directed in the Y-axis direction in FIG.

  The first scattering member 31 is formed so as to cover the exit surface 30b. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the LED 30a is substantially LED 30a in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal device 1 (Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). The horizontal width (X-axis direction in FIG. 3) is formed so as to slightly protrude from the LED 30a to the left and right. As a result, the light emitted from the LED 30a is reliably scattered and proceeds toward the light-transmissive member 6 and the second substrate 9 described later.

  The first scattering member 31 has, for example, fine irregularities formed of beads on the side surface opposite to the LED 30a, and scatters light by the irregularities. The first scattering member 31 is formed, for example, by using an acrylic resin or the like as a base film and providing a bead coat layer thereon. Alternatively, the first scattering member 31 is, for example, a PET material provided with an acrylic bead layer.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first reflecting member 32 is fixed to the opposite side of the upper case side of the LED 30a by, for example, an adhesive (not shown). Then, as seen from the top, for example, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 3, the side opposite to the opening of the four sides of the LED 30a is aligned with one side of the first reflecting member 32, and the other three sides are more than the other three sides of the LED 30a. It is formed slightly larger than the LED 30a so as to come to the outside. Thereby, light that travels in a different direction from the translucent member 6 and the second substrate among the light emitted from the LED 30 a and scattered by the first scattering member 31 can be reliably reflected to the translucent member 6. The light emitted from the light source 30 can be used for image display more efficiently.

  The first reflecting member 32 is formed of, for example, a film obtained by vapor-depositing Ag on a pet material. Alternatively, the first reflecting member 32 may be formed of a multilayer film structure using, for example, a polyester resin.

  Next, the case 5 includes an upper case 5a and a lower case 5b as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and accommodates the liquid crystal panel 2, the light source, and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper case 5 a has a substantially rectangular display opening 35 at the center thereof, and the translucent member 6 is attached to the opening 35. The upper case 5a is formed in a frame shape so as to cover the lower case 5b. Further, the upper case 5a holds and fixes the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel 2 via the first reflecting member 32 fixed to the light source 30, but the peripheral edge of the opening 35 is, for example, as shown in FIG. It is formed so as to be adjacent to a parting part (not shown) outside the periphery of the effective display area B in a plane. Thereby, the portion that does not contribute to the display is covered with the upper case 5a, so that the liquid crystal display becomes clearer.

  Here, the translucent member 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape having a thickness of about 1 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, and is formed of glass, transparent resin, or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower case 5b has a recess 36 formed on the inner side so that the liquid crystal panel 2 can be accommodated, and the first substrate 8 is formed on the surface of the recess by an adhesive (not shown). The opposite side of the LCD is fixed.

  Further, the lower case 5b is provided with a guide groove 38 at the substantially upper center of the side wall 37 on the projecting portion 18 side of the liquid crystal panel 2 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and the flexible substrate 3 is drawn out as shown in FIG. Or it is bent.

(Operation of liquid crystal device)
Next, the operation of the liquid crystal device 1 configured as described above will be briefly described focusing on how light travels from the light source.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how light travels from the side surface side.

  First, for example, when a predetermined current is supplied to the LED 30a by a driving circuit (not shown), the LED 30a and the like emit light from the emission surface 30b. And the light inject | emitted from the LED30a injects into the 1st scattering member 31 which covers the emission surface 30b, for example, as shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, and is scattered by the said 1st scattering member31. . That is, the light spreads in a planar manner (XY axis plane in FIG. 3) as an arrow C (arrow C in FIG. 3), and the light spreads in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal device 1 (Z-axis direction in FIG. 4). The first scattering member 31 is emitted as indicated by alternate long and short dash lines D1, E1, and F1.

  Here, for example, light that travels in the direction of the translucent member 6 as indicated by D1 in FIG. 4 partially travels into the translucent member 6 as indicated by arrow D2 in FIG. The remaining light is reflected from the surface of the translucent member 6 and the like, and becomes light of an arrow D3 toward the polarizing plate 11 of the second substrate 9.

  Then, the light D3 incident on the polarizing plate 11 passes through the liquid crystal 10 and is modulated and travels to the reflection film 15 of the first substrate 8, and is reflected by the reflection film 15 and transmitted again through the liquid crystal 10 and modulated. The light exits from the polarizing plate 11 and enters the translucent member 6 as it is. At this time, a part is also reflected by the translucent member 6 and returns to the polarizing plate 11 again as shown by the arrow D4, but the rest passes through the translucent member 6 as it is and exits from the translucent member 6. The light of the arrow D5 becomes an image of the screen display.

  On the other hand, the light that has traveled to the polarizing plate 11 as indicated by E1 in FIG. 4 by the first scattering member 31 is transmitted through the liquid crystal 10, modulated, and travels to the reflective film 15 of the first substrate 8, where the reflective film 15, reflected again by the liquid crystal 10, modulated and emitted from the polarizing plate 11, and is incident on the translucent member 6 as it is. At this time, a part is also reflected by the translucent member 6 and returns to the polarizing plate 11 again as indicated by the arrow E2, but the rest passes through the translucent member 6 as it is and exits from the translucent member 6. It becomes the light of arrow E3 and becomes an image of a screen display.

  Furthermore, the emitted light diffused too much by the first scattering member 31 as shown by F <b> 1 shown in FIG. 4 is reflected by the first reflecting member 32 and proceeds in the direction of the translucent member 6. Then, the light partially travels into the translucent member 6 as indicated by an arrow F2 in FIG. 4 and exits from the translucent member 6 as it is, but the rest is reflected by the surface of the translucent member 6 and the like. The light of the arrow F3 toward the polarizing plate 11 of the second substrate 9 is obtained. Since the following is the same as the way of the light of C3, the description is omitted.

  Above, description of operation | movement of the liquid crystal device 1 is complete | finished.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the light emitted from the light source 30 is reflected by the translucent member 6 and is incident on the second base material 9a which is the other substrate. Thus, it is not necessary to form the planar light emitter by making the emitted light incident on the side end face of the light guide plate. Accordingly, since the light guide plate is not required, the thickness of the light guide plate can be reduced in an electronic device using the liquid crystal device, and the number of components can be prevented from being increased and the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, since the said light-guide plate is not required, the freedom degree of design of the liquid crystal device 1 can be raised.

  Furthermore, the light source 30 has an emission surface 30b for emitting light, and further includes a first scattering member 31 so as to cover the emission surface 30b. The emitted light is scattered by the first scattering member 31. The light is transmitted to the translucent member 6, reflected, and incident on the second substrate 9. Accordingly, since the emitted light is scattered by the first scattering member 31, there is no need to direct the emission surface 30b of the light source 30 in the direction of the translucent member 6. For example, a fixed angle to the back surface of the upper case 5a of the light source 30 is set. Since there is no need to adjust, the manufacturing is easier and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, the light emitted from the light source 30 can be advanced not only in the direction of the translucent member but also in the direction of the second base material which is the other substrate by the first scattering member 31.

  Further, the light source 30 further includes a first reflecting member 32 fixed to the side surface opposite to the upper case side, and the first reflecting member 32 absorbs a part of the light scattered by the first scattering member 31. The light is reflected so as to proceed to the translucent member 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the scattered light from traveling to other than the translucent member 6 and the second substrate 9 and being wasted, and the light emitted from the light source 30 can be used more efficiently for screen display.

  Moreover, since the light source 30 is formed from one LED 30a, energy saving can be further achieved.

(Modification 1)
Next, a first modification of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described. In the present modification 1, the point that the light source itself uses an LED that can emit light at a wide angle without using the first scattering member 31 is different from that of the first embodiment. To do. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIG. 5 is a schematic partial sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to Modification 1 of the present invention (the light source is not cut).

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the liquid crystal device 101 includes a liquid crystal panel 2, a flexible substrate 3 as a flexible substrate electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, and an illumination that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 2. It has the apparatus 104 and the case 5 which accommodates these liquid crystal panels, an illuminating device, etc. Here, in addition to the case 5 and the like, other incidental mechanisms are attached to the liquid crystal device 101 as needed (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the illuminating device 104 includes a first light reflecting member 32 that supplies light to the liquid crystal panel 2 and reflects a part of the light emitted from the light source 130.

  Here, the light source 130 uses one LED 130a and is disposed on the second base material 9a side as the other substrate in the vicinity of the opening of the upper case 5a.

  Specifically, it is disposed on the back surface of the upper case at a position slightly retracted from the peripheral edge of the opening 35 to the inside of the upper case, for example, to the overhanging portion 18 side. The light source 130 is disposed at the center in the X-axis direction when the liquid crystal device 101 is viewed from above. Of course, the number of the light sources 130 is not necessarily one, and a plurality of light sources 130 may be arranged. Furthermore, the light source 130 is not limited to the LED 130a which is a point light source, and may be a cold cathode tube. However, in the case of the LED 130a, it is possible to reduce power consumption and component costs by arranging one LED 130a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the LED 130a has an emission surface 130b for emitting light formed in a hemispherical shape, and light is emitted from the LED 130a in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hemispherical surface. Thereby, light can be emitted to a wide range of the translucent member 6 and the polarizing plate 11 without using the first scattering member 31. As an example of the injection direction, D1, E1, and F1 can be assumed as described above. Of course, in the plane direction as well, light is emitted from the light source 130 in a fan-shaped manner over a wide range.

(Operation of liquid crystal device)
Next, with regard to the operation of the light from the light source for the operation of the liquid crystal device 101 configured as described above, the light source 30 is changed to the light source 130 that emits light at a wide angle. Since it is the same as that of embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the light source 130 can emit light at a wide angle, so that light can be emitted to a wide range of the translucent member 6 and the polarizing plate 11 without using the first scattering member 31. The number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be further reduced. In addition, since the first scattering member is not used, the loss of light can be reduced and the degree of design freedom can be further improved.

(Modification 2)
Next, Modification Example 2 of the liquid crystal device according to the invention will be described. In the second modification, for example, the point that the second reflecting member and the second scattering member are used on the back surface of the upper case is different from the first embodiment, so that this point will be mainly described.

(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to Modification 2 of the present invention (driver IC and light source are not cut).

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the liquid crystal device 201 includes a liquid crystal panel 2, a flexible substrate 3 as a flexible substrate electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, and an illumination that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 2. It has the apparatus 4 and the case 205 which accommodates these liquid crystal panels, an illuminating device, etc. Here, in addition to the case 205 and the like, other incidental mechanisms are attached to the liquid crystal device 201 as needed (not shown).

  The case 205 includes an upper case 205a and a lower case 5b as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and accommodates the liquid crystal panel 2 and the light source.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the upper case 205 a has a substantially rectangular display opening 35 at the center thereof, and the translucent member 6 is attached to the opening 35. The upper case 205a is formed in a frame shape so as to cover the lower case 5b. Further, the upper case 205a holds and fixes the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel 2 via the first reflecting member 32 fixed to the light source 30, but the peripheral edge of the opening 35 is, for example, as shown in FIG. It is formed so as to be adjacent to a parting part (not shown) outside the periphery of the effective display area B in a plane. Thereby, the portion that does not contribute to the display is covered with the upper case 205a, so that the liquid crystal display becomes clearer.

  Further, on the inner side surface 205c (back surface) of the upper case 205a, which is a surface on the first and second substrates 9 side which is a pair of substrates of the casing, for example, around the opening 35 as shown by a hatched region G shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a second reflecting member 241 is formed on a plane portion surrounding the flat portion and a side wall portion following the plane portion, and a second scattering member 242 is further laminated thereon.

  Here, the second reflecting member 241 is formed, for example, by vapor-depositing silver (Ag) directly on the back side (ABS material) of the casing, and the second scattering member 242 has fine irregularities on the front side surface, such as beads. It is formed by.

  In the above description, the first scattering member 31 is disposed on the front surface of the light source 30, and the first reflecting member 32 is disposed on the surface of the light source 30 on the liquid crystal panel side. The second reflecting member 241 and the second scattering member 242 are provided on the back surface of 205a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first reflecting member 31 and the first reflecting member 32 are not disposed in the light source 30, and the second reflecting member 241 and the second scattering member 242 are disposed on the back surface of the upper case 205a. May be provided.

  Also by this, the light emitted from the LED 30a which is an example of the light source 30 is reflected by the second reflecting member 241 provided in the upper case 205a, and is further scattered by the second scattering member 242 to be a translucent member. It is possible to proceed to step 6 and to enter the second base material 9a after being reflected by the translucent member 6. Further, it may occur that the light is reflected by the second reflecting member 241 and further scattered by the second scattering member 242 and directly enters the second base material 9a.

  In the above description, the second reflecting member 241 and the second scattering member 242 are provided on the back surface of the upper case 205a. However, only the second reflecting member 241 may be disposed. This also allows light that has traveled to the back surface of the upper case 205a to some extent to travel to the translucent member 6 and the second base material 9a.

(Operation of liquid crystal device)
Next, regarding the operation of the liquid crystal device 201 configured as described above, the light emitted from the light source 30 as D1, E1, and F1 is used as in the first embodiment. The points to be advanced are the same, and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how light travels from the plane side.

  However, in this modification, the emitted light is separated from the translucent member 6 and the polarizing plate 11 and travels to the inner side surface 205c of the upper case 205a outside the opening 35 as shown by an arrow H1, for example, as shown in FIG. Also, the emitted light is reflected by the second reflecting member 241 on the inner side surface 205c. Then, the light is scattered by the second scattering member 242 stacked on the second reflecting member 241 and returned to the translucent member 6 and the polarizing plate 11 as indicated by an arrow H2 in FIG. The light is reflected by the optical member 6 and enters the polarizing plate 11.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the second reflecting member 241 that reflects the light emitted from the light source 30 is further provided on the inner side surface 205c that is a pair of base material side surfaces of the housing. The light that has traveled to the inner surface 205c can be reflected and directly incident on the translucent member 6 or the polarizing plate 11, and the light emitted from the light source 30 can be more efficiently used for screen display.

  In addition, since the second scattering member 242 laminated on the second reflecting member is further provided, the light reflected by the second reflecting member 241 is further scattered to make the entire inner side surface 205c the light emitting surface. Thus, light can be incident on a wider range of the polarizing plate 11, and the display quality of the liquid crystal device 201 can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the light source is directed in a different direction, and this point will be mainly described.

(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIG. 8 is a schematic partial sectional view of the liquid crystal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention (the light source is not cut).

  The liquid crystal device 301 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel 2, a flexible substrate 3 as a flexible substrate electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, and an illumination that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8. It has the apparatus 304 and the case 5 which accommodates these liquid crystal panels, an illuminating device, etc. Here, in addition to the case 5 and the like, other incidental mechanisms are attached to the liquid crystal device 301 as necessary (not shown).

  The lighting device 304 supplies light to the liquid crystal panel 2 and has a light source 330 as shown in FIG. 8, but the first scattering member 31 and the first reflecting member 32 as described above are not provided.

  Here, for example, one LED 330a is used as the light source 330, and is arranged near the opening of the upper case 5a on the second base material 9a side as the other substrate as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, it is arranged on the back surface of the upper case 5a at a position slightly retracted from the periphery of the opening 35 in the upper case, for example, to the overhanging portion 18 side. Further, the LED 330a is disposed at the center in the substantially X-axis direction when the liquid crystal device 301 is viewed from above. Of course, the number of LEDs 330a is not necessarily one, and a plurality of LEDs 330a may be arranged. Furthermore, the light source 330 is not limited to the LED 330a which is a point light source, and may be a cold cathode tube. However, in the case of the LED 330a, it is possible to reduce power consumption and component costs by arranging one LED.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the LED 330 a has an emission surface 330 b that emits the light, and the emission surface 330 b passes through the light transmissive member 6 so that the light emitted from the surface 330 b travels to the light transmissive member 6. Is directed to.

  For example, the light emitted from the emission surface 330b is translucent with respect to a direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 8) in which the emission surface 330b is substantially parallel to the surface of the second substrate 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side). It is directed in the direction of the translucent member 6 so as to have an angle θ1 that is emitted to the member 6.

  Further, the LED 330a is fixed obliquely to the back surface of the upper case 5a with an adhesive or the like so that the emission surface 330b faces in the above-described direction. Of course, the first reflecting member 32 is used so that the direction of the exit surface itself is directed in a direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 8) parallel to the surface of the second substrate 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side). All of the light emitted from the light source may be advanced to the translucent member 6.

(Operation of liquid crystal device)
Next, the operation of the liquid crystal device 301 configured as described above will be briefly described focusing on how light travels from the light source.

  First, for example, when a predetermined current is supplied to the LED 330a by a drive circuit (not shown), the LED 330a and the like emit light from the emission surface 330b. The light emitted from the LED 330a is substantially parallel to the surface of the second base material 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side) (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 8), for example, as shown in FIG. As shown by the one-dot chain line I1 in FIG.

  Then, for example, light that has traveled in the direction of the translucent member 6 as indicated by I1 in FIG. 8 partially travels into the translucent member 6 as indicated by an arrow I2 in FIG. The remaining light is reflected by the surface of the translucent member 6 and the like, and becomes light of an arrow I3 toward the polarizing plate 11 of the second base material 9a.

  Then, the light I3 incident on the polarizing plate 11 passes through the liquid crystal 10 and is modulated and travels to the reflection film 15 of the first substrate 8, is reflected by the reflection film 15 and passes through the liquid crystal 10 again and is modulated. The light exits from the polarizing plate 11 and enters the translucent member 6 as it is. At this time, a part of the light is also reflected by the light transmissive member 6 and returns to the polarizing plate 11 again as indicated by an arrow I 4, but the remaining light passes through the light transmissive member 6 as it is and is emitted from the light transmissive member 6. It becomes the light of arrow I5 and becomes an image of a screen display.

  This is the end of the description of the operation of the liquid crystal device 301.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the light source 330 has the emission surface 330 b that emits light, and the emission surface 330 b passes through the translucent member 6 so that the emitted light travels to the translucent member 6. The upper case 5a is directed toward the top. Therefore, the light emitted from the emission surface 330b directed to the translucent member 6 proceeds to the translucent member 6 without using a special member, is reflected by the translucent member 6, and is reflected on the liquid crystal panel. It is possible to make the liquid crystal device 301 capable of being incident on the second substrate 9 and capable of displaying even in a dark place while reducing costs.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the liquid crystal device according to the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the point in which the direction of light emitted from the light source is directed to the liquid crystal panel 2 is different from that of the first embodiment.

(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view (a light source is not cut) of a liquid crystal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen display.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the liquid crystal device 401 includes a liquid crystal panel 2, a flexible substrate 3 as a flexible substrate electrically connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, and an illumination that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 2. It has the apparatus 404 and the case 5 which accommodates these liquid crystal panels, an illuminating device, etc. Here, in addition to the case 5 and the like, other incidental mechanisms are attached to the liquid crystal device 401 as needed (not shown).

  The illumination device 404 supplies light to the liquid crystal panel 2 as shown in FIG. 9 and has a light source 430, but the first scattering member 31 and the first reflection member 32 as described above are not provided.

  Here, for example, one LED 430a is used as the light source 430, and is arranged near the opening of the upper case 5a on the second base material 9a side as the other substrate as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, it is arranged on the back surface of the upper case 5a at a position slightly retracted from the periphery of the opening 35 in the upper case, for example, to the overhanging portion 18 side. Further, the LED 430a is arranged at the center in the X-axis direction as viewed from above, for example, as shown in FIG. Of course, the number of LEDs 430a is not necessarily one, and a plurality of LEDs 430a may be arranged. Furthermore, the light source 430 is not limited to the LED 430a which is a point light source, and may be a cold cathode tube. However, in the case of the LED 430a, it is possible to reduce power consumption and component cost by arranging one LED.

  Further, the LED 430a has an emission surface 430b for emitting the light as shown in FIG. 9, and the emission surface 430b is a second base material 9a as the other substrate. Is directed to the polarizing plate 11 so as to proceed to the polarizing plate 11.

  For example, with respect to a direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 9) in which the emission surface 430b is substantially parallel to the surface of the second substrate 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side), the emission light from the emission surface 430b is polarized. Is directed in the direction of the polarizing plate so that the angle θ2 is emitted.

  Further, the LED 430a is fixed obliquely to the back surface of the upper case 5a with an adhesive or the like so that the emission surface 430b faces in the above-described direction. Of course, the first reflecting member 32 is used so that the direction of the exit surface itself is directed in a direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 8) parallel to the surface of the second substrate 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side). All the light emitted from the light source may travel to the polarizing plate 11.

(Operation of liquid crystal device)
Next, the operation of the liquid crystal device 401 configured as described above will be briefly described focusing on how light travels from the light source.

  First, for example, when a predetermined current is supplied to the LED 430a by a driving circuit (not shown), the LED 430a and the like emit light from the emission surface 430b. The light emitted from the LED 430a is, for example, substantially parallel to the surface of the second base material 9a (the side opposite to the liquid crystal side) (Y-axis direction in FIG. 9) as shown in FIG. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line J1 in FIG.

  Then, the light incident on the polarizing plate 11 is transmitted through the liquid crystal 10 and modulated and travels to the reflection film 15 of the first substrate 8, is reflected by the reflection film 15, is transmitted through the liquid crystal 10 again, and is modulated and polarized. The light exits from the plate 11 and enters the translucent member 6 as it is. At this time, a part of the light is reflected by the translucent member 6 and returns to the polarizing plate 11 again as indicated by an arrow J2, but the rest is an arrow that passes through the translucent member 6 as it is and exits from the translucent member 6. It becomes the light of J3 and becomes an image of a screen display.

  This is the end of the description of the operation of the liquid crystal device 401.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the light emission surface 430b has a light emission surface, and the light emission surface 430b travels to the second base material 9a serving as the other substrate. The light source 430 is disposed near the opening of the upper case 5a on the second base material side. Accordingly, the light emitted from the emission surface 430b directed to the second base material 9a proceeds to the second base material 9a without using a special member, and the light emitted from the light source 430 is directly transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 2. More efficient reflective display with less light loss.

  Further, in the dark place, even if the image cannot be viewed over the entire effective display area B in the translucent member 6, for example, the minimum necessary image information such as time may be displayed in the area K in FIG. is there. In such a case as well, conventionally, a light guide plate and a plurality of LEDs are prepared like a front light in a perfect reflection type liquid crystal device, which increases the number of parts and increases the manufacturing cost. . Furthermore, power will be consumed more than necessary. In such a case, a liquid crystal device 401 can be provided depending on the application, and unnecessary costs can be reduced and consumption can be reduced.

  In the above description, the screen display in the case where one LED 430a is provided on the projecting portion side of the opening 35 has been described. However, for example, a plurality of LEDs 430a may be used to display spots in different screen areas. For example, the second LED 430a may be disposed on the side opposite to the overhanging portion 18 at the opening 35. As a result, the degree of freedom of the display screen is further increased and a light guide plate or the like is not required, so that low cost and low power consumption can be achieved.

(Fourth Embodiment / Electronic Device)
Next, an electronic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention that includes the liquid crystal devices 1, 101, 201, 301, and 401 described above will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic external view of a mobile phone according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a schematic external view of a personal computer.

  For example, the mobile phone 500 includes, for example, the liquid crystal device 1 in an outer frame having a mouthpiece 572 and a mouthpiece 573 in addition to a plurality of operation buttons 571 as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the personal computer 600 includes a main body 682 having a keyboard 681 and a liquid crystal display unit 683. The liquid crystal display unit 683 includes, for example, the liquid crystal device 1 in an outer frame. Yes.

  In addition to the liquid crystal device 1, these electronic devices include various circuits such as a display information output source and a display information processing circuit, and a display signal generation unit including a power supply circuit that supplies power to these circuits, although not shown. Consists of.

  Further, for example, in the case of the personal computer 600, the liquid crystal device 1 is supplied with a display signal generated by the display signal generation unit based on information input from the keyboard 681, so that a display image is supplied to the liquid crystal device 1. Is displayed.

  According to the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal device 1 that can ensure display quality in a dark place without using a light guide plate or the like and can further reduce the thickness and cost is provided, the display quality is high. Electronic equipment can be provided at low cost.

  In particular, portable electronic devices such as those described above are required to have a clear screen display even when used outdoors. For example, the significance of the present invention that can provide display quality at low cost even in a dark place is important. It can be said that it is big.

  In addition, examples of the electronic device include a touch panel equipped with a liquid crystal device, a projector, a liquid crystal television, a viewfinder type, a monitor direct view type video tape recorder, a car navigation, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, and the like. Needless to say, for example, the liquid crystal devices 1, 101, 201, 301, and 401 described above can be applied as display units of these various electronic devices.

  The present invention is not limited to any of the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, each embodiment and modification which were mentioned above can be combined.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, the thin film transistor element active matrix type liquid crystal device has been described as an example of the electro-optical device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thin film diode element active matrix type or passive matrix type liquid crystal device may be used. May be. As a result, even for a wide variety of liquid crystal devices, display quality in a dark place can be secured without using a light guide plate or the like, and further reduction in thickness and cost can be achieved.

  Further, in the above description, the driver IC 21 is described as COG (Chip On Glass). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the driver IC 21 may be a COF (Chip On Film) mounted on the flexible substrate 3. As a result, even for a wide variety of liquid crystal devices, display quality in a dark place can be secured without using a light guide plate or the like, and further reduction in thickness and cost can be achieved.

  In the above description, the light source is described as being disposed in the upper case as a housing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light source is disposed on the liquid crystal panel side as well as the lower case. 6 and light may be emitted toward the second reflecting member and the second scattering member arranged in the upper case. Thereby, the freedom degree of design can be improved more.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal device according to a first embodiment. It is a figure explaining how to advance the light which concerns on 1st Embodiment from the side surface side. 10 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal device according to Modification 2. FIG. It is a figure explaining how the light of the liquid crystal device which concerns on the modification 2 progresses from a plane side. It is a general | schematic fragmentary sectional view of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic fragmentary sectional view of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the screen display which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the external appearance schematic of the mobile telephone which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is the external appearance schematic of the personal computer which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 101, 201, 301, 401 Liquid crystal device, 2 Liquid crystal panel, 3 Flexible substrate, 4, 104, 304, 404 Illumination device, 5,205 Case, 6 Translucent member, 7 Seal material, 8 First substrate , 9 Second substrate, 10 Liquid crystal, 11 Polarizing plate, 12 Underlayer, 13 Gate electrode, 14 Source electrode, 15 Reflective film, 16 Pixel electrode, 17, 26 Alignment film, 18 Overhang, 19 Gate electrode wiring, 20 source electrode wiring, 21 driver IC, 22 external terminal, 23 input wiring, 24 bump, 25 common electrode, 27 base substrate, 28 wiring pattern, 29 anisotropic conductive film, 30, 130, 330, 430 Light source, 30b, 130b, 330b, 430b exit surface, 31 first scattering member, 2 First reflective member, 35 opening, 36 recess, 37 side wall, 38 guide groove, 241 second reflective member, 242 second scattering member, 500 mobile phone, 571 operation button, 572 earpiece, 573 mouthpiece , 600 Personal computer, 681 Keyboard, 682 Main unit, 683 Liquid crystal display unit

Claims (9)

A pair of substrates holding the liquid crystal;
A reflective film provided on one of the pair of substrates;
A housing having an opening on the opposite side of the one substrate with respect to the other substrate of the pair of substrates, and housing at least the pair of substrates;
A translucent member attached to the opening;
A light source disposed between the vicinity of the opening of the housing and the other substrate, and capable of reflecting the emitted light by the translucent member and entering the other substrate. A characteristic liquid crystal device. The light source has an emission surface for emitting the light,
2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the emission surface is disposed on the housing so that the emitted light is directed to the light transmissive member so that the emitted light travels to the light transmissive member. The light source has an emission surface for emitting the light,
Further comprising a first scattering member so as to cover the exit surface;
2. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the emitted light is scattered by the first scattering member, is reflected by the light-transmitting member, and is incident on the other substrate. A first reflecting member fixed to the side of the light source opposite to the housing;
The liquid crystal device according to claim 3, wherein the first reflecting member reflects a part of the light scattered by the first scattering member so as to travel to the translucent member. A pair of substrates holding the liquid crystal;
A reflective film provided on one of the pair of substrates;
A housing having an opening on the opposite side of the one substrate relative to the other substrate of the pair of substrates, and housing at least the pair of substrates;
A translucent member attached to the opening;
An exit surface for emitting light, and the exit surface is directed to the other substrate so that the emitted light travels to the other substrate, and the vicinity of the opening of the housing and the other substrate A liquid crystal device comprising: a light source disposed between the two.   6. The second reflecting member for reflecting the light emitted from the light source is further provided on the surface of the casing on the side of the pair of substrates. The liquid crystal device according to any one of the above.   The liquid crystal device according to claim 6, further comprising a second scattering member stacked on the second reflecting member. The housing has an upper lid and a lower lid,
The liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper lid has the opening and accommodates at least the light source.   An electronic apparatus comprising the liquid crystal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images