JP2010044230A - Electro-optical device and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a directly-under type illuminator capable of suppressing deterioration of display quality caused by a spacer in an electro-optical device. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal device has: a liquid crystal display panel which holds liquid crystal between an array substrate and a color filter substrate and also includes a pixel comprising a plurality of sub pixels; and the directly-under type illuminator which illuminates the liquid crystal display panel. The color filter substrate includes a plurality of colored layers which transmit colors R, G, B, and light shielding layers which section the colored layers. The illuminator includes a light source, a diffusing plate, and the spacer keeping a distance between the light source and the diffusing plate. Especially, the spacer is arranged in an area where the light shielding layer is arranged between the sub pixels, and an area which overlaps in a plane state on each of the sub pixels related to the colored layer of color B which transmits light having the shortest wavelength. Thus, the spacer is made inconspicuous by the sub pixels or the like related to the colored layer of the color B, and the spacer is hardly sensed by user's vision. As a result, the deterioration in the display quality due to the spacer is suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure of an electro-optical device including a direct type illumination device.

  Currently, electro-optical devices are widely used to display images in electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and computer displays. A liquid crystal device which is an example of such an electro-optical device generally has a configuration in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of substrates made of a glass substrate or the like.

  For example, as a liquid crystal device, a pixel composed of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix and the sub-pixels are arranged correspondingly, and R (red), G (green), and B (blue) There is known a transmissive color liquid crystal device including a liquid crystal display panel having a colored layer corresponding to a plurality of colors, and a direct illumination device that illuminates the liquid crystal display panel. In such a liquid crystal device, the orientation of the liquid crystal is controlled when light emitted from the illumination device passes through the colored layers of each color, and a desired color image is visually recognized by the observer.

  Incidentally, a fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) that emits white light from a fluorescent tube is generally used as a light source in the direct illumination device described above. However, the CCFL may have an adverse effect on the environment by enclosing mercury in the fluorescent tube, and as a light source to replace the CCFL, such a direct illumination device has high luminance characteristics, low power consumption characteristics, long life characteristics, etc. A light emitting diode (LED) having a light emitting diode has been used.

  In a direct type illumination device provided with such a light emitting diode as a light source, a diffusion plate for diffusing light is disposed on the liquid crystal display panel side of the light emitting diode with a certain distance from the light emitting diode. According to this, the light emitted from the light emitting diode is appropriately diffused to the liquid crystal display panel side through the diffusion plate, and uniform luminance is obtained.

  However, in such direct-type lighting devices, in recent years, the thickness of the diffusion plate has been reduced against the demand for thinning, or the diffusion plate can be used for a large display screen such as a large television. When the size is increased, the diffusion plate may warp or bend toward the light source due to its weight. Then, in such a lighting device, the light emitted from the light source cannot be appropriately diffused with respect to the liquid crystal display panel side by the diffusion plate, which may reduce the uniformity of brightness or cause color unevenness. is there.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the occurrence of such problems, in such a direct type illumination device, in order to make the distance between the light source and the diffusion plate constant, there is a protruding spacer between the two. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In the backlight device described in Patent Document 1, a protrusion that protrudes toward the diffusion plate from the LED element is provided on the substrate, and the protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole of the reflection plate installed on the substrate. It is arranged in the inserted state. Thereby, it is possible to improve the mounting position accuracy of the reflector with respect to the substrate, and to prevent the occurrence of uneven brightness and color unevenness caused by scratching the light emitting surface of the LED element when the reflector is attached to the substrate. Has been.

JP 2006-278077 A

  By the way, in the backlight device described in Patent Document 1, there is no mention of the positional relationship between the protrusion serving as the spacer and the liquid crystal display panel. If the protrusion corresponds to the sub-pixel, In this case, the light emitted from the LED element is diffused by hitting the protrusions, and the area of the sub-pixel that overlaps with the protrusions is darkened. As a result, the display quality is deteriorated. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an electro-optical device including a direct-type illumination device capable of suppressing deterioration in display quality caused by a spacer, and an electronic apparatus using the same. The task is to do.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the electro-optical device is disposed to face the light source, an optical member disposed on the light output side of the light source, a spacer that maintains a distance between the light source and the optical member, and the optical member. An electro-optical panel including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels transmit a first sub-pixel that transmits the first color light, and a second color light having a wavelength shorter than that of the first color light. A second sub-pixel to be transmitted, and the spacer includes an inter-sub-pixel region formed between the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel, and the second sub-pixel. At a position overlapping at least one of them, the optical member is abutted.

  The electro-optical device includes a light source, an optical member disposed on a light output side of the light source, a spacer that maintains a distance between the light source and the optical member, an electro-optical panel that is disposed to face the optical member and includes a plurality of sub-pixels. And comprising. The plurality of sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel that transmits the first color light and a second sub-pixel that transmits the second color light having a shorter wavelength than the first color light.

  Here, examples of the light source include a light emitting diode. Examples of the optical member include a diffusion plate that diffuses light. The spacer is preferably formed of a resin or the like. The electro-optical panel is configured by sandwiching an electro-optical layer between a pair of substrates.

  In particular, the spacer contacts the optical member at a position that overlaps at least one of the inter-subpixel region formed between the first subpixel and the second subpixel and the second subpixel. It becomes. In a preferred example, a light shielding layer is preferably disposed in a region between the sub-pixels. Further, it is preferable that the second color light is blue color light having low visibility of human eyes.

  Accordingly, the spacer is made inconspicuous at a position overlapping at least one of the inter-subpixel region formed between the first subpixel and the second subpixel and the second subpixel. This makes it difficult for the spacer to be perceived by the user's vision. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration in display quality such as luminance unevenness and chromaticity unevenness caused by the spacer.

  In a preferred example, it is preferable that a radius of a portion of the spacer that contacts the optical member is smaller than 1/3 of a pixel pitch of a pixel constituted by the plurality of sub-pixels. Thereby, the size of the spacer with respect to the size of the sub-pixel can be reduced, and the spacer can be made less noticeable. As a result, the spacer is less perceivable by the user's vision.

  In one aspect of the electro-optical device, the spacer is in contact with the optical member at a position overlapping the first sub-pixel, and an overlapping area between the first sub-pixel and the spacer is It is smaller than the sum of the overlapping area of the second subpixel and the spacer and the overlapping area of the intersubpixel region and the spacer. As a result, the spacer can be made inconspicuous, and the spacer becomes more difficult to be detected by the user's vision. As a result, it is possible to further suppress deterioration in display quality such as luminance unevenness and chromaticity unevenness caused by the spacer.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the electro-optical device is disposed to face the light source, the optical member disposed on the light output side of the light source, a spacer for maintaining a distance between the light source and the optical member, and the optical member. An electro-optical panel including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels includes a reflective layer that overlaps each of the plurality of sub-pixels in a plan view, and the spacer includes the reflection It is in contact with the optical member at a position overlapping the layer.

  Here, examples of the light source include a light emitting diode. Examples of the optical member include a diffusion plate that diffuses light. The spacer is preferably formed of a resin or the like. The electro-optical panel is configured by sandwiching an electro-optical layer between a pair of substrates. The reflective layer is made of, for example, aluminum or silver.

  In particular, the spacer is in contact with the optical member at a position overlapping the reflective layer. As a result, the spacer is covered with the reflective layer as viewed from the display side of the electro-optical device. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality such as luminance unevenness and chromaticity unevenness caused by the spacer.

  In another aspect of the electro-optical device, at least one spacer is provided for the optical member. By increasing the number of spacers, the distance between the light source and the optical member can be kept more constant.

  In still another aspect of the invention, an electronic apparatus including any one of the above electro-optical devices as a display unit can be configured.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
(Configuration of liquid crystal device)
First, a configuration of a liquid crystal device 100 as an example of an electro-optical device including the illumination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal device 100 including an illumination device 51 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part of the array substrate 31 which is a component of the liquid crystal display panel (electro-optical panel) 50 as viewed from the observation side (display side) in FIG. In FIG. 2, the region 25 x of the spacer 25 that contacts the surface 26 a on the light source 24 side of the diffusion plate 26 is illustrated, and the position of the colored layer 13 that is a component of the color filter substrate 32 is illustrated. .

  The liquid crystal device 100 is a so-called transmissive liquid crystal device, and is disposed on the opposite side of the liquid crystal display panel 50 and the observation side of the liquid crystal display panel 50, and a direct-type illumination device 51 that illuminates the liquid crystal display panel 50; Is provided.

  In the liquid crystal display panel 50, the array substrate 31 and the color filter substrate 32 are bonded together via a frame-shaped sealing material 3, and a liquid crystal layer 4 as an example of an electro-optical layer is formed in a region partitioned by the sealing material 3. It is configured by holding it. In the present invention, the liquid crystal display panel 50 is not limited to a specific configuration, and may adopt various known configurations.

  The array substrate 31 is formed on the substrate body 1 made of a light-transmitting material such as glass, and the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the substrate body 1, and a plurality of data lines 5 and scanning lines extending in directions intersecting each other. 6 and a plurality of pixel electrodes 8 and TFT (Thin Film Transistor) elements 9 which are formed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the substrate body 1 and are arranged corresponding to the intersections of the data lines 5 and the scanning lines 6. . Further, the array substrate 31 has a mounting area (not shown) extending outward from one end of the color filter substrate 32, and the data line driving circuit 10 and the scanning line driving circuit 11 shown in FIG. Has been placed.

  Each data line 5 is electrically connected to the data line driving circuit 10 shown in FIG. Each data line 5 is supplied with an image signal corresponding to the display content from the data line driving circuit 10.

  Each scanning line 6 is electrically connected to the scanning line driving circuit 11 shown in FIG. A scanning signal is supplied to each scanning line 6 from the scanning line driving circuit 11.

  Each pixel electrode 8 is formed of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).

  Each TFT element 9 is a so-called switching element, and includes a semiconductor layer 9g, a source electrode 9s, and a drain electrode 9g. The semiconductor layer 9g is formed of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon, and has a channel region formed without implanting impurities and a source region and a drain region formed by implanting impurities. The source electrode 9s is branched from the data line 5 and is electrically connected to the source region of the semiconductor layer 9g. The drain electrode 9g is electrically connected to the drain region of the semiconductor layer 9g and is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 8.

  On the other hand, the color filter substrate 32 includes a plurality of substrate bodies 2 made of a light-transmitting material such as glass, and a plurality of color filter substrates 32 disposed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the substrate body 2 and overlapping the pixel electrodes 8 in a plane. The colored layer 13, the light shielding layer BM disposed at a position on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the substrate body 2 and partitioning the colored layer 13, and the translucent formed so as to cover the colored layer 13 and the light shielding layer BM The overcoat layer (protective layer) 16 having a property and the common electrode 17 formed on the liquid crystal layer 4 side of the overcoat layer 16 are provided.

  The colored layer 13 includes a colored layer that transmits a plurality of colors having different wavelengths. In this example, the colored layer 13 includes an R (red) colored layer 13R, a G (green) colored layer 13G, and a B (blue) colored layer 13B. The colored layers 13R, 13G, and 13B of R, G, and B each split light L from each light source 24 into red light, green light, and blue light for each subpixel SG, and transmit any light. To do. The light shielding layer BM is formed of a material having a light shielding property, for example, a black resin or chromium, and overlaps the data line 5, the scanning line 6, and the TFT element 9 in a plane. In addition, the area | region where the light shielding layer BM between the subpixels SG is arrange | positioned is an area | region which does not contribute to a display. The overcoat layer 16 has a role of preventing the colored layer 13 and the light shielding layer BM from being corroded by a chemical agent or the like in the manufacturing process of the color filter substrate 32. The common electrode 17 is formed of a light-transmitting conductive material such as ITO similarly to the pixel electrode 8. The common electrode 17 has, for example, a predetermined reference voltage (for example, a predetermined constant voltage or 0 V, or a predetermined constant potential used for driving the liquid crystal layer 4 and another predetermined constant potential different from this in a cycle. (A signal that changes every frame period or every field period) is applied.

  In the above configuration, a region overlapping the pixel electrode 8 and the colored layer 13 in a plane forms one subpixel SG. In this example, the sub pixel SG corresponding to the R colored layer 13R, the sub pixel SG corresponding to the G colored layer 13G, and the sub pixel SG corresponding to the B colored layer 13B One pixel G is configured with the unit as one unit. Further, a region where the pixels G are arranged in a matrix forms a display region V (see FIG. 3) that contributes to image display.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the liquid crystal display panel 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the liquid crystal display panel 50.

  In the display region V of the liquid crystal device 100, a plurality of pixels G are arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of data lines 5 and a plurality of scanning lines 6 are arranged in a grid.

  The pixel G includes three sub-pixels SG that output light of different colors, for example, light of each color of R, G, and B, as shown in a one-dot chain line region. The three sub display pixels SG constituting the pixel G, that is, the subpixels SG of R, G, and B, are arranged in this order along one direction (in this example, the extending direction of the scanning line 6).

  Each sub-pixel SG includes a pixel electrode 8 and a TFT element 9 for controlling the switching of the pixel electrode 8. In the TFT element 9, the source electrode 9 s is electrically connected to the data line 5, the gate electrode 9 g is electrically connected to the scanning line 6, and the drain electrode 9 d is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 8. It is connected.

  Each data line 5 supplies the image signals S1, S2,..., Sn supplied from the data line driving circuit 10 to the sub-pixels SG. The image signals S1, S2,..., Sn may be supplied line-sequentially in this order, or may be supplied for each group to the scanning lines 6 adjacent to each other. Each scanning line 6 supplies scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gm supplied from the scanning line driving circuit 11 to the sub-pixels SG. The scanning signals G1, G2,..., Gm are applied to the scanning line 6 in a pulse-sequential manner in this order in a pulsed manner at a predetermined timing.

  According to the above configuration, the image signals S1, S2,..., Sn written to the liquid crystal layer 4 through the pixel electrode 8 are held for a certain period with the common electrode 17 provided on the color filter substrate 32. The As a result, the display state of the liquid crystal layer 4 is switched to the non-display state or the intermediate display state, and the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 4 is controlled. Thereby, a desired color image can be displayed in the display region V.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the illumination device 51 includes a support member (housing) 21, an optical unit 22, a spacer 25, and an optical member. Here, the optical member includes a diffusion plate 26, a plurality of diffusion sheets 27, and the like.

  The support member 21 includes a first support member 21a having a plate-like shape, and a second support member 21b extending obliquely outward from the outer peripheral portion of the first support member 21a and toward the diffusion plate 26. Have. The optical unit 22 is disposed on the surface of the first support member 21a on the liquid crystal display panel 50 side. The second support member 21b supports the diffusion plate 26 and the diffusion sheet 27 together with the spacer 25 while keeping the distance d1 between the diffusion plate 26 and the light source 24 constant. In a suitable example, it is preferable that at least the second support member 21b among the elements constituting the support member 21 is formed of a reflective material such as aluminum or silver. Thereby, a part of the light L emitted from each light source 24 that is not emitted to the diffusion plate 26 side can be returned (reflected) to the diffusion plate 26, and the light use efficiency can be enhanced.

  The optical unit 22 includes a substrate (for example, a printed circuit board) 23 and a plurality of light sources 24 typified by light emitting diodes. The substrate 23 has a role as a medium for supplying power to the plurality of light sources 24 and a role for holding the plurality of light sources 24. The light sources 24 are, for example, arranged in a distributed manner with respect to the surface of the substrate 23 on the liquid crystal display panel 50 side (hereinafter referred to as “light source mounting surface”) 23a. In a preferred example, the light sources 24 are arranged in a matrix with respect to the light source mounting surface 23a of the substrate 23 in order to ensure luminance uniformity. The plurality of light sources 24 irradiate the light L toward the diffusion plate 26. Note that a reflective member is preferably disposed on the light source mounting surface 23 a of the substrate 23. Thereby, a part of the light L emitted from each light source 24 that is not emitted to the diffusion plate 26 side can be returned (reflected) to the diffusion plate 26, and the light use efficiency can be enhanced. As the reflective member, for example, it may be colored white by silk printing, or a reflective white sheet may be arranged.

  The spacer 25 is made of, for example, a white material in order to improve light diffusibility, and at least one spacer 25 is provided between the substrate 23 and the diffusion plate 26. The spacer 25 is a protruding or columnar member, and is provided so as to stand up from the light source mounting surface 23 a of the substrate 23 toward the diffusion plate 26. In a preferred example, the spacer 25 preferably has a polygonal pyramid or conical shape. The spacer 25 is preferably formed of resin or the like. The surface of the spacer 25 opposite to the light source mounting surface 23a is in contact with the surface 26a of the diffusion plate 26 on the light source 24 side. The region 25x of the spacer 25 that contacts the surface 26a on the light source 24 side of the diffusion plate 26 has a substantially circular planar shape having a radius r. Thereby, the spacer 25 has a role of keeping the distance d <b> 1 between the diffusion plate 26 and the light source 24 together with the support member 21. Note that the distance d1 between the light source 24 and the diffusion plate 26 can be kept more constant by increasing the number of spacers 25 provided in the illumination device 51. The arrangement position of the spacer 25 with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 50 will be described later.

  The diffusion plate 26 has a role of diffusing the light L emitted from each light source 24 toward the diffusion sheet 27. Examples of the diffusion plate 26 include a white member and a member having irregularities formed on the surface. The diffusion plate 26 is supported by the outer peripheral portion of the second support member 21 b of the support member 21 and the spacer 25. Therefore, a space E having a certain distance d1 is formed between the diffusion plate 26 and each light source 24. Thus, the reason why the constant distance d1 is formed between the diffusion plate 26 and each light source 24 is that the light L having directivity emitted from each light source 24 is easily diffused to the liquid crystal display panel 50 side. It is to do.

  The diffusion sheet 27 is a sheet-like member that diffuses light. At least one (two in this example) is provided, and is disposed on the liquid crystal display panel 50 side of the diffusion plate 26.

  In the present invention, the illumination device 51 may be provided with another optical member, such as a prism sheet for condensing light diffused by the diffusion plate 26 or the like in a specific direction.

  In the liquid crystal device 100 having the above configuration, the light L emitted from the plurality of light sources 24 is diffused by passing through the diffusion plate 26 and the plurality of diffusion sheets 27 as shown by broken line arrows in FIG. The emitted light L is emitted toward the display area V of the liquid crystal display panel 50. At this time, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 4 is controlled in the liquid crystal display panel 50, and a desired color display image is visually recognized by an observer.

(Spacer arrangement structure for the liquid crystal display panel)
Next, an arrangement structure of the spacers 25 with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 50 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, problems caused by the relative positional relationship between the liquid crystal display panel and the spacer will be described.

  For example, when the spacer is arranged at a position that overlaps the area of the subpixel SG in a plane, the display in the area that overlaps the portion of the spacer in contact with the diffusion plate in the subpixel SG is compared to the other areas. It will be dark. This is because the light emitted from the light source is diffusely reflected when it hits the outer peripheral surface of the spacer, and the amount of light obtained from the light source is reduced at the portion of the spacer in contact with the diffusion plate. In particular, when a spacer is arranged for the sub-pixel SG related to the G (green) colored layer 13 that is easy for humans to detect, such a phenomenon appears remarkably. Therefore, depending on the arrangement position of the spacer with respect to the display panel, there is a problem that such a problem occurs and the display quality is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the spacer 25 is arranged at a position that does not adversely affect the display quality. Specifically, the sensitivity of the human eye (that is, visibility) varies depending on each wavelength in the visible light region. More specifically, the visibility of the human eye is generally highest for G (green) light, and then decreases in the order of R (red) and B (blue).

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the region 25x that contacts the diffusion plate 26 of the spacer 25 is a region that does not adversely affect the display quality in the illumination device 51, for example, a region between the subpixels SG ( That is, among the sub-pixels SG related to the light-shielding layer BM region and the colored layers 13R, 13G, and 13B of each color of R, G, and B, the sub-color related to the colored layer 13B of B-color that transmits light having the shortest wavelength. The pixel SG (or the sub-pixel SG having the lowest visibility) is arranged in a region overlapping with each other in a plane. In this case, the region between the sub-pixels SG may be a region between the sub-pixels SG in one pixel G, or may be a region between the sub-pixels SG included in different adjacent pixels G. There may be.

  As a result, the spacer 25 can be made inconspicuous in the sub-pixel SG or the like related to the colored layer 13B of B color, so that the spacer 25 is hardly detected by the user's vision. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration in display quality such as luminance unevenness and chromaticity unevenness caused by the spacer 25. In the case of this configuration, the spacer 25 can be made inconspicuous as much as possible by overlapping the region 25x of the spacer 25 that abuts the diffusion plate 26 with the light shielding layer BM that does not contribute to display. As a result, the spacer 25 becomes more difficult to be detected by the user's vision.

  In a preferred example, the radius r of the region 25x of the spacer 25 that contacts the surface 26a of the diffuser plate 26 on the light source 24 side is preferably smaller than 1/3 of the pixel pitch (size) p of the pixel G. For example, in a 37-inch full high-definition television, the pixel pitch p of the pixels G is about 0.4 mm. In this case, the radius of the region 25x of the spacer 25 that contacts the surface 26a on the light source 24 side of the diffusion plate 26 r is preferably smaller than (0.4 × 1/3). Thereby, the size occupied by the spacer 25 with respect to the size of the sub-pixel SG can be reduced, and the spacer 25 can be made inconspicuous. As a result, the spacer 25 becomes more difficult to be detected by the user's vision.

  In the present invention, the entire spacer 25 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the entire area of the spacer 25 in the illumination device 51 (that is, the region of the light shielding layer BM) or each color of R, G, and B Among the sub-pixels SG related to the colored layers 13R, 13G, and 13B, the sub-pixel SG may be disposed in a region overlapping with the sub-pixel SG related to the colored layer 13B of B color that transmits light having the shortest wavelength. In particular, if the entire spacer 25 is arranged in a position overlapping the area between the sub-pixels SG (that is, the area of the light shielding layer BM) in the illumination device 51, the spacer 25 is viewed from the display side of the liquid crystal device 100. Thus, the light shielding layer BM covers the surface. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display quality from being deteriorated due to the spacer 25.

  Alternatively, in the present invention, the spacer 25 relates to the first sub-pixel (for example, the sub-pixel SG related to the colored layer 13R of R color) and the second sub-pixel (for example, related to the colored layer 13B of B color). You may contact | abut to the diffuser plate 26 in the position which overlaps at least any one among the area | region between subpixels formed between subpixel SG), and the said 2nd subpixel.

  In a preferred example, the spacer 25 is in contact with the diffusion plate 26 at a position overlapping with the first sub-pixel, and the overlapping area between the first sub-pixel and the spacer 25 is the same as that of the second sub-pixel. It is preferably smaller than the sum of the overlapping area of the spacer 25 and the overlapping area of the inter-subpixel region and the spacer 25. For example, the spacer 25 may be disposed across the sub pixel SG related to the R colored layer 13R, the light shielding layer BM, and the sub pixel SG related to the B colored layer 13B. In this case, the spacer 25 has a configuration in which it overlaps more in plan with respect to the sub-pixel SG related to the light-shielding layers BM and B-color coloring layer 13B than to the sub-pixel SG related to the R-color coloring layer 13R. Is preferred. Thereby, the spacer 25 can be made inconspicuous, and as a result, the spacer 25 becomes harder to be detected by the user's vision.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a configuration of a liquid crystal device 100a including the liquid crystal display panel 50a according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional configuration of a liquid crystal device 100a including the liquid crystal display panel 50a according to the second embodiment corresponding to FIG. 1, and in particular, a cross-sectional view cut at a position passing through the opening 15a of the reflective layer 15. Indicates. FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional configuration of the liquid crystal device 100 a corresponding to FIG. 4A, and particularly shows a cross-sectional view cut at a position passing through the spacer 25. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an essential part showing the configuration of the liquid crystal display panel 50a corresponding to FIG.

  The second embodiment is different in that the spacer arrangement structure of the present invention is applied to a transflective liquid crystal device, and is otherwise the same. Therefore, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the element same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  In the liquid crystal device 100a according to the second embodiment, in the array substrate 31a, an area that overlaps with the subpixel SG in a plane and between the pixel electrode 8 and the substrate body 2 is exposed to natural light, illumination light, or the like. A reflective layer 15 is further provided that reflects light toward the colored layer 13 side. The reflective layer 15 is made of, for example, aluminum or silver. The reflection layer 15 is provided with an opening 15 a that transmits the light L emitted from the illumination device 51 toward the color filter substrate 32.

  According to this configuration, in the reflective display mode applied in a dark place, the external light incident on the liquid crystal device 100a passes through the colored layer 13 and is disposed on the opposite side of the colored layer 13 from the observation side. The reflected light Lr passes through the colored layer 13 again and reaches the observation side. On the other hand, in the transmissive display mode applied in a bright place, the light Lt emitted from the illuminating device 51 passes through the opening 15a of the reflective layer 15 and further passes through the colored layer 13 only once to reach the observation side. . Thus, in the liquid crystal device 100a according to the second embodiment, display is performed in one of the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode according to the ambient brightness.

  In the liquid crystal device 100a according to the second embodiment, the spacer 25 is disposed in a region where the display quality is not adversely affected in the lighting device 51 for the same purpose as in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the illuminating device 51 according to the second embodiment, the spacer 25 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the opening 15 a of the reflective layer 15 in a plane, that is, a position that overlaps the reflection layer 15. In this example, the spacer 25 is a position that does not overlap the opening 15a of the reflective layer 15 in a planar manner, and is planar with each of the sub-pixel SG related to the colored layer 13R, the sub-pixel SG related to the colored layer 13G, and the light shielding layer BM. It is arranged at the position that overlaps.

  Thereby, the spacer 25 is covered with the reflective layer 15 when viewed from the display side of the liquid crystal device 100a. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in display quality such as luminance unevenness and chromaticity unevenness caused by the spacer 25.

  Further, by arranging the spacer 25 at such a position, the size of the spacer 25, for example, the radius r of the region 25x of the spacer 25 that contacts the surface 26a on the light source 24 side of the diffusion plate 26 can be made larger than in the first embodiment. It becomes possible to enlarge. As a result, the diffusion plate 26 can be supported more stably, and as a result, the light L from the light source 24 can be more appropriately diffused.

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the liquid crystal devices 100 and 100a according to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the second embodiment, a transflective liquid crystal device in which a transmissive region is formed by providing an opening 15a in the reflective layer 15 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the present invention, the reflective layer 15 is provided. A transflective liquid crystal device that is formed in a stripe shape and in which a transmission region is formed in the gap portion of the stripe-shaped reflection layer 15 may be used. In this case, in order to prevent the display quality from being deteriorated due to the spacer 25, the spacer 25 is disposed at a position overlapping the stripe-shaped reflective layer 15 in a plane.

  In the first and second embodiments, the light emitting diode is disposed as the light source. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which a fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode tube is disposed. is there.

[Electronics]
Next, a specific example of an electronic apparatus including any one of the liquid crystal devices 100 and 100a including the illumination device according to the first or second embodiment described above (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid crystal device 1000” as a representative) will be described with reference to FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, an example in which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied to a display unit of a portable personal computer (so-called notebook personal computer) will be described. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the configuration of this personal computer. As shown in the figure, a personal computer 710 includes a main body 712 having a keyboard 711 and a display 713 to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied.

  Next, an example in which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied to a display unit of a mobile phone will be described. FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the configuration of this mobile phone. As shown in the figure, a cellular phone 720 includes a plurality of operation buttons 721, a reception port 722, a transmission port 723, and a display unit 724 to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention is applied.

  Note that examples of the electronic apparatus to which the liquid crystal device 1000 according to the present invention can be applied include a liquid crystal television and a viewfinder type in addition to the personal computer shown in FIG. 6A and the mobile phone shown in FIG. Monitor direct-view video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, digital still cameras, etc.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a liquid crystal device including an illumination device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The principal part top view which shows the pixel structure of the array substrate which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment. The various sectional views showing the composition of the liquid crystal device concerning a 2nd embodiment. The principal part top view which shows the pixel structure of the array substrate which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electronic device including the liquid crystal device of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

  8 pixel electrode, 13 colored layer, 22 optical unit, 23 substrate (base material), 24 light source, 25 spacer, 25x spacer region, 26 diffuser plate (optical member), 31, 31a array substrate, 32 color filter substrate, 50 , 50a liquid crystal display panel, 51 illumination device, 100, 100a liquid crystal device, BM shading layer, SG sub-pixel, G pixel, V display area

Claims (8)

A light source;
An optical member disposed on the light output side of the light source;
A spacer for maintaining a distance between the light source and the optical member;
An electro-optical panel that is disposed opposite to the optical member and includes a plurality of sub-pixels.
The plurality of sub-pixels include: a first sub-pixel that transmits first color light; and a second sub-pixel that transmits second color light having a wavelength shorter than that of the first color light.
The spacer is disposed at a position that overlaps at least one of the inter-subpixel region formed between the first subpixel and the second subpixel, and the second subpixel. An electro-optical device that is in contact with the electro-optical device. The spacer is in contact with the optical member at a position overlapping the first sub-pixel;
The overlapping area of the first subpixel and the spacer is smaller than the sum of the overlapping area of the second subpixel and the spacer and the overlapping area of the intersubpixel region and the spacer. The electro-optical device according to claim 1.   The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein a light shielding layer is disposed in a region between the sub-pixels.   The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second color light is blue color light.   The radius of the part of the spacer which contacts the optical member is smaller than 1/3 of the pixel pitch of the pixel configured by the plurality of sub-pixels. Electro-optic device. A light source;
An optical member disposed on the light output side of the light source;
A spacer for maintaining a distance between the light source and the optical member;
An electro-optical panel that is disposed opposite to the optical member and includes a plurality of sub-pixels.
The plurality of sub-pixels include a reflective layer at least partially overlapping each of the plurality of sub-pixels in a plane,
The electro-optical device, wherein the spacer is in contact with the optical member at a position overlapping the reflective layer.   The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein at least one spacer is provided for the optical member.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 1 as a display unit.

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