JP2010072482A - Display element and electronic equipment using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display element with superior reliability that prevents a dielectric layer from peeling caused by a dot defect even when the dielectric layer having the dot defect, and electronic equipment using the same. <P>SOLUTION: The display element including an upper substrate (first substrate), a lower substrate 3 (second substrate), and a conductive liquid sealed in a space for display formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate 3 to move to an effective display area side or ineffective display area side includes a signal electrode (first electrode) 4, a reference electrode 5, and a scanning electrode 6 (second electrode). Further, the reference electrode 5 and scanning electrode 6 are provided with main electrode portions 5b and 6b, and crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c which cross the signal electrode 4 and is smaller in size than the main electrode portions 5b and 6b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display element that displays information such as images and characters by moving a conductive liquid, and an electric device using the display element.

  In recent years, as represented by an electrowetting type display element, a display element has been developed and put into practical use to display information by utilizing a phenomenon of movement of a conductive liquid by an external electric field.

Specifically, in the conventional display element as described above, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a high surface energy plate provided so as to be in contact with a droplet (conductive liquid); By interposing a low surface energy insulator, an electrode is provided that is electrically insulated from the droplet and the high surface energy plate. In this conventional display element, the high surface energy plate is disposed between the electrode and the electrode. By applying a voltage to the liquid crystal, it was possible to change the shape of the droplet and change the display color on the display surface side to display information.
JP-A-10-39800

  By the way, in the conventional display element as described above, an electrode is formed on a substrate, and a low surface energy insulator (dielectric layer) is provided by using, for example, sputtering so as to cover the electrode. In this conventional display element, a high surface energy plate (electrode) is formed on the low surface energy insulator so as to face the electrode by using, for example, vapor deposition.

  However, in the conventional display device as described above, when the low surface energy insulator is not normally formed, for example, when a pinhole (point defect) is generated in the low surface energy insulator, the point defect is reduced. The surface energy insulator was damaged, and the high surface energy plate was also damaged. Specifically, when a point defect is generated in the low surface energy insulator, the electrode on the substrate and the high surface energy plate are electrically connected via the point defect, and the electrode and the high surface An electrochemical reaction occurred with the energy plate. As a result, in the conventional display element, a metal from the electrode is deposited between the low surface energy insulator and the substrate, and a part of the low surface energy insulator may be peeled off from the substrate. For this reason, damage such as breakage of the high surface energy plate occurred in accordance with the peeling of the low surface energy insulator. As a result, in the conventional display element, the conductive liquid cannot be deformed (moved), information cannot be displayed, and reliability may be lowered.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a highly reliable display element capable of preventing the dielectric layer from peeling off due to the point defect even when the dielectric layer has a point defect. And it aims at providing the electric equipment using the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the display element according to the present invention is configured such that a predetermined display space is formed between the first substrate provided on the display surface side and the first substrate. A second substrate provided on the non-display surface side of the first substrate, and a conductive liquid movably enclosed in the display space, and the conductive liquid is moved. By the display element configured to be able to change the display color on the display surface side,
A first electrode disposed on one side of the first and second substrates inside the display space and a dielectric layer so as to come into contact with the conductive liquid, and the first dielectric layer are interposed. A second electrode provided on one side of the first and second substrates so as to intersect the electrode and electrically insulated from the conductive liquid and the first electrode With
On one side of the first and second electrodes, there is a crossed electrode portion that intersects with the main electrode portion and the other side of the first and second electrodes and is smaller in size than the main electrode portion. It is characterized by being provided.

  In the display element configured as described above, a main electrode portion and a cross electrode portion whose size is smaller than that of the main electrode portion are provided on one side of the first and second electrodes. The intersecting electrode portion is configured to intersect the other side of the first and second electrodes with a dielectric layer interposed therebetween. As a result, the area of the first and second electrodes intersecting each other can be reduced by interposing the dielectric layer. Therefore, unlike the conventional example, even when a point defect occurs in the dielectric layer, it is possible to prevent the dielectric layer from peeling off due to the point defect. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electrode on the dielectric layer from being damaged due to the peeling of the dielectric layer, and a display element having excellent reliability can be configured.

  Moreover, in the display element, it is preferable that the cross electrode portion is constituted by a linear electrode member.

  In this case, the area of the first and second electrodes intersecting each other can be surely reduced, and the dielectric layer can be reliably prevented from being peeled off, and a highly reliable display element can be easily configured. be able to.

  In the display element, a plurality of linear electrode members may be used for the cross electrode portion.

  In this case, the conductive liquid can be moved in a more stable state while reliably preventing the dielectric layer from peeling off.

  In the display element, it is preferable that the main electrode portion includes two main electrode members, and the cross electrode portion is provided between the two main electrode members.

  In this case, the first and second electrodes intersect at the center of the display space, and the conductive liquid can be moved more stably.

  In the display element, two linear electrode members provided in parallel to each other so as to sandwich the main electrode portion may be used on the other side of the first and second electrodes.

  In this case, the conductive liquid is moved between the two linear electrode members, and the movement of the conductive liquid can be performed in a more stable state.

  In the display element, it is preferable that the terminal portions of the two linear electrode members are connected to each other by a terminal connection member.

  In this case, even when disconnection or the like occurs in one of the two linear electrode members, the adverse effect can be eliminated and the conductive liquid can be appropriately moved.

In the display element, the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on one side of the set effective display area side and the non-effective display area side with respect to the display space. A reference electrode provided on one side of the two substrates, and in a state of being electrically insulated from the reference electrode so as to be installed on the other side of the effective display region side and the non-effective display region side A scanning electrode provided on one side of the first and second substrates is provided;
It is preferable to change the display color on the display surface side by moving the conductive liquid to the effective display area side or the ineffective display area side.

  In this case, it is possible to easily increase the switching speed of the display color on the display surface side.

In the display element, the plurality of signal electrodes are provided along a predetermined arrangement direction,
The plurality of reference electrodes and the plurality of scanning electrodes are provided alternately with each other and intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes,
A signal voltage applying unit that is connected to the plurality of signal electrodes and applies a signal voltage within a predetermined voltage range to each of the plurality of signal electrodes in accordance with information displayed on the display surface side; ,
A selection voltage that is connected to the plurality of reference electrodes and that allows the conductive liquid to move within the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of reference electrodes; A reference voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space;
A selection voltage connected to the plurality of scan electrodes and allowing the conductive liquid to move in the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of scan electrodes; It is preferable that a scanning voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space is provided.

  In this case, a matrix drive type display element having excellent display quality can be easily configured.

Further, in the display element, a plurality of pixel regions are provided on the display surface side,
Preferably, each of the plurality of pixel regions is provided in a unit of intersection of the signal electrode and the scanning electrode, and in each pixel region, the display space is partitioned by a partition wall.

  In this case, the display color on the display surface side can be changed in units of pixels by moving the conductive liquid in each of the plurality of pixels on the display surface side.

  In the display element, the plurality of pixel regions may be provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side.

  In this case, color images can be displayed by appropriately moving the corresponding conductive liquid in each of the plurality of pixels.

In the display element, the ineffective display area is set by a light shielding film provided on one side of the first and second substrates,
The effective display area is preferably set by an opening formed in the light shielding film.

  In this case, the effective display area and the ineffective display area can be appropriately and reliably set for the display space.

  In the display element, it is preferable that an insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid is sealed in the display space so as to be movable in the display space.

  In this case, it is possible to easily increase the moving speed of the conductive liquid.

The electrical device of the present invention is an electrical device including a display unit that displays information including characters and images,
Any one of the display elements described above is used for the display portion.

  In the electrical equipment configured as described above, even when a point defect is generated in the dielectric layer, it is possible to prevent the dielectric layer from being peeled off due to the point defect and display with excellent reliability. Since the element is used for the display portion, a high-performance electric device including the display portion having excellent display quality can be easily configured.

  According to the present invention, even when a point defect is generated in the dielectric layer, the display element having excellent reliability capable of preventing the dielectric layer from peeling off due to the point defect, and It is possible to provide the used electrical equipment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a display element and an electric device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus including a display unit capable of displaying a color image display will be described as an example. Moreover, the dimension of the structural member in each figure does not faithfully represent the actual dimension of the structural member, the dimensional ratio of each structural member, or the like.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining a display element and an image display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the image display apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a display unit using the display element 10 of the present invention is provided, and a rectangular display surface is configured in the display unit. That is, the display element 10 includes an upper substrate 2 and a lower substrate 3 arranged so as to overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. An effective display area on the display surface is formed (details will be described later).

  In the display element 10, the plurality of signal electrodes 4 are provided in stripes along the X direction at predetermined intervals. In the display element 10, a plurality of reference electrodes 5 and a plurality of scanning electrodes 6 are provided alternately in a stripe pattern along the Y direction. The plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scan electrodes 6 are provided so as to intersect with each other. In the display element 10, the signal electrodes 4 and the scan electrodes 6 are in units of intersections. A plurality of pixel areas are set. The signal electrode 4 constitutes a first electrode, and the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 constitute a second electrode, both of which are provided on the lower substrate 3 side with a dielectric layer to be described later interposed therebetween. ing.

  The plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scan electrodes 6 are independently of each other a high voltage (hereinafter referred to as “H voltage”) as a first voltage and a second voltage. A voltage within a predetermined voltage range between the low voltage and the low voltage (hereinafter referred to as “L voltage”) can be applied (details will be described later).

  Further, in the display element 10, as described in detail later, the plurality of pixel regions are partitioned by a partition wall, and the plurality of pixel regions correspond to a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. Are provided respectively. In the display element 10, a conductive liquid described later is moved by an electrowetting phenomenon for each of a plurality of pixels (display cells) provided in a matrix so as to change the display color on the display surface side. It has become.

  Further, in the plurality of signal electrodes 4, the plurality of reference electrodes 5, and the plurality of scanning electrodes 6, one end side is drawn out to the outside of the effective display area of the display surface to form terminal portions 4a, 5a, and 6a. ing.

  A signal driver 7 is connected to each terminal portion 4a of the plurality of signal electrodes 4 via a wiring 7a. The signal driver 7 constitutes a signal voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the signal driver 7 responds to the information for each of the plurality of signal electrodes 4. The signal voltage Vd is applied.

  Further, a reference driver 8 is connected to each terminal portion 5a of the plurality of reference electrodes 5 via a wiring 8a. The reference driver 8 constitutes a reference voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the reference driver 8 applies the reference voltage Vr to each of the plurality of reference electrodes 5. Is applied.

  A scanning driver 9 is connected to each terminal portion 6a of the plurality of scanning electrodes 6 via a wiring 9a. The scanning driver 9 constitutes a scanning voltage application unit. When the image display device 1 displays information including characters and images on the display surface, the scanning voltage Vs is applied to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes 6. Is applied.

  The scan driver 9 also selects a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving with respect to each of the plurality of scan electrodes 6 and a selection that allows the conductive liquid to move according to the signal voltage Vd. One of the voltages is applied as the scanning voltage Vs. The reference driver 8 is configured to operate with reference to the operation of the scanning driver 9, and the reference driver 8 prevents the conductive liquid from moving with respect to the plurality of reference electrodes 5. One voltage of the non-selection voltage and the selection voltage that allows the conductive liquid to move according to the signal voltage Vd is applied as the reference voltage Vr.

  In the image display device 1, the scanning driver 9 sequentially applies the selection voltage to the scanning electrodes 6 from the left side to the right side of FIG. 1, for example, and the reference driver 8 is synchronized with the operation of the scanning driver 9. The scanning operation is performed for each line by sequentially applying a selection voltage to the scanning electrodes 6 from the left side to the right side of 1 (details will be described later).

  The signal driver 7, the reference driver 8, and the scanning driver 9 include a DC power supply or an AC power supply, and supply corresponding signal voltage Vd, reference voltage Vr, and scanning voltage Vs. .

  The reference driver 8 is configured to switch the polarity of the reference voltage Vr every predetermined time (for example, one frame). Further, the scanning driver 9 is configured to switch each polarity of the scanning voltage Vs in response to switching of the polarity of the reference voltage Vr. Thus, since the polarities of the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs are switched every predetermined time, the reference voltages Vr and the scanning electrode 6 are compared with the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 when the same polarity voltage is always applied. It is possible to prevent localization of electric charges at the electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent adverse effects of display defects (afterimage phenomenon) and reliability (lifetime reduction) due to charge localization.

  Here, the pixel structure of the display element 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  2 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration of a main part on the upper substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the display surface side, and FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the non-display surface side. It is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of a lower substrate. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the configuration of the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion shown in FIG. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are cross-sectional views showing the main configuration of the display element shown in FIG. 1 during non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the display element when viewed in the direction of the arrow VI shown in FIG. 2 and 3, for simplification of the drawings, of the plurality of pixels provided on the display surface, twelve pixels disposed at the upper left end portion of FIG. 1 are illustrated. .

  2 to 6, the display element 10 includes the upper substrate 2 as the first substrate provided on the display surface side, and the second substrate provided on the back side (non-display surface side) of the upper substrate 2. The lower substrate 3 as a substrate is provided. In the display element 10, the upper substrate 2 and the lower substrate 3 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, so that a predetermined display space S is formed between the upper substrate 2 and the lower substrate 3. . Further, in the display space S, the conductive liquid 16 and the insulating oil 17 not mixed with the conductive liquid 16 are placed in the display space S in the X direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 4). The conductive liquid 16 can move to the effective display region P1 side or the non-effective display region P2 side described later.

  As the conductive liquid 16, for example, an aqueous solution containing water as a solvent and a predetermined electrolyte as a solute is used. Specifically, for example, an aqueous solution of 1 mmol / L potassium chloride (KCl) is used for the conductive liquid 16. In addition, as the conductive liquid 16, for example, a liquid colored black with a self-dispersing pigment is used.

  Further, since the conductive liquid 16 is colored in black, the conductive liquid 16 functions as a shutter that allows or blocks light transmission in each pixel. That is, in each pixel of the display element 10, as will be described in detail later, the conductive liquid 16 is disposed inside the display space S on the reference electrode 5 side (effective display region P 1 side) or on the scanning electrode 6 side (non-effective display region). The display color is changed to either black or RGB by sliding to (P2 side).

  The oil 17 is a non-polar, colorless and transparent oil composed of one or more selected from, for example, side chain higher alcohol, side chain higher fatty acid, alkane hydrocarbon, silicone oil, and matching oil. It has been. The oil 17 moves in the display space S as the conductive liquid 16 slides.

  For the upper substrate 2, a transparent transparent sheet material such as a transparent glass material such as an alkali-free glass substrate or a transparent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin is used. A color filter layer 11 is formed on the surface of the upper substrate 2 on the non-display surface side. On the non-display surface side surface of the color filter layer 11, ribs 14a and 14b are provided so as to be parallel to the Y direction and the X direction, respectively. Further, in the upper substrate 2, a water repellent film 12 is provided so as to cover the color filter layer 11 and the ribs 14a and 14b.

  Further, similarly to the upper substrate 2, the lower substrate 3 is made of a transparent glass material such as a non-alkali glass substrate or a transparent transparent sheet material such as a transparent synthetic resin such as an acrylic resin. Further, the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 are provided on the surface of the lower substrate 3 on the display surface side, and a dielectric layer 13 is formed so as to cover the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6. Yes. Further, a water repellent film 15 is provided so as to cover the dielectric layer 13, and the signal electrode 4 is formed on the water repellent film 15.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the reference electrode 5 is provided with a main electrode portion 5b and a cross electrode portion 5c having a size smaller than that of the main electrode portion 5b. Similarly, the scanning electrode 6 is provided with a main electrode portion 6b and a cross electrode portion 6c having a size smaller than that of the main electrode portion 6b. Further, these main electrode portions 5b and 6b are provided at the center of a pixel region P, which will be described later, and the cross electrode portions 5c and 6c are provided at the end of the pixel region P. The intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c are installed so as to intersect the signal electrode 4 inside the pixel region P with the dielectric layer 13 interposed therebetween.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the same square planar electrode member is used for the main electrode portions 5 b and 6 b. Moreover, the same linear electrode member is used for the crossing electrode parts 5c and 6c, and the crossing electrode parts 5c and 6c are connected to the center part of the main electrode parts 5b and 6b in the X direction, and Y It is provided so as to be parallel to the direction. The intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c intersect with the signal electrode 4 constituted by linear electrode members.

The dimension a of each side of the main electrode portions 5b and 6b is a value of about 600 to 900 μm, for example, 900 μm. Further, the dimension b (that is, the dimension intersecting with the signal electrode 4) in each X direction of the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c is a value within a range of 150 to 15 μm, for example. The dimension c in the Y direction of the signal electrode 4 (that is, the dimension intersecting with the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c) is, for example, 30 μm. Therefore, the area of each intersecting region between the signal electrode 4 and the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c is 4.5 × 10 ^{3 to} 4.5 × 10 ² μm ² .

Here, when the signal electrode 4 intersects with the main electrode portions 5b and 6b, the area of each intersecting region between the signal electrode 4 and the main electrode portions 5b and 6b is 2.7 × 10 ⁴ μm. ² . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the signal electrode 4 intersects the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 by intersecting the signal electrode 4 with the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c having dimensions smaller than the main electrode portions 5b and 6b. The area of the region can be reduced by a value within the range of 17 to 2%.

  Note that the distance d from the main electrode portions 5b and 6b is, for example, 15 μm. Further, each separation dimension e between the signal electrode 4 and the main electrode portions 5b and 6b is, for example, a value within a range of 30 to 150 μm.

  In addition, a backlight 18 that emits white illumination light, for example, is integrally assembled on the back side (non-display surface side) of the lower substrate 3 to constitute a transmissive display element 10. The backlight 18 uses a light source such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube or an LED.

  The color filter layer 11 is provided with red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b, and a black matrix portion 11s as a light shielding film. The pixels of each color of RGB are configured. That is, in the color filter layer 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2, RGB color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b are sequentially provided along the X direction, and each of the four color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is Y. A total of 12 pixels are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, 3 pixels and 4 pixels.

  In the display element 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in each pixel region P, one of RGB color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is provided at a location corresponding to the effective display region P1 of the pixel. A black matrix portion 11s is provided at a location corresponding to the ineffective display area P2. That is, in the display element 10, an ineffective display region P2 (non-opening portion) is set for the display space S by the black matrix portion (light-shielding film) 11s, and an opening portion (non-opening portion) formed in the black matrix portion 11s ( That is, the effective display area P1 is set by any one of the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b).

  In the display element 10, the area of the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b is selected to be the same or slightly larger than the area of the effective display area P1. On the other hand, the area of the black matrix portion 11s is selected to be the same or slightly smaller than the area of the ineffective display area P2. In FIG. 2, in order to clarify the boundary between adjacent pixels, the boundary between the two black matrix portions 11s corresponding to the adjacent pixels is indicated by a dotted line, but the actual color filter layer 11 Then, there is no boundary line between the black matrix portions 11s.

  Further, in the display element 10, the display space S is divided in units of pixel regions P by the ribs 14 a and 14 b as the partition walls. That is, in the display element 10, the display space S of each pixel is partitioned by two ribs 14a facing each other and two ribs 14b facing each other, as illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, in the display element 10, the conductive liquid 16 is prevented from flowing into the display space S of the adjacent pixel region P by the ribs 14 a and 14 b. That is, for example, a photo-curing resin is used for the ribs 14a and 14b, and the color filter layer is used to prevent the conductive liquid 16 from flowing in and out between adjacent pixels. The protrusion height from 11 is determined.

  In addition to the above description, instead of the ribs 14a and 14b, for example, ribs configured in a frame shape on the upper substrate 2 may be provided for each pixel. Further, the end portions of the ribs configured in the frame shape may be brought into close contact with the lower substrate 3 side so that the adjacent pixel regions P are hermetically separated. When the tip of the rib is brought into close contact with the lower substrate 3 in this way, the signal electrode 4 may be installed inside the display space S by providing the signal electrode 4 so as to penetrate the rib.

  The water-repellent films 12 and 15 are made of a transparent synthetic resin, preferably, for example, a fluorine resin that becomes a hydrophilic layer with respect to the conductive liquid 16 when a voltage is applied. Thereby, in the display element 10, the wettability (contact angle) between the upper substrate 2 and the lower surface 3 and the conductive liquid 16 on each surface side on the display space S side can be greatly changed. The moving speed of the ionic liquid 16 can be increased. The dielectric layer 13 is made of a transparent dielectric film containing, for example, parylene, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or aluminum oxide.

For the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6, a transparent electrode material such as indium oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), or zinc oxide (AZO, GZO, or IZO) is used. Each of these reference electrodes 5 and each scanning electrode 6 is formed in a substantially strip shape on the lower substrate 3 as illustrated in FIG. 3 by a known film forming method such as sputtering.

  As described above, the signal electrode 4 uses a linear wiring arranged so as to be parallel to the X direction. The signal electrode 4 is configured to pass through the conductive liquid 16 and directly contact the conductive liquid 16. Thereby, in the display element 10, the responsiveness of the conductive liquid 16 during the display operation is improved.

  Further, a transparent water repellent film (not shown) made of, for example, a fluorine resin is laminated on the surface of the signal electrode 4 so that the conductive liquid 16 can be moved smoothly. However, this water-repellent film does not electrically insulate the signal electrode 4 and the conductive liquid 16, and does not hinder improvement in the response of the conductive liquid 16.

  The signal electrode 4 is made of a material that is electrochemically inactive with respect to the conductive liquid 16, and even when the signal voltage Vd (for example, 40 V) is applied to the signal electrode 4. In addition, it is configured so as not to cause an electrochemical reaction with the conductive liquid 16 as much as possible. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the electrolysis of the signal electrode 4 can be prevented, and the reliability and lifetime of the display element 10 can be improved.

  Specifically, for the signal electrode 4, an electrode material containing at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium is used. Further, the signal electrode 4 is an ink such as a conductive paste material containing a metal material on the color filter layer 11 by fixing a thin line made of the metal material on the color filter layer 11 or using a screen printing method or the like. It is formed by placing a material.

  Further, the shape of the signal electrode 4 is determined by using the transmittance of the reference electrode 5 provided below the effective display area P1 of the pixel. More specifically, in the signal electrode 4, the area occupied by the signal electrode 4 on the effective display region P 1 with respect to the area of the effective display region P 1 based on the transmittance of the reference electrode 5 of about 75% to 95%. Is 30% or less, preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and the shape of the signal electrode 4 is determined.

  In each pixel of the display element 10 configured as described above, when the conductive liquid 16 is held between the color filter portion 11r and the reference electrode 5 as illustrated in FIG. The light from 18 is shielded by the conductive liquid 16, and black display (non-CF color display) is performed. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the conductive liquid 16 is held between the black matrix portion 11 s and the scan electrode 6, light from the backlight 18 is blocked by the conductive liquid 16. Without passing through the color filter portion 11r, red display (CF color display) is performed.

  Here, the display operation of the image display apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the image display device.

  In FIG. 7, the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 select the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs as the reference voltage Vr and the scanning voltage Vs, respectively, for the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 in a predetermined scanning direction from the left side to the right side in FIG. Apply voltage sequentially. Specifically, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 sequentially apply an H voltage (first voltage) and an L voltage (second voltage) as selection voltages to the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, respectively. The scanning operation for selecting the line is performed. In this selection line, the signal driver 7 applies the H voltage or the L voltage as the signal voltage Vd to the corresponding signal electrode 4 according to the image input signal from the outside. Thereby, in each pixel of the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display area P1 side or the non-effective display area P2 side, and the display color on the display surface side is changed.

  On the other hand, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply the non-selection voltage as the reference voltage Vr and the scan voltage Vs to the non-selected lines, that is, all the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6, respectively. Specifically, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply an intermediate voltage (Middle) that is, for example, an intermediate voltage between the H voltage and the L voltage to the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6 as non-selection voltages. Voltage, hereinafter referred to as “M voltage”). Thereby, in each pixel of the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is stopped without causing unnecessary fluctuation on the effective display region P1 side or the non-effective display region P2 side, and the display color on the display surface side is not changed.

  When the display operation as described above is performed, combinations of voltages applied to the reference electrode 5, the scan electrode 6, and the signal electrode 4 are as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, as shown in Table 1, the behavior of the conductive liquid 16 and the display color on the display surface side are in accordance with the applied voltage. In Table 1, the H voltage, L voltage, and M voltage are abbreviated as “H”, “L”, and “M”, respectively (the same applies to Table 2 described later). In addition, specific values of the H voltage, the L voltage, and the M voltage are, for example, + 7V, −7V, and 0V, respectively.

<Operation on selected line>
In the selection line, for example, when an H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, an H voltage is applied between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4. There is no potential difference with the electrode 4. On the other hand, since the L voltage is applied to the scan electrode 6 between the signal electrode 4 and the scan electrode 6, a potential difference is generated. Therefore, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the scanning electrode 6 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the ineffective display area P <b> 2 side, and the oil 17 is moved to the reference electrode 5 side to illuminate from the backlight 18. The light is allowed to reach the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is in a red display (CF color display) state by the color filter unit 11r. Further, in the image display device 1, when the conductive liquid 16 moves to the ineffective display area P <b> 2 side in all three adjacent RGB pixels and the CF color display is performed, the RGB pixels are concerned. The red light, green light, and blue light from are mixed with white light, and white display is performed.

  On the other hand, when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the selection line, a potential difference is generated between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4, and between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6. No potential difference has occurred. Accordingly, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the reference electrode 5 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display region P1 side, and the illumination light from the backlight 18 is prevented from reaching the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is a black display (non-CF color display) by the conductive liquid 16.

<Operation on unselected lines>
In the non-selected line, for example, when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases. As a result, the display color is maintained unchanged from the current black display or CF color display.

  Similarly, even when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases.

  As described above, in the non-selected line, even when the signal electrode 4 is at either the H voltage or the L voltage, the conductive liquid 16 does not move but stops and displays on the display surface side. The color does not change.

  On the other hand, in the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved according to the voltage applied to the signal electrode 4 as described above, and the display color on the display surface side can be changed.

  Further, in the image display device 1, the display color at each pixel on the selected line is applied to the signal electrode 4 corresponding to each pixel, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 by the combination of the applied voltages shown in Table 1. Depending on the voltage, the color filter portions 11r, 11g, and 11b are CF colored (red, green, or blue) or the conductive liquid 16 is non-CF colored (black). Further, when the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 perform the scanning operation of the selection lines of the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 from the left to the right in FIG. 7, for example, each pixel on the display unit of the image display device 1 is scanned. The display color also changes sequentially from left to right in FIG. Therefore, by performing the scanning operation of the selected line by the reference driver 8 and the scanning driver 9 at high speed, the display color of each pixel on the display unit can be changed at high speed in the image display device 1. Furthermore, by applying the signal voltage Vd to the signal electrode 4 in synchronization with the scanning operation of the selected line, the image display apparatus 1 can perform various information including moving images based on an external image input signal. Can be displayed.

  Further, the combinations of voltages applied to the reference electrode 5, the scan electrode 6, and the signal electrode 4 are not limited to Table 1, but may be those shown in Table 2.

  That is, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 are, for example, in a predetermined scanning direction from the left side to the right side in the figure, with respect to the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 as L voltage (second voltage) and H as selection voltages. A scanning operation is performed in which a voltage (first voltage) is sequentially applied to select lines. In this selection line, the signal driver 7 applies the H voltage or the L voltage as the signal voltage Vd to the corresponding signal electrode 4 according to the image input signal from the outside.

  On the other hand, the reference driver 8 and the scan driver 9 apply the M voltage as the non-selection voltage to the non-selected lines, that is, all the remaining reference electrodes 5 and scan electrodes 6.

<Operation on selected line>
In the selection line, for example, when the L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the L voltage is applied between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4. There is no potential difference with the electrode 4. On the other hand, since the H voltage is applied to the scanning electrode 6 between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6, a potential difference is generated. Therefore, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the scanning electrode 6 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the ineffective display area P <b> 2 side, and the oil 17 is moved to the reference electrode 5 side to illuminate from the backlight 18. The light is allowed to reach the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is in a red display (CF color display) state by the color filter unit 11r. Similarly to the case shown in Table 1, when CF colored display is performed on all three adjacent RGB pixels, white display is performed.

  On the other hand, when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the selection line, a potential difference is generated between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4, and between the signal electrode 4 and the scanning electrode 6. No potential difference has occurred. Accordingly, the conductive liquid 16 moves in the display space S toward the reference electrode 5 where a potential difference is generated with respect to the signal electrode 4. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the conductive liquid 16 is moved to the effective display region P1 side, and the illumination light from the backlight 18 is prevented from reaching the color filter unit 11r. As a result, the display color on the display surface side is a black display (non-CF color display) by the conductive liquid 16.

<Operation on unselected lines>
In the non-selected line, for example, when an L voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases. As a result, the display color is maintained unchanged from the current black display or CF color display.

  Similarly, even when the H voltage is applied to the signal electrode 4 in the non-selected line, the conductive liquid 16 is maintained in a stationary state at the current position and is maintained at the current display color. That is, since the M voltage is applied to both the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6, the potential difference between the reference electrode 5 and the signal electrode 4 and the potential difference between the scan electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 are This is because the same potential difference occurs in both cases.

  As described above, even in the case shown in Table 2, as in the case shown in Table 1, in the non-selected line, even if the signal electrode 4 is either the H voltage or the L voltage, the conductive property The liquid 16 does not move, stops, and the display color on the display surface side does not change.

  On the other hand, in the selection line, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved according to the voltage applied to the signal electrode 4 as described above, and the display color on the display surface side can be changed.

  Further, in the image display device 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the combinations of applied voltages shown in Tables 1 and 2, the applied voltage to the signal electrode 4 is not limited to the binary value of the H voltage or the L voltage. The voltage between the H voltage and the L voltage can be changed according to information displayed on the display surface side. In other words, the image display device 1 can perform gradation display by controlling the signal voltage Vd. Thereby, the display element 10 excellent in display performance can be configured.

  In the display element 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the main electrode portions 5b and 6b, the main electrode portion 5b, the reference electrode 5 and the scan electrode 6 (one side of the first and second electrodes) are provided. Cross electrode portions 5c and 6c having dimensions smaller than 6b are provided. In the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c are configured to intersect the signal electrode (the other side of the first and second electrodes) 4 with the dielectric layer 13 interposed therebetween. ing. Thereby, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the area of the reference electrode 5, the scanning electrode 6, and the signal electrode 4 that intersect each other can be reduced by interposing the dielectric layer 13.

  Therefore, in the display element 10 of this embodiment, unlike the conventional example, even when a point defect is generated in the dielectric layer 13, the dielectric layer 13 is prevented from peeling off due to the point defect. be able to. As a result, in the display element 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the signal electrode 4 on the dielectric layer 13 from being damaged due to the peeling of the dielectric layer 13. That is, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the signal electrode 4 from being broken (disconnected) due to the above point defects, and in a plurality of pixels along the signal electrode 4, It is possible to prevent display defects such as lines and bright lines from occurring. Thereby, in this embodiment, the display element 10 excellent in reliability can be configured.

  In the present embodiment, since the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c are composed of linear electrode members, it is possible to reliably reduce the areas of the reference electrode 5, the scanning electrode 6 and the signal electrode 4 that intersect each other. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent the dielectric layer 13 from being peeled off and to easily configure the display element 10 having excellent reliability.

  Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the lower substrate (second substrate) 3 is arranged such that the plurality of reference electrodes 5 and the plurality of scanning electrodes 6 alternately intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes 4. On the side. Further, in the display element 10 of the present embodiment, the signal driver (signal voltage application unit) 7, the reference driver (reference voltage application unit) 8, and the scan driver (scan voltage application unit) 9 include the signal electrode 4, the reference electrode 5, The signal voltage Vd, the reference voltage Vr, and the scanning voltage Vs are applied to the scanning electrode 6. Thereby, in this embodiment, the matrix drive type display element 10 having excellent display quality can be easily configured.

  In addition to the above description, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a configuration may be employed in which crossed electrode portions 5c and 6c are provided at the left end portions of the main electrode portions 5b and 6b.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side when viewed from the non-display surface side in the display element according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the main difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that a plurality of linear electrode members are used for the cross electrode portion. In addition, about the element which is common in the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, each of the three crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c is provided so as to cross the signal electrode 4 inside the pixel region P. For each of these crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c, linear electrode members provided in parallel to the Y direction are used. In this embodiment, the crossing of the crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c and the signal electrode 4 is performed. The part is configured in a mesh shape.

In the present embodiment, in the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c, the dimension intersecting with the signal electrode 4 indicated by “b” in FIG. 4 is set to 15 μm, for example. Therefore, the area of each intersecting region between the signal electrode 4 and the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c is 3 × 4.5 × 10 ² μm ² . As a result, compared with the case where the signal electrode 4 intersects with the main electrode portions 5b and 6b, the area of each intersecting region of the signal electrode 4, the reference electrode 5 and the scanning electrode 6 can be reduced by 5%. .

  With the above configuration, the present embodiment can achieve the same operations and effects as the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, since three linear electrode members are used for the crossed electrode portions 5c and 6c, it is possible to reliably prevent the dielectric layer 13 from being peeled compared to the first embodiment. However, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved in a more stable state.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side when viewed from the non-display surface side in the display element according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that two linear electrode members provided in parallel to each other so as to sandwich the main electrode portion are used for the signal electrode. is there. In addition, about the element which is common in the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  That is, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the signal electrode 4 of the present embodiment includes a first signal electrode member 4 b and a second signal electrode member 4 b provided in parallel with each other inside the display space S on the lower substrate 3. 4c is included. One end portions of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are connected to the terminal portion 4a, and the other end portions (termination portion) sides of the first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are terminated. The members 4d are connected to each other. The first and second signal electrode members 4b and 4c are linear electrode members provided parallel to the X direction, and the terminal connection member 4d is a line provided parallel to the Y direction. A shaped electrode member is used.

  Further, the first and second signal electrode members 4 b and 4 c are provided along the moving direction of the conductive liquid 16 inside the display space S so as to sandwich the conductive liquid 16. And these 1st and 2nd signal electrode members 4b and 4c cross | intersect the cross electrode parts 5c and 6c inside the pixel area P, respectively.

  With the above configuration, the present embodiment can achieve the same operations and effects as the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the two signal electrode members (linear electrode members) 4b and 4c are provided so as to sandwich the main electrode portions 5b and 6b, the conductive liquid 16 contains the two signal electrode members 4b, 4c, and the movement of the conductive liquid 16 can be performed in a more stable state.

  In addition, since the terminal portions of the two signal electrode members 4b and 4c of the present embodiment are connected to each other by the terminal connection member 4d, even when a disconnection occurs in one of the signal electrode members 4b and 4c, The conductive liquid 16 can be appropriately moved while eliminating the adverse effect.

  In addition to the above description, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a configuration may be employed in which crossed electrode portions 5c and 6c are provided at the left end portions of the main electrode portions 5b and 6b.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side when viewed from the non-display surface side in the display element according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that two main electrode members are included in the main electrode portion, and a cross electrode portion is provided between the two main electrode members. is there. In addition, about the element which is common in the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the reference electrode 5 of the present embodiment, the main electrode portion provided in each pixel region P is configured by two main electrode members 5d. Further, in the reference electrode 5, the intersecting electrode portion 5 c is provided between the two main electrode members 5 d in parallel with the X direction so as to intersect the signal electrode 4 at the center portion in the Y direction of the pixel region P. It has become. Further, in the reference electrode 5, a connecting member 5 e made of a linear electrode member is provided between two adjacent pixel regions P in parallel to the Y direction. The connection member 5e connects the two main electrode members 5d provided in the two adjacent pixel regions P.

  Similarly, in the scanning electrode 6, the main electrode portion provided in each pixel region P is constituted by two main electrode members 6d. Further, in the scanning electrode 6, the intersecting electrode portion 6 c is provided between the two main electrode members 6 d in parallel with the X direction, and intersects with the signal electrode 4 at the center portion in the Y direction of the pixel region P. It has become. Furthermore, in the scanning electrode 6, a connecting member 6e formed of a linear electrode member is provided between two adjacent pixel regions P in parallel to the Y direction. The connection member 6e connects the two main electrode members 6d provided in the two adjacent pixel regions P.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13, the main electrode members 5d and 6d and the cross electrode portions 5c and 6c will be described in detail.

  FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing configurations of the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the same rectangular planar electrode member is used for the main electrode members 5d and 6d. The long sides of the main electrode members 5d and 6d are set to the dimension a, and the short sides are set to the dimension a / 3. The cross electrode portions 5c and 6c are connected to the central portion of the main electrode members 5d and 6d in the X direction. Moreover, the same linear electrode member as the cross electrode parts 5c and 6c is used for the connection members 5e and 6e. Further, the signal electrode 4 is installed so as to intersect with the central portion in the Y direction of the intersecting electrode portions 5c and 6c.

  With the above configuration, the present embodiment can achieve the same operations and effects as the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the main electrode portion includes two main electrode members 5d and 6d, and crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c are provided between the two main electrode members 5d and 6d. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the signal electrode (first electrode) 4, the reference electrode 5, and the scanning electrode 6 (second electrode) intersect at the central portion of the display space S, and the conductive property is increased. The movement of the liquid 16 can be performed in a more stable state.

  In addition to the above description, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a configuration in which cross electrode portions 5 c and 6 c are provided at the left end portions of the main electrode members 5 d and 6 d may be employed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side when viewed from the non-display surface side in the display element according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the main difference between the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that a plurality of linear electrode members are used for the cross electrode portion. In addition, about the element which is common in the said 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, each of the three cross electrode portions 5 c and 6 c is provided so as to cross the signal electrode 4 inside the pixel region P. For each of these crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c, linear electrode members provided in parallel to the Y direction are used. In this embodiment, the crossing of the crossing electrode portions 5c and 6c and the signal electrode 4 is performed. The part is configured in a mesh shape.

  In the present embodiment, each of the three connection members 5e and 6e is provided between two adjacent pixel regions P, as in the fourth embodiment. For each of these connection members 5e and 6e, linear electrode members provided in parallel to the Y direction are used, and the connection members 5e and 6e are 2 provided in each of the two adjacent pixel regions P. The two main electrode members 5d and 6d are connected.

  With the above configuration, the present embodiment can achieve the same operations and effects as the fourth embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, since three linear electrode members are used for the cross electrode portions 5c and 6c, it is possible to reliably prevent the dielectric layer 13 from being peeled as compared to the fourth embodiment. However, the conductive liquid 16 can be moved in a more stable state.

  The above embodiments are all illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described therein are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to an image display apparatus provided with a display unit capable of displaying a color image display has been described. However, the present invention provides a display unit that displays information including characters and images. There is no limitation as long as it is an electric device provided, for example, a personal digital assistant such as a PDA such as an electronic notebook, a display device attached to a personal computer, a TV, etc., or electronic paper and other electric devices equipped with various display units. It can use suitably for an apparatus.

  In the above description, the case where the electrowetting type display element that moves the conductive liquid in accordance with the application of the electric field to the conductive liquid is described. However, the display element of the present invention is not limited to this. It is not limited, and any electric field induction type display element that can change the display color on the display surface side by operating a conductive liquid inside the display space using an external electric field is not limited. The present invention can be applied to other types of electric field induction display elements such as an electroosmosis method, an electrophoresis method, and a dielectrophoresis method.

  However, when the electrowetting type display element is configured as in the above embodiments, the conductive liquid can be moved at a high speed with a low driving voltage. Further, an electrowetting type display element is preferable in that the display color is changed in accordance with the movement of the conductive liquid, and therefore, unlike a liquid crystal display device or the like, there is no viewing angle dependency. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a switching element for each pixel, it is also preferable in that a high-performance matrix driving display element having a simple structure can be configured at low cost. In addition, since a birefringent material such as a liquid crystal layer is not used, it is also preferable in that a high-luminance display element excellent in light utilization efficiency of light from the backlight and external light used for information display can be easily configured. .

  In the above description, the signal electrode as the first electrode, the reference electrode as the second electrode, and the scanning electrode are provided, and the conductive liquid is slid to the effective display area side or the ineffective display area side. Thus, the configuration for changing the display color on the display surface side has been described, but the display element of the present invention has first and second electrodes provided so as to cross each other with a dielectric layer interposed therebetween. However, there is no limitation as long as the display color on the display surface side is changed by moving the conductive liquid (including changing the shape of the conductive liquid).

  However, as in each of the above embodiments, the display color on the display surface side is greater when the conductive liquid is slid and provided with three electrodes than when the shape of the conductive liquid is changed. This is preferable in that the switching speed can be easily increased and labor can be saved easily.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion are provided on the reference electrode and the scan electrode among the signal electrode (first electrode), the reference electrode, and the scan electrode (second electrode) is described. However, the display element of the present invention is not limited to this, and the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion may be provided on the signal electrode.

  In the above description, the reference electrode and the scanning electrode (second electrode) have been described in which the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion having the same shape are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main electrode portion of the reference electrode and the main electrode portion of the scan electrode can be formed in different shapes.

  In the description of the second and fourth embodiments, the case where three linear electrode members provided parallel to the Y direction are used for the cross electrode portion has been described. As long as the size is smaller than that of the main electrode portion, the number and size of the linear electrode members used are not limited to those described above. Further, for example, an electrode member inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y direction can be used for the cross electrode portion.

  In the above description, the case where a transmissive display element including a backlight is configured has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reflective type having a light reflecting portion such as a diffuse reflector. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a transflective display element in which the light reflecting portion and the backlight are used in combination.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the reference electrode and the scan electrode are respectively installed on the effective display area side and the non-effective display area side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reference electrode and the scan electrode are provided. May be installed on the non-effective display area side and the effective display area side, respectively.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the reference electrode and the scan electrode are configured using a transparent electrode material has been described, but the present invention is installed so as to face the effective display area of the pixel among the reference electrode and the scan electrode. It is sufficient that only one of the electrodes is made of a transparent electrode material, and an opaque electrode material such as aluminum, silver, chromium, or other metal can be used for the other electrode that is not opposed to the effective display area. .

  In the above description, the case where a linear wiring is used for the signal electrode has been described. However, the signal electrode of the present invention is not limited to this, and wiring formed in other shapes such as a mesh wiring may also be used. Can be used.

  However, as in the above embodiments, the signal electrode shape is determined by using an opaque material when the shape of the signal electrode is determined by using the transmittance of the reference electrode and the scanning electrode using the transparent transparent electrode. Even when the electrode is configured, it is preferable in that the shadow of the signal electrode can be prevented from appearing on the display surface side, and the display quality can be prevented from being lowered. Is more preferable in that the deterioration of the display quality can be surely suppressed.

  In the above description, the case where the signal electrode is configured using an aqueous solution of potassium chloride as the conductive liquid and at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium has been described. Is not limited as long as the signal electrode that is installed inside the display space and is in contact with the conductive liquid uses a material that is electrochemically inactive with respect to the conductive liquid. Specifically, the conductive liquid includes zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, alkali metal hydroxide, zinc oxide, sodium chloride, lithium salt, phosphoric acid, alkali metal carbonate, oxygen ion conductivity. A material containing an electrolyte such as ceramics having the above can be used. In addition to water, organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, formamide, and ethylene glycol can also be used as the solvent. Furthermore, the conductive liquid of the present invention includes an ionic liquid containing a cation such as pyridine, alicyclic amine, or aliphatic amine, and an anion such as fluoride such as fluoride ion or triflate. (Normal temperature molten salt) can also be used.

  However, as in each of the above-described embodiments, when an aqueous solution in which a predetermined electrolyte is dissolved is used as the conductive liquid, a display element that is excellent in handleability and easy to manufacture can be easily configured. This is preferable.

  The signal electrode of the present invention includes an electrode body using a conductive metal such as aluminum, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, titanium, tantalum, niobium or an alloy thereof, and a surface of the electrode body. Passivation with an oxide coating provided to cover can be used.

  However, as in each of the above embodiments, when at least one of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium is used for the signal electrode, a metal with a low ionization tendency is used, and the electrode is simplified. It is possible to easily construct a display device with a long life that can reliably prevent an electrochemical reaction with a conductive liquid and prevent deterioration in reliability. preferable. In addition, since the metal with a small ionization tendency can relatively reduce the interfacial tension generated at the interface with the conductive liquid, the conductive liquid is stabilized at the fixed position when the conductive liquid is not moved. It is also preferable in that it can be easily held in a state.

  In the above description, the case where nonpolar oil is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid may be used. Instead, air may be used. In addition, silicone oil, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and the like can be used as the oil.

  However, as in each of the above embodiments, the nonpolar oil that is not compatible with the conductive liquid is more conductive in the nonpolar oil than the case where air and the conductive liquid are used. It is preferable in that the liquid droplets of the conductive liquid can move more easily, the conductive liquid can be moved at high speed, and the display color can be switched at high speed.

  In the above description, the case where the pixels of each color of RGB are provided on the display surface side using the conductive liquid colored in black and the color filter layer is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a plurality of pixel regions may be provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. Specifically, conductive liquids of a plurality of colors colored in RGB, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), CMY, or RGBYC can be used.

  In the above description, the color filter layer is formed on the non-display surface side of the upper substrate (first substrate). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first substrate A color filter layer can be provided on the display surface side of the substrate or on the lower substrate (second substrate) side. Thus, the case where the color filter layer is used is preferable in that a display element that is easy to manufacture can be easily configured as compared with the case where a plurality of colors of conductive liquids are prepared. In addition, the color filter part (opening part) and the black matrix part (light-shielding film) included in the color filter layer appropriately and reliably provide an effective display area and an ineffective display area with respect to the display space. It is also preferable in that it can be set.

  The present invention uses a display device with excellent reliability capable of preventing the dielectric layer from peeling off due to the point defect even when the dielectric layer has a point defect, and the same. Useful for high-performance electrical equipment.

1 is a plan view illustrating a display element and an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the upper substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the display surface side. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a main configuration of the lower substrate side shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the non-display surface side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing configurations of a main electrode portion and a cross electrode portion shown in FIG. 3. (A) And (b) is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the display element shown in FIG. 1 at the time of non-CF color display and CF color display, respectively. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the said display element when it sees to the arrow VI direction shown to Fig.5 (a). It is a figure explaining the operation example of the said image display apparatus. It is an enlarged plan view which shows the structure of the modification of the main electrode part and crossing electrode part by the side of the lower substrate shown in FIG. 1 when it sees from the non-display surface side. In the display element concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the lower substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side. In the display element concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the lower substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration of a modified example of the main electrode portion and the cross electrode portion on the lower substrate side shown in FIG. 10 when viewed from the non-display surface side. In the display element concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the lower substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side. It is an enlarged plan view which shows the structure of the main electrode part and crossing electrode part which were shown in FIG. It is an enlarged plan view which shows the structure of the modification of the main electrode part and crossing electrode part by the side of the lower substrate shown in FIG. 12 when it sees from a non-display surface side. In the display element concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention, it is an enlarged plan view which shows the principal part structure by the side of the lower substrate at the time of seeing from the non-display surface side.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image display device (electric equipment)
2 Upper substrate (first substrate)
3 Lower substrate (second substrate)
4 signal electrode 4b first signal electrode member (linear electrode member)
4c Second signal electrode member (linear electrode member)
4d Termination connection member 5 Reference electrode 5b Main electrode portion 5c Cross electrode portion (electrode member)
5d Main electrode member (main electrode part)
6 Scan electrode 6b Main electrode part 6c Cross electrode part (electrode member)
6d Main electrode member (main electrode part)
7 Signal driver (Signal voltage application unit)
8 Reference driver (reference voltage application unit)
9 Scanning driver (scanning voltage application unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display element 11 Color filter layer 11r, 11g, 11b Color filter part (opening part)
11s Black matrix (light shielding film)
13 Dielectric layers 14a, 14b Ribs (partition walls)
16 Conductive liquid 17 Oil (insulating fluid)
S Display space P Pixel area P1 Effective display area P2 Ineffective display area

Claims (13)

A second substrate provided on the non-display surface side of the first substrate so that a predetermined display space is formed between the first substrate provided on the display surface side and the first substrate. And a display device configured to change the display color on the display surface side by moving the conductive liquid. An element,
A first electrode disposed on one side of the first and second substrates inside the display space and a dielectric layer so as to come into contact with the conductive liquid, and the first dielectric layer are interposed. A second electrode provided on one side of the first and second substrates so as to intersect the electrode and electrically insulated from the conductive liquid and the first electrode With
On one side of the first and second electrodes, there is a crossed electrode portion that intersects with the main electrode portion and the other side of the first and second electrodes and is smaller in size than the main electrode portion. Provided,
A display element characterized by the above. The display element according to claim 1, wherein the intersecting electrode portion is configured by a linear electrode member. The display element according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of linear electrode members are used in the cross electrode portion. The main electrode portion includes two main electrode members, and the cross electrode portion is provided between the two main electrode members. Display element. The linear electrode member provided in parallel with each other so as to sandwich the main electrode portion is used on the other side of the first and second electrodes. The display element as described in. The display element according to claim 5, wherein terminal ends of the two linear electrode members are connected to each other by a terminal connection member. The second electrode is disposed on one side of the first and second substrates so as to be installed on one side of the set effective display area side and the non-effective display area side with respect to the display space. The first and second reference electrodes provided in an electrically insulated state with respect to the reference electrode so as to be installed on the other side of the effective display region side and the ineffective display region side. A scanning electrode provided on one side of the substrate,
The display element according to claim 1, wherein the display color on the display surface side is changed by moving the conductive liquid to the effective display area side or the ineffective display area side. A plurality of the signal electrodes are provided along a predetermined arrangement direction,
The plurality of reference electrodes and the plurality of scanning electrodes are provided alternately with each other and intersect with the plurality of signal electrodes,
A signal voltage applying unit that is connected to the plurality of signal electrodes and applies a signal voltage within a predetermined voltage range to each of the plurality of signal electrodes in accordance with information displayed on the display surface side; ,
A selection voltage that is connected to the plurality of reference electrodes and that allows the conductive liquid to move within the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of reference electrodes; A reference voltage applying unit that applies one voltage of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space;
A selection voltage connected to the plurality of scan electrodes and allowing the conductive liquid to move in the display space in response to the signal voltage for each of the plurality of scan electrodes; The display element according to claim 7, further comprising: a scanning voltage application unit that applies one of a non-selection voltage that prevents the conductive liquid from moving inside the display space. A plurality of pixel regions are provided on the display surface side,
The plurality of pixel areas are provided in units of intersections between the signal electrodes and the scan electrodes, and the display spaces are partitioned by partition walls in the pixel areas. The display element as described in. The display element according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of pixel regions are provided in accordance with a plurality of colors capable of full color display on the display surface side. The ineffective display area is set by a light shielding film provided on one side of the first and second substrates,
The display element according to claim 7, wherein the effective display area is set by an opening formed in the light shielding film. The display element according to claim 1, wherein an insulating fluid that does not mix with the conductive liquid is sealed inside the display space so as to be movable in the display space. . An electrical device having a display unit for displaying information including characters and images,
An electrical apparatus using the display element according to claim 1 for the display portion.

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