JP2011064755A - Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem: it is difficult to reduce cost in a conventional electro-optical device. <P>SOLUTION: The electro-optical device includes: a counter substrate 73; an element substrate 71; a liquid crystal interposed between the counter substrate 73 and the element substrate 71, and controlling light quantity emitted from at least one of the counter substrate 73 and the element substrate 71 for each pixel of a plurality of pixels; and a frame 151 facing the counter substrate 73 on the side of the counter substrate 73 opposite to the side of the element substrate 71 and holding the counter substrate 73 and the element substrate 71. The frame 151 has a base portion 163 composed of a thermoplastic resin and has a light-transmitting property. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a liquid crystal device that is one of electro-optical devices, a configuration in which a dustproof substrate is bonded to a liquid crystal panel is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-12934 A (pages 3 to 4, FIG. 12)

  In the liquid crystal device described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress a foreign matter such as dust from adhering to the liquid crystal panel by the dustproof substrate. Even if foreign matter adheres to the dustproof substrate, the foreign matter is separated from the liquid crystal panel by at least the thickness of the dustproof substrate. For this reason, in the displayed image, the projected foreign matter can be made inconspicuous.

In the liquid crystal device described in Patent Document 1, the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel and the dustproof substrate are composed of quartz substrates made of the same material.
Here, for example, if the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel and the dustproof substrate are made of different materials, distortion occurs in the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel and the dustproof substrate when heated. Sometimes. This is due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion in the material.

On the other hand, in the liquid crystal device described in Patent Document 1, the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel is equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the dustproof substrate. For this reason, for example, even when the liquid crystal device is heated, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of distortion on the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel and the dustproof substrate.
However, in the liquid crystal device described in Patent Document 1, the substrate constituting the liquid crystal panel and the dustproof substrate are made of the same material, so it is difficult to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the material. This makes it difficult to reduce costs.
That is, the conventional electro-optical device has a problem that it is difficult to reduce the cost.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate interposed between the first substrate, the second substrate facing the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate. An electro-optic material that controls the amount of light emitted from each pixel of the plurality of pixels, and the first substrate on the opposite side of the first substrate from the second substrate side; And a holding member for holding the second substrate, wherein the holding member is made of a thermoplastic resin and has translucency.

The electro-optical device of this application example includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optical material, and a holding member.
The second substrate faces the first substrate. The electro-optic material is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electro-optic material controls the amount of light emitted from at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate for each pixel of the plurality of pixels. The holding member holds the first substrate and the second substrate. The holding member faces the first substrate on the side opposite to the second substrate side of the first substrate. The holding member is made of a thermoplastic resin and has translucency.
In this electro-optical device, since the holding member is provided on the opposite side of the first substrate from the second substrate side, it is easy to prevent foreign matters from adhering to the first substrate. For this reason, the dustproof substrate can be omitted. As a result, the cost can be easily reduced.
In addition, since the first substrate and the holding member do not have to be fixed to each other, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of strain due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient.

  Application Example 2 In the electro-optical device described above, the holding member includes a side wall portion facing the side surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate.

  In this application example, since the holding member has the side wall portion, the side surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate can be easily surrounded by the holding member. Thereby, it is easy to prevent foreign matters from adhering to the first substrate and the second substrate.

  Application Example 3 In the above electro-optical device, the holding member has a light-transmitting film on at least a surface facing the first substrate and a surface opposite to the first substrate side. An electro-optical device comprising:

  In this application example, it is possible to easily protect the surface of the holding member facing the first substrate and the surface opposite to the first substrate with the translucent film.

  Application Example 4 In the above electro-optical device, the holding member is made of a material containing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin, and the translucent film is made of a material containing a fluorine compound. An electro-optical device.

  In this application example, the holding member is made of a material containing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin. The translucent film is made of a material containing a fluorine compound. By the above, the holding member which has a translucent film can be comprised.

  Application Example 5 In the above electro-optical device, the first substrate and the translucent film are separated from each other.

  In this application example, since the first substrate and the translucent film are separated from each other, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of strain due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient.

  Application Example 6 An electronic apparatus having the electro-optical device described above.

The electronic apparatus of this application example includes an electro-optical device. The electro-optical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an electro-optical material, and a holding member.
The second substrate faces the first substrate. The electro-optic material is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electro-optic material controls the amount of light emitted from at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate for each pixel of the plurality of pixels. The holding member holds the first substrate and the second substrate. The holding member faces the first substrate on the side opposite to the second substrate side of the first substrate. The holding member is made of a thermoplastic resin and has translucency.
In this electro-optical device, since the holding member is provided on the opposite side of the first substrate to the second substrate side, it is easy to prevent foreign matters from adhering to the first substrate. For this reason, the dustproof substrate can be omitted. As a result, the cost can be easily reduced.
In addition, since the first substrate and the holding member do not have to be fixed to each other, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of strain due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient.
Since the electronic apparatus includes the electro-optical device that can easily reduce the cost, the cost can be easily reduced.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a projector according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of an image forming unit of a projector according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an image forming panel of the projector according to the embodiment. Sectional drawing in the AA in FIG. The block diagram which shows the liquid crystal panel in this embodiment. The equivalent circuit diagram of the liquid crystal panel in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a polarization state in the image forming panel according to the present embodiment. The top view which shows the light valve unit in this embodiment. Sectional drawing in the DD line | wire in FIG.

Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a projector which is one of electronic devices.
The projector 1 in the present embodiment includes an optical system 3 and a control unit 5 as shown in FIG. 1 which is a block diagram showing a main configuration. The projector 1 can project an image corresponding to an image signal input from an external device (not shown) onto the screen 8 or the like via the optical system 3.
The optical system 3 forms an image based on the image signal, and projects the formed image onto the screen 8 or the like. The control unit 5 controls driving of the optical system 3 based on the image signal.

The optical system 3 includes a lamp 11, an image forming unit 13, and a projection lens unit 15.
The lamp 11 generates projection light 17 emitted toward the screen 8 through the image forming unit 13 and the projection lens unit 15. As the lamp 11, for example, a high-pressure mercury lamp or a metal halide lamp can be employed.
The image forming unit 13 includes an image forming panel described later. The image forming unit 13 forms an image on the image forming panel based on the image data input from the control unit 5. The image forming unit 13 is irradiated with light from the lamp 11. For this reason, the image formed in the image forming unit 13 is projected onto the projection lens unit 15 by the light from the lamp 11.

  Light from the lamp 11 enters the projection lens unit 15 through the image forming unit 13. The projection lens unit 15 refracts the incident light in the direction of spreading and emits it as the projection light 17. For this reason, the image formed in the image forming unit 13 can be projected on the screen 8 in an enlarged state.

Here, the configuration of the image forming unit 13 will be described in detail.
The image forming unit 13 includes a spectroscopic unit 31, a liquid crystal panel 33, and a cross dichroic prism 35, as shown in FIG.
Light 41 from the lamp 11 is incident on the spectroscopic unit 31. The spectroscopic unit 31 separates, from the light 41, red (R) color light 41R, green (G) color light 41G, and blue (B) color light 41B.

  Here, the color of R is not limited to a pure red hue, and includes orange and the like. The color of G is not limited to a pure green hue, and includes bluish green and yellowish green. The color of B is not limited to a pure blue hue, and includes bluish purple and blue-green. From another viewpoint, the light 41 </ b> R exhibiting the color of R can be defined as light having a light wavelength peak in a range of 570 nm or more in the visible light region. Moreover, the light 41G exhibiting the color G can be defined as light having a light wavelength peak in the range of 500 nm to 565 nm. The light 41B exhibiting the color B can be defined as light having a light wavelength peak in the range of 415 nm to 495 nm.

The spectroscopic unit 31 includes a dichroic mirror 43, a dichroic mirror 45, a reflection mirror 47, a reflection mirror 48, and a reflection mirror 49. The light 41 enters the spectroscopic unit 31 along the optical axis 51a.
The dichroic mirror 43 is provided at a position intersecting with the optical axis 51a. The dichroic mirror 43 is inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis 51a. The dichroic mirror 43 can transmit the R light 41R among the light 41 and reflect the G light 41G and the B light 41B.

Therefore, the R light 41 </ b> R can be separated from the light 41 by the dichroic mirror 43. On the other hand, the light 53 obtained by mixing the G light 41G and the B light 41B can be separated from the light 41 by the dichroic mirror 43.
The light 41R transmitted through the dichroic mirror 43 is guided to the reflection mirror 47 along the optical axis 51a.
On the other hand, the light 53 reflected by the dichroic mirror 43 is guided to the dichroic mirror 45 after the optical axis 51a is changed to the optical axis 51b.

The dichroic mirror 45 is provided at a position that intersects the optical axis 51b. The dichroic mirror 45 is inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis 51b. Of the light 53, the dichroic mirror 45 can transmit the B light 41 </ b> B and reflect the G light 41 </ b> G. Therefore, the G light 41G and the B light 41B can be separated from the light 53 by the dichroic mirror 45.
The light 41B transmitted through the dichroic mirror 45 is guided to the reflection mirror 48 along the optical axis 51b.
On the other hand, the optical axis 51b of the light 41G reflected by the dichroic mirror 45 is changed to the optical axis 51c.

The reflection mirror 47 is provided at a position that intersects the optical axis 51a of the light 41R. The reflection mirror 47 is inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis 51a. The light 41R is reflected by the reflecting mirror 47, whereby the optical axis 51a is changed to the optical axis 51d.
The reflection mirror 48 is provided at a position that intersects the optical axis 51b of the light 41B. The reflection mirror 48 is inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis 51b. The light 41B is guided to the reflection mirror 49 after the optical axis 51b is changed to the optical axis 51e by the reflection mirror 48.
The reflection mirror 49 is provided at a position that intersects the optical axis 51e of the light 41B. The reflection mirror 49 is inclined with respect to the direction of the optical axis 51e. The light 41B is reflected by the reflection mirror 49, whereby the optical axis 51e is changed to the optical axis 51f.

The cross dichroic prism 35 is provided at a position overlapping the intersection of the optical axis 51c, the optical axis 51d, and the optical axis 51f. The cross dichroic prism 35 has a surface 35a, a surface 35b, a surface 35c, and a surface 35d.
The surface 35a is directed to the reflection mirror 47 side. The surface 35b is directed to the dichroic mirror 45 side. The surface 35c is directed to the reflection mirror 49 side.

The liquid crystal panel 33 is provided for each of the lights 41R, 41G, and 41B. That is, the projector 1 includes the liquid crystal panel 33 corresponding to the light 41R, the liquid crystal panel 33 corresponding to the light 41G, and the liquid crystal panel 33 corresponding to the light 41B. In the following, when the liquid crystal panel 33 is identified for each of the lights 41R, 41G, and 41B, the liquid crystal panel 33 is referred to as a liquid crystal panel 33R, a liquid crystal panel 33G, and a liquid crystal panel 33B.
As the liquid crystal panel 33R, the liquid crystal panel 33G, and the liquid crystal panel 33B, the liquid crystal panels 33 having the same specifications can be adopted.

The liquid crystal panel 33R is provided at a position that intersects the optical axis 51d between the surface 35a and the reflection mirror 47. The liquid crystal panel 33R faces the surface 35a.
The liquid crystal panel 33G is provided at a position intersecting the optical axis 51c between the surface 35b and the dichroic mirror 45. The liquid crystal panel 33G faces the surface 35b.
The liquid crystal panel 33B is provided at a position intersecting the optical axis 51f between the surface 35c and the reflection mirror 49. The liquid crystal panel 33B faces the surface 35c.

Here, the liquid crystal panel 33 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and is applied to the projector 1 as a light valve.
The liquid crystal panel 33 includes a plurality of pixels to be described later and a liquid crystal whose driving is controlled for each pixel. The liquid crystal panel 33 can change the polarization state of the light incident on the plurality of pixels for each pixel.
A polarizing plate and a retardation plate (not shown) described later are provided between the spectroscopic unit 31 and each liquid crystal panel 33. A polarizing plate and a retardation plate (not shown), which will be described later, are also provided between the liquid crystal panels 33 and the cross dichroic prism 35.
With this configuration, the liquid crystal panel 33 can form an image with light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33 by changing the polarization state of the light incident on the plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal panel 33 for each pixel.

The light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33 is guided to the cross dichroic prism 35.
The light 41R transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33R enters the cross dichroic prism 35 from the surface 35a.
The light 41G transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33G enters the cross dichroic prism 35 from the surface 35b.
The light 41B transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 33B enters the cross dichroic prism 35 from the surface 35c.
Therefore, the R image can be projected onto the surface 35a, the G image can be projected onto the surface 35b, and the B image can be projected onto the surface 35c.

Lights 41R, 41G, and 41B incident on the cross dichroic prism 35 are combined by the cross dichroic prism 35. That is, the cross dichroic prism 35 can synthesize the R image, the G image, and the B image.
Lights 41R, 41G, and 41B synthesized by the cross dichroic prism 35 are emitted from the surface 35d of the cross dichroic prism 35 as image light 55.

  The image light 55 emitted from the surface 35 d is guided to the projection lens unit 15 and then enters the projection lens unit 15. The image light 55 incident on the projection lens unit 15 is projected on the screen 8 or the like as the projection light 17 (FIG. 1).

Here, the configuration of the liquid crystal panel 33 will be described in detail.
The liquid crystal panel 33 has an incident surface 57 as shown in FIG. 3 which is a perspective view. The incident surface 57 is a surface on which light 41 (light 41R, 41G, 41B) emitted from the lamp 11 which is an example of the light source illustrated in FIG. 2 is incident. Further, the liquid crystal panel 33 has an emission surface 59 as shown in FIG. 4 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. In the liquid crystal panel 33, the exit surface 59 is a surface opposite to the entrance surface 57. The exit surface 59 is directed to the cross dichroic prism 35 side in the image forming unit 13 shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal panel 33 includes a dustproof substrate 63, an element substrate 71, a counter substrate 73, a liquid crystal 75, and a sealing material 77.
The element substrate 71 is provided with a switching element, which will be described later, on the incident surface 57 side, that is, on the liquid crystal 75 side.
The counter substrate 73 faces the element substrate 71 on the incident surface 57 side with respect to the element substrate 71 and is provided in a state where there is a gap between the counter substrate 73 and the element substrate 71. The counter substrate 73 is provided with a common electrode, which will be described later, on the emission surface 59 side, that is, on the liquid crystal 75 side.
In the present embodiment, the element substrate 71 protrudes beyond the counter substrate 73 in plan view. A region of the element substrate 71 that protrudes beyond the counter substrate 73 is referred to as an overhang region 71a. As shown in FIG. 3, the overhang region 71 a is provided in a circumferential shape along the contour of the counter substrate 73. The overhang area 71a surrounds the counter substrate 73 from the outside in plan view.

As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal 75 is sandwiched between the element substrate 71 and the counter substrate 73, and the element substrate 71 and the counter substrate are sealed by a sealing material 77 that surrounds the display area inside the periphery of the liquid crystal panel 33. 73 is sealed. In this embodiment, a VA (Vertical Alignment) type driving method is adopted as a driving method of the liquid crystal 75.
The dustproof substrate 63 is provided on the emission surface 59 side, that is, on the opposite side of the liquid crystal 75 side from the element substrate 71. In the projector 1, if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the element substrate 71 or the counter substrate 73, the foreign matter may be projected onto the screen 8 or the like. By interposing the dust-proof substrate 63 between the element substrate 71 and the counter substrate 73 and the foreign matter, the foreign matter is defocused. Thereby, it is possible to make the projected image of the foreign matter inconspicuous in the projected image.

The phase difference plate 66a described above is provided on the incident surface 57 side of the counter substrate 73, that is, on the side opposite to the liquid crystal 75 side.
The phase difference plate 66b is provided on the emission surface 59 side of the dustproof substrate 63, that is, on the side opposite to the liquid crystal 75 side. In the liquid crystal panel 33, the phase difference plate 66a and the phase difference plate 66b each impart a phase difference of ¼ wavelength to the incident light.
Further, the polarizing plate 67a described above is provided on the opposite side of the retardation plate 66a from the liquid crystal panel 33 side. The polarizing plate 67b is provided on the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel 33 side of the retardation plate 66b. The polarizing plate 67a and the polarizing plate 67b can each transmit linearly polarized light having a polarization axis along the transmission axis.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5 which is a plan view of the liquid crystal panel 33, a plurality of pixels 78 are set in the liquid crystal panel 33. The plurality of pixels 78 are arranged in the region 79 in the X direction and the Y direction in the drawing, and form a matrix M in which the X direction is the row direction and the Y direction is the column direction. In FIG. 5, the pixels 78 are exaggerated and the number of the pixels 78 is reduced for easy understanding of the configuration.
The region 79 corresponds to a region where an image is formed (displayed). Therefore, hereinafter, the region 79 is referred to as a pixel region 79.
In the present embodiment, a plurality of pixels 78 arranged along the Y direction constitute one pixel column 78C. A plurality of pixels 78 arranged along the X direction form one pixel row 78L. From this point of view, the X direction can also be regarded as the direction in which the pixel row 78L extends. The Y direction can also be regarded as the direction in which the pixel column 78C extends.

The liquid crystal panel 33 includes a scanning line driving circuit 81, a signal line driving circuit 83, a sealing material 85, a terminal electrode 87, a plurality of scanning lines T, and a plurality of signal lines S. Yes.
Note that the scanning line driving circuit 81, the signal line driving circuit 83, and the terminal electrode 87 are formed on the element substrate 71 in the same manner as a switching element described later. In FIG. 5, the terminal electrode 87 is exaggerated and the number of the terminal electrodes 87 is reduced for easy understanding of the configuration.
In the present embodiment, the X direction corresponds to the direction in which the scanning line T extends. The Y direction corresponds to the direction in which the signal line S extends.

The scanning line driving circuit 81 supplies a selection signal to each scanning line T. The signal line driving circuit 83 supplies a data signal (image data) to each signal line S.
The terminal electrode 87 is a terminal for connecting external wiring such as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). The terminal electrode 87 and the scanning line driving circuit 81 and the terminal electrode 87 and the signal line driving circuit 83 are electrically connected through a wiring 89.

The sealing material 77 is formed with an injection port 77a. The injection port 77a is an introduction path for the liquid crystal 75 into the cell. The injection port 77a has a configuration in which a part of the annular sealing material 77 is omitted, and allows the inside and outside of the cell to communicate with each other.
In the present embodiment, a reduced pressure injection method is employed as a method for injecting the liquid crystal 75 into the cell. The reduced pressure injection method is a method of injecting the liquid crystal 75 into the cell by bringing the injection port 77a and the liquid crystal 75 into contact with each other in a reduced pressure environment close to vacuum and then increasing the pressure in the reduced pressure environment.
The injection port 77a is blocked by the sealing material 85. Thereby, the liquid crystal 75 is sealed in the cell.
Note that the method of injecting the liquid crystal 75 into the cell is not limited to the reduced pressure injection method, and a dropping method (also referred to as ODF (One Drop Fill)) may be employed. When the dropping method is adopted, the injection port 77a and the sealing material 85 can be omitted.

The plurality of scanning lines T and the plurality of signal lines S are wired in a grid pattern as shown in FIG. The plurality of scanning lines T extend along the X direction while being spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The plurality of signal lines S extend along the Y direction while being spaced from each other in the X direction. Each pixel 78 is set corresponding to the intersection of each scanning line T and each signal line S.
Each signal line S corresponds to a plurality of pixels 78 arranged in the Y direction, that is, each pixel column 78C (FIG. 5). Each scanning line T corresponds to a plurality of pixels 78 arranged along the X direction, that is, each pixel row 78L (FIG. 5).
The liquid crystal panel 33 includes a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element 91, which is one of switching elements, a pixel electrode 93, and a common electrode 97 for each pixel 78. Note that the common electrode 97 is provided in a series of states across a plurality of pixels 78 constituting the matrix M. That is, the common electrode 97 is provided in a region overlapping the plurality of pixels 78 constituting the matrix M in plan view, and functions in common across the plurality of pixels 78.

The gate electrode of the TFT element 91 is electrically connected to the corresponding scanning line T. The source electrode of the TFT element 91 is electrically connected to the corresponding signal line S. In each pixel 78, the drain electrode of the TFT element 91 is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 93.
In each pixel 78, the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97 constitute a pair of electrodes that form an electric field between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97. The liquid crystal 75 (FIG. 4) is interposed between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97. In the present embodiment, the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97 are opposed to each other.
The TFT element 91 is turned on when a selection signal is supplied to the scanning line T electrically connected to the TFT element 91. At this time, a data signal is supplied from the signal line S electrically connected to the TFT element 91, and the pixel electrode 93 is maintained at a potential corresponding to the magnitude of the data signal. At this time, if the common electrode 97 is kept at a potential different from the potential of the pixel electrode 93, a potential difference is generated between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97. Thereby, an electric field can be generated between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97 for each pixel 78.

In the liquid crystal panel 33, when a voltage is applied between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97, an electric field is generated between the pixel electrode 93 and the common electrode 97. With this electric field, the alignment state of the liquid crystal 75 can be changed for each pixel 78.
In the present embodiment, when an electric field acts on the liquid crystal 75, the liquid crystal 75 is turned on. On the other hand, when the electric field acting on the liquid crystal 75 is released, the liquid crystal 75 is turned off.
In the projector 1, the display is controlled by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal 75 in each liquid crystal panel 33 for each pixel 78 in a state where the image forming unit 13 shown in FIG. 2 is irradiated with the light 41. The alignment state of the liquid crystal 75 can be changed by the difference between the potential of the pixel electrode 93 and the potential of the common electrode 97 (hereinafter referred to as drive voltage).
In this embodiment, the liquid crystal 75 can give a half-wave phase difference to incident light. This can be realized by setting the retardation of liquid crystal 75 (product of birefringence and thickness). In the present embodiment, retardation is set to give a half-wave phase difference to incident light.

In the liquid crystal panel 33, when the driving voltage is 0V, the liquid crystal 75 is in an off state. On the other hand, when the drive voltage exceeds 0 V, the liquid crystal 75 changes from the off state to the on state.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a polarization state in the liquid crystal panel 33 when the liquid crystal 75 is in an off state, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a polarization state in the liquid crystal panel 33 when the liquid crystal 75 is in an on state. FIG.
In the liquid crystal panel 33, the transmission axis 121 of the polarizing plate 67a and the transmission axis 123 of the polarizing plate 67b are orthogonal to each other as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b).
7A and 7B, in the X ′ direction and the Y ′ direction, the X ′ direction indicates the direction of the transmission axis 121 of the polarizing plate 67a, and the Y ′ direction indicates the transmission axis of the polarizing plate 67b. The direction of 123 is shown. The X ′ direction and the Y ′ direction are arbitrary two directions orthogonal to each other in the XY plane.

The slow axis 125 of the phase difference plate 66a is set in a direction having an inclination of 45 degrees in the clockwise direction with respect to the X ′ direction in plan view.
Accordingly, the linearly polarized light 143 transmitted through the polarizing plate 67a is given a phase difference of ¼ wavelength by the phase difference plate 66a, and enters the liquid crystal 75 as circularly polarized light 144 that rotates counterclockwise in plan view.

When the liquid crystal 75 is in the OFF state, the circularly polarized light 144 that has entered the liquid crystal 75 is maintained as the circularly polarized light 144 while maintaining the polarization state (without providing a phase difference), as shown in FIG. The light is emitted toward the phase difference plate 66b.
Here, the slow axis 127 of the phase difference plate 66b is set in a direction having a 45 ° inclination in the clockwise direction with respect to the X ′ direction in plan view.

For this reason, the circularly polarized light 144 incident on the phase difference plate 66b is given a phase difference of ¼ wavelength by the phase difference plate 66b, and is a polarizing plate as a linearly polarized light 145 having a polarization axis along the X ′ direction in plan view. It is emitted toward 67b.
The linearly polarized light 145 emitted toward the polarizing plate 67b is absorbed by the polarizing plate 67b because the polarization axis is orthogonal to the transmission axis 123 of the polarizing plate 67b.

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal 75 is in the ON state, the circularly polarized light 144 incident on the liquid crystal 75 is given a half-wave phase difference as shown in FIG. The light is emitted toward the phase difference plate 66b as a circularly polarized light 147 that rotates (reversely rotates from the circularly polarized light 144).
The circularly polarized light 147 incident on the phase difference plate 66b is given a phase difference of ¼ wavelength by the phase difference plate 66b, and is directed to the polarizing plate 67b as a linearly polarized light 149 having a polarization axis along the Y ′ direction in plan view. Are emitted.
The linearly polarized light 149 emitted toward the polarizing plate 67b passes through the polarizing plate 67b because the polarization axis is along the transmission axis 123 of the polarizing plate 67b.

Thus, in the liquid crystal panel 33, image formation is controlled by switching the liquid crystal 75 between the on state and the off state.
In the present embodiment, a so-called normally black (initially “black display” state) display mode is employed in which light emission from the liquid crystal panel 33 is blocked when the liquid crystal 75 is in an off state. However, the display mode is not limited to normally black, and so-called normally white (initially “white display” state) can also be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid crystal panel 33 described above is incorporated in the projector 1 as the light valve unit 150 while being accommodated in the frame 151.
The frame 151 is light transmissive. Therefore, in the light valve unit 150, the liquid crystal panel 33 can be visually recognized through the frame 151. The frame 151 has a screw hole 154. The light valve unit 150 is attached to the projector 1 via screws (not shown) inserted into the screw holes 154 of the frame 151.
Note that the FPC 155 connected to the terminal electrode 87 (FIG. 5) of the liquid crystal panel 33 extends from the inside of the frame 151 to the outside.

The light valve unit 150 includes a liquid crystal panel 33, a frame 151, and a fixed plate 161, as shown in FIG. 9 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG.
The frame 151 has a base 163, a first film 165, and a second film 167.
The base portion 163 has light transmissivity and includes a top plate portion 171 and a side wall portion 173. The top plate portion 171 is a portion facing the incident surface 57 of the liquid crystal panel 33.

The side wall part 173 is provided at the periphery of the top plate part 171 and protrudes from the top plate part 171 to the liquid crystal panel 33 side. The side wall part 173 is a series along the periphery of the top plate part 171 and faces the side surface of the liquid crystal panel 33. That is, the side wall portion 173 faces the side surface of the element substrate 71 and the side surface of the counter substrate 73. The base portion 163 has a concave shape, and the side wall portion 173 surrounds the liquid crystal panel 33 in a state where the liquid crystal panel 33 is accommodated.
As the material of the base portion 163, a resin having optical transparency can be adopted. In the present embodiment, EVA (ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer) resin is adopted as the material of the base 163.

The first film 165 is provided on the liquid crystal panel 33 side of the base 163. For this reason, the first film 165 is interposed between the base 163 and the liquid crystal panel 33.
The second film 167 is provided on the side of the base 163 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 33 side. That is, the base 163 is sandwiched between the first film 165 and the second film 167.
Each of the first film 165 and the second film 167 has optical transparency. As a material for the first film 165 and the second film 167, for example, a fluorine-based resin containing fluorine or a fluorine compound may be employed. Examples of the fluororesin include ETFE (ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene copolymer). In the present embodiment, as the first film 165 and the second film 167, a fluorine resin film is employed.

The liquid crystal panel 33 is accommodated in the recess 174 of the frame 151.
The fixed plate 161 is provided on the side opposite to the top plate 171 side of the frame 151, and faces the emission surface 59 of the liquid crystal panel 33. The fixing plate 161 is fixed to the first film 165 via an adhesive (not shown). The fixed plate 161 is provided with an opening 175. The opening 175 overlaps the pixel region 79 in plan view.
The frame 151 and the fixed plate 161 hold the liquid crystal panel 33.
In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 33 and the frame 151 are fixed to each other via the adhesive 183. The adhesive 183 is provided between the side surface of the liquid crystal panel 33 and the side wall portion 173 of the frame 151. As the adhesive 183, for example, a silicone resin adhesive may be employed.

The frame 151 can be formed by embossing a sheet-shaped raw material while heating (referred to as hot pressing). The raw material of the frame 151 has a sheet-like configuration in which the EVA resin before crosslinking is sandwiched between the first film 165 and the second film 167. EVA resin is a thermoplastic resin. A concave portion 174 is formed by subjecting the sheet-shaped raw material to hot pressing, and the EVA resin is cross-linked to maintain the shape of the frame 151. At this time, the first film 165 and the second film 167 have a function of maintaining the shape of the frame 151 and a function of improving the releasability in the hot press.
The first film 165 and the second film 167 also have a function as a protective film that protects the frame 151 from dirt and scratches.

In the present embodiment, the counter substrate 73 corresponds to the first substrate, the element substrate 71 corresponds to the second substrate, the liquid crystal 75 corresponds to the electro-optical material, the base 163 corresponds to the holding member, and the first film 165. The second film 167 corresponds to a translucent film, and the light valve unit 150 corresponds to an electro-optical device.
In this embodiment, since the frame 151 is provided on the opposite side of the counter substrate 73 from the element substrate 71 side, it is easy to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the counter substrate 73. For this reason, the dustproof substrate provided on the counter substrate 73 can be omitted. As a result, the cost can be easily reduced.
Further, since the counter substrate 73 and the frame 151 do not have to be fixed to each other, it is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of distortion due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient.

  In the present embodiment, the state in which the first film 165 and the incident surface 57 are in contact with each other is illustrated as shown in FIG. 9, but the configuration of the light valve unit 150 is not limited to this. As a configuration of the light valve unit 150, for example, a configuration in which a gap is secured between the first film 165 and the incident surface 57 can be employed. Thereby, since the 1st film 165 and the entrance plane 57 mutually space apart, generation | occurrence | production of the distortion resulting from the difference in a thermal expansion coefficient can be further suppressed easily.

In the present embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal panel 33 is employed as the light valve. However, the liquid crystal panel 33 is not limited to the transmissive type, and a reflective type may be employed.
In this embodiment, an example in which the liquid crystal panel 33 is applied to the projector 1 has been described. However, an electronic apparatus to which the liquid crystal panel 33 can be applied is not limited to the projector 1. The liquid crystal panel 33 can be applied as a display device to electronic devices such as a display and a mobile phone.
In the present embodiment, the VA type driving method is adopted as the driving method of the liquid crystal 75, but the driving method is not limited to this. Various methods such as a TN (Twisted Nematic) type, an IPS (In Plane Switching) type, and an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) type can be adopted as the driving method of the liquid crystal 75.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 3 ... Optical system, 5 ... Control part, 13 ... Image formation part, 33 ... Liquid crystal panel, 57 ... Incident surface, 59 ... Output surface, 63 ... Dust-proof substrate, 71 ... Element substrate, 71a ... Overhang 73, counter substrate, 75 ... liquid crystal, 78 ... pixel, 79 ... pixel area, 150 ... light valve unit, 151 ... frame, 154 ... screw hole, 155 ... FPC, 161 ... fixing plate, 163 ... base, 165 ... 1st film, 167 ... 2nd film, 171 ... Top plate part, 173 ... Side wall part, 174 ... Recessed part, 175 ... Opening part, 183 ... Adhesive.

Claims (6)

A first substrate;
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
An electro-optical material that is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and controls an amount of light emitted from at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate for each of the plurality of pixels; ,
A holding member that faces the first substrate on a side opposite to the second substrate side of the first substrate and holds the first substrate and the second substrate,
The holding member is made of a thermoplastic resin and has translucency.
An electro-optical device. The holding member has a side wall portion facing the side surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate.
The electro-optical device according to claim 1. The holding member is provided with a translucent film on at least a surface facing the first substrate and a surface opposite to the first substrate side,
The electro-optical device according to claim 1 or 2. The holding member is made of a material containing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin,
The translucent film is made of a material containing a fluorine compound,
The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first substrate and the translucent film are spaced apart from each other;
The electro-optical device according to claim 3 or 4. The electro-optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An electronic device characterized by that.

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