JP2020003601A - Display - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a display with high reliability.SOLUTION: A display comprises: a first substrate SUB1; a second substrate SUB2; a sealant SL; and a display cell CL having a liquid crystal layer LC. The boundary between the sealant SL and liquid crystal layer LC is located in a frame area FA. A first distance D1 of the frame area FA is the same as a first distance D1 of a display area DA. A first distance D1 of at least a first area AP1a among first distances D1 of a peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device.

  Generally, a liquid crystal display device or the like is known as a display device. For example, a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel and a lighting device. The liquid crystal display panel includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. By the way, a highly reliable display device is required as a display device.

JP-A-2017-11698

  This embodiment provides a highly reliable display device.

The display device according to one embodiment includes:
A first substrate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, the first substrate being located in a display region and a non-display region outside the display region; A second substrate positioned in the display area and the non-display area, and a third substrate positioned in the non-display area; A display material comprising: a sealing material that joins the first substrate and the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer provided in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing material. Wherein the non-display area has a peripheral area including a first area, and a frame area located between the display area and the peripheral area and surrounding the display area, wherein the sealant and the liquid crystal layer Is located in the frame area, and a distance from the first main surface to the fourth main surface is defined as a first distance. And the first distance of the frame area is the same as the first distance of the display area, and at least the first distance of the first area of the first distance of the peripheral area is the display area. Is shorter than the first distance.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the display device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a lighting device of the display device. FIG. 4 is an exploded plan view showing a display panel, a driving IC, and a wiring board of the display device. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a display cell and a driving IC of the display panel, and also shows a circuit configuration of one pixel. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the display panel along a line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a part of the display panel. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device along the line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a part of the display cell in a developed manner. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell according to a first modification of the embodiment in an expanded manner. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell according to Modification 2 of the embodiment in an expanded manner. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell according to Modification 3 of the embodiment in an expanded manner. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell according to Modification Example 4 of the above embodiment in a developed manner. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell according to Modification Example 5 of the above embodiment in a developed manner.

  Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and those skilled in the art can easily conceive of appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention, which are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, and the like of each part may be schematically illustrated as compared with actual embodiments, but this is merely an example, and the interpretation of the present invention is not limited thereto. There is no limitation. In the specification and the drawings, components similar to those described in regard to a drawing thereinabove are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

(One embodiment)
First, a display device according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DSP according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the display device DSP. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the illumination device IL of the display device DSP.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other, but may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to directions parallel to the main surface of the substrate constituting the display device DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device DSP. In the following description, the direction toward the tip of the arrow indicating the third direction Z is referred to as “up”, and the direction from the tip of the arrow to the opposite direction is referred to as “down”. In the case of “the second member above the first member” and “the second member below the first member”, the second member may be in contact with the first member or may be located away from the first member. It may be. Viewing the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y from the tip side of the arrow indicating the third direction Z is referred to as plan view.

  The display device DSP includes a lighting device IL, a display panel PNL, a driving IC DD as a first driver, a wiring board F1, and the like. The display panel PNL includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA outside the display area DA. The lighting device IL has a plate-like shape. The illumination device IL is configured to emit light to at least the display area DA of the display panel PNL. The illumination device IL includes an upper surface MU, a first side surface MS1, and a first corner C1a extending linearly between the upper surface MU and the first side surface MS1.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting device IL includes a lower surface MB opposite to the upper surface MU, a second side surface MS2 provided continuously from the first side surface MS1, and a third side surface MS3 opposite to the first side surface MS1. , A fourth side surface MS4 opposite to the second side surface MS2. The first side surface MS1, the second side surface MS2, the third side surface MS3, and the fourth side surface MS4 have a rectangular shape. The upper surface MU and the lower surface MB have, for example, a rectangular shape as a square. Each of the upper surface MU and the lower surface MB has a pair of long sides extending in the first direction X and a pair of short sides extending in the second direction Y.

  Further, the illumination device IL includes a first corner C1b linearly extending between the upper surface MU and the second side surface MS2, and a first corner C1b linearly extending between the upper surface MU and the third side surface MS3. A corner C1c, a first corner C1d extending linearly between the upper surface MU and the fourth side surface MS4, and a second corner extending linearly between the first side surface MS1 and the lower surface MB. C2a, a second corner portion C2b extending linearly between the second side surface MS2 and the lower surface MB, and a second corner portion C2c extending linearly between the third side surface MS3 and the lower surface MB. , A second corner C2d extending linearly between the fourth side surface MS4 and the lower surface MB. The first corners C1a, C1c and the second corners C2a, C2c extend in the first direction X, and the first corners C1b, C1d and the second corners C2b, C2d extend in the second direction Y. I have.

  The illumination device IL includes a light guide LG and a light source unit LU that emits light toward the light guide LG. In this example, the light source unit LU has a fourth side surface MS4. The light guide LG includes a light guide plate located at least in the display area DA. For example, the light guide LG includes a light guide plate, a frame portion having a first side surface MS1, a second side surface MS2, and a third side surface MS3, and a light reflection plate having a lower surface MB. In this case, the frame portion and the light reflection plate surround the light guide plate together with the light source unit LU. The surface of the frame portion on the light guide plate side may have light reflectivity similarly to the light reflection plate.

  However, the configuration of the illumination device IL is not limited to the above configuration, and can be variously modified. For example, the illumination device IL may be formed without the frame portion and the light reflection plate. Further, the light guide plate may have a first side surface MS1, a second side surface MS2, a third side surface MS3, a lower surface MB, and the like.

  The display area DA of the display panel PNL faces the upper surface MU of the lighting device IL. The non-display area NDA of the display panel PNL is bent along the illumination device IL, and faces the upper surface MU, the first side surface MS1, the second side surface MS2, the third side surface MS3, the fourth side surface MS4, and the lower surface MB. . The drive IC DD and the wiring board F1 face the lower surface MB. On the side facing the lower surface MB, the drive IC DD is mounted on the non-display area NDA of the display panel PNL, and the wiring board F1 is connected to the non-display area NDA of the display panel PNL.

  The non-display area NDA of the display panel PNL has a frame area FA and a peripheral area AP. The frame area FA is located between the display area DA and the peripheral area AP, surrounds the display area DA, and faces the upper surface MU of the lighting device IL. In the present embodiment, the non-display area NDA of the display panel PNL has four peripheral areas AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 extending independently of each other. Each of the peripheral regions AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 faces one corresponding side surface MS and the lower surface MB of the lighting device IL. However, the extension amount (length) of each of the peripheral regions AP2, AP3, and AP4 may be shorter than the example shown in FIG. In this case, each of the peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4 only needs to face one corresponding side surface MS of the illumination device IL, and does not have to face the lower surface MB.

FIG. 4 is an exploded plan view showing the display panel PNL, the driving IC DD, and the wiring board F1 of the display device DSP.
As shown in FIG. 4, the display panel PNL has a display cell CL for displaying an image. The display cell CL has a first substrate SUB1 and a second substrate SUB2. The driving IC DD is mounted on the first substrate SUB1, and the wiring substrate F1 is connected to the first substrate SUB1. The second substrate SUB2 is overlaid on the first substrate SUB1 except for a region for the drive IC DD and the wiring substrate F1. In the present embodiment, the display cell CL has an octagonal shape in plan view.

  The display cell CL includes a display area DA, a frame area FA, and peripheral areas AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4. The peripheral area AP1 includes a first area AP1a, a second area AP1b, a third area AP1c, and a fourth area AP1d. Similarly, the peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4 also include first to fourth areas. The code corresponding to the first area is suffixed with a, the code corresponding to the second area is suffixed with b, the code corresponding to the third area is suffixed with c, The symbol “d” is added to the end of the code corresponding to the area. In the figure, the first and third regions are hatched. Note that the driving IC DD is located in the fourth area AP1d of the peripheral area AP1, and the wiring board F1 is physically fixed to the fourth area AP1d.

  In each of the peripheral areas AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, the first to fourth areas are arranged in order from the frame area FA side. In the peripheral areas AP1 and AP3, the first to fourth areas are arranged in the second direction Y. In the peripheral areas AP2 and AP4, the first to fourth areas are arranged in the first direction X.

  In the peripheral area AP1, the first area AP1a extends along the first corner C1a (in the first direction X), and the third area AP1c extends along the second corner C2a (in the first direction X). ) Extending. In the peripheral area AP2, the first area AP2a extends along the first corner C1b (in the second direction Y), and the third area AP2c extends along the second corner C2b (in the second direction Y). ) Extending. In the peripheral area AP3, the first area AP3a extends along the first corner C1c (in the first direction X), and the third area AP3c extends along the second corner C2c (in the first direction X). ) Extending. In the peripheral area AP4, the first area AP4a extends along the first corner C1d (in the second direction Y), and the third area AP4c extends along the second corner C2d (in the second direction Y). ) Extending.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the display cell CL and the driving IC DD, and also shows a circuit configuration of one pixel PX. Note that, here, an example of a circuit diagram is shown, and the circuit diagram is not limited to the circuit diagram shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the display cell CL has a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scanning lines G (G1 to Gn), and a plurality of signal lines S (S1 to Sm) in the display area DA. And an electrode CE. The plurality of pixels PX are arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y. In the display area DA, each of the scanning lines G extends in the first direction X, and each of the signal lines S extends in the second direction Y. In the non-display area NDA, the display cell CL has a scanning line driving circuit GD as a second driver and a signal line driving circuit SD as a third driver. Each of the scanning lines G extends to the non-display area NDA and is connected to the scanning line driving circuit GD. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the scanning line driving circuit GD may be provided also in the peripheral area AP4, and may drive a plurality of scanning lines G using two scanning line driving circuits GD. Each of the signal lines S extends to the non-display area NDA and is connected to the signal line driving circuit SD. The common electrode CE is shared by a plurality of pixels PX.

  The scanning line driving circuit GD, the signal line driving circuit SD, and the common electrode CE are electrically connected to the driving IC DD. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the signal line drive circuit SD may be incorporated in the drive IC DD without being independent from the drive IC DD. The drive IC DD is electrically connected to a pad group (OLB pad group) PG of outer lead bonding (Outer Lead Bonding) of the display cell CL. Note that the wiring board F1 is electrically connected to the OLB pad group PG.

  Each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, a liquid crystal layer LC, and the like. The switching element SW is composed of, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), and is electrically connected to the scanning line G and the signal line S. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. The pixel electrode PE of each pixel PX faces the common electrode CE. The liquid crystal layer LC is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The storage capacitor CS is coupled to the pixel electrode PE. The storage capacitor CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE. From the above, the display cell CL of the present embodiment is a liquid crystal display cell, the display panel PNL is a liquid crystal display panel, and the display device DSP is a liquid crystal display device.

  Although a detailed description of the configuration of the pixel PX is omitted here, the pixel PX is provided in a display mode using a vertical electric field along a normal line of the main surface of the first substrate SUB1. In contrast, a display mode using an oblique electric field inclined in an oblique direction, a display mode using a horizontal electric field along the main surface of the first substrate SUB1, and a combination of the vertical electric field, the horizontal electric field, and the oblique electric field are appropriately combined. Any of the display modes that are used by the user can be applied. Here, the main surface of the first substrate SUB1 is a surface parallel to the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the display panel PNL along the line VI-VI in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the display cell CL includes a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, a sealing material SL, and a liquid crystal layer LC. The first substrate SUB1 includes a first main surface 1 and a second main surface 2 opposite to the first main surface, and is located in the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The second substrate SUB2 is opposed to the first substrate SUB1 with a predetermined gap. The second substrate SUB2 includes a third main surface 3 facing the second main surface 2 with a gap therebetween, and a fourth main surface 4 opposite to the third main surface, and includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. It is located in. The second substrate SUB2 has a light shielding layer LS in the non-display area NDA. The sealing material SL is provided between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, is located in the non-display area NDA, surrounds the display area DA, and joins the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. . The liquid crystal layer LC is provided in a space surrounded by the first substrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2, and the sealing material SL. The boundary between the sealing material SL and the liquid crystal layer LC is located in the frame area FA.

  The display panel PNL includes, in addition to the display cell CL, a first optical film OF1, a second optical film OF2, an adhesive layer AD1 interposed between the display cell CL and the first optical film OF1, and a display cell CL. And an adhesive layer AD2 interposed between the second optical film OF2.

  The first optical film OF1 includes a first polarizing plate PL1, and is bonded to the first substrate SUB1 by an adhesive layer AD1. The second optical film OF2 includes a second polarizing plate PL2, and is bonded to the second substrate SUB2 by an adhesive layer AD2. Unlike the present embodiment, the first optical film OF1 and the second optical film OF2 may include not only the polarizing plate PL but also other optical functional layers such as a retardation plate.

  The first optical film OF1 faces the entire first substrate SUB1. The second optical film OF2 faces the entire area of the second substrate SUB2. However, the first optical film OF1 and the second optical film OF2 only need to face at least the display area DA of the display cell CL.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a part of the display panel PNL. The illustrated configuration example of the pixel PX corresponds to an example in which a display mode using a horizontal electric field is applied.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first substrate SUB1 includes an insulating substrate 10, insulating layers 11 to 16, a lower light-shielding layer US, a semiconductor layer SC, a switching element SW, a common electrode CE, a pixel electrode PE, and an alignment film AL1. Have. The insulating substrate 10 is formed of a resin material such as polyimide as an organic insulating material, and is a substrate having flexibility and light transmittance. Insulating substrate 10 includes first main surface 1.

  The insulating layer 11 is disposed on the insulating substrate 10. The lower light-shielding layer US is located on the insulating layer 11 and is covered by the insulating layer 12. Note that the first substrate SUB1 may be formed without the insulating layer 11, and in this case, the lower light-shielding layer US is located on the insulating substrate 10. The semiconductor layer SC is located on the insulating layer 12 and is covered by the insulating layer 13. The semiconductor layer SC is formed of, for example, polycrystalline silicon, but may be formed of amorphous silicon or an oxide semiconductor.

  In the switching element SW, the gate electrodes GE1 and GE2 are located on the insulating layer 13 and are covered by the insulating layer. The gate electrodes GE1 and GE2 are electrically connected to one of the scanning lines G shown in FIG. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE are located on the insulating layer 14 and are covered by the insulating layer 15. The source electrode SE is electrically connected to one of the signal lines S shown in FIG. The source electrode SE is in contact with the semiconductor layer SC via a contact hole CH1 penetrating the insulating layers 13 and. The drain electrode DE is in contact with the semiconductor layer SC via a contact hole CH2 penetrating through the insulating layers 13 and 14.

  The common electrode CE is located on the insulating layer 15 and is covered by the insulating layer 16. The pixel electrode PE is located on the insulating layer 16 and is covered with the alignment film AL1. Part of the pixel electrode PE is opposed to the common electrode CE via the insulating layer 16. The common electrode CE and the pixel electrode PE are formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The pixel electrode PE is in contact with the drain electrode DE via a contact hole CH3 penetrating the insulating layers 15 and 16 at a position overlapping the opening of the common electrode CE. Note that the insulating layers 11 to 14 and the insulating layer 16 are inorganic insulating layers formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, and may have a single-layer structure. Or a multilayer structure. The insulating layer 15 is an organic insulating layer formed of an organic insulating material such as an acrylic resin as a resin.

  The second substrate SUB2 includes an insulating substrate 20, an insulating layer 21, a light shielding layer BM, a color filter layer CF, an overcoat layer OC, and an alignment film AL2. The insulating substrate 20 is a substrate formed of a resin material such as polyimide as an organic insulating material and having flexibility and light transmittance. Insulating substrate 20 includes fourth main surface 4. The insulating layer 21 is, for example, an inorganic insulating layer of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like, and may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. Note that the second substrate SUB2 may be formed without the insulating layer 21. In this case, the light shielding layer BM and the color filter layer CF are located on the side of the insulating substrate 20 facing the first substrate SUB1.

  The light shielding layer BM and the color filter layer CF are located on the side of the insulating layer 21 facing the first substrate SUB1. The light shielding layer BM can be formed collectively using the same material as the light shielding layer LS shown in FIG. The light-blocking layer BM is arranged at a position facing each of wiring portions such as the signal line S, the scanning line G, and the switching element SW. The color filter layer CF is arranged at a position facing the pixel electrode PE, and a part thereof overlaps the light shielding layer BM. The overcoat layer OC covers the color filter layer CF. The alignment film AL2 covers the overcoat layer OC.

The liquid crystal layer LC is located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, and is held between the alignment films AL1 and AL2. The liquid crystal layer LC contains liquid crystal molecules. Such a liquid crystal layer LC is made of a positive liquid crystal material (having a positive dielectric anisotropy) or a negative liquid crystal material (having a negative dielectric anisotropy).
Here, the thickness T10 of the insulating substrate 10 and the thickness T20 of the insulating substrate 20 are uniform over the entire display area DA, frame area FA, and peripheral area AP, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the display device DSP along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the first optical film OF1 is fixed to the display cell CL and is located between the display cell CL and the lighting device IL. The first optical film OF1 is in contact with the upper surface MU, the first side surface MS1, the third side surface MS3, and the lower surface MB of the lighting device IL.

In the peripheral area AP1 of the display panel PNL (display cell CL), the first area AP1a faces the first corner C1a and is bent. The second region AP1b faces the first side surface MS1. The third area AP1c faces the second corner C2a and is bent. The fourth area AP1d faces the lower surface MB.
In the peripheral area AP3 of the display panel PNL (display cell CL), the first area AP3a faces the first corner C1c and is bent. The second region AP3b faces the third side surface MS3. The third area AP3c faces the second corner C2c and is bent. The fourth area AP3d faces the lower surface MB.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the display device DSP along the line IX-IX in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the first optical film OF1 is further in contact with the second side surface MS2 and the fourth side surface MS4 of the lighting device IL.

In the peripheral area AP2 of the display panel PNL (display cell CL), the first area AP2a faces the first corner C1b and is bent. The second area AP2b faces the second side surface MS2. The third area AP2c faces the second corner C2b and is bent. The fourth area AP2d faces the lower surface MB.
In the peripheral area AP4 of the display panel PNL (display cell CL), the first area AP4a faces the first corner C1d and is bent. The second region AP4b faces the fourth side surface MS4. The third area AP4c faces the second corner C2d and is bent. The fourth area AP4d faces the lower surface MB.

  Next, the structure of the end of the display cell CL will be described. Here, the structure of the end of the display cell CL including the peripheral area AP1 will be described as a representative. Note that the description to be described later is also applicable to the structure of other peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4. FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a part of the display cell CL in an expanded manner.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a distance from the first main surface 1 to the fourth main surface 4 is defined as a first distance D1. Here, the first distance D1 is a linear distance in the third direction Z in FIG. Alternatively, the first distance D1 is the shortest distance from the first main surface 1 to the fourth main surface 4. The first distance D1 of the frame area FA is the same as the first distance D1 of the display area DA. At least the first distance D1 of the first area AP1a among the first distances D1 of the peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA. In the present embodiment, the first distance D1 of the second area AP1b, the third area AP1c, and the fourth area AP1d is the same as the first distance D1 of the first area AP1a. For example, the first distance D1 of the second area AP1b is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA.

  The distance from the second main surface 2 to the third main surface 3 is defined as a second distance D2. Here, the second distance D2 is a linear distance in the third direction Z in FIG. Alternatively, the second distance D2 is the shortest distance from the second main surface 2 to the third main surface 3. The second distance D2 of the frame area FA is the same as the second distance D2 of the display area DA. At least the second distance D2 of the first area AP1a among the second distances D2 of the peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the second distance D2 of the display area DA. In the present embodiment, the second distance D2 of the second area AP1b, the third area AP1c, and the fourth area AP1d is the same as the second distance D2 of the first area AP1a.

  In order to obtain the above-described relationship between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2, in the present embodiment, the adjustment is performed using the spacer SP. The display cell CL has a plurality of spacers SP. The spacer SP is located between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, and holds a gap between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The plurality of spacers SP include a plurality of first spacers SP1 located in the display area DA and the frame area FA, and a plurality of second spacers SP2 located in at least the first area AP1a of the peripheral area AP1. . In the present embodiment, the spacers SP in the second region AP1b, the third region AP1c, and the fourth region AP1d are also the second spacers SP2. In the direction in which the second main surface 2 and the third main surface 3 face each other, the length L2 of the second spacer SP2 is shorter than the length L1 of the first spacer SP1.

  The plurality of first spacers SP1 and the plurality of second spacers SP2 are fixed to one of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2, respectively, and the second main surface 2 or the second main surface 2 which is the main surface of the other substrate 3 is a columnar spacer that contacts the main surface 3. In the present embodiment, the first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are fixed to the second substrate SUB2 and are in contact with the second main surface 2 of the first substrate SUB1. Therefore, the height (L2) of the second spacer SP2 is smaller than the height (L1) of the first spacer SP1.

  Near the boundary between the frame area FA and the first area AP1a, both the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are distorted. However, unlike this embodiment, in the vicinity of the boundary, only one of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 may be distorted.

  According to the display device DSP according to the embodiment configured as described above, the peripheral regions AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 of the display panel PNL can be bent along the illumination device IL. As shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral regions AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 can be folded on the back surface (lower surface MB) of the display device DSP. Thereby, the frame on the surface of the display device DSP can be reduced.

Focusing on the peripheral area AP1, the first distance D1 of each of the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA. The stress applied to the display cell CL when the display panel PNL is bent, as compared with the case where the first distance D1 of each of the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c is the same as the first distance D1 of the display area DA ( Stress) can be reduced. Accordingly, in the peripheral regions AP1 such as the first region AP1a and the third region AP1c, it is possible to reduce damage, buckling, distortion, and the like of the insulating substrates 10 and 20. As a result, the occurrence of problems such as disconnection of the wiring located in the peripheral area AP1 can be reduced. Note that the distortion is not a desired distortion that occurs near the boundary between the frame area FA and the first area AP1a, but an undesired distortion.
From the above, a highly reliable display device DSP can be obtained.

(Modification 1)
Next, a display device DSP according to a first modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell CL according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment in an expanded manner. Here, the configuration of the peripheral area AP1 of the display cell CL will be described as a representative. However, the technique of the first modification is also applicable to the peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first distance D1 of the second area AP1b and the first distance D1 of the fourth area AP1d may be the same as the first distance D1 of the display area DA. The first distance D1 of the first area AP1a among the first distances D1 of the peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA. The first distance D1 of the first area AP1a is the same as the first distance D1 of the third area AP1c. The second distance D2 of the first area AP1a is shorter than the second distance D2 of the display area DA, and is equal to the second distance D2 of the third area AP1c.

In order to obtain the above-described relationship between the first distance D1 and the second distance D2, in the first modification, the adjustment is performed using the spacer SP. In the peripheral area AP1, the first spacer SP1 is located in the second area AP1b and the fourth area AP1d, and the second spacer SP2 is located in the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c.
In the first modification configured as described above, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 2)
Next, a display device DSP according to a modified example 2 of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell CL according to Modification 2 of the embodiment in an expanded manner. Here, the configuration of the peripheral area AP1 of the display cell CL will be described as a representative. However, the technique of the second modification is also applicable to the peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4.

As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of second spacers SP2 may be spherical spacers. The second spacer SP2 is in contact with the second main surface 2 and the third main surface 3, respectively. The diameter (L2) of the second spacer SP2 is less than the height (L1) of the first spacer SP1.
In the modified example 2 configured as described above, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 3)
Next, a display device DSP according to a third modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell CL according to a third modification of the embodiment in an expanded manner. Here, the configuration of the peripheral area AP1 of the display cell CL will be described as a representative. However, the technique of the third modification is applicable to the above-described peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first substrate SUB1 includes an insulating substrate 10 and an insulating layer 15 as an organic insulating layer. Here, illustration of the first substrate SUB1 other than the insulating substrate 10 and the insulating layer 15 is omitted. As can be seen from FIG. 5, wiring, pads, and circuits are provided in the peripheral area AP1 of the display cell CL. Therefore, the portion shown in FIG. 13 of the first substrate SUB1 includes another insulating layer and a conductive layer.

The insulating layer 15 is located closer to the second substrate SUB2 than the insulating substrate 10. In at least the first region AP1a and the third region AP1c of the peripheral region AP1, the insulating layer 15 includes a plurality of recesses 15a. The plurality of recesses 15a are respectively recessed from the second substrate SUB2 toward the insulating substrate 10. The recess 15a penetrates the insulating layer 15. Note that the recess 15 a may be recessed, and does not need to penetrate the insulating layer 15. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the second main surface 2 is a surface of the insulating layer 15 on the second substrate SUB2 side. In the recess 15a, the second main surface 2 is a surface of the insulating substrate 10 on the second substrate SUB2 side.
However, the second main surface 2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. A layer of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the second substrate SUB2 than the insulating layer 15 may have the second main surface 2. Similarly, in the concave portion 15a, a layer on the second substrate SUB2 side with respect to the insulating substrate 10 may have the second main surface 2.

The plurality of spacers SP are columnar spacers, and the plurality of first spacers SP1 located in the display area DA and the frame area FA, and the plurality of first spacers located in at least the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c of the peripheral area AP1. And two spacers SP2. The height (L2) of each second spacer SP2 is the same as the height (L1) of each first spacer SP1.
In the present embodiment, the recess 15a and the second spacer SP2 are provided not only in the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c, but also in the second area AP1b and the fourth area AP1d.

  The first spacer SP1 and the second spacer SP2 are fixed to the second substrate SUB2 and are in contact with the second main surface 2. The first spacer SP1 is in contact with the surface of the insulating layer 15 on the second substrate SUB2 side as the second main surface 2. It is desirable that all the spacers SP are fixed together to the second substrate SUB2. However, the first spacer SP1 may be fixed to the first substrate SUB1 and may be in contact with the third main surface 3. The plurality of second spacers SP2 enter the corresponding recesses 15a, respectively, and are in contact with the second main surface 2.

From the above, the first distance D1 of the peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA by the thickness of the insulating layer 15. Note that the second distance D2 of the peripheral area AP1 is also shorter than the second distance D2 of the display area DA by the thickness of the insulating layer 15.
In the third modification configured as described above, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 4)
Next, a display device DSP according to a modified example 4 of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display cell CL according to Modification 4 of the embodiment in an expanded manner. Here, the configuration of the peripheral area AP1 of the display cell CL will be described as a representative. However, the technique of the fourth modification is also applicable to the peripheral areas AP2, AP3, and AP4.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the plurality of spacers SP include a plurality of first spacers SP1 located in the display area DA and the frame area FA, and a plurality of spacers SP located in at least the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c of the peripheral area AP1. And the second spacer SP2. In the direction in which the second main surface 2 and the third main surface 3 face each other, the length L2 of each second spacer SP2 is the same as the length L1 of each first spacer SP1. The second distance D2 of the frame area FA and the second distance D2 of at least the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c of the peripheral area AP1 are the same as the second distance D2 of the display area DA, respectively.

The insulating layer 15 is located in the display area DA and the frame area FA, and is not located in at least the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c of the peripheral area AP1.
In the present embodiment, the insulating layer 15 is not located in the second area AP1b and the fourth area AP1d. The second spacer SP2 is also provided in the second area AP1b and the fourth area AP1d. In the display area DA and the frame area FA, the first spacer SP1 faces the insulating layer 15.

From the above, the first distance D1 of the peripheral area AP1 is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display area DA by the thickness of the insulating layer 15. However, the second distance D2 of the peripheral area AP1 is the same as the second distance D2 of the display area DA.
In the modified example 4 configured as described above, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Although the embodiment and the modified example of the present invention have been described, the above-described embodiment and the modified example are presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described novel embodiments and modified examples can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiment and its modified examples are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. It is also possible to combine the above-described embodiments and modified examples as needed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the above-described first modification (FIG. 11) and the third modification (FIG. 13) may be combined. From the above, the first distance D1 of the second region AP1b and the fourth region AP1d is shorter than the first distance D1 of the display region DA by the thickness of the insulating layer 15. The first distance D1 between the first area AP1a and the third area AP1c is equal to the difference between the height (L2) of the second spacer SP2 and the height (L1) of the first spacer SP1. It is shorter than the first distance D1 of the four areas AP1d.

DSP: display device, IL: lighting device, MS1, MS2, MS3, MS4: side surface,
C1a, C1b, C1c, C1d, C2a, C2b, C2c, C2d...
MU: upper surface, MB: lower surface, PNL: display panel, DA: display area, NDA: non-display area,
FA: frame area, AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4: peripheral area,
AP1a, AP2a, AP3a, AP4a ... first area,
AP1b, AP2b, AP3b, AP4b ... second area,
AP1c, AP2c, AP3c, AP4c ... third area,
AP1d, AP2d, AP3d, AP4d ... the fourth area,
CL: display cell, LC: liquid crystal layer, SUB1, SUB2: substrate, 10, 20: insulating substrate,
15 insulating layer, 15a recess, SL sealing material, SP, SP1, SP2 spacer
1, 2, 3, 4... Main surface, D1, D2... Distance, L1, L2.

Claims (12)

A first substrate including a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, the first substrate being located in a display region and a non-display region outside the display region;
A second substrate positioned in the display area and the non-display area, including a third main surface facing the second main surface with a gap therebetween, and a fourth main surface opposite to the third main surface; ,
A sealing material that is located in the non-display area and that joins the first substrate and the second substrate;
A display cell having a liquid crystal layer provided in a space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealant;
The non-display area has a peripheral area including a first area, and a frame area located between the display area and the peripheral area and surrounding the display area,
A boundary between the sealing material and the liquid crystal layer is located in the frame region,
When the distance from the first main surface to the fourth main surface is a first distance,
The first distance of the frame area is the same as the first distance of the display area;
At least the first distance of the first region among the first distances of the peripheral region is shorter than the first distance of the display region;
Display device. The first substrate has a first insulating substrate including the first main surface and formed of an organic insulating material,
The second substrate includes a second insulating substrate including the fourth main surface and formed of an organic insulating material,
The first insulating substrate and the second insulating substrate each have a uniform thickness over the entire display region, the frame region, and the peripheral region,
The display device according to claim 1. Assuming that the distance from the second main surface to the third main surface is a second distance,
The second distance of the frame area is the same as the second distance of the display area;
At least the second distance of the first region among the second distances of the peripheral region is shorter than the second distance of the display region;
The display device according to claim 1. The display cell further includes a plurality of spacers located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and holding a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The plurality of spacers include a plurality of first spacers located in the display area and the frame area, and a plurality of second spacers located in at least the first area of the peripheral area,
In a direction in which the second main surface and the third main surface face each other,
A length of each of the second spacers is shorter than a length of each of the first spacers;
The display device according to claim 3. The plurality of first spacers and the plurality of second spacers are respectively fixed to one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and the second main surface or the main surface of the other substrate is a main surface of the other substrate. A columnar spacer that contacts the third main surface,
A height of each of the second spacers is less than a height of each of the first spacers;
The display device according to claim 4. The plurality of first spacers are each fixed to one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and are columnar in contact with the second main surface or the third main surface that is a main surface of the other substrate. Spacer
The plurality of second spacers are spherical spacers that are in contact with the second main surface and the third main surface, respectively.
A diameter of each of the second spacers is less than a height of each of the first spacers;
The display device according to claim 4. The display cell further includes a plurality of spacers located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and holding a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The first substrate includes a first insulating substrate including the first main surface and formed of an organic insulating material, and an organic insulating layer positioned closer to the second substrate than the first insulating substrate,
The second substrate includes a second insulating substrate including the fourth main surface and formed of an organic insulating material,
In at least the first region of the peripheral region, the organic insulating layer includes a plurality of recesses each recessed from the second substrate toward the first insulating substrate,
The plurality of spacers include a plurality of first spacers located in the display area and the frame area, and a plurality of second spacers located in at least the first area of the peripheral area,
A height of each of the second spacers is equal to a height of each of the first spacers;
The plurality of first spacers are fixed to one of the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, and are in contact with the second main surface or the third main surface, which is the main surface of the other substrate. A columnar spacer,
Each of the plurality of second spacers is a columnar spacer that is fixed to the second substrate and enters the corresponding recess and contacts the second main surface.
The display device according to claim 3. The display cell further includes a plurality of spacers located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and holding a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The plurality of spacers include a plurality of first spacers located in the display area and the frame area, and a plurality of second spacers located in at least the first area of the peripheral area,
In a direction in which the second main surface and the third main surface face each other,
A length of each of the second spacers is the same as a length of each of the first spacers;
Assuming that the distance from the second main surface to the third main surface is a second distance,
At least the second distance of the first region among the second distance of the frame region and the peripheral region is the same as the second distance of the display region, respectively.
The first substrate includes a first insulating substrate including the first main surface and formed of an organic insulating material, and an organic insulating layer positioned closer to the second substrate than the first insulating substrate,
The second substrate includes a second insulating substrate including the fourth main surface and formed of an organic insulating material,
The organic insulating layer is located in the display area and the frame area, and is not located in at least the first area of the peripheral area;
The display device according to claim 1. Further comprising a plate-shaped lighting device having an upper surface, a first side surface, and a first corner located between the upper surface and the first side surface,
In the display cell,
The display area and the frame area face the upper surface,
The peripheral region further includes a second region facing the first side surface,
The first region is located between the frame region and the second region, faces the first corner, and is bent.
The display device according to claim 1. The first distance of the second area is shorter than the first distance of the display area;
The display device according to claim 9. The first distance of the first area is the same as the first distance of the display area,
The display device according to claim 9. The lighting device further includes a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a second corner located between the lower surface and the first side surface,
In the display cell,
The peripheral region further includes a third region and a fourth region facing the lower surface,
The third region is located between the second region and the fourth region, faces the second corner, and is bent;
The display device according to claim 9.

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