JP3347302B2 - Liquid crystal display - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly, to an illumination light source and a position information input device for a reflection type liquid crystal panel which modulates light incident from a display surface side and emits the light to the display surface side. The present invention relates to a stacked liquid crystal display.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal panel as a display device as a monitor of an image reproducing device or various information terminals has been frequently used.

A liquid crystal panel constituting this liquid crystal display device includes a simple matrix type known as an STN type,
An active matrix type using a non-linear element such as a TFT is generally used.

Since these liquid crystal panels are not of a self-luminous type, a separate illumination light source is required to visualize an image formed on the liquid crystal panel.

[0005] There are two types of liquid crystal panels: transmission type and reflection type. In monitors for information terminals and the like, transmission type liquid crystal panels are often used for high brightness and high contrast display. In the following, a visible image is formed by installing a backlight and modulating light from the backlight with an image formed on a liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a conventional liquid crystal display device having a transmissive liquid crystal panel in which position information input devices are stacked and a backlight device. In this liquid crystal display device, a backlighting device (backlight) is stacked on the back of a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and illumination light from the backlight passing through the liquid crystal panel is modulated by an image formed on the liquid crystal panel, and this is modulated. The image is visualized by emitting light to the front side of the liquid crystal panel.

A position information input device (hereinafter, also referred to as a touch panel) is stacked on the display surface side of such a liquid crystal display device, and various types of information are externally input from the display surface of the liquid crystal panel. The touch panel is a device for inputting position information for detecting a position input on the two-dimensional coordinates. The touch panel selects information displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel from the position information or various information such as characters and images. Is an input device for recognizing in a host (host computer).

That is, this type of liquid crystal display device has a liquid crystal panel sandwiched between two transparent substrates 1A and 1B, and a polarizing plate 1C provided on the front side and the back side, respectively.
A light source (a light source composed of a fluorescent lamp or a light emitting diode) 3A installed along a substantially rectangular transparent light guide plate 2 and one edge of the light guide plate 2 and an illumination light source 3 having a lamp reflection sheet 3B are provided on the back surface of the light guide plate 3B. The light from the illumination light source 3 is
The liquid crystal panel 1 is configured to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 1 from the back by deflecting the path in the direction of the liquid crystal panel while propagating to the liquid crystal panel. A light diffusion area (or light reflection area) 10 formed by dot printing 5 or the like is provided on the back surface of the light guide plate 2.

Further, on the back side of the light guide plate 2, there is provided a reflection plate 11 for totally reflecting light emitted from the light guide plate 2 to the back surface and returning the light to the liquid crystal panel 1.

[0010] Such a backlight is laminated on the liquid crystal panel 1 via a light amount distribution correcting member such as a diffusion film 12 or a prism plate (not shown) to constitute a transmissive liquid crystal display device.

The liquid crystal panel 1 has two transparent substrates 1
Since the backlight is installed on the back surface of the lower transparent substrate 1B using A and 1B to turn on the light, it is a bottleneck for reducing power consumption.

Further, the lower substrate of the liquid crystal panel is a semi-transmissive substrate, and normally, the incident light (external light) from the display side of the liquid crystal panel is reflected by the lower substrate and emitted to the display surface. There is also known a transflective liquid crystal display device in which a lighting device installed on the back is turned on when the amount of external light is insufficient. However, this method has a disadvantage that sufficient contrast cannot be obtained.

On the other hand, in a reflection type liquid crystal display device in which a lower substrate itself of a liquid crystal panel is used as a reflection plate or a reflection plate is provided on the back of the lower substrate, external light incident from the display surface is reduced by approximately 100%. Since the reflected light is used for display after being reflected in%, the lack of contrast in the transflective liquid crystal display device described above does not cause any problem in a bright environment.

However, in an environment with insufficient external light, the contrast is also insufficient. In order to solve this, an illumination device may be installed, but the illumination device cannot be installed behind the liquid crystal panel as in a transflective type.

A touch panel 4 is provided on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel 1.
And a touch panel in a liquid crystal display device in which information is directly input from the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 1 to the outside, between at least two sheets or substrates having a transparent conductive film formed on the opposing inner surface. Insert the spacer,
By changing the gap between the two sheets or the substrate, a two-dimensional coordinate position of the liquid crystal panel is input.

The above-described illuminating device for a liquid crystal panel has an optimal configuration for illuminating a transmissive or transflective liquid crystal panel from the back. However, it does not make sense to apply the present invention to a liquid crystal display device using a reflective liquid crystal panel that positively uses external light as described above.

In a reflection type liquid crystal display device, a reflection plate is provided on the back surface in order to totally reflect light incident from the front surface side and emit the light again from the front surface side, or two substrates constituting a liquid crystal panel. The reflective layer is formed on the inner surface on the lower substrate side.

On the other hand, in a reflection type liquid crystal display device using external light as illumination light, it is difficult to read a display in a dark environment with little external light.

Further, when a touch panel for inputting information is laminated on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel, the amount of transmitted light is reduced, and the screen becomes darker.

Japanese Patent Application No. 9-35179, which is a Japanese patent application, discloses a prior art in which a touch panel for inputting position information of this type and a lighting device for a liquid crystal panel are integrally formed.
There is No. 4. However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-351794, the connection between the electrodes of the touch panel is not good because the surface on which the electrodes of the light guide of the lighting device and the touch panel are provided is not flat.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-351794, the surface of the light guide on which the electrodes are provided needs to be stepped in order to guide the light of the light source to the liquid crystal panel. Could not be made flat.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which a position information input device (touch panel) provided on a liquid crystal panel has good coordinate recognition characteristics.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal panel in which a touch panel is laminated on a display surface, and the entire effective display area is uniformly illuminated by a front illumination method to obtain a high quality image display. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reflective or transflective liquid crystal display device with improved brightness.

[0024]

The object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel comprising a hard and transparent lower substrate and a soft and transparent upper substrate on a display surface side of a reflection type liquid crystal panel. This is achieved by providing a transparent insulating film thereon and forming a transparent electrode on the transparent insulating film.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device comprising a light guide plate and a light source and a touch panel, or to integrate this illumination device and a touch panel on the display surface side of a reflection type liquid crystal panel to uniformly illuminate the entire effective display area. This is achieved by providing a liquid crystal display device having an improved screen brightness capable of obtaining a high-quality image display.

That is, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal display panel having a first surface for displaying an image, a second surface different from the first surface, and a first surface side of the liquid crystal display panel. The touch panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate that can be more easily deformed than the first substrate, and the second substrate of the first substrate A transparent insulating film is provided on the opposing surface, and a first transparent electrode is provided on the transparent insulating film.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, the first substrate of the touch panel is provided between the second substrate and a liquid crystal display panel.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, a second transparent electrode is provided on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a spacer made of an insulator is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a concave portion is formed on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and the transparent insulating film covers the concave portion and has an uneven surface on which the transparent electrode is provided. Is reduced.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a printing layer that partially reflects light is formed on a surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and the transparent insulating film is formed of the printing layer. It is characterized in that the surface on which the transparent electrode is provided is made less uneven.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape.

In the liquid crystal display of the present invention,
A reflective liquid crystal panel, a lighting device provided on a display surface of the reflective liquid crystal panel, and a touch panel provided on the lighting device, wherein the touch panel has a hard first substrate; Comprising a soft second substrate provided and superimposed on the hard first substrate, a second transparent electrode provided on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate, A transparent insulating film is formed on the first substrate, and a first transparent electrode is formed on the transparent insulating film.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, the first transparent electrode is formed of an integral electric resistive film that extends in a plane over the entire touch panel, and the second transparent electrode is an integral electric resistance film that extends in a planar manner over the entire coordinate input area. It is characterized by comprising an electric resistance film.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, wiring for electrically connecting a terminal corresponding to the first transparent electrode is provided around the first transparent electrode on the first substrate, In the area where the wiring is provided on the first substrate,
A fixing member for fixing the first substrate and the second substrate is provided.

Further, the first transparent electrode is composed of a plurality of electrodes (X electrodes) arranged in a first direction.
Is characterized by comprising a plurality of electrodes (Y electrodes) arranged in the second direction.

Further, in the above liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal panel has a plurality of display electrodes arranged in a first direction or a second direction, and a distance between adjacent X electrodes or Y electrodes is reduced. The distance between the adjacent display electrodes is adjusted.

Further, the present invention provides a reflective liquid crystal panel,
In a liquid crystal display device in which a touch panel for externally inputting information on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel is laminated, the touch panel includes a hard lower transparent substrate facing the liquid crystal panel and a soft upper substrate for externally inputting information, A transparent electrode formed on each inner surface of the lower transparent substrate and the upper substrate, and a spacer sandwiched between the lower substrate and the upper substrate to isolate the transparent electrodes with a predetermined gap; A light source installed along at least one side edge of the side substrate, wherein the light from the light source is reflected and diffused on the liquid crystal panel side on the surface of the lower substrate on the transparent electrode side, and the reflected light from the liquid crystal panel Is provided to the display surface side, and a transparent insulating film is provided between the surface treatment surface and the transparent electrode.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a plurality of microprisms are formed on the surface-treated surface of the lower substrate, the transparent insulating film covers the microprisms, and the transparent insulating film and the lower substrate Are characterized by different refractive indices.

Further, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, the distance between adjacent microprisms on the side closer to the light source on the lower substrate is larger than the distance between adjacent microprisms on the side farther from the light source. I do.

Further, the liquid crystal display device is characterized in that the size of the microprism on the lower substrate near the light source is smaller than the size of the microprism on the far side from the light source.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a plurality of print patterns are formed in a plane on the surface-treated surface of the lower substrate, the transparent insulating film covers the print patterns, and the transparent electrode is provided. The surface is substantially flattened.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device, a distance between adjacent print patterns on a side closer to the light source on the lower substrate is larger than a distance between adjacent print patterns on a side farther from the light source. .

Further, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device, the size of the printed pattern on the lower substrate near the light source is smaller than the size of the printed pattern on the far side from the light source.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device of the present invention,
A liquid crystal display device is configured by laminating a reflective liquid crystal panel and a touch panel for externally inputting information on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel. The touch panel includes a lower transparent substrate facing the liquid crystal panel, and a lower transparent substrate. Upper substrate softer than the transparent substrate, and transparent electrodes formed on each inner surface of the touch panel,
A fixing member for fixing the lower substrate and the upper substrate with a predetermined gap, provided with a light source installed along at least one side edge of the lower substrate, the transparent electrode side of the lower substrate The surface has a surface treatment surface that reflects and diffuses the light from the light source to the liquid crystal panel side and emits the reflected light from the liquid crystal panel to the display surface side, and on the side of the touch panel where the light source is not provided, A terminal electrically connected to the transparent electrode is provided.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the touch panel provided on the liquid crystal panel has good coordinate recognition characteristics.

Further, the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention described above can be applied regardless of the type of liquid crystal panel (simple matrix type, active matrix type, and other types of liquid crystal panel) and the screen size, and lacks external light. It is possible to obtain a uniform and high-brightness image with good visibility over the entire effective display area even in a depressed environment.

It is not necessary for the above-mentioned lighting device to always turn on the light source. The light source is turned off when the brightness of the external light is large, and is turned on when necessary when the external light has a low brightness. May be provided with a switch or the like for turning on or off as necessary.

[0049]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of a first embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1. In the figure, 1
Is a reflective liquid crystal panel, 1A is an upper transparent substrate, 1B is a lower transparent substrate, 1C is a polarizing plate, and 1D is a reflecting plate. In this embodiment, the lower substrate is formed as a transparent plate and the reflection plate is provided on the rear surface. However, the lower substrate may be subjected to reflection processing on the inner surface.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a light guide plate made of an acrylic plate or the like constituting a lighting device, 3 denotes a lighting device, 3A denotes a linear lamp (linear light source), 3B denotes a reflection sheet, 4 denotes a touch panel, and 4A denotes a soft film sheet ( The upper substrate 4B is a hard substrate made of glass or acrylic (a lower substrate, a glass plate in this embodiment).

Then, a 1.5 mm thick acrylic light guide plate 2, a lamp 3A, and a reflection sheet 3B are placed on the liquid crystal panel 1.
(Also referred to as a front light) 3 comprising a touch panel 4 and a touch panel 4 thereon. The liquid crystal panel 1 is not limited to the reflective type as shown, but may be a transflective type.

The thickness of the light guide plate 2 is preferably as thin as light utilization efficiency permits, and more preferably 1.5 mm or less.

The upper surface of the light guide plate 2, that is, the touch panel 4
On the side, micro-prism-like, slit-like or dot-like unevenness or printing (in this embodiment, dot-like printing) 5 for light diffusion, and a lamp 3A constituting the lighting device 3 has a 2.0 mm diameter cold lamp. A cathode fluorescent tube was used. The diameter of the lamp is preferably small as long as the luminous efficiency permits, and more preferably 2.0 mm or less. However, a fluorescent tube having a diameter smaller than 1.6 mm cannot be said to have good luminous efficiency. Therefore, when the fluorescent tube is used for the lamp 3A, the diameter is preferably 1.6 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the operation of the illumination light source in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention. That is, the light guide plate 2 constituting the lighting device 3
Has a dot-shaped print 5 on its surface on the touch panel side, and reflects light from the lamp 3A in the direction of the liquid crystal panel 1 and light reflected from the liquid crystal panel 1 to the touch panel 4 as shown by the arrow in the figure. The light is transmitted and emitted to the display surface side.

The liquid crystal panel, the illumination light source and the touch panel are integrated by bonding the ends thereof with a double-sided tape.

The illuminating light source may be turned on all the time. However, when it is mounted on a portable information device such as a so-called PDA or a notebook personal computer that needs to suppress power consumption, it is configured to be turned on as necessary. be able to.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel having good visibility.

Further, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pattern for reflecting the light of the light guide plate 2 can be formed by printing, so that the manufacture of the light guide plate 2 is easy.

FIG. 4 illustrates another configuration and operation of the illumination light source in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.
It is a schematic cross section similar to. That is, in this embodiment,
Microprism-shaped irregularities 6 are formed on the touch panel side surface of the light guide plate 2 constituting the illumination light source.

As shown by the arrow in the figure, the light from the lamp 3A is reflected by the microprism-shaped irregularities 6 and directed to the liquid crystal panel 1, and the light reflected from the liquid crystal panel 1 is transmitted to the touch panel 4 by the touch panel 4. The light is transmitted and emitted to the display surface side. It is desirable that the inclined surface of the microprism on the lamp 3A side has an angle such that the light from the lamp 3A is totally reflected. Further, the microprisms may be formed in a ridge shape in the width direction of the light guide plate 2 (direction parallel to the linear lamp). According to this embodiment, the light of the lamp 3A can be efficiently reflected to the liquid crystal panel 1. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of a liquid crystal display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, an illumination light source and a touch panel stacked on the liquid crystal panel 1 are integrated to reduce the overall thickness. 1 and 2 correspond to the same functional parts, 40 is an illumination and touch panel, 40A is a transparent soft sheet serving as an upper substrate of the touch panel, and 40B is also used as a lower substrate of the touch panel and a light guide plate of an illumination light source. Transparent hard substrate.

This transparent hard substrate 40B has a thickness of 1.5 m.
m acrylic plate, and the surface is subjected to light diffusion treatment. The upper transparent soft sheet 40A used a polyester film.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a principal part for explaining a detailed configuration of a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention. The lighting / touch panel 40 includes a transparent electrode 4 formed on the inner surface of an upper transparent soft sheet 40A constituting a touch panel section between a lower transparent hard substrate 40B and an upper transparent soft sheet 40A.
It comprises a transparent electrode 40D formed on the inner surface of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B, and a spacer 40E sandwiched between the two transparent electrodes. The periphery of the upper transparent soft sheet 40A and the lower transparent hard substrate 40B is a sealing material 7
It is fixed at.

The configuration of the touch panel 40 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the configuration of the liquid crystal panel 1 in that the upper substrate and the lower substrate are bonded. However, in the touch panel 40, the lower substrate 40B is made of a hard substrate, and the upper substrate 40A
Differs from the liquid crystal panel 1 in that it is formed of a soft substrate. In the case of the liquid crystal panel 1, in order to make the thickness of the liquid crystal layer uniform, it is necessary that both the upper substrate and the lower substrate are formed of a hard substrate such as glass which is not easily deformed.

Accordingly, the present invention naturally differs from the technique in which two liquid crystal panels 1 are stacked and one liquid crystal panel 1 is used in place of an optical film (described later). Since the liquid crystal panel used as the liquid crystal panel needs to be made of a substrate that is hardly deformed in both the upper substrate and the lower substrate in order to make the thickness of the liquid crystal layer uniform,
This is different from the touch panel 40 of the present invention.

The illumination light source section is composed of a lower transparent hard substrate 40B, a lamp 3A, and a reflection sheet 3B for effectively using the light emitted from the lamp 3A. The lower transparent hard substrate 40B also functions as a light guide plate, and on its upper surface (touch panel portion side), a microprism 8 similar to that of FIG. 4 for explaining the first embodiment is formed. A transparent resin layer 40F having a smaller light refractive index than the acrylic plate is formed below the electrode 40D. The transparent resin layer 40F has a function of smoothing the surface on which the transparent electrode 40D is formed.

A light source 3 composed of a linear lamp (a cold cathode fluorescent tube, hereinafter simply referred to as a lamp, a fluorescent lamp or a fluorescent tube) 3A and a reflection sheet 3B along one side of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B. Is installed. The illumination and touch panel is stacked on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 1 to form a liquid crystal display device.

The light emitted from the linear lamp 3A is reflected on the inclined surface of the microprism 8 toward the liquid crystal panel 1 while being reflected by the lower transparent hard substrate 40B as shown by the arrow in the figure.
Propagate inside.

The reflected light from the liquid crystal panel 1 passes through the illumination / touch panel again from the lower transparent hard substrate 40B and exits upward.

It is desirable that the inclined surface of the microprism on the lamp 3A side has an angle such that the light from the lamp 3A is totally reflected. Further, the microprism may be formed in a ridge shape in the width direction of the light guide plate 2 (direction parallel to the lamp). The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

According to this embodiment, since the rigid substrate of the touch panel and the light guide plate of the lighting device are shared by the transparent substrate 40B, the thickness of the liquid crystal display device can be reduced.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a ridge-shaped microprism formed on the surface of a lower transparent hard substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a large number of ridge-shaped microprisms 8 are formed on the upper surface of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B constituting the lighting and touch panel in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the lamp 3A. Light from the lamp 3A is reflected by the slope of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 and directed toward the liquid crystal panel.

According to this embodiment, the light of the lamp 3A can be efficiently reflected to the liquid crystal panel 1, and the brightness of the liquid crystal display device can be improved.

In this embodiment, the lower transparent hard substrate 40
By changing the size (specifically, width) of the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 according to the position B, the brightness of the light applied to the liquid crystal panel is made uniform.

More specifically, the width d3 of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 farther from the lamp 3A is larger than the width d1 of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 closer to the lamp 3A. According to the present embodiment, the side farther from the lamp 3A reflects light of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 wider than the side closer to the lamp 3A, so that the brightness at the side farther from the lamp 3A decreases. Can be prevented. Also, the lower transparent rigid substrate 40
The width d2 of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 near the center of B is represented by d
By selecting a value between 1 and d3, it is possible to reduce the luminance difference between the side closer to the lamp 3A, the side farther from the lamp 3A, and the vicinity of the center.

In the present embodiment, the distance between adjacent microprisms is constant regardless of the location. By adjusting the distance between the adjacent microprisms 8 to the repetition distance of the pixels of the liquid crystal panel 1, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of interference fringes.

Third Embodiment FIG. 9 illustrates an example of light scattering / reflection printing formed on the surface of a transparent hard substrate below an illumination and touch panel for explaining a third embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention. It is a plane schematic diagram. This embodiment is the same as the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as a whole, except for the form of the surface treatment formed on the surface of the transparent hard substrate below the lighting and touch panel.

As shown in the figure, a large number of light scattering reflection prints 9 are formed on the upper surface of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B constituting the lighting and touch panel. On this upper surface, a transparent resin film similar to that shown in FIG. 7 is formed.

In this embodiment, the lower transparent hard substrate 40
By changing the size, specifically, the diameter of the light scattering reflection print 9 according to the position B, the brightness of the light applied to the liquid crystal panel is made uniform.

More specifically, the diameter d3 of the light scattering reflection print 9 far from the lamp 3A is larger than the diameter d1 of the light scattering reflection print 9 near the lamp 3A. According to the present embodiment, the side farther from the lamp 3A scatters the light of the light scattering reflection print 9 on the side farther from the lamp 3A than on the side closer to the lamp 3A. Can be prevented.

By selecting the diameter d2 of the light scattering reflection print 9 in the vicinity of the center of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B to a value between d1 and d3, the side closer to the lamp 3A, the side farther from the lamp 3A and the vicinity of the center are selected. Can reduce the luminance difference.

In this embodiment, the distance between the adjacent light scattering reflection prints 9 is constant regardless of the location. By adjusting the distance between the adjacent light scattering reflection prints 9 to the repetition distance of the pixels of the liquid crystal panel 1, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of interference fringes.

According to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel having good visibility can be provided.

The touch panel and the touch panel portion in each of the above-described embodiments have a resistance change or a gap change due to the contact between the transparent electrodes formed between the upper and lower substrates separated by the spacer by pressing the upper substrate. This is an analog touch panel that detects a change in capacitance due to an error and specifies a coordinate position on a two-dimensional plane.

In each of the above embodiments, the reflection type liquid crystal panel has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to the above-mentioned transflective type liquid crystal panel. Further, the light guide plate forming the lighting device or the lower transparent hard substrate forming the lighting and touch panel may be a so-called wedge-shaped substrate whose thickness gradually decreases from the lamp installation side.

As the liquid crystal panel used in the present invention, either a simple matrix type or an active matrix type liquid crystal panel can be used. Further, in each of the above embodiments, various light compensating members other than the polarizing plate to be laminated on the liquid crystal panel are not shown.

In the above embodiment, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp is used as a light source for illuminating a liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display device. In addition, a light emitting diode LED (including a diode array in which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged) is also used. The light source may be provided on the side edge of the lower transparent hard substrate constituting the light guide plate or the lighting and touch panel. At this time, the color tone of the light emitting diode is preferably white based on visibility.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
On a passive liquid crystal panel in which a plurality of signal electrodes (first pixel electrodes) 1E and a plurality of scanning electrodes (second pixel electrodes) 1F intersect in a matrix, a linear light source 3A such as a fluorescent lamp or LED is provided. And the light guide plate 40B and the soft film 40
A lighting device and touch panel 40 made of A is installed.

On the inner surface of the first substrate 1B, which is the lower glass substrate, a reflective layer 1D made of an aluminum thin film, SiO ₂
Protective film 1K made of an antioxidant film such as ITO, ITO (Indium T
A lower electrode (signal electrode) 1E made of a transparent conductive film such as in Oxide) is formed. On the inner surface of the first substrate 1B, a lower alignment film 1M that covers the lower electrode 1E is formed.

Further, the second substrate 1 as an upper glass substrate
On the inner surface of A, a color filter 1J of three colors (R, G, B) in which a dye or a pigment is added to an organic resin film, impurities are prevented from being mixed into the liquid crystal layer 1H from the color filter 1J, A protective film 1L made of an organic material for flattening the inner surface of the substrate 1A and an upper electrode (scanning electrode) 1F made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO are formed. An upper alignment film 1N that covers the upper electrode 1F is formed on the inner surface of the second substrate 1A.

A light-shielding film (black matrix) in the form of a lattice or a stripe is formed between the colors R, G, and B constituting the color filter 1J, if necessary, and a protective film 1L is formed thereon. .

A liquid crystal layer 1H made of a liquid crystal composition is injected between the first and second substrates 1B and 1A and sealed with a sealing material 1G such as an epoxy resin to form a liquid crystal panel.

A spacer 1P is provided between the first and second substrates 1B and 1A to make the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 1H uniform.

On the outer side (upper side) of the second substrate 1A, which is the substrate on the viewer side of the liquid crystal panel, a polarizing plate 1C, a first retardation plate 1S and a second retardation plate 1T are laminated. . Between the second substrate 1A, the polarizing plate 1C, the first retardation plate 1S, and the second retardation plate 1T, an adhesive layer 1Q such as an adhesive (for example, an epoxy or acrylic adhesive) or an adhesive is provided. The respective members are provided and fixed. Here, the term "adhesive" means an adhesive capable of attaching the optical films 1C, 1S, 1T, and 1R once and then removing the optical films again. By fixing various optical films and liquid crystal panels together using an adhesive, if the optical film is fixed by mistake, it can be reproduced by peeling and re-attaching, improving the production yield of liquid crystal display devices. Can be done.

The reflection layer 1D preferably has specular reflectivity in terms of reflectivity. In this embodiment, an aluminum film is formed by an evaporation method. A multilayer film for improving the reflectance may be formed on the surface of the reflective layer 1D, and a protective film 1K is formed thereon for the purpose of protecting the reflective layer 1D from corrosion and flattening the surface.

The reflection layer 1D is not limited to aluminum, but may be a metal film such as chromium or silver or a non-metal film as long as it has a specular reflection property. The protective film 1K is made of Si.
The insulating film is not limited to the O ₂ film, and may be any insulating film that protects the reflective layer 1D, and may be an inorganic film such as a silicon nitride film, an organic metal film such as an organic titanium film, or an organic film such as polyimide or epoxy. In particular, an organic film such as polyimide or epoxy is excellent in flatness, and the lower electrode 1E formed on the protective film 1K can be easily formed.

When an organic metal film such as an organic titanium film is used for the protective film 1K, the lower electrode 1E can be formed at a high temperature, and the wiring resistance of the lower electrode 1E can be reduced.

Above the liquid crystal panel on which the multilayer optical film 1V is installed, a light guide plate 40B and a light source 3A are provided as an illumination device used when there is little external light. The light guide plate 40B is made of a transparent resin such as an acrylic resin, and has a surface (upper surface) on the observer side on which a print pattern or unevenness for emitting the light L4 of the light source 3A to the liquid crystal display panel side is applied.

Further, this lighting device is integrally formed with an input device 40 such as a touch panel comprising a hard substrate (light guide plate) 40B and a soft film 40A. This input device 40 detects the position of the pressed portion by pressing the surface of the input device 40 with a pointed stick-like object such as a pen, a finger, or the like, and sends it to the host 50 of the information processing device 47. Is output.

The second substrate 1A, the light guide plate 40B, and the input device of the liquid crystal display panel are fixed with a double-sided adhesive tape (for example, a nonwoven fabric impregnated with an adhesive) or the like. By using the double-sided adhesive tape, it is possible to peel it off after attaching it once, so that it is possible to reproduce even if the liquid crystal display panel, the lighting device and the input device are erroneously fixed.

When no illumination is required, the light source 3A may not be provided, and the light source 3A may be added to the liquid crystal display panel as needed.

In this embodiment, the first retardation plate 1S and the second
The adhesive layer 1R provided between the retardation plates 1T has a light diffusion function. Specifically, a light diffusing material having a different refractive index from the adhesive is mixed in the adhesive. Light is scattered in the adhesive layer 1R because the refractive index of the adhesive is different from that of the diffusing material. The adhesive and the diffusing material of the adhesive layer 1R only need to have different refractive indices. When an epoxy or acrylic adhesive is used as the adhesive, particles of a transparent organic material such as polyethylene, polystyrene, divinylbenzene, etc. are used as the diffusing material. And transparent inorganic particles such as silica and the like.

If the refractive index is different from that of the diffusing material, the adhesive described above may be used. In this case, the first retardation plate 1S is erroneously used as the second retardation plate 1T. It can be reproduced even if pasted on. By using transparent inorganic or organic particles as the diffusing material, the absorption in the visible light region is small, so that the reflectance and the spectral characteristics of the liquid crystal display device can be improved. Furthermore, when the adhesive is an organic substance, the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion can be reduced by using organic particles as the diffusing material, so that cracks do not occur in the adhesive layer 1R.

When a diffusing material is mixed in the adhesive,
Cracks may easily occur in the adhesive layer as compared with the case of using only the adhesive, but in the present embodiment, the first retardation plate 1S and the second retardation plate Since the adhesive layer 1R containing the light diffusing material is provided between 1T, there is no problem that cracks occur in the adhesive layer 1R.

<< Principle of Image Display >> Next, the display principle of the liquid crystal display device of the present embodiment will be described. External light (incident light) L1 such as sunlight radiated from various directions is applied to the touch panel 4 including the soft film 40A and the light guide plate 40B.
0, a polarizing plate 1C that transmits only light of a specific polarization axis, the first
Adhesive layer 1 for fixing polarizing plate 1C to retarder 1S
Q, an adhesive layer 1R having a light diffusion function for fixing the first retardation plate 1S to the first retardation plate 1S and the second retardation plate 1T, a second retardation plate 1T, and a second Adhesive layer 1Q for fixing second retardation plate 1T to substrate 1A, second substrate 1A, color filter 1J, upper electrode 1F, liquid crystal layer 1H
And a specific pixel electrode (or a specific signal line) 1Z to reach the reflective layer 1D.

The external light L1 that has reached the reflective layer 1D is reflected and becomes reflected light L2. The specific pixel electrode 1Z, the liquid crystal layer 1H, the upper electrode 1F, the color filter 1J, A second substrate 1A, an adhesive layer 1Q, and an adhesive layer 1R having a light diffusion function through a second retardation plate 1T that converts the reflected light L2 into light that easily transmits through the polarizing plate 1C by utilizing the birefringence effect. Reach

The reflected light L2 entering the adhesive layer 1R is scattered in various directions to generate scattered light L3. The direct reflection light L2 and the scattered light L3 coming out of the adhesive layer 1R are compensated for a phase difference generated when light passes through the liquid crystal layer 1H by using a birefringence effect. The light is emitted outside the liquid crystal display device through the input device 40 including the polarizing plate 1C, the light guide 40B, and the soft film 40A. The observer can recognize the display controlled by the specific pixel 1Z by looking at the directly reflected light L2 and the scattered light L3 emitted outside the liquid crystal display device.

In this embodiment, the electrodes 1E and 1F of the liquid crystal display are arranged at a specific interval λ. Therefore, the liquid crystal electrodes 1E and 1F are optically
In some cases, it functions as a diffraction grating.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. 10 described in the fourth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is characterized in that an active matrix liquid crystal panel using a switching element such as a TFT is used for a liquid crystal display panel.

Hereinafter, the structure of the active matrix liquid crystal panel will be described, but the structure not particularly described is basically the same as that of the fourth embodiment described above.

FIG. 1 shows an active matrix liquid crystal panel.
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of pixels each having a thin film transistor TFT1 and a pixel electrode 1Z are formed on the inner surface (liquid crystal side) of the first substrate 1B. Each pixel is arranged in an intersection area between two adjacent scanning signal lines and two adjacent video signal lines.

The thin film transistor TFT1 is the first substrate 1
B, a gate electrode GT provided thereon, a gate insulating film GI provided thereon, a first semiconductor layer (channel layer) AS provided thereon, and a second semiconductor layer provided thereon (containing impurities). Semiconductor layer) r0, source electrode SD1 provided thereon
And a drain electrode SD2.

In this embodiment, the source electrode SD1 and the drain electrode SD2 are formed of a multilayer conductive film of r1 and r2, but may be a single-layer conductive film of only r1. The relationship between the electrodes is reversed depending on how the voltage is applied, and SD2 is a source electrode and SD1 is a drain electrode. However, in the following description, SD1 will be described as a source electrode and SD2 will be described as a drain electrode for convenience. PSV1 is a protective film made of an insulating film for protecting the thin film transistor TFT1, 4a is a pixel electrode, 1M is a first alignment film for aligning the first substrate 1B side of the liquid crystal layer 1H, and 1N is a second alignment film for the liquid crystal layer 1H. A second alignment film 1F for orienting the substrate 1A is an upper electrode (common electrode).

BM is a light shielding film for shielding the thin film transistor TFT1 from light. This BM is also called a black matrix, and also has a function of shielding the space between the pixel electrode 1Z and the adjacent pixel electrode to improve the display contrast. SI
L is an upper electrode 1F and a terminal (g1,
g2, r1, r2 and r3. ) Are electrically conductive.

The thin film transistor TFT1 has a gate electrode GT similar to an insulated gate field effect transistor.
When a selection voltage is applied to the source electrode SD1, the source electrode SD1 and the drain electrode SD2 become electrically conductive, and function as a switch.

The pixel electrode 4a is electrically connected to the source electrode SD1, the video signal line is electrically connected to the drain electrode SD2, and the scanning signal line is electrically connected to the gate electrode. The specific pixel electrode 4a can be selected by the applied selection voltage, and the gradation voltage applied to the video signal line can be supplied to the specific pixel electrode 4a. Cst is a capacitor electrode, which functions to hold the gradation voltage supplied to the pixel electrode 4a until the next selection period.

The active matrix liquid crystal display device is
Since switching elements such as thin-film transistors are provided for each pixel, there is no problem of crosstalk between different pixels, and there is no need to eliminate crosstalk by special driving such as voltage averaging. Key display can be realized. Further, there is a feature that the contrast does not decrease even if the number of scanning lines is increased.

In this embodiment, the pixel electrode 1Z is formed of a reflective metal film of aluminum, chromium, titanium, tantalum, molybdenum, silver, or the like. In this embodiment, a protective film P is provided between the pixel electrode 1Z and the thin film transistor TFT1.
Since the SV1 is provided, a malfunction does not occur even when the pixel electrode 1Z is enlarged to overlap the thin film transistor TFT1, and a liquid crystal display device having a high reflectance can be realized.

In this embodiment, the first retardation plate 1S
And 3rd phase difference plate 1U for improving viewing angle characteristics
Is different from the fourth embodiment described above in that the third embodiment is provided.
The other configuration of the optical film 11V is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The third retardation plate 1U is also called a viewing angle widening film, and is provided for the purpose of improving the angle dependence of the display characteristics of the liquid crystal display device using the birefringence characteristics.

In this embodiment, since the third retardation plate 1U can also be formed of an organic resin film such as polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polysulfone, etc., the third retardation plate 1U is fixed to the second retardation plate 1T. By using the light diffusion bonding layer 1R as the bonding layer to be formed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of cracks in the light diffusion bonding layer 1R.

In this embodiment, too, the electrodes 1Z of the liquid crystal display device are arranged at specific intervals λ in the X direction and the Y direction in plan view. Therefore, the liquid crystal electrode 1Z also
Optically, it may function as a diffraction grating.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating another example of the microprism formed on the surface of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a lamp 3 is provided on the upper surface of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B constituting the lighting and touch panel.
A number of ridge-shaped microprisms 8 are formed in parallel with the longitudinal direction of A. Light from the lamp 3A is reflected by the slope of the ridge-shaped microprism 8 and directed toward the liquid crystal panel.

In this embodiment, the brightness of the light applied to the liquid crystal panel is made uniform by changing the distance between adjacent ridge-shaped microprisms 8 according to the position of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B.

Specifically, the distance λ3 between adjacent ridge-shaped microprisms 8 farther from the lamp 3A is made smaller than the distance λ1 between adjacent ridge-shaped microprisms 8 closer to the lamp 3A. . According to the present embodiment, since the density of the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 is higher on the side farther from the lamp 3A than on the side closer to the lamp 3A, it is possible to prevent a decrease in luminance on the side farther from the lamp 3A.

The distance λ2 between the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 near the center of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B is set to λ1 and λ3.
The brightness difference between the side closer to the lamp 3A, the side farther from the lamp 3A, and the vicinity of the center can be reduced.

In FIG. 12, the lower transparent hard substrate 40B
In each case, the size of the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 is shown as an example. However, in the present embodiment, the distance between the adjacent ridge-shaped microprisms 8 is changed according to the position of the lower transparent
May be combined with changing the size of.

Although the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B may cause interference fringes between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E and 1F, the distance between the ridge-shaped microprisms 8 is limited to a range where no interference fringes are generated. By adjusting the brightness by changing the size of the ridge-shaped microprisms 8, a display with uniform brightness and less interference fringes can be obtained.
Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating another example of the light scattering reflection printing formed on the surface of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B of the liquid crystal display device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. is there. As shown in the figure, a large number of light scattering / reflection printing patterns 9 are formed on the upper surface of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B constituting the lighting and touch panel. Light from the lamp 3A is reflected by the print pattern 9 and directed toward the liquid crystal panel.

In this embodiment, the brightness of the light applied to the liquid crystal panel is made uniform by changing the distance between the adjacent print patterns 9 according to the position of the lower transparent hard substrate 40B.

Specifically, the distance λ3 between the adjacent print patterns 9 farther from the lamp 3A is made smaller than the distance λ1 between the adjacent print patterns 9 closer to the lamp 3A. According to the present embodiment, since the density of the printed pattern 9 is higher on the side farther from the lamp 3A than on the side closer to the lamp 3A, it is possible to prevent the luminance on the side farther from the lamp 3A from lowering.

Further, by selecting the distance λ2 between the print patterns 9 near the center of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B to a value between λ1 and λ3, the distance closer to the lamp 3A, the side farther from the lamp 3A and the vicinity of the center are selected. Can reduce the luminance difference.

In FIG. 13, the lower transparent hard substrate 40B
The example where the size of the print pattern 9 is constant is shown anywhere. However, in the present embodiment, changing the distance between the adjacent print patterns 9 according to the position of the lower transparent rigid substrate 40B and changing the size of the print patterns 9 may be combined.

Printing Pattern 9 of Lower Transparent Hard Substrate 40B
May cause interference fringes between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E and 1F. However, the distance between the print patterns 9 is set to a value within a range in which no interference fringes occur, and the size of the print patterns 9 is changed to increase the brightness. By adjusting the height, a display with uniform brightness and less interference fringes can be obtained. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel 40 for explaining an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 4
0C is a second transparent electrode (Y electrode) formed on the lower surface of the transparent soft sheet 40A. 40D is a first transparent electrode (X electrode) formed on the upper surface of the transparent hard substrate 40B. In plan view, the Y electrode 40C and the X electrode 40
A plurality of Ds are provided in different directions, respectively, to form an XY matrix.

The transparent soft sheet 40A and the transparent hard substrate 40
B is superimposed via an insulating spacer 40E. Reference numeral 7 denotes a fixing member for fixing the transparent soft sheet 40A and the transparent hard substrate 40B, and a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive is used.

40G is a terminal of the Y electrode 40C.
H is a terminal of the X electrode 40D. Each of the Y electrode terminal 40G and the X electrode terminal 40H is a flexible connector 1
The input device 40 is connected to the host computer 50 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, when one point on the transparent soft sheet 40A is pressed by the pen 56 or the like, the corresponding Y electrode 40C and X electrode 40D are electrically connected. The position coordinates of the pressed point can be recognized.

In this embodiment, the transparent soft sheet 40A has a Y
Since the electrodes 40C are arranged at a constant interval λ5, they are regarded as a diffraction grating, and interference fringes may occur between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E or 1F. However, interference fringes can be prevented by setting the interval λ5 between the Y electrodes 40C equal to the interval λ between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E or 1F.

Similarly, the X electrode 40 on the transparent hard substrate 40B
Since D is also arranged at a constant interval λ4, it is regarded as a diffraction grating, and interference fringes may occur between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E or 1F. However, the distance λ4 between the X electrodes 40D is changed to the liquid crystal electrode 1E.
Alternatively, interference fringes can be prevented by setting the interval to be equal to the interval λ of 1F.

In this embodiment, the touch panel 40 can be used as a lighting device by providing the fluorescent lamp 3A on one side of the transparent hard substrate 40B. 3C is a cable for applying a voltage to the fluorescent lamp 3A, and 3D is a connector for connecting the cable 3C to the inverter power supply 54 shown in FIG. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment described above, a touch panel and a lighting device can be integrated into a lighting and touch panel.

When the touch panel and the lighting device are integrated, the terminal 40T of the touch panel is preferably provided on a side different from the side on which the light source 3A of the lighting device is provided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
The H and Y electrode terminals 40G are provided on the side of the touch panel 40 which is different from the side on which the light source 3A is provided.
Can be provided.

Ninth Embodiment FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel 40 for explaining a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
0C is a second transparent electrode formed on the lower surface of the transparent soft sheet 40A, and 40D is a first transparent electrode formed on the upper surface of the transparent hard substrate 40B.

In this embodiment, each of the second transparent electrode 40C and the first transparent electrode 40D is an integral resistive film that covers the entire coordinate input area (or display area) 15 in a plane. As the resistance films of the second transparent electrode 40C and the first transparent electrode 40D, a transparent conductive film such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is used.

40J and 40K are terminals of the first transparent electrode 40D, and 40L and 40M are terminals of the second transparent electrode 40C.

Reference numerals 40N and 40P denote wirings provided on the transparent hard substrate 40B. Reference numeral 40N denotes a wiring for electrically connecting one side of the first transparent electrode 40D extending in the first direction (X direction) to the terminal 40J. , 40P are the first of the first transparent electrodes 40D.
This is a wiring that electrically connects the other side extending in the direction (X direction) to the terminal 40K.

40Q and 40R are transparent soft sheets 40A.
40Q is the second transparent electrode 40C of the second
A wiring for electrically connecting one side extending in the direction (Y direction) to the terminal 40L, 40R is a second transparent electrode 40C
Of the other side extending in the second direction (Y direction)
Is a wiring for electrically connecting.

In this embodiment, since the terminals 40L and 40M are provided on the transparent hard substrate 40B, the wiring 40Q and the terminal 40L and the wiring 40R and the terminal 40M are electrically connected by a conductive member such as a silver paste. . Terminal 40L, 40M
May be provided on the same transparent soft sheet 40A as the wirings 40Q and 40R.

For the wirings 40N and 40P of the transparent hard substrate and the wirings 40Q and 40R of the transparent soft sheet, a conductive film such as silver paste, aluminum, chromium or molybdenum can be used. In this embodiment, the patterns of the wirings 40N, 40P, 40Q, and 40R are formed by a printing method using a silver paste, and thus the touch panel 40 can be easily manufactured.

Transparent Soft Sheet 40A and Transparent Hard Substrate 40
B is superimposed via an insulating spacer 40E. Reference numeral 7 denotes a fixing member for fixing the transparent soft sheet 40A and the transparent hard substrate 40B, and a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive is used.

In the present embodiment, the wirings 40N, 40P, 40
By providing the patterns of Q and 40R in the area where the fixing member 7 is provided, the peripheral area of the touch panel 40 can be reduced. Thus, a region (frame region) that does not contribute to the display of the liquid crystal display device can be reduced.

The first transparent electrode terminals 40J and 40K and the first
The transparent electrode terminals 40L and 40M are respectively connected to the terminals 14C of the flexible connector 14, and the touch panel 4
0 is connected to a host computer (for example, a host computer 50 in FIG. 24, which will be described later, simply referred to as a host) via the flexible connector 14.

In this embodiment, the second transparent electrode 40C and the first transparent electrode 40D are electrically connected at the corresponding positions by pressing one point on the transparent soft sheet 40A with the pen 56 or the like. Connection points and each terminal (40J, 40
K, 40L, 40M) between the resistances R1, R2, R3, R
By measuring the relationship 4, the host computer 5
0 can recognize the position coordinates of the pressed point of the transparent soft sheet 40A.

In this embodiment, the wiring 40 of the transparent hard substrate is used.
N, 40P are connected to the entire corresponding side of the first transparent electrode 40D, and are connected to the wirings 40Q, 40R of the transparent soft sheet.
Is connected to the entire corresponding side of the second transparent electrode 40C, so that there is no difference in the connection resistance between the electrode and the wiring depending on the position of the pressed point, and the position coordinates of the pressed point can be changed. It can be measured accurately.

In this embodiment, the second transparent electrode 40C
Further, since the first transparent electrode 40D is not a grid-like pattern, no interference fringe occurs between the liquid crystal electrodes 1E or 1F.

In this embodiment, the second transparent electrode 40C
In addition, the first transparent electrode 40D may have a relatively simple pattern of a square or a polygon, so that the touch panel 40 can be easily manufactured.

In this embodiment, the touch panel 40 can also be used as a lighting device by providing the light source 3A on one side of the transparent hard substrate 40B. The light source 3A includes a light emitting diode 3E and a light guide 3F that guides light emitted from the light emitting diode 3E to form a linear light source. 3C is a cable for applying a voltage to the light emitting diode 3E.
D is a DC power supply or a cable 3C shown in FIG.
This is a connector for connecting to the battery 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment described above, the touch panel and the lighting device can be integrated.

Also in this embodiment, when the touch panel and the lighting device are integrated, the terminal 40T of the touch panel is used.
Is preferably provided on a side different from the side on which the light source 3A of the lighting device is provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the first transparent electrode terminals 40J and 40K and the first transparent electrode terminals 40L and 40M
Is provided on a side different from the side on which the light source 3 of the input device 40 is provided, so that the light source 3A can be provided without being obstructed by the flexible connector 14.

[Tenth Embodiment] FIG. 16 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 from which the lamp 3A and the reflection sheet 3B are removed. Some specifications of the liquid crystal display device include only the liquid crystal display panel and the touch panel, and the lighting device is not always necessary.

According to this embodiment, the lighting and touch panel 4
0 can be used as a touch panel if the light source such as the lamp 3A is removed, so that parts can be shared. of course.
In this embodiment, the lighting and touch panel 40 can be used only as a function of the lighting device. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

[Eleventh Embodiment] FIG. 17 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the embodiment, and is a process diagram illustrating an example of the method of manufacturing the lighting and touch panel 40 described in the second embodiment of FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the process will be described as “Step”.

[Step A-1] Transparent hard plate 40
On one surface of B, unevenness 8 for reflecting light is formed. Acrylic resin, glass, or the like can be used as the transparent hard plate 40B, but acrylic resin is preferable because of its easy processing. Also, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
If the thickness is increased to increase the strength, a transparent hard plate 40B
Can be used for

The shape of the irregularities 8 may be any as long as it can reflect the light from the light source 3A toward the liquid crystal panel (downward in FIG. 17).
It may be a depression or a projection. The formation of the irregularities 8 may be performed by pressing, cutting, or pouring a resin into a shape.

[Step A-2] Transparent hard plate 40
A transparent resin layer 40F is formed on the surface on which the irregularities 8 of B are formed. Since the transparent resin layer 40F reflects light on the irregularities 8,
This is a film having a different refractive index from the transparent hard plate 40B. The reason for providing the transparent resin layer 40F is also to improve the adhesiveness of a transparent electrode 40D to be formed later.

The reason for providing the transparent resin layer 40F is that the surface on which the irregularities 8 are formed is flattened and the transparent electrode 40D is formed.
It also has the purpose of improving the flatness of the touch panel and improving the connectivity of the touch panel.

The material of the transparent resin layer 40F may have good adhesion to the transparent hard plate 40B, good transparency, and a refractive index different from that of the transparent hard plate 40B.
A polyimide resin or the like can be used.

As a method for forming the transparent resin layer 40F, a coating method and a vapor deposition method can be considered, but the manufacturing method is simpler with the coating method.

[Step A-3] A transparent conductive film such as ITO is formed on the transparent resin layer 40F, and the transparent conductive film is patterned to form a transparent electrode 40D (first transparent electrode). Thereafter, if necessary, as shown in FIG. 15, wirings 40N, 40P and terminals 40J, 40K, 40L,
0M is formed.

On the transparent hard plate 40B and the transparent resin layer 4
As a method for forming a transparent conductive film on 0F, a vapor deposition method,
There are a low-temperature sputtering method and an ion plating method, but the ion plating method is advantageous in view of manufacturing costs. When an acrylic resin is used for the transparent hard plate 40B, a low-temperature sputtering method or an ion plating method that can form an ITO film at a low temperature can be used due to a problem of heat resistance.

As a method of forming a pattern of the transparent conductive film, there are a photoetching method, a mask vapor deposition method, and a mask sputtering method, and the photoetching method is advantageous in consideration of pattern accuracy.

[Step A-4] A spacer 40E is sprayed on the transparent electrode 40D. As the spacer 40E, a plastic spacer which is easily deformed by pressure and is an insulating material is used. As the material of the plastic spacer, polyethylene, polystyrene, divinylbenzene, benzoguanamine resin and the like can be used.

As a method of spraying the spacer 40E on the transparent hard plate 40B and the transparent electrode 40D, a method of mixing the spacer 40E with a volatile solvent such as alcohol and applying (wet method), and a method of applying the spacer 40E with a high-pressure air (Dry method).

[Step B-1] Transparent soft film 4
Prepare 0A. The material of the transparent flexible film 40A may be any material that is transparent, soft and insulating.
ET, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, etc. can be used, but PET is advantageous because it is easy to form a transparent conductive film to be formed thereafter.

[Step B-2] Transparent soft film 4
A transparent conductive film such as ITO is formed on 0A, and the transparent conductive film is patterned to form a transparent electrode 40C (second transparent electrode). Thereafter, if necessary, wirings 40Q and 40R are formed as shown in FIG.

As a method for forming a transparent conductive film on the transparent soft film 40A, there are a vapor deposition method, a low-temperature sputtering method, and an ion plating method. The ion plating method is advantageous in view of the production cost.

As a method for forming a pattern of the transparent conductive film, there are a photoetching method, a mask vapor deposition method, and a mask sputtering method, and the photoetching method is advantageous in consideration of pattern accuracy.

[Step A-5] The transparent device 40D and the transparent electrode 40C are opposed to each other, and the transparent hard plate 40B and the transparent soft film 40A are overlapped and fixed with the fixing member 7, thereby completing the input device 40. I do.

As the fixing member 7, a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and various kinds of adhesives can be considered, but a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is advantageous from the viewpoint of ease of assembly. As an example of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, there is a nonwoven fabric impregnated with an epoxy-based adhesive.

Further, by attaching the lamp 3A and the reflection sheet 3B shown in FIG. 7 to the input device 40, a member in which the input device 40 and the lighting device 3 are integrated is completed.

[Twelfth Embodiment] [Overall Configuration of Liquid Crystal Display] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention, which is a more specific example of the above-described embodiment, is shown in FIGS.
(A) to (d).

FIG. 18 (a) is a front view of the liquid crystal display device 46 as viewed from the display side after assembly is completed, FIG. 18 (b) is a front side view thereof,
(C) is a rear side view, (d) is a left side view, and (e) is a right side view.

18A to 18E, reference numeral 18 denotes an upper case (shield case) made of a metal plate such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum, and reference numeral 20 denotes a first window serving as a display window provided in the upper case 18. It is an opening. Reference numeral 19 denotes a lower case made of a metal plate such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum, or a plastic such as polycarbonate or ABS resin.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a claw provided on the upper case 18, and reference numeral 22 denotes a hook provided on the upper case 18.
Holds the lower case 19 with the claws 21 and the hooks 22 and is connected to the lower case 19.

Reference numeral 3A denotes a light source such as a fluorescent lamp or an LED. 4
0B is made of a transparent material such as acrylic resin or glass,
This is a light guide for irradiating the light of the light source 3A to the liquid crystal display panel. The light source 3A and the light guide 40B constitute an illumination device (front light) for supplying light to the liquid crystal display device 46 when external light is small.

Reference numeral 40A denotes a soft film, which constitutes a touch panel 40 for inputting data to be sent to a host (information processing unit) connected to the liquid crystal display device 46 together with the hard substrate (light guide) 40B.

Reference numeral 1V denotes an optical film such as a light diffusion layer 1R, a polarizing plate 1C, a first retardation plate 1S, and a second retardation plate 1T provided in the display section of the liquid crystal display device 46. The optical film 1V is provided so as to fit within the region of the first opening of the upper case in order to reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal display device 46.

FIG. 19 (a) is a sectional view taken on line AA of FIG. 18 (a).
19B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 18A, and FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.
1 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 18A.

The liquid crystal panel is formed by bonding a first substrate 1B and a second substrate 1A. First substrate 1B and second substrate 1B
A sealing material 31 for sealing the injection hole after injecting the liquid crystal layer 1H into the liquid crystal cell is provided on the side wall of the substrate 1A.
A second opening 23 is provided in a portion of the upper case 18 corresponding to the sealing material 31, so that the outer dimensions of the liquid crystal display device are reduced even if the sealing material 31 protrudes.

On the outer surface (upper surface) of the second substrate 1A,
The various optical films 1V described above are fixed.
Around the first substrate 1B and the second substrate 1A, a scanning line driving printed board (scanning line driving PCB) 30, a scanning line driving IC chip 28, and a flexible printed board (T
A driving circuit for a liquid crystal panel including a CP) 29, a signal line driving IC chip 32, and a signal line driving printed circuit board (signal line driving PCB) 33 is provided.

Signal line driving IC chip 32, TCP2
9 and the signal line driving PCB 33 constitute a signal line driving circuit, and the signal line driving circuit is connected to the signal line 1E of the first substrate 1B.

Scanning Line Driving PCB 30, Scanning Line Driving I
A scanning line driving circuit is constituted by the C chip 28 and the TCP 29. In the case of a matrix type liquid crystal display device using a voltage averaging method, the scanning line driving circuit is connected to the scanning signal line 1F of the second substrate 1A.

In a liquid crystal display device using a thin film transistor (TFT), the scanning lines are provided on the same first substrate 1B as the signal lines.
B. Reference numeral 24 denotes an interface connector for electrically connecting the liquid crystal display device 46 to a host 50 which is an external circuit.

In this embodiment, the interface connector 24 is provided on the scanning line driving PCB 30, but may be provided on the signal line driving PCB 33. Although not shown, the scanning line driving PCB 30 and the signal line driving PCB 3
Reference numeral 3 is electrically connected by connection means (not shown).

Reference numeral 26 denotes a spacer for fixing the scanning line driving PCB 30. Reference numeral 27 denotes a spacer for pressing a connection between the scanning line driving circuit and the signal line driving circuit and the liquid crystal panel, and is made of an insulating elastic material such as rubber. Reference numeral 25 denotes a double-sided adhesive tape, for example, a nonwoven fabric impregnated with an epoxy-based adhesive can be used.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel is fixed to the upper case 18 by the double-sided adhesive tape 25. Further, the double-sided adhesive tape 25 is also used for fixing the light guide 40B and the flexible film 40A of the lighting and touch panel 40 to the upper case 18.

By fixing each member using the double-sided adhesive tape 25 as in this embodiment, the assembly of the liquid crystal display device is simplified, and reproduction can be performed even if each member is fixed by mistake. The production yield of the liquid crystal display device is improved. The lower case 19 is provided with irregularities for holding down the liquid crystal panel.

[Thirteenth Embodiment] FIG. 20 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory view of the embodiment, in which a fluorescent lamp is used as the light source 3A in the twelfth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, a fluorescent lamp 3A is provided on the short side of the light guide plate 40. 3C 'is a low voltage side cable of the fluorescent lamp 3A, 3
C ″ is a high voltage side cable of the fluorescent lamp 3A, and 3D is a connector of the cable 3C ′, 3C ″.

In this embodiment, since the cables 3C 'and 3C "of the fluorescent lamp 3A are applied with a high frequency and a high voltage, the connector 3D of the fluorescent lamp 3A and the interface connector 2
4 is provided separately. In the present embodiment, the terminal 40T of the touch panel and the connector 14 are provided on the side of the light guide plate 40 where the fluorescent lamp 3A is not provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory view of the embodiment, in which the light emitting diode 3E is used as the light source in the twelfth embodiment described above. 3F
Is a light guide that uses the light of the light emitting diode 3E as a linear light source.

In this embodiment, the light guide 3F of the light emitting diode 3E is provided on the short side of the light guide plate 40. 3C 'is a low voltage side cable of the light emitting diode 3E, and 3C "is a high voltage side cable of the light emitting diode 3E.

In this embodiment, since the cables 3C 'and 3C "of the light emitting diode 3E are DC and a low voltage is applied, the interface connector 24 can also serve as the connector of the light emitting diode 3E.
The terminal 40T of the touch panel and the connector 14 are provided on the side where the light emitting diode 3E and the light guide 3F of B are not provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the twelfth embodiment.

[Fifteenth Embodiment] FIG. 22 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory view of the embodiment, which is another example in which the light emitting diode 3E is used as the light source in the twelfth embodiment described above. Reference numeral 3F denotes a light guide that uses the light of the light emitting diode 3E as a linear light source.

In this embodiment, the light guide 3F of the light emitting diode 3E is provided on the long side of the light guide plate 40B. 3C 'is a low voltage side cable of the light emitting diode 3E, and 3C "is a high voltage side cable of the light emitting diode 3E.

Also in this embodiment, since the cables 3C 'and 3C "of the light emitting diode 3E are DC and a low voltage is applied, the interface connector 24 can also serve as the connector of the light emitting diode 3E. Also in this embodiment, the light guide plate is used. The terminal 40T of the touch panel and the connector 14 are provided on the side of the 40B where the light emitting diode 3E and the light guide 3F are not provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the light guide 3F of the light emitting diode 3E is provided on a side of the light guide plate 40B which is different from the side close to the interface connector 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, a terminal can be provided on the side of the touch panel 40 close to the interface connector 24, and the terminal 40T of the touch panel 40 and the data terminal 35 of the interface connector 24 can be connected by a flexible connector. The connector 24 can be used as a common connection means for the liquid crystal drive circuit and the touch panel 40.

Further, in this embodiment, since the interface connector 24 also serves as the connector of the light emitting diode 3E, the connection with the host 50 of the information processing device can be integrated into the interface connector 24, and Size reduction and improvement in reliability can be achieved. Other configurations are the same as those of the twelfth embodiment.

[Sixteenth Embodiment] FIG. 23 shows a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing of an Example, The touch panel 40 manufactured by the method shown by the 11th Example shown in FIG.
1 shows an embodiment of a liquid crystal display device in which an illuminating device 3 manufactured separately from the liquid crystal display device 0 and the liquid crystal panel 1 are overlapped and assembled.

According to this embodiment, the lighting and touch panel 4
0 can be used as a touch panel by removing the light source such as the lamp 3A.
Can be realized to realize a lighting device and a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel. As means 7 for fixing each member, a double-sided adhesive tape can be used.

In this embodiment, although the effect of integrating the touch panel and the lighting device cannot be obtained, the transparent resin layer 40F is provided between the transparent hard substrate 40B made of acrylic resin or the like and the first transparent electrode 40D made of ITO or the like. Is provided, the effect of making the surface of the transparent electrode 40D flat, the effect of making the thickness of the transparent electrode 40D uniform and the electrical resistivity uniform, and the effect of preventing the transparent electrode 40D from peeling off are provided. can get.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a highly reliable touch panel 40 can be used for a liquid crystal display device. Also, since the transparent resin layer 40F is provided on the transparent hard substrate 40B and the surface is flattened, the transparent electrode 40D is provided.
The thickness of the transparent electrode 40D can be made uniform and the electrical resistivity can be made uniform. In particular, in a resistive touch panel such as the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

In this embodiment, the touch panel 4
0 is not used as a lighting device, so the transparent hard substrate 4
The unevenness 8 and the reflection printing 9 are not provided on 0B. On the other hand, the light guide plate 2 of the lighting device 3 is provided with unevenness 8 and reflection printing 9. At this time, if the second transparent resin layer 40S is further provided on the unevenness 8 of the light guide plate 2 and the reflective print 9, the reflectance of the light guide plate 2 is improved, and the brightness of the liquid crystal display device is improved. The material of the second transparent resin layer 40S only needs to have a different refractive index from that of the light guide plate 2. When the light guide plate 2 is formed of an allyl resin, a polyimide resin or an acrylic resin can be used.

[Application Example of the Present Invention] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of an information processing device 47 using the liquid crystal display device 46 of the present invention. 48 is a display unit of the information processing device 47,
Reference numeral 9 denotes a keyboard of the information processing device 47, 50 denotes a host computer (host) for performing information processing of the information processing device 47, 51 denotes a microprocessor (MPU), 52 denotes a battery, and 53 denotes a connection between the liquid crystal display device 46 and the host 50. Interface cable, 54 is an inverter power supply for the lighting device, 55 is a cable connecting the inverter power source 54 and the light source 14 of the lighting device, 56 is a pen for inputting information using a touch panel, and 57 is a pen for housing the pen 56. A reference numeral 60 denotes a mobile phone, 61 denotes a cable for connecting the mobile phone and the information processing device 47.

In this application example, the liquid crystal display device 46 is provided on the display unit 48 of the information processing device 47. According to the liquid crystal display device of this application example, since the touch panel is provided so as to overlap the display unit 48, the character 58 can be input or the icon 59 can be selected by pressing a predetermined portion with the pen 56 or a finger. To perform software functions. Further, since the liquid crystal display device 46 of this application example is of a reflection type, when there is external light such as sunlight, the power consumption can be suppressed by switching off the inverter power supply 54, and the consumption of the battery 52 can be reduced. Can be.

Further, according to this application example, the liquid crystal display device 4
6 can be made thin, small and light,
It can also be thin, small, and lightweight, and is particularly suitable for portable information devices (PDAs).

[0217]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Information input device (touch panel) provided on the liquid crystal panel
Can have good coordinate recognition characteristics.

Further, according to the present invention, a touch panel is laminated on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel, and the entire effective display area can be uniformly illuminated by the front illumination method to obtain a high quality image display. A reflective or transflective liquid crystal display device with improved brightness can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the operation of the illumination light source in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating another configuration and operation of the illumination light source in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a principal part for explaining a detailed configuration of a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a ridge-shaped microprism formed on the surface of a lower transparent hard substrate of a second embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of light scattering / reflection printing formed on the surface of a transparent hard substrate on the lower side of an illumination and touch panel, which describes a third embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating another example of the microprism formed on the surface of the lower transparent hard substrate of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating another example of light scattering reflection printing formed on the surface of a lower transparent hard substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel for explaining an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel for explaining a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal display device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, from which the lamp and the reflection sheet are removed, for explaining the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a second view of FIG. 7 for explaining an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing method of the lighting and touch panel explained in the example.

FIG. 18 is an external view of a liquid crystal display device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention after assembly is completed.

FIGS. 19A to 19C show AA, BB, CC,
It is sectional drawing in each cutting line of DD.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information processing device using the liquid crystal display device of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a conventional liquid crystal display device including a transmissive liquid crystal panel and a backlight device, a so-called backlight.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reflective liquid crystal panel 1A Upper transparent substrate 1B Lower transparent substrate 1C Polarizing plate 1D reflective plate 2 Light guide plate made of acrylic plate 3 Lighting device 3A Lamp 3B Reflective sheet 4 Touch panel 4A Soft film sheet (upper substrate) 4B Glass Alternatively, a hard substrate made of acrylic or the like 40 Lighting and touch panel 5 Dot printing.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G09F 9/30 320 G09F 9/30 320 348 348A (72) Inventor Masaru Suzuki 3300 Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Display Group, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Teruji Saito 3681 Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Hitachi Devices Engineering Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-11-344695 (JP, A) JP-A-10-198497 (JP, A) JP-A-11-110131 (JP, A) JP-A-5-158034 (JP, A) JP-A-9-274536 (JP, A) JP-A-6-194525 (JP, A) JP-A-6-123885 (JP, A) JP-A-1-245220 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/033 350 G02F 1/1333 G02F 1/13357 G09F 9/00 336 G09F 9/00 366 G09F 9/30 32 0 G09F 9/30 348

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a reflection type liquid crystal panel; and a position information input device for externally inputting information on a display surface side of the liquid crystal panel, wherein the position information input device comprises: An opposing hard lower substrate and a soft upper substrate for externally inputting information,
It has a transparent electrode formed on the inner surface of the lower substrate and the upper substrate, sandwiched between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, and a spacer that isolates the respective transparent electrodes with a predetermined gap, the lower substrate A light source installed along at least one side edge of the lower substrate, and reflects and diffuses light from the light source to the liquid crystal panel side on the surface of the lower substrate on the transparent electrode side, and displays reflected light from the liquid crystal panel. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a surface treatment surface for emitting light on a surface side; and a transparent insulating film between the surface treatment surface and the transparent electrode. 2. A plurality of microprisms are formed on the surface-treated surface of the lower substrate, the transparent insulating film covers the microprisms, and the transparent insulating film and the lower substrate have different refractive indexes. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The distance between adjacent microprisms on the side of the lower substrate closer to the light source is greater than the distance between adjacent microprisms on the side farther from the light source. Liquid crystal display device. 4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 2, wherein the size of the microprism near the light source on the lower substrate is smaller than the size of the microprism far from the light source. 5. A plurality of printed patterns are formed in a plane on the surface-treated surface of the lower substrate, and the transparent insulating film covers the printed pattern and substantially provides a surface on which the transparent electrode is provided. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display device is flat. 6. The distance between adjacent print patterns on a side of the lower substrate closer to the light source is larger than a distance between adjacent print patterns on a side farther from the light source. Liquid crystal display device. 7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 5, wherein the size of the printed pattern on the lower substrate closer to the light source is smaller than the size of the printed pattern on the side farther from the light source. . 8. The transparent insulating film is formed on the lower substrate so as to cover the surface treatment surface, and the transparent electrode is formed on the transparent insulating film. 8. The liquid crystal display device according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 8, wherein said transparent insulating film is a film formed by a coating method or a vapor deposition method.