JP5224253B2 - Display device and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device that displays an image using a liquid, and more particularly to a display device having a memory property.

  Currently, printed materials are widely used for advertising purposes. Although the printed matter cannot be visually recognized in the absence of illumination, full-color printing or the like is possible without consuming electric power or the like. Moreover, it is possible to print in large quantities and it is inexpensive. However, if the printing contents are changed frequently, the time from the printing process to the posting is long, and it cannot be handled in a short time.

  As a supplement to this, low power consumption display devices are being sought. An example of this is a display device using an electrophoresis phenomenon. However, this display device can display black and white but has a problem in color display. In color display, a method of adding a color filter array substrate to the above display device for color display or stacking a plurality of display devices that emit different colors is employed. However, when a color filter array substrate is used, there is a problem that the white display luminance becomes dark, and a display screen having sufficient brightness for full color display cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when a plurality of display devices are stacked, the configuration is complicated, and the number of display devices increases, which is expensive.

  As a means for overcoming the limitations of colorization, a display device as shown in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The operation of this display device will be described with reference to FIG. The display device is generally composed of an image display plate 72 and a unit (hereinafter referred to as a segment fluid row forming unit) 71 that forms a segment fluid row. In the segment fluid row forming unit 71, a desired color liquid is formed by mixing a plurality of colored fluids. By alternately discharging the desired color liquid and the dividing fluid from the segment fluid row forming unit 71 into the flow path, a segment fluid row is formed. The image display board 71 has a single tortuous flow path 1. The segment fluid train moves through the flow path 1 by the ejecting operation of the segment fluid train forming unit 71, and the ejecting operation stops when the desired display position is reached. As a result, a desired image can be formed on the image display board 72.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-84166 (see FIGS. 4 and 5, paragraph [0034])

  However, the display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

  According to the description in paragraph [0034] of Patent Document 1, as the dividing fluid 73 shown in FIG. 47, a liquid that is not compatible with the liquid 4 serving as a display is recommended. In order to avoid mixing liquids carrying pixel information (hereinafter referred to as pixel information liquids) when a predetermined display image is obtained by pressurizing the liquid row by a pump and moving to a desired position. For this, it is indispensable to insert the dividing fluid. However, with the pump pressurization from the rear, uniform pressurization in the liquid row cross-sectional direction cannot be expected. As a result, as the liquid movement in the pressurizing direction 74 proceeds, the pixel information liquids are mixed as shown in FIG. This mixing becomes a more serious problem when the flow path in the image display board is long.

  Moreover, in description of paragraph [0034] of patent document 1, gas is also possible as a parting fluid. However, since gas is compressed when pressurized, its volume is easily changed. For this reason, in order to avoid mixing pixel information liquid, use of gas is not preferable.

  As described above, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a columnar fluid in which pixel information liquids and divided fluids are alternately arranged (hereinafter referred to as pixel information liquid columns) is moved in a stable state. Have difficulty.

  Therefore, it seems that the mixing of the pixel information liquid rows can be avoided by increasing the amount of the dividing fluid and increasing the interval between the pixel information liquids.

  However, in this case, since the volume of the dividing fluid increases, the volume ratio of the pixel information liquid on the image display plate decreases. For this reason, there is a problem that the area ratio of the pixel region used for display is reduced and the display image becomes dark.

  The main object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of transporting liquid droplets carrying pixels without mixing them during liquid droplet transport for image display. Another object of the present invention is to solve the above problems other than the problem of mixing droplets during transfer.

  A display device according to the present invention includes a pixel composed of a liquid chamber capable of storing a liquid, a switch for controlling flow and blocking of the liquid, a liquid supply path and a liquid discharge path connected to the pixel via the switch, The main object described above can be achieved by providing a liquid transfer means that is installed in the pixel and transfers the liquid into and out of the pixel. In other words, according to this configuration, the droplets carrying the pixels can be separated by the switch, so that the droplets do not mix during the droplet transfer.

  In the display device, a plurality of the pixels are arranged, and a liquid supply path connected to each of the pixels is a liquid supply path branched from a liquid supply source, and a liquid discharge path connected to each of the pixels. The path is grouped into one liquid discharge reservoir. According to this configuration, a two-dimensional image using a plurality of pixels can be quickly formed. Also, the image can be erased quickly.

  Further, in the case of this display device, it is preferable that a plurality of liquid supply sources are provided, and a plurality of liquid supply paths branched from each of the plurality of liquid supply sources are connected to each of the pixels. According to this configuration, it is possible to generate a color display image of an arbitrary color more quickly.

  Further, in the above display device, the liquid supply path is arranged below the area where the pixels are arranged, and each of the switches arranged between each liquid supply path and each pixel is multiplex driven. It is desirable to have a matrix electrode for this purpose.

  The switch used in the display device as described above is composed of a structure that physically opens in the flow direction and has a liquid repellent surface, and the liquid repellent property of the structure depends on the presence or absence of voltage applied to the structure. Those that are adjusted to control the flow and blocking of the liquid are preferred. By using this switch, the liquid can be divided without leaving the liquid in the switch. Further, since the liquid droplets remain in the pixels between the switches, the display state can have a memory property.

  It is preferable that the switch used in the display device as described above has one or two openings in the flow direction. This makes it easier for the liquid to pass through the switch than in the case where there are a large number of openings, so that it is possible to reduce the applied voltage required for the switch operation and improve the display speed.

  In addition, the liquid transfer means used in the present invention may be configured by an electric field applying means that selectively applies an electric field to the liquid repellent surface of the switch structure and the liquid repellent surface covering the inner wall of the pixel. preferable. Alternatively, in the case of using a liquid in which charged particles are dispersed in the liquid, the liquid transfer means is an electric field applying means for selectively applying an electric field to the liquid repellent surface of the structure constituting the switch and the flow path portion other than the switch. It is preferable that it is comprised. That is, the liquid droplet can be stably moved by sequentially switching the position where the electric field is applied by the electric field applying means in the liquid transfer direction.

  Further, the electric field applying means used in the present invention may be a comb-like electrode capable of applying an electric field in a direction parallel to the display surface. According to this configuration, the distance between the electrodes can be easily reduced, so that the applied voltage for controlling the liquid repellency can be reduced.

  By using the display device as described above, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of full-color display corresponding to an application in which contents are frequently rewritten.

  According to the present invention, liquid droplets can be stably transferred without mixing liquid droplets that carry pixels during droplet transfer for image display. Since the liquid can be retained in the pixel portion by the switch, the display state can have a memory property.

It is a top view which shows the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the further application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the pixel part of FIG. It is a top view which shows the further application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the further application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is a top view which shows the further application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the function of the switch with which the display apparatus of this invention is equipped. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of this invention is equipped. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of this invention is equipped. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of this invention is equipped. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of this invention is equipped. It is sectional drawing explaining the transfer of the liquid in the flow path in the display apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing explaining the transfer of the liquid in the flow path in the display apparatus of this invention. It is a top view explaining the further application of the structure of FIG. It is AA 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is a top view which shows the further application of the basic composition of the display apparatus of this invention. FIG. 18 is a plan view in which electrodes are overwritten in FIG. 17. 18A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a writing operation of the display device of FIG. 17, in which FIG. 17A is a timing chart of voltage application to each electrode, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an erasing operation of the display device of FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows the example of the electronic device to which the display apparatus of this invention is applied. It is a top view for demonstrating the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the liquid transfer means applicable to the form of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example suitable for the liquid transfer path | route of the form of FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structural example of the droplet mixing means used for this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the more detailed structural example of a liquid mixing means. It is a figure explaining the handling when a flow path crosses in the liquid mixing element used for the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view for demonstrating the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is AA 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure for comparing with the electrode layout used for the display apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the electrode layout used for the display apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view for demonstrating the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is BB 'sectional drawing of FIG. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the upper layer board | substrate which comprises the display apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the intermediate | middle layer board | substrate which comprises the display apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the lower layer board | substrate which comprises the display apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is process drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the display apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of 5th Embodiment is equipped. It is a schematic front view explaining the meniscus when a liquid passes the switch of FIG. It is a schematic front view explaining the meniscus when a liquid passes the switch of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of 5th Embodiment is equipped. It is a schematic front view explaining the meniscus when a liquid passes the switch of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structural example of the switch with which the display apparatus of 6th Embodiment is equipped. It is a schematic front view explaining the shape of a comb-tooth electrode. It is a top view explaining the structure of the conventional display apparatus. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the subject of the conventional display apparatus.

  First, a basic configuration of a display device of the present invention and an application example thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same functional units.

  FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the present invention. In the display device of the present invention, the pixel 22 constituting the display image is formed of a liquid chamber that can store a liquid. The liquid supply path 19 and the liquid discharge path 46 are connected to the pixel 22 via the switch 3. The liquid supply path 19, the liquid discharge path 46, and the pixel 22 are all surrounded by a side wall, an upper surface, and a lower surface to form a flow path. The switch 3 controls the flow and blocking of the liquid in the flow path. Further, the liquid transfer means 18 transfers the liquid into and out of the pixels 22.

  An outline of the display operation of such an apparatus will be described. For example, the upper surface of the pixel 22 is configured to be transparent and the lower surface is painted white, and a colored liquid (ink) is introduced into the pixel 22 to change the color of the pixel 22 to perform a display operation. The colored liquid is supplied from the liquid supply path 19. The switch 3 blocks the liquid from the liquid supply path 19. When the switch 3 on the left side of the figure is opened, liquid is supplied into the pixel 22 from the liquid supply path 19. The liquid that has entered the pixel 22 enters just before the closed switch 3 on the right side of the figure. Thereafter, the switch 3 on the left side of the figure is closed. As a result, since the liquid in the pixel 22 is confined, it remains in the pixel 22 unless the left and right switches 3 are opened. As described above, a display state having a memory property can be created.

  The liquid in the pixel 22 is discharged as follows. With the switch 3 on the left side of the figure closed, the switch 3 on the right side of the figure is opened. As a result, the liquid can be discharged from the pixel 22 to the liquid discharge path 46 by capillary action. However, in order to completely discharge the liquid from the pixel 22, it is necessary to use the liquid transfer means 18 at the same time. The configuration of the switch 3 and the configuration of the liquid transfer means 18 will be described later.

  Next, application of the above basic configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  The apparatus shown in this figure has the units of FIG. 1 connected in series. That is, the liquid discharge path 46 of the upstream pixel 22 is connected to the liquid supply path 19 of the downstream pixel 22 so that the liquid is transferred from the left to the right in the drawing. A liquid transfer means 18 is disposed in the connection path between the pixels. In FIG. 2, the liquid supplied from the leftmost liquid supply path 19 enters the pixel 22 in response to the opening of the switch 3. Thereafter, when the liquid is discharged from the pixel 22, the liquid transfer means 18 provided in the connection path between the pixel and the pixel is used. As described above, the liquid is transferred to the pixels or the connection path between the pixels. In the present invention, unlike the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the liquid is divided by the switch 3. For this reason, the dividing fluid as described in Patent Document 1 is not required. As a result, the amount of liquid to be used can be reduced. Further, since the liquid is divided by the switch 3, there is no possibility that the liquid interface becomes unstable and the liquids are mixed at the time of liquid transfer, and stable liquid transfer is possible. Further, the display screen can be configured by arranging the pixels 22 connected in series in a meandering shape as shown in FIG.

  Next, further applications of the above basic configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The display device shown in this figure includes a flow path 1, a switch 3, and liquid mixing means 21 connected to one end of the flow path 1 via the switch 3. A part of the flow path 1 is a pixel 22 that contains a liquid. The liquid mixing means 21 is a region where the liquid is introduced and mixed from each of the two supply paths 19 and 20 for supplying the liquid A and the liquid B. Thereby, the coloring liquid of a desired color can be obtained. Although only one liquid mixing means 21 and two liquid supply paths 19 and 20 are shown in FIG. 3, the number of these is not limited. For example, it is possible to obtain a colored liquid of any color by mixing four types of liquids of red, blue, green, and transparent liquid, and four types of liquids of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Thereafter, the colored liquid can be sent to the flow path 1 including the pixels 22 by opening the switch 3.

  In this configuration, by connecting the liquid mixing means 21 and the flow path 1 via the switch 3, the liquid mixing operation timing and the transfer operation can be separated in time, so that stable liquid mixing and stable liquid transfer can be achieved. Can be realized.

  In addition, a part of the flow path 1 is a pixel 22 that contains a colored fluid. In FIG. 3, the pixel 22 is formed as an arrow-shaped symbol. Therefore, an arbitrary color arrow display can be obtained by flowing the colored liquid into the pixel 22. The inner surface of the flow path corresponding to the pixel 22 is matched with the color of the other part. In this way, when the colored liquid does not flow into the pixel 22, it is impossible to distinguish the portion of the pixel 22 from the other portions, so that an arrow-shaped symbol is not recognized. On the other hand, when the colored liquid flows into the pixel 22, the color of the portion of the pixel 22 changes from the others, so that an arrow-shaped symbol can be recognized. In particular, by changing the mixing ratio of the liquid A and the liquid B in the liquid mixing unit 21, it is possible to generate a colored liquid of an arbitrary color and display an arbitrary color.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pixel portion of FIG. The pixel 22 is formed as a gap between the substrate 77 having the white reflector 59 and the transparent substrate 78. In portions other than the pixels 22, the upper and lower substrates 77 and 78 are bonded together via the transparent side wall 63. In the state shown in FIG. 4A, the colored liquid is not introduced into the pixel 22, and the pixel region and the non-pixel region are white. In FIG. 4B, since the colored liquid is introduced into the pixel region, the pixel region and the non-pixel region exhibit different colors.

  In FIG. 3, the pixel 22 is formed as an arrow-shaped symbol. Accordingly, when the colored liquid does not flow into the pixel 22, the pixel area and the non-pixel area cannot be distinguished from each other, and thus the arrow-shaped symbol is not recognized. On the other hand, when a colored liquid flows into the pixel 22, the color of the pixel region is different from the others, so that an arrow-shaped symbol can be recognized.

  In addition, the liquid mixing means 21 can also be combined with the structure of FIG. This is shown in FIG. However, in FIG. 5, the liquid transfer means 18 is omitted. In the display device of FIG. 5, the pixels 22 are defined in a plurality of portions of the flow path 1, and the switch 3 is provided between the adjacent pixels 22. According to this configuration, by controlling the opening / closing operation of the switch 3, any colored liquid mixed by the liquid mixing element 21 can be transferred to the pixel 22 from the left to the right in the figure. Therefore, it is possible to display dots in one direction. Further, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 46, matrix display is possible by meandering one flow path 1 and arranging the pixels 22 two-dimensionally. Further, a discharge path 46 for discharging liquid is connected to the pixel 22 at the end of the flow path 1 via the switch 3. For this reason, when it is desired to erase the image, the switch 3 is opened, and the liquid in each pixel 22 can be discharged to the liquid discharge path 46.

  In the present invention, it is also possible to configure a display screen capable of matrix display by arranging the configuration of FIG. 5 for each pixel row or pixel column. FIG. 6 shows this configuration. That is, when forming a dot matrix type display screen, as shown in FIG. 6, the pixels 22, the switches 3, the liquid mixing means 21 and the like are linearly arranged in each pixel row or each pixel column of the display screen. Accordingly, the transfer distance can be shortened and the screen can be updated more quickly than in the case where one channel 1 is meandered to enable two-dimensional display in the configuration of FIG. 6 illustrates the configuration in which the display device in FIG. 5 is arranged for each pixel row, the arrangement and the number of pixels are not limited to the drawing.

  Next, still another application of the above basic configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to 6, droplets of a desired color are generated at one end of a pixel group connected by a single flow path, and liquid is sequentially transferred to each pixel area of the flow path to display an image. It is carried out. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of pixels 22 constituting the display screen are arranged two-dimensionally (matrix), and a liquid supply path (liquid supply path 19A, liquid supply path 19B20) for each pixel 22. Are directly connected. Further, a switch 3 is disposed at a connection portion between each pixel 22 and each supply path 19A, 19B. Thereby, the liquid can be supplied to the pixels 22 more quickly. That is, in this configuration, liquid mixing is performed in each pixel 22. Although not shown, a liquid transfer means 18 is provided in the pixel 22.

  Furthermore, a liquid discharge path 46 for discharging liquid is connected to each pixel 22 via the switch 3. For this reason, when it is desired to erase the displayed image, the liquid 3 in the pixel 22 is discharged to the liquid discharge path 46 by opening the switch 3 of the liquid discharge path 46 and operating the liquid transfer means (not shown). be able to. In this manner, the display image can be erased more quickly by connecting the liquid discharge path 46 to each pixel 22.

  In FIG. 7, a plurality of liquid supply paths such as a liquid supply path 19 </ b> A and a liquid supply path 19 </ b> B are connected to each pixel 22 via the switch 3. Therefore, by independently controlling the switches 3 of the liquid supply paths 19 and 20, two kinds of liquids can be injected into one pixel at an arbitrary ratio. These liquid supply paths 19A and 19B are branched from each of two types of liquid supply sources (not shown) and connected to each pixel 22. For example, when the two types of liquids have different colors, an arbitrary color mixture can be created by changing the injection ratio of these liquids.

  In FIG. 7, the plurality of liquid supply paths 19 </ b> A and 19 </ b> B branched from each liquid supply source are connected to the respective pixels 22 arranged in the pixel column direction. Further, the liquid discharge path 46 is disposed along each pixel row and connected to each pixel 22 arranged in the pixel row direction. The liquid discharge path 46 is grouped into one liquid discharge reservoir (not shown) on the downstream side.

  Next, the function of the switch 3 used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, the switch 3 is disposed in the flow path 1 formed between the two substrates 2. The switch 3 can pass the liquid 4 or block the flow of the liquid 4 by an on / off operation of a voltage applied thereto. The liquid 4 in the flow channel 1 at the left end of FIG. 8A is prevented from advancing by the switch 3 in the off state. By turning on the switch 3 from this state, the liquid can be guided to the center of the flow path 1 as shown in FIG. However, the switch 3 in the off state on the right side of the figure prevents the liquid 4 from proceeding further. Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the liquid 4 is confined in the central portion of the flow path 1 by turning off the switch 3 on the left and right sides of the figure. Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, by turning on the switch 3 on the right side of the figure, the liquid 4 at the center can be guided to the flow path 1 at the right end. Thus, in the present invention, the liquid can be circulated and stopped by the operation of the switch unit.

  In the present invention, when the switch 3 is turned off, the liquid 4 does not stay on the switch 3 regardless of the history. That is, the switch 3 in the off state does not leave the liquid 4 in the area of the switch 3. For this reason, once the switch 3 is passed, the liquid 4 is divided. As described above, in the present invention, the liquid can be divided by the switch 3. This severable characteristic is essential for the stable transfer of droplets described later.

  Further, a more detailed configuration example of the switch 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. As the switch 3, a region in which a structure having a liquid repellent surface that is physically opened in the flow direction is disposed in the flow path 1 can be applied. This structure can adjust liquid repellency by voltage supply. An example of this is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, a flow path 1 surrounded by a side wall 6 is formed between two substrates 2. In the flow path 1, liquid repellent columns (hereinafter referred to as liquid repellent columns) 8 are formed at intervals.

  The material of the liquid repellent column 8 can be selected according to the liquid. For example, when the liquid is hydrophilic, the liquid repellent column 8 can be made of an oleophilic material or a fluorine-based material. Further, when the liquid is oleophilic, the liquid repellent column 8 can be made of a fluorine-based material. Alternatively, after the pillar is formed of an appropriate material, the surface of the pillar can be given liquid repellency by surface modification. In any case, the liquid repellent column 8 can be produced by appropriately selecting the column itself or the material of the column surface. By arranging such a liquid repellent column 8 densely in a part of the flow path 1, it can function as the switch 3. When the liquid in the flow path 1 comes into contact with the liquid repellent column 8 that is not exposed to an electric field, the liquid cannot enter the switch 3.

  Electrodes for applying a voltage are prepared above and below or right and left of the flow path 1. In FIG. 9, electrodes 7 are prepared above and below the flow path 1. In any electrode arrangement, the liquid repellency of the surface of the liquid repellent column 8 is lowered by exposing the liquid repellent column 8 to an electric field. For this reason, the liquid in the flow path 1 can enter the region (switch 3) where the liquid repellent column 8 is disposed.

  After the liquid passes over the switch 3 and reaches the other side of the flow path, the voltage supply to the electrode 7 is stopped. Thereby, the liquid repellency of the liquid repellent column 8 is recovered. For this reason, the liquid in the switch 3 is divided into the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path 1. By arranging the liquid repellent columns 8 densely, no liquid remains in the switch 3.

  As described above, in the present invention, a structure having a liquid repellent surface is disposed in the flow path 1, and the liquid repellency of the structure is adjusted by an on / off operation of an applied voltage between the electrodes 7. It is possible to realize the flow and blocking of the liquid at the switch unit.

  The structure of the liquid repellent structure is not limited to the cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 9, but may be a prismatic structure as shown in FIG. 9 and 10 can be manufactured by a photolithography process, a printing process, or the like.

  Further, the structure of the liquid repellent structure may be a porous material 9 as shown in FIG. For example, it can be made of a chemical substance called xelgel or pyrogel. Also in this case, the porous material 9 arranged in the flow path 1 connects the upstream side and the downstream side through physically continuous holes. However, the surface of the hole itself has liquid repellency. Such liquid repellency can be adjusted by applying an electric field as described above.

  Further, the liquid repellent structure may be a fiber material 10 as shown in FIG. In this case, the fiber material 10 is disposed along a flow path 1 in a predetermined area in the flow path 1, and the upstream side and the downstream side are connected through a gap between the fibers. Each fiber surface of the fiber material 10 has liquid repellency, and the liquid repellency can be adjusted by applying an electric field as described above.

  Next, the liquid transfer means 18 used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the liquid repellent column 8 is used for the switch 3. The inner wall of the flow path for transferring the liquid 4 has a liquid-repellent surface 30 whose liquid repellency decreases when exposed to an electric field, and the liquid transfer means 18 applies an electric field to the switch 3 and the liquid-repellent surface 30. It is comprised from the electrode which can be performed. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 13A, when a droplet of the liquid 4 is present in the flow path at the left end of the drawing, the droplet cannot travel to the right side of the drawing due to the liquid repellent column 8. Therefore, a voltage is applied to the liquid transfer means 18 which is a pair of upper and lower electrodes corresponding to the liquid repellent column 8 (switch 3) on the left side of the drawing and the center portion of the flow channel (flow channel portion sandwiched between the liquid repellent columns 8 on the left and right sides of the drawing). Is applied, the liquid repellency of the region decreases, and the liquid droplet moves to the center of the flow path as shown in FIG. Next, when the voltage application is stopped, the droplet remains in the center of the flow path (FIG. 13C). This state is maintained unless a voltage is applied. That is, memory characteristics are manifested. Next, when a voltage is applied to the liquid transfer means 18, which is a pair of upper and lower electrodes corresponding to the liquid repellent column 8 on the right side of the drawing and the right end of the flow path, the liquid repellency of that region is lowered. In addition to this, the central part of the flow path is already liquid repellent. For this reason, the droplet quickly moves from the center of the channel to the right end of the channel. As described above, by using the switching operation of the position to which the voltage is applied and the electrowetting phenomenon inside the flow path, it is possible to quickly transfer the droplets without using a pumping pump or the like. Further, the liquid does not remain in the flow path portion before the droplet transfer. Furthermore, the flow path having the liquid-repellent surface sandwiched between the two switch portions enables a stable droplet stop state and reliable droplet transfer.

  In the configurations of FIGS. 2 and 5, the liquid transfer means 18 as described above needs to be provided at least for each of the pixels 22 and the connection path between the pixels 22. In the configurations of FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, it is necessary to provide the liquid transfer means 18 at least in the pixel 22.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the liquid transfer utilizing the liquid repellency as described above, and in the present invention, it is also possible to perform the liquid transfer by electrophoresis of the liquid in which the charged particles are dispersed. For example, referring to FIG. 14A, the droplet of the charged particle dispersion liquid 80 is located in the flow path at the left end of the figure. Charged fine particles are dispersed in the charged particle dispersion liquid 80. The charging polarity can be determined by selecting fine particles. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the liquid repellent column 8 is used for the switch 3. First, an electric field is applied to the switch portion composed of the liquid repellent column 8 on the left side of the figure to open the switch. Furthermore, a voltage is applied to the electrode which is the liquid transfer means in the central portion of the flow channel (the flow channel portion sandwiched between the liquid repellent columns 8 on the left and right in the figure). Depending on the voltage polarity, as shown in FIG. 14B, the charged particle dispersion liquid 80 enters the center of the flow path. Thereafter, the application of both voltages is stopped. As a result, a stable droplet stop state as shown in FIG. 14C can be obtained. In order to transfer the droplet again, the switch on the right side of the figure is opened, and a voltage is applied to the liquid transfer means in the channel portion on the right side of the figure. As described above, the liquid is transferred by electrophoresis of the droplet. In this configuration, since the electrophoresis phenomenon is used as the driving force for liquid transfer, it is not necessary to cover the inner wall of the flow path with the liquid repellent surface as in the configuration of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the further application of the structure of FIG. 7 mentioned above is demonstrated. A difference from the configuration of FIG. 7 is that a liquid supply path directly connected to each pixel 22 is disposed in a lower layer of a display region including a plurality of pixels 22.

  FIG. 15 shows a planar arrangement of this display device. FIG. 16 shows the structure of the AA ′ cross section of FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 16, in this display device, the liquid supply path 19 is disposed in the lower layer, and the pixels 22 are disposed in the upper layer. As shown in FIG. 15, in the lower layer, each liquid supply path 19 branched from a liquid supply source (not shown) is arranged in the pixel column direction. On the other hand, in the upper layer, the pixels 22 are individually surrounded by side walls (shown by dotted lines) and connected to the liquid discharge path 46 via the switch 3. The lower liquid supply path 19 and the upper pixel 22 are connected to each other in a cross-sectional structure as shown in FIG. Specifically, the lower liquid supply path 19 is connected to the upper pixel 22 through the liquid hole 38. A switch 3 is provided around the liquid hole 38. The inner wall of the pixel 22 is a liquid repellent surface 30 whose liquid repellency decreases when exposed to an electric field. In FIG. 16, a switch 3 made of a liquid repellent column is shown. As shown in FIG. 16A, when no voltage is applied to the scanning electrode 43 and the signal electrode 81, the liquid in the lower liquid supply path 19 forms a liquid surface that rises from the liquid hole 38 to the upper layer. ing. This liquid level can be controlled by adjusting the pressure of the liquid supply source. When a voltage is applied to the scanning electrode 43 and the signal electrode 81, the switch 3 is opened. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, the liquid enters the pixel 22. Thereafter, when the voltage application is stopped, the liquid is divided by the switch 3 as shown in FIG. As described above, an appropriate amount of liquid can be supplied from the lower liquid supply path 19 into the upper pixel 22.

  In FIG. 15, the planar arrangement of the upper layer and the lower layer is shown in a transparent manner. In order to open and close the switch 3 around the liquid hole 38, scanning electrodes 43 for selecting pixel rows and signal electrodes 81 for selecting pixel columns are arranged in a matrix. With the configuration as described above, it is possible to inject liquid into a desired pixel by sequentially selecting the scanning electrodes 43 and applying a signal corresponding to the scanning electrodes 43 to the signal electrodes 81. With such a matrix arrangement, multiplex driving of a normal display device can be used.

  As described above, in the present invention, a display operation can be performed by preparing a flow path for each liquid up to each pixel. In particular, since it is not necessary to transfer liquid from pixel to pixel, a display screen can be quickly formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a liquid discharge path 46 is arranged for each pixel column, and is connected to each pixel 22 via the switch 3. The liquid discharge path 46 can be arranged in the upper layer or the lower layer. Further, in order to open and close the switch 3 connected to the liquid discharge path 46, the discharge electrodes 44 are arranged along the pixel columns. For this reason, when erasing an image, the liquid in all the pixels can be discharged to the liquid discharge path 46 by applying a voltage to all the scan electrodes and all the discharge electrodes and opening the switch 3 of the liquid discharge path 46. .

  Next, still another application of the above-described configuration of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the configuration of FIG. 15, one liquid supply path is connected to one pixel via a liquid hole and a switch. On the other hand, in the display device shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of liquid supply paths are connected to one pixel via a liquid hole and a switch, respectively. Specifically, referring to FIG. 17, three pixels 22 (parts surrounded by dotted lines) that are liquid chambers that can store liquids are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (column direction), and areas of the respective pixels 22. Extends in the horizontal direction (row direction). Then, six liquid supply paths are connected to each pixel 22 via six switches 3. In FIG. 17, in the lower layer of the plane area where the three pixels 22 are formed, a liquid supply path R34 for red liquid, a liquid supply path G36 for green liquid, a liquid supply path B37 for blue liquid, and three transparent liquids A liquid supply path C35 for liquid is disposed. The number of liquid supply paths is not limited to this, and liquid supply paths having the required number of colors can be arranged. In the display device of FIG. 17, the color can be adjusted with red, green, blue, and transparent liquid, and an arbitrary color can be generated. It is also possible to change the liquid color to yellow, magenta, cyan, black or the like. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, a detour is provided in a portion of each liquid supply path having the liquid hole 38. As a result, even if the liquid is ejected from the liquid holes 38 into the upper-layer pixels 22, the liquid can be stably supplied to the flow path on the downstream side of the ejected portion. Note that the AA ′ cross section of FIG. 17 may be the same as the structure shown in FIG.

  Also, if the pixels 22 shown in FIG. 17 are arranged in a matrix, an arbitrary color image can be displayed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram in which the electrode structure is overwritten on FIG. In FIG. 18, three scanning electrodes 43 are arranged so as to correspond to the respective pixels extending in the horizontal direction (pixel row direction). Further, the signal electrode R39, the signal electrode G40, the signal electrode B41, and the three signal electrodes C42 are arranged correspondingly along the liquid supply paths of the respective colors. Thereby, the switch 3 of each liquid hole 38 is activated. Further, a discharge electrode 44 for liquid discharge operation for each pixel is disposed corresponding to the liquid discharge path 46.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of voltage application to each electrode shown in FIG. The scan electrodes S1 to S3 are scanned at each timing as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a voltage as shown in FIG. 19A is applied to each of the signal electrodes R, G, B, C1, C2, and C3. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, at the first timing when the scanning electrode S1 is selected, the switch unit 3 of each liquid supply path of red liquid (R), green liquid (G), and blue liquid (B). A sufficient voltage is not applied to. On the other hand, a sufficient voltage is applied to the switch 3 in the liquid supply path of the transparent liquid (C1, C2, C3). For this reason, only the transparent liquid is discharged into the pixel 22. Therefore, when the background color of the pixel 22 is white, white is displayed in the pixels in the first row shown in FIG. 19B.

  On the other hand, at the second timing when the scanning electrode S2 is selected as shown in FIG. 19A, a voltage is applied to the switch 3 of the liquid supply path for red, green and blue, and three colored liquids are applied to the pixel region. Will spread. As a result, black display is performed in the pixels in the second row shown in FIG.

  Similarly, at the third timing when the scanning electrode S3 is selected as shown in FIG. 19A, only the red liquid spreads in the pixel as shown in FIG. 19B, and red display is performed. Will be.

  According to this configuration, by arranging a plurality of types of liquid supply flow paths in the lower layer of the pixel region, it becomes possible to arrange the scanning electrodes and the signal electrodes in a matrix as shown in FIGS. . For this reason, the switch 3 at the intersection of the matrix electrodes can be multiplex driven.

  Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to inject a liquid having a desired mixing ratio directly into the pixel portion, and color display of an arbitrary color is possible. As can be seen from the above description, the inner surface of the liquid supply path does not need to be a liquid repellent surface. Rather, a lyophilic surface is desirable for quick liquid replenishment.

  The write operation for each pixel having the configuration of FIG. 17 has been described above. Hereinafter, the erase operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 17, in order to update the display color of each pixel, it is necessary to discharge the liquid in the pixel once accumulated. Therefore, the liquid discharge path 46, the discharge electrode 44, and the switch 3 for the liquid discharge path 46 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 are provided in the display device. In FIG. 20, the liquid discharge path 46 is provided in the lower layer like the other liquid supply paths, but may be provided in the upper layer.

  In FIG. 20, the colored liquid that has already spread within the pixel is indicated by hatching (hatched portion). Further, in FIG. 20, for the following description, E, R, C1, G, C2, B, and C3 are indicated for electrodes in each column, and S1, S2, and S3 are indicated for each scanning electrode.

  FIG. 20A shows the state in which all of the three pixels arranged vertically are filled with liquid by hatching. In order to discharge the liquid in the pixel, all of the scan electrodes S1, S2, and S3 are simultaneously selected. Thereafter, a voltage is applied between the column electrodes E, R, C1, G, C2, B other than the electrode C3 and all the scan electrodes S1, S2, S3. As a result, the switch 3 corresponding to the discharge electrode E is opened, and the liquid can be discharged to the liquid discharge path 46. The liquid discharge path 46 extends outside the display device. On the other hand, the liquid in the vicinity of the column electrode C3 is excluded because the inner surface of the pixel 22 is liquid repellent, and moves to the vicinity of the column electrode to which another voltage is applied. As a result, as shown in the hatched area of FIG. 20B, the liquid area in the pixel moves to the left side. Thereafter, voltage application between the column electrode B and all the scan electrodes is stopped. That is, a voltage is applied between the column electrodes E, R, C1, G, C2 other than the electrodes B and C3 and all the scan electrodes S1, S2, S3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20C, the liquid region in the pixel further moves to the left. Thereafter, the same procedure is repeated to sequentially move the liquid region to the left, and finally the liquid in the pixel can be discharged to the liquid discharge path 46 as shown in FIG.

  Moreover, it is possible to manufacture an electronic device as shown in FIG. 21 using the display device shown in FIGS. In the electronic device 47 shown in FIG. 21, an antenna 49 may be mounted so that image writing data to be displayed on the display device 48 can be received via wireless. Alternatively, the display device 48 and the solar cell 50 may be mounted on the front surface or the back surface so that the display device 48 is automatically charged. In particular, when a transparent solar cell 50 is mounted on the front surface of the display device 48, part of the power consumption of the display device 48 can be covered.

  Further, a light source can be mounted on the front surface or the back surface of the display device 48 to perform reflective display or transmissive display. The reflective display can be implemented by whitening the background of the pixel region shown in FIGS. In this case, when the illumination cannot be expected like at night, the illumination device 51 can be turned on as shown in FIG. Further, by making the base of the pixel region shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 transparent, it is possible to perform transmissive display. In this case, a backlight used for a liquid crystal display device or the like may be brought into the electronic device 47.

  Alternatively, the display of the pixel region shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used for both transmissive display and reflective display by using two types of white and transparent.

“Embodiments of the Present Invention”
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is used for what has the same function as the component mentioned above in description.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the display device shown in FIG. 22, the pixels 22 and the switch units 3 are connected alternately and continuously, and the continuous pixels 22 are meandered and arranged in a two-dimensional manner (matrix form) to form a display screen. Has been. In the upper left pixel 22, four liquid supply paths 34, 35, 36, and 37 are switched to supply red (R), transparent (C), green (G), and blue (B) liquids, respectively. 3 is connected. Accordingly, the pixel 22 at the upper left of the figure also serves as the liquid mixing element 21. Further, the end of the continuous pixel group (the pixel on the lower right in the figure) is connected to the liquid discharge path 46 via the switch 3. The inner walls of the four liquid supply paths 34, 35, 36, and 37 and the liquid discharge path 46 are preferably covered with a lyophilic surface. On the other hand, it is preferable that the inside of the pixel 22 is covered with a liquid repellent surface so as to perform a liquid transfer operation quickly, and an electrode for applying an electric field to the liquid repellent surface is provided as a liquid transfer means.

In the display device of the present embodiment, colored ink of an arbitrary ratio is supplied from the four liquid supply paths 34, 35, 36, and 37 to the pixel 22 at the upper left of the figure via the switch 3. The ratio of the ink to be supplied is controlled by the voltage and time for opening the switch 3 for each color. Thereafter, the switch 3 between the adjacent pixels 22 is opened and a transfer operation is performed, the colored ink is transferred to the next pixel 22, and the pixel 22 at the upper left of the figure is emptied. Ink is injected again into the pixel 22 in the upper left of the figure that has become empty. When the above is repeated and the ink droplet is transferred to a predetermined position, the switch 3 between the pixels is closed. Thereby, a stable display state (memory property) can be obtained. When erasing the display, the switch 3 to the liquid discharge path 46 is opened, and the droplet transfer operation is repeated.
As described above, display image writing, memory, and erasing are realized.

  In this embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of ink supply channels can be simplified.

  Next, an example of the liquid transfer means used in the display device of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 show a channel cross section including the pixel portion of the display device.

  In FIG. 23, the common electrode 11 is disposed on the substrate above the flow path. Further, the switch electrode A14, the switch electrode B15, the channel electrode A12, and the channel electrode B13 are arranged on the substrate below the channel in a repeating cycle in this order. A liquid-repellent structure is disposed in the flow path on the switch electrode A14 and the switch electrode B15, thereby configuring the switch 3. Droplets already exist in the flow path between the switches 3 shown in FIG. Further, the inner wall surface of the flow path other than the switch 3 has liquid repellency, and when exposed to an electric field, the liquid repellency decreases.

  When a voltage is supplied to the flow path electrode B13 and the switch electrode A14, each droplet is transferred. This is the state of FIG. Thereafter, the voltage supply to the flow path electrode B13 is stopped, and the voltage is supplied to the switch electrode A14 and the switch electrode B15. Since all the channels on the channel electrodes A12 and B13 are liquid repellent, each droplet moves into the switch 3 (FIG. 23C). Next, when the voltage supply to the switch electrode A14 is stopped and the voltage is supplied to the switch electrode B15 and the flow channel electrode A12, each droplet moves to the adjacent flow channel (FIGS. 23D to 23F). .

  As described above, it is possible to transfer the droplets continuously and stably without setting the flow path between the switches 3 to the state where the droplet does not exist.

  Alternatively, in the present display device, a droplet transfer channel can be configured as shown in FIG. In FIG. 24, the height of the flow path 1 is partially different. Therefore, when transferring droplets of a certain volume, the size of the shallow flow path portion in the liquid flow direction (the horizontal direction in the figure) is increased, and the size of the deep flow path portion in the flow direction (the horizontal direction in the figure) is increased. Can be small.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The display device of the form shown in FIG. 25 includes a liquid mixing unit 21 for each pixel row. A liquid of a desired color is generated by mixing a plurality of colored liquids in the liquid mixing means 21, and then transferred into the flow path 1 surrounded by the side wall 6. Switches 3 and pixels 22 (liquid chambers) are alternately arranged in the flow path 1. For this reason, the droplets of the respective colors are sequentially transferred to the right direction of the flow path 1. When the droplet reaches the rightmost pixel 22, the transfer is stopped. As described above, by transferring the droplets to the flow path 1 for each pixel row, each droplet reaches a predetermined pixel position, and a display image is completed.

  If the portion of the pixel 22 in the flow channel 1 is made transparent, a surface light source can be disposed on the back surface of the display device to operate as a transmissive display device. In addition, if the background color corresponding to the pixel 22 portion of the flow path 1 is white, it can be operated as a reflective display device. In either case, the pixel to which the black droplet has been transferred can be displayed in black. Further, the pixel to which the transparent liquid droplet has been transferred can be displayed in white.

  When the image is updated, the droplet forming the display image is transferred to the discharge path 46 and erased. In FIG. 25, the area of the pixel 22 is different from the area of the switch 3 between the pixels 22. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 24, the shallow part of the flow path 1 is applied to the pixel part, and the deep part is applied to the switch part between the pixels. As described above, a constant volume of droplets is transferred by changing the in-plane area change and the depth in the flow path. As a result, in the channel layout shown in FIG. 24, the ratio of the pixel area in the display can be increased.

  As shown in the lower part of FIG. 25, the pixel 22 and the switch 3 can be abbreviated using symbols. FIG. 26 shows a configuration example of the liquid mixing means 21 using this abbreviation. In FIG. 26, a transparent ink reservoir 24 is provided in each of the red ink reservoir 23, the green ink reservoir 25, and the blue ink reservoir 26, and the density of the red ink, the green ink, and the blue ink is adjusted by each transparent ink and finally mixed. The However, the liquid mixing means 21 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, red ink, green ink, and blue ink may be mixed and adjusted first, and then density adjustment may be performed with transparent ink. Also, the ink color need not be limited to this, and may be composed of red ink, green ink, blue ink, and black ink. Further, yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink may be mixed.

  In FIG. 27, the more detailed structural example of the liquid mixing means 21 is shown. In FIG. 27, the flow path 1 is separated into two parts, a liquid supply path 19A and a liquid supply path 19B, at the left end. The liquid supply path 19A and the liquid supply path 19B are each connected to a liquid reservoir (not shown) on the upstream side. The switch 3 having the above-described configuration is configured at each of the end portions of the liquid supply path 19A and the liquid supply path 19B on the flow path 1 side.

  In order to mix the liquid, first, a voltage is applied to the mixing electrode A16 corresponding to the switch 3 of the liquid supply path 19A to induce the liquid A into the flow path 1. Thereafter, a voltage is applied to the mixed electrode B17 corresponding to the switch 3 of the liquid supply path 19B to guide the liquid B to the flow path 1. At this time, the mixing ratio of the liquid A and the liquid B can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the two switches 3 and the application time. Thereafter, using the liquid transfer means 18, the mixed liquid can be transferred in the right direction of the flow path 1 in the figure by the procedure described above.

  In the case of mixing a larger number of liquids, the configuration shown in FIG. 27 can be realized by connecting them in series or in parallel. For example, a liquid supply path including the switch 3 can be newly connected to the upstream end or the downstream end of the flow channel 1 shown in FIG. 27 to mix a large number of liquids.

  As described above, a liquid having an arbitrary color can be generated using the liquid mixing means 21. Generally, when displaying a full color image, it is necessary to mix a large number of inks. For this reason, a relatively complicated flow path configuration as shown in FIG. 26 is required. In the configuration of FIG. 25, since the liquid mixing means as shown in FIG. 26 is required for each pixel row, the flow paths (liquid supply paths) may intersect.

  However, even in the intersecting flow paths, it is possible to handle the liquids without mixing each other by disposing the switch 3 and performing an appropriate operation. This configuration is shown in FIG. FIG. 28 shows a case where the liquid A is transferred through the flow path 27 extending in the vertical direction and the liquid B is transferred through the flow path 28 extending in the left-right direction. First, the liquid A is transferred from the upward flow path 27 to the central flow path 29 (FIGS. 28A and 28B). Next, the liquid A is transferred to the downward flow path 27, and the central flow path 29 is emptied (FIG. 28 (c)). Thereafter, the liquid B is transferred from the left channel 28 to the center channel 29 (FIGS. 28D and 28E). Thereafter, the liquid B is transferred from the central channel 29 to the right channel 28 (FIG. 28 (f)). In this way, two types of liquid droplets can be handled independently by the switch unit 3 and its drive timing, without creating a three-dimensionally intersecting flow path.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described based on FIG. 29 and FIG. FIG. 29 is a plan view showing the display device of this embodiment, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG.

  In the form shown in FIG. 29, the flow path structure formed by alternately connecting the pixels 22 and the switches 3 is arranged in a straight line in the row direction (lateral direction in the figure), and the flow path structure is interposed via the side wall 6 therebetween. By arranging a plurality of pixels in the column direction (vertical direction in the figure), a matrix-like display screen is formed by a plurality of pixels 22.

  As can be seen from FIG. 30, in this embodiment, approximately three substrates are stacked to form upper and lower flow paths. Regarding the lower layer flow path, four liquid supply paths 34 and 35 for flowing red (R), transparent (C), green (G), and blue (B) liquid on one side (left side in the drawing) of the display unit. , 36, 37 are arranged in the lower layer. The liquid supply paths for the respective colors are connected to the corresponding upper liquid supply paths 34, 35, 36, and 37 through the liquid holes 38. In the present embodiment, ink droplets are transferred from left to right in the drawing in units of rows in the display unit. Accordingly, the pixel 22 at the left end of each row is connected to the four upper liquid supply paths 34, 35, 36, and 37. Further, a switch 3 is provided at the injection portion of each upper liquid supply path 34, 35, 36, 37 into the pixel 22. Further, the pixel 22 at the left end of each row also serves as a liquid mixing unit 58 that mixes liquid by liquid injection into the pixel.

  At the time of image writing, the switch 3 of each upper liquid supply path is opened, and ink of each color is injected from the liquid supply path into the liquid mixing element 58 at the left end. An arbitrary color can be adjusted in the liquid mixing means 58 by changing the injection ratio of each ink. Thereafter, the ink is transferred from the liquid mixing means 58 at the left end to the pixel 22 on the right side. At this time, the electrode shape of the switch electrode 56 arranged so as to correspond to the switch 3 is a so-called chevron shape. The chevron shape is a shape in which the side of the switch electrode 56 that contacts the electrode side of the liquid transfer means 18 has a mountain shape, and the electrode side of the liquid transfer means 18 that faces the side has a valley shape. As will be described later, this shape makes it possible to transport ink droplets more stably. By repeating the above-described ink transfer and ink injection into the liquid mixing means 58 at the left end, a display image can be obtained as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, a case where a porous material 9 is used as the liquid repellent structure constituting the switch 3 is shown.

  In this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the arrangement of the ink supply path is complicated, but the droplet transfer between the pixels can be performed in a short distance. For this reason, the display image can be updated more quickly.

  Here, the effect of the chevron electrode structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 31 shows a droplet shape when the electrode of the liquid transfer means 18 and the layout of the switch electrode 56 do not have a chevron shape. When a voltage is applied to the electrode of the liquid transfer means 18, the droplet 70 is positioned on the electrode of the liquid transfer means 18 (state shown in FIG. 31). On the other hand, on the switch electrode 56 to which no voltage is applied, the liquid droplet 70 tends to avoid this region due to liquid repellency. If the ink droplets are insufficient, the distance between the ink droplet and the next switch electrode 56 is increased. In this case, even if voltage application to the electrode of the liquid transfer means 18 where the droplet is located is stopped and voltage is applied to the next switch electrode 56, stable droplet movement cannot be expected.

  On the other hand, in the case of the chevron type as shown in FIG. 32, even when the amount of droplets in the pixel 22 is small, a part of the droplets 70 always overlaps with the switch electrode 56. This is because the liquid shape (meniscus) cannot take an acute shape. Therefore, in the case of the chevron electrode structure, the transfer of the liquid droplet can be started with the tip of the chevron side of the switch electrode 56 as the starting point.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. FIG. As shown in FIG. 34, the display device of this embodiment is generally composed of an upper layer substrate 62, an intermediate layer substrate 61, and a lower layer substrate 60. A flow path is formed between the substrates, and the flow path formed between the upper layer substrate 62 and the middle layer substrate 61 is referred to as an upper layer flow channel. The channel formed between the middle layer substrate 61 and the lower layer substrate 60 is referred to as a lower layer channel.

  FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the layout of the upper layer flow path and the lower layer flow path. As can be seen from FIG. 33, as the lower layer flow path, a liquid supply path R34 for supplying red (R) ink, a liquid supply path G36 for supplying green (G) ink, and a blue (B) ink are supplied. A liquid supply path B37 and a liquid supply path C35 for supplying transparent (C) ink extend in the vertical direction in the figure. The lower-layer liquid supply paths 34, 36, 37, and 35 are arranged in this order in the horizontal direction in a repeating cycle.

  Each lower liquid supply path is connected to the upper flow path (portion surrounded by a solid line in FIG. 33) via the liquid hole 38. The upper layer flow path includes four types of areas in which the liquid holes 38 formed for the liquid supply paths of the respective colors are surrounded by the switch 3 and the side wall 6, an area (liquid chamber) that becomes the pixel 22, the pixel 22 and the switch 3. And a liquid discharge path 46 connected through the same. Each switch 8 is a portion where the liquid repellent column 8 is disposed.

  The four switches 3 arranged in the vicinity for each liquid hole 38 select whether to allow red (R), green (G), blue (B), and transparent (C) liquid to flow into the pixel 22 independently. . Therefore, the upper layer substrate 62 has four switch electrodes 56 corresponding to the switches 3 for the respective colors, and the scanning electrode 43 is provided on the middle layer substrate 61. Each switch electrode 56 is disposed along each lower liquid supply path. The scanning electrode 43 is disposed so as to intersect the switch electrode 56 in the horizontal direction in the figure.

  By applying a voltage between the switch electrode 56 and the scanning electrode 43, red (R), green (G), blue (B), and transparent (C) liquids are supplied from the liquid holes 38 for the respective colors into the pixels 22. Of ink is injected. The injection ratio of these liquids can be controlled by the voltage and time for opening each color switch 3. Further, a plurality of pixels 22 are arranged in a matrix, and a desired color ink is injected into each pixel 22 so that a full color image can be displayed.

  If the scanning electrode 43 is divided as shown in FIG. 33, the voltage application in the pixel 22 can be devised immediately after ink injection to cause ink movement in the pixel 22 and mix the ink.

  When erasing an image, a voltage is applied between the scanning electrode 43 and the discharge electrode 44 disposed along the liquid discharge path 46 to open the switch 3 of the liquid discharge path 46, and the ink in the pixel 22. Is discharged. At the time of discharging, an operation similar to the operation described with reference to FIG. 20 is performed, and the ink in the pixel 22 is brought closer to the liquid discharge path 46, whereby the discharging operation can be performed quickly.

  In order to perform the discharging operation more quickly, a vent pipe 76 as shown in FIG. 33 is further provided in the lower layer where each liquid supply path is formed. The vent pipe 76 is connected to an upper layer flow path including the pixel 22 via the vent hole 75. The connection point to the upper layer flow path is on the side opposite to the liquid discharge path 46. The periphery of the vent hole 75 is surrounded by the switch 3. For this reason, the liquid cannot enter the vent hole 75. During the discharge operation, the liquid in the pixel 22 is drawn toward the liquid discharge path 46 side. For this reason, it is necessary to replenish the area where the liquid originally existed with a gas such as air. Therefore, by disposing the vent hole 75 in the pixel 22 at a position far from the liquid discharge path 46, it is possible to perform the discharge operation more quickly.

  Further, a method for manufacturing the structure shown in FIG. 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 35, 36, 37, and 38. As can be seen from FIG. 34, this structure includes a lower layer substrate 60, a middle layer substrate 61, and an upper layer substrate 62. Therefore, a method for manufacturing each substrate will be described in order with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 35, a lower layer substrate 60 is prepared, and this surface is formed on a lyophilic surface 57. This can also be realized by forming a lyophilic thin film on the lower substrate surface. Alternatively, the surface of the lower layer substrate can be modified to form such a surface. Thereafter, the transparent side wall 63 is formed on the surface of the lower layer substrate. As shown in FIG. 35C, this is obtained by forming a coating film of a photosensitive resin 66 on the surface of the lower substrate and processing the coating film by a photolithography process. Alternatively, the transparent side wall 63 may be directly patterned on the surface of the lower layer substrate by a printing method.

  The middle layer substrate 61 is processed as shown in FIG. First, the liquid hole 38 is opened in the intermediate layer substrate 61. This can also be done by molding a plastic resin. Alternatively, the substrate can be mechanically drilled. Alternatively, the holes can be formed by chemically etching the substrate. Alternatively, a perforated substrate can be produced using photosensitive glass. Next, in the case of reflection display, a white reflector 59 is formed on the intermediate layer substrate 61. The white reflector may be a metal layer having a rough surface. Alternatively, a resin film having scattering properties may be used. Alternatively, a white paint layer may be used. Next, a transparent conductive layer is formed on the white reflector 59 and patterned to obtain the scanning electrode 43. Next, a liquid repellent thin film 64 is formed on the substrate surface. The liquid repellent thin film 64 can be formed by a technique such as dip coating, for example. In this case, as shown in FIG. 36 (e), a liquid repellent thin film 64 is formed on the front and back surfaces of the substrate. Thereafter, the liquid repellent thin film 64 on the back surface of the substrate, which becomes the inner wall of the lower layer flow path (liquid supply path), is made lyophilic (FIG. 36 (f)). That is, the back surface of the substrate is modified to the lyophilic surface 57. This can be realized by irradiating with ultraviolet rays. Alternatively, it can be realized by exposing the back surface of the substrate in plasma. Thereafter, a part of the substrate surface is made lyophilic and modified to the lyophilic surface 57. (FIG. 36 (f)). This can be realized by performing the lyophilic process as described above using an appropriate mask.

  When the liquid to be operated is a hydrophilic liquid, a lipophilic substance or a fluorine-based substance can be used as the liquid repellent thin film 64. In this case, the lipophilic substance or the fluorine-based substance can be hydrophilized by ultraviolet treatment in oxygen or plasma treatment in oxygen.

  Further, when the liquid to be operated is a lipophilic liquid, a fluorine-based material can be used as the liquid repellent thin film 64. Also in this case, it can be made oleophilic by performing ultraviolet irradiation or plasma treatment in an appropriate atmosphere. Alternatively, the surface of the thin film can be modified with a hydrocarbon to be oleophilic with a surface treatment agent after the hydrophilic treatment described above.

  FIG. 36E shows the case where the liquid repellent thin film 64 is simultaneously formed on both surfaces of the substrate. However, it is also possible to form the lyophobic thin film 64 only on the substrate surface and to form a lyophilic thin film only on the back surface of the substrate after making a part of the lyophobic thin film 64 lyophilic. In this case, it is not necessary to modify the surface of the back surface of the substrate.

  Further, a method for manufacturing the upper substrate 62 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the transparent conductive layer 65 is formed on the upper substrate 62 and patterned to form the switch electrode 56. Thereafter, a film of the photosensitive resin 66 is formed on the entire surface where the switch electrode 56 is formed. Then, the film is patterned by a photolithography process to form the column structure of the switch part and the side wall 6 of the flow path. Thereafter, liquid repellent treatment is performed on the column structure surface and the substrate surface. This may simply be coated with a liquid repellent thin film. Alternatively, surface modification may be performed by exposure to plasma in order to obtain the liquid repellent surface 30. Thereafter, the liquid repellent surface 30 is partially lyophilic. The liquid repellency of the column 8 located in the switch 3 is maintained. Moreover, the side wall 6 is processed into either a liquid repellent surface or a lyophilic surface, depending on the location where it is placed.

  The three substrates prepared through the above steps are overlaid as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the positions of each other are adjusted, and the three substrates are joined. This joining can be performed, for example, by interposing an adhesive substance between the lyophilic regions of the substrates to be joined. Alternatively, when a fluorine-based material is used in the liquid repellent region, reliable bonding cannot be expected. In terms of the principle of the liquid repellent column 8, it is not necessary to interpose an adhesive at the junction with the middle layer substrate 61. After bonding the three substrates as described above, each color ink is filled in a predetermined lower layer flow path. This is shown in FIG.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43. FIG. This embodiment is different from the previous embodiments in that the number of openings in the flow direction of the switch portion is one or two.

  As an example, FIG. 39 can be cited. In FIG. 39, a flow path 1 surrounded by a pair of side walls 6 is formed between two substrates 2. In the channel 1, a switch is configured by connecting a liquid repellent wall 82 to the inner surface of each side wall 6. Therefore, in this switch part, the number of openings in the flow direction is one.

  When the flow path 1 is viewed from the direction perpendicular to the substrate 2 as shown in FIG. 40, when the liquid 4 passes through the switch of the liquid repellent wall 82, the liquid 4 is a lump in the section CC ′ of FIG. It remains liquid. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 41, when the liquid 4 passes through the switch of FIG. 9, the liquid 4 is divided into five in the cross section DD ′.

  FIG. 42 can be given as another example. In FIG. 42, a switch is configured by installing one liquid repellent column 8 in the flow path 1. Therefore, in this switch part, the number of openings in the flow direction is two. As can be seen from FIG. 43, when the liquid 4 passes through the switch of FIG. 42, the liquid 4 is divided into two in the section EE ′.

  When the liquid 4 passes through a large number of openings, a complicated meniscus is formed along the shape. On the other hand, in the case of one or two openings, a simple meniscus may be used as compared with many openings. Since forming a complicated meniscus requires energy, the liquid is easier to pass through the switch when the number of openings is small than when the number of openings is large. Therefore, the applied voltage for adjusting the liquid repellency can be reduced, and the moving speed of the liquid and thus the display speed can be improved.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45. FIG. The electric field application means to the liquid repellent surface is different from the previous embodiments.

  In the embodiments so far, the means for applying an electric field to the liquid repellent surface has electrodes 7 arranged on both of the two substrates 2 as shown in FIG. An electric field was applied to the surface. This method is called a vertical electric field method. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B that mesh with each other on one of the two substrates 2 facing each other are provided. An electric field is applied by applying a voltage between 7B. This method is called a horizontal electric field method. A plan view of the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B is shown in FIG. In FIG. 45, by applying a voltage between the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B, the direction in which the comb-teeth of the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B extend parallel to the substrate surfaces of the two substrates 2 is shown. An electric field is generated in a direction 83 perpendicular to the direction. That is, an electric field is generated in a direction parallel to the display surface. The strength of the electric field is inversely proportional to the electrode interval 82 between the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B.

  In the vertical electric field method, since the electric field is strengthened, if the distance between the substrates 2 is reduced and the distance between the electrodes 7 is reduced, the flow path 1 becomes shallow. When the flow path 1 becomes shallow, in order to display the same color as before the shallowness, it is necessary to increase the optical density of the colored ink. However, it is difficult to increase the optical density without changing the liquid properties of the colored ink. On the other hand, in the lateral electric field method, in order to increase the electric field, since the strength of the electric field is inversely proportional to the comb-like electrode interval 82, the electrode interval 82 may be reduced. Therefore, in the horizontal electric field method, the electrode interval can be narrowed more easily than in the vertical electric field method, so that the applied voltage for controlling the liquid repellency can be reduced.

  In FIG. 44, the flow direction of the liquid and the electric field direction 83 by the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B are parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, the comb-like electrodes 7A and 7B are used as the electric field applying means to the switch portion composed of the liquid repellent column 8. However, such comb-like electrodes have a repellent property other than the switch portion. It can also be used to apply an electric field to a liquid surface.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that more modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. There is nothing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flow path 2 Substrate 3 Switch 4 Liquid 5 Liquid tip 6 Side wall 7 Electrodes 7A and 7B Comb-like electrode 8 Liquid repellent column 9 Porous material 10 Fiber material 11 Common electrode 12 Flow path electrode A
13 Channel electrode B
14 Switch electrode A
15 Switch electrode B
16 Mixed electrode A
17 Mixed electrode B
18 Liquid transfer means 19A, 19B Liquid supply path 21 Liquid mixing means 22 Pixel (liquid chamber)
23 Red ink reservoir 24 Transparent ink reservoir 25 Green ink reservoir 26 Blue ink reservoir 27 Liquid A channel 28 Liquid B channel 29 Central channel 30 Liquid repellent surface 34 Liquid supply channel R
35 Liquid supply path C
36 Liquid supply path G
37 Liquid supply path B
38 Liquid hole 39 Signal electrode R
40 Signal electrode G
41 Signal electrode B
42 Signal electrode C
43 scanning electrode 44 discharge electrode 46 liquid discharge path 47 electronic device 48 display device 49 antenna 50 solar cell 51 lighting device 56 switch electrode 57 lyophilic surface 58 liquid mixing means 59 white reflector 60 lower layer substrate 61 middle layer substrate 62 upper layer substrate 63 Transparent side wall 64 Liquid repellent thin film 65 Transparent conductive layer 66 Photosensitive resin 67 Green ink 68 Blue ink 69 Transparent ink 70 Droplet 71 Segment fluid row forming unit 72 Image display plate 73 Dividing liquid 74 Pressure direction 75 Ventilation hole 76 Ventilation pipe 78 Transparent substrate 79 Colored liquid 80 Charged particle dispersion liquid 81 Signal electrode 82 Electrode interval 83 Electric field direction

Claims (11)

A pixel consisting of a liquid chamber capable of storing liquid;
A switch for controlling the flow and blocking of the liquid;
A liquid supply path and a liquid discharge path connected to the pixel via the switch;
A liquid transfer means installed in the pixel for transferring liquid into and out of the pixel;
A display device comprising:   A plurality of the pixels are arranged, the liquid supply path connected to each of the pixels is a liquid supply path branched from a liquid supply source, and the liquid discharge path connected to each of the pixels is one liquid The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is connected to a discharge reservoir.   The display device according to claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of the liquid supply sources, wherein a plurality of the liquid supply paths branched from each of the plurality of liquid supply sources are connected to each of the pixels.   The liquid supply path is disposed below a region in which the pixels are disposed, and has a matrix electrode that multiplex-drives each of the switches between the liquid supply paths and the pixels. The display device according to 2 or 3.   The switch is made of a structure that physically opens in the flow direction and has a liquid-repellent surface, and the liquid repellency of the structure is adjusted depending on the presence or absence of an applied voltage to the structure to prevent the flow of liquid. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is controlled.   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the number of openings in the flow direction of the switch is one.   The display device according to claim 5, wherein the number of openings in the flow direction of the switch is two.   The liquid transfer means is configured by an electric field applying means for selectively applying an electric field to the liquid repellent surface of the structure constituting the switch and the liquid repellent surface covering the inner wall of the pixel. 8. The display device according to any one of 7.   In the case of using a liquid in which charged particles are dispersed in the liquid, the liquid transfer means selectively applies an electric field to the liquid repellent surface of the structure forming the switch and the flow path portion other than the switch. The display device according to claim 5, comprising a means.   The display device according to claim 8, wherein the electric field applying unit is a comb-like electrode that generates an electric field in a direction parallel to the display surface.   An electronic device equipped with the display device according to claim 1.

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