JP5538579B2 - Liquid crystal display device and display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device and a display device, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to a liquid crystal display device (module) used in a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal.

  Conventionally, a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display device has been used as a display of a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

  The liquid crystal display device is a display device having a liquid crystal display panel in which a liquid crystal material is sandwiched between a pair of substrates. At this time, one of the pair of substrates is generally called a TFT substrate. For example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element, a pixel electrode, and the like are formed on a glass substrate. The other of the pair of substrates is generally called a counter substrate, and a color filter or the like is formed on a glass substrate, for example. In the liquid crystal display panel, when the driving method of the liquid crystal material is a vertical electric field method, a common electrode (also referred to as a counter electrode) facing the pixel electrode is formed on the counter substrate side. When the driving method of the liquid crystal material is a horizontal electric field method, the common electrode is formed on the TFT substrate side.

  In recent years, the portable electronic device has been made thinner, and the liquid crystal display device used has also been made thinner. As a method of thinning the liquid crystal display device, for example, there is a method of thinning the liquid crystal display panel.

  As a method of thinning the liquid crystal display panel, for example, there is a method of thinning a glass substrate used for the TFT substrate or the counter substrate.

  Further, as a method for thinning the liquid crystal display panel, for example, there is a method in which a plastic substrate is used instead of a glass substrate for either the TFT substrate or the counter substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

JP-A-8-006039

  In the liquid crystal display device, in order to reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal display panel, when the glass substrate used for the TFT substrate or the counter substrate is polished and thinned, the strength of the glass substrate is reduced accordingly, and the liquid crystal display panel is reduced. The strength of the display panel decreases. Therefore, in the method of thinning the glass substrate by polishing, there is a problem that it is difficult to achieve both thinning and ensuring sufficient strength.

  Further, in the method using a plastic substrate instead of the glass substrate, the heat resistance and solvent resistance (chemical resistance) of the plastic substrate are weaker than those of the glass substrate. For example, TFT elements are formed on the glass substrate. There is a problem that handling in the process is difficult. In addition, for example, in the case of a liquid crystal display panel using a TFT substrate using a glass substrate and a counter substrate using a plastic substrate, the amount of deformation of each substrate due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity differs, resulting in display unevenness. There was a problem that it was easy.

  An object of the present invention is, for example, to provide a technique capable of achieving both a reduction in thickness of a liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing the thickness of a portable electronic device having a liquid crystal display device (module), for example.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  The outline of typical inventions among the inventions disclosed in the present application will be described as follows.

  (1) A first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate, the first substrate, and the second substrate Liquid crystal sandwiched between the upper polarizing plate, the upper polarizing plate disposed closer to the viewer than the second substrate, and closer to the viewer than the upper polarizing plate, in close contact with the upper polarizing plate The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel having a resin film having a surface hardness higher than that of the upper polarizing plate.

  (2) In the above (1), the surface hardness of the resin film is a liquid crystal display device having a surface pencil hardness of 3H or more.

  (3) In the above (1) or (2), the resin film is a liquid crystal display device having a thickness of 0.2 mm or more.

  (4) In the above (1) or (2), the resin film is a liquid crystal display device having a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

  (5) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the resin film is made of an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin.

  (6) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the thickness of the first substrate is 0.5 mm or less.

  (7) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the thickness of the second substrate is 0.5 mm or less.

  (8) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate have substantially the same thickness.

  (9) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the thickness of the second substrate is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (10) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the thickness of the second substrate is thicker than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (11) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the total thickness of the liquid crystal display panel is 2 mm or less.

  (12) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein an upper retardation plate is provided between the upper polarizing plate and the second substrate.

  (13) In any one of (1) to (12), when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film is smaller than the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate.

  (14) In any one of the above (1) to (12), the liquid crystal display panel includes a lower polarizing plate disposed on the back side of the first substrate, and the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front. In this case, the outer shape of the resin film and the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate are liquid crystal display devices smaller than the outer shape of the lower polarizing plate.

  (15) The liquid crystal display device according to (14), wherein a lower retardation plate is provided between the lower polarizing plate and the first substrate.

  (16) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates.

  (17) a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate, the first substrate, and the second substrate A liquid crystal sandwiched between the upper polarizing plate, an upper polarizing plate disposed closer to the viewer than the second substrate, and a resin film disposed between the upper polarizing plate and the second substrate. The resin film has a thickness of 0.2 mm or more, and the surface hardness of the upper polarizing plate is a liquid crystal display device having a surface pencil hardness of 3H or more.

  (18) In the above (17), the resin film is a liquid crystal display device having a thickness of 1 mm or less.

  (19) The liquid crystal display device according to (17) or (18), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate have substantially the same thickness.

  (20) In the liquid crystal display device according to (17) or (18), the thickness of the second substrate is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (21) In the liquid crystal display device according to (17) or (18), the thickness of the second substrate is thicker than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (22) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (17) to (21), wherein an upper retardation plate is provided between the upper polarizing plate and the second substrate.

  (23) In any one of (17) to (22), when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate is a liquid crystal display device smaller than the outer shape of the resin film.

  (24) In any one of the above (17) to (23), the liquid crystal display panel includes a lower polarizing plate disposed on the back side of the first substrate, and the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front. In this case, the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate is a liquid crystal display device smaller than the outer shape of the lower polarizing plate.

  (25) In (24), when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film is smaller than that of the lower polarizing plate.

  (26) In (24), when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film is larger than the outer shape of the lower polarizing plate.

  (27) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (24) to (26), wherein a lower retardation plate is provided between the lower polarizing plate and the first substrate.

  (28) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (17) to (27), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates.

  (29) a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate, the first substrate, and the second substrate A liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate, an upper polarizing plate disposed closer to the viewer than the second substrate, a lower polarizing plate disposed closer to the back side than the first substrate, and the lower polarizing plate A liquid crystal display panel disposed on the back side of the plate and having a resin film attached in close contact with the lower polarizing plate, the total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate is The liquid crystal display device is 0.5 mm or less.

  (30) In the above (29), the resin film is a liquid crystal display device having a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less.

  (31) The liquid crystal display device according to (29) or (30), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate have substantially the same thickness.

  (32) In the liquid crystal display device according to (29) or (30), the thickness of the second substrate is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (33) The liquid crystal display device according to (29) or (30), wherein the thickness of the second substrate is larger than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (34) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (29) to (33), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates.

  (35) a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate, the first substrate, and the second substrate A liquid crystal sandwiched between the first substrate, an upper polarizing plate disposed closer to the viewer than the second substrate, a lower polarizing plate disposed closer to the back side than the first substrate, and the lower polarizing plate A liquid crystal display panel having a resin film disposed between a plate and the first substrate, wherein a total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate is 0.5 mm or less It is a display device.

  (36) In the liquid crystal display device according to (35), the resin film has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less.

  (37) The liquid crystal display device according to (35) or (36), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate have substantially the same thickness.

  (38) In the liquid crystal display device according to (35) or (36), the thickness of the second substrate is thinner than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (39) In the liquid crystal display device according to (35) or (36), the thickness of the second substrate is larger than the thickness of the first substrate.

  (40) The liquid crystal display device according to any one of (35) to (39), wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates.

  (41) A first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate, and closer to the viewer than the second substrate A display device comprising a display panel having an upper polarizing plate disposed, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates, and are disposed closer to an observer than the upper polarizing plate, The display device has a resin film adhered in close contact with the upper polarizing plate, and the surface hardness of the resin film is 3H or more.

  Among the liquid crystal display devices of the present invention, the liquid crystal display device of the first invention has a resin film in close contact with the upper polarizing plate of the liquid crystal display panel, and the resin film has a high surface hardness. It is higher than the surface hardness of the polarizing plate. In the liquid crystal display panel having such a resin film, the resin film has a function as a reinforcing member, and the strength of the liquid crystal display panel is increased. Therefore, sufficient strength can be secured for the liquid crystal display panel even if the first substrate, the second substrate, or both substrates are thinned. Moreover, a liquid crystal display panel becomes difficult to be damaged by making the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 3H or more. Therefore, for example, when a liquid crystal display device (module) having this liquid crystal display panel is incorporated into a mobile phone terminal, it is not necessary to attach a protective cover for protecting the liquid crystal display panel to the outer surface of the mobile phone terminal. As a result, the display unit of the mobile phone terminal can be thinned.

  At this time, it is preferable that the said resin film is 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less in thickness, for example. The resin film is preferably made of a material having a high light transmittance, particularly a colorless and transparent material. Examples of such a material include acrylic resin or epoxy resin. When an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin is used for the resin film, for example, the surface is hard-coated so that the surface pencil hardness is 3H or more. The surface pencil hardness is a hardness represented by a hardness at which a surface of a material is scratched when a line is drawn with a pencil on the surface of the material. That is, the surface pencil hardness of 3H means that the surface is not damaged when a line is drawn on the resin film with a pencil whose core is softer than 3H and 3H.

  The thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate are each preferably 0.5 mm or less. At this time, the thickness of the first substrate and the thickness of the second substrate may be substantially equal or different. In particular, since the second substrate to which the resin film is attached is reinforced by the resin film, sufficient strength can be ensured even if it is thinner than the first substrate. However, when the liquid crystal display panel is, for example, a lateral electric field driving method called IPS (In Plane Switching), a conductive film for antistatic is provided on the surface to which the upper polarizing plate 5 of the second substrate is attached. May have. In such a case, for example, the second substrate cannot be polished and thinned. Therefore, when the conductor film is provided on the second substrate, the liquid crystal display panel is thinned by making the first substrate thinner than the second substrate. At this time, the thickness of the resin film, the thickness of the first substrate, and the thickness of the second substrate are preferably such that the thickness of the liquid crystal display panel is 2 mm or less, for example.

  In such a liquid crystal display panel, for example, when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film is preferably smaller than the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate. When a liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel is incorporated into, for example, a mobile phone terminal, there is usually a slight gap between the exterior of the mobile phone terminal and the liquid crystal display panel. Then, moisture enters the exterior from the outside of the terminal through the gap. Therefore, by making the outer shape of the resin film smaller than the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate, for example, between the outer periphery of the resin film and the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate, the upper polarizing plate and the exterior of the mobile phone terminal are attached with an adhesive or the like. In addition, the gap can be filled, and moisture can be prevented from entering the exterior.

  In such a liquid crystal display panel, for example, a lower polarizing plate may be disposed on the back side of the first substrate. In this case, for example, when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film and the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate are preferably smaller than the outer shape of the lower polarizing plate.

  In such a liquid crystal display panel, for example, an upper retardation plate may be disposed between the upper polarizing plate and the second substrate. Similarly, a lower retardation plate may be disposed between the lower polarizing plate and the first substrate.

  In such a liquid crystal display panel, both the first substrate and the second substrate are preferably glass substrates. Even when glass substrates are used for the first substrate and the second substrate, sufficient strength can be secured by the resin film, so that each glass substrate can be thinned. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  Moreover, the liquid crystal display device of 2nd invention among the liquid crystal display devices of this invention has the said resin film arrange | positioned between the said 2nd board | substrate and upper polarizing plate of a liquid crystal display panel. Also in this case, the thickness of the resin film is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less, for example. In such a liquid crystal display panel, since the upper polarizing plate is disposed closest to the viewer, the resin film may not have a surface pencil hardness of 3H or more. Instead, in the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, for example, it is preferable that the surface of the upper polarizing plate is hard-coated so that the surface pencil hardness is 3H or more. In this way, the same effect as the liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal display panel) of the first invention can be obtained.

  Also in the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, the thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate may be substantially equal, or one of them may be thinned.

  Also in the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, for example, when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film is preferably smaller than the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate.

  Also in the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, for example, a lower polarizing plate may be disposed on the back side of the first substrate. In this case, for example, when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer shape of the resin film and the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate are preferably smaller than the outer shape of the lower polarizing plate.

  In the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, for example, an upper retardation plate may be disposed between the upper polarizing plate and the second substrate. Similarly, a lower retardation plate may be disposed between the lower polarizing plate and the first substrate. The upper retardation plate may be disposed between the second substrate and the resin film, or may be disposed between the resin film and the upper polarizing plate.

  In the liquid crystal display device of the second invention, both the first substrate and the second substrate are preferably glass substrates. Even when glass substrates are used for the first substrate and the second substrate, sufficient strength can be secured by the resin film, so that each glass substrate can be thinned. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  Moreover, among the liquid crystal display devices of the present invention, in the liquid crystal display device of the third invention, a resin film is adhered and adhered to the back side of the lower polarizing plate of the liquid crystal display panel, and the first substrate And the total thickness of the second substrate is 0.5 mm or less. In such a liquid crystal display panel, the thickness of the resin film is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less, for example. In this way, for example, when pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display panel from the upper polarizing plate side, the force can be supported by the resin film attached to the back side of the display panel. Therefore, even if the first substrate and the second substrate are made thinner, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be sufficiently secured.

  Also in the liquid crystal display device of the third invention, the thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate may be substantially equal, or one of them may be thinned.

  In the liquid crystal display device according to the third aspect of the invention, both the first substrate and the second substrate are preferably glass substrates. Even when glass substrates are used for the first substrate and the second substrate, sufficient strength can be secured by the resin film, so that each glass substrate can be thinned. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  Moreover, the liquid crystal display device of 4th invention among the liquid crystal display devices of this invention has the said resin film arrange | positioned between the said 1st board | substrate and lower polarizing plate of a liquid crystal display panel, and 1st The total thickness of the substrate and the second substrate is 0.5 mm or less. Also in this case, the thickness of the resin film is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less, for example. By doing in this way, the effect similar to the liquid crystal display device of 3rd invention is acquired.

  In the liquid crystal display device of the fourth invention, the thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate may be substantially equal, or one of them may be thinned.

  In the liquid crystal display device of the fourth invention, it is preferable that both the first substrate and the second substrate are glass substrates. Even when glass substrates are used for the first substrate and the second substrate, sufficient strength can be secured by the resin film, so that each glass substrate can be thinned. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  Further, when the liquid crystal display devices of the third and fourth inventions are incorporated in, for example, a mobile phone terminal, protection for protecting the liquid crystal display panel on the exterior of the mobile phone terminal as in a conventional liquid crystal display device It is preferable to attach a cover. However, in the liquid crystal display devices of the third and fourth inventions, the total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate is 0.5 mm or less, and the thickness of the resin film is 0. It is 1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. That is, in the liquid crystal display devices of the third and fourth inventions, the liquid crystal display device can be made thinner because the thickness of the liquid crystal display panel is thinner than the thickness of the conventional liquid crystal display panel. As a result, even when a protective cover for protecting the liquid crystal display panel is attached, the display portion of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  Further, the first invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, but the same configuration as that of the first invention is applied as long as the display device has a display panel having a configuration similar to the liquid crystal display panel used in the liquid crystal display device. be able to. That is, even in a display panel in which the liquid crystal material is not sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, for example, when the upper polarizing plate is closer to the observer than the second substrate, the upper polarizing plate By sticking and adhering the resin film, it is possible to achieve both thinning of the display panel and securing sufficient strength. At this time, if the surface pencil hardness of the resin film is 3H or more, a protective cover for protecting the liquid crystal display panel is attached when the resin film is incorporated into a mobile phone terminal, for example, as in the liquid crystal display device of the first invention. The display portion of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner. An example of a display panel having a configuration similar to that of a liquid crystal display panel and using no liquid crystal material is a self-luminous display panel using an organic EL.

It is a schematic plan view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 by this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the function and effect of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1. It is a model front view which shows schematic structure of the display part of the conventional mobile telephone terminal. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line B-B ′ of FIG. 4. 3 is a schematic front view showing a schematic configuration of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C ′ in FIG. 6. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the configuration of the display unit of the mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view for explaining an application example of the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line D-D ′ in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. It is a schematic cross section which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 by this invention. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using a liquid crystal display panel of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an application example of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel illustrated in FIG. 14. It is a schematic cross section which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3 by this invention. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a modification of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3. FIG. It is a schematic cross section which shows schematic structure when this invention is applied to a reflective liquid crystal display panel. It is a schematic cross section which shows schematic structure when this invention is applied to an organic electroluminescent panel.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail together with embodiments (examples) with reference to the drawings.
In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, parts having the same function are given the same reference numerals and their repeated explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 according to the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the function and effect of the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates two cross-sectional views (a) and (b) in order to explain the function and effect. Also, the two cross-sectional views (a) and (b) shown in FIG. 3 are views corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 1.

  In the first embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal display device is given as an example of a display device to which the present invention is applied, and the configuration and operational effects of a liquid crystal display panel used in the transmissive liquid crystal display device will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 has a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal material 3 sandwiched between the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and a liquid crystal material 3. And a pair of polarizing plates 4 and 5 disposed so as to sandwich the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and a resin film 6 adhered in close contact with the polarizing plate 5 disposed on the counter substrate 2 side. .

  Further, the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 are bonded by an annular sealing material 7, and the liquid crystal material 3 is enclosed and sandwiched in a space surrounded by the TFT substrate 1, the counter substrate 2, and the sealing material 7. Has been.

  In a display device having such a liquid crystal display panel, when the TFT substrate 1 is used as a reference, the counter substrate 2 is generally disposed closer to the viewer than the TFT substrate 1 when viewed from the viewer. Is. That is, when the observer looks at the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the resin film 6, the polarizing plate 5, the counter substrate 2, the liquid crystal material 3, the TFT substrate 1, and the polarizing plate 4 are arranged in this order from the front. Therefore, in the following description, the polarizing plate 5 disposed in front (front) of the counter substrate 2 as viewed from the observer is referred to as an upper polarizing plate, and polarized light disposed on the back surface (rear) of the TFT substrate 1. The plate 4 is called a lower polarizing plate.

  The TFT substrate 1 has a glass substrate 101 and a multilayer thin film layer 102. Although a detailed description is omitted, the multilayer thin film layer 102 is formed by laminating a plurality of insulating layers, conductive layers, semiconductor layers, and the like. For example, a scanning signal line (also called a gate signal line), a video signal line (drain) A TFT element, a pixel electrode, and the like are also formed.

  The counter substrate 2 includes a glass substrate 201 and a multilayer thin film layer 202. Although a detailed description is omitted, the multilayer thin film layer 202 is formed by laminating a plurality of insulating layers, conductive layers, and the like, for example, a color filter is formed.

  When the driving method of the liquid crystal display panel is a vertical electric field method, a common electrode facing the pixel electrode of the TFT substrate 1 is also formed in the multilayer thin film layer 202 of the counter substrate 2. When the driving method of the liquid crystal display panel is a horizontal electric field method, the common electrode is formed on the multilayer thin film layer 102 of the TFT substrate 1.

  Further, the combination of the configuration of the multilayer thin film layer 102 of the TFT substrate 1 and the configuration of the multilayer thin film layer 202 of the counter substrate 2 may be any of various combinations applied in the conventional liquid crystal display panel. Therefore, the detailed description about the specific structural example of each multilayer thin film layer 102,202 is abbreviate | omitted.

  The lower polarizing plate 4 is adhered and adhered to the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 with, for example, an adhesive. Similarly, the upper polarizing plate 5 is also adhered and adhered to the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 with, for example, an adhesive. At this time, the upper polarizing plate 4 and the lower polarizing plate 5 are attached so that their transmission axes (also referred to as polarization axes) are orthogonal or parallel. As the lower polarizing plate 4 and the upper polarizing plate 5, for example, a film-like polarizing plate used in a conventional liquid crystal display panel may be used, and detailed description of specific configuration examples such as materials is omitted. To do.

  Although illustration is omitted, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the position between the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the lower polarizing plate 4 and between the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 and the upper polarizing plate 5 are different. A phase difference plate may be arranged.

  The resin film 6 is a film member that is disposed on the foremost side as viewed from the observer. Therefore, the resin film 6 is preferably a film having a high light transmittance, particularly a colorless and transparent film. For example, an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin can be used for the resin film 6. At this time, the resin film 6 is adhered and adhered to the upper polarizing plate 5 with, for example, an adhesive.

  Moreover, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, it is preferable that the thickness T6 of the resin film 6 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, for example. If the thickness T6 of the resin film 6 is 0.2 mm or more, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased even if the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 are reduced to 0.5 mm or less, respectively. Enough can be secured. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, sufficient strength can be ensured even if the total thickness TP of the panel is 2 mm or less, for example. At this time, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, it is desirable that the total thickness TP of the panel is 2 mm or less and the thickness TP-T6 of the panel excluding the resin film is 1.3 mm or less.

  At this time, since the resin film 6 has a function as a reinforcing member of the liquid crystal display panel, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the glass of the counter substrate 2 to which the resin film 6 is attached. It is possible to make the thickness T2 of the substrate 201 thinner than the thickness T1 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1. Therefore, the total thickness TP of the panel can be further reduced.

  When the liquid crystal display panel is a lateral electric field drive type called IPS (In Plane Switching), for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the back surface of the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2, in other words, the upper polarizing plate A conductor film 203 for preventing electric resistance may be provided on the surface to which 5 is attached. In this case, the glass substrate 202 of the counter substrate 2 cannot be thinned by polishing the back surface. Therefore, when the conductive film 203 is provided on the counter substrate 2, as shown in FIG. 3B, the back surface of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1, in other words, the lower polarizing plate 4 is attached. The total thickness TP of the panel can be reduced by polishing the surface and making the thickness T1 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 thinner than the thickness T2 of the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2.

  Furthermore, the resin film 6 preferably has a surface hardness higher than the surface hardness of the upper polarizing plate 5, and more specifically, the surface pencil hardness is preferably 3H or more. The surface pencil hardness is a hardness represented by a hardness at which a surface of a material is scratched when a line is drawn on the surface of the material with a pencil. That is, the surface pencil hardness of 3H means that the surface is not damaged when a line is drawn on the resin film 6 with a pencil whose core is softer than 3H and 3H.

  When the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 is 3H or higher, a material having a pencil hardness of 3H or higher formed into a film shape may be used, or a material having an arbitrary pencil hardness may be formed into a film shape. After molding, the surface may be subjected to a hard coat treatment so that the pencil hardness of the surface becomes 3H or more. When acrylic resin or epoxy resin is used as the material of the resin film 6, the surface pencil hardness is set to 3H or more by applying a hard coat treatment to the surface as in the latter case.

4 to 7 are schematic views for explaining an example of a portable electronic device that preferably uses the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, and its operation and effect.
FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a schematic configuration of a display unit of a conventional mobile phone terminal. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG.

  The liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 is a display panel that is preferably applied to, for example, a display device (module) of a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal.

  In addition to the liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display device used in the display unit of the mobile phone terminal includes a data driver that outputs a video signal to a video signal line (drain line) of the liquid crystal display panel, and a scanning signal line (gate) of the liquid crystal display panel. A gate driver for outputting a scanning signal to the line), a timing controller for controlling the timing of outputting the video signal and the scanning signal, and the like. In the case where the liquid crystal display device is a transmissive type or a transflective type, a backlight (light source) is provided. These components are integrally held by a frame member called a display element mold, for example.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a liquid crystal display panel used in a conventional cellular phone terminal includes a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal material 3, a lower polarizing plate 4, an upper polarizing plate 5, and a sealing material 7. It consists of At this time, when the observer views the liquid crystal display panel, the upper polarizing plate 5, the counter substrate 2, the liquid crystal material 3, the TFT substrate 1, and the lower polarizing plate 4 are arranged in this order from the front. At this time, in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal display device, a backlight 8 is disposed further rearward of the lower polarizing plate 4 as viewed from the observer. The liquid crystal display panel and the backlight 8 are held by a concave display element mold 9 such that the back side of the backlight 8 is the bottom surface.

  Further, such a liquid crystal display device is accommodated in an exterior (housing) 10 of a mobile phone terminal that is opened so that the display area DA of the liquid crystal display panel can be seen. Further, in a conventional mobile phone terminal, a transparent protective cover 11 made of, for example, an acrylic plate is generally disposed in front of the liquid crystal display panel as viewed from the observer. Further, at this time, the protective cover 11 is often fitted into a recess provided on the surface of the exterior 10 and attached to the exterior 10 with an adhesive 12. The protective cover 11 is, for example, for preventing the surface (upper polarizing plate 5) of the liquid crystal display panel from being damaged or preventing the liquid crystal display panel from being cracked by pressure.

  As described above, in the mobile phone terminal using the conventional liquid crystal display device, the protective cover 11 for protecting the liquid crystal display panel is necessary, and the display portion is thickened accordingly.

  On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel is increased by attaching the resin film 6 to the upper polarizing plate 5. In addition, by making the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 3H or more, the surface is hardly damaged. That is, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the resin film 6 has a function as the conventional protective cover 11. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, if the liquid crystal display device in which the liquid crystal display panel is arranged so that the resin film 6 is closest to the viewer is accommodated in the exterior 10 of the mobile phone terminal, Even without the protective cover 11, the liquid crystal display panel can be protected from scratches and cracks due to pressure. As a result, the display unit of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  Further, the display unit of the conventional mobile phone terminal has an air layer between the liquid crystal display panel and the protective cover 11, but the air layer can be eliminated by using the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. . Therefore, display efficiency can be improved as compared with the conventional one.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 can be manufactured using the glass substrates 101 and 201. Therefore, the multilayer wiring layers 102 and 202 can be formed more easily than the liquid crystal display panel using the plastic substrate described in Patent Document 1. Further, by manufacturing the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 using the glass substrates 101 and 201, display unevenness due to environmental changes can be prevented.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the configuration of the display unit of the mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates two cross-sectional views of (a) and (b) as modified examples of the configuration. Also, the two cross-sectional views (a) and (b) shown in FIG. 8 are views corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration taken along line C-C ′ of FIG. 6.

  When the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 is used for a mobile phone terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is not necessary to attach the protective cover 11 to the surface of the exterior 10. However, when it is accommodated in a state as shown in FIG. 7, moisture or the like easily enters the exterior from the gap formed between the outer periphery 10 </ b> A of the opening region of the exterior 10 and the liquid crystal display panel (resin film 6), Wirings formed on the TFT substrate 1 of the liquid crystal display panel, wirings formed on other circuit boards, and the like are easily corroded.

  Therefore, when the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the outer shapes of the upper polarizing plate 5 and the resin film 6 attached to the counter substrate 2 are represented by the lower polarizing plate 4. It is preferable that the counter substrate 2 and the exterior 10 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive 13. At this time, if the shape of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 is, for example, an annular shape surrounding the upper polarizing plate 5 and the resin film 6, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 becomes a wall, and entry of moisture and the like into the exterior can be prevented. Of course, an adhesive may be used instead of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13.

  Further, at this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, if a protrusion projecting toward the counter substrate 2 is provided on the outer periphery 10A of the opening area of the exterior 10, entry of moisture or the like into the exterior is prevented. The effect becomes even higher.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic front view for explaining an application example of the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D ′ of FIG. 9.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the resin film 6 is attached to the upper polarizing plate 5 attached to the counter substrate 2, thereby achieving both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength. Further, by using such a liquid crystal display panel, it is possible to reduce the thickness of a display portion of a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone terminal.

  However, for example, in the case of the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate 5 and the outer periphery of the resin film 6 coincide when viewed from the front, for example, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 (a) and (b), the outer peripheral end face of the upper polarizing plate 5 comes into contact with the outside air. Therefore, the upper polarizing plate 5 may be corroded and deteriorated by moisture contained in the outside air, and the upper polarizing plate 5 may be peeled off from the counter substrate 2 or cause display unevenness.

  In order to prevent the occurrence of such a problem, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the liquid crystal display panel is viewed from the front, the outer periphery of the resin film 6 is inside the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate 5. What is necessary is just to make the external shape of the resin film 6 small so that it may become. In addition, when making the external shape of the resin film 6 small, it is needless to say that the outer periphery is outside the display area DA.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 11 illustrates three cross-sectional views (a), (b), and (c) as configuration examples. Also, the three cross-sectional views (a), (b), and (c) shown in FIG. 11 are views corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line C-C ′ of FIG. 6.

  When the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is used for a mobile phone terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. You don't have to put it on. Therefore, the display unit of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  Further, since the outer periphery of the resin film 6 of the liquid crystal display panel is inside the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate 5, the outer periphery 10 </ b> A of the opening region of the exterior 10 can be set inside the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate 5. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case shown in FIG. 7, the path from the outside of the exterior 10 to the outer peripheral side surface of the upper polarizing plate 5 is long and complicated, and moisture or the like hardly enters. As a result, the outer peripheral side surface of the upper polarizing plate 5 is unlikely to corrode and deteriorate, and the possibility that the upper polarizing plate 5 is peeled off from the counter substrate 2 or causes uneven display can be reduced.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 11B, it is preferable that the upper polarizing plate 5 and the outer package 10 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive 13. At this time, if the shape of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 is, for example, an annular shape surrounding the resin film 6, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 becomes a wall, and moisture or the like can be prevented from entering the exterior. As a result, the outer peripheral side surface of the upper polarizing plate 5 is less likely to deteriorate, and the possibility that the upper polarizing plate 5 is peeled off from the counter substrate 2 or causes display unevenness can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), if a protrusion projecting toward the upper polarizing plate 5 is provided on the outer periphery 10A of the opening region of the exterior 10, the entry of moisture or the like into the interior of the exterior is prevented. The effect becomes even higher.

  As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be secured by adhering the resin film 6 to the upper polarizing plate 5 to be in close contact therewith. Further, since the strength can be ensured by the resin film 6, the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 can be polished and thinned. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel can be thinned. That is, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1 can achieve both reduction in thickness and sufficient strength.

  Moreover, since the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 can be formed using a glass substrate, there is almost no difference in the amount of deformation due to environmental changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent display unevenness due to environmental changes.

  Further, by using the liquid crystal display device (module) having the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 1 for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal, the display portion of the portable electronic device can be thinned.

  In Example 1, the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 is set to 3H or more so that, for example, the conventional protective cover 11 when incorporated in a mobile phone terminal is not required, and the display unit is thinned. Yes. However, the liquid crystal display panel according to the first embodiment is not limited to this, and may be incorporated into, for example, a mobile phone terminal using the protective cover 11. When the protective cover 11 is used, the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 may be 3H or less. However, in this case, the total thickness TP of the liquid crystal display panel including the resin film 6 is desirably 1.3 mm or less.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 according to the present invention. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 1.

  The liquid crystal display panel of the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the liquid crystal display panel of the first embodiment. Therefore, only differences from the first embodiment will be described in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, for example, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 includes a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal material 3 sandwiched between the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and a liquid crystal material 3. It has a pair of polarizing plates (lower polarizing plate 4 and upper polarizing plate 5) disposed so as to sandwich the sandwiched TFT substrate 1 and counter substrate 2, and a resin film 6 disposed on the counter substrate 2 side.

  Although not shown, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the position between the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the lower polarizing plate 4 and between the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 and the upper polarizing plate 5 are also different. A phase difference plate may be arranged.

  At this time, unlike Example 1, the resin film 6 is disposed between the counter substrate 2 and the upper polarizing plate 5. At this time, the resin film 6 is adhered and adhered to the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 with, for example, an adhesive. The upper polarizing plate 5 is also adhered and adhered to the resin film 6 with, for example, an adhesive.

  Also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the resin film 6 is preferably a film having a high light transmittance, particularly a colorless and transparent film. In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, a resin film 6 is disposed between the upper polarizing plate 5 and the counter substrate 2 (lower polarizing plate 4). Therefore, it is desirable that the resin film 6 has a small optical anisotropy, and more desirably is approximately zero. Therefore, it is desirable to use an epoxy resin for the resin film 6, for example. However, if the optical anisotropy is an allowable size or can be compensated, for example, an acrylic resin may be used for the resin film 6.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the upper polarizing plate 5 is disposed in front (front) of the resin film 6 when viewed from the observer. Therefore, in the case of Example 2, unlike the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1, the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 need not be 3H or higher. Instead, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the surface pencil hardness of the upper polarizing plate 5 arranged closest to the viewer is 3H or more. In order to make the surface pencil hardness of the upper polarizing plate 5 3H or more, for example, the surface of a conventional general polarizing plate may be subjected to a hard coat treatment.

  Moreover, also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, it is preferable that thickness T6 of the resin film 6 shall be 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, for example. If the thickness T6 of the resin film 6 is 0.2 mm or more, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased even if the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 are reduced to 0.5 mm or less, respectively. Enough can be secured. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, sufficient strength can be ensured even if the total thickness TP of the panel is 2 mm or less, for example. At this time, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, it is desirable that the total thickness TP of the panel is 2 mm or less and the thickness TP-T6 of the panel excluding the resin film is 1.3 mm or less.

  Further, at this time, since the resin film 6 has a function as a reinforcing member of the liquid crystal display panel, for example, the opposite substrate to which the resin film 6 is attached is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. The thickness T2 of the second glass substrate 201 can be made thinner than the thickness T1 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1. Therefore, the total thickness TP of the panel can be further reduced.

  When the liquid crystal display panel is a lateral electric field drive type called IPS, for example, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 3B, the back surface of the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2, in other words, the upper polarizing plate 5 A conductive film 203 for preventing electric resistance may be provided on the attached surface. In this case, the glass substrate 202 of the counter substrate 2 cannot be thinned by polishing the back surface. Therefore, when the opposing substrate 2 is provided with the conductor film 203, for example, the back surface of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1, in other words, the lower polarizing plate 4 is formed as in the configuration shown in FIG. The total thickness TP of the panel can be reduced by polishing the attached surface and making the thickness T1 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 smaller than the thickness T2 of the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2. .

  FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates three cross-sectional views (a), (b), and (c) as configuration examples. Further, the three cross-sectional views (a), (b), and (c) shown in FIG. 13 are views corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration taken along line C-C ′ of FIG. 6.

  Even when the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 is used for a mobile phone terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. Get better. Therefore, the display unit of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  However, when it is accommodated in the state as shown in FIG. 13A, moisture or the like is introduced into the exterior from the gap formed between the outer periphery 10A of the opening region of the exterior 10 and the liquid crystal display panel (upper polarizing plate 5). Are likely to enter, and wiring formed on the TFT substrate 1 of the liquid crystal display panel and wiring formed on other circuit boards are likely to corrode.

  Therefore, when the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the outer shape of the upper polarizing plate 5 and the resin film 6 attached to the counter substrate 2 is changed to the lower polarizing plate. It is preferable that the outer shape of the counter substrate 2 and the exterior be bonded and fixed with an adhesive 13. At this time, if the shape of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 is, for example, an annular shape surrounding the upper polarizing plate 5 and the resin film 6, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 becomes a wall, and entry of moisture and the like into the exterior can be prevented.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 (c), if a protrusion protruding toward the counter substrate 2 is provided on the outer periphery 10A of the opening area of the outer package 10, moisture and the like enter the outer package. The effect of preventing becomes even higher.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an application example of the liquid crystal display panel of the second embodiment. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the cross-sectional configuration taken along line D-D ′ of FIG. 9.

  Also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the resin film 6 and the upper polarizing plate 5 attached to the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 are, for example, as shown in FIG. The outer shape of the upper polarizing plate 5 may be made smaller than the outer periphery of 6. In addition, when making the external shape of the upper polarizing plate 5 small, it is needless to say that the outer periphery is outside the display area DA.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a display unit of a mobile phone terminal using the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG. FIG. 15 illustrates three sectional views (a), (b), and (c) as configuration examples. Further, the three cross-sectional views (a), (b), and (c) shown in FIG. 15 are views corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration taken along line C-C ′ of FIG. 6.

  When the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG. 14 is used for a mobile phone terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the protective cover 11 is not attached to the surface of the exterior 10. Also gets better. Therefore, the display unit of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  Moreover, since the outer periphery of the upper polarizing plate 5 of the liquid crystal display panel is inside the outer periphery of the resin film 6, the outer periphery 10 </ b> A of the opening region of the exterior 10 can be set inside the outer periphery of the resin film 6. Therefore, for example, compared to the case shown in FIG. 13A, the path from the outside of the exterior 10 to the inside is long and complicated, and moisture or the like is difficult to enter.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 15B, it is preferable that the resin film and the exterior 10 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive 13. At this time, if the shape of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 is, for example, an annular shape surrounding the upper polarizing plate, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 13 becomes a wall, and entry of moisture and the like into the exterior can be prevented.

  Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), if a protrusion projecting toward the resin film 6 is provided on the outer periphery 10A of the opening region of the exterior 10, entry of moisture and the like into the exterior is prevented. The effect becomes even higher.

  As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel is increased by placing the resin film 6 in close contact between the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 and the upper polarizing plate 5. It can be secured. Further, since the strength can be ensured by the resin film 6, the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 can be polished and thinned. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel can be thinned. That is, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 2 can achieve both reduction in thickness and sufficient strength.

  Moreover, since the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 can be formed using a glass substrate, there is almost no difference in the amount of deformation due to environmental changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent display unevenness due to environmental changes.

  Further, by using the liquid crystal display device (module) having the liquid crystal display panel of Embodiment 2 for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal, the display portion of the portable electronic device can be thinned.

  In Example 2, the surface pencil hardness of the upper polarizing plate 5 is set to 3H or more, so that, for example, the conventional protective cover 11 when incorporated in a mobile phone terminal is unnecessary, and the display unit is thinned. ing. However, the liquid crystal display panel according to the second embodiment is not limited to this, and may be incorporated into, for example, a mobile phone terminal using the protective cover 11. When the protective cover 11 is used, the surface pencil hardness of the upper polarizing plate 5 may be 3H or less. However, in this case, the total thickness TP of the liquid crystal display panel including the resin film 6 is desirably 1.3 mm or less.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3 according to the present invention.

  The liquid crystal display panel of Example 3 has basically the same configuration as the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1. Therefore, in the third embodiment, only points different from the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, for example, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3 includes a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal material 3 sandwiched between the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and a liquid crystal material 3. A pair of polarizing plates (lower polarizing plate 4 and upper polarizing plate 5) arranged so as to sandwich the sandwiched TFT substrate 1 and counter substrate 2 and the lower polarizing plate 4 on the TFT substrate 1 side are adhered and pasted. And the obtained resin film 6.

  That is, in the liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the resin film 6 is on the back side of the TFT substrate 1 and is arranged at the back as viewed from the observer. At this time, the resin film 6 is adhered and adhered to the lower polarizing plate 4 with, for example, an adhesive.

  Although illustration is omitted, also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, between the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the lower polarizing plate 4 and between the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 and the upper polarizing plate 5, A phase difference plate may be arranged.

  Also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, the resin film 6 is preferably a film having a high light transmittance, particularly a colorless and transparent film. For example, an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin can be used for the resin film 6.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, when viewed from the observer, the lower polarizing plate 4 and the TFT substrate 1 are disposed in front (front) of the resin film 6. Therefore, also in the case of Example 3, it is not necessary to make the surface pencil hardness of the resin film 6 3H or more unlike the liquid crystal display panel of Example 1.

  In the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, for example, the total of the thickness T1 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the thickness T2 of the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 is set to 0.5 mm or less. preferable. In addition, thickness T1, T2 of each glass substrate 101,201 at this time may be substantially equal, and one side may be thin and the other may be thick.

  In this way, for example, when pressure is applied to the liquid crystal display panel from the upper polarizing plate 5 side, the force can be supported by the resin film 6 attached to the back side of the liquid crystal display panel. Therefore, even if each glass substrate 101, 201 is thinned, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be sufficiently secured.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a modification of the liquid crystal display panel of the third embodiment.

  When the resin film 6 is arranged on the TFT substrate 1 side as in Example 3, the arrangement position is between the glass substrate 101 and the lower polarizing plate 4 of the TFT substrate 1 as shown in FIG. May be. In the case where the resin film 6 is disposed between the TFT substrate 1 and the lower polarizing plate 4, the resin film 6 desirably has a small optical anisotropy, and is more desirably substantially zero. Therefore, it is desirable to use an epoxy resin for the resin film 6, for example. However, if the optical anisotropy is an allowable size or can be compensated, for example, an acrylic resin may be used for the resin film 6.

  Also in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, the thickness T6 of the resin film 6 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, for example. If the thickness T6 of the resin film 6 is 0.2 mm or more, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be increased even if the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 are reduced to 0.5 mm or less, respectively. Enough can be secured. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, sufficient strength can be ensured even if the total thickness TP of the panel is 1.3 mm or less, for example.

  As described above, according to the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, the resin film 6 is disposed in close contact with the back side of the lower polarizing plate 4 or between the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the lower polarizing plate 4. Thus, the strength of the liquid crystal display panel can be secured. Further, since the strength can be ensured by the resin film 6, the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 can be polished and thinned. Therefore, the liquid crystal display panel can be thinned. That is, the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3 can achieve both reduction in thickness and sufficient strength.

  Moreover, since the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2 can be formed using a glass substrate, there is almost no difference in the amount of deformation due to environmental changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent display unevenness due to environmental changes.

  When the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel according to the third embodiment is incorporated in, for example, a mobile phone terminal, protection for protecting the liquid crystal display panel on the exterior 10 of the mobile phone terminal as in a conventional liquid crystal display device. It is preferable to attach the cover 11. However, in the case of the liquid crystal display device having the liquid crystal display panel of Example 3, the total thickness T1 + T2 of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and the glass substrate 201 of the counter substrate 2 is 0.5 mm or less, and the resin film The thickness of 6 is 0.1 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. That is, in the liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal display panel of the third embodiment, the liquid crystal display device can be thinned because the thickness of the liquid crystal display panel is thinner than the thickness of the conventional liquid crystal display panel. As a result, even when a protective cover for protecting the liquid crystal display panel is attached, the display portion of the mobile phone terminal can be made thinner than the conventional one.

  The present invention has been specifically described above based on the above-described embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, a transmissive or transflective liquid crystal display panel is taken as an example, and two polarizing plates, a lower polarizing plate 4 and an upper polarizing plate 5, are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to a transmissive type or a semi-transmissive type, and can also be applied to a reflective liquid crystal display panel.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration when the present invention is applied to a reflective liquid crystal display panel.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the reflective liquid crystal display panel includes a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2, a liquid crystal material 3 sandwiched between the TFT substrate 1 and the counter substrate 2, and a glass of the counter substrate 2. The polarizing plate 5 is attached to the substrate 201. And when the structure of Example 1 is applied, it has the resin film 6 stuck closely to the polarizing plate 5 arrange | positioned at the counter substrate 2 side.

  In a display device having such a liquid crystal display panel, when the TFT substrate 1 is used as a reference, the counter substrate 2 is generally disposed closer to the viewer than the TFT substrate 1 when viewed from the viewer. Is. That is, when the observer views the liquid crystal display panel shown in FIG. 18, the resin film 6, the polarizing plate 5, the counter substrate 2, the liquid crystal material 3, and the TFT substrate 1 are arranged in this order from the front.

  At this time, for example, a reflective layer is formed on the multilayer thin film layer 102 of the TFT substrate 1, and light 14 incident on the liquid crystal display panel from the resin film 6 side is reflected by the reflective layer of the multilayer thin film layer 102. The light is emitted to the observer side.

  Even in such a reflective liquid crystal display panel, for example, a resin film 6 using an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or the like is attached to and adhered to the polarizing plate 5, so that the glass substrate 101 or the counter substrate 2 of the TFT substrate 1 is adhered. Even if the glass substrate 201 is polished and thinned, sufficient strength can be ensured. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both reduction in thickness of the liquid crystal display panel and securing sufficient strength.

  In addition, although the example which arrange | positions the resin film 6 in front of the polarizing plate 5 seeing from an observer is given in FIG. 18, not only this but between the glass substrate 201 of the opposing substrate 2 and the polarizing plate 5, Or you may affix the resin film 6 on the back side of the glass substrate 101 of the TFT substrate 1 and make it adhere.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a liquid crystal display panel is taken as an example. However, the present invention is a self-luminous display using another display panel, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The present invention can also be applied to a display panel of a device.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration when the present invention is applied to an organic EL panel.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the organic EL panel includes a TFT substrate 1, a counter substrate 2 (glass substrate 201), a retardation plate 15 and an upper polarizing plate 5 attached to the counter substrate 2. And when the structure of Example 1 is applied, it has the resin film 6 stuck closely and the upper polarizing plate 5 arrange | positioned at the counter substrate 2 side.

  In the organic EL panel, reflection of external light (reflection) is prevented by combining the upper polarizing plate 5 and the phase difference plate 15 to form a circularly polarizing plate. At this time, for example, only the λ / 4 phase difference plate may be used as the phase difference plate 15, or the λ / 4 phase difference plate and the λ / 2 phase difference plate may be used in an overlapping manner. In particular, a broadband circularly polarizing plate can be configured by combining the retardation plate 15 and the upper polarizing plate 5 in which the λ / 4 retardation plate and the λ / 2 retardation plate are overlapped.

  In the case of an organic EL panel, for example, the multilayer thin film layer 102 of the TFT substrate 1 has a light emitting layer using an organic EL material, and each pixel is turned on and off and the luminance of the light 14 at the time of lighting is set. To control the gradation. Therefore, the space surrounded by the TFT substrate 1, the counter substrate 2, and the sealing material 7 is in a vacuum state. Further, unlike the liquid crystal display panel, the counter substrate 2 may not have the multilayer thin film layer 202.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to a liquid crystal display panel and a display panel using an organic EL, but can be applied to a display panel having a similar configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... TFT substrate 2 ... Opposite substrate 101, 201 ... Glass substrate 102, 202 ... Multilayer wiring layer 203 ... Conductor film 3 ... Liquid crystal material 4 ... Polarizing plate (lower polarizing plate)
5 ... Polarizing plate (upper polarizing plate)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 6 ... Resin film 7 ... Sealing material 8 ... Back light 9 ... Display element mold 10 ... Exterior 10A ... Outer periphery of opening area 11 ... Protective cover 12, 13 ... Adhesive 14 ... Light 15 ... Phase difference plate

Claims (9)

A first substrate;
A second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and closer to the viewer than the first substrate;
A polarizing plate disposed closer to the viewer than the second substrate;
A portable electronic device that is disposed closer to the viewer than the polarizing plate and has a reinforcing member attached to the polarizing plate,
The surface hardness of the reinforcing member is a surface pencil hardness of 3H or more,
The outer shape of the reinforcing member is smaller than the outer shape of the polarizing plate, and the outer periphery of the reinforcing member is configured to be inside the outer periphery of the polarizing plate. machine.   The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member has a thickness of 0.2 mm or more.   3. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an air layer is not present between the reinforcing member and the polarizing plate in a display region of the portable electronic device.   The portable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing member has a thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less.   The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a material of the reinforcing member is an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin.   The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first substrate is 0.5 mm or less.   The thickness of the said 2nd board | substrate is 0.5 mm or less, The portable electronic device of any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a liquid crystal is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate.   8. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a light emitting layer made of an organic EL is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. 9. machine.

Images