WO2020145135A1

WO2020145135A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO2020145135A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/050671
Authority: WO
Inventors: 順子長澤
Original assignee: 株式会社ジャパンディスプレイ
Priority date: 2019-01-07
Filing date: 2019-12-24
Publication date: 2020-07-16

Abstract

Provided is a display device having excellent display quality. A display device pertaining to an embodiment is provided with a first substrate (10), a second substrate (20) facing the first substrate, a seal material for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region on the outside of a display region including pixels, first projections (MS) and second projections (SS) protruding toward the first substrate from the second substrate, and an adhesive (AD) for bonding the first projections and the first substrate. Furthermore, the second projections and the first substrate face each other via a gap.

Description

Display device

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device.

A display device such as a liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates facing each other. A protrusion protruding from one substrate toward the other substrate is arranged between the pair of substrates. An example of this protrusion is a spacer for maintaining the cell gap between the substrates in the display area. Protrusions may be arranged for various purposes in the peripheral region outside the display region.

Generally, the tips of the protrusions such as spacers are not bonded to the other substrate. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the display device, the tips of the protrusions may move from their original positions. Due to this, various defects such as displacement of elements arranged on both substrates and deterioration of display quality may occur.

JP 2006-91200 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-84906 JP, 2009-80280, A Japanese Patent No. 4912643

An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device having excellent display quality by improving the structure of the protrusions arranged between the pair of substrates.

A display device according to an embodiment includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a seal that bonds the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels. A material, a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate, and an adhesive for bonding the first protrusion and the first substrate. The second protrusion and the first substrate face each other with a gap in between.

A display device according to another embodiment is a flexible first substrate, a flexible second substrate facing the first substrate, and the first substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels. And a sealing material for adhering the second substrate, a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate, and a first adhesive for adhering the first protrusion and the first substrate And a second adhesive that bonds the second protrusion to the first substrate. The second protrusion is located closer to the end of the second substrate than the first protrusion, and the width of the first protrusion is larger than the width of the second protrusion.

In a display device according to another embodiment, a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels. And a protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate, and an adhesive that adheres the protrusion and the first substrate. The protrusion extends along the sealing material in the peripheral region.

In a display device according to another embodiment, a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate bonded to each other in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels. And a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate. The first protrusion is in contact with the first substrate without being adhered, and the second protrusion is adhered to the first substrate.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a structure that can be applied to the subpixel in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel taken along line F3-F3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process following FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of a liquid crystal layer in a transparent state. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the liquid crystal layer in the scattering state. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the liquid crystal layer in the scattering state. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the liquid crystal layer in the transparent state. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the display panel in the third embodiment. 16 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel taken along line F16-F16 in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a display panel included in the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel taken along line F18-F18 in FIG. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the shapes of the light shielding layer, the color filter and the plurality of spacers. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the load applied to the spacer and the deformation amount of the spacer. FIG. 27 is a schematic sectional view of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. 28. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process following FIG. 29.

Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and a person having ordinary skill in the art can easily think of appropriate modifications while keeping the gist of the invention, and of course fall within the scope of the present invention. Further, although the drawings may be schematically illustrated in comparison with an actual mode in order to make the description clearer, they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In each figure, the same or similar elements arranged consecutively may be omitted from the reference numerals. In addition, in the present specification and the drawings, components having the same or similar functions as those described above with reference to the drawings already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant detailed description may be omitted.

In each embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is disclosed as an example of the display device. It should be noted that each embodiment does not prevent the application of each technical idea disclosed in each embodiment to other types of display devices. Other types of display devices include, for example, a self-luminous display device having an organic electroluminescence display element or a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display element, an electronic paper type display device having an electrophoretic element, and a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems ( A display device to which MEMS) is applied, a display device to which electrochromism is applied, or the like is assumed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a display device 100) according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are directions intersecting with each other. In the present embodiment, the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other, but these directions may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

The display device 100 includes a display panel PNL, a backlight BL, a flexible circuit board FPC, and a controller CTL. The display panel PNL includes an array substrate AR, a counter substrate CT facing the array substrate AR, a sealing material SE, and a liquid crystal layer LC. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are examples of the first substrate and the second substrate. The seal material SE adheres the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. The liquid crystal layer LC is enclosed in a region surrounded by the array substrate AR, the counter substrate CT and the sealing material SE.

In the example of FIG. 1, the array substrate AR has an extension area EA extending from the lower end of the counter substrate CT in the figure. The extension area EA includes a terminal T for external connection. The flexible circuit board FPC is connected to the terminal T. Although the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are rectangular in the example of FIG. 1, these substrates may have other shapes.

The display panel PNL has a display area DA for displaying an image and a peripheral area PA outside the display area DA. The peripheral area PA includes an extension area EA. In the display area DA, the array substrate AR includes a plurality of scanning lines G and a plurality of signal lines S. The plurality of scanning lines G extend in the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y. The plurality of signal lines S extend in the second direction Y and are arranged in the first direction X.

The display area DA has a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a matrix. The pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels SP corresponding to different colors. As an example, the pixel PX includes red, green, and blue subpixels SP, but the pixel PX may include subpixels SP of other colors such as white. The array substrate AR includes a pixel electrode PE and a switching element SW arranged in each subpixel SP. Further, the array substrate AR includes a common electrode CE extending to the plurality of subpixels SP. A common voltage is applied to the common electrode CE.

The controller CTL supplies the display panel PNL with signals necessary for driving for image display. In the example of FIG. 1, the controller CTL is mounted on the flexible circuit board FPC, but the controller CTL may be mounted on another member.

The backlight BL faces the back surface of the array substrate AR. For example, the backlight BL may be an edge light type that includes a light guide plate and a light source that faces the end of the light guide plate, or may be a direct type that includes a light source that faces the back surface of the array substrate AR. Good. In addition, the display device 100 may be a reflective type that does not include the backlight BL.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a structure applicable to the sub-pixel SP. In this example, the pixel electrode PE has a shape having two line portions LP. The pixel electrode PE may have more line portions LP, or may have only one line portion LP. The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE described above can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

The line part LP is inclined with respect to the second direction Y. The signal line S is also inclined like the line portion LP. In the sub-pixel SP adjacent to the illustrated sub-pixel SP in the second direction Y, the shapes of the pixel electrode PE and the signal line S are line-symmetrical with respect to the illustrated sub-pixel SP in the second direction Y. Thereby, a pseudo multi-domain pixel layout can be realized. However, the pixel layout is not limited to this example, and may have a structure in which one sub-pixel SP realizes multi-domain or a single-domain structure.

The switching element SW includes a semiconductor layer SC and a relay electrode RE. The semiconductor layer SC is connected to the signal line S through the contact hole CH1 and is connected to the relay electrode RE through the contact hole CH2. The semiconductor layer SC intersects the scanning line G once between the contact holes CH1 and CH2, but may intersect twice. The relay electrode RE is connected to the pixel electrode PE through the contact hole CH3.

In the display area DA, a plurality of main spacers MS and a plurality of sub spacers SS are arranged. The main spacer MS is an example of the first protrusion, and the sub spacer SS is an example of the second protrusion.

In the example of FIG. 2, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are arranged so as to sandwich the two sub pixels SP, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The main spacers MS and the sub spacers SS can be arranged with various densities. The number of main spacers MS and the number of sub-spacers SS arranged in the display area DA may be the same or different.

The main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are arranged near the intersection of the scanning line G and the signal line S. In the example of FIG. 2, the contact hole CH3 of each sub-pixel SP and each spacer MS, SS are arranged in the first direction X.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel PNL taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. The array substrate AR includes a first base material 10, a first insulating layer 11, a second insulating layer 12, a third insulating layer 13, a fourth insulating layer 14, and a first alignment film 15. .. The insulating layers 11 to 14 are stacked in the third direction Z.

The semiconductor layer SC is arranged between the first base material 10 and the first insulating layer 11. Another insulating layer may be interposed between the semiconductor layer SC and the first base material 10. Although not shown in the cross section of FIG. 3, the scanning line G is arranged between the first insulating layer 11 and the second insulating layer 12. The signal line S and the relay electrode RE are arranged between the second insulating layer 12 and the third insulating layer 13. Although not shown in the cross section of FIG. 3, the common electrode CE is disposed between the third insulating layer 13 and the fourth insulating layer 14.

The pixel electrode PE is arranged on the fourth insulating layer 14. The first alignment film 15 covers the pixel electrode PE and the fourth insulating layer 14. The third insulating layer 13 is made of, for example, an organic resin material and is thicker than the other insulating layers 11, 12, and 14.

The above-mentioned contact hole CH3 is provided in the third insulating layer 13, and the pixel electrode PE is connected to the relay electrode RE through this contact hole CH3. Although not shown in the cross section of FIG. 3, the above-mentioned contact holes CH1 and CH2 both penetrate the first insulating layer 11 and the second insulating layer 12.

The counter substrate CT includes a second base material 20, a light shielding layer 21, a color filter layer 22, an overcoat layer 23, and a second alignment film 24. The light shielding layer 21 is formed on the lower surface of the second base material 20, and faces the scanning line G, the signal line S, and the relay electrode RE. In the cross section of FIG. 3, the light shielding layer 21 is provided as a whole, but the light shielding layer 21 is open in the sub-pixel SP.

The color filter layer 22 covers the light shielding layer 21. The color filter layer 22 includes a plurality of color filters respectively corresponding to the colors of the sub-pixels SP. The overcoat layer 23 covers the color filter layer 22. The second alignment film 24 covers the overcoat layer 23.

A first polarizing plate PL1 is arranged on the lower surface of the first base material 10. A second polarizing plate PL2 is arranged on the upper surface of the second base material 20. The liquid crystal layer LC is arranged between the first alignment film 15 and the second alignment film 24.

The first base material 10 and the second base material 20 can be formed of, for example, glass. The first base material 10 and the second base material 20 can also be formed of a resin material such as polyimide. In this case, since the flexible array substrate AR and counter substrate CT are obtained, the display panel PNL can be bent.

The main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS project from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR. In the example of FIG. 3, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are covered with the second alignment film 24. However, at least a part of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS may not be covered with the second alignment film 24.

For example, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS have a circular planar shape as shown in FIG. 2 and a trapezoidal sectional shape as shown in FIG. However, the planar shape and cross-sectional shape of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are not limited to these examples. As another example, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS may have a planar shape elongated in a predetermined direction.

In the present embodiment, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS have the same height H. The height H is smaller than the cell gap GP between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. The height of the main spacer MS and the height of the sub spacer SS may be different.

Adhesive AD is arranged between the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR. The adhesive AD is disposed on the first alignment film 15 between the two contact holes CH3 arranged in the first direction X. The adhesive AD bonds the tip of the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR. The height of the adhesive AD is smaller than the height H of the main spacer MS, for example.

In the example of FIG. 3, the width of the adhesive AD is slightly larger than the width of the tip of the main spacer MS. However, the width of the adhesive AD may be the same as the width of the tip of the main spacer MS, or may be smaller than the width of the tip.

On the other hand, no adhesive is placed between the sub spacer SS and the array substrate AR, and a gap is formed. Therefore, the sub spacer SS and the array substrate AR are opposed to each other with the liquid crystal layer LC existing in the gap therebetween.

The main spacer MS keeps the cell gap between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT constant. The sub-spacer SS contacts the array substrate AR when an external force is applied to the display panel PNL, for example, and suppresses excessive deformation of the cell gap.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the display device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. First, the array substrate AR including the first base material 10, the insulating layers 11 to 14, the first alignment film 15, the scanning line G, the signal line S, the switching element SW, the pixel electrode PE, and the common electrode CE is manufactured. Further, the counter substrate CT including the second base material 20, the light shielding layer 21, the color filter layer 22, and the overcoat layer 23 is manufactured.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a photoresist R serving as a base of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS is formed on the counter substrate CT (on the overcoat layer 23). Further, after baking the photoresist R (pre-baking), the light L is irradiated (exposure) to the position where the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are formed in the photoresist R.

After that, the excess photoresist R is removed using a chemical solution (development) to form the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS as shown in FIG. Here, one main spacer MS and two sub spacers SS are shown as an example. By further baking the main spacers MS and the sub spacers SS, their strength can be increased (post-baking).

After forming the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS, the second alignment film 24 is formed as shown in FIG. The main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are covered with the second alignment film 24. Since the second alignment film 24 before curing has fluidity, the second alignment film 24 may flow down from the tips of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS. In this case, the tips of the main spacers MS and the sub spacers SS are exposed from the second alignment film 24 or covered with the second alignment film 24 thinner than other portions.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the array substrate AR, the adhesive AD is formed at a position corresponding to the main spacer MS by, for example, an inkjet method. As the adhesive AD, for example, an acrylic resin can be used, but it is not limited to this example.

The counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR manufactured in this way are bonded together by a seal material SE as shown in FIG. The tip of the main spacer MS contacts the adhesive AD directly or through the second alignment film 24.

The liquid crystal layer LC can be formed by, for example, a dropping method (ODF method). That is, the frame-shaped sealing material SE is formed on one of the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT, the liquid crystal material is dropped inside the sealing material SE, and both substrates are bonded together in a vacuum atmosphere. However, the liquid crystal layer LC can also be formed by a vacuum injection method. In this case, an injection port is provided in the sealing material SE, and after bonding both substrates, the liquid crystal material is injected through the injection port.

The seal material SE is, for example, a UV curable material and is cured by irradiation with UV light. Furthermore, after curing with UV light, heat is applied to further cure the sealing material SE. At this time, the adhesive AD is also thermally cured. A thermosetting agent may be included in the adhesive AD in order to accelerate the thermosetting of the adhesive AD. For example, as the thermosetting agent, an imidazole type thermosetting agent, an amine type thermosetting agent, a phenol type thermosetting agent, a polythiol type thermosetting agent, an acid anhydride, a thermal cation initiator, or the like can be used. As the thermosetting agent, only one kind may be used, or two or more kinds may be used in combination.

A low temperature curing resin may be used as the adhesive AD so that the crosslinking of the adhesive AD proceeds even at the heat curing temperature of the seal material SE, which is a relatively low temperature. In this case, since it is not necessary to apply high temperature, the effect of preventing the main spacer MS from peeling off due to the difference in thermal expansion between the counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR can be obtained.

If the main spacer MS is not adhered to the array substrate AR by the adhesive AD, the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are adhered only by the seal material SE in the peripheral area PA. In this case, in the display area DA, an element such as the pixel electrode PE of the array substrate AR and an element such as the color filter layer 22 of the counter substrate CT are easily displaced. When such a shift occurs, color mixing may occur in which light that should pass through the color filter layer 22 of a certain subpixel SP passes through the adjacent subpixel SP. Further, the tip of the main spacer MS may damage the first alignment film 15 and give an undesired alignment ability to the first alignment film 15. As a result, the display quality of the display device 100 may deteriorate.

On the other hand, when the main spacer MS is adhered to the array substrate AR with the adhesive AD as in the present embodiment, the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are unlikely to shift in the display area DA. Furthermore, the tip of the main spacer MS does not damage the first alignment film 15.

Further, when the height H of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS is the same, the manufacturing process of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS becomes easy. That is, if the heights of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are different, multitone exposure is required in the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the height H of the main spacer MS and the sub-spacer SS is the same, multi-tone exposure is unnecessary.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS, which are an example of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, project from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR. However, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS may project from the array substrate AR toward the counter substrate CT.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described. The configurations and effects not particularly mentioned are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device 200 (hereinafter, referred to as a display device 200) according to the second embodiment. In the illustrated example, the display panel PNL is bent. The array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT having such flexibility can be realized by forming the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 with a resin material as described above.

In the example of FIG. 9, the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are entirely bent so that the array substrate AR side is convex. That is, the center of curvature O of the bent array substrate AR and counter substrate CT is located on the counter substrate CT side. As another example, the display panel PNL may be bent so that the counter substrate CT side is convex. Further, the display panel PNL may include a bent portion and a flat portion.

The first main spacer MS1 is arranged near the center CL in the first direction X of the display panel PNL, and the second main spacer MS2 is arranged at a position closer to the end of the counter substrate CT than the first main spacer MS1. ing. Although FIG. 9 shows one first main spacer MS1 and two second main spacers MS2, the display panel PNL includes more main spacers MS1 and MS2. Further, the display panel PNL may include a plurality of sub spacers SS as in the first embodiment.

The width of the first main spacer MS1 is W1 and the height thereof is H1. The first main spacer MS1 is adhered to the array substrate AR with the first adhesive AD1. The first main spacer MS1 is an example of the first protrusion in this embodiment.

Width of the second main spacer MS2 is W2 and height is H2. The second main spacer MS2 is adhered to the array substrate AR with the second adhesive AD2. The second main spacer MS2 is an example of the second protrusion in the present embodiment.

　In the vicinity of the center CL, a large force due to bending is applied in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the width W1 (or cross-sectional area) of the first main spacer MS1. As a result, the stress applied to the first main spacer MS1 is reduced, so that buckling of the first main spacer MS1 can be suppressed.

On the other hand, near the end of the display panel PNL, a large force due to bending is applied in a direction parallel to the surfaces of the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the height H2 of the second main spacer MS2. As a result, the followability of the second main spacer MS2 with respect to the displacement between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT is enhanced, and the peeling between the second main spacer MS2 and the array substrate AR can be suppressed.

From the above, in the present embodiment, the shapes of the main spacers MS1 and MS2 are determined so that W1>W2 and H1<H2. The widths W1 and W2 may be the width of the root of each of the main spacers MS1 and MS2, the width of the tip, or the width of the intermediate portion between the root and the tip. Preferably, W1>W2 is satisfied at each of the root, the tip, and the intermediate portion. The shape of the sub-spacer SS is not particularly limited, but as an example, the width of the sub-spacer SS may be W2 and the height may be H1.

By devising the shapes of the main spacers MS1 and MS2 as in the present embodiment, even when the display panel PNL is bent, the displacement between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT and the variation in the cell gap are suppressed, As a result, the display quality can be improved.

Although two types of main spacers MS1 and MS2 are illustrated in this embodiment, the display panel PNL may include three or more types of main spacers MS having different widths and heights. For example, in this case, the main spacer MS closer to the center CL may have a larger width, and the main spacer MS closer to the end of the display panel PNL may have a larger height.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a transparent liquid crystal display device in which the background is visible is disclosed. The configurations and effects not particularly mentioned are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device 300 (hereinafter, referred to as a display device 300) according to the third embodiment. The display device 300 includes a display panel PNL and a light source LS. The display panel PNL includes an array substrate AR, a counter substrate CT, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a seal material SE.

The array substrate AR includes a first base material 10 and pixel electrodes PE. The counter substrate CT includes a second base material 20 and a common electrode CE. The first base material 10 and the second base material 20 are made of glass, for example. However, the first base material 10 and the second base material 20 can also be formed of a transparent resin material. The pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE can be formed of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). In this embodiment, the counter substrate CT does not include a color filter layer.

The light source LS is arranged in the extension area EA and irradiates the side surface of the counter substrate CT with light. The light source LS may be arranged at a position other than the extension area EA. Further, the light source LS may irradiate the side surface of the array substrate AR with light.

For example, the light source LS includes an LED that emits red light, an LED that emits green light, and an LED that emits blue light. However, the light source LS may include LEDs that emit light other than red, green, and blue. A lens system may be arranged between the light source LS and the counter substrate CT.

The liquid crystal layer LC in this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a scattering state in which light is scattered and a transparent state in which light is transmitted with little scattering, depending on the applied voltage. For example, the liquid crystal layer LC near the pixel electrode PE to which no voltage is applied (OFF in the figure) is in a transparent state, and the liquid crystal layer LC near the pixel electrode PE to which a voltage is applied (ON in the figure). Is a scattering state. On the contrary, the liquid crystal layer LC near the pixel electrode PE to which the voltage is not applied may be in the scattering state, and the liquid crystal layer LC near the pixel electrode PE to which the voltage is applied may be in the transparent state.

The light L1 emitted by the light source LS is incident on the side surface of the counter substrate CT and propagates inside the counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR. The light L1 is scattered by the liquid crystal layer LC in the scattering state. The scattered light is emitted from the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT and can be visually recognized as a display image from both the array substrate AR side and the counter substrate CT side.

External light L2 incident on the liquid crystal layer LC in the transparent state passes through the display device 1 with almost no scattering. That is, when the display device 300 is viewed from the counter substrate CT side, the background on the array substrate AR side is visible, and when the display device 300 is viewed from the array substrate AR side, the background on the counter substrate CT side is visible. It is possible.

The display device 300 having the above configuration can be driven by, for example, a field sequential method. In this method, one frame period includes a plurality of subframe periods (fields). For example, when the light source LS includes red, green, and blue LEDs, one frame period includes red, green, and blue subframe periods.

In the red sub-frame period, the red LED is turned on and a voltage according to the red image data is applied to each pixel electrode PE. As a result, a red image is displayed. Similarly in the green and blue sub-frame periods, the green and blue LEDs are turned on and the voltages corresponding to the green and blue image data are applied to the pixel electrodes PE, respectively. As a result, green and blue images are displayed. In this way, the red, green, and blue images displayed in time division are combined with each other and visually recognized as an image of multicolor display by an observer.

11 and 12 are cross-sectional views showing an example of a structure applicable to the liquid crystal layer LC. The liquid crystal layer LC includes a liquid crystal polymer 31 and liquid crystal molecules 32, which is an example of a polymer liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 have the same optical anisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. Further, the liquid crystal polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 have different responsiveness to the electric field. That is, the response of the liquid crystal polymer 31 to the electric field is lower than the response of the liquid crystal molecules 32 to the electric field.

The example shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to, for example, a transparent state in which no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC (a state in which the potential difference between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE is zero). In this state, the optical axis Ax1 of the liquid crystal polymer 31 and the optical axis Ax2 of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are parallel to each other.

As described above, the liquid crystal polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 have substantially the same refractive index anisotropy, and the optical axes Ax1 and Ax2 are parallel to each other. Therefore, there is almost no difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 in all directions. Accordingly, the light La parallel to the thickness direction (third direction Z) of the liquid crystal layer LC and the lights Lb and Lc inclined with respect to the thickness direction are transmitted through the liquid crystal layer LC with almost no scattering. ..

The example shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to a scattering state in which a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC (a state in which a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE). As described above, the response of the liquid crystal polymer 31 to the electric field is lower than the response of the liquid crystal molecules 32 to the electric field. Therefore, while the alignment direction of the liquid crystal polymer 31 hardly changes, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 changes according to the electric field, and as a result, the optical axis Ax2 tilts with respect to the optical axis Ax1. This causes a large difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal polymer 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 in all directions. In this state, the lights La, Lb, and Lc incident on the liquid crystal layer LC are scattered in the liquid crystal layer LC.

13 and 14 are cross-sectional views showing another example of a structure applicable to the liquid crystal layer LC. The configurations shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 correspond to a polymer network type liquid crystal in which a polymer fiber structure (polymer network structure) is formed in the liquid crystal layer LC. That is, the liquid crystal layer LC has the polymer 41 and the liquid crystal molecules 42 formed in a network. 13 and 14, the plurality of polymers 41 are arranged irregularly, but the plurality of polymers 41 may be arranged substantially parallel to the main surface of the array substrate AR (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 13 shows a scattering state in which no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, and the liquid crystal molecules 42 are irregularly arranged by the action of the polymer 41. In this state, the light incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is scattered. FIG. 14 shows a transparent state in which a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer LC, and liquid crystal molecules 42 are arranged in a predetermined direction. In this state, light is hardly scattered and passes through the liquid crystal layer LC.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the display panel PNL. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer LC is formed by injecting a liquid crystal material between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT by the ODF method. The seal material SE has an injection port IN for injecting a liquid crystal material in the manufacturing process of the display panel PNL. The inlet IN is closed by the sealing resin SR.

In the peripheral area PA, the wall portion WL is arranged between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. In the example of FIG. 15, the wall portion WL is located between the peripheral edge of the counter substrate CT and the seal material SE, and extends in a frame shape along the seal material SE. The wall portion WL surrounds the seal material SE except the inlet IN.

The wall portion WL is an example of the protrusion in this embodiment. The display panel PNL may further include the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS disclosed in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel PNL taken along line F16-F16 in FIG. The wall portion WL projects from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR. The adhesive AD is arranged between the tip of the wall portion WL and the array substrate AR. The wall portion WL and the adhesive AD can be formed by the same process as the main spacer MS and the adhesive AD in the first embodiment, for example.

If the width Wa of the wall portion WL is large, the peripheral area PA increases. Therefore, the width Wa is preferably smaller than the width Wb of the seal material SE (Wa<Wb). The width Wb may be the width of the root of the wall portion WL, the width of the tip, or the width of the intermediate portion between the root and the tip. Preferably, Wa<Wb is satisfied at each of the root, the tip, and the intermediate portion. If the width Wa is equal to or less than half the width Wb, the increase of the peripheral area PA can be suppressed more preferably. As a specific example, it is preferable that the width Wb is set to 100 μm or more and the width Wa is set to a range of 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The wall portion WL and the adhesive agent AD are in contact with the seal material SE. In a plan view, a gap is provided between the side surface of the counter substrate CT and the wall portion WL. By providing such a gap, when the display panel PNL is cut out from the mother glass in the manufacturing process of the display device 300, it is possible to suppress the wall portion WL and the adhesive AD from inhibiting the cutting. For example, the width Wc of the gap is smaller than the width Wa (Wc<Wa).

When the liquid crystal material is injected through the injection port IN in the manufacturing process of the display device 300, the liquid crystal material may pass through the injection port IN and enter the gap between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT outside the sealing material SE. The liquid crystal material can reach not only the side where the injection port IN is provided but also other sides along the gap. The liquid crystal material other than the seal material SE absorbs or reflects the light from the light source LS, particularly when it enters between the light source LS and the counter substrate CT, which is one of the causes for lowering the light utilization efficiency. .. If the utilization efficiency of light is reduced, the brightness of the image is reduced, so that the display quality may be degraded.

In this embodiment, the wall portion WL is provided between the seal material SE and the peripheral edge of the counter substrate CT. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid crystal material from entering the gap between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT outside the seal material SE.

Further, since the wall portion WL is adhered to the array substrate AR with the adhesive AD, the gap between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT can be more preferably closed. As a result, the effect of suppressing entry of the liquid crystal material is enhanced.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the wall portion WL, which is an example of a protrusion, protrudes from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR. However, the wall portion WL may project from the array substrate AR toward the counter substrate CT.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a transparent liquid crystal display device is disclosed as in the third embodiment. The configurations and effects not particularly mentioned are the same as those in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a display panel PNL included in the liquid crystal display device 400 (hereinafter, referred to as the display device 400) according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the seal material SE does not have a liquid crystal material injection port. In the case of such a configuration, the liquid crystal layer LC can be formed by the ODF method.

In the present embodiment, the wall portion WL is arranged between the seal material SE and the display area DA. The wall portion WL has, for example, a frame shape that surrounds the display area DA without a break. The wall portion WL is an example of the protrusion in this embodiment. The display panel PNL may further include the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS disclosed in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of the display panel PNL taken along line F18-F18 in FIG. Similar to the third embodiment, the wall portion WL projects from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR, and the adhesive AD is disposed between the tip of the wall portion WL and the array substrate AR.

The wall portion WL is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC. The seal material SE is not in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC. However, a part of the frame-shaped sealing material SE shown in the plan view of FIG. 17 may be in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

A gap is provided between the seal material SE and the wall portion WL. In the manufacturing process of bonding the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT, the sealing material SE spreads in the width direction. By providing the gap, it is possible to prevent the wall portion WL from being damaged by the force from the seal material SE when the width of the seal material SE is widened.

The width Wd of the gap is, for example, smaller than the width Wb of the seal material SE and larger than the width Wa of the wall portion WL (Wa<Wd<Wb). Considering the tolerance of the formation position of the seal material SE and the tolerance of the width of the seal material SE, the width Wd is preferably 100 μm or more (Wd>100 μm). Note that part of the frame-shaped sealing material SE shown in the plan view of FIG. 17 may be in contact with the wall portion WL.

When the liquid crystal layer LC is formed by the ODF method, the liquid crystal material is dropped inside the semi-cured sealing material SE formed on the array substrate AR or the counter substrate CT. Further, the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are bonded together, and then the sealing material SE is cured. In such a process, since the liquid crystal layer LC is in contact with the semi-cured sealing material SE, the resin component of the sealing material SE may be eluted into the liquid crystal layer LC to generate ionic impurities.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the seal material SE is not in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC. Therefore, the generation of the ionic impurities is suppressed, and as a result, the display quality can be improved.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A fifth embodiment will be described. For the configurations not particularly mentioned, the same configurations as those in the above-described respective embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device 500 (hereinafter, referred to as a display device 500) according to the fifth embodiment. The display device 500 includes a main spacer MS, a sub spacer SS, and an adhesive spacer AS between the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT. These spacers MS, SS, AS project from the counter substrate CT toward the array substrate AR. The main spacer MS is an example of the first protrusion in the present embodiment. The adhesive spacer AS is an example of the second protrusion in the present embodiment.

In the display area DA, a plurality of main spacers MS, a plurality of sub spacers SS, and a plurality of adhesive spacers AS are distributed and arranged. Each of the spacers MS, SS and AS overlaps with the light shielding layer 21 and the color filter layer 22.

The tips of the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS are in contact with the array substrate AR (first alignment film 15). The tip of the main spacer MS is not adhered to the array substrate AR and can slide on the array substrate AR. On the other hand, the tip of the adhesive spacer AS is adhered (adhered) to the array substrate AR (first alignment film 15). A gap is formed between the sub spacer SS and the array substrate AR.

The color filter layer 22 includes a red color filter 22R, a green color filter 22G, and a blue color filter 22B. In the example of FIG. 19, the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS overlap the color filter 22B, and the sub spacer SS overlaps the boundary between the

color filters

22R and 22B, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Although omitted in FIG. 19, the lower surface of the color filter layer 22 is covered with the overcoat layer 23 as in the example of FIG.

The second alignment film 24 covers the side surface and the tip of the main spacer MS. The second alignment film 24 covers the side surface and the tip of the sub spacer SS. The second alignment film 24 may be extremely thin at the tips of the spacers MS and SS, or there may be a portion of the tips not covered with the second alignment film 24.

On the other hand, the second alignment film 24 passes between the adhesive spacer AS and the color filter layer 22. From another point of view, the adhesive spacer AS is located between the second alignment film 24 and the array substrate AR.

FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the shapes of the light shielding layer 21, the color filter layer 22, and the spacers MS, SS, AS. The

color filters

22R, 22G, and 22B extend in a band shape in the second direction Y according to the shape of the sub-pixel SP. In the illustrated example, the

color filters

22G, 22R, 22B are repeatedly arranged in this order in the first direction X.

The light-shielding layer 21 has a first portion 21a overlapping the scanning line G shown in FIG. 2 and a second portion 21b overlapping the signal line S shown in FIG. The width of the first portion 21a in the second direction Y is larger than the width of the second portion 21b in the first direction X. The plurality of first portions 21a and the plurality of second portions 21b form the openings 21c in each subpixel SP.

For example, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are arranged at the position where the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b intersect (the position where the scanning line G and the signal line S intersect). The light shielding layer 21 has a circular extended portion 21d around the main spacer MS. Further, the light shielding layer 21 has a circular extended portion 21e around the sub spacer SS. The diameter of the expanded portion 21d is larger than the diameter of the expanded portion 21e. These

extended portions

21d and 21e suppress display defects due to disordered alignment of liquid crystal molecules due to the spacers MS and SS.

The adhesive spacer AS is arranged near the main spacer MS. That is, the distance between the adhesive spacer AS and the main spacer MS is smaller than the distance between the adhesive spacer AS and the sub spacer SS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this example, and the adhesive spacer AS may be arranged at another position such as near the sub spacer SS.

The adhesive spacer AS overlaps the first portion 21a. As shown, the adhesive spacer AS is preferably located within the circular extent of the extension 21d. As a result, it is not necessary to enlarge the light shielding layer for the adhesive spacer AS, and the opening 21c around the adhesive spacer AS can be enlarged.

Each sub-spacer SS overlaps the boundary between the

color filters

22R and 22B. On the other hand, the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS do not overlap such a boundary but overlap the color filter 22B. The main spacer MS has its tip in contact with the array substrate AR to keep the cell gap constant. Further, the adhesive spacer AS adheres the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT to each other and suppresses the displacement therebetween. Therefore, the heights of the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS require a certain degree of accuracy. In this regard, by not overlapping the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS on the boundary between the adjacent color filters, the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS having a desired height can be accurately formed.

In the example of FIG. 20, the color filter 22B has a protruding portion PT that protrudes toward the adjacent color filter 22R. Further, the main spacer MS is arranged so as to overlap the protruding portion PT. With such a structure, the main spacer MS can be disposed at the position where the scanning line G and the signal line S intersect with each other, but the superposition of the main spacer MS and the boundary between the

color filters

22R and 22B can be avoided.

The adhesive spacers AS may be arranged for all of the main spacers MS dispersedly arranged in the display area DA, or may be arranged for some of the main spacers MS.

It is known that when the distribution density of the spacers that define the cell gap is high, bubbles are generated in the liquid crystal layer LC when a shock is applied to the display panel PNL at low temperature. Such bubbles are called cold shock bubbles. In the present embodiment, since the adhesive spacer AS is provided in addition to the main spacer MS, it is necessary to adjust the distribution density and size of the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS in order to suppress low temperature impact bubbles.

In the example of FIG. 20, the width Wms of the main spacer MS is smaller than the width Wss of the sub spacer SS (Wss>Wms). The width Was of the adhesive spacer AS is smaller than the width Wms of the main spacer MS (Wms>Was). By thus reducing the width Wms and the width Was, it is possible to contribute to the suppression of low-temperature impact bubbles. Further, by reducing the width Was, it becomes easier to shield the periphery of the adhesive spacer AS by the light shielding layer 21. As another method, the low temperature impact bubbles may be suppressed by reducing the distribution density of the main spacers MS and the adhesive spacers AS.

The widths Wms, Wss, and Was may be the width of the base of each spacer MS, SS, AS, the width of the tip, or the width of the intermediate portion between the root and the tip. May be. Preferably, Wss>Wms>Was is satisfied at each of the root, the tip, and the intermediate portion.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the display device 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24. First, an array substrate AR including the above-described first base material 10, insulating layers 11 to 14, first alignment film 15, scanning line G, signal line S, switching element SW, pixel electrode PE and common electrode CE is manufactured. Further, the counter substrate CT including the second base material 20, the light shielding layer 21, the color filter layer 22, and the overcoat layer 23 described above is manufactured.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21, a photoresist R1 serving as a base of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS is formed on the counter substrate CT (for example, on the overcoat layer 23). Further, after baking the photoresist R1 (pre-baking), the light L1 is irradiated (exposure) to the position where the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are formed in the photoresist R1. At this time, since the heights of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are different, a multitone mask is used.

After that, the excess photoresist R1 is removed using a chemical solution (development) to form the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS as shown in FIG. Here, one main spacer MS and one sub spacer SS are shown as an example. By further baking the main spacers MS and the sub spacers SS, their strength can be increased (post-baking).

After forming the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS, the second alignment film 24 is formed as shown in FIG. Alignment ability is imparted to the second alignment film 24 by an alignment treatment such as a rubbing treatment, a photolysis treatment, or a photocuring treatment. In any of the alignment treatments, the second alignment film 24 is baked at a temperature of about 230° C., for example.

The main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS are covered with the second alignment film 24. As described above, the second alignment film 24 may flow down from the tips of the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS. In this case, the tips of the main spacers MS and the sub spacers SS are exposed from the second alignment film 24 or covered with the second alignment film 24 thinner than other portions.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a photoresist R2 which is a base of the adhesive spacer AS is formed. After baking the photoresist R2 (prebaking), the light L2 is irradiated (exposure) to the position where the adhesive spacer AS is formed in the photoresist R2. After that, the excess photoresist R2 is removed by using a chemical solution (development) to form the adhesive spacer AS as shown in FIG.

The counter substrate CT manufactured in this way is bonded to the array substrate AR by the sealing material SE as shown in FIG. The tip of the adhesive spacer AS contacts the array substrate AR (first alignment film 15). At this stage, the adhesive spacer AS has not been fired. Therefore, the adhesive spacer AS is in a semi-cured state in which crosslinking has not progressed sufficiently.

After that, the counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR are heated while being bonded to each other to cure the seal material SE. Due to this heat, crosslinking also progresses in the adhesive spacer AS, and the tip of the adhesive spacer AS is adhered to the array substrate AR.

Incidentally, in the state shown in FIG. 24, the height of the adhesive spacer AS may be larger than the height of the main spacer MS. In this case, in the subsequent bonding, the tip of the adhesive spacer AS is likely to adhere to the array substrate AR.

The main spacer MS, the sub spacer SS, and the adhesive spacer AS can be formed of a resin material such as an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. However, since the main spacer MS has a role of maintaining the cell gap, it is preferable that the main spacer MS has a property that cross-linking is sufficiently advanced and is not easily crushed. On the other hand, since the adhesive spacer AS has a role of adhering the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT, it is preferable that the adhesive spacer AS has a low-crosslinking and flexible property.

FIG. 26 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the load (mN) applied to the resin spacer and the spacer deformation amount (μm). In the example of this figure, the load in the height direction is gradually applied to the spacer in the period T1 (for example, 20 seconds), the load is constant during the period T2 (for example, 5 seconds), and the period T3 (for example, 20 seconds). ), the load is gradually reduced.

During period T1, the amount of deformation increases as the load increases. The deformation amount also increases in the period T2, and the deformation amount decreases as the load decreases in the period T3. Since the spacer is plastically deformed, the amount of deformation does not become zero even when the load becomes zero.

Here, the deformation amount (total deformation amount) at the completion of the period T2 is defined as Da, and the deformation amount (plastic deformation amount) at the completion of the period T3 is defined as Db. Further, the height of the spacer is defined as H. In this case, the total deformation rate (%) of the spacer in the cycle of FIG. 26 can be expressed as Da/H×100. The restoration rate (%) in the cycle can be expressed as (Da−Db)/Da×100. The deformation rate and the restoration rate mainly depend on the material of the spacer, the applied load, and the diameter (or cross-sectional area). It is preferable that the main spacer MS and the adhesive spacer AS have the same deformation rate if the load and the diameter are the same.

Further, since the main spacer MS needs to be hard to be deformed in order to maintain the cell gap, it is preferable that the main spacer MS is sufficiently fired in the above manufacturing process. On the other hand, in the above-described manufacturing process, the counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR are bonded together in a state where the adhesive spacer AS is not fully fired, and then the adhesive spacer AS is cured by the heat when the sealing material SE is cured. In this case, in the adhesive spacer AS, the crosslinking is less likely to proceed as in the main spacer MS. Therefore, if the load and the diameter are the same, the restoration rate of the adhesive spacer AS is smaller than the restoration rate of the main spacer MS. Become. Note that, with the adhesive spacer AS having a small restoration rate as described above, even if an external force is applied to the display panel PNL, it is difficult to peel it off from the array substrate AR or the counter substrate CT.

Even when the array substrate AR and the counter substrate CT are bonded by the adhesive spacer AS different from the main spacer MS as in the present embodiment described above, the same effect as in the above-described respective embodiments can be obtained. ..

When applying a fluid adhesive to the tip of the main spacer MS or the array substrate AR, this adhesive may spread more than necessary. In the present embodiment, since the adhesive spacer AS is patterned on the counter substrate CT, such spreading of the adhesive does not occur.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main spacer MS is covered with the second alignment film 24, and the second alignment film 24 is located between the adhesive spacer AS and the color filter layer 22. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the adhesive spacer AS can be formed in a semi-cured state after firing the second alignment film 24. If the adhesive spacer AS is first formed and then the second alignment film 24 is formed, it is necessary to bake the second alignment film 24 at a low temperature at which the crosslinking reaction of the adhesive spacer AS is not completed. Further, the second alignment film 24 may be attached to the tip of the adhesive spacer AS, and the adhesiveness to the array substrate AR may be reduced. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to bake the second alignment film 24 at a low temperature, and since the second alignment film 24 does not exist at the tip of the adhesive spacer AS, the adhesiveness to the array substrate AR is also improved. improves.

[Sixth Embodiment]
A sixth embodiment will be described. For the configurations not particularly mentioned, the same configurations as those in the above-described respective embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 27 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal display device 600 (hereinafter, referred to as a display device 600) according to the sixth embodiment. The display device 600 includes a main spacer MS, a sub spacer SS, and an adhesive AD located between the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR, as in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the width Wad of the adhesive AD is less than the width Wms of the tip of the main spacer MS (Wad≦Wms). The “tip” of the main spacer MS means, for example, a portion of the surface of the main spacer MS having a height of 90% or more with respect to the maximum height of the main spacer MS. The adhesive AD is contained in the area between the tip and the array substrate AR, and does not protrude from the area.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the display device 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30. The steps up to the step of forming the main spacer MS, the sub spacer SS, and the second alignment film 24 on the counter substrate CT and forming the photoresist R2 on them are the same as in the fifth embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the main spacer MS and the sub spacer SS may have the same height.

After forming the photoresist R2, as shown in FIG. 28, the light L2 is irradiated above the main spacer MS (exposure). Further, the excess photoresist R2 is removed using a chemical solution (development) to form the adhesive agent AD as shown in FIG.

The counter substrate CT manufactured in this way is bonded to the array substrate AR by the sealing material SE as shown in FIG. The adhesive AD contacts the array substrate AR (first alignment film 15). At this stage, the adhesive AD has not been fully fired. Therefore, the adhesive AD is in a semi-cured state in which crosslinking has not progressed sufficiently.

After that, the counter substrate CT and the array substrate AR are heated while being bonded to each other to cure the seal material SE. Due to the heat at this time, crosslinking also proceeds in the adhesive AD, and the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR are adhered by the adhesive AD.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the adhesive AD is formed by the same method as the adhesive spacer AS in the fifth embodiment. That is, the adhesive AD is a semi-cured solid in the state shown in FIG.

If the fluid adhesive is applied to the tip of the main spacer MS or the array substrate AR, this adhesive will spread more than necessary. Therefore, it is difficult to dispose the adhesive so as to fit between the tip of the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR. On the other hand, the adhesive AD according to the present embodiment does not cause such spread. Therefore, the adhesive agent AD can be formed between the tip of the main spacer MS and the array substrate AR.

Like the adhesive spacer AS in the fifth embodiment, the adhesive AD has a smaller restoration rate than the main spacer MS. Here, assume a total restoration rate of the main spacer MS and the adhesive AD. This total restoration rate is obtained by subtracting the plastic deformation amount of both of the main spacer MS and the adhesive AD adhered to the tip thereof from the total deformation amount when a predetermined load is applied, and further calculating that value. It is equivalent to the value divided by.

If the diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the main spacer MS and the sub-spacer SS is the same and the load applied is also the same, the above-mentioned total restoration rate is the restoration rate of the sub-spacer SS due to the presence of the adhesive AD. Will be smaller than.

The adhesive AD in the present embodiment may be provided for all the main spacers MS dispersed in the display area DA, or may be provided for some main spacers MS.

As described above, all display devices that can be appropriately modified and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the display devices described as the embodiments of the present invention also belong to the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

Various modifications are conceivable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the idea of the present invention, and it is understood that these modifications also belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art appropriately add, delete, or change the design of each of the above-described embodiments, or add, omit, or change the conditions of the process of the present invention. As long as it has the gist, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, regarding other operational effects brought about by the modes described in the respective embodiments, those apparent from the description of the present specification, or those that can be appropriately conceived by those skilled in the art are understood to be naturally brought about by the present invention. To be done.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600... Liquid crystal display device, PNL... Display panel, AR... Array substrate, CT... Counter substrate, LC... Liquid crystal layer, PE... Pixel electrode, CE... Common electrode, SE... Sealing material , DA... Display area, PA... Peripheral area, SP... Sub-pixel, MS... Main spacer, SS... Sub spacer, WL... Wall portion, AD... Adhesive, AS... Adhesive spacer.

Claims

A first substrate,
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A sealing material for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels,
A first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate;
An adhesive that bonds the first protrusion to the first substrate,
The second protrusion and the first substrate face each other with a gap in between,
Display device.
The first protrusion and the second protrusion have the same height,
The display device according to claim 1.
The adhesive includes a thermosetting agent,
The display device according to claim 1.
The width of the adhesive is less than or equal to the width of the tip of the first protrusion,
The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
A flexible first substrate,
A flexible second substrate facing the first substrate;
A first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate;
A sealing material for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels,
A first adhesive for bonding the first protrusion and the first substrate;
A second adhesive that bonds the second protrusion to the first substrate,
The second protrusion is closer to the end of the second substrate than the first protrusion,
The width of the first protrusion is larger than the width of the second protrusion,
Display device.
The height of the second protrusion is greater than the height of the first protrusion,
The display device according to claim 5.
The first substrate and the second substrate are bent,
The display device according to claim 5 or 6.
A first substrate,
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A sealing material for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels,
A protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate;
An adhesive that bonds the protrusion to the first substrate,
The protrusion extends along the sealing material in the peripheral region,
Display device.
The protrusion is disposed between the peripheral edge of the second substrate and the sealing material,
The display device according to claim 8.
The sealing material has a liquid crystal material injection port,
The protrusion surrounds the sealing material except the inlet.
The display device according to claim 9.
In a plan view, a gap is provided between the side surface of the second substrate and the protrusion.
The display device according to claim 9.
The protrusion is disposed between the sealing material and the display area,
The display device according to claim 8.
A gap is provided between the protrusion and the sealing material,
The display device according to claim 12.
Further comprising a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The protrusion surrounds the display area and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer,
The display device according to claim 12.
A liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,
A light source that irradiates the side surface of the first substrate or the second substrate with light,
The liquid crystal layer can switch between a state in which light from the light source is scattered and a state in which light from the light source is transmitted depending on an applied voltage.
The display device according to any one of claims 8 to 13.
A first substrate,
A second substrate facing the first substrate;
A sealing material for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate in a peripheral region outside a display region including pixels,
A first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate,
The first protrusion is in contact with the first substrate without being bonded,
The second protrusion is bonded to the first substrate,
Display device.
The restoration rate when a load is applied to the second protrusion is smaller than the restoration rate when the load is applied to the first protrusion,
The display device according to claim 16.
The width of the second protrusion is smaller than the width of the first protrusion,
The display device according to claim 16.
A third protrusion protruding from the second substrate toward the first substrate and facing the first substrate through a gap;
The width of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is smaller than the width of the third protrusion,
The display device according to claim 16.
The second substrate includes an alignment film facing the first substrate,
The alignment film covers at least a part of the first protrusion,
The second protrusion is located between the alignment film and the first substrate,
The display device according to any one of claims 16 to 19.